I bought the Sargent Steam about six months ago. It's quite expensive, but I'm a bit nutty about my toys. Also, I wanted the iron that can be attached to the steamer. The steamer makes super hot, rather dry vapor. I'm very pleased with the performance of the steamer itself, and it does have a floor attachment that is pretty easy to use, but I find that most of the brushes and pads that attach to the steam nozzle are awkward to use in many spots, such as the oven, and use a two hand approach, with the steamer in one hand and a cloth or scrubber in the other. The grease and dirt wipe of after being hit with a shot of steam, although burned on grease in the oven took more than a wipe.

I'm afraid to use it on my laminate and hardwood floors, but it's superb on the tile in the bathroom, both showers and floors.

I've owned several Shark steam mops and they all broke within just a few months. I finally broke down and bought a ladybug and will NEVER be without it again! No box store brand cleaner can come close to a commercial grade steam mop. I could never have imagined how much dirt was going to come off my floor with the ladybug. My floor is SQUEAKY clean. It's handy for lots of other things as well. I highly recommend it!

Last year I bought a Shark vacuum,
and got a free steam mop with it.
I absolutely LOVE it!
While I have to admit,
I probably don't use it as often as I should,
It seems to be working just fine!

But I'm a little confused by your statement
" it needed to be used with a cleaning solution from the same company "
I've never used any type of cleaner with mine.
Just distilled water.
And I have cleaned up some pretty sticky messes with it.
I am aware that they do sell 'special' cleaners for it,
to be used, or so I understand,
When extreme measures are necessary,
But so far, plain ol' steam has done a great job for me!

Rusty