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.
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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. Our favorite is the easy-to-use Oreck Commercial Orbiter Hard Floor Cleaner Machine, which is effective on a wide variety of surfaces and can even deep-clean carpeting.
Editors’ Favorite
Dimensions: 49.6” D x 13.6” W x 9.7” H | Weight: 33 lb | Cord Length: 50’
Made by one of the most trusted brands in floor care, the Oreck Orbiter is the best floor machine for cleaning all types of hard flooring. It delivers commercial-quality cleaning and polishing with an orbital drive that glides pads and brushes in a circular motion. Minimal pressure is required to give hard wood, vinyl, laminate and other hard-floor surfaces pro-level results without swirls or streaks. The orbital scrubber is also ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach areas thanks to its trim design.
Maneuvering this compact machine is simple thanks to the streamlined design. At just 33 pounds, it’s a lightweight full-sized floor machine with impressive cleaning capabilities. The 50-foot cord allows you to clean large areas quickly with minimal unplugging while the 13-inch cleaning path means fewer passes per area.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to purchase brushes or pads separately. A variety of compatible options are readily available to fit the 12-inch circular scrubber, including one that’s made for dry shampooing carpet. We find that these customizable attachments combined with its features and performance make it a top choice for whole-house floor cleaning.
Great Value
Dimensions: 21.9" D x 14.6" W x 23" H | Weight: 18.5 lb | Cord Length: 20’ | Includes: Upholstery tool, crevice tool, pet tool, 8’ hose, solution sample
When it comes to value, you’d have a difficult time finding a better option than the Hoover PowerScrub. Made for carpet and upholstery, this deep-cleaning machine works with rotating brushes and powerful suction to whisk away dirt and stains. HeatForce technology helps to dry carpet as it cleans.
We also love that this floor machine is easy to fill, operate and empty. The dual tanks for clean and dirty water simplify cleaning tasks. With proprietary auto mix, the solution and water mixes automatically for reliable results. It’s lightweight, too, at only 18.5 pounds, so maneuvering it around the house is a breeze.
This cleaner does a good job removing pet messes and hair, and comes with a pet tool. What’s more, the upholstery tool, crevice tool and 8-foot hose make it versatile for removing dirt and stains from furniture and hard-to-reach spaces. A sample of cleaning solution is included to get you started.
Best for Its Lightweight Design
Dimensions: 11" D x 8" W x 41" H | Weight: 8.5 lb | Cord Length: 30’ | Includes: 2 rotating scrubbing brushes, 2 washable microfiber buffing pads, 2 polishing pads, pad holders
Don’t let the lightweight build stop you from considering the Bissell BigGreen Scrub and Clean Floor Machine. This 8.5-pound powerhouse scrubs, buffs and polishes all types of hard flooring. It works with two rotating mechanisms that spin as fast as 2,200 rpm for impressive cleaning. A pair of scrubbing brushes, buffing pads and polishing pads are included.
Versatility is also a key selling point of this compact yet capable floor machine. Designed for cleaning all types of hard flooring, it can also be used to clean some types of carpet. The two rotating bush pads are great for scrubbing and removing dirt and stains from low-pile areas rugs and carpeting.
We also appreciate that this machine has an adjustable telescoping handle and long cord. The handle reaches a maximum height of 41 inches, which makes it comfortable for users of various heights to operate. At 30 feet in length, the cord allows you to move the machine around different rooms and large areas with ease.
Best Cordless Cleaner
Dimensions: 16" D x 7.4" W x 27.5" H | Weight: 9.5 lb | Cord Length: Cordless | Includes: 4 reusable mop pads, 2 trial-size cleaning solutions, storage tray
If you don’t want to deal with a cord when cleaning your hard floors, the Bissell Spinwave is for you. The Bissell is a cordless model that’s powered by a rechargeable 18-volt lithium battery. Each full charge provides 20 minutes of runtime that’s capable of cleaning numerous rooms or large areas before needing to be recharged.
This floor machine is made for sealed hard floors and works with two rotating circular spinners and reusable pads. It has a tank and trigger for dispensing cleaner onto floors as you clean. Four pads come with the machine, along with two trial-size cleaners so you can begin scrubbing your floors as soon as you take it out of the box.
Compact and easy to use, the Spinwave weighs just 9.5 pounds, so it’s simple to move from room to room. The trim design doesn’t take up a lot of storage space, making it a good choice for small places.
Best for Multiple Floor Types
Dimensions: 8.5" D x 13.5" W x 45" H | Weight: 39 lb | Cord Length: Not specified | Includes: 1 polish pad, 1 strip pad, 4 scrubbing brushes, 1 carpet bonnet pad, 1 drive pad holder
Hardwood, tile, concrete, carpet and more — there’s no flooring type that the HHQ Commercial Floor Scrubber Machine can’t clean. It’s powered by a 1.5-horsepower brushless motor and an orbital drive system that removes stubborn dirt and stains. It comes with four types of pads and brushes for cleaning all types of flooring, including carpet.
This feature-packed machine has variable speed settings that can be adjusted to fit different cleaning needs. With a height of 45 inches and dual handle bars, maneuvering it is a snap. Additionally, it weighs 39 pounds, so it’s simple to move from place to place.
When it comes to transporting and storing this machine, the folding handle is a convenient feature. Whether you are scrubbing the floors in your house or sprucing up your deck, this commercial-grade floor cleaning machine is one of the most versatile options we recommend.
In analyzing 30 floor machines, we looked at features, expert opinions and customer feedback to help us choose the top models for our list. We assessed the types of flooring each model cleans, explained the differences between full-sized and compact models and took note of weight and ease of use. The power a floor machine offers was factored into our research as well.
Shoppers want to know if a floor machine runs by rechargeable battery or electricity, which we also considered. Tank size, cleaning method, noise level and cord length were also things we looked at in our search for the best floor machines on the market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
