People travelling with an outfit that needs a refresh
You want to quickly smooth light creases in a garment straight from your suitcase, without carrying or setting up an ironing board. UFC-Que Choisir describes this as one use for a steamer.
Who are these appliances for?
People who steam several garments at home
After a spell in storage, you’d rather get through a steaming session with fewer breaks to refill the tank than choose an appliance that’s easy to slip into your luggage.
People who want a crisp finish
If you want to create a crease in your trousers or get a shirt looking really crisp, keep an iron or steam generator iron in the running. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a steamer won’t always give you this finish.
Which features should you prioritise?
Start with the results you want for your clothes, then consider whether portability, session length or fabric-specific precautions affect your choice of appliance.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Appliance weight and packed dimensions; the specific model’s heat-up time. | I want to freshen up an outfit straight from my suitcase without setting up an ironing board or taking up too much room in my luggage; around 36% of consumers would put portability at the top of their list. |
| Session length | Tank capacity and the stated run time under the intended conditions of use. | When several garments come out of the wardrobe, I’d rather avoid frequent pauses to refill the tank; this uninterrupted use would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Finish | Whether you want to smooth light creases or create sharp ones; test results for the fabrics in question. | For a really crisp shirt or creased trousers, I’m happy to set up an ironing surface; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this finish. |
| Fabric care | Care label, appliance instructions and the intended use of its settings or attachments. | For a delicate item, I want to check the instructions before steaming it; around 14% of consumers would put this precaution first. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Expecting a compact model to create crisp creases like an iron
UFC-Que Choisir draws a distinction between smoothing light creases and ironing to create sharp ones. A handheld steamer may therefore disappoint if a crisp shirt or pair of trousers is your priority.
Decide whether you simply want to smooth out creases from travelling or achieve an ironed finish. If it’s the latter, compare irons and steam generator irons too.
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Choosing based on the stated power alone
A power or steam output figure alone doesn’t tell you how well an appliance will perform on every fabric. Test results should also be considered in light of the garments tested and the number of passes needed.
Look for tests that explain their methods and limitations, then check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
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Assuming ‘portable’ means convenient for travel
Les Numériques notes that the SteamOne S-Travel requires several passes. Its review of the Calor AeroSteam describes it as heavy and noisy, with a 100 ml tank. These observations apply to those models, not to every portable steamer.
Compare the weight you’ll be holding, the space it takes up, tank capacity and noise level, depending on whether you’ll mainly use it at home or on the go.
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Assuming delicate garments can be steamed
Compatibility information for one model doesn’t apply to every appliance or garment. The instructions may specify particular settings or ways of using the appliance.
Check the care label and the appliance instructions before freshening up a delicate item. Follow the appliance’s safety guidance too.
Brands to consider
Philips
The range includes handheld steamers worth comparing for occasional touch-ups.
- Philips states that the STH7020/20 is ready to use in 30 seconds and the STH5020/40R1 in 35 seconds.
- These times apply to the models mentioned. For delicate fabrics, also check the appliance instructions and the garment’s care label.
SteamOne
Its portable and upright models let you compare a steamer for touch-ups on the go with options for regular sessions at home.
- SteamOne positions its portable models for touch-ups while travelling and its upright models for use with a larger tank.
- In its review of the S-Travel, Les Numériques notes its compact design, but says several passes are needed and the finish is rarely perfect.
Calor
Some models combine steaming with features designed to deliver a more polished finish at home.
- Les Numériques describes the Calor AeroSteam as having a heated soleplate and a suction function. Its review of the Access Steam Care DT9100C0 mentions three steam settings and a vertical ironing board.
- The Calor AeroSteam review also notes its weight, noise and 100 ml tank. The Access Steam Care DT9100C0 is less suited to being carried around.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can a steamer replace my iron after a trip?
It may be enough to smooth light creases in a hanging outfit, but not if you need to create a sharp crease. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a steamer doesn’t always give you the finish of an iron or steam generator iron.
Should I choose a handheld or upright steamer?
Choose based on how many garments you have and how much space is available. A handheld model is suited to one or two touch-ups on the go, while an upright steamer is worth considering for regular sessions at home. Compare the tank and dimensions of the specific models before deciding.
Can I steam all my clothes?
Don’t assume every fabric can be treated with steam in the same way. Check the care label, as well as the settings, attachments and positions permitted in the appliance instructions, especially for delicate items.
How can I avoid having to refill the tank too often?
Compare the tank capacity and stated run time for the steam setting you plan to use. If you need to treat several garments one after another, also consider the number of items the manufacturer says it can handle. Don’t assume tank volume alone tells you how well it will remove creases.