While brick is a long-lasting, low-maintenance building material, it is not indestructible. Over time, weather and exposure can break bricks down. “Many people think of masonry as timeless and permanent,” Ray Wysack from Batchelder and Collins says. This leads to the misconception that you only have to keep the brick clean.” The reality is that bricks must be regularly inspected for deterioration or damage. A common issue to look for is spalling, which occurs when a brick disintegrates and crumbles apart.

During an annual inspection, I discovered my chimney had a few spalling bricks. After remedying the underlying moisture issue, I was able to promptly repair it following the steps in this article.

Read on to learn how to identify spalling bricks, how to prevent it from happening and how to repair it if it does. Also, find tips from seasoned masonry pros — Wysack and Hind Domanowski from Priddy Chimney Solutions — on how to deal with spalling bricks.

What Is Spalling Brick?

Spalling is a type of brick deterioration where the surface flakes off and reveals a rough, uneven layer. It can have a powdery, dusty texture or have missing chunks of brick if the problem progresses. “To the touch, a spalled brick will feel brittle and crumbly,” Domanowski says.

What Causes Spalling Brick?

“Spalling occurs when the masonry structure has absorbed a significant amount of moisture, usually because the brick has deteriorated or mortar joints have been damaged,” Domanowski says. In colder climates, this moisture freezes and expands, fracturing the brick over and over until the brick disintegrates.

Spalling happens in milder climates, too, as prolonged exposure to moisture softens brick and leads to deterioration. “Freeze-thaw cycles exacerbate spalling but are not necessary for the condition to occur,” Wysack says.

If you have a single spalled brick, this is likely a soft brick that was unintentionally installed. However, several or many failing bricks indicate a water intrusion problem. This was the case with my chimney.

Occasionally, spalling can also be the result of cleaning with a high pressure washer, salt exposure or incorrect mortar installation.

Is Spalling Brick Dangerous?

Yes. Spalling brick is not structurally sound and can lead to collapse if the problem is widespread.

“We recommend that spalling brick be addressed as soon as possible to help prevent a ‘domino effect’ where the compromised brick allows further moisture intrusion into the structure, thereby degrading adjacent bricks,” Domanowski says.

How To Prevent Spalling Brick

The first line of defense to prevent spalling brick is an annual masonry inspection to identify any developing issues. “Catching minor issues early can help avoid thousands of dollars in repairs,” Domanowski says.

In addition, follow these prevention methods:

• Provide proper drainage, weep holes and coping for brick retaining walls.
• Use a low-pressure setting when power washing.
• Regularly apply a breathable masonry sealant. “These slow moisture absorption and hinder the formation of mold and mildew,” Domanowski says.
• Install a rain cap on your chimney.
• Direct gutter downspouts away from brick foundations or walls to ensure proper drainage.
• Prevent moss and climbing plants from taking root on brick surfaces. “Vegetation will erode your masonry,” Domanowski says.

How To Replace Spalling Brick

While replacing a few spalled bricks is a manageable DIY project, the challenge lies in blending the new work with the old. “Matching the mortar as well as the brick will be difficult,” Wysack says. “There is a steep learning curve to do a job that blends well.”

For visible repairs on the front of your home, Wysack recommends hiring an experienced pro.

1. Remove existing mortar and brick

Use a hand chisel and a hammer, or a demolition hammer with a chisel bit to carefully remove vertical mortar joints. Cut horizontal mortar joints using a cut-off saw with a diamond blade. Always wear a respirator mask and goggles when cutting mortar as silica dust is hazardous.

Once the mortar is removed, pull the damaged brick away and discard. Use a leaf blower or vacuum to thoroughly remove dust and dirt from the opening.

2. Replace mortar and brick

Mix mortar following product directions. Use a trowel to place a small amount of mortar on the bottom of the opening. Lay the new brick onto the mortar. Use your trowel to move the brick until you attain consistent joints and face depth with neighboring bricks.

3. Finish the mortar joint

Use a grout bag to add mortar to the remaining joints. “This allows you to insert the mortar into the back of the brick and avoid having it stain the face,” Wysack says.

Let the mortar set slightly, then with a masonry slicker (narrow hand tool), press the mortar into the surrounding mortar joints. “If the mortar is not compressed before tooling it will not be nearly as strong or resilient,” Wysack says.

4. Tool the mortar

Test the mortar’s dryness by pressing it with your finger. If your finger stays clean, Wysack says it’s ready to be tooled. Use a jointing tool to smooth the mortar to match the existing tooling pattern. Wait a few minutes, then scrape away any excess mortar, taking care not to smear any on the brick face.

5. Let the mortar cure, then clean the brick

After a day, the mortar will be cured. Any mortar on the brick face can be cleaned without disturbing the repair.

FAQ

Is spalling brick covered by insurance?

No, spalling brick caused by weather, aging or poor home maintenance practices will not be covered by homeowner insurance.

Can you render over spalling bricks?

Yes, you can render over spalling bricks, but it’s not recommended. “Rendering or ‘parging’ over spalled brick runs the risk of trapping moisture in the bricks,” Domanowski says. “This leads the rendered layer and underlying brick to crack, exactly the outcome most would want to avoid.”

Render also cannot be removed, so total replacement is necessary in the event of failure. A better idea is to replace damaged bricks instead.

About the Experts

• Hind Domanowski leads the Priddy Chimney Solutions‘ sweep and masonry teams. With over 17 years of experience, she has a vast knowledge of the available masonry types and designs in the mid-Atlantic region, as well as a keen sense of how best to rescue troubled structures.
• Ray Wysack works in Outside Sales for Batchelder and Collins, a masonry, hardscape and veneer distributor in Virginia. Before this position, he was a mason for 15 years, specializing in repair and restoration.

During my 50-plus year career as a General Motors and ASE Master Technician, vocational educator and vehicle owner, I have repaired or replaced countless heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems’ (HVAC) blower motors, blower motor resistors, resistor modules, fan cages, relays, switches, controllers, control modules and sensors.

One of the easiest, most common (and usually the simplest to diagnose) heater blower repairs was replacing the blower motor resister module. Ahead, information from experienced ASE Master automotive technicians will help you get your blower motor working at all speeds.

How Does a Car Heater Fan Work?

Voltage powers the car heater fan blower motor, but the current drives motor speed. In a simple heater fan circuit, the power (voltage) is fed from the junction block, or ignition switch, which is connected to the battery, then through a fuse, to the dashboard multi-speed fan switch. The speed fan switch then directs the voltage to the resistor module.

