6 best clothes steamers of 2023 Comparison
The garment steamers are for you if you need to get wrinkles out of your clothes and feel free to stay on your ironing board.
See our different comparisons on Best Heating Blankets and Pads.
Rowenta DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron,
Rowenta: Probably the best vertical steamer among those analyzed in this comparison
The Rowenta is a hybrid between a professional ironing powerhouse and a vertical steamer, combining portability and high power.
If your idea is to acquire a vertical iron for convenience and space-saving, but you want to keep the performance of a central ironing unit, this model is one of the best you will find.
It is effortless to use because it tells you the selected steam mode when there is no more water and warns you when there is limescale. I also found the descaling system very useful, cleaning without needing descaling tablets.
As soon as you hold the head in your hand, you notice its lightness and maneuverability since it weighs only 530 grams, and the shape of the sole (more expansive than usual) makes it easy to iron difficult areas such as shirt collars or cuffs.
It has an eco mode which is very useful for long ironing sessions, and an innovative project system which is very useful to avoid burns on clothes, whatever the fabric. It has an automatic shut-off and an anti-limestone system.
I also want to point out that it is very compact, and its handle makes it easy to use anywhere in the house, which makes it an excellent option for ironing clothes and disinfecting any surface, from the sofa to the sheets, including curtains and even children’s stuffed animals.
The Rowenta is the top of range from Rowenta, model that allows you to obtain fast and professional results while taking up very little space in your home. Still, it is sold at a slightly higher price than the other models. Examined.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Eco mode
- Fabric protection system
- Anti-limescale system without cartridge
- Power and efficiency at the central ironing level
Cons
- The price
J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer with Plastic Steam Head,
Jiffy Steamer: An efficient and well-designed upright steamer with a fragrance diffuser
The Jiffy Steamer is one of the most potent upright irons we’ve reviewed, and it shows in the ironing results and speed. It heats up in just 45 seconds, and with just one tank fill, you can iron 7-10 items, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a good result in the shortest possible time.
I loved the scent diffuser in the iron, which you can put essential oils into and eliminate the “closed wardrobe” smell while ironing.
This model has a safety shutdown function in case of an empty tank or inactivity and includes 5 steam settings to adapt to different fabrics. Still, this setting is manual (it does not detect the type of fabric like the Rowenta Ixeo). Also, this garment steamer does not have an extra burst of steam like the Ixeo, so a few extra strokes are needed on thick fabrics.
I found the included board very comfortable and original since the upper part is a hanger to hang clothes. It continues with a longboard that allows you to leave the most extended dresses without wrinkling them.
It is foldable and can be disassembled, but you have to consider that every time you take it out, you have to adjust the height of the board again, so I wouldn’t if you use it every day. It also has an elegant design.
Pros
- Powerful and fast
- Includes aroma diffuser
- Extra long vertical board
- Roll-up cord at the base
Cons
- No additional steam supply for heavy laundry
- Manual steam level adjustment
- A cord is short.
Electrolux Compact Handheld Travel Garment and Fabric Steamer
Electrolux: The best handheld steamer, the most efficient thanks to its technology capable of regulating steam
The Electrolux Steam & Go doesn’t stand out regarding power, tank capacity, or heat-up time, so why say it’s the best? Power is only part of it since this iron can detect the type of fabric. It adapts the jet of steam to delicate and thick fabrics. In addition, by adapting the jet, it also does not need a large tank because it does not waste water.
It is a very versatile model, as it has an anti-drip system that allows you to iron vertically and horizontally, which I find essential for ironing difficult areas such as collars or cuffs.
The plates are made of stainless steel, and the design is very ergonomic and light (1.28 kg), which makes it an excellent choice as a portable steam iron for travel. Plus, it comes with a bag and a glove resistant to heat.
The tank is removable, and you can fill it even with iron. The 3-meter cord allows you to move freely.
The Steam&Go is very efficient, but it could be faster to heat up (it takes about 50 seconds to get ready). However, I don’t consider that a downside. Other models take almost half the time.
Pros
- Detects fabric type to tailor throw
- Allows vertical and horizontal ironing
- Anti-drip system to prevent clothes from getting wet
Cons
- small tank
- Not quick to heat up
Rowenta DR8120 X-Cel Powerful Handheld Garment and Fabric Steamer
Rowenta Access Steam+: A fast and efficient steamer whose design avoids leaving moisture on clothes
The main downside to most garment steamers is that the steam can leave clothes damp. Still, models like the Rowenta Access incorporate ceramic coating, multiple holes, and heating technology to prevent condensation from causing damp clothes.
