Best Wallpaper Steamer Under £150
Stripping old wallpaper by hand is slow and messy. A reliable wallpaper steamer under £150 makes the job faster and cleaner, saving you hours of scraping.
Quick answer
The Wagner Steamer 100 is the best wallpaper steamer under £150 for most people. It heats up in under a minute, produces continuous steam for 45 minutes, and includes a large 10.8 x 24 cm steam plate. For a lighter budget option, the VonHaus 2-in-1 Steamer offers good value.
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Research updated June 2026.
Wagner Steamer 100
Fast heat-up, long runtime, and a large plate for efficient stripping.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagner Steamer 100 | Overall Best | 1500 W, 1.3 L tank | 4.5/5 | Under £150 |
| VonHaus 2-in-1 | Budget Choice | 1500 W, 1.2 L tank | 4.2/5 | Under £100 |
| Battery Power GT1500 | Fast Heat-up | 1500 W, 1.5 L tank | 4.3/5 | Under £130 |
| Earlex SS55UK | Large Plate | 1500 W, 1.2 L tank | 4.4/5 | Under £140 |
| Bosch Steam Stripper | Compact Design | 1500 W, 1.0 L tank | 4.1/5 | Under £150 |
Wagner Steamer 100
Best OverallPros
- Very fast heat-up time
- Large steam plate covers more area
- Long continuous steam runtime
Cons
- Hose can feel stiff initially
- No variable steam control
The Wagner Steamer 100 is the top choice for anyone wanting a reliable wallpaper steamer under £150. Its 1500 W motor heats water in about 60 seconds, so you can start stripping almost immediately. The 1.3-liter tank provides up to 45 minutes of continuous steam, enough for a medium-sized room without refilling. The large 10.8 x 24 cm steam plate helps loosen wallpaper quickly, reducing the time spent on each section.
Owner reviews consistently praise its build quality and ease of use. Some users note that the hose can be a bit stiff when new, but it loosens up after a few uses. Overall, it offers the best balance of performance, runtime, and price in this category.
VonHaus 2-in-1 Wallpaper Steamer
Best BudgetPros
- Very affordable price
- 2-in-1 function (steamer and scraper)
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- Shorter steam runtime than top pick
- Plastic build feels less durable
The VonHaus 2-in-1 is a solid budget-friendly wallpaper steamer under £150. It offers 1500 W of power and a 1.2-liter tank that gives around 40 minutes of steam. The 2-in-1 design includes a steam plate and a scraper attachment, which can be useful for tackling stubborn edges. It heats up in about 90 seconds, slightly slower than the Wagner but still acceptable for most users.
Owner reviews highlight its value for money, especially for small rooms or one-off jobs. The main trade-off is build quality: the plastic components feel less robust than metal alternatives. However, for occasional use, it performs well and gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Battery Power GT1500
Fast Heat-upPros
- Largest water tank in this price range
- Fastest heat-up time
- Long steam runtime
Cons
- Plate size is smaller than average
- Some users report steam sputtering
The Battery Power GT1500 is designed for speed. With a 1500 W motor and a 1.5-liter tank, it heats up in just 45 seconds and provides up to 50 minutes of steam. This makes it the fastest-heating wallpaper steamer under £150 on our list. The larger tank means fewer refills, which is helpful for larger rooms.
However, the steam plate is smaller than the Wagner or Earlex models, so you may need to spend more time on each section. Some owner reviews mention occasional steam sputtering, but overall it is a reliable performer. It is best for users who prioritize fast heat-up and long runtime over plate size.
Earlex SS55UK
Large PlatePros
- Extra-large steam plate for fast coverage
- Consistent steam output
- Good build quality
Cons
- Shorter steam runtime than some rivals
- Heavier than average
The Earlex SS55UK is known for its large steam plate, which measures 11 x 26 cm. This allows you to cover more surface area with each pass, speeding up the stripping process. It has a 1500 W motor, a 1.2-liter tank, and heats up in about 70 seconds. The steam output is consistent, which helps loosen even multiple layers of wallpaper.