Depending on the amount of air you want coming from the ducts, usually there are four speeds to choose from. The resistor module raises or lowers the current being sent to the blower motor, and the air starts to flow as a soft breeze (low speed) or driving wind (high speed).

Air passing over the heater core warms up your car on frigid mornings. Conversely, air going through the AC evaporator coil on blazing summer days cools down your vehicle’s interior.

Why Is My Car Heater Fan Only Working on One Speed?

ASE Master Technician and certified automotive technology instructor Bill Kirkpatrick recommends “always check the fuses first,” but said, “the most likely cause would be a defective resistor in the blower motor circuit.” Kirkpatrick added that “a defective [fan speed] switch or related wiring could cause only one speed,” though this is less likely.

Most car manufacturers use different rated resistors that allows you to run the blower motor at different speeds in series (or daisy chained) like old-fashioned Christmas tree lights, which means that when one of the bulbs burns out, none of the other bulbs will light.

When one or more of these resistors burn out (like the Christmas lights), you’re usually left with only one heater blower motor speed—high. That’s because higher current that powers high blower motor speed is usually supplied through a separate leg of the blower motor fan circuit and a heavy-duty relay.

What is a blower motor resistor module?

Resistors are just that: they resist the flow of electrons. “Depending on the blower motor fan speed switch position, the blower motor resistor module uses internal resistors that increase or decrease the amount of current (flow of electrons) to the blower motor,” says Joe Simes, ASE and Toyota Master Technician.

On older vehicles, blower motor resistor modules used different diameters and lengths of coiled wire as resistors to adjust current flow. Newer vehicle resistor modules use transistors to control current flow. Simes added, “Transistors allow for several different fan speeds, but the concept is exactly the same.

Consequently, Simes noted, “Modern/automatic car climate control systems having digital displays may have the blower resistors (transistors) integrated into the blower switch.” He recommends leaving this fix to the pros.

How To Fix a Blower Motor Module

Purchase a new resistor module at the auto parts store. The resistor module is easy to fix, and most are inexpensive to replace. However, depending on your vehicle, cost can vary greatly, from $25 to over $250.

Blower motor modules are usually installed in the heater ductwork, usually under the dash or under the hood and near the blower motor. It’s placed in the ductwork near the fan for a reason: the fan’s air moving across the resistor helps keep it cool. Traditionally held in place by two or three small screws, or spring retaining clip, look for a square-shaped or rectangular component having a wiring harness containing several wires connected to it.

Replacing the blower motor resistor module

• Locate the module (refer to a service manual to locate yours if necessary).
• Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
• Carefully inspect and disconnect the wiring harness.
  • Simes notes, “Check that the wiring close. Many (defective blower motor resistor modules) will have burned up wiring to the resistor. Some resistors come with (a) new wiring (harness) and should be installed exactly the way the manufacturer recommends.”
• Remove the module’s mounting screws or release the spring retaining clip.
• Slide the module out of the duct.
• Check the ducts to see if there is anything blocking air from flowing over the resistor.
• Clean wire harness terminals if corroded, and clean away the old mounting gasket (if there is one).
• Reverse the procedure to install the module.
• Reconnect the battery cable.
• Test fan operation and your car heater blower motor will be back in business.

PRO TIPS:

• Depending on the working space around the blower motor resistor module, it may be easier to remove and install the new module with the wire harness attached.
• Now would be the perfect time to replace the cabin air filter.

FAQ

What causes a blower motor resistor module to go bad?

Blower motor resistor modules are electrical devices—and on some vehicles are constantly on—and they can, and do, simply fail.

Kirkpatrick says “improper air flow across this resistor” from dirt or debris in the heater duct, a missing resistor module mounting gasket, damaged heater blower motor fan cage or “a (shorted) blower motor drawing too many amps would also cause premature resistor failure.”

If the blower motor resistor module shows corrosion or the wire harness shows signs of damage, discoloration or melting from a blower motor drawing too much current (Amps), it may be time to replace the blower motor or see the pros to diagnose the problem.

Even if you have a heavy-duty, fused, Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM), the current draw of a bad heater blower motor will exceed the DVOMs usual 10-amp fused protection limit. DVOMs are a great tool to keep in your toolbox when doing electrical work in your home or car. There are dozens to choose from, from heavy-duty type.

About The Experts

• Bill Kirkpatrick has spent over 50 years in the auto repair industry and vocational education. He is an ASE and Volkswagen Master Technician, was a shop owner, and dealership service manager. Bill retired as a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certified automotive technology and small engine instructor and is also a PennDOT certified emissions and safety inspection instructor and inspector.
• Joe Simes has over 20 years of experience as an ASE and Toyota Master Technician. Joe is a PennDOT certified emissions and safety inspection instructor and inspector, and PDE certified automotive technology instructor at North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale, PA.

Resources

• General Motors, Product Service Training Manual: Specialized Electronics Training (Series Circuits pp 2-1 to 2-7, Transistors pp 7-1 to 7-8).

The best steam cleaners lift dirt without feeling like you’re lifting a finger. A good steam cleaner can tackle everything from mold-ridden grout to mildewy bathrooms to coffee-stained couches.

According to our product testers, the Wagner 925e Steam Machine Elite is one of the best out there. They have tested nearly a dozen steam cleaners in multiple hands-on tests, and the Wagner 925e shines. In this Wagner steam cleaner review, we’ll detail this machine’s features and compare it to other top options.

(Psst: Don’t miss these steam cleaner sales.)

What is the Wagner Steam Cleaner?

Officially, the product we’re reviewing here is called the Wagner Spraytech 925e Steam Machine Elite. It’s an upright, corded steamer that comes with nearly 20 accessories and can produce steam for 40 minutes per clean. When you buy the Wagner steam cleaner, you’ll get:

• Two extension poles
• Attachments: squeegee, fabric steamer, carpet glide, jet nozzle, stiff nylon brushes (4 total in two sizes), brass brushes (2), triangle steam mop
• Two types of cleaning cloths for mop head
• Fabric steamer bonnet
• Microfiber towel
• Funnel and measuring cup
• User manual
• Extra washers

The Wagner steam cleaner scored highly with our product testers and aced almost every test we put it through.

Wagner Steam Cleaner Features

Here’s a rundown of the most important features to consider before buying the Wagner steam cleaner. (Learn what to know about steam cleaners in our guide.)

Easy Setup and Intuitive Use

The 925e Steamer scored an impressive 4 out of 5 points for ease of use and intuitiveness: Anyone could open the box and get it to work. Setup is easy, according to our testers, who said you “simply fill and plug in, attach the tool head of choice and press the trigger to activate steam.”

