To smooth out light creases on one or two outfits taken from a suitcase without setting up an ironing board, a handheld steamer is your best bet. An upright model is better suited to repeated touch-ups on several garments at home. If you need to press in creases or achieve a crisp ironed finish, choose an iron—or a steam generator iron for larger loads.
To smooth out light creases in a garment taken from your suitcase without setting up an ironing board, consider a handheld steamer. Check its size, how comfortable it is to hold and how long it takes to heat up.
If you only need to touch up clothes occasionally at home, a handheld appliance is easier to store than an upright model. Compare its dimensions when put away with the space it needs while in use.
An upright steamer can reduce the need to stop and refill when you have several garments to touch up at home, although it takes up more storage space. For larger ironing loads, Que Choisir Ensemble recommends considering a steam generator iron.
Start by thinking about how many garments you need to treat and the finish you want. Then compare the practicalities of carrying, filling and using the steamer on your fabrics.
| Criterion | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Transport and set-up | Compare the model’s size, its weight when the tank is full and how long it takes to heat up. A handheld steamer is handy for touch-ups without an ironing board; an upright model needs more space. | After a journey, I want to take out an appliance for one outfit and put it away easily afterwards. |
| Number of garments | Compare the tank capacity with the length of your usual steaming session. Also check how easy it is to refill: a small tank means more interruptions if you have several garments to do. | For one item, I’d prioritise a compact appliance; for several touch-ups in a row, I want to minimise refills. |
| Fabrics and finish | Check the garment’s care label against the instructions for the exact model. According to Que Choisir Ensemble, a garment steamer mainly smooths light creases caused by travel or storage; for sharper creases, consider ironing. | Will a quick touch-up on a hanger be enough, or do I need a crisp finish on collars, darts and trouser creases? |
| Regular ironing | If you need to press in creases, compare irons rather than looking only at the advertised steam output. For larger ironing loads, Que Choisir Ensemble lists a steam generator iron as a suitable option. | I’m happy to set up an ironing board if a better finish matters more than a quick touch-up. |
| Steam and maintenance | Check how to hold the garment without exposing your hand to the steam jet, and read the filling and maintenance instructions. Philips says that the glove supplied with some of its upright models protects your hand from hot steam. | I want to use the appliance in line with its instructions, especially on delicate garments. |
Que Choisir Ensemble describes a garment steamer as an appliance that smooths light creases caused by travel or storage. That’s not the same as pressing in a trouser crease or achieving a crisp, ironed finish.
If you regularly need that kind of finish, compare irons instead. For larger ironing loads, consider steam generator irons too.
A single figure won’t tell you how well an appliance will perform on your clothes. In its garment steamer testing, Que Choisir Ensemble measures steam output and assesses how well different fabrics are smoothed.
Also consider ease of handling, refilling and maintenance. If available, look for tests carried out under comparable conditions on the fabrics you need to treat.
A small tank is fine for an occasional touch-up, but you may have to stop and refill it if you’re steaming several garments.
Think about how long your usual session lasts before choosing between a handheld appliance that’s easy to store and an upright model with a larger tank.
The range includes handheld and upright garment steamers, for everything from occasional touch-ups to steaming sessions at home.
Calor’s range includes handheld Access Steam models and upright Pro Style models for touch-ups at home.
The range includes foldable and upright garment steamers. Choose between them based on the space you have and how many garments you need to treat.
These three handheld steamers are designed for touching up clothes after travelling or storage. Choose one based on the space you have, the garments you need to treat and the instructions for use.
Image unavailable
This handheld steamer is a handy choice for occasional touch-ups after a journey, without needing to set up an ironing board. Before use, check the instructions for suitable fabrics and steam safety guidance, and unplug it after use.
Image unavailable
A foldable design is worth considering if you’re short on space in your luggage or at home. Check the instructions before using it on a particular fabric, and make sure its recommended use is suitable for your garments.
Image unavailable
The stated 300 ml tank capacity is worth considering if you plan to steam several garments in a row, although capacity alone doesn’t tell you how long it can be used for. The product listing mentions a lint brush. Check how easy it is to handle and which fabrics are suitable before choosing.
Yes, for smoothing light creases on a few garments, but not if you need to press in creases or achieve a crisp, ironed finish. Que Choisir Ensemble describes garment steamers as suitable for touch-ups, including those needed after travelling. Choose an iron when a precise finish matters.
Check the garment’s care label and the instructions for your exact steamer before you start. Don’t assume a delicate fabric is suitable based on general information about steam or another model from the same brand.
Hold the garment without placing your hand in front of the steam jet, and follow the instructions. If your model comes with a glove, use it as directed: Philips says the glove supplied with its upright steamers is designed to protect your hand from hot steam.
Yes. Follow the filling and maintenance instructions for your model, including any descaling guidance. Check what’s involved before buying if you expect to use the appliance often.
Don’t choose a garment steamer as a pest-control treatment. Its steaming features and general claims about steam don’t demonstrate that it’s effective against bed bugs. If you have an infestation, seek advice on an appropriate treatment method.