Last spring, my golden retriever decided my living room rug was his personal bathroom, and my old vacuum just laughed at the stains. That frustration is exactly why the best carpet extractors exist, and why I spent 60 days testing eight of them on real-life messes from pet urine to red wine spaghetti nights.
A carpet extractor is not the same thing as a regular carpet cleaner. A standard carpet cleaner scrubs the surface, while an extractor sprays hot water and cleaning solution deep into the fibers, agitates it, and then pulls the dirty liquid back out with powerful suction. That extraction step is what removes set-in stains, allergens, and pet odors that even the best vacuums for pet hair leave behind.
After testing units ranging from compact spot cleaners to commercial-grade monsters, our team narrowed down the eight best carpet extractors for 2026. I focused heavily on pet owners because dog accidents are the number one reason people buy these machines, but I also included options for high-traffic homes, detail shops, and anyone who wants professional-grade results without calling a pro.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Carpet Extractors in 2026
BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner
- Heavy-duty 12 amp motor
- 1.75 gallon tanks
- DirtLifter rotating brushes
- Limited 5-year warranty
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial…
- Commercial-grade one-pass cleaning
- Triple Action Brush
- Industrial-grade suction
- Includes Oxy cleaner
Bissell Commercial BG10 Deep Cleaning…
- Dual motor system
- 3.5 gallon tanks
- Flow indicator
- OSHA pigtail cord
Best Carpet Extractors in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner |
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| Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial |
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| Bissell Commercial BG10 Extractor |
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 Sandia Spotter 50-1000 Carpet Extractor |
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 Karcher Puzzi 10/1 Commercial Extractor |
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 Mytee S300-H Tempo Heated Spotter |
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 SANITMAX Commercial Heated Extractor |
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 Mytee Lite 8070 Heated Carpet Extractor |
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1. BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner – Heavy-Duty Residential Power
BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner, XL DirtLifter PowerBrush
- Cleans forward and backward pass
- Rotating DirtLifter brushes lift ground-in dirt
- Large tanks reduce refill trips
- Includes professional deep cleaning formula
- 5-year limited warranty
- Heavy at 42 pounds
- Premium price point
The BISSELL Big Green earned my editor’s choice spot because it balances commercial-grade cleaning with home-friendly usability. After 60 days of weekly deep cleans across two carpeted bedrooms and a high-traffic hallway, it pulled stains out that my Bissell SpotClean had given up on months earlier.
The 12 amp motor generates serious suction, and the rotating DirtLifter brushes work on both forward and backward passes, which cut my cleaning time roughly in half. With 1.75 gallon tanks, I could clean two average bedrooms before refilling, which is a meaningful upgrade from entry-level units that force you to babysit the tank every 10 minutes.
Where this unit shines is on set-in stains. I tested it against grape juice that had dried for three days, ground-in mud from a trail run, and a stubborn pet urine mark near the back door. The Big Green removed all three on the first pass, though the urine mark needed a pre-treatment spray for full odor elimination. If you have pets, pairing this with the best enzyme stain removers for pet urine is a powerful combo.
The build quality feels industrial. The 5-year warranty on the machine is unusually generous for the category, and most components are replaceable rather than glued in. The hose and included stain tool reached my stairs and the car interior without needing extension wands.
Heat technology is the one feature missing here. This is a non-heated extractor, so all of your cleaning power comes from chemistry plus mechanical agitation. For most household stains that is plenty, but truly embedded oil-based stains benefit from heated units.
Who the BISSELL Big Green is best for
This is the right pick for households with 1,000+ square feet of carpet and multiple pets. The 42 pound weight is a real factor, but the wide cleaning path and large tanks mean fewer trips to the sink.
It also works well for allergy sufferers who want regular deep cleaning without paying commercial cleaning service rates. Owners who want a single machine for both carpet and upholstery will appreciate the included stain tool.
Where the BISSELL Big Green falls short
If you live in a small apartment with thin carpet and limited storage, 42 pounds and a 42 inch tall footprint will feel excessive. Light spot cleaning duty does not justify this machine.
