The Best Portable Steamers
No matter how well we take care of our favorite garments, creasing is a natural part of wearing and washing fabrics. If you don't have the space for an ironing board in your home, or if you're hoping to keep your shirts smooth and wrinkle-free whilst traveling, a portable steamer can be an excellent alternative. Many people find steaming to be easier, quicker, and less accident-prone than traditional ironing, so if you find yourself regularly smoothing your garments, you'll want to take a look at these top picks.
What to Look For
As we selected the best portable steamers on the market today, we had three questions in mind: What is the heat-up time of this appliance? How big is the water tank, and how many garments can it steam between each refill? Is this design lightweight and portable for travel? Coming out on top was the Hilife’s handheld garment steamer, as it offers a bunch of features at a steal of a price. It makes quick work of garments and can go the distance since you can get 15 minutes on a full tank. If you’re looking for maximum power to handle tough creases or furniture, take a look at Conair’s nifty steamer. Read on below to learn more about each of our top picks.
Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer
It’s easy to combat tough creases on the go with this handy portable steam iron from Hilife. A 240ml tank facilitates continuous steaming for up to 15 minutes, meaning fewer refill breaks to interrupt your flow. Thanks to the smooth 700 watts of power, this steamer produces delicate continual steam, ideal for sensitive garments. With a super-light construction weighing just over half a kilogram and a flexible 9-foot power cord, this steamer makes a great travel companion.
Pros:
- We love the high capacity of this water tank, making this a great option for steaming larger fabrics like curtains and bedsheets.
- A clear max-fill line on the tank takes the guesswork out of refilling.
- The lightweight construction and ergonomic grip make handling easy.
Cons:
- This steamer must remain in an upright position during use to avoid spilling the contents of the water tank.
iSteam Luxury Edition Steamer
When speed is a priority, this premium steamer has you covered. A lightning-fast heating time of 25 seconds will have you dressed to impress in no time, powering 10 minutes of steaming from the 110ml tank. An electronic pump system works to create smooth fluid flow within this watertight design, meaning you can steam at any angle without risking spills on your garments. The nozzle brush included with this handset helps to remove lint and other debris from fabrics while you clean.
Pros:
- If your water supply is a little on the hard side, this steamer comes equipped with a nano polymer filter to remove minerals and prevent calcification inside the tank.
- You’re sure to feel safe and sound while using this steamer thanks to an automatic protection shutoff that cuts power if the unit becomes too hot or short on water.
- This item is TSA-authorized for inclusion in carry-on luggage for travel, meaning no more anxieties at airport security.
Cons:
- The power cord on this steamer is shorter than most other options.
Conair Turbo Extreme Fabric Steamer
Full steam ahead
Turn up the power to the max with this high-wattage option from Conair. With an explosive 1875 watts of steaming power, this compact design boasts serious muscle to help remove deep creases from the thickest fabrics. A clear and intuitive LED panel helps you to dial in the precise level of heat you need to get the job done, and the nippy 40-second heat-up will have you steaming for up to 20 minutes from the 7.3-ounce water tank.
Pros:
- Armed with a higher max temperature than most steamers, this is a great option for eradicating germs and bad odors. It could be a great choice for sprucing up worn upholstery.
- Thanks to the flexible three-in-one nozzle attachment, this steamer is versatile and can help you get the best results for a wide range of garments.
- The watertight tank prevents spills when holding this steamer at an angle.
Cons:
- If you’re after extra power, it comes at a cost. This option is a bit pricier than its competitors.
Beautural Foldable Handheld Steamer
Tucked away
Whether you’re traveling by land or air, luggage space is a precious commodity on any trip. Beautural’s handheld steamer comes with a nifty fold-away handle and a detachable water tank for easy storage. This compact design doesn’t compromise on performance, either; with 1000 watts of steam power, you’ll be ready to deal with the toughest creases in no time.
Pros:
- A generous eight-foot power cord gives you a long reach, even when using awkwardly placed hotel room sockets.
- The smooth stainless steel plate in place of a nozzle works like a hot iron to help smooth out the toughest creases.
- Weighing in just under two pounds, this option won’t eat up too much of your carry-on luggage allowance.
Cons:
- This 150ml tank is smaller than most, meaning more frequent refills are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I position garments when steaming?
For best results, suspend garments from a hanger or clothes rail so that steam can pass through without obstruction. Pull the garment taut, but be careful to keep hands well clear of hot passing steam. Apply steam working in a gentle downward motion across the fabric, pausing to remove any deeper creases that remain.
Can I pack my portable steamer in airplane carry-on luggage?
It’s often hard to know whether larger electronics will pass safely through airport security when boarding a flight. Most portable steamers are safe for travel, but if you’re in doubt, keep your eyes peeled for TSA authorization to ensure the appliance has been approved for air travel.
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