To smooth a few light creases in clothes straight out of a suitcase, a compact handheld garment steamer is a good choice if you want a quick touch-up and easy storage. As Que Choisir points out, it won’t always replace an iron when you need sharp creases. A standing garment steamer is better suited to regularly steaming several items at home.
You want to freshen up an outfit straight out of a suitcase without setting up an ironing board. A handheld garment steamer is worth considering if its size, weight and heat-up time suit the way you travel. Que Choisir describes this type of appliance as suitable for occasional touch-ups on light creases.
You regularly steam several shirts, dresses or jackets at home. A standing garment steamer could suit your routine if you have space to store it. Some models, such as the STE3170/80 from Philips, combine a large water tank with a garment support.
You need to press a trouser crease or often tackle deep-set creases. It’s worth considering an iron, or even a steam generator if you iron regularly, rather than relying on a garment steamer alone. This reflects the distinction Que Choisir makes between steaming and ironing.
For clothes creased in transit, start by considering the finish you want and how many items you need to treat. Then compare the size and specifications of the particular model.
Consider it: for a quick touch-up on an outfit or a few lightly creased items, without setting up an ironing board.
Bear in mind: its small water tank may need refilling, and it won’t create creases like an iron.
Consider it: for regularly steaming several hanging garments at home.
Bear in mind: its size makes it less suitable for touch-ups while travelling.
Consider it: when you want sharp creases or a more structured finish.
Bear in mind: you’ll need an ironing surface, even for just one outfit.
Consider it: if you iron frequently and have a large amount of laundry to get through.
Bear in mind: its size makes it impractical for a one-off touch-up after a trip.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compact size and speed | Its size when stored and the stated heat-up time for the model you’re considering. | If I want to wear an outfit soon after opening my suitcase, I don’t want to get an ironing board out or wait around. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a touch-up that’s easy to fit into their routine. |
| Several garments | Water tank capacity, weight in your hand and whether it comes with a suitable garment support. | If I have several items waiting on hangers, I’d rather avoid interruptions, even if that means making more room for the appliance. This capacity is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Crease definition | Whether you can iron the garment according to its care label, and the space needed to use an iron. | If a pair of trousers needs a sharp crease, a quick steam won’t give me the finish I’m after. A crisp finish is therefore the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Delicate fabrics | The care label, the model’s instructions and the settings or accessories actually included. | When a garment needs careful handling, I want to know which setting and technique are safe before using steam. Around 20% of consumers prioritise taking care of delicate fabrics. |
According to Que Choisir, garment steamers are mainly for smoothing light creases. They don’t create creases and won’t necessarily give you the same finish as ironing.
If you often iron trousers with creases or shirts that need a structured finish, keep an iron among your options.
A higher figure in g/min doesn’t, on its own, mean better results. Que Choisir points out that figures quoted by manufacturers aren’t necessarily comparable.
Also consider how easy it is to handle, the water tank and heat-up time. Where available, look for tests carried out on a like-for-like basis.
A small handheld appliance can be convenient to take with you, but tank capacity matters more if you’re steaming several garments in a row. Philips states that its handheld STH3000/20 has a 100 ml tank, compared with 2 L for its standing STE3170/80. These figures refer to two specific models; they don’t indicate how either will perform on the same load of laundry.
Work out how many items you want to treat in one go, then check the capacity and size of the model you’re considering.
Settings and accessories vary from model to model. A general claim is no substitute for the instructions or the garment’s care label.
Check the guidance for the fabric in question, and only use a protective accessory if it’s designed for the model you’ve bought.
The range includes handheld garment steamers for touch-ups and standing models designed for steaming several garments at home.
The handheld range includes the travel-friendly Pure POP and the Access Steam Care, which comes with accessories for different uses.
The Access Steam Pocket DT3030E0 is an example of a handheld garment steamer designed for touch-ups when storage space is limited.
SteamOne offers handheld appliances as well as models for home use or more intensive steaming.
These three handheld appliances are suited to occasional touch-ups on clothes creased in transit or storage. If you mainly need sharp creases or regularly iron a large amount of laundry, consider an iron or a steam generator too.
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Worth considering for occasional touch-ups on light creases in an outfit hanging up after a trip.
Check the instructions to see whether the tank capacity suits your needs, and follow the garment’s care guidance, especially for delicate fabrics.
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Its foldable design is worth considering if fitting it into your luggage matters as much as freshening up a hanging garment.
The product name mentions a lint-removing attachment. Check the instructions and the garment’s care label before steaming delicate fabrics.
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Worth considering if you plan to freshen up several garments and are happy to check how much space it will take up in your luggage.
The product name lists a power rating of 1 500 W, a 300 ml tank and an included brush. These specifications don’t guarantee results on every type of crease; follow the instructions and the garment’s care label.
It may be enough for an occasional touch-up on light creases, but it won’t do everything an iron can. Que Choisir distinguishes this use from ironing, which is needed to create creases or achieve a crisper finish.
Choose based on the number of items you need to steam and the space you have, rather than relying on a single capacity threshold. Philips states that its handheld STH3000/20 has a 100 ml tank, while its standing STE3170/80 has a 2 L tank. Check the capacity of the model you’re considering and whether stopping to refill would interrupt your routine.
No. The stated steam output alone isn’t enough to tell you how well it will perform on your clothes. Que Choisir warns that manufacturers’ figures aren’t necessarily comparable. Also consider how easy it is to use, whether there’s a garment support and, where available, results from comparable tests.
Don’t assume that an appliance is suitable for every delicate fabric. Read the care label and the instructions for the exact model. Even when a manufacturer, such as Calor for the Access Steam Care DT9100C0, lists settings and a protective accessory, you still need to follow this guidance.