(checked 2026-10-10)
Picked by Good Housekeeping for scrubbing and Better Homes & Gardens for tile: spinning pads do the scrubbing and it nearly steers itself. But it loosens grime without picking it up, Wirecutter found it no better than cheaper mops, the cord is short and flimsy, and Amazon owners mention streaks and swirl marks.
Top complaints
- Loosens grime but pushes debris around
Better Homes & Gardens says the spinning pads loosen grime but don't absorb it, pushing clumps of dust and hair around so you have to pick them up afterward. Amazon owners report streaks and swirl marks.
- Short, flimsy cord that can snag
Good Housekeeping's con is the cord length (18 ft), Better Homes & Gardens found the cord flimsy and in the way, and Wirecutter says spinning-head mops can snag on their own cords.
- Costs more without cleaning much better
Wirecutter says the S8201 costs appreciably more than its picks and didn't clean noticeably better, with sticky honey slowing the spinning heads and the larger pads harder to get into corners. Amazon owners are split on value and some report no steam.
What owners love
- Scrubs for you
Good Housekeeping says the rotating pads plus three steam levels handle even the stickiest stains; Better Homes & Gardens says it works especially well on dried, set-in messes and grimy tile.
Source: Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens - Nearly moves itself
Good Housekeeping says it practically moves itself across the floor; Better Homes & Gardens says it's light (6.9 lb), one-handed and reaches under the fridge. Amazon owners compare it to a self-propelled lawn mower.
- Durable, easy pads and headlights
Good Housekeeping says the machine-washable pads are a cinch to attach and held up well to laundering, and LED headlights reveal hidden debris.
Source: Good Housekeeping
- You want the lowest price
- You hate going back over loosened debris
- You clean lots of tight corners
- Dried, set-in messes on tile
- Low-effort, one-handed mopping
- Seeing dirt with LED headlights
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best for scrubbing (updated 2026-06-19): easy to maneuver, LED headlights, large tank and three steam levels. Con: not the longest cord. Lists $190.
- Better Homes & Gardens: Best for tile (updated 2026-10-06): heats in about 30 seconds and scrubs with little effort, but loosens grime without picking it up; flimsy cord.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not picked (updated 2025-11-19): costs appreciably more and didn't clean noticeably better; may be worth it on sale for large spaces.