Hired models

Advantages: will remove most stubborn and ancient wallpapers, timesaver, effective, less exhausting than traditional wallpaper stripping
Disadvantages: can scald, steam builds up in the room, wallpaper shreds can become slippy underfoot

I agree that steam wallpaper strippers are a virtual godsend. Stubborn paper is always difficult to remove, but even the most hardened spot(s) of wallpaper can be removed witha fraction of the effort used than if using standard wet sponge and scraper. I used a national DIY chain's own brand of wallpaper stripper, costing approx. £25. A worthy investment, as I have stripped entire hallways of wallpaper in a weekend. There are disadvantages of course, ...
...feet and to the floor, and generally make the place untidy. I would advise ladder users to wear sensible footwear and keep the ladders as far from the wall as possible. If stripping wallpaper from the ceiling, ensure the steam plate is not held overhead, but rather to one side. This will prevent scalds from steamdrops. And ensure that the area is well ventilated, to prevent the steam building up in the room. So, extremely useful, but handle with ... Read review

Advantages: fast, effective, easy, even for us lady decorators
Disadvantages: hot work, open the windows to allow excess steam to escape

Steam Strippers, any decorators dream tool. Having always done the decorating, i have always been open to trying "easy ways". When it comes to stripping wall paper, which in all honesty is a nightmare, i fear no more. I go to our local hire shop and hire a stripper. They are a wonderful invention when used right. Like any product used in diy, it can be a dangerous machine as it uses steam to remove the layers of paper off the walls, so first advice ...
...the water splashes or drips out of the steam mat. Also, i would strongly advise that you don't let any child near, (time enough for them when they have there own homes). Now, to the good side. Steam strippers are fast, effective, easy to use and make very light work out of stripping any wall or paper, even woodchip. Hints i have found help are to first of all, score the walls in a diagonal pattern, this then helps the steam to penetrate and as you ... Read review

Advantages: Beats hiring a stripper hands down
Disadvantages: None at all

...I was a doubter - I had hired "professional" steam strippers from hire shops and did not think a DIY model could compare. So, I went for the top of the range model (with all the extra gadgets) and paid £24.99 - it was in the sale. When I picked it up at Argos and realised how light it was, I was dubious. When I saw it was all plastic, I thought I had made a big mistake. When I started to use it, I was gobsmacked! The lightweight steam plate is so easy to use. What amazed me is I never scalded or burnt myself once, unlike when I have used the commercial hire ones - those things have metal plates (which conduct all the heat) and have thick rubber (?) tubes which always leak, have a heavy boiling chamber and are cumbersome. I used it in the family room and it took care of the woodchip with no difficulties. The utility room... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful