Hey Guys, I'm writing this review after finding a definite need for a steam machine in the detailing business. Plus, it comes in handy when cleaning my bathroom, kitchen, and the good ol' grill! RESEARCH: I started my research at no other place than Detailing Bliss. I first reviewed machine types, sizes, why some were better than others and finally came to a "get what you pay for" concept. A lot of guys were going with some multi-function units which I've never been a fan of. I've always felt that a particular item should be for a particular use, not multiple ones. You woulnd't get your airline tickets from the same guy that makes your pizza and expect both to be perfect so that's why I woulnd't expect my steamer to be an extractor an be perfect at both. None the less, I continued my research. I found that a company who posts here had some nice units and that someone near me had one of the units I was looking at. I took it for a test drive and was immediately impressed. I continued my research and found another company had the same units, strikingly similar specs, and MUCH lower prices. Plus, they were a US Based company. I contacted one of the sales reps and given extensive insight on their company, several competitors, and the machines themselves. Now if you can believe it, my rep even DOWNSOLD ME! Yup you read right. I told him I was looking at the 1st level Steamer and Extractor (yes I know it goes against what I wrote above but keep going).... and the rep asked what I was using it for. Basically it came down to this. For auto detailing, or any type of carpet work, you NEED a real extractor for the deep down dirt. A few reasons as follows: 1: Steamer will lift dirt but not dirt particles 2: Steamer will clean the top of the carpet fibers but not pull up what's deep inside 3: A steamer extractor does not have enough liquid volume to pull everything out of the carpet 4: You need a steamer for everything else and a true extractor for rugs/carpets 5: An extractor will give the proper amount of water/solution VOLUME into the carpet to sufficiently connect with particles and then extract them from the carpet/fabric. COMPANY: So, after my 1hr phone call and whirlwind educational experience, I decided to go with this company. Here are a few reasons: 1: Company has been in business for approx 30-years 2: Company serves numerous industrial markets and has some VERY large clients most are Fortune companies 3: US Based (Need I say more?) 4: Pricing.... The unit I purchased was $1,500 less than the same unit at the other place I was looking at for the SAME machine! 5: Location - company is located in the Boston area and I got my unit the next day with just regular ground shipping! 6: Base of operations is in the US so legal issues (should they ever occur) are easier than international legal issues. The units are Italian made which I liked because well, the Italians make Lamborghini and Ferrari. Plus, since my last name ends in a vowel, how could I turn down an offer I couldn't refuse! So, I saved $1,500, purchased a unit for around $1000 and just tried it out last night for the first time. UNIT REVIEW: Basically the unit heats up in about 5 minutes and practically runs forever! Everything you've seen and read about steamers ( for those that don't have one) is true and VERY VERY important in our business. The hose is long enough where it's not too long and not too short. Comes with a bunch of good attachments and is relatively portable. The unit I purchased also allows you to fill it on the fly which comes in handy when you don't want wait for reheat times. Anyway, some of this may have been long winded but I wanted to give a general overview of my tavels leading me to the decision I made. I will also say, that in addition to the Daimer KleenJet Pro Plus 300CS Steamer, I will be purchasing the Daimer Xtreme Power XPH-5800 Extractor as soon as this one is paid off. If you want my rep's contact info, please PM me and I'll gladly hook you up. Thanks for reading! Mike
I'm glad you got a steamer. I am very happy with my Gaia, but it is not for everyone. And. besides, until you actually try a unit out and see for yourself, you have to rely on others' bias when they tell you something does not work. I saw a competitor to Gaia say it can't run vacuum, steam and extractor all at once. That's bullshit and I shot a video and posted it on You Tube to prove it. Once you go steam, you never go back. Use it in good health.
Hey bro... Yeah I definitely agree with you that you need a hands on evaluation to truly tell. As for the Gaia, I was actually looking at getting one. But then I figured, for heavy repeated use, there MUST be something to units that cost much more. I mean let's face it..... If the Gaia worked for everyone, than there would be no need for a $1000 steamer and then a $1000 extractor. The Gaia is awesome on a lower tier scale but when it comes to this stuff holding up for the long haul, you definitely get what you pay for. Mike
