Black & Decker SteamMop and Portable Steamer (2-in-1, corded)

A flexible steam cleaner that actually earns its 2‑in‑1 badge

I’ve used a lot of steam mops that promise floor-to-ceiling versatility only to deliver a flimsy handheld or a mediocre mop. This Black+Decker 2‑in‑1 steamer is one of the few that feels like a real upgrade in both modes. It heats in roughly 20 seconds, produces steady steam without making me hold a trigger, and converts to a handheld with a proper hose and tool set for grout lines, glass, and upholstery. It’s not flawless—more on pads and longevity below—but it’s effective, quick to deploy, and practical for a home with a mix of sealed hardwood, tile, and vinyl.

Setup and design

Out of the box, I snapped the handle in, attached the water tank, and was steaming within minutes. The unit is corded and about 8.5 lb, light enough to carry around, and the swiveling head makes it easy to snake around table legs and under toe kicks. The tank is large by steam-mop standards (about 20 oz), which means fewer trips to the sink. I can comfortably do my kitchen, entry, and two bathrooms on a single fill, with enough left for touch-ups.

The control scheme is simple and useful. A SmartSelect dial adjusts steam output, which matters when switching from grouted tile (higher steam) to sealed wood (lower steam). The continuous steam is a big relief—no sore fingers from holding a trigger—and the output is consistent once the unit is up to temperature. The handle angle and balance feel right when mopping; in handheld mode, the accessory hose gives enough reach to hit shower walls and counter edges without contorting.

Build quality is mostly sturdy plastic. Nothing feels luxurious, but the joints and latches have held up during my testing. I treat any steamer as an appliance, not a pry bar, and this one rewards a gentle touch.

Performance on sealed floors

On sealed hardwood and vinyl plank, I keep the dial near the lower end. The steamer glides smoothly and leaves floors only slightly damp; drying is quick, which is important for wood finishes. On ceramic tile, stepping the steam up a notch noticeably lifts sticky messes and soap splashes with minimal passes. If you move the mop slowly—think an inch a second—steam has time to loosen grime, and the pad does the rest.

The head pivots flat under cabinet faces and, because it’s not overly bulky, I can clean the border along baseboards without flipping the mop. Edge cleaning is decent; corners still benefit from a quick pass with the handheld detail nozzle.

One operational tip: preheat fully and purge the line for a few seconds away from the floor. That clears any condensation so your first pass doesn’t leave excess water.

Black+Decker claims it kills up to 99% of certain germs on sealed surfaces when used with a microfiber pad. I can’t verify lab numbers, but in practice the combination of heat and a clean pad leaves kitchen and bath floors looking and smelling freshly sanitized without chemical residue.

Handheld mode and attachments

The handheld conversion is the standout. Click off the mop body, clip on the accessory hose, and you have a nimble steamer for detailed cleaning. The included tools cover most household needs:

• Grout brush: A small, stiff brush that directs steam into the lines. It loosened surface soil quickly; old, deep staining still needs elbow grease, but regular passes keep grout from re-darkening.
• Copper brush: Useful for baked-on grime on metal racks or the grill, where you want slightly more bite than nylon. I avoid it on delicate finishes.
• Small detail brush: Good for faucet bases, stove crevices, and window tracks.
• Crevice tool: Concentrates steam into thin seams. It’s handy along sink silicone and appliance trim.
• Upholstery brush with slipcover: For spot-refreshing synthetic fabrics and mattresses. Always test in an inconspicuous area and keep the tool moving to avoid overwetting.
• Squeegee with pad: Paired with the steamer, it works well on glass shower doors. I steam from top to bottom, then squeegee in overlapping strokes for a streak-free finish.

In handheld use, the continuous steam is especially nice—you can vary your distance to modulate heat, and the tools don’t spit water once the system stabilizes. Place a towel below vertical surfaces to catch drips, and let metal fixtures cool before wiping.

Pads and real-world cleaning

The mop ships with two reusable pads. They’re low-profile and glide well, but they don’t pick up as much embedded dirt as thicker, looped microfiber or cotton terry. I got better results swapping to a higher-pile pad after the initial loosening pass, especially on textured tile. If you’re sticking with the included style, plan to flip or swap pads mid-clean on dirtier floors to avoid smearing.

A few pad tips:
- Pre-moisten the pad lightly for faster initial steam transfer.
- Wash pads without fabric softener; it reduces absorbency.
- Keep a small bin of clean pads and change them as soon as they look gray.

Replacement pads are easy to find (look for model SMP20), and third-party cotton options can boost pickup if your floors track in a lot of grit.

Usability and ergonomics

The cord is long enough that I can do my kitchen and adjoining hall without switching outlets. The swivel head turns sharply and lies low, and the unit parks stably when I set it upright to move a chair. In handheld mode, the hose and tools are light and easy to control, though I do wish there were more onboard storage for all the attachments; I keep them in a small tote near the laundry.

Noise is a gentle hiss and occasional burble from the tank. Conversations and podcasts are still audible while cleaning.

Maintenance and care

Like all steamers, this one benefits from basic care:
- Use distilled or demineralized water if you have hard water; it helps prevent scale that can clog the system.
- Let the steamer cool before emptying any remaining water; storing it dry reduces mineral and microbial issues.
- Descale periodically per the manual if you notice reduced steam output.
- Inspect O-rings on the hose and accessories; a dab of food-grade silicone grease keeps seals supple.

These habits matter for performance and longevity. The unit has a 2‑year limited warranty, which is reassuring, but it’s not a substitute for avoiding scale buildup or rough handling of the hose and latches.

Limitations

A few areas could be better:
- Pad effectiveness out of the box is only okay; upgrading to thicker microfiber or cotton improves pickup.
- The plastic construction keeps weight down but doesn’t inspire heavy-duty confidence. I’m careful with storing and carrying it.
- Like any steam mop, it’s not for unsealed wood or waxed floors. Check your finish first.
- There’s no trigger, which I like, but it also means you’re always steaming in ready mode. If you need to pause, set it upright or turn the dial down to avoid over-steaming a spot.

Who it’s for

If you want a single machine to maintain sealed hardwood, tile, and vinyl, and to detail clean grout, glass, and fixtures without chemicals, this steamer hits a sweet spot of power, speed, and versatility. It’s especially good for smaller to medium homes where the 20 oz tank can cover a typical cleaning session. Households with dogs or kids that prefer a chemical-light routine will appreciate the quick heat and sanitary feel.

If you need heavy-duty, all-day cleaning or commercial durability, you’ll likely want a pro-grade canister steamer with higher pressure, thicker hoses, and metal fittings. And if your floors are unsealed or oil-finished wood, skip steam entirely.

The bottom line

This Black+Decker 2‑in‑1 steamer heats fast, steams consistently, and genuinely works in both mop and handheld modes. The tool set is well chosen, the tank size minimizes refills, and the continuous steam helps you move quickly. Its biggest weaknesses are the default pads (usable but underwhelming) and a mostly plastic build that rewards careful handling and routine maintenance.

Recommendation: I recommend it for homeowners who want a capable, chemical-free cleaner for sealed surfaces and appreciate the flexibility of a convertible system. Pair it with better pads, use distilled water, and stick to sealed surfaces, and you’ll get efficient day-to-day cleaning plus handy detailing power from a single, reasonably priced machine. If you’re rough on tools or need commercial-level durability, consider a heavier-duty unit instead.