The Best Floor Polisher
1. Oreck Commercial ORB550MC Floor Polisher
Key Features
Floor buffer for cleaning wood and other hard floors
Dry-cleaning function for carpeted floors
13” cleaning path
50-foot power cord
24lbs
Compatible with brushes, pads and cleaning solutions
The Oreck Commercial ORB550MC is a versatile machine, designed primarily for cleaning wood, vinyl and tiled floors, although it is also suitable for buffering hardwood floors. It has a generous cleaning path of 13 inches and a 50-foot power cord which makes it easy to clean large floor areas. Just be careful the long cord doesn’t trip you up!
If you plan to take full advantage of the different functions of the machine, you will need to invest in pads and brushes separately as they are not included.
Pros
Sleek design for easy storage
Very easy to use
Versatile – can sand, buff, and wax floors
Lengthy power cord
Cons
No accessories come with the machine
2. Gladwell Cordless Electric Floor Polisher
Key Features
Ultra-thin 3 inch base
Cordless
180-degree handle rotation
Extendable handle
10.8lbs
2-hour charge
300ml water tank
Easy to use control panel
LED light
Multiple setting – options for waxing, mopping, and quick spraying
The Gladwell Cordless Electric Mop is more commonly known as their Coaster model. It is a suitable floor cleaner for home use as it is lightweight, cordless, and has a great ergonomic handle which makes it great for tackling awkward angles.
The Coaster can scrub, mop, and waxing all in one machine. You can switch between mopping and waxing at the touch of a button. For a floor scrubber, you will need to change the mop pad before operating, and this scrubbing pad is included.
Pros
High-speed pad rotation
Adjustable handle
Cordless
Ergonomic design
Cons
Not very high power
3. Vmai Electric Floor Polisher
Key Features
Cordless electric mop
6.9 lbs
Motor-driven design reduces your effort to operate
Floor scrubber for tiles and wood
High-powered dual-spin motors
250rpm
LED headlight
Electric mop works on floor surfaces including vinyl, tile, marble, and sealed wood
Four reusable microfiber cleaning pads are included
300ml built-in water tank
Detachable battery
Lifetime warranty
Vmai Electric Floor Polisher is a straightforward machine, very similar to the Gladwell electric mop, except with this model you can remove the battery to replace it if necessary.
It is very lightweight, cordless, and doesn’t require any effort to push it around thanks to the motor design. As a result, it scores very highly for maneuverability.
Pros
Very quiet
Lightweight
No need to push
High RPM
Spare, washable mop pads included
Cons
Only35 minutes of work on one battery charge
Not very sturdy when standing up
Mop base is over 4 inches high
4. Boss Cleaning Equipment B200752 Floor Polisher
Key Features
10inch cleaning path
7lbs
18-foot power cord
470 rpm
Includes two washable microfiber pads
Non-scratch wheels
Our best floor machine in terms of value is the Boss Cleaning Equipment B200752 Scrubber. This is highly versatile for a budget pick. It includes brushes for scrubbing, felt pads for wood floors, microfibre pads for hard floors. It can buff and polish floors and the brushes can also be used on carpets to remove stains.
470rpm is an exceptionally quick rotation speed, so you should be able to clean a large floor in no time at all.
Pros
Includes brushes and pads to switch according to floor type
Lightweight
Speed
Wheels help with maneuvering
No liquids or sprays required
Cons
Low stability due to high rpm and lightweight build
5. Viper Fang 15B Compact Floor Polisher
Key Features
15” inch cleaning path
3.5-gallon tank
Fold-down adjustable handle for easy storage
Removable water tank
124 lbs
150rpm
Two-hour run-time per charge
3-year warranty on motors, 8-year on the tank
Viper Fang 15B Compact Floor Polisher is designed for heavy-duty scrubbing. There is no power cord option, but the run time is 2 hours, so it gives you freedom and flexibility in areas where there are no power outlets.
The 15inch cleaning path means you can clean large areas quickly, with a scrubbing rate of 8000ft per hour, so it is an excellent choice for an industrial floor. The 3.5-gallon water tank also means you are unlikely to have to refill it during a 2-hour cleaning session.
