For a quick touch-up on a hanger, start by looking at a garment steamer, but don’t expect it to deliver the same finish as ironing every time. A steam iron suits moderate amounts of laundry if you have an ironing board. For longer sessions, compare steam generator irons, bearing in mind that you’ll need room to store one and should check whether its tank can be refilled while it’s in use.
If you mainly want to freshen up an outfit on a hanger without getting out an ironing board, start by comparing handheld garment steamers. UFC-Que Choisir recommends them in particular for occasional freshening up; check that the finish meets your expectations.
If you regularly iron a few different garments, a steam iron is a good place to start. Its weight, tank capacity and cord length matter just as much in everyday use as its advertised steam output, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you work through lots of clothes and have space for the appliance, compare steam generator irons. UFC-Que Choisir recommends them for larger loads; in particular, whether a model has limited autonomy or can be refilled continuously determines how often you’ll need to stop.
When getting clothes ready for work, study or a trip, start with what matters most to you, then check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
Worth considering: for an occasional touch-up on a hanging garment, without setting up an ironing board.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir describes it more as a handy extra for freshening up than as a replacement for a traditional iron when a crisp finish matters.
Worth considering: for a moderate amount of laundry to iron on a board, with an appliance that’s easy to store.
Bear in mind: how comfortable a session is depends in part on the iron’s weight and how often you need to refill it.
Worth considering: for longer sessions if you don’t mind stopping to refill the tank.
Bear in mind: according to the Institut national de la consommation, a pressurised tank must cool down before it can be opened.
Worth considering: for larger loads, without having to wait for the tank to cool before adding water.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room to use and store the unit; the exact refilling conditions depend on the model.
| Priority | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick touch-up | How long the model takes to heat up and how it feels in your hand; the permitted direction of use. | If you need an outfit ready just before you leave, having to get out an ironing board may be the main drawback. Around 33% of consumers prioritise quick touch-ups. |
| One appliance | Iron weight, cord length and settings suited to the fabrics you look after. | If you want to care for a range of clothes without buying several appliances, a crisp finish on an ironing board matters more than a quick touch-up on a hanger. Around 27% of consumers prioritise having one appliance for the job. |
| Long sessions | Whether you can refill the appliance while it’s in use and the tank capacity. | Working through a large load makes refilling breaks more of a nuisance, especially with fabrics that are difficult to smooth out. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this kind of use. |
| Storage and maintenance | Storage dimensions and the descaling procedure for the exact model. | If you’re short on space or only use the appliance occasionally, one that’s easy to get out and maintain may matter more than how long you can use it in one go. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this concern. |
UFC-Que Choisir positions garment steamers mainly as a way to touch up and freshen clothes, rather than as an all-purpose replacement for traditional ironing.
If you want a crisp finish on lots of clothes, compare steam irons and steam generator irons before you choose.
If a steam generator iron’s pressurised tank can’t be refilled while it’s in use, you’ll need to wait for it to cool down before opening it. A large capacity won’t prevent this interruption.
Check the instructions to see whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use, and under what conditions.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that advertised steam output isn’t enough to judge an iron, and that steam boost figures aren’t necessarily comparable between manufacturers.
Also consider how easy it is to handle, how long it takes to heat up and, where available, test results for the fabrics you care about.
The process varies by appliance. Philips provides separate instructions for its irons and garment steamers, while Laurastar recommends periodic rinsing for the steam generator irons concerned.
Check the instructions for the model you choose before using a maintenance product or buying a filter.
Depending on the model, this routine may take time and require specific consumables.
In France, Philips offers steam irons, steam generator irons and handheld garment steamers.
Calor’s range in France includes steam irons, steam generator irons, handheld garment steamers and appliances that combine several uses.
Laurastar offers steam generator irons and all-in-one ironing systems, among other appliances.
These models let you compare handheld garment steamers for touch-ups with a steam iron for ironing on a board. To choose between them, consider how you want to store the appliance and check the confirmed specifications for each model.
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Worth considering for touching up a few clothes before you head out. The title lists 1500 W of power, a 300 ml tank and an included brush; these figures alone won’t tell you how long you can use it in one session. Check that the plug is compatible with your household sockets and read the instructions for this model.
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The foldable design is worth considering if storage space matters for your touch-ups. The product name mentions a lint-removal function; if you also want to use the steam horizontally, check that the instructions allow it.
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This garment steamer is worth considering for touching up hanging clothes rather than for a long ironing session. Before choosing it, check this model’s tank capacity and instructions for switching it off and storing it.
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Worth comparing if you prefer ironing on a board to touching up clothes on a hanger. The title states 8 bar, but this figure alone doesn’t determine how well it irons. Check the heat-up time, storage dimensions and refilling conditions before you choose.
Not for every use: UFC-Que Choisir describes it mainly as a useful extra for touch-ups and freshening clothes. If you want one appliance to give a range of clothes a crisp, ironed finish, compare steam irons or, for larger loads, a steam generator iron.
Look for a steam generator iron whose instructions explicitly allow you to refill it while it’s in use. With a limited-autonomy model that has a pressurised tank, you’ll need to wait for it to cool before opening it. Also check the capacity and refilling conditions for the exact model.
No. UFC-Que Choisir points out that one steam figure on its own isn’t enough to judge an iron, and that some advertised figures can’t be compared directly. Also look at the weight, tank, heat-up time and test results for fabrics relevant to your needs.
Follow the instructions for the exact model, as the process varies between appliances. Philips specifically advises against adding scented water, vinegar, descaler or other chemicals to the garment steamers concerned. Also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for unplugging and letting the appliance cool down.