Best Wallpaper Steamer Reviews

Updated December 17, 2020

Trying to remove wallpaper without the correct equipment can be a nightmare, to say the least.

It’s particularly common to move house or decide to renovate a room and simply not be happy with the current wallpaper.

The fast and easy solution here is one of the best wallpaper strippers.

The purpose of a wallpaper steamer is to efficiently remove existing wallpaper (and even multiple layers) revealing clean and damage-free walls underneath.

Wallpaper removal steamers vary in mechanics, price, features and more so it can be a little confusing to decide which one to purchase.

To simplify your decision, we’ve compiled 6 of the best alongside a detailed buying guide to ensure everything makes sense!

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1 Earlex SS125UKP Warrior Wallpaper Stripper Earlex SS125UKP Warrior Wallpaper Stripper
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2 Earlex Lmb176 Steammaster Wallpaper Stripper 110 Volt
Best For Higher Budgets
Earlex Lmb176 Steammaster Wallpaper Stripper
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3 Wagner 915 1,500-Watt On-Demand Power Steamer and Cleaner Wagner 915 Power Steamer and Cleaner
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4 Zinsser 2976 ZN02976 Paper Tiger Triple Head
Best For Low Budgets
Zinsser 2976 ZN02976 Paper Tiger Triple Head
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5 Black & Decker KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper
Best Overall
Black & Decker KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper
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6 Silverline 128966 2200W DIY Steam Wallpaper Stripper Silverline 2200W DIY Steam Wallpaper Stripper
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1. Earlex SS125UKP Warrior Wallpaper Stripper

Highlights
  • Works on all types of wallpaper.
  • It has a 70 minute run time.
  • It includes a 4-litre water capacity.
  • Easy to carry.

This top-notch Earlex wallpaper stripper boasts the ability to remove all types of wallpaper – including multiple layers at one time.

It is also effective on painted wallpaper and those with textured coatings.

This is particularly effective if multiple rooms in your home have different kinds of wallpaper, and you require one for all.

Furthermore, it has a fairly generous 70-minute runtime which is more than enough to get one medium-size room done in one go.

The steamer is powered with 2000 W ensuring it’s powerful enough for the task.

The design consists of a rectangle shape clear tank, with a secure black lid plus a handle on the top. The tank has a 4 litre capacity, which is sufficient for the 70-minute run time.

The attached hose is fairly generous in length and allows you to reach the full height of a standard room along with the power cable.

In terms of movement and storage, the unit weighs 2 kilograms, making it easy to transport and move around while it’s in use.

The machine is also fairly easy to compact by removing the hose from the main tank.

The downside of this steamer is that the steamer plate could be a little larger, particularly if you want to cover huge spaces at once.

It also switches off when boiling occurs, which can be a pain if you have a large space to cover.

Specifications

Size:
22.81 x 33.4 x 30 cm
Weight:
2.06 kg
Wattage:
2000 W

Pros

  • Fairly lightweight.
  • Great value.
  • High wattage.
  • Includes UK wall plug.

Cons

  • Steamer plate could be larger.
  • Switches off when boiling.

2. Earlex Lmb176 Steammaster Wallpaper Stripper

Highlights
  • Long 90 minute run time.
  • High tank capacity of 7.5 litres.
  • Works on vinyl.
  • Protective steel frame.
Best For Higher Budgets
Earlex Lmb176 Steammaster Wallpaper Stripper 110 Volt

This heavy-duty wallpaper steamer does have a high price tag, yet it pairs this with first-class features to justify every penny.

Firstly, it has a very generous run time of 90 minutes which is fairly higher than other models.

The long run time will allow you to cover multiple areas at once, rather than having to do it in multiple lots.

Therefore this is a great option for larger projects.

Plus, it works on vinyl!

In addition to the run time, the tank size is also large. It holds up to 7.5 litres of water at one time which is more than enough to suit the run time.

A larger tank also helps to produce more steam at once.

