For the occasional touch-up
You want to ease light creases in one or two garments taken out of a bag, suitcase or wardrobe, then put the appliance away easily. UFC-Que Choisir recommends a handheld garment steamer for this occasional use.
Who is each option for?
For several garments at home
You steam several hanging garments one after another and are happy to have a bulkier appliance in return for a dedicated stand. UFC-Que Choisir recommends an upright garment steamer for this kind of use.
For a crisp, ironed finish
You need to create sharp creases or achieve a crisp finish on difficult fabrics. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer is for touch-ups, while an iron or steam generator iron is still needed for a finishing press.
Which features should you prioritise?
When choosing a steamer after travelling or taking clothes out of storage, start with the result you want, then consider how many garments you need to treat. Next, check whether the design and usage requirements suit your space and fabrics.
| What you need | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Quick touch-ups and easy storage | Handheld design, weight in your hand and stated heat-up time. Check the manual for compatible fabrics and instructions for use. | If I take a creased garment out of a suitcase, I want to ease the creases without setting up an ironing board or having to store a bulky appliance. Around 46% of consumers put this compact touch-up option at the top of their list. |
| Several garments in a row | Tank capacity and refilling, stand stability and the space needed for storage. | At home, I have several hanging garments to steam and would rather avoid interruptions, even if the appliance takes up more room. This uninterrupted use is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Sharp creases and a crisp finish | The result you can expect for the fabric; decide whether you need to keep an iron or steam generator iron to hand. | For sharp creases or a difficult fabric such as linen, I don’t want to confuse a quick touch-up with a proper finishing press. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this result. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Expecting a garment steamer to deliver an ironed finish
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between easing light creases and creating sharp creases or giving clothes a finishing press. A garment that has simply been steamed may therefore not have the crisp finish you want.
Before buying, decide whether you want to touch up clothes on a hanger or give them a finishing press. For the latter, keep an iron or steam generator iron.
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Choosing based only on the stated steam output
UFC-Que Choisir’s testing assesses steam output, results on different fabrics and ease of use separately. One figure alone cannot tell you how the appliance will perform in use.
Also look at the tank, weight, settings and instructions for the model you’re interested in.
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Underestimating the weight and need to refill
A handheld model may be less comfortable to use on a large garment or several items. Reviews displayed by Philips for a model in its 5000 Series mention its weight and tank size, but they don’t describe all handheld garment steamers.
If you expect to use it for longer sessions, compare how it feels in your hand and the tank capacity, then consider how much space an upright model would take up.
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Putting the appliance away without checking the manual
The manual for the Calor DT9530 says, among other things, to unplug the appliance before filling it and let it cool down before putting it away. Instructions vary depending on the model.
Check the manual for guidance on the power supply, permitted water, filling, hot surfaces and cooling.
Brands to consider for these designs
Calor / Rowenta
Calor / Rowenta’s range includes handheld garment steamers, a model that works both upright and horizontally, and an upright appliance for home use.
- The Pro Style Care IT8460C0 product details list an upright stand and a 1,3 L tank; the Pure Force DT8720C0 is described as suitable for both upright and horizontal use.
- These features apply to these specific models. Check the manual and the result you want before relying on either to replace an iron.
Philips
Philips describes its 5000 Series handheld garment steamers as suitable for use on a hanger or flat surface, with a design intended for storage or travel.
- Philips states that the STH5020/40R1 heats up in 35 seconds and has ECO and MAX modes.
- Reviews displayed on the listing for this refurbished model mention that its weight or tank may be inconvenient for some uses; they don’t provide a verdict on the entire range.
Polti
Polti offers portable models as well as others designed for both upright and horizontal use.
- According to Polti, the GSM50B has a foldable handle and a carry bag, while the GSM20 has a rotating head.
- Features vary by model, so choose one that suits how you plan to use it and check the specifications of the specific model.
Handheld garment steamers on Joybuy
These three handheld garment steamers are suited to occasional touch-ups after travelling or taking clothes out of storage. Compare their designs and the features listed for each variant, but don’t assume they can automatically replace an iron for a crisp finish.
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Braun QuickStyle 3 GS3012BG, blue and grey
A handheld garment steamer to consider for occasional touch-ups on hanging clothes. Check the manual for the tank capacity, compatible fabrics and cooling instructions. If you’re taking it with you, also check that the power supply and plug are compatible.
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Foldable Princess 332890, with lint-removal attachment
Its foldable design suits anyone prioritising easy storage and occasional touch-ups. The product name mentions a lint-removal attachment; check the tank capacity, fabric instructions and plug compatibility before taking it with you.
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Aucma handheld garment steamer, 1 500 W, 300 ml, white, with brush
Worth considering if you want to compare tank capacity for touch-ups: the product name lists a 300 ml tank and a rated power of 1 500 W, but these figures alone don’t determine how long it can be used or the results you’ll get. Check its weight in your hand, electrical compatibility, fabric instructions and soleplate material if that matters to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can a garment steamer replace my iron after a trip?
Not if you want a crisp, ironed finish. UFC-Que Choisir recommends garment steamers for light creases and touch-ups, but distinguishes this from creating sharp creases and achieving the finish you get with an iron or steam generator iron.
Which design should I choose for one creased garment in a suitcase?
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a handheld garment steamer is suitable for this occasional touch-up. Compare its weight, storage requirements and tank; if you’re travelling, also check the power supply and plug you’ll need at your destination.
When is an upright garment steamer worth considering?
An upright garment steamer is worth considering if you’re steaming several garments one after another at home and have space to store it. UFC-Que Choisir recommends this design for that kind of use; check the tank capacity and stand stability of the model you choose.
What should I check before using a garment steamer?
First, follow your model’s manual for instructions on the power supply, filling and cooling. For example, the manual for the Calor DT9530 specifies a 220 to 240 V power supply and says to unplug the appliance before filling it.
Can I use the same steam setting on every fabric?
No. Choose a setting that’s suitable for the garment and appliance rather than assuming one rule applies to everything. Check the care label and the manual, especially for delicate fabrics or those with a coating.