Dupray Neat Vs. Neat Plus: Which Steam Cleaner Wins My Heart?

I’ve always been on the hunt for cleaning tools that make my home sparkle without harsh chemicals, and steam cleaners have become my go-to.

When I stumbled upon the Dupray Neat and Neat Plus, I was intrigued but confused—how different could two models from the same brand really be?

In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience comparing these two popular steam cleaners, breaking down their features, performance, and quirks to help you decide which one fits your cleaning needs.

Let’s explore what makes each shine and where they fall short.

A Brief Comparison Table

Unboxing The Dupray Neat And Neat Plus

When I first got my hands on the Dupray Neat, its sleek, cube-shaped design caught my eye.

It’s compact, almost like a stylish little box you could tuck away in a closet.

At 9 pounds, it felt light enough to carry around my house without breaking a sweat.

The retractable handle and wheels made it a breeze to move, and I was excited to see what it could do.

The Neat Plus, on the other hand, felt heftier at 15 pounds.

It shares the same modern cube design, but I noticed it seemed sturdier, perhaps due to some extra internal components. Both came with a hefty set of 17 attachments, which got me thinking about all the surfaces I could tackle.

Unpacking them, I was impressed by the attention to detail. The Neat’s accessories felt solid, but the Neat Plus’s “premium” attachments had a slight edge in quality—think stiffer brushes and a more polished finish.

I couldn’t wait to put them to the test, but first, I had to figure out what set these two apart beyond the weight and a few extra bucks.

Performance: Steam Power and Cleaning Efficiency

Let’s talk about the heart of any steam cleaner: its steam. The Dupray Neat produces steam at 275°F (135°C) with a pressure of 43.5 psi. In my tests, this was more than enough to blast through grease on my kitchen stovetop and sanitize my bathroom tiles.

I used the triangular tool with a microfiber bonnet to clean my countertops, and the steam cut through stuck-on messes like a hot knife through butter. The 54-ounce water tank gave me about 50 minutes of cleaning time, which was plenty for my small apartment.

However, once the tank ran dry, I had to wait for it to cool down before refilling, which was a minor hassle during a deep-cleaning spree.

The Neat Plus, however, changed the game with its heat exchanger technology. It heats up in just 90 seconds—way faster than the Neat’s 8 minutes. I timed it with my phone, and sure enough, I was steaming away before my coffee finished brewing.

The real standout was the continuous refill feature. The 60-ounce tank could be topped up mid-clean without waiting for a cooldown, which meant I could keep going as long as I wanted. I tackled my entire kitchen, including the oven racks and range hood, without pausing.

The steam felt just as powerful as the Neat’s, though Dupray doesn’t specify the exact temperature or pressure for the Neat Plus. Based on my experience, it performed neck-and-neck with the Neat in terms of cleaning power.

Design and Portability: Moving Around With Ease

Both cleaners share that iconic cube-shaped design, which I found both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

The Neat’s 9-pound frame made it easy to carry upstairs, and the wheels glided smoothly across my hardwood floors.

The retractable handle was a nice touch, recessing neatly into the body for storage.

I shoved it into my shoe rack without a second thought, and it fit perfectly.

The 6.5-foot hose gave me enough reach to clean high-up spots like my curtains, though I wished the 16-foot cord was a tad longer for larger rooms.

The Neat Plus, while heavier at 15 pounds, didn’t feel cumbersome thanks to its four wheels and retractable handle. I noticed the extra weight when lifting it onto my counter for storage, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker.

The design mirrored the Neat’s, but the build felt a bit more robust, which gave me confidence in its durability. The hose and cord lengths were similar, so I didn’t notice much difference in maneuverability. However, the Neat Plus’s bulkier feel made me think twice about hauling it up and down stairs frequently.

Accessories: Tools For Every Task

Both the Neat and Neat Plus come with 17 attachments, and I had a blast experimenting with them. The Neat’s kit includes a floor tool, mop pads, a steam lance, a triangle tool, a window tool, and various brushes (nylon and brass).

I used the floor tool with a microfiber pad to clean my vinyl flooring, and it left no streaks. The brass brush was a lifesaver for scrubbing grout, though I had to be careful not to scratch delicate surfaces.

The window tool worked wonders on my glass shower doors, leaving them sparkling without water spots.

The Neat Plus’s “premium” attachments felt a bit sturdier, especially the brushes, which had firmer bristles. I used the triangular tool with a microfiber bonnet to refresh my couch, and it handled pet hair and light stains with ease.

The window tool performed just as well as the Neat’s, but I appreciated the slightly thicker microfiber cloth on the Neat Plus—it seemed to pick up more dirt. Both sets were versatile enough to tackle floors, furniture, appliances, and even my car’s interior, but the Neat Plus’s accessories gave me a sense of higher quality.

Ease of Use: Getting The Job Done

Using the Neat was straightforward. Fill the tank, plug it in, wait 8 minutes, and start steaming. The trigger lock was a game-changer for big jobs—I didn’t have to keep squeezing the handle while cleaning my kitchen floor.

Swapping attachments was a breeze, with each piece snapping into place securely. My only gripe was the cooldown time before refilling, which slowed me down when I got carried away cleaning my entire bathroom.

The Neat Plus was even easier to use, thanks to its 90-second heat-up time. I loved that I could add water during use, which kept my cleaning momentum going. The controls were intuitive, and the trigger lock worked just as well as the Neat’s.

The only downside was the weight—after an hour of cleaning, I felt the extra pounds in my arms. Still, the continuous refill feature made it feel like a more seamless experience overall.