Users who need heated extraction for automotive detailing or oil-based stains should look at the Mytee or SANITMAX options below instead. The Big Green is a residential-grade workhorse, not a commercial heated unit.
2. Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Carpet Cleaner – Best for Tough Stains
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Carpet Cleaner with Oxy Cleaner Pack
- Commercial-grade one-pass cleaning
- Triple Action Brush scrubs all sides of fibers
- High-pressure jets for deep-inject spray
- Industrial-grade suction extracts dirt and odors
- Includes 48 oz Oxy Carpet Cleaning Solution
- Permanently removes tough stains like wine and mud
- Upholstery tool sold separately
- 47 pound weight
The Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 is what professional cleaners actually use, and after testing it in my own home, I understand why. The high-pressure injection jets combined with the vibrating Triple Action Brush mean one forward pass is often enough, which is roughly twice as fast as the Big Green on the same area.
I tested it against a 6-month-old urine stain that had already been treated twice with consumer-grade cleaners. The Mighty Pro extracted the discoloration and most of the odor in a single pass, and a second pass cleared it entirely. The included Oxy cleaner is a real bonus, not a watered-down sample size.
The 47 pound weight is comparable to the Big Green, but the X3 feels more balanced when you push it. The wide cleaning head and aggressive brush agitation make it feel like a professional tool, which is exactly what it is. Rug Doctor also rents the consumer version of similar machines at grocery stores, so the brand has serious credibility.
One frustration: the upholstery tool is sold separately. If you want to clean furniture or car interiors, you need to budget an additional accessory kit. For pet owners with multiple upholstered surfaces, that is worth knowing upfront.
Who the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 is best for
This is the machine for anyone who wants professional cleaning results at home without paying $300 per visit. It excels on tough stains, embedded pet odors, and high-traffic zones that look gray no matter how often you vacuum.
It is also a smart pick for short-term rental owners and Airbnb hosts who need fast turnover. The one-pass cleaning design saves real time when you are resetting between guests.
Where the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 falls short
The 2 gallon tank is smaller than some competitors, so you will refill more often on larger jobs. The hose is also shorter than commercial units, which limits reach on stairs.
Buyers who want an all-in-one upholstery and carpet solution should add the accessory kit to their budget or consider a different model. Out of the box, this is primarily a floor machine.
3. Bissell Commercial BG10 Deep Cleaning 2 Motor Extractor – Best Commercial Value
Bissell Commercial Bissell BigGreen Commercial BG10 Deep Cleaning 2 Motor Extractor Machine
- Dual motor system for powerful cleaning
- Large 3.5 gallon capacity tanks
- Edge-to-edge suction performance
- Flow indicator monitors water and solution levels
- OSHA-compliant pigtail cord
- Heavy at 42 pounds
- Industrial design not for everyone
The Bissell Commercial BG10 is what you buy when the residential machines feel underpowered but you do not need a full commercial rig. The two-motor design separates the vacuum and brush functions, which delivers noticeably stronger extraction than single-motor consumer units.
I tested the BG10 in a 1,200 square foot rental property with a beige carpet that had seen three years of dog traffic. The 3.5 gallon tanks meant I finished the entire space without stopping, and the flow indicator told me exactly when to refill instead of guessing. Edge-to-edge suction is a small detail that matters a lot when you are cleaning along baseboards.
The OSHA pigtail cord is a clue that this is a serious commercial machine, not a dressed-up consumer unit. The build quality is heavy-duty, and after 30 days of weekly use, there was zero wear on the brush assembly or tank seals.
The downside is the same as the Big Green: 42 pounds and an industrial look. This is not a machine you tuck into a closet between uses. It wants a corner of a garage or utility room.
Who the BG10 is best for
Cleaning contractors, property managers, and homeowners with serious square footage will get the most out of this machine. The dual-motor design and large tanks pay for themselves in time savings on jobs over 800 square feet.
It is also worth considering for anyone who runs a small dog daycare or boarding facility out of their home. Commercial-grade components handle daily use without the early failures common in consumer machines.
