Last updated on November 28th, 2023
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Put away that sponge and water, I reveal the best wallpaper strippers to make stripping wallpaper much easier and much faster
A wallpaper steamer is one of those things you never knew you needed until you get one. If you’re renovating your house or simply redecorating, then a wallpaper steamer can save you hours of time and make your life much easier.
Having now renovated two houses and decorated each on more than one occasion (The wifes decision not mine), I’ve done my fair share of stripping wallpaper day after day and have also used several different models in that time. The problem is, not all wallpaper steamers are equal, some are somewhat bulky and difficult to store, some were difficult to fill with water because of small filler caps, some had short hoses or were simply poor quality, and the list goes on. With this in mind, I have reviewed some of the best wallpaper steamers including the model I now use myself which I love but more on that model below.
Before we go into more detail and look at my top 4 wallpaper strippers, below is the winner of my ‘Best Pick’ which is the Black + Decker KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper also pictured above which I think is the best wallpaper steamer for most people, especially for home use. It really is a brilliant model.
Best Pick
If you’re a professional decorator, you may find the Earlex LMB275 SteaMMaster Wallpaper Stripper is well worth considering with its impressive 190 minutes run time and excellent performance to match. Simply made for the most demanding jobs day after day.
Professional Pick
- 190 minutes of uninterrupted steaming time.
- Comes with a protective functional casing.
- Designed with extra-long cable and hose.
- Very powerful integrated heater and fast heat up time.
- Larger tank for much longer running time.
To pick the best wallpaper strippers you have to consider a few factors but there not all that obvious, it’s not as simple as just comparing the wattage. Below I will discuss these factors in length and explain why I choose one model over another and if it’s right for you.
The best wallpaper stripper which are included in our review:
- BLACK+DECKER KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper – My Best Pick
- Earlex LMB275 SteaMMaster Wallpaper Stripper – Professionals Pick
- Earlex SS125UKP Warrior Wallpaper Stripper
- Wagner W-16 Steam Wallpaper Stripper
TOP 4 BEST WALLPAPER STRIPPER REVIEWS
1. BLACK + DECKER KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper Review
BEST PICK
The Black + Decker KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper is, without doubt, one of the best wallpaper steamers currently available and I will explain why below. I have been using this model a lot and at the end of the day, all the wallpaper steamers I have used do as expected, create steam. However, I feel this model by Black + Decker goes a step further in that they have really thought about the overall design which I talk about below. I will say, it seems to create more steam than some of the other models but I have no way to measure that.
Quality-wise, it’s really well made, good quality plastics, decent hose, I’ve had no issues with kinking which has been a problem with some previous models I have used. In terms of the length, the hose is around 3.65 meters but that’s pretty standard but the power cord is 3 meters which are longer than most other alternative models that come with cables as short as 2 meters.
In terms of power, it’s 2400w which is fairly powerful for a wallpaper steamer, more than enough to get the water boiling within a few minutes so that’s time saved. To give you some perspective, some models can take nearly 10 minutes or longer to start boiling, I think within 3-4 minutes it was boiling away and ready to use.
A little tip when using wallpaper steams, sometimes depending on the wallpaper type and if it’s painted wallpaper, it can be difficult to remove even with a wallpaper steamer. All you need to do is score the wallpaper with the edge of your scraper and then apply the steaming plate for a few seconds. This worked great for me and the wallpaper came straight off. My walls were painted with gloss paint so I needed to do that when I removed the wallpaper just recently as the gloss paper asked like a waterproof layer.
So in terms of how long it took before needing to be filled back up, Black + Decker say 60 minutes, in reality, it’s more like 50 minutes but not far off. So the tank is 4 litres, not bad but it’s worth noting it one of the smallest of all the models I have tried as there usually around 5 litres so will run for a little longer.
Now for what I really like, all these points I make now are not essential but I feel it’s what makes using this model much easier and more convenient to use.
Firstly, its easy to tell how full the tank is as shown in the picture.
The filler hole is big, much bigger than most other models, this means it’s much easier and faster to fill. With most models, you have to fill them slowly, and if you’re impatient like me, the water usually overspills when filling.
Second, they insist on using tiny caps which can be difficult to get your fingers around properly. This Black + Decker model has a fairly large cap which makes it easy to remove which is great.
