Black+Decker Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.8/10
Best for: Chemical-free steam cleaning and sanitising of sealed hard floors
Not for: Unsealed wood or carpets, and soaking up spills - it cleans with steam, not a wet mop
Bottom line: A practical steam mop (2-in-1 mop + handheld, 15-second heat-up, 1300W) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
With a 1300W steam system and a 500ml tank, the Black+Decker FSMH1351SM-QS is designed to deliver everyday steam mopping with a 15-second heat-up. This steam mop model is a 2-in-1 steam mop with a detachable handheld, allowing small areas to be cleaned without switching tools, and it uses a 500ml tank to support continuous use. The compact tank capacity may require more frequent refilling for larger homes, but it remains a strong option for routine sealed hard-floor refreshes where fast warm-up matters.
Key specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 1300W |
| Heat-up | 15 sec |
| Tank | 500ml |
| Design | 2-in-1 mop + handheld |
Pros
- 2-in-1 mop + handheld
- 15-second heat-up
- 500ml tank for longer cleaning
- Chemical-free cleaning and sanitising with just water
- Floors dry quickly after steaming
Cons
- Only for SEALED hard floors - not unsealed wood, waxed floors or carpet
- Washable pads are the ongoing cost and need regular cleaning
- Needs a power socket and tank refills on big jobs
Cleaning Performance
The Black+Decker focuses on steam cleaning through a mop head for sealed hard floors and a detachable handheld unit for smaller, more localised cleaning. On everyday dust and light marks, the mop format supports broad, even passes while steam helps loosen residue during repeated strokes. For stains close to edges, upholstery creases, or spot tasks, the handheld cleaner enables targeted contact without moving large items. Cleaning results depend on the surface type and how long steam contacts the grime, and heavy build-up may require multiple passes.
Steam, Heat-Up and Water Tank
Steam production is driven by a 1300 W heating system, and the unit reaches working temperature in about 15 seconds, so it can be ready quickly between cleaning sessions. Once heated, the mop and handheld cleaner can emit steam for spot work, while the glove attachment supports handheld tasks. This quick warm-up helps reduce downtime, although a modest tank size may require mid-way refills on larger floors.
Floor Types and Pads
Once the mop is warm and the 500 ml tank is ready, the next step is matching the steam and pad system to the right floor type. The FSMH1351SM-QS uses pads to help distribute steam evenly, which supports more consistent results on compatible sealed hard floors. Steam mopping is for sealed hard floors such as sealed laminate, tile, vinyl and sealed hardwood, where the pad's contact can help lift loosened grime. Quick, controlled passes help prevent streaking on these sealed surfaces. Steam mops use hot steam (just water) rather than detergent, so compatibility depends on the floor finish. Steam should not be used on unsealed wood, waxed floors or carpet, and it is important to follow the floor manufacturer's advice. On delicate finishes, testing on a small hidden area first helps confirm suitability. If the floor feels damp after mopping, reducing pressure and using fewer strokes can help the surface dry more quickly.
Type: Upright Mop, Handheld or Multi
The steam mop's FSMH1351SM-QS is a multi-purpose steam cleaner designed to work as an upright steam mop and a handheld steamer. This setup supports cleaning larger floor areas while also reaching smaller spots such as edges and tight corners. It heats up in 15 seconds, helping it switch between floor steaming and detail work. A 500 ml tank provides steam for a limited session before refilling, so longer cleaning may require breaks. In upright mode, it is intended for everyday sealed hard-floor cleaning with suitable pads, while the handheld function is for detail steaming such as spots and creases. Having one device for both modes is convenient, but it also means fewer specialised features than dedicated tools.
Weight, Cord and Handling
The FSMH1351SM-QS is designed for both upright floor mopping and handheld spot cleaning, and the way it moves between those tasks depends heavily on its weight, cord, and general grip. Not much is specified about its exact weight or cord length, so expectations must be managed. In use, the 1300W steam system and 500ml tank support continuous cleaning, but the key constraint is manual handling time. For floors, the main unit is kept steady while mopping, then lifted for use as a handheld cleaner. The STEAMITT glove can help with contact, although cord routing can still tangle.
Who Is This Steam Mop For?
For whom does this steam mop make the most sense? The Black+Decker suits people who want one appliance for floor mopping and quick spot cleaning. It has 1300W power, a 500ml tank and a 15-second heat up time, so it suits smaller, frequent cleaning sessions more than long, nonstop jobs. The 2-in-1 design, plus handheld cleaner, suits households with stairs, car mats or bathroom surfaces that need targeted steam. It also suits users who prefer glove-assisted handling, with a STEAMITT glove included. Buyers needing very large deep-clean coverage may find the 500ml tank limiting.
Where to Buy in the UK
Where can someone buy the steam mop in the UK, and what should they check before purchasing? Shoppers can look for this model through major UK retailers that sell The Black+Decker FSMH1351SM-QS home-care products, including Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO and Argos, as well as B&Q and Dunelm where available. Before paying, they should confirm the listing details match the product specification, including that it is a 2-in-1 mop plus handheld unit, with 1300 W power, a 500 ml tank, and a 15 sec heat up time. They should also check that the box includes the STEAMITT glove and 9 accessories, and that the model code is shown as FSMH1351SM-QS, as stock and bundle contents can vary between sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Black+Decker worth it?
For chemical-free cleaning and sanitising of sealed hard floors, the steam mop lifts grime and kills most germs with hot steam, and with 15-second heat-up it's quick to get going. Check the current Amazon UK price, as steam mops go on deal often.
Is the Black+Decker an upright mop, handheld or multi-cleaner?
The steam mop is a 2-in-1 - it works as an upright steam mop for floors and detaches into a handheld steamer for worktops, tiles and grout. That versatility is handy if you want one tool for the whole house.
Do steam mops actually work?
Yes - they heat water into hot steam that loosens dirt and sanitises sealed hard floors without chemicals, killing most household germs. They're for cleaning sealed floors, not for soaking up spills like a regular mop, and the floor dries quickly afterwards.
What floors can you use this steam mop on?
The Black+Decker suits sealed hard floors - sealed laminate, tile, vinyl and sealed hardwood. Avoid unsealed wood, waxed floors and damaged sealing, as steam and moisture can get into gaps. Always check your floor manufacturer's advice first.
How quickly does the Black+Decker FSMH1351SM-QS heat up?
The steam mop has 15-second heat-up, so there's little waiting before you start - one of the conveniences of a modern steam mop over older models that took minutes to get going.
How big is the water tank on this steam mop?
The Black+Decker has a 500ml tank. A bigger tank means longer cleaning between refills; smaller, lighter mops trade tank size for manoeuvrability.
Do you need cleaning solution with the steam mop?
No - that's the point of steam cleaning: the Black+Decker uses only tap water turned to steam, so there are no chemicals or solution to buy (some models offer optional scent discs). It's a cheaper, more natural way to clean and sanitise floors.