Pros And Cons of Dupray Neat And Neat Plus

Dupray Neat Pros

• Lightweight at 9 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
• Affordable price point, offering great value for the features.
• 54-ounce tank provides up to 50 minutes of cleaning time.
• 17 versatile attachments handle a wide range of surfaces.
• Modern, compact design fits easily in small storage spaces.

Dupray Neat Cons

• 8-minute heat-up time feels slow compared to competitors.
• Pressurized tank requires cooldown before refilling.
• No adjustable steam settings, which can be overkill for delicate surfaces.
• Cord length (16 feet) could be longer for larger spaces.

Dupray Neat Plus Pros

• Lightning-fast 90-second heat-up time gets you cleaning sooner.
• Continuous refill feature allows unlimited cleaning time.
• 60-ounce tank holds more water for longer sessions.
• Premium attachments feel sturdier and more durable.
• Same versatile design with wheels for easy movement.

Dupray Neat Plus Cons

• Heavier at 15 pounds, which might tire you out during long sessions.
• Slightly higher price than the Neat.
• No specific steam temperature or pressure data provided.
• Bulkier build takes up more storage space.

Putting Dupray Neat And Neat Plus To The Test

To really understand these machines, I put them through a series of real-world cleaning challenges. First up was my kitchen, where grease and grime are my eternal enemies.

Using the Neat’s steam lance, I tackled my stovetop, which had some stubborn oil splatters from a recent stir-fry disaster. The 275°F steam melted the grease away in seconds, and the nylon brush scrubbed off the rest without scratching the surface.

I was impressed, but the 50-minute tank limit meant I had to pause to refill, which took about 20 minutes with the cooldown.

The Neat Plus handled the same task with equal gusto, but the 90-second heat-up meant I was cleaning almost immediately. I used the continuous refill feature to keep going, topping up the tank without stopping.

The premium brushes felt a bit more robust, especially when scrubbing burnt-on food from my oven racks. Both cleaners left my kitchen sparkling, but the Neat Plus’s speed and uninterrupted cleaning gave it a slight edge.

Next, I moved to my bathroom, where grout and soap scum were the targets. The Neat’s brass brush worked wonders on the grout, turning it from dingy to bright in minutes.

However, I had to be careful with the steam trigger, as the high pressure was a bit much for my glass shower doors. The Neat Plus’s similar performance was enhanced by its ability to keep steaming without a break, which was a lifesaver when cleaning my entire shower.

I also used the window tool on both to clean my bathroom mirror, and both left it streak-free.

Finally, I tested them on my living room couch, which had seen better days thanks to my dog. The Neat’s triangular tool with a microfiber bonnet lifted pet hair and light stains, leaving the fabric refreshed.

The Neat Plus did the same, but the thicker bonnet seemed to grab more dirt, and the continuous steam made the process faster. Both were effective, but the Neat Plus felt like it was built for marathon cleaning sessions.

Price and Value: Is the Neat Plus Worth the Extra Cost?

The Dupray Neat is the more budget-friendly option, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a powerful steam cleaner without breaking the bank.

Its performance is stellar for the price, and the 50-minute cleaning time is sufficient for most homes.

I found it to be a fantastic value, especially for smaller spaces or occasional deep cleaning.

The Neat Plus, while pricier, justifies its cost with the continuous refill feature and faster heat-up time.

If you have a larger home or plan to use your steam cleaner for extended sessions, the ability to keep going without stopping is a huge plus.

The premium attachments also add a touch of durability, which might appeal to those who clean frequently. For me, the decision came down to how often I’d use it—occasional cleaning favored the Neat, while frequent, heavy-duty tasks pointed to the Neat Plus.

Durability and Maintenance: Will They Last?

I was curious about how these machines would hold up over time. The Neat’s plastic body felt sturdy, but I worried about the retractable handle’s longevity after reading some user reviews about it feeling flimsy.

Dupray recommends using distilled water to prevent mineral buildup, which I followed religiously. The mop pads and cloths are machine-washable, which made maintenance a breeze. However, the boiler needs draining every 20 hours, which is a minor chore but worth it to extend the machine’s life.

The Neat Plus felt more robust, likely due to its heavier build. The continuous refill feature means less wear on the tank from repeated heating and cooling cycles, which could improve longevity.

Maintenance is similar—use distilled water and wash the pads—but the unpressurized tank makes refilling safer and easier. I felt more confident in the Neat Plus’s durability, especially for frequent use, but both seemed well-built for home cleaning.

Who Are These Cleaners For?

The Dupray Neat is perfect for someone like me with a smaller home or apartment.

Its lightweight design and affordable price make it ideal for occasional deep cleaning or tackling specific messes like pet stains or kitchen grease.

If you don’t need to clean for hours on end, the Neat’s 50-minute tank and versatile attachments will get the job done without fuss.

The Neat Plus, on the other hand, is for those who clean like it’s their cardio. Its continuous refill and fast heat-up time make it a powerhouse for large homes or frequent cleaning.

If you’ve got kids, pets, or a love for spotless surfaces, the Neat Plus’s premium features might be worth the investment. It’s also great for anyone who hates waiting around, thanks to that 90-second heat-up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

After spending hours steaming my home with both the Dupray Neat and Neat Plus, I’ve got a soft spot for both, but they serve slightly different needs. The Neat is my pick for budget-conscious folks who want a reliable, lightweight steam cleaner for occasional use.

Its performance is top-notch, and the price is hard to beat. The Neat Plus, though, stole my heart with its speed and uninterrupted cleaning. If you’re ready to invest a bit more for a seamless, heavy-duty experience, it’s the way to go.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your cleaning habits and home size. If you’re like me and love a sparkling space without chemicals, either of these will make you happy.

Think about how often you’ll use it and whether speed and continuous cleaning are worth the extra cost. Whichever you pick, you’re getting a solid machine that’ll make your home shine.