For a few quick touch-ups or when travelling, a compact handheld steamer is a good choice. Check the water tank capacity and the model’s instructions first. If you have several garments to steam at home, a vertical model offers a different level of capacity, but takes up more space. If you need to iron clothes flat, compare an iron or steam generator too, rather than relying solely on vertical steaming.
You want to freshen up an outfit on its hanger without having to set up an ironing board. An easy-to-store appliance can meet this need, as long as its tank holds enough water for the clothes you plan to steam.
You steam several garments throughout the week and would prefer a stand to hang them on, along with a tank that means fewer refills.
You like the convenience of vertical steaming, but some garments or household linens need a flat surface for the finish you want. An iron, steam generator or 2-in-1 appliance is worth comparing.
First, decide whether you need to iron clothes flat. Then consider how many garments you want to steam in one go and how much space you have for the appliance.
| Feature | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Portability and set-up | Compare the size, weight and stated heat-up time. Also check which accessories are included. | When travelling, I want to be able to pack the appliance away and freshen up an outfit shortly before wearing it. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise ease of carrying and setting up. |
| Touch-ups at home | Check which operating position is permitted and whether the tank is suitable for the number of garments you plan to steam. | Between uses, I want to freshen up an outfit quickly without getting out the ironing board. Around 31% of consumers would put this need for touch-ups at home first. |
| Several garments in a row | Check the tank capacity, stated run time and the space needed for the stand. | When I have several garments waiting on hangers, I’d rather not keep stopping to refill the appliance. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise run time above all else. |
| Flat ironing | Check that the appliance really can be used for flat ironing, and make sure you have a suitable surface. | For some items, I want to work on the fabric laid flat and don’t mind setting up an ironing board. This would be the main requirement for around 19% of consumers. |
A review on the Philips 5000 Series page describes the tank as a little small for a long dress. A compact design may therefore mean having to refill more often.
If you’re steaming several garments in a row, compare the tank capacity and stated run time, not just the heat-up time.
Philips’ guidance on garments applies to the models covered by its support page, not to every garment steamer.
Before use, check the instructions for the exact model and the garment’s care label, especially if the fabric is delicate.
Philips links limescale build-up with issues such as staining or reduced steam output on the appliances concerned.
Follow the draining and descaling instructions for your model. Don’t add vinegar or any unauthorised product to the tank.
In France, the DGCCRF distinguishes between the legal guarantee of conformity, which applies to goods bought from a professional seller, and any additional commercial guarantee.
Check who the seller is and keep your proof of purchase. Read the terms of any commercial guarantee separately.
The range includes the Pure POP handheld steamer, designed for touch-ups and travel, as well as the Access Steam Care, which comes with an integrated vertical ironing board.
Philips offers handheld steamers for touch-ups, as well as appliances with a work surface.
SteamOne’s vertical steamer ranges are designed, among other things, for regular steaming sessions at home.
The three handheld steamers below are designed for touch-ups with an appliance that’s easy to store or take with you. The two steam generators are better suited to those who want to keep ironing clothes flat while also having the option of vertical steaming.
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This handheld model could be a good option for touch-ups at home or while travelling, if its size suits you. The title specifies a 300 ml tank and an included brush. Check the instructions and the garment’s care label before use.
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Its compact size makes it suitable for touch-ups on a hanger or for taking with you, provided a small tank meets your needs. If you’re steaming several garments, be prepared to refill it. Also check the instructions on supervision and fabric care.
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The foldable design makes it easy to store or take with you for touch-ups on hanging garments. If you’re steaming several items in a row, bear in mind that the tank has a limited capacity. Check the instructions to see which fabrics are suitable.
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This steam generator is designed for flat ironing, with the option of vertical touch-ups too. It’s less convenient to transport than a handheld steamer, as it’s intended for use at home. Follow the instructions for the ironing surface and garments concerned.
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This model combines flat ironing with vertical touch-ups for use at home. You’ll need an ironing board for horizontal ironing. Before choosing, check the tank capacity and the fabric-care instructions for the IS3157BL model.
Choose based on how many garments you need to steam and how much space you have. A handheld model is suited to touch-ups and travel, while a vertical model is better for regular sessions at home. Compare the tank capacity and run time of the specific model, then make sure you have room to store its stand.
Don’t assume that every steamer is suitable for every garment. Philips’ guidance on this applies to the models covered by its support page. For your appliance, follow its instructions and the garment’s care label.
Follow the instructions for your model. Philips recommends emptying the tank after use on some of its steamers, and says that descaling requirements vary by model. The brand advises against adding vinegar, scented water or chemicals to the appliances concerned.
No. The DGCCRF states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. A commercial guarantee may be offered in addition, with its own terms, but does not replace it.