To ease light creases on a hanging outfit without setting up an ironing board, a handheld garment steamer could be a good choice, provided its weight, size and water tank suit your trip. For sharp creases or regular ironing of thicker fabrics, choose an iron or steam generator iron. A standing garment steamer is better suited to frequent touch-ups at home.
You want to smooth out an outfit straight from your suitcase without sacrificing too much space or carrying a heavy appliance. UFC-Que Choisir describes a garment steamer as an option for clothes taken out of a suitcase or bag.
You want to freshen up a garment on its hanger, at home or while travelling, without setting up an ironing board.
You need to decide whether sharp creases, thicker fabrics or several garments to tackle call for an iron, a steam generator iron or a standing garment steamer. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes steaming from conventional ironing.
For an outfit straight from a suitcase, first decide whether you need a quick touch-up on a hanger or a properly ironed finish. Weight, storage and tank capacity become key if you’re taking the appliance with you or plan to steam several garments.
Choose this if: you mainly freshen up hanging clothes and want to avoid setting up an ironing board.
Bear in mind: compact doesn’t always mean lightweight, and steaming several garments may require refilling the tank or making several passes.
Choose this if: you regularly steam several garments at home and have room for the stand.
Bear in mind: the stand and tank take up space, and steaming won’t create sharp creases like an iron can.
Choose this if: you want a crisp finish, especially on stubborn creases, and can use an ironing surface.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to set up an ironing surface, unlike when you’re giving clothes on a hanger a quick vertical steam.
Choose this if: you iron several garments in a row and want to tackle persistent creases or thicker fabrics.
Bear in mind: its base and set-up make it less suitable for packing or for a quick touch-up before you head out.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and weight | Dimensions when stored, appliance weight, room for the cord and the weight you’ll be carrying with a full tank. | When I’m travelling with limited luggage space, I want to pack the appliance without adding too much weight to what I’m carrying. Around 36% of consumers prioritise size and weight when travelling. |
| Quick touch-ups | Stated heat-up time, how easy the trigger is to use and whether you can hang the garment while steaming. | If I need to steam an outfit just before wearing it, I want to avoid setting up an ironing board. Around 29% of consumers prioritise quick touch-ups without any set-up. |
| Several garments | Tank capacity and whether it’s removable; check the stated run time for the exact model. | When I’m getting several garments ready in a row, I want to avoid stopping to refill the appliance. Around 21% of consumers prioritise steaming several garments without frequent refills. |
| Finish and fabric | The finish you want, the care label and the instructions for your appliance regarding fabric and steam. | If I want a sharp crease or need to tackle stubborn creases, a quick touch-up may not be enough. Around 14% of consumers prioritise an ironed finish. |
Tests by Les Numériques give different weights for the models reviewed: 900 g for the Calor Access Steam Pocket and 1 100 g for the SteamOne S-Travel. These figures apply to those specific models.
Compare the stored dimensions and weight of the exact model, as well as the tank capacity and the space taken up by the cord.
Easing light creases on a hanging garment isn’t the same as creating a sharp crease or achieving an ironed finish.
Decide what kind of finish you want before choosing. For stubborn creases or a crisp finish, consider an iron or a steam generator iron.
A larger tank doesn’t automatically mean the same run time, and tests of specific models also highlight differences in weight and refilling.
Consider the tank capacity, whether it’s removable, the appliance’s weight and the stated run time for the exact model.
For the appliances concerned, Philips’ guidance advises against using scented water and vinegar, among other things.
Check the instructions for your model on water and descaling before using an additive or trying a maintenance method.
The models mentioned cater for different needs: the foldable Access Steam Pocket is designed for packing, while the Pure POP DT2020C0 is for quick touch-ups.
The S-Travel test shows one handheld option for travelling; the Familys is a separate standing model designed for touch-ups at home.
The models mentioned illustrate two different uses: the foldable STH3010/30R1 garment steamer for touch-ups and the DST3020/30R1 iron for a short ironing session. Both pages relate to refurbished appliances.
These handheld garment steamers are designed for touch-ups on hanging clothes, at home or while travelling. Compare their weight, tank and stated run times to find the right one for your needs.
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The description says it can be used vertically on hanging clothes for a quick touch-up without an ironing board.
The title states a 25-second heat-up time; the description lists a 300 ml tank and up to 20 minutes of use.
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The description says it can be used vertically on hanging clothes and mentions travel.
The title lists 1 400 W and 24 g/min; the description states an approximate 30-second heat-up time, a removable 260 ml tank and up to 11 minutes of use. The stated net weight is 1,1 kg.
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The description says it can be used on hanging fabric and presents the model as suitable for use at home or while travelling.
The title lists 2 000 W and 33 g/min; the description states that it has two settings, a 150 ml tank and up to 8 minutes of use.
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The description says it can be used vertically on hanging fabric, at home or while travelling. The large-capacity tank may be useful when you have several items to touch up.
The title lists 2 000 W and 30 g/min; the description states that it has two settings, a removable 400 ml tank and up to 27 minutes of use. The stated net weight is 1,03 kg.
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The description presents this model as suitable for travel and small spaces; the title mentions a handle that swivels through 90°.
The title lists a 100 ml tank and an ironing temperature of 145 °C.
Not if you want an ironed finish or sharp creases: UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes steaming out light creases from the work of an iron or steam generator iron.
Check the care label and the instructions for your model first. SteamOne advises against steaming leather and similar materials, as well as any garment whose label says not to use steam. A manufacturer’s guidance won’t necessarily apply to every appliance.
For the Philips appliances covered by its support guidance, tap water is suitable. In hard-water areas, Philips recommends using distilled or demineralised water, optionally mixed with tap water, and advises against scented water and vinegar, among other things. Check your exact model before following a descaling procedure, as methods can vary from one model to another.
Hang up the garment and follow the appliance instructions. SteamOne recommends moving the steam head from top to bottom without pointing it downwards, then placing it on its stand after use. Also follow the safety guidance for your specific model.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies against the business seller under the conditions set out by law, for two years from delivery of the goods, as stated by the DGCCRF. For a distance purchase between a business and a consumer, the Ministry of the Economy states that you have a right to cancel for at least 14 days, subject to legal exceptions. This right is separate from a commercial guarantee.