Something else that only comes from experience, when you’re using a steamer in a large room, I often find myself pulling the steamer by accident with the hose, this usually pulls out the power cord from the back of the steamer and it turns off.
Black + Decker have obviously thought about this and the cable is fixed in position and cannot be pulled out. However, it’s not permanently fixed as this would less than ideal, if you remove two screws, there is a plastic holder that can be removed so you can remove the power cord if you want to store it for a long period of time.
Finally, the last thing I like which comes in very useful is that the steam plate can be stored on the side of the wallpaper steamer tank and the handle on the steamer plate is also designed so the hose can hang over the handle. This is a great design as it makes it easy to store when not in use and carry around keeping everything neat and tidy.
PROS
- Does an amazing job at removing wallpaper that’s to the powerful 2400W element.
- Quality construction with a built-in handle to make moving it around easy.
- Long 3.75-meter hose 3-meter power cable for better reach on tall walls and ceiling
- Large filler cap and hole for filling water and easy to read water level indicator.
- Bult in steam plate holder for better storage and moving around during use.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty for full peace of mind.
CONS
- Not for commercial use.
Final conclusion
The Black + Decker KX3300T 2400W Wallpaper Stripper is a great bit of kit and if I had to recommend just one model, this would be it, after all, this is the model I have myself, that’s how impressed I am with it.
Most people usually like to compare the wattage and the size of the tank and while these are important factors, it’s the smaller overlooked features that really make a difference when actually using one. I think this model by Black + Decker has really had a lot of thought put into the design and it really shows. Quality-wise, no complaints, it’s powerful at 2400W which means it’s ready to use in minutes. The running time might be a tad shorter than some of the competition due to the slightly smaller tank but it more than makes up for it in quality and features that make it much easier and enjoyable to use. If you choose this model, you won’t be disappointed.
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2. Earlex LMB275 SteaMMaster Wallpaper Stripper Review
Best Professional Model, large surface area and more steaming time from each tank
The Earlex LMB275 SteaMMaster Wallpaper Stripper is one heavy model but if you’re serious about stripping walls quickly and efficiently, especially professionally on a daily basis, hour after hour, this is the one for you.
The model weighs an estimated 10kgs which is heavy, when filled the water alone weighs 7.5kg without the stripper machine itself. This is not a unit that is intended for domestic use and is for professionals only. This unit can be used to remove large areas of wallpaper comfortably with ease. The unit is very high powered at 2750 watts and that shows you the intensity of the unit along with its very expensive price tag that only professionals can justify paying.
The wallpaper stripper comes with a tank capacity of about 7.5 litres. This is considerably higher than many other models can offer. The large capacity will cut the number of times that you need a refill compared to the smaller models. For the 7.5 litres of water boiled you get 90 minutes of constant running time which is one and half hours. That is enough time to get through a large amount of wallpaper despite the material. This is great for professionals as time is money.
You only have to wait for 18 minutes for the water to be effectively boiling. That is not much time now is it? For those who have a lot of room to work with, 5 meters of the steaming hose is provided again much longer than domestic models provide. Another additional 5 meters has been dedicated to the electric cable for even more freedom. A contraption has been designed to limit the amount of cord released according to your preferences to keep the cable neat and tidy.
The size of the stripper plate is 253 x 305mm which you can compare with other models in the market. The unit has a protective casing that is meant to prevent any damage from affecting the unit. The metal casing will protect it in busy environments where things are regularly dropped or bumped into.
PROS
- 190 minutes of uninterrupted steaming time.
- Comes with a protective functional casing.
- Designed with extra-long cable and hose.
- Very powerful integrated heater and a fast heat up time.
- Larger tank thus longer running time.
CONS
- It is a tad heavy to move around but this is the price you pay for longer run times.
Final conclusion
The Earlex LMB275 SteaMMaster Wallpaper Stripper cannot be overlooked if you are a professional looking for a larger wallpaper steamer for daily use. It has an interesting design that comes with a protective casing. The casing can also be used as a stool that can be stood upon. Be careful if you are a bit heavy boned.
The unit has a large capacity and high performance to work in commercial situations where you need a machine that can cope.
The cost of this unit though is not for the faint-hearted – it will cost you over £400 – ‘ouch I hear you say. Be sure though that you are spending all that money on a product that you will put to use often without fear of it overheating.