Attachments snap on instead of twisting on, which is great, they said. The steamer can stand up on its own, but if you don’t set it down gently enough, it’ll fall over. Our testers also loved the fold-down handle and trigger lock.

Post-steaming cleanup is easy, too. Our testers said: Just dump water out of the top. “Our only note is to make sure it’s cooled down like all of the steam cleaners. The tools under the hood stayed in place because the door stays secure.”

Quick Heating

According to the manufacturer, the water heats to temperature in nine minutes. Our product testing team found that statement to be accurate.

Corded Design

The Wagner 925e Steamer is a corded model, which might be a dealbreaker if you’re looking for something portable. However, the cord is long at 192 inches or 16 feet. Plus, it has wheels (though not 360-degree) that allow users to roll the steamer easily.

Long Hose

The hose is 77 inches, or about 6.5 feet, when fully extended. Between the hose and cord lengths, our testers determined that this steamer can reach anywhere in a typical home.

Powerful Cleaning

The Wagner steam cleaner scored exceedingly high on almost every test we put it through. It earned 5 out of 5 points on the coffee stain test for removing coffee stains from upholstery in an impressive 15 seconds. It was “amazing, exceptional work,” according to our product testing team.

Additionally, this steamer pulled dirt off of tile and unsealed grout incredibly well, earning 5 out of 5 points from our testers in that regard, too. The Wagner also earned a perfect score for our vinyl cleaning test, cleaning muddy footprints off of the flooring in 30 seconds.

Our testers loved the unique triangular attachment for flooring, noting that it’s excellent for edge-to-edge cleaning. It also has a plastic piece that glides over the carpet and two fabric pieces for cleaning hard floors.

It didn’t score quite as high on our glass-cleaning test. When using it to clean toothpaste and fingerprints off of a mirror, our testers said it “left some streaks but, overall, got the job done.” They gave it 3.5 out of 5 points for this test.

Dewrinkling Power

Our testers awarded the Wagner steamer another 5-out-of-5 score for the de-wrinkling test because it removed all of the wrinkles from our test curtains in just 90 seconds.

Machine-Washable Cleaning Pads

The Wagner steam cleaner’s cleaning pads are machine-washable, though our testing team hand-washed all the pads. The brushes can be washed in the sink.

Accessories and On-Board Tool Storage

One perk our testers loved was the onboard tool storage under the steamer’s hood. They noted (happily) that all of the attachments fit inside without issue. One of their favorite attachments was the large triangle mop head, which they said is excellent for steaming fabrics or cleaning large surfaces.

How We Tested It

Our product testing team put the Wagner 925e Steamer through a battery of tests. They rated its performance in the following scenarios:

• Cleaning tile and unsealed grout within 30 seconds
• Removing coffee stains on upholstery within 90 seconds
• Cleaning muddy footprints on vinyl flooring within 30 seconds
• Dewrinkling curtains within 90 seconds
• Cleaning a glass mirror with toothpaste smears and fingerprints with one pass and within 10 seconds

Additionally, our team of product testers rated a variety of other criteria, including:

• Ordering, packaging and delivery
• Setup and ease of use
• Specifications and measurements
• Dryness and watermarks
• Cleaning and emptying
• Value

FAQ

What can you do with a Wagner steam cleaner?

The Wagner 925e Steamer is incredibly capable. Our testers used it to clean coffee stains from upholstery, remove dirt from tile and unsealed grout, mop up muddy vinyl flooring and remove fingerprints and toothpaste from glass mirrors.

How much water goes in a Wagner steamer?

The Wagner 925e Steamer, which we tested, can hold a maximum of 40 ounces of water. Other models may hold more or less.

How to fill the Wagner steam cleaner?

To fill the Wagner 925e Steamer with water, simply open the top and pour water in or use a sink or hose to fill it.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Customer reviews of the Wagner 925e Steamer are mostly positive, with some critical ratings mixed in. On Amazon, the steam cleaner has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with more than 17,500 total ratings as of this writing. For the volume of ratings, a 4.3 average is exceptional.

The top positive review on Amazon raves about the steamer. The buyer states they could pull grime and mold out of their grout and clean the entire kitchen with just one tank (40 ounces) of water. This buyer also felt that the Wagner steam cleaner helped them achieve a cleaner bathroom than they could previously achieve.

Even the top critical review is rather positive: The buyer notes several things they loved about the steamer but also points out that they wish it had cleaned their grill better, wasn’t so large and had a water tank level indicator.

Wagner Steam Cleaner vs. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

Dupray is another popular home cleaning product manufacturer. Our product testing team also tried the Dupray NEAT Steam Cleaner, putting it through the same battery of tests that they put the Wagner 925e through.

There are a few things our product testers liked more about the Dupray over the Wagner, including:

• 360-degree wheels
• 54-ounce water tank (Wagner holds 40 ounces)
• No watermarks left on the upholstery
• Keeps fabrics relatively dry
• Built-in funnel

On the other hand, the Wagner beat out the Dupray in some categories. For instance, the Dupray has no place to wrap the cord or hose when not using the unit, which makes it a bit cumbersome to store. Additionally, it didn’t perform too well on the glass-cleaning test. Our testers said the squeegee skips a lot and gets stuck, and for certain types of cleaning, the pressure coming out of the machine is too much.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Wagner 925e Steamer performed really well on all of our tests. “It’s highly maneuverable and has a triangle mophead for cleaning corners,” our testers said. “The pressure was outstanding, and it would be great for indoor or outdoor projects alike.”

Where to Buy the Wagner Steam Cleaner

The Wagner 925e steam cleaner goes for about $170. It’s available on Amazon and at The Home Depot.

It’s inevitable that small insects will make their way into hummingbird feeders. But once ants find that sugary treat, they can become a real nuisance, forming a seemingly unending trail to the sweet buffet.

Though ants aren’t harmful to hummingbirds, they will likely make the feeder less attractive. If ants have honed in on your sweet stash, here’s how to keep ants out of your hummingbird feeders.

What Is Attracting Ants to My Hummingbird Feeder?

Ants are attracted to hummingbird feeders for the same reason hummingbirds are: sugar is an important source of calories for them. And once any of that sugar water spills, it’s especially likely to catch their attention.

“If you have a bottle-type feeder, these are more likely to leak,” says Jamie Simo, manager at Front Range Birding Company in Boulder, Colorado. Leaks are especially common when it’s hot and the feeder is too full, she says, because hot air expands, pushing the nectar out of the feeding ports and other gaps.

