For a quick touch-up of one or two creased outfits after storage or travelling, choose a handheld steamer if low weight and compact size are your priorities. A standing model is better suited to steaming several garments in a row at home. If you need to press sharp creases or achieve a traditional ironed finish, stick with an iron or steam generator iron.
If your clothes have light creases after being packed in a suitcase or bag, a compact steamer lets you freshen them up without taking an ironing board. Que Choisir distinguishes this use from pressing sharp creases.
If you want to smooth a few creases on a hanging garment before heading out, without setting up an ironing board, a handheld steamer is a good fit for occasional use, according to Que Choisir.
If you regularly steam one garment after another at home, consider a standing clothes steamer and the capacity of its water tank. The standing models from SteamOne and Philips are designed for a different use from travel steamers.
Que Choisir describes a clothes steamer as a way to smooth light creases, not to press sharp creases like an iron. Start by choosing the finish you want, then consider how many garments you need to steam and how much space you have.
Choose it: for occasional touch-ups on hanging garments, especially after travelling.
Bear in mind: a small tank may need refilling if you’re steaming several garments in a row.
Choose it: for steaming several garments at home when portability isn’t a priority.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space and won’t replace an iron for pressing sharp creases.
Choose it: if you need to press sharp creases or want a traditional ironed finish.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a suitable surface, and there’s more to set up for a simple touch-up.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Weight and dimensions when stored; tank capacity. | I want to freshen up an outfit from my suitcase without having to carry a standing appliance. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise portability. |
| Several touch-ups | Tank capacity and the stated steaming time for the exact model. | When I have several garments to steam at home, I’d rather not refill the appliance between items. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise being able to use it continuously. |
| Finish | The result you want: smoothing light creases or pressing sharp ones. | If I need to press a crease in a pair of trousers, a quick touch-up on a hanger won’t do the job. Around 25% of consumers would put a sharp finish first. |
According to Que Choisir, a clothes steamer smooths light creases, but it won’t press sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator iron.
If sharp creases are essential, choose or keep an iron rather than relying on a clothes steamer alone.
Power alone won’t tell you how many garments you can steam before the tank needs refilling.
Also check the weight, tank capacity, stated steam output and packed dimensions of the exact model.
A large tank is useful when steaming several garments at home, but the appliance takes up more space than a handheld model.
For a suitcase and a few quick touch-ups, compare handheld models first; save a standing model for steaming sessions at home.
A sanitising claim doesn’t tell you how well the appliance smooths creases. Que Choisir doesn’t take textile sanitising claims into account in its clothes steamer test.
Instead, assess the appliance based on the touch-ups you need, how easy it is to handle and how many garments you’ll be steaming.
The range featured includes a foldable handheld steamer and a standing model with an adjustable ironing board.
Its handheld and standing models let you compare options for quick touch-ups on the go with those for steaming at home.
The Pure POP DT2020C0 is an example of a handheld model designed for quick touch-ups while travelling.
These handheld models are suited to occasional touch-ups, at home or on the go. If you regularly need to steam several garments or press sharp creases, also compare standing models or a traditional iron.
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Worth considering for quick touch-ups on the go; its 70 ml tank may need refilling if you’re steaming several garments in a row.
The product details list 240 V: check compatibility with your power supply before buying.
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The foldable design is handy for occasional touch-ups after storage or travelling. Check its folded dimensions before packing it in your luggage.
If you’re steaming several garments in a row, check whether the 0,10 L tank is enough for the number of touch-ups you have planned.
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Worth considering for several quick touch-ups at home. Its stated weight of 1,0 kg is worth bearing in mind if you plan to pack it in your luggage.
If the soleplate material matters to you, check what it is before buying.
Not if you need to press sharp creases or achieve a traditional ironed finish. Que Choisir recommends it instead for smoothing light creases on hanging garments, particularly after travelling or storage.
Check the tank capacity and the stated usage guidance for the exact model, rather than looking at its power alone. For example, Philips says the 100 ml STH3000/20 can steam up to one complete outfit. Results also depend on the fabric, the creases and how you use the appliance.
Check its weight, packed dimensions, tank capacity and the electrical specifications for the exact model. A foldable design makes it easier to store, but doesn’t tell you how much room it’ll take up in your luggage.
No, it doesn’t tell you how well the steamer will freshen up your clothes. Que Choisir says textile sanitising claims aren’t included in its clothes steamer test. Focus instead on the finish you want and how easy the appliance is to handle.
Contact the retailer and keep your proof of purchase and the product reference. According to the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. Any commercial guarantee does not replace it.