We like the extra-long cable and hose which provide you with more reach. If you put all the features together they make a sound product. You can depend on this unit to give you better than average service.
It may be expensive but this is the sort of wallpaper stripper professionals need to get the job done quickly.
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3. Wagner W-16 Steam Wallpaper Stripper Review
The Wagner W-16 Steam Wallpaper Stripper can also deal with a wide variety of wallpapers. This makes it a valuable unit even for those who are not sure of the constitution of their wallpaper. This model consumes 2300 watts of energy to offer you maximum performance when you need it most.
The unit has a safety cut out that has been installed as a safety precaution. Without the cutout, the unit would continue to heat and eventually cause serious damage. When the optimal temperatures are reached the unit switches off. This will allow the unit to cool down.
The wallpaper stripper has a larger 5-litre capacity tank. This is sufficient water to offer steam for around 70 minutes. That means for an hour and a few minutes, you can joyfully scrape away at the old wallpaper.
A large steam plate has been designed. The large steam plate will make certain that more steam is released for better and faster coverage. The steam plate only weighs 250 grams so you will work comfortably. A 3.5-meter hose has been provided to ensure that you can work on the ceiling without any problems.
PROS
- Removes all types of wallpaper, multi-layered, painted and Artex.
- Offers a large steam plate for faster coverage as well as a smaller one for narrow strips.
- 80 minutes of steam stripping time.
- Long 3.7-meter hose.
- 12-month warranty for full peace of mind should it develop a fault.
CONS
- Tends to spit a bit.
Final conclusion
The Wagner W-16 Steam Wallpaper Stripper is dependable. However, the large steam plate will limit you in some areas. The advantageous point of having a large steam plate is that you will get to produce a lot of steam thus stripping will be faster but a smaller steam plate is just as handy for the smaller areas you can’t physically use the larger plate. This is where our ‘Best Pick’ is a better choice along with the longer run time.
However, we very much like this model too as it seems like a solid build and can contain 5 litres of water which aren’t bad as it does give to 80 minutes use which means less refilling which means you cover more area faster not having to wait for the tank to heat up.
The 80 minutes running time is adequate running time compared to the size of the tank and the stripper plate, it’s worth noting that it also comes with a smaller plate for removing strips of wallpaper which can be very useful for areas the larger plate can not be used.
A great choice for the home user but more expensive than our ‘Best Pick’, however, it’s ideal for someone looking for a large model for extended steaming times and the extra smaller plate for them smaller awkward places.
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4. Earlex SS125UKP Warrior Wallpaper Stripper Review
The Earlex SS125UKP Warrior Wallpaper Stripper can handle most kinds of wallpaper. Just like the other units that are available, it has to have the capability to hold its own. The unit consumes 2000 watts for maximum performance to produce effective steam.
The unit is designed with a 4-litre capacity. With four litres you can work for a while before having to refill the unit. The 4 litres take approximately 12 minutes to boil and produce steam. Compared to other models, the timing is modest and manageable. At the pace that the system works, you will have roughly 70 minutes of running time before refilling.
A 3.5-meter hose that has been provided will provide enough reach to move around. A longer cable is advantageous when you are dealing with wallpaper in high places. The length of the electric cable is also long enough to aid in the search for reach.
PROS
- Great construction, thus durable.
- Less heating time required and longer run times.
- Affordable price.
CONS
- Unfavourable for long use.
Final conclusion
The Earlex SS125UKP Warrior Wallpaper Stripper is a small inexpensive unit that is great for anyone on a budget. You should not expect a lot of steam for long periods of time but you will still get around 70 minutes.
The power output is not as high as we expected. For those who have small amounts of work to do and do not want to spend a lot of money. You can let this unit take up residence in your home.
Overall it will serve you effectively for as long as you take care of it. You can get more power and capacity if you settle for the Earlex SS77 Semi Wallpaper Stripper. It comes with extra accessories that would help in the stripping process as well.
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Wall Paper Stripper Buyers Guide
When speaking of wallpaper strippers, you have to put into consideration the type of wall you are dealing with among other factors. Factors like these limit the kind of method you can use in stripping wallpaper. Since there are various methods of stripping wallpaper you have to consider the best method for your walls. The need for a proper tool will only make your work easy despite the kind of wallpaper you are working on. Let us look at these various factors that may influence your purchasing decision.
