My DH likes to research products before buying. When we decided we needed a steam cleaner (hated the overcrowded cleaning cabinet), he found a fantastic machine - the Polti Lecoaspira (same machine sold under Karcher brand in other countries). Expensive, but worth every penny.
It is a steam cleaner with suction (works like an H2O hoover, if not using steam). We have now had it for over five years and LOVE it! Of course, it is bulkier than a steam mop - but it is a million times better. You can do the whole house (and I mean the WHOLE house) with just one machine.
It hoovers up the dust and hairs (we have a cat) from carpets with the spinning brush head, it has powerful steam for cleaning the kitchen (including the dreaded oven) and bathroom, as well as any hard floors. And there are no pads to deal with, as it just sucks up all the dirt into the tank. The only time pads are involved, is for cleaning mattresses.
It has different power settings for the steam output, so you could even clean your houseplants with it without worry of doing any damage. It has a couple of different squeegees for your windows and mirrors - streak free, without the need for chemicals or a window vac and such.
(we have even abused it by using it for some light sanding after plastering the ceiling (with a sanding attachment fitted right on the hose) - I wouldn't advise to use it as a DIY vac per se, but if you have no other option, it works)