In terms of design, this unit is encased in steel with two square-shaped structures at either end.

These structures also help it to stand on the floor properly, preventing it from toppling over while in use.

However, bear in mind that the sturdy frame is also heavier than other models, coming in at almost 8 kilograms.

The steaming plate is well-sized at 305 by 235 mm.

The design also works well for multi-layered wallpaper and it is very easy to set up. Once switched on, it takes half an hour to heat up to working temperature.

Specifications

Size:
57 x 35 x 30 cm
Weight:
7.8 kg
Material:
Plastic
Wattage:
1760 W

Pros

  • Works well on multi-layer wallpapers.
  • 5-meter long hose.
  • Large plate size.
  • Takes just 30 minutes to heat up.

Cons

  • It’s expensive.
  • A little heavy.

3. Wagner 915 Power Steamer and Cleaner

Highlights
  • Hoover-like design is easy to use.
  • 48 fluid ounce capacity.
  • It has a 45 minute run time.
  • Includes an 8-foot steam hose.

This yellow steamer and cleaner resemble a hoover in terms of its design.

The water tank is attached to an 8-foot long steam hose, alongside a hoover brush with an additional cloth attachment.

In this way, it is different from some other wallpaper steamers as it is multi-functional.

As well as effectively steaming wallpaper, it is also a powerful tool for cleaning other surfaces such as tiles.

The included components aid this, with a utility brush, a measuring cup and funnel, two extension tubes, a floor cleaning brush and a cloth. It also includes a window squeegee.

At its price point, this is incredible value for money!

The machine has a capacity of 48 fluid ounces in the tank, plus a 45 minute run time.

This is plenty for completing a medium-sized room in one go.

It weighs just over 6 kilograms but included two base wheels, making it easy to move around while steaming.

Furthermore, it has a wattage of 1500 ensuring its powerful mechanics will be strong enough for multiple layers of wallpaper.

On the downside, this model is a little expensive compared to others but we feel it’s justified thanks to the additional features.

It also has a slightly shorter run time than different models, making it less-ideal for much larger projects.

Specifications

Weight:
6.26 kg
Wattage:
1500 W

Pros

  • High wattage.
  • Works on multiple surfaces.
  • Includes 2 extension tubes.
  • Includes a cloth and brush.

Cons

  • A little more expensive than some other models.
  • Shorter run time than some others.

4. Zinsser 2976 ZN02976 Paper Tiger Triple Head

Highlights
  • Great for large wallpaper removal.
  • Able to cut through multiple layers at once.
  • Triple-head design.
  • Patented scoring wheels technique.
Best For Low Budgets
Zinsser 2976 ZN02976 Paper Tiger Triple Head

This nifty device is both inexpensive and super effective when it comes to removing wallpaper. It’s especially effective for removing large areas of wallpaper quickly.

The triple-head system is able to cut through multiple layers of wallpaper at once, all while preventing any damage to the base wall underneath.

The scoring wheels on the base are patented, so rest assured they know what they are doing.

Furthermore, the red and black design has a comfortable circular dome shape on the top, making it easy to hold while scoring the wallpaper in order to remove it.

Below this is a triangle shape of three scoring heads that work by perforating the wallpaper.

Due to the design’s compact size, it is very easy to store away when it is not in use, unlike large wallpaper steamer machines.

Plus, it weighs just under 200 grams, making it almost non-existent in weight.

This is a comfortable choice for large areas of the paper that need to be removed in one go.

Lastly, the downside of this tool is that it is not electric so it requires more manual work than other mechanical teamers.

However, it can also be used as an effective tool before steaming the wallpaper off, or before using wallpaper stripper liquid.

Specifications

Size:
22.23 x 22.86 x 24.13 cm
Weight:
181 grams
Material:
Plastic and metal

Pros

  • Comfortable to hold.
  • Very lightweight.
  • Compact and easy to store.
  • Inexpensive.