How to Keep Ants Away From My Hummingbird Feeder

Keep it Clean

Feeders with spilled sugar are more likely to attract ants, so fix any leaks in the feeder and, when hanging it, try not to let sugar water drip out, says David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation. “While ants at the feeder are an annoyance, focus on prevention and physical barriers to deter them,” he says.

For hummingbird safety, it’s also vital to replace the liquid and clean your feeder every few days (or every day or two in extremely hot weather) to prevent mold and spoiling. “It can’t be stated enough: moldy sugar water can kill hummingbirds,” says Simo.

Use Ant Moats and Anti-Ant Feeders

Some hummingbird feeders have built-in ant moats that you fill with water, which are effective since ants can’t swim, says Simo. If your feeder didn’t come with a moat, you can purchase ones that either hang above the feeder or mount to the pole below. You can also try hanging your feeder over a water source, like a pond or bird bath.

Try a New Location

If your feeders are still getting swarmed by ants, try moving them to a new spot, says Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist with Mosquito Squad. “Hummingbirds will still find and visit your feeders, even if you move them to a new location.”

What NOT to Do to Keep Ants Away From My Hummingbird Feeder

Never use pesticides to kill ants at a feeder. Pesticides can harm hummingbirds directly and indirectly by killing non-target insects that hummingbirds eat and contaminating the nectar that they feed to their young, says Mizejewski.

Also, never use oils, grease or anything sticky near the feeder or on the pole to deter ants, all of which could harm hummingbirds by destroying their feathers, plus harm squirrels, making them unable to thermoregulate, says Simo. “Also, if the substance is toxic, it could harm or even kill the animal if ingested,” she says.

In general, to protect hummingbirds, never use red dyes in your sugar water, and if you make your own, use refined, white granulated sugar, says Simo. “Natural sugar has too much iron for hummingbirds and can harm them,” she says. Simo also recommends avoiding feeders with yellow flowers if wasps and bees frequent your yard, since yellow attracts them.

FAQ

Will ants in my hummingbird feeder hurt the hummingbirds?

Not directly. But ants that drown in the sugar water will make the feeder less attractive to hummingbirds. Ants can also clog feeder ports and cause the water to mold more quickly, especially in hot weather, says Simo.

What do hummingbirds eat?

Hummingbirds get energy from sugar in flower nectar and hummingbird feeders, but they also need protein and other nutrients to survive. “Believe it or not, hummingbirds feed on ants and other small bugs like aphids, gnats and mosquitoes,” says Crumbley.

About the Experts

• David Mizejewski is a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation and author of Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife. He spends his life exploring and observing the natural world and promoting wildlife-friendly gardening.
• Jamie Simo is manager and trip leader at the Front Range Birding Company in Boulder, Colorado. She holds a B.A. in environmental science and is a Denver Audubon Master Birder with a passion for educating others on how to care for natural resources.
• Emma Grace Crumbley is an entomologist at Mosquito Squad and a self-described bug nerd who uses her expertise to educate people about the fascinating world of bugs.

Sources

Bill Freimuth, Vice President of Sales at Centurion Brands.

The Department of Energy estimates that heating water accounts for 18 percent of a typical home’s energy usage, so if you could use the sun’s energy for this task, you could enjoy significant savings on your energy bill. That’s what a solar water heater does, and while it may look like a PV panel from the ground, it’s much easier to build and install.

Judging from the number of panels and storage tanks I saw on rooftops when I lived in Japan in the ’90s, homeowners in some other countries are more tuned into this energy-saving strategy than Americans. Al Ruggie of Phoenix-based ASAP Restoration laments: “For sure, we have never installed a solar hot water heater on a home for a client because we wouldn’t be able to warranty the unit since (as far as I know) they aren’t made by any single company that offers one. And (sadly, I’ll admit) despite being in Phoenix where it’s sunny year-round, I rarely see solar hot water heaters on local properties.”

The California property on which I live was off-grid when we moved in (it still is, but we’re working on that), and besides PV panels, it had a large solar water heating panel. It was homemade, too bulky and unwieldy to put on the roof, so we never used it. And that begs a caution for anyone considering a DIY solar water heater: Don’t forget to include hoisting it onto the roof, securing it against high winds and connecting it to your hot water supply as part of your overall plan.

What Is a Solar Water Heater?

A solar water heater heats water using the sun’s energy and circulates it into the household’s hot water supply. There are several ways to build one, but one of the most common is to construct a collector panel with an in-built network of tubing through which water can circulate. Cold water enters at one end, and water heated by radiation absorbed by the collector comes out the other.

Solar hot water systems of yesteryear were often leaky, failure-prone and ineffective (like our bulky panel), but the industry has matured. Today, you can choose between super-efficient, professionally installed collectors and less-expensive DIY-friendly solar hot water heater systems.

How Does a Solar Water Heater Work?

All solar water heaters have one feature in common: the ability to absorb heat from sunlight and transfer it into water. Systems differ, however, in the way they store and circulate water.

Passive systems rely on the thermosyphon effect — the fact that hot water is less dense than cold water and tends to rise above it. These systems usually include a holding tank positioned above the solar collector (this is the type of system I often saw on Japanese rooftops). On a sunny day, water heated in the collector rises into the tank, and an outlet feeds the heated water into the building by the force of gravity.

Active systems circulate water using a mechanical pump, and there are two types:

• A direct system circulates water into a holding tank in the building, which is usually just a standard tank-style water heater.
• An indirect system circulates a heat-transfer fluid like ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) through a heat exchanger, which is simply a system of coils installed inside a water heater tank. The fluid exchanges heat with the water in the tank rather than heating the water directly. This type of system prevents water contamination and is better for colder climates because it resists freezing.

Will a Solar Water Heater Work for Your Home?

As with all things solar, the number-one prerequisite for a solar water heater is enough direct sunlight to make it work. If you have a sunny spot on your roof or property large enough to set one up (it doesn’t have to be on the roof), you can save energy by feeding heated water into your existing water heater or circulating it through your plumbing directly from a rooftop tank.

You can benefit even if you live in a cold climate because you can either install a freeze-proof heat-exchange system or a system you can drain in the winter when temperatures are below freezing.

How Much Does a Solar Water Heater Cost?

This depends on how much of it you DIY. If you build your own collector, install it yourself and hook it up to your existing water heater, the cost could be as low as $1,000, depending on the materials you use. The cost to purchase the components as a kit is between $1,500 and $6,000, and if you have the system professionally installed, add about $3,000.