This vertical steamer has a power of 1600w, so it heats up and irons quickly too, and you can adjust the steam to two levels (gentle and turbo). It also has a button to lock the steam outlet for continued use, although, at this point, I wouldn’t say I liked it as it quickly unlocks if you touch it by mistake.
It is very comfortable (it weighs only 1.4 kg) and practical (it comes with a 3-meter cord). It’s also effortless to use, as you need to press the power button and set the steam to one of two settings. It comes with a hanger which I found very useful for ironing clothes.
The tank is not the strong point of this model, as it only holds 190 ml, which is barely enough for two or three garments. However, it is effortless to remove and reload.
Be careful if you are easily distracted! This model does not have an automatic shut-off system.
Pros
- Quick and convenient
- The system that avoids leaving moisture on the clothes
- Includes many accessories and a storage bag
- Extra long cable
Cons
- No automatic shutdown
- The tank is not significant.
Secura Instant-Steam Handheld Garment and Fabric Steamer
Secura: A steamer with an extra-wide ironing head that lets you iron in just a few passes
The Secura steamer stands out for its sizeable stainless steel head, which is ideal if you want to invest as little time as possible in ironing since you can cover large areas of clothing in just a few passes.
This steamer weighs tiny (1.26 kg), but we cannot say that it is compact, but I would not recommend it as an upright iron for travel. If your idea is to travel with your garment steamer, I recommend the Secura GS1800 model, which is much more compact, with a removable handle and carrying bag, although it has less power (800w) and is slower to heat.
It has an automatic safety shutdown (inactivity or low water level) and two operating modes (continuous or pulse). The tank holds 220ml, which is enough to iron about 5 shirts.
The tank is easy to remove, although I found the anchoring system a bit flimsy, and you have to make sure it’s closed tightly to avoid accidents.
Pros
- Extra large ironing head
- Fast heating and ironing
Cons
- bulky items
- The tank anchoring system could be improved.
Steamer for Clothes, Portable Handheld Garment Steamer
Fandiishop: A practical, light, and inexpensive steamer
The Fandiishop is a very compact, practical, versatile steamer, and viral, thanks to its good value for money.
This steamer has stainless steel plates and can iron all types of fabrics. Thanks to its two outlets, it distributes the steam very well. In addition, the tank is removable, easy to fill and clean, and has a capacity of 280ml (about 9 minutes of continuous steam, or what amounts to the same, about 4 or 5 shirts).
The operation is effortless since it has a single button, pressing it intermittently or locking it for continuous steam output.
I was surprised by its low weight (1.1 kg) and found it very easy to handle and safe, as it automatically shuts off after 8 minutes of inactivity or when the tank is empty.
One thing I would have preferred is that the instructions are in English, and although it can also be used horizontally, the drip system could be better, and some water may leak out. Also, I wouldn’t say I liked the result with thick clothes or jeans because you have to wear them several times.
Pros
- Cheap
- Light and compact
Cons
- Instructions in English only
- Insufficient power for thick clothes or jeans
Guide to knowing everything about clothes steamers.
A steamer is a device that, like a conventional horizontal iron, emits steam to smooth clothes and remove wrinkles from the fabric of clothes. It also manages to eliminate unpleasant odors and disinfect.
However, what defines clothes steamers is how they are used. They are shaped like a pistol and emit steam directly onto clothes or curtains when hung, i.e., in an upright position.
A few differences exist between a steamer and a mid-iron of the same type. The main difference is the water tank. In garment steamers, it is included in the structure itself. On the other hand, in vertical ironing centers, it is placed separately from the iron itself. On the one hand, the objective is to reduce the device’s weight and make it more comfortable and easier to use. On the other hand, they also guarantee greater autonomy by keeping more water available.
In general, having an external water tank also means that vertical ironing stations offer greater power in the constant and steam jet. They also tend to have a broader range of settings. However, they are more sensitive to limestone. This is why they include filters or require distilled water, which implies ongoing maintenance costs.
What should you consider when choosing a clothes steamer?
To choose the suitable vertical iron for you, you should pay attention to the following aspects:
Powerful
At least 1300 W. This is, in any case, what any garment steamer should offer. Remember that, unlike conventional irons, they remove creases directly with the jet of steam and not with a hot metal plate. So they need more power.
Steam generation
It depends on the power, although other factors have an influence. Choose a model that offers at most 30 grams of steam per minute. However, keep in mind that the higher it is, the faster it will remove creases, but it will also have a shorter battery life and consume more energy.
Autonomy
This will be determined by the volume of the water tank and the steam output. If it is a power station, choose a model with a capacity between 1 liter and 1.5 liters. This will allow you to iron a good number of items at once and make the device operation manageable.
Those numbers mean between 30 and 45 minutes of continuous runtime without recharging, although it all depends on the intensity of the jet you choose.