Cons

  • Non-electric.
  • Not a steamer.

5. Black & Decker KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper

Highlights
  • Includes safety release valves.
  • Works on vinyl too.
  • Fast working.
  • Great value for money.
Best Overall
Black & Decker KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper

This Black & Decker wallpaper stripper certainly stands out thanks to its bright orange and white design. It pairs great value for money with effective technology.

Firstly, the stripper is crafted with safety release valves.

The result of these is a device that doesn’t overheat and, therefore, has a much longer lifespan.

Additionally, the machine is equipped with a boil dry safety cut out, preventing the machine from continuing to run when the tank is empty.

These combined make it a safe option for a family environment.

Furthermore, the powerful 2400-watt motor is fast working while steaming the wallpaper.

It also provided a generous one hour run time which is certainly enough for a medium to large-sized room in one go. The steamer also works on vinyl surfaces.

The design consists of a tank with a capacity of 4 litres, alongside a large steam plate that can be comfortably held with the open-ended handle on the top.

The entire unit is also pretty lightweight, weighing around 2.5 kilograms and includes a 3-meter power cable.

Thanks to these features, it is easy to manoeuvre while steaming.

In final points, the only downsides of this machine are that the cable could be longer (as some models include longer ones) and the plastic hose is not the most durable option.

Specifications

Size:
32 x 33.5 x 24 cm
Weight:
2.45 kg
Material:
Plastic
Wattage:
2400 W

Pros

  • Large steam plate.
  • Large 4-litre tank capacity.
  • Includes boil dry safety cut out.
  • 60 minute run time.

Cons

  • The cable could be longer.
  • The hose is not very durable.

6. Silverline 2200W DIY Steam Wallpaper Stripper

Highlights
  • 70 minute run time.
  • Large steam pad.
  • High 4.5 litre capacity.
  • Very high wattage.

This black and blue Silverline wallpaper stripper has a generous runtime of 70 minutes which is sufficient for a medium to large-sized room in one run.

The machine runs at 2200 watts and is excellent value for money.

Firstly, the design includes a large 280 by 200 mm steam pad, attached to a 3-meter flexible hose. The flexible nature of the hose makes it super easy to move around while steaming.

It also helps to keep the temperature of the internal steam controlled.

On top of the blue tank lid there is a comfortable plastic handle, enabling you to move around with the stripper with ease.

Plus, the design weighs just over 2 kilograms, making it even easier to move around.

The square-shaped tank has a decent capacity of 4.5 litres at one time.

This pairs well with the 70 minutes run time and should not run out along the way.

This model is quick and easy to set up as it works with simple tap water.

This is excellent for those who wish to keep costs down as it doesn’t require additional purchases of special cleaning solutions,

Lastly, the cons of this model include that the hose could be a little longer in order to provide more movement. It also does require being held in place for a while in each position.

Specifications

Size:
31 x 26.5 x 28.5 cm
Weight:
2.2 kg
Wattage:
2200 W

Pros

  • Includes a 3 meter hose.
  • Lightweight.
  • Good price point.
  • Works with regular tap water.

Cons

  • The hose could be longer
  • Has to be held in place for a while.

Wallpaper Steamer Buying Guide

Power

The power of a wallpaper steamer is determined by its wattage, which you’ll find detailed in each of our wallpaper steamers featured above. 

You will see they range between 1500 to 2200 watts above.

To simplify, a higher wattage means that the machine runs on a higher power level than a lower wattage. 

If you are looking for a home-use steamer. then a lower wattage will do just fine, somewhere around the 1500 watt range.

However, a heavy-duty steamer will require a higher power level. This is particularly important if you need a machine to plough through multiple layers of wallpaper in one go.

Water Tank Capacity

The water tank capacity of a steamer depends on the literal size of the tank that is attached to the hose and the steamer plate. 

You’ll have seen that the general range is between 2 and 8 liters on average. 

