Vaporetto 2400

I bought the Vaporetto 2400 vacuum cleaner primarily for sprucing up carpets and windows, though I was aware of the other features. The instructions are easy to follow. The first job is to knock up a dozen or so cloths like the one provided, from old towels - as these work just as well. It takes about ten minutes to heat up and then you're away. Be aware that the pipe gets warm, and the tool ends can get very hot, as can the metal clips used to connect the pipes together.

On carpets this is no match for a purpose built carpet cleaner. That said, it lifts the pile slightly and will take out surface stains. Anything deeper will see you on your hands and knees using the small tool - just use with care as the steam is HOT. The clips on the brush are very easy to use, and it works much better on carpet with a cloth over the brush. The small brush does a great job on stair carpets I found.

The squeegee is reasonably good on glass (not cold glass for obvious reasons) as long as you dry off as you go with a rag or chamois. Steam for cleaning surfaces is OK, and especially good on mirrored wardrobes and patio doors.

Cookers - hmm, don't believe the hype. It helps, but there is still room for ample elbow grease and the odd chemical to help out here.

Good for blasting mattresses, pillows, and stuffed toys etc., giving your carpet mites and bed bugs 120 degrees Celsius to think about - not an unpleasant way to keep you feeling motivated as you go.

Bathrooms - hardened limescale won't shift, but general gunk will. Makes cleaning toilets a bit less unpleasant.

Iron attachment not tested, but I'm told it is very good.

Polti go hard on the environmental credentials, although the lack of chemicals is possibly offset by the electricity consumption, but you can't have it all ways.

Prices vary, so do your homework. I paid £175 for mine, and would not have wanted to pay much more.

Overall, I am reasonably satisfied but a little disappointed. Would I buy one again? Probably not.