People travelling with a few outfits
You want to freshen up a shirt, dress or jacket after taking it out of your suitcase, without packing an ironing board.
Who is this best for?
People wearing clothes that have been folded away
You want to smooth out light creases in a hanging garment from time to time, without aiming for the sharp creases created by conventional ironing.
People freshening up several outfits at home
You sometimes steam several garments on hangers in a row and have room to store a standing steamer rather than a small travel model.
What should you look for?
Start with the finish you want: UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between smoothing light creases and ironing for a crisp finish. The number of garments you need to treat will then help you choose between a handheld and a standing model.
Handheld steamer
Consider it : for the occasional touch-up on a garment hanging up after travelling or being stored.
Bear in mind : its compact water tank may need refilling if you have several garments to freshen up; it won’t give you the same finish as an iron.
Standing steamer
Consider it : for steaming several garments on hangers at home, if you have room to store the appliance.
Bear in mind : its size makes it less practical to pack in a suitcase.
Steam iron
Consider it : if you want to create sharp creases or achieve a precise ironed finish.
Bear in mind : you’ll need a suitable surface and more set-up than for a quick touch-up on a hanger.
Steam generator
Consider it : if you regularly need to iron several garments thoroughly.
Bear in mind : it’s less suited to quickly freshening up a single garment straight out of a suitcase.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch-ups without an ironing board | Whether it’s designed for vertical use and how long it takes to heat up. | If you want to smooth light creases in a hanging garment just before getting dressed, without setting up an ironing board. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this kind of quick touch-up. |
| Travel | Dimensions, weight and tank capacity; if travelling abroad, check that the voltage and plug are compatible with your destination. | If the appliance needs to travel with your clothes, how much space it takes up in your luggage matters just as much as how it works once you arrive. Easy portability would be the main requirement for around 29% of consumers. |
| Several garments | Tank capacity and how much storage space it needs. | If you want to freshen up several outfits on hangers at home, you may prefer fewer interruptions without having to do a full ironing session. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise being able to tackle several garments in a row. |
| Fabrics and care | Instructions for the fabrics you wear, plus filling and descaling guidance. | If your clothes need special care, you’ll want to be able to follow the instructions and maintain the appliance properly. This would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Expecting a steamer to give you an ironed finish
UFC-Que Choisir describes a steamer as a way to smooth light creases, particularly after travelling or storage, rather than create sharp creases.
Choose a handheld model for occasional touch-ups. If a complete finish is your priority, consider a steam iron or steam generator instead.
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Choosing based only on the advertised steam output
Steam output alone doesn’t tell you how well an appliance will work on fabrics or how easy it is to handle. UFC-Que Choisir also considers these factors, as well as maintenance, when testing steamers.
Compare the weight, tank, heat-up time and care instructions, along with any available results for the fabrics you wear.
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Confusing crease removal with claims about sanitising
A sanitising claim doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will smooth creases in your clothes.
Choose based on how you plan to use the steamer and its practical limitations. Don’t rely on it to disinfect or treat pests.
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Overlooking the instructions and electrical safety
The DGCCRF reminds consumers that electrical appliances can pose risks, including burns and electric shocks, and that CE marking is not a quality certification.
Check the manufacturer or importer details, safety instructions and electrical specifications for the model you buy. Before travelling abroad, check that its voltage and plug meet your destination’s requirements.
Steamer brands to know
Calor
Calor offers handheld steamers, including compact travel models and appliances that can be used both vertically and horizontally.
- On its Pure POP product page, Calor states a 15-second heat-up time and steam output of up to 20 g/min. These figures apply to this model.
- Check the exact model, tank capacity and instructions rather than assuming these specifications apply to the whole range.
Philips
The brand offers handheld steamers for touch-ups; whether they can be used vertically or horizontally depends on the model.
- Philips describes some models as suitable for freshening up garments while they’re hanging.
- Check the model, capacity, care instructions for your fabrics and electrical specifications before choosing.
SteamOne
SteamOne offers portable steamers for touch-ups, as well as standing models designed for home use.
- This distinction makes it easier to choose between portability and capacity for several garments.
- Check the capacity, run time and steam output stated by the brand for each individual model.
Handheld steamers on Joybuy
These handheld models are suited to freshening up clothes after travelling or storage. Compare their size and the details given for each model before choosing one for your suitcase or for several touch-ups.
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Princess 332890 foldable steamer with lint-removing attachment
Its foldable design makes it easy to store between clothing touch-ups. If you plan to steam several garments, check the run time provided by its tank. For trips outside France, also check the required voltage and plug.
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BRAUN QuickStyle 3 GS3012BG, blue and grey
This handheld steamer is worth considering for the occasional touch-up on a hanging garment. Its product information states that it has no automatic shut-off, so bear this limitation in mind when using it. Check the required plug and voltage before taking it abroad.
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Aucma 1500 W handheld steamer, 300 mL, white, with brush
If you’re steaming several garments on hangers, its stated 300 mL tank capacity is worth comparing with the size and weight of the models you’re considering for travel. The description says it can be used vertically. For trips outside France, check that it’s electrically compatible with your destination.
Frequently asked questions
Is a handheld steamer enough for clothes straight out of a suitcase?
Yes, for smoothing light creases in a hanging garment without setting up an ironing board, as described by UFC-Que Choisir. To create sharp creases or achieve a complete finish, consider a steam iron or steam generator instead.
Should you choose a large water tank?
A small tank may be fine for the occasional touch-up and make the steamer easier to travel with. If you’re steaming several garments in a row, compare each model’s capacity and stated run time against its size.
What does CE marking on a steamer mean?
According to the DGCCRF, CE marking indicates the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable European requirements. It is not a quality certification or a comparison of performance. Also read the instructions and check the electrical specifications of the model you choose.
Why should you follow the descaling instructions?
UFC-Que Choisir takes limescale build-up into account in its steamer testing. Follow your model’s instructions for filling, maintenance and descaling rather than using the same method for every appliance.