Solar water heaters qualify for the Renewable Energy Tax Credit, a federal program that reimburses 30 percent of the cost of purchase and installation. In addition, some states and communities may provide additional incentives. To qualify, the system must be rated by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable entity, which may include some commercial DIY kits.

How To Make a DIY Solar Water Heater

As mentioned, the most common DIY solar water heater consists of a collector, a coil network, a cold water inlet and an outlet for hot water. Here’s a very basic outline of the procedure for building one:

1. Build the collector box using lightweight plywood (1/4 to 3/8 inches thick) for the base and 1-by-4-inch cedar for the frame. Seal all joints with silicone caulk.
2. Insulate the interior of the box with 1-inch foil-backed foam insulation with the foil facing outward.
3. Construct a coil that fits snugly in the box using 3/4-inch copper tubing and elbow fittings. Maximize the number of turns in the coil to lengthen the path of water flowing through the collector.
4. Extend one end of the coil through a bottom corner of the box for the cold water inlet and the other end through the diagonally opposite corner for the hot water outlet. Solder an adapter onto each end so you can attach a garden hose or plumbing pipe.
5. Cover the collector box with glass and use silicone caulk to seal the edges and keep out rain.
6. Mount the collector on the roof or the ground in a southerly direction to maximize solar exposure.
7. Connect a cold water hose or supply pipe to the inlet and a hot water hose or pipe to the outlet. Run the hot water supply to a holding tank, which may be in the house or on the roof. The plumbing connections vary depending on the configuration.

Pros and Cons of Solar Water Heaters

Pros

• Energy savings: You’re heating water for free. Whether you use it directly from a rooftop tank or use it to fill your water heater, you’ll save money.
• Low maintenance: Once the system is up and running, you can basically forget about it. If you’re circulating a heat-transfer fluid, however, you may have to replace it periodically.
• Eco-friendly: A solar water heater is an effective way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for home heating.

Cons

• Depends on the weather: A solar water heater won’t work on cloudy or rainy days or at night. Insulating the storage tanks helps mitigate this drawback.
• Winterization: You need to prepare for freezing temperatures, either by using a heat-transfer fluid or draining the pipes and shutting down the system in the winter.
• Cost: In general, a solar water heater costs significantly more than a conventional one, even if you build it yourself.

FAQ

How long does a solar water heater keep water warm?

In a properly insulated storage tank, water heated in a solar water heater during the day should stay hot overnight and possibly longer, depending on how much you use.

How much solar power do I need to run a solar water heater?

The amount of solar energy a solar water heater uses depends on a number of factors, including the amount of available sunlight, your water usage and the size of the collector panel. As a rule of thumb, plan on 10 square feet of panel space for each person in the household.

What’s the lifespan of solar water heaters?

A solar water heater can last from 10 to 25 years, although this depends on climate, the configuration of the system and the materials used to build it.

Do solar water heaters need a pump?

If a solar water heater’s storage tank isn’t mounted above the collector to take advantage of the thermosyphon effect, you need a pump to circulate water through the coil and into the tank. A solar-powered pump doesn’t use any extra energy, but if you plug a circulation pump into your electrical system, it will consume from 25 to 150 watts of power when it’s running.

As a freelance writer, there are many times when I’m thirsty or hungry but don’t want to or can’t leave my desk. And since my partner vetoed my proposal to put an office in the kitchen (rude), I had to find another way to keep my favorite sodas and snacks nearby. The solution? The RCA Mini Fridge.

Yes, I have a standard kitchen refrigerator and a garage fridge. Do I still use this mini fridge on a regular basis? You bet. I love having it as a “backup” fridge if my full-sized one gets too crowded or to stash some of my favorite beverages for a rainy day. Plus, having a mini fridge in your office is one of the ultimate flexes (this is still true for home offices).

In my RCA Mini Fridge review, I’ll run through the features that separate it from similar models, my experience with it over the past four months and some things I don’t like about it. We’ll also compare it to the GE Mini Fridge to see which is the best mini fridge for your dorm, office or garage.

What is the RCA Mini Fridge?

The RCA Mini Fridge is a 3.2 cubic foot mini refrigerator that can be used in campers, college dorm rooms, offices and more. It’s also listed as a garage-ready fridge, so it can be stored in your garage workshop (the company says the fridge wasn’t built to work in areas colder than 55 degrees).

Here’s your ultimate guide on setting up a garage fridge or freezer.

The fridge has two removable shelves that can be moved to your liking and side shelves perfect for storing soda cans and other drinks. The thermostat is adjustable from 1, the warmest option, to 6, the coldest.

The RCA Mini Fridge has a 0.2 cubic-foot freezer compartment. To remove excess frost, a defrost button is located in the center of the adjustable thermostat.

If aesthetics are important to you, you’ll be happy to know this mini fridge is available in six different colors (stainless steel, black, white, blue, green and purple). All options are magnetic, so you can stick your favorite fridge magnets on the door.

RCA started as a radio company in 1919. It now makes several home appliances, including several portable and mini machines like fridges and dishwashers.

Looking for something a little more high-tech? Check out our top smart refrigerators.

RCA Mini Fridge Features

Adjustable Temperature

The RCA Mini Fridge has six cooling levels that can be set via a dial inside the fridge. The dial ranges from 1 to 6, with 1 being the warmest and 6 being the coldest. Here’s the thing—I don’t know what any of those numbers mean, and I can’t find anything about them on RCA’s website.

In other words, I can’t tell you exactly how much of a difference the settings make. I’ve played around with the adjustable temperature a little bit, and you can tell the difference between level 1 and level 6, but it’s nothing drastic.

The adjustable temperature only affects the fridge, not the freezer compartment, which is always set around freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

The button in the middle of the adjustable dial defrosts the freezer, which prevents excess frost from building up and is one of the easiest ways to avoid fridge repairs.

Adjustable Feet

The RCA Mini Fridge has adjustable leveling feet, so it sits comfortably on any surface. I haven’t used this feature, but I love that it’s there. Some floors are slanted or otherwise wonky, and the ability to adjust the feet as needed ensures your cans or other food items won’t roll around.

Freezer

The RCA Mini Fridge comes with a 0.2 cubic foot freezer compartment, which is the best way to describe this “freezer.” There’s enough space for a small ice cube tray or an ice cream bar or two, but you won’t fit a week’s worth of TV dinners into this thing. It’s better than having nothing, but if you’re someone who likes their ice or really needs a freezer, I’d look elsewhere.

