I have been looking at getting a steamer but not sure which to get leaning towards the McCulloch MC-1275, but the Wagner looks pretty good in the reviews as well. I know the vapor cleaners are supposed to be better, just not wanting to spend that much right now unless I will regret not doing it from the time I start the cheaper units.
Which Steamer to buy
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alko
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- May 23, 2011
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looks like you and I had the same thing on our minds today...because I been research them all day. I think I am going to get the Wagner 915. I just really want to see it in action. There are some video's on the 905 (the previous model), so I'm thinking its like that one, if not better.
alko
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Upon my research today, everyone was saying they had a Wagner and loved it. Let me see if I can find the thread that was quoted.
Here's the link:http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-vehicle-interior-detailing-autolavish-2.html
dad07
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- Nov 9, 2010
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IMHO the 915 is not worth the time and effort! I have one workrd great for a month......then the steam tube inside the handle split and now it dosen't work worth a crap and My stupid self did not get the extended warranty so now I'm stuck and looking for something to replace it.....I want the vx5000 but the funds are not there for it!
jwgreen6
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- Dec 26, 2010
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I've been lurking on autogeek.net for the better part of the year so here's my first posting.
I have the Wagner 905 which is identical to the McCulloch MC-1275. It offers 41psi at the tip and 212° in the tank, according to Wagner's tech support. I've used it on my car and in my home testing its effectiveness in cleaning/detailing. It's just OK. The 905 has two controls: power on/off; steam on/off. It makes wet steam which is leading me to consider a "real" steamer, like the VX5000 or the Vapor Clean Pro 6. I know the price difference is considerable (I can buy 6 Wagner 905's vs 1 VX5000) but the price has to be a secondary reason to buy such a device. How it's intended to be used and what is the quality of the unit and steam produced is more important to me.
In retrospect, buying a low-cost steamer that does not provide what I need (dry steam, higher PSI, greater flexibility and build quality) is simply an economic experiment. If you're serious in using steam in detailing a customer's car, which is a growing trend, get the best you can afford. After considerable research and Renny Doyle's emphatic recommendation, I'm going to buy the VX5000 soon.
I have the Wagner 905 which is identical to the McCulloch MC-1275. It offers 41psi at the tip and 212° in the tank, according to Wagner's tech support. I've used it on my car and in my home testing its effectiveness in cleaning/detailing. It's just OK. The 905 has two controls: power on/off; steam on/off. It makes wet steam which is leading me to consider a "real" steamer, like the VX5000 or the Vapor Clean Pro 6. I know the price difference is considerable (I can buy 6 Wagner 905's vs 1 VX5000) but the price has to be a secondary reason to buy such a device. How it's intended to be used and what is the quality of the unit and steam produced is more important to me.
In retrospect, buying a low-cost steamer that does not provide what I need (dry steam, higher PSI, greater flexibility and build quality) is simply an economic experiment. If you're serious in using steam in detailing a customer's car, which is a growing trend, get the best you can afford. After considerable research and Renny Doyle's emphatic recommendation, I'm going to buy the VX5000 soon.
Rav777
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- Jun 6, 2011
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I currently have the McCulloch MC-1275 and I love it. I have used it for many full details and it hasnt missed a beat. I am eventually going to purchase the VX-5000 but why buy a new one if this one aint broke lol. The one thing I like about it is that is came with tons of brush tips and accesories. If I am not mistaken both of the steamers are nearly identical and are made by SteamFast.
I only use the steamer for cleaning doors and leather seats. I use a mytee extractor for carpets. It might take some time cleaning the carpets with these units IMO.
I only use the steamer for cleaning doors and leather seats. I use a mytee extractor for carpets. It might take some time cleaning the carpets with these units IMO.
alko
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- May 23, 2011
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Thank you very much for that response!!! and Welcome to the forum!!! I'll have to look into the other steamers that you suggested. Right now I'm trying to ramp up for my side car detailing business. I wanted something that would really clean door jams and panels. I've seen some disgusting panels and wanted to get a fairly decent steamer to help clean them.
alko
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- May 23, 2011
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Thanks for chiming in. After 07's response, I will look into the McCulloch.
Rav777
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I use the power of APC or OPC (whatever you have at hand) and spray down the doors and heavily soiled areas. Just make sure to be carefull around any electronics. Once it has dwelled for a but I hit it with the steamer and it comes off like nothing. If you are used to cleaning interiors by hand this is definately going to make the difference.
One thing I should note is that if you leave the machine on for a bit, it will start to spurt out water when you use it again. It only does this because the steam turns back to water by the nozzle. All you have to do is spray it for 1-2 seconds until dry steam comes out and you are golden. :xyxthumbs:
alko
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Ok cool!! I'll look into this tomorrow. Where did you pick yours up from?
Rav777
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I got mine from Amazon since they had free shipping at the time.
TLMitchell
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- Oct 1, 2008
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The McColluch 1275 and Wagner 905 are identical because they're both made by SteamFast, which also sells it under their brand. The only difference is the attachments. In addition to the small brush attachments the McColluch has an attachment to do floors, the Wagner has an attachment to steam wallpaper. IIRC the SteamFast has the floor attachment as well but slightly different. In addition to detailing duties you will find uses around the house. You might consider what those might be before deciding one over the other.
None of the models at this price point will provide dry steam nor will they keep the heat up while being used. Works great for door jambs, under the hood, wheel wells and around the trunk and places where you'll wipe down anyway. Works well on carpets and interiors if you "diaper" the attachment. I keep old athletic socks for that purpose instead of tossing 'em.
After using the 1275 on floors I ended up buying a Haan dedicated floor steamer with a removeable water reservoir. Very nice to get away from chemicals around the home. It's a pain in the neck to dump out the tank after each use on any of these models. For $100 or less they're worth the price of admission, IMO. If you use 'em a ton then you can probably justify moving up to the higher price spread.
TL
None of the models at this price point will provide dry steam nor will they keep the heat up while being used. Works great for door jambs, under the hood, wheel wells and around the trunk and places where you'll wipe down anyway. Works well on carpets and interiors if you "diaper" the attachment. I keep old athletic socks for that purpose instead of tossing 'em.
After using the 1275 on floors I ended up buying a Haan dedicated floor steamer with a removeable water reservoir. Very nice to get away from chemicals around the home. It's a pain in the neck to dump out the tank after each use on any of these models. For $100 or less they're worth the price of admission, IMO. If you use 'em a ton then you can probably justify moving up to the higher price spread.
TL
I have the Wagner. For the price it's not bad. It takes awhile to heat up. You get about 45 minutes to hour use from it. I'm not sure how long it's going to last. I hope that it last until it I buy a more professional model.
Again for the money it is not bad at all.
Again for the money it is not bad at all.
VX5000. You won't be sorry for spending the extra money. It is well worth it, particularly if you are detailing for a living. If you're a hobbyist like I am, it's still worth it, because of the quality and the many different ways it can be utilized in the home.
cutter
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- Mar 1, 2011
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:iagree:, and the many ways it can be used in the home helped to sell the wife on the price. Another strong point in its favor is the construction, it is a very well built machine. Money well spent IMO.