Combining hot water with powerful cleaning solutions, the 12 amp SteamVac from Hoover blasts dirt, dust, and grime right out of the carpet--and the rest of the home as well. It's even handy for picking up wet spills. With a 14-inch cleaning path and six rotating, turbine-powered SpinScrub brushes, the SteamVac doesn't just emit steam, it actually scrubs on contact. Operation is straightforward, too, thanks to the electronic moisture sensor that tells whether you need to continue cleaning, when pickup's complete, and if the recovery tank is full. The quick-release cleaning-solution tank features a built-in carrying handle and a measuring cup stopper. Engineered to shut off automatically when full, the recovery tank lifts out by its locking handle and is easy to empty. For powerful target cleaning, Hoover includes a Clean Surge button on the handle that triggers 50 percent more solution and side bristles for carpet edges. It also features a foot-pedal power switch with two speeds, a 33-foot cord, a 10-foot hose, and a two-sided headlight. Onboard accessories let you clean with a hand tool, a nozzle, or a crevice attachment on the fly. Additional attachments tackle bare floors, stairs, and upholstery. As you might expect, the SteamVac is less maneuverable than a standard vacuum, but it's a big improvement on towing a tank around the house. Packaged with two 16-ounce bottles of detergent for bare floors and carpet, the vacuum comes with a full one-year warranty. --Emily Bedard