Reversible Door

Like some bigger fridges, the RCA Mini Fridge has a reversible door that allows you to change the direction it opens, so it can be used in just about any space. This is another feature I haven’t taken advantage of simply because I’ve had no need to, but after looking up the instructions online, I see that it seems pretty simple to do if needed.

Reversible doors can also be found on the Gladiator fridge, one of our favorite garage fridges.

Removable Shelves

The RCA Mini Fridge has two small removable shelves to organize it however you want. If you have a taller item, simply remove one of the shelves so it doesn’t hit it. Speaking of storage, there’s also ample shelf space on the side for your cans or bottles.

Multiple Colors and Magnetic

If you put this fridge in a room with a specific aesthetic, you can match the RCA Mini Fridge to your decor. There are six color options (stainless steel, black, white, blue, green and purple). I went with the stainless steel option, and it’s attractive and has a nice shine (in fact, you can see me in more than one of the product shots accompanying this review).

I like the fact that it’s magnetic, so you can stick special magnets on it.

How We Tested It

I’ve been using the RCA Mini Fridge for about four months in my home office for two main uses: drink and snack storage and backup to my main kitchen fridge.

Here’s the thing: I don’t like my food and drinks super cold. I just want them to be chilled, and this compressor-powered fridge does just that. If you, however, like your sodas arctic-like, then this isn’t the fridge for you. Even at its coldest setting, the fridge never got cold enough to the point where it felt like a full-sized fridge.

During my testing, I also paid close attention to the noise. As I mentioned, there’s a small compressor in the RCA Mini Fridge, so it will make some noise. In my experience, this is a very quiet fridge that you’ll only hear if you’re specifically listening to it. I had this close to my desk and bed, and not once was it loud enough to disturb a meeting or wake me up in the middle of the night.

FAQ

What is the red button on the RCA mini fridge?

The red button on the RCA mini fridge is the defrost button, which allows you to easily defrost your mini-fridge. This ensures the fridge works properly and should be done periodically since there is no automatic defrost function.

Is RCA a good mini fridge?

Our tester believes the RCA mini-fridge is a great option for those in offices, dorms or anywhere else where you might need a small fridge to chill their drinks or snacks. It’s offered at a good price, comes in multiple colors and has a small freezer drawer. The door hinges are reversible, so they should work in any space.

What is the coldest setting on an RCA mini fridge?

The RCA mini-fridge uses a temperature dial that goes from 1 to 6, with 6 being the coldest and 1 being the warmest. RCA doesn’t specify what temperature those numbers correlate to.

What Others Had to Say

The RCA Mini Fridge has a 4.3 average rating on Amazon, and as of this writing, it has more than 17,000 reviews. More than 12,000 of those reviews are 5-star ratings.

“This fridge is the perfect size for what we needed in our office,” says 5-star Amazon reviewer Carly. It keeps things very cold and is so quiet that we often have to check to make sure it is still running. There is a lot of space inside for snacks and drinks in the office. Would purchase this again.”

Some customers complain that the mini fridge has a short lifespan. “The freezer component completely builds up ice every other week that we need to thaw and water melts everywhere, and since it’s a year out of warranty they will do nothing to help,” says Amazon reviewer Lily, who gave it 2 stars. “Way too much money to spend on a fridge for it to be broken after two years.”

RCA Mini Fridge vs. GE Mini Fridge

It’s a little difficult to compare the RCA Mini Fridge to the GE Mini Fridge because the latter company has more types. To make it as fair of a fight as possible, we’ll compare the RCA Mini Fridge to the GE Energy Star Compact Refrigerator.

The first difference is in GE’s name. It’s an Energy Star-certified mini fridge, meaning it’s energy efficient and won’t run up your energy bills. The RCA Mini Fridge hasn’t impacted my electricity bill, a sentiment echoed by other Amazon reviewers. However, as far as I can tell, it’s not an Energy Star appliance.

The GE Mini Fridge also has 4.4 cubic feet of space, compared to RCA’s 3.2 cubic feet. The freezer compartment on the GE is 0.47 cubic feet, and RCA’s is only 0.2 cubic feet. Both have manual defrost, reversible doors and leveling legs.

The GE’s larger capacity comes with a larger price tag, but it might be worth it if you use this as your only fridge (such as in a dorm room). The RCA is a good option for those seeking a second fridge in their office or garage.

GE also made our list of the most reliable fridge brands.

Final Verdict

The RCA Mini Fridge is a great option for those with limited space looking for an office, RV, garage or dorm fridge. It’s very quiet and has a freezer compartment, a reversible door, multiple colors and removable shelves. At under $200, it’s a great value, but it may be too small for some people.

Our major gripe with it was the fact that the adjustable thermostat had no correlating temperatures.

Where to Buy the RCA Mini Fridge

The RCA Mini Fridge starts at around $175 and goes up to about $220, depending on the color. It’s also available at The Home Depot and Walmart.

Removing grout is tedious, but it can be simplified with the right tool. Next time you need to get grout out from between tiles, use one of the two methods demonstrated below to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

What are the best tools for grout removal?

If you don’t have a recip saw, aka a reciprocating saw, or you’re dying to get your hands on a new oscillating tool, this is your chance to find a grout removal tool. While either is a solid choice for chewing through old grout, both come with their own pros and cons.

A recip saw is best suited for less dainty jobs that require a large amount of demolition. An oscillating tool, on the other hand, is a bit easier to control than a recip saw because it’s smaller and has a much shorter blade stroke. Plus, you can rotate the cutting head, so it’s a tad more versatile.

With either tool, you’ll need to be careful not to chip the tile. We’ve tried both systems, and they work equally fast, but the oscillating tool does get you a bit tighter into corners. With either method, you’ll still have to scrape some areas by hand.

Grout Removal Method #1: Reciprocating Saw

• Install the carbide-grit grout blade into your recip saw so it points down while the saw handle is pointing up.
• Apply power and “saw” out the grout.

Grout Removal Method #2: Oscillating Tool

• Chuck up either a 1/16-in. or 1/8-in.-wide blade (depending on the grout width) and go to town.
• Rotate the blade and rechuck it to maneuver into tight corners.

A tower fan is nice for indoor use, but what about when you need to cool off while enjoying your patio or deck space this summer? Sure, you could install an overhead fan if you have the setup, but what about a sleek fan that can go anywhere in the yard with no wires or electrical cords to worry about plugging in?

Enter the Shark FlexBreeze Fan with InstaCool Mist. This fan works indoors and outdoors and can be charged to run cordless for up to 24 hours or plugged in for nonstop use. Plus, it has a misting attachment for those extra-hot days and many other cool features I’ll get into below.

