The Best Steamer
When you've finally picked out your outfit, there's no worse feeling than putting it on and realizing it's full of wrinkles. Whether you wear a lot of thick, high-quality cotton or prefer flowy, synthetic fabrics, wrinkles work their way into almost material. Instead of lugging out the ironing board and waiting for ages for your iron to reach the right temperature, a steamer will streamline your process of getting your fabric fabrics wrinkle-free. Simply turn it on, wait for it to heat up in just a few minutes, and a steady stream of steam will make it possible to remove even the most stubborn wrinkles from clothes, upholstered furniture, curtains, and more.
What to Look For
When shopping for a new steamer, we suggest focusing on three key qualities: the steamer’s water capacity, size, and safety features. Conair’s Turbo Extreme steamer is our top pick thanks to its versatility. The small size, large water reservoir, and fast heat-up time allow you to quickly and efficiently steam almost any fabric for wrinkle-free results. The Pure Enrichment® Puresteam™ steamer, on the other hand, is the best option if you have a ton of clothes to get through. With a convenient hanger stand, wheeled water reservoir, and long steam hose, it can help you to get through your backlog of wrinkled clothes in no time. Explore these options and our other favorites below.
Conair Turbo Extreme Steamer
This innovative design makes it possible to harness the power of a steamer and iron in a single product. Made to smooth out wrinkles and kill germs and mites, the steamer heats up in under a minute for a fast-acting option. The continuous stream of steam lasts up to 15 minutes, making it simple to steam long garments, bedding, curtains, and any other fabric item. It even has three different attachments, so it can be used on both heavy and fine fabrics with equally amazing results.
Pros:
- In addition to the three attachments, the streamer also has a built-in creaser, so you can steam pleats and folds more easily.
- The freestanding design is easier to operate. It won’t tip over and spill water, making it safer and more user-friendly.
Cons:
- It’s a bit hard to fill, so it’s best if you use a funnel — which isn’t included.
Electrolux Portable Handheld Steamer
Have steamer, will travel
This steamer is a small-but-mighty product. The durable, no-spill design is small enough that you can easily throw it into your suitcase or carry-on for extended trips. No more wrinkled or disheveled ensembles. Instead, the steamer can easily get wrinkles out of any fabric from cotton to silk, giving you a refreshed and effortless overall look on any trip.
Pros:
- It heats up in just 30 seconds, making it a time-saving alternative to other steamers or traditional irons.
- The 300-milliliter water tank is removable, so it’s much more convenient to fill up the steamer.
Cons:
- Water may splash out of the steamer intermittently, which can leave water drops or stains on certain fabrics like silk.
Beautural Portable Steamer
Full steam ahead
This powerful steamer heats up in less than a minute, so it’s fast, easy, and efficient to remove wrinkles. The leak-free design also prevents water from spilling at any angle, making it simpler than ever to get wrinkles out of any garment — all while you hold the steamer vertically, horizontally, or at any angle in between. Use it with the included lint brush, soft brush, or creaser attachment to get any fabric looking perfectly smooth.
Pros:
- This steamer can steam multiple garments without needing a water tank refill, allowing you to get through a larger volume faster.
- Because the steamer has a metal head, it creates less condensation than plastic alternatives and gets wrinkles out very fast.
Cons:
- The first few times you use the steamer, it may have a burning-plastic smell. It will, however, dissipate after a few uses.
Hilife Handheld Steamer
What's left in the tank?
Experience 15 minutes of continuous steam with this powerful product. The handheld design is lightweight and easy to use, so your arms won’t tire out too quickly. It also creates billowing, soft steam that won’t damage or stain garments — even delicate fabrics like lace or silk. The compact size also makes it possible to easily take on the go, so you can get wrinkle-free clothes anywhere.
Pros:
- It comes with a convenient cup that makes filling the water tank easier. You won’t have to take the entire steamer to the sink; instead, you’ll be able to get just the right amount of water in one trip.
- Even on more stubborn natural fabrics like cotton, this steamer easily eliminates wrinkles.
Cons:
- If you tip the steamer, boiling water may spill out which can be quite dangerous.
Pure Enrichment® PureSteam™ Standing Steamer
Hang in there
This standing steamer is an excellent option for those who have a little extra storage space. Despite the large size, it still heats up in just 45 seconds, making it a fast and powerful way to get rid of wrinkles and pests like bed bugs or mites. From upholstered couches and chairs to curtains to clothing, this steamer can do it all. It even has a hanger attachment to steam shirts, dresses, and jackets, so it’s a convenient, all-in-one solution for your home.
Pros:
- Because you don’t need to hold the garments yourself, the included hanger helps you prevent unwanted burns caused by hot steam.
- The steamer is extremely affordable compared to other similar styles, making it a budget-friendly option that still works well.
Cons:
- It’s much larger than handheld steamers, so it’s much more difficult to store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do steamers work better than irons?
Steamers and irons both work well, and which one you choose often comes down to personal preference. Steamers do not require an ironing board or any other tools, making them convenient and simpler to use than irons. Irons, however, often work better on stiffer fabrics like cotton.
Which fabrics are best to use with steamers?
Steamers work well with natural fabrics like cotton, silk, and wool, and also with synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon. When using your steamer with synthetics, however, you must use caution to avoid melting the fabric. Be sure to test the steamer on a small, less visible area of the garment first to ensure it works well before steaming the rest.
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