Pros
Wide cleaning path
High powered scrubbing
Long run time
Relatively compact considering its power
Cons
Heavy
Noisy
6. Gladwell Cordless Electric Mop
Key Features
Ultra-thin 3 inch base
Cordless
180-degree handle rotation
11.6lbs
2-hour charge
330ml water tank
Easy to use control panel
Multiple setting – options for waxing, mopping, and quick spraying
Low noise level of 60dB
The Gladwell Cordless 3 In 1 Machine is more commonly known as their Glider model and comes with almost the same features and functions as the Coaster model, which we reviewed earlier.
The subtle differences are that the Glider has its hp motor in the arm of the machine, whereas the Coaster has the motor in the head. The Coaster also has an extendable, adjustable handle, but this Glider version has a fixed steel handle.
Pros
High-speed motor for quick cleaning
Very quiet
Cordless
Ergonomic design
Cons
Not very high power
7. Viper Cleaning Equipment VN2015 Floor Buffer
Key Features
Easy to use
Fingertip controls
Motor-mounted pad driver storage
All-steel, triple planetary gearbox
175 rpm
50inch power cable
1 5 hp
Pad driver included
3-year parts warranty
109llbs
63 decibels – quiet for a heavy-duty machine
The name viper conjures up images of a mighty, effective floor cleaner, and this is what you get. Viper Cleaning Equipment VN2015 Floor Buffer is designed for industrial floor polishing yet is still easy to operate and has surprisingly low noise levels. It is one of the best floor buffer options.
The viper cleaning equipment has an average brush speed of 175 rpm and is perfectly balanced to ensure that it handles heavy-duty buffing while preserving the durability of the machine. The machine is also designed so that the pad driver can fold up when in storage, which further increases its longevity.
Pros
The planetary gearbox provides equal stability and power and makes the motor a durable design
Built for heavy-duty use
Pad folds up for easy storage
Powerful
Use on multiple surfaces
Cons
Suited for commercial use, not home use
High price point
8. Prolux Core Floor Buffer
Key Features
Heavy-duty commercial floor buffer
13” single pad floor buffer
30lbs
150 rpm
Comes with a set of 4 pads and scrub brush
50-foot extension cord
Industry-first industrial-grade telescopic wand
Can strip, wax, buff, polish, and clean any floor surface
Random orbit motor
Can be used on delicate surfaces like laminate, hardwood, gym floors and carpet
This is a floor machine that does everything and at a reasonable cost. It can strip, buff, wax, polish, sand, and clean all types of hard flooring. Prolux Core Floor Buffer can also be used on floor types ranging from concrete to laminate and carpet. Although before you rush to purchase one, if you plan to use it on laminate, carpet or other soft floors, you will need to buy the soft/medium brushes separately.
Traditional floor buffers rotate their pads in only one direction. The Prolux model has Random Orbit Motor technology which means that pad will spin in alternating directions. This movement reduces the likelihood of brush marks or swirls being left on your floor.
Pros
Highly versatile
Easy to operate
Generous power cord
Adjustable steel handle
Random orbit motor – no floor marking
Cons
Heavy/not easy to get in and out of storage cupboards
9. BISSELL BigGreen BGFS5000 Portable Polisher
Key Features
Small portable floor machine
Scrubs hard floors in tight areas
Buffs hardwood floors
Lightweight and compact
Durable all-metal construction
25ft power cord
12-inch cleaning path
16lbs
Comes with a set of scrub brushes, scrubbing pads, polishing pads and felt buffing pads
Bissell is a leading brand for household and commercial cleaning, and BigGreen BGFS5000 Portable Polisher is one of its more compact models. One of the great things about this machine is that it comes with a selection of brushes and pads, so it is versatile before you start investing in additional attachments, unlike many other brands.
This Bissell model is designed to clean an extensive list of surfaces, from brick and ceramic to carpet, cork, and vinyl. You would be hard pushed to find a floor polisher or floor buffer that claims to be as adaptable.
