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Best Floor Machines

Updated September 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Tineco Floor One S3
Tineco
Floor One S3
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Self-cleaning Technology
Bottom Line

The advanced technology features of the Tineco Floor One S3 mean a cleaner floor with less effort from you.

Pros

Features a 5-in-1 self-cleaning function activated by pressing a single button. Self-propelled and cordless, which makes this cleaner very easy to use. LED display which indicates battery levels and cleaning settings. Smartphone app connectivity. Quiet machine.

Cons

The battery on this machine does not last very long.

Best Bang for the Buck
Bissell Commercial BigGreen Hercules Floor Machine
Bissell
Commercial BigGreen Hercules Floor Machine
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A compact floor machine worthy of its powerful namesake, this model cleans hard surfaces.

Pros

Use on any hard surface including tile floors, laminates, and stone. The machine uses microfiber buffers, polishing pads, and 2 brushes to remove even persistent stains. This model’s 9-inch cleaning path lets you finish jobs quickly, and it is easy to maneuver around the house.

Cons

This machine isn’t heavy enough to scrub effectively, report some buyers.

Bissell SpinWave Cordless Hard Floor Expert
Bissell
SpinWave Cordless Hard Floor Expert
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

This easy-to-use floor machine from Bissell is lightweight, cordless, and our bargain pick.

Pros

Runs for up to 20 minutes on a charge. The spinning motion of the mop pad shines floors as they are cleaned. Suitable for sealed hardwood, linoleum, tile, and rubber. Mop pads are washable and reusable. Machine is quiet when in use.

Cons

This floor cleaner is great for day-to-day use but not as effective on heavily soiled surfaces.

Oreck Commercial Orbiter, 13-Inch Cleaning Path
Oreck Commercial
Orbiter, 13-Inch Cleaning Path
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Fantastic model for all hard surfaces (even wood and laminate flooring). Simple design means this will last a long time.

Pros

Commercial-quality floor machine. Simplicity of design leads to durability. Effective on hard floors and for deeply cleaning carpets. Powerful enough for most home applications and easy to use. This model's extra-long cord is great for cleaning large areas.

Cons

Small coverage area and cleaning pads must be replaced regularly.

Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro
Bissell
CrossWave Pet Pro
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Made for Pet Owners
Bottom Line

Multi-purpose choice that cleans and vacuums with the needs of pet owners in mind.

Pros

Quite versatile, can be used to clean carpets in addition to hard surfaces such as laminate, sealed wood, tile, and linoleum. Vacuums and washes floors simultaneously. Features separate clean and dirty water tanks, so clean water is always being used. Great for pet messes.

Cons

Tends to leave behind streaks and puddles, and is prone to leaks.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
16
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best floor machines

Whether in your home or at your place of business, keeping the floors clean can often seem like mission impossible. Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming can only do so much, especially when you encounter sticky, stubborn messes.

With a floor machine, though, you can scrub and buff wood, vinyl, tile, and other hard surfaces, or you can loosen dirt from carpets to get your flooring as clean as possible.

A floor machine can be a pretty pricey investment, though, so choosing the right size, power, and other features is key if you want the most effective model available.

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A floor machine can be used to clean a variety of sealed flooring, such as tile, concrete, vinyl, and laminated hardwood.

Who needs a floor machine?

Floor machines are often used in commercial venues to clean the flooring that sees heavy traffic. If you own a store, restaurant, or other retail business, a commercial floor machine is often a good investment.  

You can also use a floor machine in your home, though. If you have children and pets who always seem to leave a mess behind, a smaller model can help you keep your floors looking great.

What types of flooring can you use a floor machine on?

Floor machines can be used on a variety of sealed hard flooring materials, including:

  • Tile

  • Concrete

  • Vinyl

  • Laminated hardwood


Some floor machines can also be used on carpeting, to help loosen dirt.

What should you look for in a floor machine?

Size

Floor machines come in several sizes, which determine how large an area they can clean in one swipe.

  • For home use, a 13-inch machine works well, because it’s easier to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.

  • If you have a larger home, or are using the floor machine in a commercial setting, a 17-inch machine may be a better option.

  • For cleaning a very large, open space, you may prefer a 20- to 21-inch floor machine.

Power

A floor machine’s power is measured in horsepower (hp). While choosing the most powerful machine available may seem like a good option, keep in mind that different cleaning tasks require different types of power and speed.

  • A 1 hp floor machine is a good option for normal cleaning and home applications.