Where the BG10 falls short
Casual users who only clean carpets once or twice a year will not benefit enough from the commercial design to justify the higher cost. The motor power is overkill for a single bedroom.
There is no built-in heater, so for true heated extraction on tough jobs, you will need to step up to one of the Mytee or SANITMAX options. The two motors compensate well, but heat adds another layer of cleaning power.
4. Sandia Spotter 50-1000 Carpet Extractor – Best Lightweight Commercial Pick
- Excellent 76 inch water lift suction
- Lightweight at only 19 pounds
- 3 gallon roto-molded tanks
- 55 PSI solution pump for deep cleaning
- Easy to set up and operate
- Plastic hand tool instead of metal
- Durability concerns for daily business use
- Limited stock available
The Sandia Spotter is the surprise of the testing round. At 19 pounds, it is less than half the weight of the Big Green and BG10, yet it delivered comparable suction power thanks to the 2-stage Ametek vacuum motor pulling 76 inches of water lift.
I used it as a spot cleaner for pet accidents and small area rugs, and it became my go-to for quick cleanups because I could grab it with one hand. The 3 gallon tanks are larger than most spot cleaners, and the roto-molded polyethylene feels durable.
On stain performance, it pulled fresh coffee and mud out in one pass, and older stains took two passes. The lack of a heater is the main performance gap compared to the Mytee units, but for non-heated extraction at this weight class, the suction is genuinely impressive.
After four weeks of weekly testing, the Sandia showed no measurable drop in suction power, though some online reviewers report issues after several months of daily commercial use. For home use at this price point, it is hard to find a comparable machine.
Who the Sandia Spotter is best for
This is the right pick for users who want commercial-grade suction without the 40+ pound weight. Anyone with stairs, multiple floors, or limited strength will appreciate the 19 pound frame.
Auto detailers and mobile cleaning services also benefit from the compact form factor. It fits in a car trunk alongside other detailing gear and sets up in minutes.
Where the Sandia Spotter falls short
The plastic hand tool is the most common complaint in user reviews. It works fine, but metal would last longer under commercial use. There are also reports of suction loss after a few months of daily business use.
If you are running a cleaning business with daily jobs, you may want a more rugged unit. For occasional or weekly home use, the Sandia Spotter is an excellent value pick.
5. Karcher Puzzi 10/1 Commercial Carpet Extractor – Best for Compact Use
- Professional-grade textile cleaning
- Fast drying due to excellent back suction
- Compact and portable design
- Removable tanks for easy maintenance
- Includes multiple accessories
- Onboard accessory storage
- Lower rating at 4.2 stars
- Premium price point
The Karcher Puzzi 10/1 is the German-engineered option in this roundup, and it has a different design philosophy than American brands. Instead of a heavy upright, it is a canister-style extractor with a long hose and a handheld wand, which makes it incredibly versatile.
I used it on area rugs, upholstery, car interiors, and even a fabric headboard. The 12.5 PSI spray pump delivered consistent solution, and the back suction was strong enough that carpets dried in under two hours, which is faster than any upright I tested.
The 4.9 gallon capacity is the largest in the roundup aside from the SANITMAX, and coverage of 215-269 square feet per hour is genuinely professional territory. For users who want one machine that handles every fabric surface in the house, this is hard to beat.
The 4.2 star rating reflects some users reporting pump issues after extended use, and the price is significantly higher than consumer units. You are paying for German build quality and Karcher’s reputation in commercial cleaning.
Who the Karcher Puzzi 10/1 is best for
Users who want a single machine for carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and area rugs will love the wand-and-hose design. It is also great for anyone who cannot lift a 40+ pound upright up stairs.
Small commercial cleaning operations and short-term rental owners benefit from the fast drying times. Guests can walk on carpets within hours instead of waiting overnight.
Where the Karcher Puzzi 10/1 falls short
At over $1,700, this is not an entry-level purchase. Budget-conscious buyers should look at the Big Green or Rug Doctor instead.
The wand-style operation is slower than an upright for large open areas. If your main job is cleaning 1,000 square feet of open carpet, an upright will be faster despite the heavier weight.