Owner reviews often mention its durability and effective steam delivery. The main downside is the shorter runtime (40 minutes) compared to the Wagner or Battery Power models. It is also slightly heavier, which may cause fatigue during extended use. Still, for large areas, the plate size is a clear advantage.
Bosch Steam Stripper
Compact DesignPros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to store and transport
- Bosch brand reliability
Cons
- Smallest water tank on this list
- Shorter steam runtime
The Bosch Steam Stripper is the most compact wallpaper steamer under £150. It features a 1500 W motor and a 1.0-liter tank, providing about 35 minutes of steam. Its small footprint makes it easy to store in tight spaces and carry around the house. It heats up in around 80 seconds, which is reasonable for its size.
Owner reviews appreciate its portability and Bosch build quality. However, the smaller tank means more frequent refills, and the runtime is shorter than most competitors. It is best suited for small rooms or touch-up jobs where maneuverability is key, rather than whole-house projects.
What to Check Before Buying a Wallpaper Steamer Under £150
When choosing a wallpaper steamer, focus on power, tank size, heat-up time, and plate dimensions. Power is usually 1500 W in this price range, which is sufficient for most jobs. Tank size determines how long you can work without refilling: a 1.2 to 1.5-liter tank is ideal for medium rooms. Heat-up time should be under 90 seconds for convenience. A larger steam plate covers more area per pass, speeding up the job. Also check hose length and flexibility, as a stiff hose can be awkward to use. Finally, consider weight and storage: lighter models are easier to handle but may have smaller tanks.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Wallpaper Steamer
One common mistake is not scoring the wallpaper before steaming. Thick or vinyl wallpaper can resist steam if not perforated first. Use a scoring tool to create small holes for steam penetration. Another mistake is holding the plate in one spot too long, which can damage the drywall. Keep the plate moving slowly across the surface. Avoid overfilling the tank, as this can cause water to spit out. Always use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup in the boiler. Finally, do not rush the process: let the steam work for 10-15 seconds before scraping. Patience leads to cleaner results and less damage to walls.
FAQs
Can I use a wallpaper steamer on painted walls?
Yes, but be cautious as steam can soften paint. Test on a small area first.
How long does a wallpaper steamer take to heat up?
Most models under £150 heat up in 45 to 90 seconds. Faster models like the Battery Power GT1500 take around 45 seconds.
What is the best wallpaper steamer for thick wallpaper?
The Wagner Steamer 100 or Earlex SS55UK are best for thick or multiple layers due to their large plates and consistent steam output.
Can I use a wallpaper steamer on ceiling wallpaper?
Yes, but it is more difficult due to gravity. Use a lightweight model like the Bosch Steam Stripper for easier handling overhead.
How do I clean a wallpaper steamer after use?
Empty the tank, rinse with clean water, and wipe the plate. Use distilled water to reduce mineral buildup.
Is a wallpaper steamer better than a chemical stripper?
Yes, steam is faster and less messy. It avoids harsh chemicals and works on most wallpaper types.
What wattage is best for a wallpaper steamer?
1500 W is standard and sufficient for effective steam production. Lower wattage may result in slower heat-up and weaker steam.
Can I rent a wallpaper steamer instead of buying?
Yes, renting is an option for one-off jobs. However, buying a budget model under £150 can be more cost-effective if you plan to use it multiple times.
How do I prevent mold after steaming wallpaper?
Ensure the room is well-ventilated during and after steaming. Dry the walls thoroughly before applying new wallpaper or paint.
What is the warranty on these steamers?
Most brands offer a 1 to 2-year warranty. Check the manufacturer's policy before purchasing.
Our verdict
The Wagner Steamer 100 is the best wallpaper steamer under £150 for most users, offering fast heat-up, long runtime, and a large plate. For those on a tighter budget, the VonHaus 2-in-1 provides good value. Choose the Earlex SS55UK if you need the largest plate for quick coverage, or the Battery Power GT1500 for the fastest heat-up. The Bosch Steam Stripper is ideal for compact storage and small jobs.