Dupray Neat vs McCulloch: Which Steam Cleaner Should You Buy?
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Finding the right steam cleaner for your needs can be a daunting task when you have to cherry-pick from tons of options.
Fortunately, here at Steam Clean Queen, we are big fans of steam cleaners.
They are good alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners. They have a low impact on the environment because they are 99 percent natural. They are also incredibly easy to use.
In this review, I’ll focus on two of the best steam cleaners on the market today: Dupray Neat and Mcculloch. These multi-purpose steam cleaners are both well-known brands in the world of steam cleaners, but they differ in their uses and benefits.
N.B: For this comparison, we will focus on the Mcculloch 1385 model since it is the most popular.
Keep reading as we compare these two products and determine which is ideal for you.
Quick Overview of Dupray Neat vs McCulloch
| Features | Dupray Neat | McCulloch 1385 |
| Tank size | 54 OC | 64 OC |
| Steam time | 50 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Steam pressure | 50 PSI | 58 PSI |
| Accessories | 17 | 23 |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty, Lifetime Warranty on steam cleaner boiler. | 2-year warranty |
| Steam temperature | 275°F | 200° F |
First Impressions
Dupray Neat
The Dupray Neat steam cleaner cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes all in one unit. This powerful steam cleaner is designed for durability, performance, and ease of use. (Check out our full review of this machine!)
“It effectively removes dirt, grease, stains, and 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, pathogens, bedbugs, mold, and other unwanted substances from any surface, including floors, furniture, toys, kitchen appliances, car interiors, grout, tiles, and bathrooms.” Says every manufacturer EVER.
But if you’ve ever tried to steam clean some real grease and dirt and goo, you’ll know better than to trust them blindly.
To really break down the dirt, the steam needs to be not just hot but super hot.
At 275°F, Dupray checks this box and definitely beats McCulloch.
McCulloch 1385
A bunch of accessories that allow you to sweep huge surfaces as well as pick out the dirt from narrowest nooks? Check.
(I especially like the ginormous head that sails through my living room like a charm.)
Variable steam control and pressure gauge? Check.
A big tank that holds enough water for 2 hours of steaming? Check.
McCulloch’s MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam System delivers on the basic promise: a multi-purpose steam cleaner suitable for mopping and cleaning the entire house, as well as car detailing.
The only problem is, 200°F is a bit subpar, especially when compared to the Dupray.
It translates to more water AND less germ corpses to mop when the steaming is done.
And if your grout doesn’t seem sparkling clean after a steaming session, it’s probably because it’s not.
However, there’s one area where McCulloch gives Dupray a run for its money: the pressure, which is a) higher and b) adjustable. More on that in the next section!
Dupray Neat Vs. McCulloch: Which is Better?
Steaming Power
When buying a steamer, pay attention to the PSI (pound per square inch) or bar rating, which will indicate how well it works in smaller areas. The typical minimum pressure for a low moisture vapor steamer for homeowners or light commercial users is 58 PSI (4 bars).
The Dupray Neat is rated 50 PSI. Its intense power lets it blast through calibrated nozzles, vaporizing dust from minuscule regions. It is fully capable of spraying dry vapor into the tiniest corners, dissolving dust, dirt, and grime instantly.
The maximum pressure of the McCulloch steam cleaner, on the other hand, is 4 bars, which is 58 pounds per square inch. It’s fair to say that the MC1385 can do slightly better than the Neat when it comes to pressure power, even if the difference between the two is marginal.
You should choose the McCulloch if you are looking for a more powerful unit. The most beautiful part is that the user can select the amount of steam pressure (water) used during continuous sprays based on their preferences.
Plus, its many accessories probably make it option #1 for auto detailing!
Water Tank and Heating Time
The tank and heating time make a huge difference.
Dragging the heavy tank around, heaving to refill and putting it down twice during a single session, and having to wait for ages until the water turns into steam can frustrate the heck out of you.
Dupray’s 54-ounce tank can house enough water to allow for 50 minutes of continuous steaming. Not great, not terrible! In fact, just enough for a mid-sized home that isn’t super yucky. It takes just 7 minutes to heat the water.
An integrated funnel means you don’t have to waste 15 minutes on aiming so that water doesn’t splash all over the place.
Dupray offers a lifetime warranty for its heating element, along with a generous two-year manufacturer warranty. Steam cleaners are pretty darn expensive, so this is a thing too.
(Doesn’t mean you should bang the head too much, though. It’s plastic, and I’m pretty sure no manufacturer would bother to accept that kind of return.)
In contrast to the Dupray Neat’s sleek design, the McCulloch MC1385 canister-style design is much larger and rugged. With the MC1385, you can heat water to over 200° in less than 12 minutes using a 64-ounce boiler unit. That’s a full 2 hours of continuous steaming – a godsend for bigger homes!
Comparing each unit minute by minute, we can see that the Neat offers the most efficient cleaning performance (50 ounces in under 7 minutes). However, the MC1385 provides more cleaning time per tank.
Accessories
Dupray Neat comes with a comprehensive 17-piece accessory set, which includes many extension tubes, microfiber cloths, a rectangular floorhead, a handy squeegee tool, and a bunch of brushes.
You can clean carpets, upholstery, and other delicate surfaces where direct steam would melt fibers with the bonnet.
And let me give you a friendly piece of advice: keep all the tools in a bag or container if you don’t want them to end up under the couch, in the toy bin or the cat’s litter box.
There are 23 accessories included with the MC1385, including brushes and pads. A handy scraper tool comes with the kit for efficiently removing stubborn debris from flat surfaces.
In this category of Dupray Neat steam cleaner vs. McCulloch 1385, McCulloch wins because it comes with more accessories than Neat. (More on different McCulloch models in this review!)
Portability and Compactness
No one wants to lug around clunky, cumbersome equipment every time they clean. Because these cleaners are lightweight and compact, they’re easy to maneuver and carry around.
(Keep in mind, though, that they’ll be much heavier when the tanks are full. But that goes for any steam cleaner in the world.)
The Neat’s most significant advantage over most steam cleaners is its design. The square design and compact build make it a standout among its bulkier, less attractive competitors.
Dupray Neat weighs just 9 pounds when it is empty, so moving it up and down stairs shouldn’t be a problem.
McCulloch also comes with a sturdy handle and wheels. So, in terms of portability, these units are on par with each other.
Dupray Neat vs McCulloch 1385: The Verdict
After examining the two products side by side, one thing’s clear: both are decent in some respects, very good in others.
However, despite the MC1385’s versatility, the Dupray Neat steam cleaner is more effective since it produces steam at a higher temperature than the McCulloch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Dupray Neat manufactured?
Dupray steam cleaner’s accessories are all made in Italy by Tecnovap®. The cleaner itself is designed in Canada.
How hot does the Dupray Neat get?
Dupray Neat has a steam temperature of 275°F. That’s more than enough to not only kill all the germs, but also to avoid drenching your floors in water.
How much water does a Dupray steam cleaner need?
Three liters of water will be needed on average per hour during continuous use of a steam cleaner, such as those from Dupray. Because the steam contains very little water, it does not harm upholstery, carpets, mattresses, cushions, leather, or other material.
Is McCulloch a good steam cleaner?
McCulloch is a good steam cleaner, especially if you want to clean a large area. It has a 64-ounce water tank, and you can heat water to over 200°F in 12 minutes.
