To smooth out light creases in an outfit taken from a bag or suitcase, a handheld steamer is suitable for occasional touch-ups, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you regularly steam several garments at home, consider an upright model; for stubborn creases or a complete finish, stick with an iron or steam generator iron. Before using steam, check the garment’s care label and the appliance instructions.
A shirt, dress or jacket has become creased in a bag or suitcase, and you want to freshen it up without setting up an ironing board. UFC-Que Choisir recommends a handheld steamer for occasional touch-ups; first check that the fabric is suitable for steaming.
You move from one garment to another before heading out, without taking on a whole load of ironing. An upright steamer is worth considering for its water tank and support, provided you have room to store it. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this use from an occasional touch-up.
A sharp crease in your trousers, a crisp collar or a complete finish matters more to you than a quick touch-up on a hanger. In this case, a steamer is better used alongside an iron or steam generator iron than as a replacement, in line with the distinctions made by UFC-Que Choisir.
Start by considering how many garments you need to treat and the finish you’re after. Whenever you use steam, also check the care label and the appliance instructions.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portability and quick touch-ups | Size and weight to carry; stated heat-up time. | When an outfit comes out of a suitcase or bag creased, I want to freshen it up without setting up an ironing board. Around 50% of consumers prioritise a touch-up option that’s easy to take with them. |
| Several garments in a row | Water tank capacity; how stable the support is for home use. | If you have several garments to prepare before going out, repeated refills can become a nuisance. Around 30% of consumers prioritise the convenience of steaming several garments one after another. |
| Finishing and stubborn creases | Whether you can use an iron; the fabric’s care instructions. | If you want a structured collar or sharp trouser crease, smoothing out creases on a hanger won’t meet my main need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a complete finish. |
A steamer is mainly designed to smooth out light creases in a hanging garment. It won’t create the sharp creases you might want in certain trousers or collars.
If these finishes are essential, choose an iron or steam generator iron rather than relying on a steamer as your only appliance.
Wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well a steamer will perform. UFC-Que Choisir measures factors such as steam output and results on different fabrics as part of its testing; manufacturers’ stated figures aren’t always directly comparable.
Also consider how easy it is to handle, the water tank and, if you’re looking at test results, how it performs on the fabrics you’re interested in.
A smaller appliance is easier to carry, but its water tank may mean you need to refill it when steaming several garments in a row. An upright model takes up more space than a handheld one.
For the occasional outfit, first compare the dimensions and how comfortable it is to hold. If you’ll be steaming several garments at home, consider the water tank and how stable the support is too.
Steam and heat aren’t suitable for all garments in the same way. Incorrect care can also affect how a steam appliance works.
Follow the garment’s care label, as well as the instructions on water and maintenance for the model you’re using.
Philips offers handheld steamers for touch-ups at home or on the go. The Series 3000 STH3000/20 is one example of a foldable model.
SteamOne offers both handheld and upright models. The right range for you will depend in part on whether you need to carry the appliance and how many garments you’ll be steaming at home.
These two appliances suit different needs: a handheld steamer for occasional touch-ups, and a steam generator iron if you also need to iron garments for a polished finish.
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This handheld steamer is suited to occasional touch-ups on garments that can be steamed. If you’re planning to steam several items in a row, check that the water tank capacity meets your needs.
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This steam generator iron is better suited to home use when you want to finish garments with an iron as well as touch them up. It isn’t as portable as a handheld steamer; check the fabric’s care instructions before use.
Not if you need sharp creases or a complete finish: a handheld steamer is mainly for touching up garments on a hanger. For a structured finish, choose an iron or steam generator iron.
A compact handheld steamer is suitable for an occasional touch-up, as UFC-Que Choisir recommends. If you also need to steam several garments, compare its size and water tank, then check that their care labels allow steaming.
No. Follow the care label on each garment and the appliance instructions. Don’t assume a delicate or coated fabric is suitable; if the instructions allow it, test on an inconspicuous area first.
Use the water and follow the care procedure specified for your model. UFC-Que Choisir notes that limescale can leave white marks when using an iron or steam generator iron. Follow the instructions for your own appliance rather than using a procedure intended for another model.