  • A 1.5 hp floor machine works well for cleaning commercial settings or stripping floors.

  • A 2 hp floor machine can clean any type of mess, strip floors, and is effective in drawing dirt out of carpeting.

"While a more powerful floor machine can clean tougher messes, it can be difficult to control, especially if you’re new to using one. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Weight

The weight of a floor machine can make a big difference in how easy it is to maneuver when you’re cleaning. Lightweight machines, designed mainly for home use, can weigh as little as 14 pounds. Mid-size models that are slightly more powerful usually weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. Large, powerful commercial floor machines can weigh over 100 pounds, though, so they can be very difficult to move around if you don’t have the strength.

Power source

Most floor machines have cords, so they must be plugged into an electrical outlet, which may affect how easy it is to move them while cleaning. However, corded models are usually more powerful.

Some floor machine are cordless and run on batteries. That allows you to easily move a machine through a room while you’re cleaning without worrying about where the outlets are or tripping over the cord. Cordless models are usually less powerful, though.

Tank size

Some floor machines have water tanks that allow them to dispense water to the scrubbing pad for cleaning, and pull the dirty water into a separate tank after cleaning.

If you choose a style with a water reservoir, make sure that the tanks are large enough that you won’t need to refill and empty the machine while you’re cleaning. Look for a model with tanks that hold at least 48 ounces for the most efficient floor machine.

Ease of use

For a floor machine to be effective, it should be easy to use. Look for a model with a power button that’s easy to reach, so you can turn the machine on and off without having to search. If there’s a control panel, make sure that the buttons are easy to read and press.

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Did you know?
While you can clean more quickly with a larger floor machine, a smaller model is often easier to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.
STAFF
BestReviews

Cord length

If you’re selecting a corded floor machine, it’s important to choose a model with a long enough cord. That will give you more maneuverability as you’re cleaning. Machines with cords that are 20 feet long or less often don’t allow you to move that freely. Opt for a machine with a cord that’s at least 25 feet for the most versatility.

Noise level

Floor machines can make a great deal of noise when they’re in use, which may disturb your household or customers at a commercial business. In most cases, the more powerful the machine is, the more noise it will make. Small, lightweight machines designed for home use tend to be the quietest. Large, commercial floor machines make a great deal of noise, so are best used at off hours.

Floor machine prices

Floor machines vary in price based on size and power, but you can typically expect to spend between $80 and $1,200.

  • For a small, lightweight floor machine made for home use, you’ll usually pay between $80 and $200.

  • For a medium, professional-grade floor machine, you’ll usually pay between $250 and $400.

  • For a large, commercial-grade floor machine, you’ll usually pay between $450 and $1,200.

Content Image
Did you know?
Concrete floors are extremely durable, so you can use a floor machine with a stiff-bristled brush on them.
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips and tricks

  • When you’re using a floor machine, it’s best to start cleaning at the back of the room and work your way toward the front.

  • Most floor machines require pads for scrubbing and buffing. Be sure to check the machine’s pad regularly to ensure that it’s not too dirty.

  • When you’re buffing with a floor machine, work in small areas, using the smallest amount of abrasive polish as possible.

  • Floor machines typically buff in a clockwise direction, so to avoid creating burns on the floor, you should clean the room from left to right.

  • When you’re polishing with a floor machine, you should also work from left to right, but work in a straight line. Overlap the strokes slightly to ensure a thorough cleaning.

  • If you’re using a heavy-duty, industrial floor machine, it’s a good idea to wear protective headphones, so your ears aren’t affected the noise.

FAQ

Q. Is a floor machine easy to use?
A.
A walk-behind model is fairly easy to use because you simply walk behind it, and guide it as you would with a lawnmower. However, commercial-grade models are usually very powerful, so they can be slightly tougher to maneuver.

"A battery-operated floor machine is convenient because you can use it anywhere without worrying where the closest outlet is. Corded models are usually more powerful, though."
STAFF
BestReviews

Q. Should I get the most powerful floor machine available?
A.
If you’re using the machine at home, you may not necessarily want the most powerful model. They can be difficult to control if you’re not used to working with one, and the power usually isn’t necessary for normal floor cleaning.

Q. What sort of upkeep is necessary with a floor machine?
A.
Most floor machines require some type of cleaning pad for scrubbing, buffing, and polishing the floor. You’ll need to replace them regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some also use brushes that may need to be replaced as well.