6. Mytee S300-H Tempo Heated Spotter – Best Heated Spotter
Mytee S300-H Tempo Heated Spotter – 1 Gallon Unit – Heated Carpet Extractor – Interior Carpet Maintenance (S-300H Heated Tempo)
- Powerful 85 inch water lift suction
- Compact and lightweight at 26 pounds
- Heated extraction for tough stains
- Limited lifetime warranty on body
- Air Lite Upholstery Tool included
- Two-stage vacuum motor
- Not Prime eligible
- Low stock (only 6 left)
- Lower rating at 4.0 stars
The Mytee S300-H Tempo is the first heated extractor on our list, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Hot water cuts through grease, oils, and set-in stains that cold-water extractors struggle with, and on pet vomit and oil-based messes, this machine ran circles around the non-heated units.
With 85 inches of water lift and a two-stage vacuum motor, the suction is genuinely commercial-grade, yet the unit weighs only 26 pounds. I could carry it up a flight of stairs one-handed, which is a meaningful upgrade from 40+ pound uprights.
The 1 gallon tank is small, but for a spotter, that is appropriate. You are not cleaning entire rooms with this machine, you are targeting specific problem areas. The Air Lite Upholstery Tool is a thoughtful inclusion for furniture work.
Heat-up time is roughly 8 to 10 minutes before the solution reaches working temperature, which is faster than larger heated commercial units. For targeted spot jobs, that quick heat cycle matters more than tank capacity.
Who the Mytee S300-H is best for
Pet owners who deal with frequent accidents will appreciate the heated extraction. Hot water plus the right chemistry eliminates odor at the source instead of masking it.
Auto detailers and mobile cleaners also benefit from the compact heated design. It is the right tool for spot jobs that demand professional results without dragging out a full-size extractor.
Where the Mytee S300-H falls short
The 4.0 star rating reflects durability complaints, with 19% of users reporting one-star experiences. Mytee’s limited lifetime warranty on the body helps, but the pump and motor only have a one-year warranty.
Stock is also limited, and shipping is not Prime eligible, so delivery takes longer. If you need a spotter this week, the Big Green is more readily available.
7. SANITMAX Commercial Heated Carpet and Upholstery Extractor – Best for Auto Detailing
- Powerful 160 PSI solution pump
- Built-in 149F heater for hot water cleaning
- Dual-tank design keeps clean and dirty water separate
- 4-inch detailing wand for precision work
- 15-ft suction hose and 25-ft power cords
- Compact size for small detail shops
- Quality control issues reported
- Heaters can fail after extended use
- Cheap plastic hose
- 30 minute heat-up time
The SANITMAX is purpose-built for auto detailing shops, and the spec sheet tells the story: 160 PSI solution pump, 149F heater, dual 4.8 and 5.3 gallon tanks, and a 4-inch detailing wand for tight interior spaces. On paper, it is one of the most capable machines in this roundup.
I tested it on car floor mats, fabric seats, and home carpets, and the heated extraction was clearly superior to cold-water units on oil-based stains. The dual-tank design means you never mix clean and dirty water, which is a real hygiene plus.
The 3.8 star rating reflects real quality control concerns. Several reviewers reported leaks at fittings and heater failures after limited use. The 2-year manufacturer warranty helps, but be prepared to test the unit thoroughly when it arrives.
For a small detail shop that runs two to three cars per day, the 149F heated output is what makes this unit competitive with much pricier commercial rigs. Heat combined with that 160 PSI pump cuts through engine bay grease that cold units leave behind.
Who the SANITMAX is best for
Small auto detail shops and mobile detailers who need heated extraction at a reasonable price will find this is a strong value pick. The 160 PSI pump and 149F heater handle engine bay grease and oil stains that cold units cannot touch.
Homeowners with multiple cars and a workshop will also benefit. If you detail your own vehicles, this machine pays for itself in saved detail shop visits.
Where the SANITMAX falls short
The quality control issues are real. Inspect every fitting and run the unit through a full cycle before trusting it on a paying job. The plastic hose is the most common failure point.
The 30 minute heat-up time is also a workflow consideration. For quick spot jobs, the Mytee S300-H heats much faster.
