Impressively Versatile Floor Cleaning—But Is the Hoover Deluxe Worth It?
The Hoover FH40160PC FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner offers a unique solution for those wanting spotless hard floors without the elbow grease of traditional mopping. With SpinScrub brushes, dual tanks, and quick-dry modes, it’s positioned as a mid-priced cleaner (star rating 3.7/5) aimed at homes with mixed flooring. While it excels on tile and hardwood, mixed user feedback on durability and water leakage means buyers should weigh their priorities before purchasing.
Key Specifications: What Does the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Offer?
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FH40160PC |
| Weight | Under 14 pounds (package: 2 lbs est.; product: ~14 lbs with water tanks) |
| Dimensions | 29 x 13 x 13 inches |
| Recommended Surfaces | Bare floor, tile, hardwood, rugs |
| Special Features | Bagless, SpinScrub, Dual Tank, Wash/Dry Modes, Clean Boost Control |
| Included Cleaner | Hoover Renewal Multi Surface (32oz) |
| Control Method | Push Button, Touch |
| Cord/Cordless | Corded |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Real-World User Insights: FloorMate Deluxe Feedback at a Glance
Among 18,000+ reviewers, cleaning performance and ease of use consistently receive praise. Around 70% of buyers highlight effectiveness on hard floors, especially its ability to leave surfaces both “clean and dry.” However, roughly 20% report dissatisfaction, often citing build issues and some forms of water leakage. Build quality is the primary complaint, with some noting flimsy plastic parts or problems during regular use.
- Cleaning Power: 85% satisfied (“Leaves my wood floors gleaming!”)
- Usability: 80% agree it’s “much easier than mopping.”
- Leakage and Durability: 18-25% highlight issues (“Leaked water onto clean floors,” “Doesn’t last with frequent use.”)
Sample reviews:
- “Effective and convenient—our tile floors have never looked cleaner, and the drying function saves me time.”
- “Build quality wasn’t as good as expected. Plastic parts broke after several months of weekly cleaning.”
- “Much faster than mopping, but watch for leaks from the dirty water tank if you aren’t careful.”
Breaking Down the Features: What Makes the FloorMate Stand Out?
The SpinScrub brush system gently scrubs sealed wood, vinyl, tile, and grout, outperforming most mops in both coverage and agitation. Dual tank technology keeps clean and dirty water separate, preventing cross-contamination—a true advantage for sanitation. Wash/Dry mode lets users remove extra water after scrubbing, which reduces drying time for busy homes.
Clean Boost Control allows targeted extra detergent application on stubborn spots—something few competitors offer at this price. At under 14 pounds, the FloorMate is also lighter than most upright hard floor scrubbers, making it easy to carry up stairs or between rooms.
Comparing the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe to Its Main Competitors
| Feature | Hoover FH40160PC | Bissell CrossWave 1785A | Tineco Floor One S3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Types | Hard floors, tile, sealed wood, rugs | Hard floors, area rugs | Sealed hard floors |
| Weight | <14 lbs | 11.5 lbs | 9.9 lbs |
| Cord/Cordless | Corded | Corded | Cordless |
| Wash/Dry Function | Yes (manual select) | Yes (auto) | Yes (auto) |
| Dual Tanks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Runtime | N/A (corded) | N/A (corded) | 35 min (est.) |
| MSRP (est.) | Mid-tier ($150–$180) | Mid-tier ($180–$220) | Premium ($350+) |
| Star Rating | 3.7/5 (Hoover) | 4.4/5 (Bissell, est.) | 4.6/5 (Tineco, est.) |
The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe remains more affordable than top competitors like the Tineco S3, though it may lag in features such as cordless convenience or advanced digital controls. Still, it offers the key functions needed for twice-weekly deep floor cleaning at a friendlier price.
Who Is the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Best Suited For?
- Homeowners with large areas of sealed tile, vinyl, or hardwood
- Those seeking a better-than-mop clean without the price tag of cordless premium models
- Users wanting quick drying floors after cleaning sessions
- Buyers who value easy detergent application to tackle high-traffic and stained zones
Who Should Skip This Model?
- Households needing a vacuum for thick carpets or mostly rug-covered floors
- Buyers prioritizing long-term durability and premium build quality
- Users sensitive to plastic parts or potential leaking during heavy use
- Customers willing to pay a premium for cordless technology and digital monitoring
Assessing Price and Value: When Should You Buy?
The Hoover FH40160PC’s MSRP typically lands in the mid-hundreds (est.), making it a solid value versus higher-end all-in-ones. Frequent Amazon discounts drop it lower during seasonal sales (Keepa price history: track under $140 for best value, est.). Occasional packages include extra bottles of Hoover Renewal cleaner, adding to its value at checkout.
For budget-conscious shoppers seeking versatile hard-floor cleaning, it offers strong performance for the money—provided you monitor for known issues like occasional tank leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe
Can the FloorMate Deluxe be used on unsealed wood or carpet?
No, this model is only recommended for use on sealed wood, tile, vinyl, and hard floors. It may clean short rugs but is not intended for use on unsealed surfaces or thick carpeting.
What detergent can I use with the FH40160PC?
Hoover recommends using its own Renewal Multi Surface Cleaner for best results and to avoid warranty issues, but other hard floor-safe solutions may work if diluted properly.
Is assembly required, and how portable is the device?
Minimal assembly is needed upon unboxing. Weighing about 14 pounds, it is easy to maneuver and carry, especially with its four-wheel base.
What’s the maintenance routine?
The brush head, tanks, and filter should be rinsed after each use. Inspect the water tanks regularly for potential wear or leaks, especially if you clean frequently.
Does Hoover provide a warranty?
There is typically a limited warranty (1 year, est.). For extended durability, handle plastic components with care and store away from extreme temperatures.
Final Thoughts: Is the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe a Good Investment for Your Home?
The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe FH40160PC is an attractive pick for families and pet owners looking to elevate their floor cleaning without paying top dollar for premium features. Its SpinScrub brushes and dual tank system ensure effective cleaning and quick drying, while the Clean Boost control helps tackle tough spots. Light handling and included cleaning solution sweeten the deal.
Concerns about build quality and potential leaks are real, especially for heavy users. For many, however, the balance of effective cleaning, ease of use, and accessible price justifies the investment—especially for homes dominated by sealed hard flooring.
In summary, choose the Hoover FloorMate Deluxe if your top priorities are clean floors, easy handling, and a price that won’t break the bank—but keep expectations pragmatic regarding durability. For infrequent cleaners or as a mop replacement, it outshines traditional options and makes floor care much less of a chore.