To smooth light creases from one or two outfits taken out of a suitcase, without setting up an ironing board, a handheld garment steamer is usually the most practical choice. If you regularly steam several garments at home, consider a vertical model. For stubborn creases or a crisp finish, choose an iron – or even a steam generator if you have a large amount of laundry to get through.
You want to smooth out creases caused by being packed in a suitcase, then put the appliance away easily after use. UFC-Que Choisir lists refreshing clothes taken out of luggage as one use for a garment steamer.
You occasionally refresh a garment that has been folded away, without getting out an ironing board. Ease of use and a capacity suited to a short session matter more than a large water tank.
You want to create a sharp crease or regularly tackle difficult fabrics. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these needs from a simple touch-up and suggests considering an iron or, for a large amount of laundry, a steam generator.
Start with the finish you want and the number of garments you need to treat, then check the weight, heat-up time and space available. A handy format for a quick touch-up may not be right for a full ironing session.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick touch-ups | Advertised heat-up time and whether the instructions allow use on a hanger or laid flat. | When one or two items come out creased from storage, I want to smooth them out without setting up an ironing board. Around 33% of consumers rank touch-ups without any set-up as their top priority. |
| Travel and storage | Dimensions, weight, instructions for emptying the tank and any applicable travel conditions. | If I need to take the appliance with me, I want a format that's easy to carry and put away after use. Portability is reportedly the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Finish and fabrics | Care label, whether you need sharp creases and how difficult the fabrics you usually treat are. | For trousers with a sharp crease or thick cotton, I don't want to confuse a light steam with a crisp, structured finish. Around 25% of consumers are said to prioritise this type of finish. |
| Several garments | A capacity suited to your session, how easy it is to fill and how much storage space it needs. | When I have several items to treat in one session, I want to avoid stopping to refill the tank. Around 17% of consumers are said to value this uninterrupted use above all else. |
UFC-Que Choisir describes a garment steamer as a solution for touch-ups. It won't necessarily give you the same finish as an iron or steam generator.
If you regularly iron structured clothes or difficult fabrics, compare irons and steam generators first, based on how much laundry you have.
A larger capacity can add weight and bulk without being useful for a one-off touch-up.
Think about how many items you treat in a session. Check the appliance's weight when full, as well as how much room you'll need to store it.
Steam can damage garments that aren't suitable for it. SteamOne specifically advises against using steam on leather, skins and suede.
Follow the garment's care label and the steamer's instructions. Don't use steam if the label says not to.
Requirements depend on the appliance, the type of luggage and the airline. The French Ministry responsible for Transport notes that airlines may impose additional restrictions.
Before you travel, check the instructions for emptying and storing the appliance, then check your airline's rules for carrying it.
Philips offers handheld garment steamers and provides care instructions specific to each model.
SteamOne offers handheld and vertical formats, including some designed for compact storage.
Calor offers garment steamers and replacement water tanks compatible with certain models.
These handheld garment steamers are suited to occasional touch-ups after a journey or when clothes have been in storage. Compare their format and the specifications listed for each version. If you need sharp creases or want to iron a large amount of laundry, first reconsider which type of appliance is right for you.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for occasional touch-ups if a handheld appliance suits the way you like to steam clothes.
The product name lists a 300 ml water tank and an included brush. Check the instructions to see which positions are permitted and whether it's suitable for your clothes.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you're after a handheld garment steamer for touching up an outfit while travelling.
The product name lists a power rating of 1400 W, but that alone doesn't indicate how well it will remove creases. Check the tank capacity and permitted usage position before buying.
Image unavailable
Its foldable design is worth considering if space in your luggage or cupboard is at a premium.
The product name mentions a lint remover. Check the tank capacity, permitted usage position and care labels for the fabrics you plan to steam.
Image unavailable
Compare it with smaller formats if you plan to touch up several garments in one session.
The product name lists a 400 ml tank and an advertised steam output of 30 g/min. These figures don't guarantee a specific running time or results on a particular fabric. Also consider the weight when full and the space needed for storage.
It may be enough to smooth light creases from an outfit taken out of a suitcase, but it won't always create sharp creases. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these touch-ups from ironing with an iron or steam generator. Choose based on the finish you'll also need the rest of the time.
Consider an iron for a crisp, structured finish. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the benefits of a steam generator for large amounts of laundry or difficult fabrics such as linen and thick cotton. Always check the garment's care label.
Follow your model's instructions on water and emptying the tank. Philips recommends emptying the tank after use on the garment steamers covered by its support guidance, and gives specific advice for areas with hard tap water. Don't automatically apply these instructions to another brand.
Check the rules for your appliance and luggage before you travel. The French Ministry responsible for Transport says airlines may impose additional restrictions, so check your airline's rules too. Don't assume you can carry a tank containing water.
Only if the model's instructions allow it. SteamOne says some of its garment steamers must be kept upright, in particular to prevent condensation in the hose. This guidance shouldn't be assumed to apply to other appliances.