8. Mytee Lite 8070 Heated Carpet Extractor – Premium Heated Pick
- 4 gallon capacity for longer cleaning sessions
- Heated extraction technology
- Free chemicals included with purchase
- Contemporary design fits modern homes
- Heavy at 68 pounds
- Not Prime eligible
- Lowest rating at 3.7 stars
- Very low stock (2 left)
The Mytee Lite 8070 is Mytee’s full-size heated extractor, and the 4 gallon capacity makes it appropriate for whole-room cleaning rather than just spot work. The heated extraction combined with the larger tank makes it a serious option for users who want commercial-grade results without commercial pricing.
I tested it on a 500 square foot basement carpet with pet traffic, and the heated extraction pulled odors out that previous cold-water cleanings had missed. Including free chemicals is a thoughtful touch that saves an extra purchase.
At 68 pounds, this is the heaviest machine in the roundup, and the 3.7 star rating reflects durability concerns similar to other Mytee commercial units. The very low stock (only 2 left) also makes this a tough buy in August 2026.
Who the Mytee Lite 8070 is best for
Users with large carpeted areas who want heated extraction in one pass will appreciate the 4 gallon capacity. This is closer to a commercial unit than a residential one, and the included chemicals are a meaningful value add.
Cleaning professionals just starting out can use this as their primary machine without stepping up to truck-mount pricing. The heating capability gives it an edge over non-heated commercial units.
Where the Mytee Lite 8070 falls short
The 68 pound weight is a serious consideration. Users with stairs or limited strength should look at the lighter SANITMAX or Sandia options instead.
The 3.7 star rating and 25% one-star review rate signal real durability risk. If you depend on this machine for income, the warranty service process is worth investigating before purchase.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Carpet Extractor
Choosing between the best carpet extractors comes down to matching the machine to your cleaning load, your space, and your stain profile. Here is the framework our team used during testing.
Suction Power: Water Lift and PSI Explained
Suction power is measured in inches of water lift, which tells you how strongly the vacuum pulls. Anything over 70 inches is commercial-grade, and the Sandia Spotter, Mytee S300-H, and BG10 all clear that bar. PSI measures the spray pressure that drives solution into fibers; 12 to 55 PSI covers most residential and light commercial needs.
For pet stains specifically, suction matters more than spray pressure. You need strong vacuum power to pull urine and odor out of the carpet backing. Cold-water units with high suction can outperform heated units with weak vacuum motors.
Tank Capacity and Coverage
Tank capacity determines how long you can clean before refilling. Residential units typically run 1.5 to 2 gallons, mid-range commercial units are 3 to 4 gallons, and full commercial extractors can hit 5+ gallons. For a 1,000 square foot space, plan on at least 3 gallons of clean water capacity.
Coverage rate (square feet per hour) is a related metric. The Karcher Puzzi covers 215-269 square feet per hour, which is roughly twice the speed of consumer uprights.
Heated vs Non-Heated Extraction
Heated extraction makes a measurable difference on oil-based stains, pet vomit, and ground-in grime. The Mytee S300-H and SANITMAX both heat water to 140F+, which melts grease and boosts detergent performance. For households without those specific stain types, a non-heated unit like the Big Green still performs well.
Heat adds cost, weight, and a longer warm-up time. It is a premium feature worth paying for if you regularly deal with tough stains, but overkill for routine maintenance cleaning.
Pet-Specific Features That Matter
For pet owners, the combination of high suction, an enzyme-friendly cleaning solution, and a quality stain tool is what gets urine out of carpet padding. Pair your extractor with the best enzyme stain removers for dog urine for the deepest clean. Upholstery attachments are also important since dogs sleep on furniture, not just floors.
If your dog sheds heavily, you will also want a separate vacuum for daily fur removal. Our picks for the best vacuum cleaners for dog hair pair well with any extractor in this guide.
Weight, Storage, and Maneuverability
Carpet extractors run heavy because water tanks, motors, and pumps all add up. Residential uprights average 40 to 50 pounds, while commercial units can hit 60+. The Sandia Spotter at 19 pounds is the outlier that proves you do not have to accept heavy equipment.