Pros
High maneuverability
Buffs and cleans hardwood and also works on carpet
Comes with a variety of brushes and pads
Able to get into narrow spaces
No need for chemicals and cleaning solutions
Scrubs a vast array of floors
Cons
Concerns about the durability in reviews
10. BISSELL BigGreen Commercial Floor Polisher
Key Features
Removes allergens and dry cleans carpet
Buffs and sands hardwood floors
175 rpm
Scrubs and cleans ceramic tile and grout
Scrubs and cleans concrete
Polishes and strips vinyl
Cleans, polishes and protects marble
Scrubs and cleans brick and slate
30-foot power cable
2.4-litre tank
Fingertip control
27lbs
Another floor buffer offering from Bissell’s BigGreen Commercial line, however, this one doesn’t come with the selection of accessories that the previous model did, which is a little frustrating.
BigGreen Commercial Floor Polisher is versatile provided you follow the recommended instructions for the right type of floor polishing, and it is easy to control the head from the touch buttons next to the handle of the machine. Although it is a commercial-grade machine, it can easily be used at home, and the added ability to dry clean carpets is very useful.
Apart from the challenge of obtaining the right accessories for the device, it also loses some of its cleaning efficiency rating as it does not suck up any dirty water. So if your floors are wet, or the solution leaves a residue after use, you will need to clean this up separately.
As with other Bissell products, it comes with a one year warranty.
Pros
Versatile
Fingertip control – easy to use
Electric pump control release of the solution during polishing
Cons
No vacuum system
Reviews question durability
Accessories not included
11. Powr-Flite C1600-3 Classic Floor Polisher
Key Features
1600 rpm
1 5 hp
20” flexible pad driver
Thumb activated safety switch to prevents accidental starts
Non-marking bumpers
101lbs
The combined rotating brush speed, lightweight design, and no-marking bumpers make Powr-Flite C1600-3 Classic Floor Polisher a breeze to move around the floor for a superior polish. The productivity is approximately 23500sq ft per hour, hence why it is best for industrial floor space.
The advanced technology behind the pad driver of this buffer means that there is a full pad to floor contact. This helps if you are polishing any uneven surfaces. It is also appropriate for use on tile, marble, wood, and other hard floors, so it is a highly versatile polisher.
Pros
High speed
Very powerful
Great for commercial floor polishing
Durability
Non-marking bumpers
Cons
No additional features (mop, waxing, etc.)
High price tag
Features To Consider With Floor Polishers
Floor Type
Knowing the type of floor you have is the key to determining the best floor polisher or floor cleaner you should purchase. Concrete floors, marble floors, and wood floors all require different methods of polishing, and therefore different machines. Using an incompatible machine or the wrong type of cleaning pad could potentially ruin your floor.
Size
The size and weight of a polisher will help you determine if the product is going to be appropriate for your usage. While it is easy to opt for the lightest model, some of the best floor polishers or floor buffers for large areas need a reasonable amount of weight to achieve a high level of shine. If the model is too light, it will not have the required force needed to stabilize it when the pads are moving at high speed. If you are choosing a machine to use in your home, a low-speed, lighter version will be easy to operate around furniture.
Remember that you also need to keep the polisher somewhere, so make sure you pick a model that you have storage space for.
Horsepower
The horsepower (hp) of a polisher or buffer gives you an indication of how powerful the motor is. The higher the hp motor, the greater the power there is to rotate the floor pads. This will make it easier to move around without having to put the effort in to push or pull it across a floor, and the greater RPM (speed) it can achieve. Most floor machines will have a motor of .5 hp to 1.5 hp.
Speed
Speed for a floor polisher is measured in RPMs. This is the number of rotations per minute, which tells you how quickly the rotating pads move. The higher the RPM, then the quicker it will be for you to clean an area. A low-speed buffer, which is mainly used for polishing or scrubbing hardwood and tile floors at home, will typically have a speed of around 175RPM.
A high-speed buffer, sometimes known as a burnisher, has a rotation of speed of 1500-3000RPM. These often need more maintenance than low-speed floor buffers, which are heavier and more expensive. They give a higher level of shine compared to a low-speed buffer but generally only move in straight lines, so not always ideal for home use.
