If you’ve ever stared at the baked-on grease around your stove burners and wondered if it will ever come off, you’re not alone.
I’ve tried every spray and wipe out there, but nothing really worked. That’s why I was surprised to find the Kmart Handheld Steamer for $49. Here’s what it does well, what to watch out for, and whether it’s worth buying.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- No chemicals needed — steam alone does the cleaning, which is a bonus in the kitchen
- Great for stovetops — the angled nozzle gets into tight spots around burners where sprays can’t reach
- Works on grout, shower screens, and upholstery too, not just the stove
- Heats up in under a minute and is quiet compared to larger steam cleaners
- 10 minutes of steam per tank — fine for focused jobs, but you’ll need to refill for bigger tasks
- 10 attachments included — no need to buy extras
- Not a replacement for a steam mop — best for targeted, quick cleaning jobs
- A few safety quirks to know — keep it angled under 45°, don’t point at cold glass, and the noise getting louder means the tank is low
What is the Kmart handheld steamer?
The Anko Handheld Steamer is a corded, plug-in steam cleaner. It heats tap water to produce high-temperature steam, which loosens dirt, grime and grease from hard surfaces, without chemicals.
It’s compact, with a 350ml water tank at the base and a 3-metre power cord. The package includes 10 attachments covering the most common household cleaning jobs: an angled nozzle for tight spots, a grout brush for tile lines, a scraper tool for stubborn residue, a squeegee plate for glass, and a mop head with microfibre cloth for curtains and upholstery.
At 1.7kg, it’s light enough to use one-handed, and the handle design makes it comfortable to manoeuvre around the kitchen.
Our verdict
Set up is simple
Just fill the tank using the little beaker that comes in the box, plug it in, and wait for the light to turn green. The first time I used it, there was a bit of water spluttering for about half a minute, but the instructions say that’s normal and nothing to worry about. Once it heats up, the steam comes out strong and steady.
When I tried it on my stovetop, I was impressed
The angled nozzle really gets into those tricky spots around the burners where grease loves to hide. The steam actually lifts off the grime. After a quick wipe with a cloth, the surface looked great.
It’s also much quieter than those big steam cleaners
Kmart’s handheld steam cleaner doesn’t make much noise, except when the water runs low.
The squeegee attachment actually does the job
I tried it on my shower screen, and the steam loosened up the soap scum so I could wipe it away. It’s not as quick as a fancy window cleaner, but for something that comes with a $49 steamer, it’s a nice extra.
Run time is short but manageable
You get about 10 minutes of steam per tank, so for bigger cleaning jobs, you’ll need to refill.
One important note from the manual: don’t point steam at cold glass, as the thermal shock can crack it. Let the windows warm slightly before using the squeegee attachment.
Is it worth it?
For $49, I think it’s worth it, as long as you know what you’re getting. This isn’t going to replace a big steam mop, but it’s perfect for quick, focused jobs like the stovetop, shower grout, or bathroom taps. It does those jobs well, and you get a bunch of attachments in the box so you don’t have to buy anything extra.
If you’ve been putting up with greasy stovetop corners because nothing else works, this is an easy and affordable fix. Plus, it cleans without any chemicals, which is a big bonus in the kitchen.
Things worth knowing before you start
A few things the manual mentions that are easy to miss:
- Keep it under 45 degrees while running. Tilting the unit too steeply while steaming can cause boiling water to spray out with the steam.
- Steam keeps coming for a few seconds after you switch off. This is normal. It’s just residual pressure releasing from the pump and tubes. Don’t point the nozzle at anything sensitive while you’re turning it off.
- The unit getting louder is a warning, not a fault. As the water runs low, the pump works harder, and the noise increases noticeably. That’s your cue to stop and refill. Running it dry isn’t good for the pump.
Where to buy the handheld steamer
The Anko handheld steamer is available at Kmart in-store and online.
Handheld steamer FAQs
No, the manual says to use only clean water. Adding detergents, bleach, solvents, or any other agent can damage the unit and may cause injury. The steam itself is the cleaning agent.
Up to about one minute. A red indicator light shows it’s heating; it turns green when ready to use.
Yes, but you need to switch it off, unplug it, and let it cool first before opening the tank cap. Never remove the cap while the unit is in use or still hot.
Not all surfaces. Avoid waxed surfaces (the heat can strip the wax), unsealed wood, and cold glass. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions for any surface you’re unsure about, and test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Detach and wash accessories in warm, soapy water. Never immerse the main unit in water, and don’t put any components in the dishwasher.
12 months from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials and workmanship. For Kmart purchases, contact 1800 124 125 (Australia) or 0800 945 995 (New Zealand).
