For quick touch-ups on hanging clothes without getting out an ironing board, a garment steamer is a good choice if you mainly need to tackle light creases. An iron is still the better option for ironing flat and creating sharp creases. An iron with a vertical steam function can do both, while a cordless model makes some movements easier but still needs to be returned to its base. In every case, consider the fabric, the appliance’s weight and independent test results, rather than looking only at the stated steam output.
If you want to freshen up an outfit before wearing it without setting up an ironing board, look for something easy to handle and suited to occasional touch-ups. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide distinguishes this use from the finish you get with an iron.
If you’re steaming several hanging garments or home textiles, consider the support, the reach of the cord or hose and how easy it is to fill. SteamOne describes the Familys EUKID190B as a standing garment steamer with a 1,8 L tank.
If you also want to iron flat or create sharp creases, make the iron’s function central to your choice; vertical steaming can then be a useful extra. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a garment steamer does not deliver the same finish as an iron.
Choose this if: you also want to iron flat, with the occasional touch-up on a hanger or curtain.
Bear in mind: weight and cord length matter when holding the iron up; vertical steam does not replace ironing flat.
Choose this if: you freshen up hanging clothes and want to avoid getting out an ironing board.
Bear in mind: it mainly relaxes light creases rather than creating sharp creases like an iron; a standing model takes up more space.
Choose this if: the cord gets in the way when you’re ironing flat or steaming vertically.
Bear in mind: cordless doesn’t mean there’s no base or no breaks; check the weight and how often you’ll need to return it to the base.
To choose between these types, start with the task you do most often, then consider the fabric and the finish you’re looking for. The percentages below relate to consumers choosing an appliance to steam clothes on hangers or curtains.
| What matters | What to check | Who prioritises it most? |
|---|---|---|
| Quick touch-ups without an ironing board | Handheld design, weight in use, filling and results on the garment you want to steam. | If I want to freshen up an outfit on a hanger without setting up an ironing board, ease of use matters more than a large tank. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quick touch-ups. |
| Several garments or curtains | Capacity and ease of filling, support, and the reach of the cord or hose. | If I’m steaming several garments or curtains, I want to minimise interruptions and reach the whole area without stretching the cable. Around 29% of consumers prioritise longer steaming sessions. |
| Finish and care for fabrics | The fabric care label, the instructions for the exact model and tests on comparable fabrics. | If I also want to iron flat or create sharp creases, a steamer alone won’t meet my needs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a versatile finish. |
| Freedom of movement | Whether vertical steam is listed, the model’s weight and the space needed for the base. | If the cord gets in my way, I want to move the iron more freely without forgetting to return it to the base for a rest. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a cordless iron. |
A steam output figure alone can’t predict the result: this also depends on the fabric and the testing conditions. UFC-Que Choisir measures steam output separately from effectiveness on different fabrics.
Compare test results for the materials you’re interested in, and distinguish figures given by the manufacturer from independent measurements.
A garment steamer relaxes light creases, but it won’t create sharp creases like ironing flat. Les Numériques found that several passes may be needed with the SteamOne S-Travel it tested.
Decide whether you’re after a quick touch-up or a crisp, pressed finish before choosing.
Extra passes can make the session longer; you may still need an iron for sharp creases.
Tank capacity alone doesn’t determine how long you can use an appliance. Weight, refills and, with a cordless iron, the space needed for the base also affect how you organise your session.
Check the weight, how easy it is to fill and any stated running time. With a cordless iron, plan where you’ll place it to heat up.
Holding your arm up for a long session can be tiring; a base and vertical support also take up space.
A Joybuy listing for the SteamOne S-Travel gives the model number as EUTAC140B, while SteamOne lists it as EUTR150B. For the Philips DST8020/20, a Joybuy listing states 2 600 W, while Philips gives 3 000 W for this model.
Before buying, compare the full model number, key specifications and instructions for the version actually on sale.
Compare the AeroSteam handheld steamer with the Freemove Power FV6672C0 cordless iron: they’re designed for different tasks.
The range includes handheld and standing garment steamers; the Familys EUKID190B is an example of a model with a vertical support and a 1,8 L tank.
The DST8020/20 iron is worth considering if ironing flat is your priority; Philips describes the GC800/80 handheld steamer as suitable for use on a hanger or a flat surface.
The QuickStyle 5 GS5011PU is a handheld steamer to consider for touch-ups, once you’ve checked that its running time suits your needs.
The Vaporella Vertical Styler GSM100BL is a handheld steamer described as suitable for vertical or horizontal use, with adjustable steam settings.
This selection includes vertical garment steamers for touch-ups on hangers or steaming several garments, as well as an iron with a vertical function for combining touch-ups with ironing flat.
Image unavailable
Its vertical design and 1,8 L tank are worth considering if you’re steaming several hanging garments or home textiles.
The product title lists a steam output of 42 g/min and a 1,8 L tank. For delicate fabrics, test on an inconspicuous area and follow the fabric care instructions.
Image unavailable
This vertical design is worth considering for several hanging garments or home textiles, bearing in mind the space needed to set it up.
The product title lists a steam output of 50 g/min and a 2 L tank. For delicate fabrics, test on an inconspicuous area and follow the fabric care instructions.
Image unavailable
A handheld option to consider for touch-ups on hanging clothes without setting up an ironing board, as long as you’re not expecting the crisp finish of an iron.
The listing also describes flat use. For delicate fabrics, check the care instructions for both the garment and the appliance before use.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep ironing flat while having a vertical function for hanging clothes and curtains.
The vertical function alone can’t guarantee the result on every fabric: check the garment’s care label and the instructions for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Its handheld design is better suited to occasional touch-ups on hanging clothes than to a long steaming session.
The product title lists a 150 ml tank. The listing gives a limited running time of 8 minutes; follow the instructions for the appliance and fabric.
No, not if you want sharp creases or a crisp, pressed finish. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide distinguishes touch-ups and light creases from the results you get with an iron or steam generator. If you also need to iron flat, keep an iron or choose an appliance that can do both.
Also compare the results on the fabrics you’re interested in, ease of handling and running time. UFC-Que Choisir measures steam output separately from effectiveness on different fabrics, so the stated figure alone isn’t enough to choose between two appliances.
No: hang the garment up before steaming and never direct steam towards a person. Read the instructions for both the fabric and the exact appliance, as guidance varies depending on the materials and appliance.
Philips gives a Quick Calc Release procedure for applicable models, including the GC800: unplug the appliance, let it cool completely for at least one hour, then follow the manufacturer’s draining procedure. Philips advises against adding vinegar, descaler or other chemicals to these garment steamers.
For a private individual buying from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory and covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to take action against the seller; this statutory guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty extension.