For the occasional light creases in clothes taken out of a suitcase or wardrobe, a handheld steamer is the most practical choice if you want to avoid setting up an ironing board. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes this use from that of an upright steamer, which is better suited to several garments, and an iron or steam generator, which is the better choice if you want crisp creases.
The number of garments you need to treat and the finish you want matter more than simply saving space.
If you take a garment out of a suitcase or wardrobe and want to smooth out light creases without using an ironing board, start by looking at handheld steamers. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends them for occasional freshening up; check the weight, size and water tank of the model you’re considering.
If you regularly steam several garments on hangers, it’s worth comparing upright models for their tank capacity and how easy they are to fill. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes this use from occasional touch-ups; you’ll also need to consider how much storage space the appliance takes up.
If your priority is creating sharp creases or achieving a structured finish, keep an iron or steam generator as your main appliance. A steamer can then be used for light touch-ups, but don’t expect it to deliver the same results as traditional ironing.
First decide whether you’ll be steaming one garment or several, then compare how easy each option is to use and the results you can expect on your clothes.
| Consideration | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Quick touch-up | Check whether the garment can be steamed on a hanger, the stated heat-up time and how easy the appliance is to get started. A short heat-up time doesn’t guarantee results on every fabric. | I want to smooth out a few creases from travelling or storage without getting out an ironing board. |
| Ease of use | Compare the weight and feel in your hand with the tank full. A foldable design makes storage easier, but doesn’t on its own tell you how comfortable the appliance is to use. | For a quick touch-up close to the garment, I’d prefer an appliance that’s comfortable to hold and easy to handle. |
| Water tank | Check its capacity, how it’s filled and how many garments you need to steam in one go. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes small handheld models from upright models designed for several garments. | I don’t necessarily mind refilling between touch-ups; if I’m steaming several garments in a row, I’ll pay closer attention to capacity. |
| Finish | For light creases, look at how well the steamer works on the fabrics you own. For sharp creases, compare irons and steam generators instead: according to Que Choisir Ensemble, a steamer won’t give you the same finish. | If I need to crease trousers or achieve a structured finish, a quick steam won’t meet my needs. |
A tank designed for occasional touch-ups may mean taking breaks if you’re steaming several garments in a row. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends distinguishing this use from that of an upright steamer.
Think about how many garments you typically steam, then compare tank capacity, how easy it is to access the tank and how much space each style takes up.
These figures alone don’t tell you how well the appliance will work on a garment. Que Choisir Ensemble’s testing also assesses how well different fabrics are steamed.
Compare measurements taken on the same basis and look for tests of the specific model on the fabrics you’re interested in.
Que Choisir Ensemble describes a steamer as an appliance for smoothing light creases caused by travelling or storage, for example, rather than as a replacement for every type of ironing.
If sharp creases are part of your regular routine, keep an iron or steam generator for a structured finish and use the steamer for touch-ups.
In its steamer endurance tests, Que Choisir Ensemble identifies limescale build-up as one of the main causes of breakdowns.
Before you buy, check the model’s instructions for guidance on water, filling and descaling.
These ranges cover different styles of steamer. Choose a model and its features to suit the way you’ll use it, rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Philips France offers compact handheld steamers as well as upright models.
In France, Calor offers handheld steamers as well as steam irons for traditional ironing.
SteamOne offers portable and upright steamers sold in France.
These two handheld appliances are worth considering if you want to touch up clothes after travelling or storage. If you regularly steam several garments or want sharp creases, compare upright models or traditional ironing too.
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Worth considering for the occasional touch-up on a hanging garment. Before choosing it for travel, check the tank capacity, how heavy it feels in your hand and the model’s shut-off instructions.
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Its foldable design is worth considering if you’re short on storage space. If you’ll be doing several touch-ups in a row, check the tank capacity and how comfortable it is to handle before deciding.
No, not if you need sharp creases or a structured finish. Que Choisir Ensemble positions handheld steamers as a way to tackle occasional light creases; keep an iron or steam generator for other ironing tasks.
Choose based on how many garments you’ll steam in a row, not simply the tank’s size. Que Choisir Ensemble says a handheld steamer is enough for occasional freshening up, while an upright model is better suited to several garments. Also check how easy the chosen model is to refill.
Limescale build-up is one of the main causes of breakdowns identified in Que Choisir Ensemble’s endurance tests. Check the model’s instructions to find out what type of water to use and how to maintain it, even if you only use it occasionally.
Not when choosing a steamer for smoothing creases: Que Choisir Ensemble doesn’t take disinfection claims into account in its steamer tests. Don’t confuse steaming a garment with treating bed bugs, which may involve areas that are difficult to reach with this appliance.