Travellers who need to freshen up an outfit quickly
You take a shirt, blouse or dress out of your suitcase and want to smooth light creases without setting up an ironing board.
Who are these options for?
People who care about a smart finish for workwear
You need a crisp collar, seam or crease. Space in your luggage matters, but achieving the finish you want may require an iron and an ironing surface.
People on a longer stay with several outfits
You’re staying in one place long enough to consider a larger appliance, with a stand and tank suited to steaming several garments.
What should you prioritise?
First decide what kind of finish you need and how many outfits you’ll be treating. Then compare the space an appliance takes up with the options available where you’re staying. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between smoothing light creases caused by travel and ironing for a more structured finish.
| Priority | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick touch-ups and light luggage | Size when packed away, weight and tank capacity. | For an outfit that’s slightly creased just before I go out, I want to freshen it up without taking an ironing board. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise portability above all else. |
| Sharp, defined creases | Soleplate, settings suited to the fabric and an available ironing surface. | If my collar or outfit needs crisp creases, I’d rather be able to use an iron, even if it takes up more space. This kind of finish would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Several outfits while you’re there | Tank capacity, available stand and storage space where you’re staying. | For a longer stay, I want to freshen up several garments without having to plan my whole wardrobe around my luggage. Around 20% of consumers would put this kind of use at the top of their list. |
| No appliance to take | Iron or service available at your destination, and travel conditions for your journey. | For a short stay with very limited space, I’d rather rely on an option confirmed at my destination than carry an appliance. This would be the first choice for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Expecting a garment steamer to give you the finish of an iron
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer smooths light creases caused by travel or storage, but it won’t press creases in the same way as an iron.
If your outfit needs crisp creases or has stubborn ones to tackle, plan to use an iron on a suitable surface or look into an ironing service at your destination.
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Choosing a small tank without considering how many outfits you have
A compact model that’s easy to pack may need refilling during your stay. For example, Philips says its STH3020/70’s 120 ml tank can steam up to one outfit per fill.
Compare the tank capacity with the number of garments you plan to freshen up.
Repeated refills also take time and require access to water.
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Packing without checking with your airline
The government department responsible for transport says airlines may apply stricter rules to items carried on board.
Before you travel, check each airline’s rules for your appliance, route and type of luggage.
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Planning to take a standing garment steamer when travelling light
A large tank and an integrated board are better suited to a fixed location. The Philips STE3170/80, with its 2 L tank and tilting board, is an example of this type of model.
Consider one if you can leave it where you’re staying during a longer trip. For lighter luggage, compare handheld models or options available at your destination instead.
A standing appliance also needs space for transport and storage at your destination.
Brands to compare
The models below illustrate different formats; their features don’t apply to every model from each brand.
Philips
The foldable STH3020/70 handheld garment steamer is designed for occasional touch-ups, while the STE3170/80 is a standing model intended to stay in one place.
- Philips says the STH3020/70 has a 120 ml tank and heats up in around 30 seconds.
- The STE3170/80 combines a 2 L tank with a tilting board, but its standing design is less suited to travelling with light luggage.
Calor
Calor describes the Pure POP DT2020C0 as a compact handheld garment steamer for travel.
- Calor lists 1,300 W, steam output of up to 20 g/min and a 15-second heat-up time for this model.
- Don’t choose this type of garment steamer on the assumption that it will press creases like an iron.
Braun
The TexStyle 1 SI1009OR is an iron to consider when a soleplate finish matters more than steaming a hanging garment.
- Braun lists a manual thermostat, precision tip and 220 ml tank for this model.
- You’ll need a suitable ironing surface during your stay to use it.
Handheld garment steamers on Joybuy
These two handheld models are for freshening up creased clothes while travelling. If your priority is pressing crisp creases, compare the options for using an iron where you’re staying instead.
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Princess 332890 foldable garment steamer with lint-removal attachment
Worth considering for the occasional touch-up when you take an outfit out of your suitcase and want to be able to fold the appliance away between uses.
Check that its folded size will fit in your luggage, and check the voltage and plug required at your destination. For crisp creases, plan to use an iron.
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Aucma 1,500 W handheld garment steamer, 300 ml, white, with brush
Worth considering if you plan to freshen up several garments in one place and want a 300 ml tank; capacity alone doesn’t tell you how long it will run for.
This model includes a brush. Compare the space it will take up in your luggage and check its electrical compatibility before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can a travel garment steamer replace an iron?
Not if you need crisp creases or have stubborn ones to tackle. UFC-Que Choisir describes a garment steamer as a way to smooth light creases caused by travel or storage. An iron is still more suitable when your outfit needs a structured finish.
What tank capacity should you choose for a trip?
Choose a capacity based on how many outfits you need to freshen up, rather than looking for a single ideal size. As a guide for its STH3020/70 model, Philips says its 120 ml tank can steam up to one outfit per fill.
What should you check before plugging in a garment steamer abroad?
Check the voltage and frequency shown on the appliance or in its instructions, then check the plug type at your destination. Make sure you do this for the exact model you plan to take, before plugging it in.
How can you freshen up a delicate garment without damaging it?
Always check the care label first. If it allows the method you plan to use, test it on an inconspicuous area before treating the whole garment.