People on the go
If a shirt, top or dress comes out of your bag creased, a handheld steamer can help smooth out light creases without an ironing board. Check its packed dimensions, weight and how many garments you can steam per fill.
Which option is right for you?
People in a hurry before heading out
For a last-minute touch-up at home, compare the stated heat-up time and how easy the steamer is to handle. If you’re getting several outfits ready, tank capacity matters too.
People who want a crisp finish
If you need sharp creases or want to iron all your laundry to a traditional finish, keep an iron or steam generator iron as your main appliance. UFC-Que Choisir recommends using a garment steamer as a handy extra for touch-ups.
What should you look for?
Start by thinking about the job: touching up one item while travelling, steaming several garments at home or achieving a traditional ironed finish.
Handheld steamer
Choose this: to smooth out light creases in clothes taken from a bag or quickly freshen up an outfit on a hanger.
Bear in mind: a small tank may need refilling, and holding the appliance at arm’s length for a long time can feel tiring.
Standing garment steamer
Choose this: if you’re steaming several garments in a row at home; UFC-Que Choisir recommends a standing model for this kind of use.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space, so it’s less suitable for travel, and it won’t necessarily give you a traditional ironed finish.
Iron
Choose this: if your priority is creating sharp creases or achieving a neat finish on fabrics that need extra care.
Bear in mind: a quick touch-up takes more setting up than steaming a garment on a hanger.
Steam generator iron
Choose this: when traditional ironing is your main use, rather than last-minute touch-ups.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space and is less suited to travel than a handheld steamer.
| Priority | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Packed dimensions and appliance weight. | I want to fit the appliance in a bag without it taking up too much room; around 31% of consumers make portability a priority. |
| In a hurry | Stated heat-up time and whether it can be used on a hanger. | When I need to wear an outfit soon, I want to smooth out the creases without getting out the ironing board; around 25% of consumers put quick start-up first. |
| Several garments | Tank capacity and stated running time. | If I’m getting several items ready in a row, I want to avoid stopping to refill the tank; nearly 19% of consumers prioritise this kind of uninterrupted use. |
| Finish | Whether you need sharp creases and how often you do traditional ironing. | For trousers with a crease or a crisp finish, I prefer to keep an ironing appliance; this is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Expecting a steamer to give you an ironed finish
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between smoothing light creases and creating sharp creases or achieving a traditional ironed finish.
If a crisp finish is your main priority, choose or keep an iron or steam generator iron, and use a steamer for touch-ups.
-
Assuming a compact size means enough running time
An appliance that’s easy to store may still need refilling partway through several touch-ups.
Compare the tank capacity and the stated number of garments per fill with the way you plan to use it.
-
Looking only at heat-up time
A quick start-up doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will be comfortable to hold while steaming a dress or several garments.
Also check the weight, grip and cord length of the model you’re considering.
-
Buying one for very occasional touch-ups
An appliance you rarely use still takes up space. The French government recommends thinking about whether a purchase is really useful and suggests options such as borrowing, renting or buying refurbished.
If you only need to touch up clothes occasionally, compare these options before buying another appliance.
Brands to know for these uses
Philips
Its handheld steamer range includes the 3000 Series for compact touch-ups, the 5000 Series with a tilting head and the 8000 Series with a larger tank.
- Philips states that the 3000 Series heats up in 30 seconds and has a 100 ml tank, while the 5000 Series heats up in 35 seconds.
- These specifications apply to the series mentioned. Check the tank capacity and weight of the exact model against the number of garments you plan to steam.
SteamOne
The brand offers handheld steamers for touch-ups and travel, as well as models designed for more regular use at home.
- According to SteamOne’s published comparison, the James heats up in 15 seconds and is available with an 80 or 150 ml tank.
- If you’re steaming several garments, check whether the capacity of your chosen model and its running time suit your needs; the brand’s figures are not an independent test.
Calor
Calor offers handheld models for touch-ups and standing steamers, including the Pro Style IT3420C0 for home use.
- Calor says the Pro Style IT3420C0 has an adjustable steam output.
- For delicate fabrics, check the care label and the model’s instructions rather than assuming it’s suitable based on the steam setting alone.
Handheld steamers on Joybuy
These handheld steamers are suited to occasional touch-ups without an ironing board, at home or on the go. If you’re choosing one to take with you, compare its capacity and packed dimensions with the space available in your bag.
Image unavailable
Aucma 1500 W handheld steamer, 300 ml, white, with fabric brush
Worth considering for touch-ups without an ironing board if you’d like a 300 ml tank; check its packed dimensions if you plan to carry it regularly.
Stated power: 1500 W. Fabric brush listed in the product title.
Image unavailable
SteamOne EUSN400B 2000 W handheld steamer, 30 g/min, 400 ml, black
Worth a look if you’re preparing several garments in a row but prefer a handheld appliance; check how much space it takes up before packing it in a suitcase.
Stated power: 2000 W. Stated steam output: 30 g/min. Tank: 400 ml.
Image unavailable
SteamOne KARL 2 EUNS150BV2 2000 W handheld steamer, 33 g/min, 150 ml, black
Worth considering for a quick touch-up before you head out; the 150 ml tank may need refilling if you’re steaming several garments.
Stated power: 2000 W. Stated steam output: 33 g/min. Check the packed dimensions if you plan to travel with it.
Image unavailable
SteamOne STRAVEL EUTAC140B 1400 W handheld steamer, 24 g/min, 260 ml, black
Worth considering for touch-ups while travelling if it fits in your luggage; also compare the tank capacity with the number of garments you plan to steam.
Stated power: 1400 W. Stated steam output: 24 g/min. Tank: 260 ml.
Image unavailable
Princess 332890 foldable steamer with lint remover
The foldable design is worth considering for touch-ups on the go; check its dimensions when folded and the tank capacity if you plan to steam several garments.
Lint remover listed in the product title.
Frequently asked questions
Can a steamer replace my iron or steam generator iron?
Not if you need to create sharp creases or achieve a traditional ironed finish. UFC-Que Choisir describes a garment steamer as a handy extra for smoothing out light creases during touch-ups.
Which clothes can I touch up with a steamer?
It’s suited to easy-care clothes, particularly synthetics and lightweight cotton with light creases. For delicate items, follow the care label and the appliance instructions.
How do I choose a tank for steaming several outfits?
Compare its capacity with the stated number of garments per fill for the exact model. As a guide, Philips says the 3000 Series has a 100 ml tank for up to one full outfit, while the 8000 Series has a 230 ml tank and can steam up to five garments or two outfits. These figures don’t guarantee the same running time for every item.
What should I do with an electric garment steamer at the end of its life in France?
You can take it to a waste electrical and electronic equipment collection point. The French government suggests options including dropping it off at a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to a retailer or handing it in to a social and solidarity economy organisation.