Functions
Many of the best floor polishers come with additional functions, making them much more versatile cleaning tools. If the machine comes with a mop head and brush, it can potentially be used for waxing and scrubbing as well as the typical polishing.
Efficiency
There are several factors that contribute to the efficiency of a floor polisher. This includes the ability to conduct multiple functions from one machine, the capacity of the water tank, and the length of time it takes for a machine to pass over a floor area. The latter is described as a cleaning path width. A wider cleaning path will cover a greater surface area than a narrow path meaning you can clean an area in less time. The best floor buffer or polisher options for large commercial areas will have wide cleaning paths.
Usability
When you are looking for a floor polisher, it is important to consider how easy it will be to use, even if you only plan on giving it an outing a few times a year. You should look at how easy it is to maneuver, refill, and change a pad. Also, look at the power options.
If you go for a cordless option, check how long it will last when fully charged. If you are looking at a corded version, think about how long the power cord is.
The best floor buffer or polisher for you in terms of the usability will depend on whether you have a commercial floor or home floor to clean and the types of floor you need to treat.
Brushes Or Mop
You should consider what attachments the floor polisher comes with. If it is a machine that uses brushes, does it come with different types of brush pads or spares? And the same if it uses a mop pad option. Hard scrub pads or brushes are not suitable for cleaning delicate floor surfaces, whereas a soft brush will not have much impact on a concrete floor.
Note that some machines have interchangeable attachments, but you may have to invest in these separately. There is no clear answer on whether brushes or pads are better; it will depend on the types of floor surfaces you want to clean.
Water Tank
Some floor polishers, particularly those that are designed for mopping and waxing, will come with a water tank fitted. You will either fill this with water or the required cleaning solution that is suitable for your floor type. The bigger the water tank, the less often you will have to refill it during cleaning; however, the size will often affect how easy it is to store. If you opt for a machine that has a relatively small water tank, then you should ensure that it has an easy method to refill it.
Floor Polisher FAQ
Q: What is a floor polisher?
A floor polisher is a machine that buffs, scrubs, or polishes your floor to give it an extra shine. It may also be referred to as a floor buffer. The machine comes with different attachments (large pads or soft brushes) that rotate to shine your floor. The appropriate attachment will vary according to the type of floor to be polished.
Q: Can I polish my wood floors?
If you have a protected, sealed, hardwood floor, you can polish it every few months to give it a good shine and preserve its quality. But when choosing a floor polisher or buffer, you will need to select one that is suitable for cleaning wood floors, as some models may only be suitable for tiles or concrete.
You should also check the finish of your floor before you dive into polishing. If there is a barrier, usually from urethane, then the floor is suitable for polishing.
If it has what is known as a penetrating finish (for example, finished with tung oil), then you should avoid polish and use wax instead.
Q: What is the difference between buffing and polishing a floor?
With buffing, a solution is sprayed on the floor that fills in any little nicks or smudges. The rotating pads on the buffing machine then rotate to take out any scuffs and create a shine.
With polishing, the machine moves more quickly and usually alters the finish of the floor by not only removing small scratches and dust but adding a protective layer to it.
Buffing restores smoothness to the floor and polishing leaves it with an additional wet-look shine.
Q: How often should floors be polished?
It is recommended to polish wood floors only a few times a year, ideally with a couple of months break between each polishing. For other floor surfaces such as tile or concrete, you can polish these every few weeks if necessary.
Q: How can I make my floor shine?
You will obtain a beautiful shine on your floor by ensuring you use a good quality polish with your machine.
To make the shine last for longer, you should sweep and mop regularly to remove any sand, grit or debris that may have accumulated on the surface. If this debris becomes embedded in your floor, it causes scratches and dulls the appearance of the surface. You should also ensure that if you move furniture, however big or small, around the floor, then you should use floor protectors on the base of these items. This will minimize any scuff marks and scratches. These steps will help you maintain the shine that a floor polisher can achieve.