Nilfisk e140.3-9 x-tra

Best price: £224.99Contact: www.nilfisk.comAccessories: Rota nozzle

If money is no object, this is the machine to have. It can’t quite match the Bosch washer for cleaning oomph, but it’s excellent and consistent all the same. And everything else about the Nilfisk cleaner oozes quality, plus it’s rugged and well thought out. The maker seems to have taken inspiration from Dyson’s vacuum cleaners for fast and secure power lead storage, while the generously long, nine-metre, top-quality hose is mounted on a fully plumbed-in reel. An innovative bracket even stops the hose from being pulled from certain angles, so the machine doesn’t topple over. Our only gripes concern the premium price and the rather basic clip-on detergent bottle.