KS_Detailing
New member
- Aug 13, 2013
- 649
- 0
I wanted to write a short review on this steamer. When I was researching this particular steamer I had a hard time finding reviews, The only videos I found were the ones Mytee produces.
You can look at all the specs and accessories here:
Mytee Firebird VS1500 Vapor Steamer, car steam cleaning machine
I have used this steamer a couple of times now and have a good idea of what its capable of.
Lets start Pros and Cons:
Pros:
-Price: $350. I got it on sale for $280. I'm satisfied with that price.
-Weight: Its very light and easy to carry around.
-Heat up time: The water heats up quickly. Its easy to fill. I filled the tank with distilled water ( 1 Liter ) and then do my prep work. By the time I'm done ( 10 mins ) the steamer is ready to go.
-Length (time) of usable steam: I have been impressed with the amount of time I can continually use the machine before needing to fill up. I can do all the jambs ( 4 doors, gas cap, trunk & hood), wheels and do an engine detail. This is subjective because some may be more conservative with how much steam they use while others will use more steam. But its just water and not a lot of it so I don't worry much about that. I would say I get about 1 hr of working time. Fill it up again and I can knock out the interior.
-Power of steam: It gets the job done. It breaks down all the grime in the jambs, in the engine bay and on wheels. I have removed candy from cup holders. The amount of steam is adjustable on the machine. I have not had a problem getting good results. Would I like more psi? Yes but can I do everything I need to with this steamer? Yes.
Cons:
-Plastic: I dont mind that the steamer has a plastic housing. But the handle, trigger & nozzle accessory attachment are all plastic. They can feel a bit flimsy.
-Accessories: I like the accessories but not the durability. My nylon brush after using it once is disfigured. The bristles are in every direction and I have tried to get them back into place but no luck. You only get 1 small nylon and 1 large nylon brush so if anything happens you have no real back ups. The nozzle is nice and I use that or the small nylon brush most of the time. I used the scraper to remove some stickers on a rear window and they came off with ease. All I had to do was get a little bit of the edge off and the sticker came right off.
-No low water light: I don't really expect this option on a steamer in this price range but it would be nice to know when I'm getting close to needing a re-fill. It would just help plan out how I will tackle some tasks so I don't have to stop and wait for it to re heat. Not a big deal because I'll work on something else in the meantime but would have been helpful. There is a pilot light that lets you know its heating up.
-Water tank cap: I don't like this cap. You have to push up or down to get it open or close. I have trouble at times getting on. I feel like I'm messing up the threads cause its hard to align. It similar to a medicine bottle cap with a child safety lock on it. You have to push down to release it.
-Power cord: The power cord is long but someone designed it to have no reel to wrap the cord up to for storage. I just wrap it up but it would be nice if it could have a place to keep the cord.
Overall thoughts:
I like the steamer. It does the job but not as well as professional grade steamers and for obvious reasons ( $ ). For the price its a good steamer for a week warrior or someone starting a business and looking for an affordable steamer. If the handle, trigger & nozzle were made a bit sturdier I think it would be a better machine. I would also like my nylon brush to keep its form or have multiple brushes available. It works though, its breaks down grime and cleans. I have had good results on interior details. I have no regrets with my purchase. It has performed well so far and I'll keep and update if any problems arise or if I have any further input after more details.
You can look at all the specs and accessories here:
Mytee Firebird VS1500 Vapor Steamer, car steam cleaning machine
I have used this steamer a couple of times now and have a good idea of what its capable of.
Lets start Pros and Cons:
Pros:
-Price: $350. I got it on sale for $280. I'm satisfied with that price.
-Weight: Its very light and easy to carry around.
-Heat up time: The water heats up quickly. Its easy to fill. I filled the tank with distilled water ( 1 Liter ) and then do my prep work. By the time I'm done ( 10 mins ) the steamer is ready to go.
-Length (time) of usable steam: I have been impressed with the amount of time I can continually use the machine before needing to fill up. I can do all the jambs ( 4 doors, gas cap, trunk & hood), wheels and do an engine detail. This is subjective because some may be more conservative with how much steam they use while others will use more steam. But its just water and not a lot of it so I don't worry much about that. I would say I get about 1 hr of working time. Fill it up again and I can knock out the interior.
-Power of steam: It gets the job done. It breaks down all the grime in the jambs, in the engine bay and on wheels. I have removed candy from cup holders. The amount of steam is adjustable on the machine. I have not had a problem getting good results. Would I like more psi? Yes but can I do everything I need to with this steamer? Yes.
Cons:
-Plastic: I dont mind that the steamer has a plastic housing. But the handle, trigger & nozzle accessory attachment are all plastic. They can feel a bit flimsy.
-Accessories: I like the accessories but not the durability. My nylon brush after using it once is disfigured. The bristles are in every direction and I have tried to get them back into place but no luck. You only get 1 small nylon and 1 large nylon brush so if anything happens you have no real back ups. The nozzle is nice and I use that or the small nylon brush most of the time. I used the scraper to remove some stickers on a rear window and they came off with ease. All I had to do was get a little bit of the edge off and the sticker came right off.
-No low water light: I don't really expect this option on a steamer in this price range but it would be nice to know when I'm getting close to needing a re-fill. It would just help plan out how I will tackle some tasks so I don't have to stop and wait for it to re heat. Not a big deal because I'll work on something else in the meantime but would have been helpful. There is a pilot light that lets you know its heating up.
-Water tank cap: I don't like this cap. You have to push up or down to get it open or close. I have trouble at times getting on. I feel like I'm messing up the threads cause its hard to align. It similar to a medicine bottle cap with a child safety lock on it. You have to push down to release it.
-Power cord: The power cord is long but someone designed it to have no reel to wrap the cord up to for storage. I just wrap it up but it would be nice if it could have a place to keep the cord.
Overall thoughts:
I like the steamer. It does the job but not as well as professional grade steamers and for obvious reasons ( $ ). For the price its a good steamer for a week warrior or someone starting a business and looking for an affordable steamer. If the handle, trigger & nozzle were made a bit sturdier I think it would be a better machine. I would also like my nylon brush to keep its form or have multiple brushes available. It works though, its breaks down grime and cleans. I have had good results on interior details. I have no regrets with my purchase. It has performed well so far and I'll keep and update if any problems arise or if I have any further input after more details.
