To smooth out a few creases after a trip or while unpacking, without setting up an ironing board, a handheld garment steamer can be a good choice if its weight, size and water tank suit the touch-ups you have in mind. According to Que Choisir Ensemble’s guide, a garment steamer with a stand is better suited to treating several garments at home. For sharp creases or an ironed finish, consider an iron, or even a steam generator iron for longer ironing sessions. Always check the care instructions for your garment and the appliance before use.
If your clothes are slightly creased after being packed in a suitcase, consider the packed size, weight and how many garments you can steam before refilling the tank. Tests of travel-friendly models published by Les Numériques show that these features vary from one appliance to another.
If you want to steam a hanging garment without getting out the ironing board, Que Choisir Ensemble says a handheld garment steamer may be all you need, though it won’t give you the finish of an iron.
If you’re steaming several garments in a row and have room for a stand, a vertical garment steamer with a stand is worth considering. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends it over a handheld model for this kind of use, but not for creating sharp creases.
Start by considering how many garments you’ll treat and what finish you’re after. Then compare the travel and usage requirements of the specific model.
| Priority | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Finish you’re after | Distinguish between light creases and creases you want to set. Check whether you need to touch up a hanging garment or want an ironed finish. | For a few creases after unpacking, I could consider a garment steamer. If I want sharp creases, I’d choose an iron; Que Choisir Ensemble points out that a garment steamer generally won’t give me that finish. |
| Number of garments | Compare the tank capacity and stated run time for the model. Also consider how long it takes to refill and how easy it is. | For the occasional single garment, I don’t need a large tank. For several garments at home, a steamer with a stand is another option, as Que Choisir Ensemble notes. A longer ironing session is better suited to an iron or steam generator iron. |
| Transport | Check the weight, the dimensions when packed away and, if it’s described as foldable, its folded size. Compare these details with the tank capacity. | When packing, I need to be able to fit and carry the appliance: the word ‘travel’ alone isn’t enough to make a decision. |
| Ease of use | Check the stated heat-up time, the steam control and whether it has a lock. See where you can hang the garment and how to use the appliance according to its instructions. | If I want to touch up a garment just before getting dressed, I’d rather know what’s involved than just how long it takes to heat up. |
| Fabrics | Read the care instructions on the garment and the appliance manual. Check which settings and accessories are suitable before using steam or contact heat. | If I’m treating several types of fabric, I won’t assume that one setting suits them all. For example, SteamOne advises against using steam on leather and suede in its own recommendations. |
According to Que Choisir Ensemble, a garment steamer can smooth out creases, but generally won’t create sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator iron.
Choose one for quick touch-ups. If the finish is your priority, compare ironing solutions instead.
A larger tank can mean fewer refills, but you’ll also need to carry and handle the appliance. In its test, Les Numériques reports that the SteamOne S-Travel has a 260 ml tank and weighs 1,100 g.
Compare the capacity, weight and dimensions of the model you’re planning to take with you.
SteamOne’s recommendations advise against using steam on leather and suede, among other materials; they aren’t a rule of use for every appliance.
Check the garment’s care instructions and the steamer’s manual before treating delicate fabrics.
For appliances covered by its guidance, Philips warns that certain additives can cause spitting, stains or damage.
Use only the water and cleaning method specified for your model.
The Access Steam Pocket and Access Steam Care DT9100C0 are two examples of handheld garment steamers, but they don’t represent the whole range.
The S-Travel is a handheld model, while the Familys is a vertical garment steamer designed for home use.
The Steam&Go GC365/80 and the foldable models in the 3000 Series are different products.
These handheld models are suited to occasional touch-ups. If you’re travelling, compare their dimensions, weight and tank capacity before choosing. An iron or a steamer with a stand is better suited to different needs.
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Its foldable design is worth considering if you want to pack a handheld garment steamer in your luggage. Check its folded dimensions, weight and capacity before you travel.
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For touch-ups on the go, compare this model’s size and tank capacity with the number of garments you need to treat. Also check the instructions for the fabrics you’ll be steaming.
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This handheld vertical model is worth considering for touch-ups on hanging garments. Its stated power is 1600 W; if you plan to take it with you, check its weight and dimensions separately.
No. Check the garment’s care instructions and the appliance manual. SteamOne recommends low-intensity steam for silk and lace, and advises against using steam on leather, suede, oilcloth and oiled fabrics, among other materials. These brand-specific instructions don’t apply to every model.
Make sure you have somewhere to hang the garment, and follow the steamer’s instructions for use and power supply. If you need a stand or accessory, check that it’s included rather than assuming it comes with every model.
Follow the instructions for your appliance. For models covered by its guidance, Philips says they’re designed for tap water, recommends distilled or demineralised water if your water is hard, and advises against putting scented water, vinegar or descaling products in the tank, among other things.
Not necessarily. Start with the care instructions for your clothes, then check the settings, accessories and restrictions for the model you’re considering. A general claim that it’s suitable for ‘delicate fabrics’ doesn’t guarantee it’s compatible with every garment.