To smooth out light creases on one or two items taken out of a suitcase, a compact handheld garment steamer lets you freshen them up on a hanger without setting up an ironing board. If you need sharp creases, keep an iron as well. If you regularly steam several garments at home, consider the running time of a standing model. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer won’t give you the same finish as an iron.
You want to smooth out light creases on one or two items from your bag, without getting out an ironing board. A handheld garment steamer that’s easy to store is ideal for the occasional touch-up described by UFC-Que Choisir.
You want sharp creases in a pair of trousers or a neatly pressed shirt. A garment steamer on its own may disappoint: UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a quick steam touch-up and the finish you get with an iron.
You regularly freshen up several items and want to avoid frequent refills. A standing garment steamer may be worth considering, provided you have room to store it. It’s a different choice from a small appliance to pack in your luggage.
Start with the results you want for your clothes, then weigh up portability and running time. A large water tank won’t make up for a finish that doesn’t suit your needs.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portability and start-up | Weight, packed dimensions and stated heat-up time. If you’re travelling outside France, check the voltage and plug type too. | When I need to wear an outfit straight from my bag, I want to freshen it up without setting up an ironing board. Around 42% of consumers put ease of carrying and use first. |
| Crease finish | Decide whether smoothing light creases is enough or whether you need a sharp crease; check that the settings are suitable for the fabric. | For a shirt or pair of trousers that needs to look neatly pressed, I don’t want to mistake a steam touch-up for an ironed finish. Precision comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Running time | Check the water tank capacity and stated running time, as well as the size of the appliance. | If I have several garments to freshen up at home, I’d rather not stop to refill a small tank. Around 25% of consumers prioritise uninterrupted use. |
UFC-Que Choisir describes a garment steamer as a way to smooth light creases, but points out that it won’t create sharp creases or give you the same finish as an iron.
If your outfit needs a precise crease or a crisp finish, plan to keep an iron rather than relying only on a quick steam on a hanger.
A figure in g/min isn’t enough to predict how a garment will turn out. UFC-Que Choisir notes that manufacturers’ stated figures aren’t necessarily comparable; Les Numériques pairs its measurements with tests on fabrics.
To compare specific models, look for tests carried out using the same method, and consider heat-up time, running time and how comfortable the steamer is to handle.
A standing model’s tank may be suitable for several garments, but its bulk makes it less suited to touch-ups after a trip.
If you need to take the appliance with you, check its weight and packed dimensions first. Choose a standing model for regular touch-ups at home.
The range includes handheld models for quick touch-ups and standing models for use at home.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact handheld garment steamer for occasional touch-ups.
The brand offers garment steamers to consider based on the format and finish you’re looking for.
These two handheld appliances are suited to occasional touch-ups after a trip. If your priority is sharp creases or regularly steaming lots of garments, first reconsider whether an iron or standing garment steamer is the better choice.
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Its foldable design is handy for an occasional touch-up when you want to pack the appliance away after your trip.
For an outfit that needs sharp creases, keep an iron handy as well.
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For occasional touch-ups after a trip, check that its dimensions will fit in the space available in your luggage.
This version is white, with a 300 mL tank and a lint-removal brush. Tank capacity alone doesn’t tell you how long you can use the steamer for.
Yes, if you want to smooth light creases on one or two items. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for occasional touch-ups on clothes taken out of a bag, but not for achieving the same finish as an iron.
Keep an iron as well if you need a precise finish. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer won’t create sharp creases; the stated steam output alone won’t predict the result.
Not necessarily for one or two items. If you’re planning to steam several garments in a row, compare the stated tank capacity and running time with the appliance’s weight and size.
Contact the retailer and keep your proof of purchase. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and reconditioned goods sold by a professional retailer; what you need to do will depend on the non-conformity identified.