To smooth out light creases on one or two hanging outfits before you head out, start by looking at handheld steamers: their compact size makes them handy for a quick touch-up without setting up an ironing board. A garment steamer is a better fit if you regularly work through several items at home and have space to store it. Keep an iron if you want to create sharp creases or achieve a classic pressed finish, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
How many clothes you need to touch up and the finish you want matter more than simply wanting to save time.
To smooth out light creases in a hanging shirt, dress or jacket without setting up an ironing board, a handheld steamer is suited to the occasional touch-up described by UFC-Que Choisir. It won’t give you the same finish as an iron.
If you’re freshening up one or two items creased during a journey, consider how easy a handheld model is to store, how heavy it feels in your hand and the size of its water tank. Also check that it’s suitable for the garment’s care label.
If you regularly move from one garment to another, a garment steamer with a larger water tank can mean fewer refills. Bear in mind that you’ll need space to store it; this format alone won’t give you sharp creases.
First, choose according to the finish you want and how many garments you’ll tackle in one session. Then check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
Choose this: for one or two quick touch-ups on a hanger, especially if you need an appliance that’s easy to store or take with you.
Bear in mind: a small water tank may mean an extra refill, and holding the appliance can become less comfortable as you work through more garments.
Choose this: for regular touch-ups on several garments at home, if you have room to store it.
Bear in mind: its larger size offers little benefit if you only need to touch up one outfit now and then.
Choose this: if you want to create sharp creases or regularly press collars, cuffs and trousers.
Bear in mind: you’ll need an ironing surface and more set-up for a quick touch-up just before you head out.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Time and storage | Check the stated heat-up time for the specific model, whether you can use it on a hanger and how much storage space it needs. | I want to freshen up a hanging outfit before I leave, without getting out an ironing board. |
| Finish and fabric | Identify the type of creases you need to tackle, and check the garment’s care label and the appliance instructions. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a steamer mainly smooths light creases and won’t create the sharp creases you can achieve with an iron. | For an outfit creased in a suitcase, a quick touch-up may be enough; if I want a sharp crease, I’d rather iron it flat. |
| Length of use | Compare the water tank capacity with the number of garments you’ll tackle in one session. If you’re holding the appliance, also consider its weight and how easy it is to handle. The stated steam output in g/min isn’t enough to predict how it will perform on a particular fabric. | I don’t want a bulky appliance for one item, or to keep refilling it when I’m freshening up several garments. |
| Handling steam safely | Check the instructions for the model you buy, and consider how you’ll hold the garment without putting your hand in the path of the steam. Calor’s instructions say not to steam a garment while it’s being worn, or to direct steam towards a person or animal. | I need to be able to hang and handle the garment without exposing my hand or anyone else to the steam. |
UFC-Que Choisir says that a steamer smooths light creases on a hanging garment, but won’t create sharp creases.
If pressing trouser creases or achieving a precise finish is something you regularly need to do, keep an iron for those jobs.
A power or steam-output figure alone doesn’t tell you how an appliance will perform on different fabrics. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing also looks at how well it removes creases and how easy it is to use.
Compare the water tank, weight and maintenance requirements of the models you’re interested in. To assess how well they remove creases, look for tests on comparable fabrics.
The larger capacity of a garment steamer is most useful when you’re working through several items; it offers little benefit for a single outfit before you head out.
For occasional use, start by considering a handheld model. A garment steamer may be worth considering if how often you’ll use it and your available storage space make it a practical choice.
Steam and hot parts can cause burns. Calor’s safety instructions say to put the garment on a hanger and never direct steam towards a person or animal.
Don’t steam a garment while you’re wearing it. Hang it up, and follow your appliance’s instructions on how to hold it and let the appliance cool after use.
These examples show different formats and features to compare; they don’t guarantee that a particular model will be available in the selection below.
Philips offers handheld steamers for quick touch-ups and easy storage in smaller spaces.
SteamOne’s range includes handheld models for quick touch-ups and garment steamers designed for longer sessions.
Calor’s range includes the handheld Access Steam and the Pro Style Vertical garment steamer. Compare the two formats according to how many garments you need to freshen up.
These two handheld steamers are suited to occasional touch-ups on hanging garments, without setting up an ironing board. To choose between them, check how comfortable each is to hold, the water tank capacity and the model’s instructions.
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A handheld steamer to consider for freshening up a hanging outfit before you head out. Check that its weight in your hand and water tank capacity suit the number of garments you plan to steam. Unplug it and let it cool before putting it away.
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The foldable design is handy if you need to store or take a steamer with you for occasional touch-ups. Before steaming a garment, check its care label and the appliance instructions. Let hot surfaces cool before handling or putting the appliance away.
Not if you want sharp creases or a classic pressed finish. UFC-Que Choisir says steamers are mainly for smoothing light creases on hanging garments; keep an iron for items you want to press flat.
For one or two occasional touch-ups, start by looking at handheld steamers. Compare the stated heat-up time, weight, water tank and how easy the specific model is to store, rather than choosing a large appliance for just one session.
No. Calor’s safety instructions say to put the garment on a hanger and never direct steam towards a person or animal. You should also follow the instructions for the appliance you’re using.
Choose the capacity according to how many garments you’ll be steaming one after another. A large water tank can mean fewer refills during a longer session, but the appliance and the space you have to store it should also suit your needs.
No. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing also assesses how well each steamer removes creases from different fabrics and how easy it is to use. Treat the stated steam output as one of several specifications, and don’t rely on it alone to predict the finish on your garment.