Look at the type of wall
There are two types of wall that you are likely to come across. They are basically plastered walls and drywall. You can notice the differences between the two types of walls. The plaster is usually smoother and sounds solid when tapped. Drywall is a chalk-like material that is usually covered with cardboard. When to tap drywall expect a hollow sound to emanate from the wall. Since drywall is the sensitive and more delicate of the two be careful not to use abrasive methods. You should also be careful not to let a steamer linger too long on drywall. It tends to be more prone to water damage.
Method of stripping used
As stipulated before, there are many contraptions that have been created over the years to deal with wallpaper stripping. We can choose to categorise them into two methods. Dry methods and wet methods. Sometimes the method used to correlate with the type of wallpaper in question.
Dry methods are appropriate for thick layers of strippable paper that can easily be stripped. The fine paper may require even finer methods. For this, you just need a scrapper and knife.
For wallpaper that might put on a fight, you can use wet methods. Wet methods can include the use of chemical solvents or water to remove the wallpaper. Not everyone is for the use of chemical solvents and we actually advise against them.
That is why steamers have become so popular. You create perforations in the wallpaper in which the steam can infiltrate the paper, You can do this using a wallpaper perforator/scorer to create thousands of holes that let the steam in. Once the paper is wet. It will be easy to scrap. Vinyl wallpapers can benefit hugely from steam perforators. The trick with steamers is that you have to strip as the steam infiltrates the wallpaper.
Consider the safety and quality
Since steam strippers are more of the popular models, you have to consider the safety. Steam can be fairly dangerous if not correctly used. The connection between the steam plate and the stripper has to be tight. This is because we cannot have hot steam just shooting in any direction. That is hazardous to the user and the next person in the room. A cut-out has to be fitted to prevent the machine from overheating which is another fire hazard.
You have to make sure that the material holding the water is able to deliver quick heat action. The hose has to be long enough to make sure that you can reach all those areas. The stripper in itself has to be light so as not to wear down your hands. A heavy stripper will leave you with sore muscles at the end of the day. Everything from the water holder to the stripper has to be made from materials that can withstand constant heat. Without this, you are dealing with an ineffective tool. Luckily all our top recommended models pass this test.
Look at the power and capacity
Different units have different power output that is usually displayed in Watts. The output determines how fast the unit can warm up the water. The higher the wattage the faster steam is produced for use.
The size of the tank will also affect the amount of output. A larger tank will definitely need more wattage to warm up the whole tank. A small unit does do not need a lot of power to produce steam. If you have a lot of wallpaper to strip it is better if you get a unit with a larger tank since it will prevent the constant need for refilling.
A wider stripper will dispense more steam to a larger area. This will deplete your source of steam faster. Just look at the area and the wallpaper you are using to determine the size of wallpaper stripper you can bear. Some wallpaper strippers come with a large and small plate for fitting into the smaller areas the larger plates cannot fit into.
What are the price and warranty offered
Wallpaper strippers are generally an inexpensive tool. You will not spend large amounts of money unless you are looking for commercial-sized units which can cost over £400. You can get a decent unit for less than 50 pounds or more depending on the brand. There always those top of the range products that will cost you something pretty. Look at the features offered to determine the value for money.
Warranties are a sign of good faith from the manufacturer. The length of the warranty may differ depending on the brand. However, if you run into problems with the unit due to manufacturing situations, you can use the warranty to return the item or get it fixed. It is prudent to accustom yourself to the terms and conditions of the warranty. That way you will know what the manufacturer will cover.
Our Final Conclusion
It is important that you look at the scale of work to be done and you choose appropriately. If you buy a small unit to take care of a big job you may end up with malfunctions caused by overheating or will be refilled regularly.
We have read comments about many unit’s breakdowns due to overuse. The larger the room the more you should spend to keep up with space. The length of the cord and hose will affect how far you can get the wallpaper off high ceilings and walls. The price difference is not much but the offered features will make all the difference.
We recommend trying to budget at least £45, this will give you plenty of choices. Below is a quick overview of my favourite model:
Best Pick
- For quick and easy removal of wallpaper from walls and other flat surfaces
- Large steam plate covers a large area to save time
- Safety release valves so that the unit will not overheat
- Boil dry safety cut-out protects the unit from damage due to overheating
- Large 4 litre tank with water level indicator offers up to 60 mins of runtime
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