A larger water tank will usually be paired with a longer run time, due to the larger supply of steam it can produce. 

Smaller water tanks usually have a lower wattage and a slightly shorter run time. 

Like most features, a smaller tank will be sufficient if you will be covering small to medium areas at one time and don’t want the hassle of refilling the tank.

Use

The need for a wallpaper steamer is to effectively remove wallpaper, while preserving the wall underneath. 

Although the general idea and mechanism of them is the same, there are a few differences between personal and professional wallpaper steamers.

Personal

Personal use wallpaper steamers will usually:

  • Be less expensive.
  • Be smaller in size.
  • Have a lower tank capacity.
  • Have shorter run times.
  • Be lighter in weight.

These aspects combined are due to the fact that they are usually used for less time in one go, and don;t require huge tanks to carry out this purpose. 

Due to their smaller size they will usually come out lighter than professional use models.

Professional

On the other hand, professional wallpaper steamers will:

  • Be larger in size.
  • Have longer run times. 
  • Have high tank capacities.
  • Be more expensive.

Additionally, they may also include extra features and attachments.

Steam Time

The steam time of a wallpaper steamer can be a deciding factor when purchasing one. 

This refers to the running time of the steamer, before it needs to be refilled or automatically switches off. 

Steam times, as you will have seen above, usually range between 45 minutes to 90 minutes at one time. 

More expensive models will have longer run times too.

To put things into perspective, a small to medium size room can usually be completed in around one hour. Therefore, a shorter run time would be suitable for 1 or 2 walls at one time.

Steam Pad

The steam pad of a wallpaper steamer is the flat square or rectangle-shaped surface that attaches to the end of the hose. 

This emits steam from the water tank onto the wallpaper, helping to remove its adhesives.

For larger areas of wallpaper, or for professional use, a larger steam pad will be more convenient. 

If one is required for personal home use, then a smaller size will do just fine.

Safety

Wallpaper steamers are not the most dangerous of machines, but they do require a few key points when in use. There will usually be a manual that will indicate how to use the machine, which should be read first. 

On top of this, extra safety aspects could include:

  • Wearing heat proof gloves when operating the machine.
  • Keeping the water tank away from the wall socket.
  • Closing the door of the room you are working on to ensure no animals or children enter.
  • Switching the machine off before the tank is empty (although some models will automatically switch off).

Pricing Range

It’s evident in our featured products that the price range for wallpaper steamers is pretty vast, with some for as little as 15 pounds and others going for over 300. 

The price is dependent on whether or not it needs a power source, the quality of materials, the run time and features.

Plus, the brand can also affect the price. 

If you are looking for a cheap wallpaper steamer, you can opt for our “Best for Low budgets” option which is a non-electric paper tiger. 

It works by scoring holes into the paper, rather than steaming it off. However, it does require the use of a liquid solution afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How To Use a Wallpaper Steamer?
A:

For a straightforward start to using a wallpaper steamer, follow these steps:

  1. Set the steamer up by following the manual – this usually involves filling the tank, plugging the steamer into the wall socket and switching it on.
  2. Place the steamer plate onto the area of wallpaper that you want to remove, holding it in place for 15 to 20 seconds. Certain steamers may require longer or shorter periods. 
  3. Remove the plate and repeat the process on the next area. 
  4. Slowly, the paper will begin to gently fall off the wall, and can easily be pulled away!

Our Verdict

Six of the best wallpaper steamers covered, and our buying guide to help make the process a little easier for you.

Now you should hopefully be feeling more well-equipped in your decision making when it comes to purchasing a wallpaper steamer.

The fast-working devices can remove the lengthy time and effort needed to tackle wallpaper removal, all while leaving you with a damage-free wall underneath!

As price ranges vary, it’s particularly easy to find one to suit your budget too.

If you are still stuck for choice, we would suggest opting for our “Best Overall” steamer from Black & Decker.

It’s wallet friendly, powerful and comfortable to use.

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