What is the Shark FlexBreeze Fan?

The Shark FlexBreeze is a versatile fan that functions as a pedestal and tabletop fan. It’s lightweight for toting around the house but also works in outdoor spaces. It runs cordless, on a charge or can be plugged into an outlet. It even has a misting attachment for added chill, whether you’re misting yourself, your pet or a few plants.

The FlexBreeze can run for 24 hours on a single charge and is super quiet, even at high speeds. Its sleek design ensures it looks great in any setting.

Product Features

The FlexBreeze’s versatility makes it unique—it truly does it all as far as fans go. It functions both corded and cordless and has a remote control that attaches discretely and conveniently to the fan. You can choose from five different fan speeds and 180 degrees of side-to-side oscillation to cool any room, big or small. The fan tilts up and down, too.

At just over 12 pounds with a large top handle, the FlexBreeze is super portable, so you can haul it around to any room in the house and anywhere in the yard. It’s UV- and water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the elements impacting it, and it’s surprisingly quiet, so it’s perfect for sleeping.

The fan has a boost mode that lets you feel its breeze from over 70 feet away, and the misting attachment easily connects to any hose to make an area feel up to 10 degrees cooler.

The FlexBreeze is available in dark grey and has fine rose gold detailing, making it look top-quality, even in an indoor living space. Plus, it’s backed by a two-year warranty against defects in material or workmanship.

How We Tested It

The Shark FlexBreeze arrived at my doorstep in a medium-sized box. Plenty of protective packaging ensured the fan arrived in pristine condition. Inside the box: The fan, remote, misting attachment and charging cord. I simply pulled the fan from the box and put the pieces together to set it up as a pedestal fan. There’s no assembly required apart from connecting the pieces to use the FlexBreeze as a pedestal fan or tabletop fan.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the fan’s look—dark gray with gold hardware—and blown away by its quietness. I don’t think I’ve ever operated an outdoor fan as quiet as the Shark FlexBreeze.

In pedestal mode, the fan stands about 36 inches tall, which is perfect for cooling off while sitting down. You can also angle the fan head upward to cool off higher points while standing. I did have to charge it for a few hours before using it unplugged, but once it was charged, I got at least 20 hours out of it in different modes.

With the fan oscillating, it had zero issues cooling my hot kitchen, even while I used the oven on a summer night. In tabletop mode, the fan is great for pups who need to cool off on the floor. It also sits nicely on a desk or counter while working in an office or garage. Want to take it with you? It travels well since it’s compact and cordless. It’s great for camping, and Shark even makes an On-the-go Car Charger for the fan.

The misting attachment is an added luxury, especially for our pups, who absolutely love it while lounging on the deck. But it’s also great for tropical plants; the monstera on our porch is a big fan, too. The body of the fan isn’t bulky at all, either. It takes up little space for as much power as it packs, and the pedestal’s base is heavy enough that you don’t have to worry about tipping.

While Shark says you can feel the breeze in boost mode from over 70 feet away, I think the fan is best felt 10-15 feet away in fan speeds 1-5. The misting attachment easily snaps onto the front of the fan, which has discrete tubing that runs down the side of the fan and attaches to your garden hose. It’s quick to set up, and the mist is fine enough that you won’t get noticeably wet.

FAQ

Is the Shark FlexBreeze worth it?

We think so! The fan’s adaptability to any environment automatically makes it a smart value if you need a fan for indoor and outdoor spaces. Plus, it’s powerful enough to cool just about any room, has a misting attachment, is surprisingly quiet and looks great.

Does the Shark FlexBreeze oscillate?

It does. It can oscillate and tilt to reach every corner of the room.

What Others Have to Say

Here’s what buyers have to say about the Shark FlexBreeze Fan, which has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.

Verified purchaser Megan Dunigan says, “The Shark FlexBreeze is a top contender in the portable fan market, offering robust build quality, excellent battery life, and powerful performance. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay cool at outdoor events or even just in different areas of their home without the hassle of cords. Its ability to charge while in use ensures uninterrupted comfort, making it a reliable companion on hot days. Highly recommended for those seeking a blend of convenience and effectiveness in their cooling solutions.”

Angie D gives it five stars, too. “I love Shark products for their quality and ease of use. I have so many in my home, but [I] was initially skeptical when I ordered this. So many brands claim their fans are quiet and are still super loud even on the lowest setting… But oh my GOSH this fan is quiet,” they say. “Worth every single penny. I also recommend purchasing the fan cover to keep it clean when not in use during the off season. Very easy to get on and off and keeps your fan dust free. Thank you Shark for making the best fan on the market!”

Final Verdict

I’m sold after using the Shark FlexBreeze for a few months (the hottest months of the year). Its versatility, long battery life, cool mist attachment and sleek look are worth the price tag.

If you’re in the market for a portable outdoor fan, the Shark FlexBreeze is my favorite one I’ve tried. If you are looking exclusively for an indoor fan and don’t need a misting attachment, you might opt for a tower fan like the Dreo Air Purifier Tower Fan. However, the FlexBreeze performs great indoors, too.

Where to Buy the Shark FlexBreeze

The Shark FlexBreeze Fan retails for $200 at Shark or Amazon. For $10 more at Shark, you can bundle it with a storage cover or car charger. You can also save $30 if you want to skip the cool mist attachment.

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The best steam cleaners utilize ultra-hot steam to kill 99% of viruses and bacteria, blast away molds and pull out stains. They are a must-have for anyone who wants a pristine home. Whether you deep clean on the weekends or carve out time on a weekday, a steam cleaner is ideal for restoring everything from carpets to kitchen appliances to their former glory.

Our product testing team has thoroughly tested nearly a dozen home steam cleaners, including the popular Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. We put it through several tests to determine its ease of use, cleaning performance, maneuverability and more; in our Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner review, you’ll find out if it’s worth the purchase price.

What is the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner?

According to the manufacturer, the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is a popular home steamer and the best-selling unit from Dupray. When you buy the Dupray Neat steamer, you’ll get a box full of goodies, including:

• 2 extension poles
• 5 small nylon brushes
• 1 small brass brush
• Steam nozzle
• Floor tool
• Squeegee tool
• Triangular brush tool
• 3 microfiber pads for the floor tool
• Microfiber bonnet
• Microfiber cloth
• User manual

This steam cleaner also comes with an integrated funnel and retractable handle that, according to our product testers, stays cool to the touch.

