For a few quick touch-ups on hanging clothes, choose a garment steamer. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it’s best suited to light creases and won’t give you the finish of an iron. An iron is a better choice for sharp creases in a small amount of laundry. If you regularly iron large loads, consider a steam generator, provided you have enough space to use and store it. Whatever you choose, check the garment’s care label and the appliance instructions before using steam.
If you want to smooth a few creases from a hanging shirt or dress without setting up an ironing board, a handheld garment steamer is a good fit. UFC-Que Choisir recommends it mainly for touch-ups and light creases, rather than a pile of laundry.
If you want a crisp finish, use a suitable ironing surface. An iron is suited to smaller loads; UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering a steam generator if you regularly iron large amounts of laundry.
Compare how much storage space you have with the tank capacity and set-up time, as well as the number of garments you need to treat. Check care labels too: the easiest option to store won’t necessarily suit every fabric.
Start with the finish you want and how many items you need to care for, then check the set-up requirements and any precautions for the model.
Choose this if: you want to smooth laundry and create creases in a smaller load.
Bear in mind: you’ll need an ironing surface and will have to handle a hot soleplate.
Choose this if: you regularly iron large loads, as described by UFC-Que Choisir.
Bear in mind: you’ll need an ironing surface and more room for the appliance and its base.
Choose this if: you mainly want to touch up hanging clothes without setting up an ironing board.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t create sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron. A standing model also takes up more room than a handheld one.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Whether you’ll treat the garment on a hanger or on an ironing surface, and whether you need to smooth light creases or create sharp ones. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between touch-ups with a garment steamer and the finish you get from an iron or steam generator. | I just want to smooth creases from a hanging garment, or create a sharp crease in a pair of trousers. |
| Amount of laundry | How many items you’ll treat in one session, the tank capacity and how it’s filled. Check the stated run time for the model you’re considering rather than assuming it from the tank capacity alone. | If I regularly work through several garments, I’d rather spend less time stopping to refill the tank. |
| Set-up | Stated heat-up time, weight to handle, space for an ironing board and storage dimensions. The French National Consumer Institute lists run time, capacity and size among the factors to consider. | For a quick touch-up before heading out, I want to avoid a lengthy set-up. For a full session, I can make more room. |
| Fabrics and safety | The care label, settings and appliance instructions. Calor’s safety guidance says not to direct steam at people or animals. | I want to care for my clothes without steaming an unsuitable fabric or exposing my hands to steam. |
UFC-Que Choisir says it’s mainly for touch-ups and light creases: it won’t give you the finish of an iron or steam generator.
If sharp creases matter to you, choose an iron or steam generator depending on how much laundry you need to iron.
A power rating won’t tell you how easy an appliance is to fill, store or maintain. UFC-Que Choisir’s steam generator comparisons also look at usability and durability.
Compare appliances of the same type, checking the tank, weight, dimensions and descaling instructions.
Steam can cause burns. Calor’s guidance says not to iron clothes while they’re being worn and not to direct steam at people or animals.
Hang the garment up, keep your fingers out of the steam and use the glove if the garment steamer instructions require it.
SteamOne advises against using its garment steamers on leather and similar materials. Delicate fabrics need care that’s appropriate for both the garment and the appliance.
Read the care label and appliance instructions before steaming. Only test on an inconspicuous area if the instructions say steam is safe to use.
These brands offer a range of formats and usage guidance. Check the specifications for each model you’re considering.
Philips offers handheld and standing garment steamers, among other products.
Calor offers irons and steam generators, with instructions available by model number.
SteamOne offers handheld and standing garment steamers designed for steaming hanging clothes.
These Joybuy options include a handheld garment steamer for touch-ups and two steam generators for ironing several items. For each one, check the instructions and make sure you have enough room for the way you plan to use it.
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Worth considering if you regularly iron several garments using a suitable ironing surface. Check the dimensions, filling instructions and manual before choosing.
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Worth considering for touch-ups on hanging clothes rather than creating sharp creases. Check the manual for compatible fabrics and instructions on switching the appliance off after use.
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An option for regular ironing sessions, with a 2 L tank stated in the product name. This capacity doesn’t tell you how long a session will last. Check the dimensions and model instructions before buying.
Not if you want to create creases or achieve a crisp finish. According to UFC-Que Choisir, garment steamers are best suited to touch-ups and light creases on hanging clothes.
Consider a steam generator if you have an ironing surface and enough room to store it. UFC-Que Choisir recommends them in particular for large loads of laundry. Then compare how the models are filled and maintained.
No. Calor’s safety guidance says never to iron clothes while they’re being worn or direct steam at people or animals. Hang the garment up and follow the instructions to protect the hand holding it.
Don’t steam a garment if its care label says not to. SteamOne advises against using its garment steamers on leather and similar materials. For delicate fabrics, also check the settings and precautions in your appliance manual.
Find the exact model number and read the manual to check the required power supply, filling instructions, settings and safety guidance. The DGCCRF notes that electrical appliances can pose risks including electric shock, fire and burns.