To smooth a few light creases from a hanging garment, a handheld garment steamer lets you freshen it up without an ironing board. Compare the weight, how much space it takes up when stored and the model’s water tank. For collars or sharp creases, a travel iron is more suitable if you have an ironing surface; a standing garment steamer is a better fit when you have several garments to treat in one place. Que Choisir also distinguishes occasional touch-ups from conventional ironing.
If you want to smooth a few creases from your suitcase without setting up an ironing board, a handheld garment steamer is ideal for occasional use, as long as its weight and size suit you. Que Choisir’s buying guide recommends this type of appliance for occasional freshening up.
If you need to steam several garments, compare how often you’ll need to refill the tank, the stated running time and the space available. Que Choisir notes that a standing garment steamer can be suitable for several garments, but it takes up more space to set up and store than a handheld model.
If you want sharp creases or neatly pressed collars, check whether you need a travel iron and a suitable ironing surface rather than expecting the same finish from steaming a hanging garment.
Choose this if: you want to smooth a few light creases from a hanging garment without using an ironing board.
Bear in mind: weight, packed size and tank capacity vary by model, and the results may not match those of ironing on a flat surface.
Choose this if: you’re preparing several garments in one place and have room to set up the appliance.
Bear in mind: the stand and steamer are less convenient to pack in a suitcase than a handheld model.
Choose this if: you need to press collars or sharp creases on a flat surface and have a suitable place to do so.
Bear in mind: you’ll need somewhere to lay the garment flat, and should check the model’s features are suitable for your trip.
Choose this if: you’d rather iron before you leave or when you get back to achieve the finish you want.
Bear in mind: this option won’t let you freshen up a garment on the spot if it comes out of your suitcase creased.
For clothes taken straight out of a suitcase, your choice mainly depends on the space available, how many garments you need to treat, the fabrics and the finish you’re after.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Weight and size | Check the net weight, packed dimensions and accessories included with the exact model. | If my suitcase is already full, I’ll check the weight and how much space the appliance takes up when packed first. Around 33% of consumers prioritise portability. |
| Water tank and successive touch-ups | Compare the capacity, stated running time and any conditions given. The number of millilitres alone doesn’t tell you how long you can use it. | When I have several outfits to get through, I want to avoid stopping to refill the tank. Around 27% of consumers put steaming several garments in succession at the top of their list. |
| Fabrics and intended use | Check the garment’s care label and the model’s instructions, including whether it’s designed to be used on a flat surface. | If I’m packing different types of clothing, I’ll check which fabrics and ways of using the appliance are recommended. This suitability for different garments is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Collars and sharp creases | Decide whether you need to iron on a flat surface or simply freshen up a hanging garment. | For sharp creases, I prioritise the finish over the convenience of a quick touch-up. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this result. |
A garment steamer is mainly for touch-ups; it won’t necessarily give you the same finish as ironing on a flat surface, especially for collars or sharp creases.
Decide what finish you want for your clothes. If you need sharp creases, plan to use an iron and a suitable ironing surface.
The capacity in millilitres doesn’t equate to a measured running time, nor does it tell you on its own how many garments you’ll be able to treat.
Compare the capacity, stated running time and any conditions separately, then consider how many outfits you need to steam.
Folding makes an appliance easier to store, but doesn’t tell you its weight or how much space it takes up with its accessories.
Check the net weight, packed dimensions and what’s included in the kit for the exact model.
The models mentioned include a handheld option and a configuration with a stand and heated soleplate.
The models mentioned include a foldable handheld garment steamer and a Steam&Go model designed for use in several positions.
The range mentioned includes handheld appliances, such as the foldable James 2, as well as standing models designed to be set up in one place.
The BA 3234 travel iron is worth considering if you need to iron on a flat surface.
This selection brings together handheld garment steamers suited to touch-ups on the go, so you can treat a hanging garment without packing a conventional iron. Check the weight and packed size of the specific model, as well as its stated usage instructions.
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For touch-ups on hanging garments while travelling; the product description also says it can be used flat.
Stated power: 1500 W; heats up in 25 seconds; 300 ml tank and up to 20 minutes of continuous use, according to the description.
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For smoothing creases from a hanging garment without setting up an ironing board, whether you’re travelling or at home.
Power: 1400 W; stated steam output: 24 g/min; removable 260 ml tank; up to 11 minutes of continuous use; heats up in around 30 seconds; stated net weight: 1,1 kg.
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For touch-ups on hanging garments while travelling, with two stated settings to adjust the steam to suit your needs.
Power: 2000 W; stated steam output: 33 g/min; 150 ml tank; up to 8 minutes of continuous use; heats up in around 30 seconds; stated net weight: 0,86 kg.
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For steaming hanging garments. Its larger tank may be worth considering if you have several touch-ups planned, while bearing the model’s weight in mind.
Power: 2000 W; stated steam output: 30 g/min; 400 ml tank; up to 27 minutes of continuous use; two steam settings; heats up in around 40 seconds; stated net weight: 1,03 kg.
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For touch-ups on hanging garments when a foldable design and packing it in your luggage are important.
Removable 0,10 L tank; stated maximum steam output: 18 g/min; heats up in 30 seconds; stated weight: 0,80 kg; lockable button for continuous steam.
It can be used for touch-ups without an ironing board to smooth light creases, particularly on fabric that’s easy to steam. For sharp creases or a pressed finish, use an iron and a suitable ironing surface. Check the garment’s care label and the model’s instructions too.
Follow the instructions for the model you’ve bought when filling and using it. Philips recommends emptying the water tank after use to help limit limescale and algae build-up; descaling instructions vary by model.
The DGCCRF states that, subject to the conditions of the legal guarantee of conformity, a non-professional buyer can make a claim against the professional seller for two years from the date the goods are delivered. Any commercial warranty is separate and optional.