We bought a Hoover SteamVac back in 2008 and it has performed well for us. We researched for some time because we were replacing a Bissell carpet cleaner that we had purchased previously that never did do a decent job. After reading the reviews, we use about half the soap recommended, and then go over the entire area with just water to get all the soap up, then turn the brushes off and just vacuum up the remaining water. When done the carpet is almost dry, unlike the Bissell that would take about a day
Amazon.com: Hoover SteamVac Carpet Cleaner with Clean Surge, F5914-900: Home & Kitchen