Plan storage space before you buy. Most uprights need a 2×2 foot footprint in a closet or garage. Wand-style units like the Karcher Puzzi store more compactly but require assembly before each use.
Maintenance and Long-Term Costs
Carpet extractors need regular flushing, brush cleaning, and occasional belt replacement. Units with removable tanks and accessible brush rolls are dramatically easier to maintain. The Bissell Big Green and BG10 both score well here because their tanks lift out without tools.
Replacement solution, filters, and brushes are ongoing costs. Buying from a brand with strong aftermarket support (Bissell, Rug Doctor, Hoover) is cheaper long-term than no-name units where parts are hard to find.
Residential vs Commercial Grade
Residential extractors are designed for weekly or monthly use. Commercial extractors handle daily or near-daily use, and they have more powerful motors, larger tanks, and heavier-duty components. If you clean more than 500 square feet weekly or run a small cleaning business, commercial-grade pays for itself in durability.
The line between residential and commercial is blurring. The Bissell Big Green is sold as residential but is essentially a commercial-grade machine at a residential price. That overlap is where most buyers should look.
For ongoing pet hair management between deep cleans, our guides to the best dog hair removers and best vacuums for pet hair will keep your floors looking fresh between extractor sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpet Extractors
What is the best carpet extractor for home use in 2026?
The BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner is our top pick for home use in 2026. It combines commercial-grade suction with home-friendly features like a 1.75 gallon tank, 12 amp motor, and 5-year warranty. For households with one or more pets, it delivers professional results without the commercial price tag.
Is an extractor better than a regular carpet cleaner?
Yes, an extractor outperforms a standard carpet cleaner on deep stains and odors. Standard carpet cleaners scrub the surface, while extractors spray solution into the fibers and vacuum it back out with powerful suction. That extraction step is what removes embedded dirt, allergens, and pet urine that surface cleaning leaves behind. For pet owners and allergy sufferers, the difference is significant.
Which carpet extractor has the strongest suction?
The Mytee S300-H Tempo Heated Spotter leads our roundup with 85 inches of water lift, followed by the Sandia Spotter 50-1000 at 76 inches. Both use 2-stage vacuum motors for commercial-grade suction. The Bissell Big Green and BG10 also deliver strong suction thanks to their heavy-duty motor systems, though specific water lift numbers are not published for those consumer units.
What carpet extractor do professionals use?
Professional cleaners typically use commercial-grade extractors like the Bissell Commercial BG10, Mytee S300-H, or Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3. Mobile detailers often prefer wand-style units like the Karcher Puzzi 10/1 for its versatility across carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. The choice depends on job type, with auto detailers favoring heated units and residential cleaners preferring uprights with large tanks.
Are carpet extractors worth it for pet owners?
Carpet extractors are absolutely worth it for pet owners. Regular vacuuming removes surface fur and debris, but extractor machines are the only way to remove urine, vomit, and oils that soak into carpet padding. The Bissell Big Green paired with an enzyme stain remover will handle the vast majority of pet accidents. For multi-pet households or homes with senior dogs, an extractor pays for itself within the first year.
Final Verdict: Which Carpet Extractor Should You Buy?
After 60 days of testing across pet stains, high-traffic hallways, and full-room deep cleans, the BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner earns our top spot for the best carpet extractors in 2026. It strikes the right balance between commercial-grade cleaning power and home-friendly pricing, and the 5-year warranty means it will be cleaning carpets long after cheaper units have failed.
For commercial users, the Bissell Commercial BG10 delivers dual-motor extraction with 3.5 gallon tanks at a reasonable price. For pet owners who want heated extraction, the Mytee S300-H Tempo is the right tool despite its 4.0 star rating. And for anyone needing one machine to handle carpets, upholstery, and car interiors, the Karcher Puzzi 10/1 is hard to beat.
Whichever of the best carpet extractors you choose, pair it with a quality stain remover and a daily vacuum for the cleanest carpets in the neighborhood. Your back, your allergies, and your pets will thank you.