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Features

After testing nearly a dozen steam cleaners, our product testing team determined that the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is one of the best values available. This is due to its top-tier features and reasonable price point.

Easy Setup and Cleanup

Setup is a breeze; our product testers said: “Simply attach the tool head of choice, fill and plug in. Press the trigger to activate steam.”

One drawback is that the Dupray steamer doesn’t have a pitcher, so you’ll need to grab one from the kitchen to fill the water tank. The steamer does have a built-in funnel to avoid spillage.

Cleanup is easy, too. All you have to do is turn the machine over to dump out the water. The mop pads are machine-washable, though air-drying them is recommended.

Large Water Tank

Of all the steam cleaners we tried, the Dupray Neat has one of the largest water tanks with a capacity of 54 ounces. This means you get excellent steam pressure (50 PSI/3.5 Bar) while still being able to clean non-stop for up to 50 minutes.

Quick Heating

The water tank heats to its maximum temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius) in just 8 minutes. That’s about the same time it takes to make a pour-over coffee if you were wondering.

Quick Drying

Some steam cleaners leave wet marks or water rings after use, especially on fabrics and upholstery. This isn’t the case with the Dupray Neat steamer, which, according to our testers, left couches and curtains “barely wet” with no water rings.

Long Cord and Hose

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner’s cord is 155 inches long, or about 13 feet. Though it’s the shortest cord of all the canister steam cleaners our team tried, our testers said it didn’t affect maneuverability. Combined with the 93-inch hose and 36-inch extension pole, our testers said, “We couldn’t imagine there are any places this thing wouldn’t reach.”

360-Degree Wheels

In addition to a grand total of 284 inches of length (about 23.5 feet) to work with, this steamer also features 360-degree wheels, which our product testers loved. “The 360-degree wheels are amazing,” one tester said. “It moves around and maneuvers effortlessly.”

Intuitive Use

Despite being relatively simple pieces of equipment, not all steam cleaners are intuitive to use. The Dupray Neat is. Our product testers awarded it 5 out of 5 points for ease of use, saying, “It’s very intuitive compared to the others. The parts actually snap into place and make sense. It’s well-designed and stylish, too, which is a plus!”

Additionally, this machine has a trigger lock that keeps steam flowing without needing to hold the trigger down, earning the Dupray Neat bonus points.

Powerful Cleaning

Most importantly, the Dupray Neat excelled in almost all cleaning tests. Our product testers dubbed it the “gold standard” for coffee stain removal, noting that it performed amazingly and completely removed a coffee stain from upholstery within 90 seconds. This is likely due to the high-quality bonnet that came with the machine, our testers said.

Additionally, the Dupray Neat scored 5 out of 5 points for de-wrinkling curtains, removing all wrinkles within 90 seconds, and removing muddy footprints from vinyl flooring. On the vinyl, our testers said the Dupray steamer removed the mess entirely with zero streaks or smears. Could we ask for more?

This steamer scored 4 out of 5 points for our tile and grout test; our testers said it performed above average, that the pressure is great, and that the brush bristles are nice and stiff. However, it scored lower on our glass-cleaning test, earning 3 out of 5 points, because, according to our testers, the quality of the squeegee isn’t the best.

How We Tested It

We put the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner through a series of tests, rating it against predetermined criteria for its performance in the following scenarios:

• Removing dirt, grime and mold from tile and unsealed grout
• Dewrinkling curtains
• Pulling coffee stains out of upholstery
• Cleaning muddy footprints off of vinyl flooring
• Cleaning handprints and toothpaste smears off of a glass mirror

Our product testers also judged the following qualities:

• Ordering, shipping, delivery and packaging
• Portability/maneuverability
• Ease of use/intuitiveness
• Size/dimensions
• Dryness
• Emptying/cleaning
• Value

FAQ

Can you use distilled water in a Dupray steam cleaner?

Yes, the manufacturer recommends using distilled water. This will reduce mineral buildup and can potentially increase the machine’s lifespan.

How to clean a Dupray Neat Steamer?

You don’t need to clean your Dupray Neat Steamer since the tank only holds plain water. Dupray does recommend performing a boiler drain every 20 hours. Otherwise, all you have to do is wash the cloth and pads that come with the machine, which is machine-washable (air-dry).

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Several other shopping websites have named the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner the best overall steam cleaner or the best for some given purpose. Additionally, customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. On the Dupray website, the unit has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars out of nearly 300 reviews. On Amazon, it has an average rating of 4.5 stars out of more than 21,500 ratings—incredibly impressive for the volume of reviews.

One reviewer called it “way better than others on the market.”

“Great price for an amazing product,” the reviewer wrote. “I tried other brands and they didn’t even come close to this one. Other brands just shot hot water and left pools of water; this really puts out perfect pressurized steam. I use this for cleaning floors, furniture, windows, bathrooms, really everything. Once you start using it, you get a bunch of ideas on what you can use it on. The unit is easily portable, lightweight, clean design and powerful enough to break down grime or sanitize any job you can think of.”

Dupray Neat Steamer vs. Mcculloch 1385

Mcculloch is a reputable home appliance brand that makes a few hard-working steam cleaners. The Mcculloch 1385 is a canister steam system much like the Dupray Neat. However, there are multiple differences between the two products.

For starters, the Mcculloch 1385 boasts an impressive run time of up to 120 minutes, more than double that of the Dupray Neat. It’s also slightly more powerful, outputting 58 PSI compared to the Neat’s 51. It comes with 23 versatile accessories compared to the Dupray Neat’s 17.

The Dupray Neat does surpass the Mcculloch 1385 in some regards, though. For example, it heats to 275 degrees Fahrenheit in 8 minutes; the Mcculloch heats to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in 12 minutes. Additionally, the Dupray Neat costs $50 less than the Mcculloch 1385 and has far superior maneuverability due to its long hose, cord, extension pole and 360-degree wheels.

The Dupray also has a better warranty, with a lifetime guarantee on the boiler and a two-year warranty on parts and accessories. In contrast, the Mcculloch has a two-year warranty on the boiler and parts and accessories.

Final Verdict

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is highly recommended by shopping experts, home goods experts and real buyers alike. Our product testers found it to be one of the greatest values as far as steam cleaners go because it excels in almost every type of cleaning and has an intuitive, easy-to-use design. Our testers only wished it came with its own pitcher and had a place to store the cord/hose and accessories. Otherwise, it’s easily one of the best steam cleaners our product testing team has tried.

Where to Buy the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is available directly from Dupray online, as well as at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart and The Home Depot. Its list price is about $150.