Best wallpaper remover

The best wallpaper remover can more than half the time it takes to get unwanted wallpaper off your walls compared to just using a spray bottle and a scraper. For whatever reason your wall coverings need to go, whether that's a refresh or a renovation, investing in a steamer machine is well advised. These gadgets all work on a similar basis to generate steam and then apply it to the wall with a paddle or plate to loosen the wallpaper and make it easier to scrape off. Please take a look through our selection of the very best currently available. 

Earlex's popular SS77 model is a good option for keen home DIY enthusiasts. It's a capable machine packing 2,300 watts of power that will remove all types of wallpaper, including multi-layered wallpaper, wallpaper that's been painted over, and even coping with Artexed walls. This has a large five-litre capacity which means it will not need such frequent refills, giving you more time — up to 78 minutes per tank — to shift that pesky paper. This remover has a generous 3.65-metre hose and comes complete with a scraper. 

This is a high-end option from a trusted brand with a premium design and build quality. We like this machine's shape which gives it a sturdy base and an easy-fill spout at the top with a large hole that means you can fill it directly from the tap. This has only a four-litre capacity, but will still give you an hour's steam from one tank. This shines with its safety features which include a boil-dry safety cut-out and safety release valves that protect from overheating. This has a generously proportioned steam plate so you can cover more wall in less time. 

If you're on a budget, or only have limited use for a wallpaper remover and don't want to invest in a top-of-the-range model, this Denny International option could suit. It's a capable choice with a decent five-litre capacity offering you a very respectable 70-minute's worth of steam time. The 2,200-watt power is less than other models we're featuring, which is where the compromise comes in. There's a three-metre black steam hose, and the steam plate measures 28 by 20cm. 

This is another high-end option that thanks to its 2,300 watts of steam power can strip all kinds of wallpaper, even when covered with layers of paint and Artex. This has an easy-fill opening and that desirable five-litre water tank for a run-time of up to 80 minutes. This remover's hose is a useful 3.7-metres in length, giving you lots of room to manoeuvre. This comes with a smaller steam cup for tricky areas, and a four-piece adjustable steam plate that gives you the amazing ability to work longways to remove complete wallpaper widths.

Oypla's popular wallpaper remover is pitched as professional level. It has a good all-round spec sheet that includes 2,200 watts of steam power and a 4.5-litre water tank capacity that should be good for an hour and ten minutes worth of working time. The steam pad measures in at 28cm by 20cm so you can cover large sections of the wall quickly. This has a top fill design and a large, easy to grip carry handle. 

The power of steam 

These wallpaper removers all work on the same basis of generating steam to loosen wallpaper. Our overall staff pick, the Earlex SS77 steam wallpaper stripper, gets the top slot thanks to its large capacity and generous hose length. 

One option with a design we're big fans of is the Black + Decker KX3300T-GB wallpaper steamer. It has a squat shape for good stability and an easy-fill spout that means you can put it directly under the tap to fill the tank. 

Anyone looking for a budget option should look at the Denny International WS022 wallpaper remover. This affordable choice has good all-round specs and will certainly cover you for ordinary household decorating prep needs.