Hi Derek,
I bought the 400psi version of the Steamate 2 months ago. It is an excellent piece of kit performance wise, I have even used it as a booster heater on my truckmount - I think it is still too early for me to comment on the reliability front.
It does strike me that a heat exchanger is an easy piece of equipment to break e.g. if allowed to freeze or if left on for a long period without water in it. I am being extra careful to mollycoddle my steamate so as to avoid trips to Dartford.
I agree with your comments on Derek - he has now come up with a spot cleaning machine with an internal mini steamate. Sounds tempting!!!
Nigel