Filtered
Tap water contains limescale which can build up in the tank. That’s why, if you want to avoid constantly buying distilled water from the supermarket, you should choose a steamer with a limescale filter. If you don’t, the sediment in the water will damage the iron in a short time.
Cord length
The longer, the better. Think that a long cord will give you more freedom of movement while ironing. It must be at least two meters long. But if it’s three or four, that’s fine.
Accessories
Some clothes steamers include specific accessories for ironing delicate fabrics or curtains, for example. They are optional in many cases, but they are never superfluous.
Security
There are two systems that all clothes steamers should be equipped with.
- The first is overheating protection. Its purpose is to shut down the device when its internal components exceed the safe temperature range after a long period of operation.
- The second is fire protection, which shuts down the device after some time (usually 15-30 minutes) without detecting activity. So, if you forget to turn it off, there is no risk. It is also recommended that they have locking mechanisms so children cannot use them.
clothes rack
It is indispensable if you steam many clothes at once, as it makes the job much faster. However, if you only plan to use your vertical steam iron occasionally, the investment is not worth it.
Types of clothes steamers
We can mainly distinguish the types of steamers on the market:
- They are standing steamers. These are the best garment steamers for the home. Why? They are significant in size, have large water tanks, and offer excellent autonomy. The main reason is that they are designed to iron large quantities of clothes, sheets, curtains, or any other textile item you can imagine in one go. They also offer a multitude of settings.
- Hand steamer. We are now talking about steamers recommended for travel with you if you have to spend a few days abroad and want to steam your clothes every time you leave the hotel. They are undoubtedly handy devices, especially for those who travel for work and always have to wear shirts and suits. These fully portable models include the water tank inside the structure and offer limited autonomy. They are also less potent than the previous ones, but they are more than enough for their purpose.
Advantages of garment steamers over conventional irons
Steamers offer a series of indisputable advantages over traditional irons. Let’s take a look at it:
- They adapt perfectly to all types of fabrics. It doesn’t matter whether they are thick and sturdy (wool, denim) or thin and delicate (silk, linen). The steam they emit can rid them of wrinkles without risk or danger.
- They don’t need an ironing board. This is undoubtedly another of their main advantages. Steamers can be used directly on clothes while they hang on their hangers or curtains while they do their job. They’re even effective on sheets and bedspreads when they’re already on the bed.
- There is no risk of burning a garment. Conventional irons eliminate wrinkles thanks to the heat accumulated in the soleplate. If you keep it in contact with the fabric for too long, you risk burning it. However, thanks to the bursts of steam, this cannot happen when using a clothes steamer. It is also impossible to burn your fingers or hands.
- Buttons and zippers are no longer a problem. Ironing a shirt or jacket with a flat iron is a challenge that requires some experience. With a steamer, however, that doesn’t matter. The jet of steam effectively reaches all corners of the garment.
- No more back pain. Many ironing boards can indeed be adjusted in height. However, horizontal ironing boards require the user to adopt a slightly hunched position. It’s okay for a while, but your lower back suffers when you spend an hour a day ironing your laundry. Steamers, on the other hand, allow you to work ultimately standing up, avoiding discomfort.
Disadvantages of steamers
Clothes steamers offer a variety of advantages over conventional horizontal irons. However, we must recognize the fact that they also have certain drawbacks. Here we will analyze the following:
- Limited autonomy. If you want to iron many very thick fabrics, you will need reasonably powerful steam jets. You will need to refill the tank every two or three items. This is not the case with conventional irons.
- Heat. The jet of steam emitted by these clothes steamers can cause a considerable increase in the thermal sensation and ambient humidity in the room where it is used. You will quickly notice this by the mist forming on the windows. Therefore, you should always keep windows and doors open when using yours.
- They moisten the tissues. An uncomfortable fact is if, for example, you want to iron a garment to wear it immediately. The idea is to do it at least 5 or 10 minutes in advance to give it time to dry completely. It is not advisable to put the clothes in the wardrobe immediately.
These are all disadvantages that we cannot ignore. However, we must also point out that you need to be more severe about dissuading you from buying a garment steamer.
The only obvious thing is that if you need to iron a lot of clothes regularly and have particularly thick and intricate clothes and textiles, you might consider combining it with a traditional horizontal iron. The decision is yours.
How is the LIDL steamer?
LIDL has in its catalog a 1300w steamer with a 250ml tank and automatic shut-off, and you can buy it in 2 colors; white and gray. It is a cheap steamer, but its power is low, and its materials can be upgraded.
How to use a steamer?
To use a garment steamer, the first step is to hang the garment on a hanger. Then, turn on the steamer (ensure water is in the tank). Select the power setting and apply steam in an up-and-down motion while stretching the garment with the other hand.
