To ease light creases in a hanging outfit before work or after a journey, a handheld garment steamer saves you from getting out the ironing board. A vertical model is a better fit if you have several garments to freshen up. If you want a crisp collar or sharp trouser creases, choose an iron or, for larger ironing sessions, a steam generator. Both options need an ironing board and more set-up.
For a quick touch-up to a hanging outfit just before you head out, a handheld garment steamer means you don't need to set up an ironing board. However, you should expect a less crisp finish than with an iron, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If one or two outfits have light creases after travelling, a handheld model is worth considering for its easy storage and use on a hanger. Also check its weight, plug and voltage for your planned journey.
For pressing a shirt or creating a crease in trousers, an iron or steam generator is better suited to the finish you want. Darty recommends an iron for smaller loads and a steam generator for larger sessions; a garment steamer is best kept for quick touch-ups.
Darty distinguishes between vertical steaming and ironing on a board, while UFC-Que Choisir notes that a garment steamer cannot create sharp creases. So, deciding on the finish you want comes first; the number of garments and the space you have will help you choose the right format.
Best for: occasional touch-ups on a hanger, especially when an ironing board would get in the way.
Bear in mind: a small water tank may need refilling, and steam alone won't create sharp creases.
Best for: steaming several hanging garments when you don't need to iron them flat.
Bear in mind: you'll need space to store a freestanding appliance, and collars and trousers won't have as crisp a finish.
Best for: ironing smaller loads and creating crisp collars or sharp trouser creases.
Bear in mind: you'll need to set up an ironing board and use the temperature recommended for each fabric.
Best for: when quick touch-ups are part of regular ironing sessions involving a large amount of laundry.
Bear in mind: it takes up more room to set up and store, and needs to be maintained as instructed in the manual.
| Factor | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Touch-ups without an ironing board | Check how long the model takes to heat up and whether it can steam a hanging garment. | When I'm heading out soon, I want to ease light creases without setting up an ironing board. Around 36% of consumers would put this kind of quick touch-up first. |
| A crisp finish | Choose an iron with a soleplate and an ironing board if crisp collars or sharp creases are essential. | For a shirt or work trousers, I'd rather take the time to iron than go without a sharp crease. Around 29% of consumers would make this finish their priority. |
| Several garments | Compare the water tank capacity and the space the appliance takes up; distinguish between steaming on a hanger and ironing flat. | If I regularly prepare several garments, having to stop and refill the appliance bothers me more than finding space to store it. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise being able to use it continuously. |
| Delicate fabrics | Read the garment care label and check the settings and instructions in the appliance manual. | When an outfit is made from heat-sensitive fibres, my main concern is avoiding an unsuitable temperature or method. Around 14% of consumers would put this precaution first. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer can't create creases or achieve the crisp finish of ironing on a board. This matters especially for collars and pleated trousers.
If you need this kind of finish, start with an iron or steam generator; save the garment steamer for touch-ups on a hanger.
A tank that's fine for a quick touch-up may need refilling several times if you're preparing multiple garments.
Compare the capacity and claimed running time of the specific model. If you'll be steaming several garments on hangers, also consider vertical garment steamers.
The right temperature depends on the garment. UFC-Que Choisir recommends following its care label, particularly for delicate fibres.
Set your iron or steam generator according to the care label and manual; don't assume a garment steamer is suitable for every fabric either.
A sanitising claim doesn't tell you what finish to expect on a creased outfit, and shouldn't lead you to think of a garment steamer as a dry-cleaning appliance.
Make your choice based on the creases you need to tackle, the number of garments and the finish you want, without assuming steam has a proven sanitising effect.
The range lets you compare a handheld garment steamer with a steam generator designed for ironing on a board.
The brand offers handheld and vertical models, as well as ironing appliances. Compare them based on whether you'll be steaming on a hanger or ironing on a board.
Its range lets you compare a portable touch-up option with a vertical appliance for steaming several garments.
These models cover touch-ups with a handheld garment steamer and ironing on a board with a steam generator. Decide which use suits you before comparing the capacity, storage requirements and features of each appliance.
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Worth considering if you iron on a board to create crisp collars and sharp creases; you'll need an ironing board and space to set up the steam generator.
The model name specifies 8 bar. If you often get an outfit ready at the last minute, check how long it takes to heat up.
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Worth considering for steaming hanging garments without getting out an ironing board, rather than creating a crease in trousers.
The product name specifies a 300 ml water tank and an included brush. If you plan to take it with you, check its dimensions, weight and plug type.
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This handheld garment steamer is suited to occasional touch-ups when you don't need the crisp finish of an iron.
If you plan to steam several garments or take it travelling, check that its running time suits your needs and that the plug is right for your destination. Follow the instructions and unplug the appliance after use.
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Worth considering for ironing sessions on a board, particularly if you want to press collars or create sharp creases; it needs an ironing board and storage space.
If quick touch-ups matter to you, check how long it takes to heat up, and follow the maintenance instructions in the manual.
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This foldable handheld garment steamer is a handy option for storing away between light touch-ups, but it won't replace an iron for creating sharp creases.
Before travelling, check the plug type. Before steaming a garment, follow its care label and the appliance instructions.
Not if you want to press the collar and achieve a crisp finish: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer doesn't create creases like an iron or steam generator. However, it can be a handy way to ease light creases in a hanging shirt.
A handheld garment steamer is suitable for light touch-ups on a hanger when you don't have an ironing board. Before taking it with you, compare its size, tank capacity, voltage and plug type with the conditions at your destination.
Start by following the garment care label and the appliance instructions. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking particular care with settings for delicate fibres and advises against ironing fleece without the right precautions. Don't assume steam is suitable for every fabric.
Don't use vinegar unless the model's manual explicitly recommends it. Darty says it can damage the internal seals of some steam generators, so follow the maintenance instructions for your appliance instead.