The Best Steamers for Clothes
No matter how well take care of our best clothes, creasing is an inevitable fact of washing and using fabrics. If you don't have room for an ironing board, or if you're hoping to keep your best shirts looking sleek and wrinkle-free, a steamer could be an excellent alternative. Many people find that steaming is easier, faster, 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
While you search for the right steamer for your needs, we suggest asking yourself three important questions: How quickly does it take to heat up before it’s ready to use? How many garments can it steam before it needs to be refilled? Are there additional nozzle attachments for different types of fabric? With those criteria in mind, our overall favorite was OGHom’s steamer, which features a utilitarian design that will suit most households. Capable of steaming for up to 15 minutes before needing a refill, this steamer will let you work through a basketful of garments on laundry day. If you’re looking for a larger unit that really brings the power, check out the standing steamer from Pure Enrichment. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
OGHom Handheld Garment Steamer
All around success
You can take matters into your own hands with the OGHom handheld steamer, an all-in-one home steaming solution that will leave your clothes looking as fresh as the first day you wore them. The 240mL tank gives you up to 15 minutes of continuous steaming, so you can work with a flow that won’t have you constantly breaking for refills. Some steamers can suffer over time as the materials wear through continuous exposure to heat and moisture. This option tackles the issue at the source with its stainless steel heating panel that combats oxidation, leading to a longer lifespan.
Pros:
- You won’t be caught short thanks to this extra-long, nine-foot power cord.
- With a speedy heat-up time of two minutes, this option has you covered when time is of the essence.
- The high-impact ABS plastic body makes this unit extra durable. Thanks to that, if it takes a fall, it shouldn’t break.
Cons:
- This water tank can leak if the steamer is tilted during use.
Conair Turbo Extreme
With a compact design that fits snugly in the hand, this ergonomic option from Conair does away with bulk to bring you a fluid steaming experience. Don’t be fooled by the size, either; with a 7.3-ounce tank onboard, this unit will be primed for up to 15 minutes of continuous steaming on a single fill. You can tailor your method to the requirements of each fabric with the three-in-one attachment, which includes a fabric spacer for delicate garments and a bristle brush for heavier cloth.
Pros:
- This option heats up to operating temperature in just 40 seconds, so you’ll be ready to steam in no time.
- Each attachment is easy to place and remove from the steamer head, saving you time and hassle compared with other options.
- Thanks to the included zip-lock bag, you can keep the steamer and all attachments stored safely together.
Cons:
- Without a water purifier onboard, this unit performs best when filled with distilled water.
Beautural Steamer for Clothes
Angle of attack
Most steamers need to be held in an upright position to avoid leaking and to produce consistent output, but this can sometimes be less than ideal when dealing with larger garments. The Beautural steamer is designed to put this frustration to rest. Thanks to a leak-proof tank and high-pressure water drawing system, it can be operated safely and effectively from almost any angle. If you’re looking for a solution that works with an ironing board or the like, this could be the option for you.
Pros:
- The lint brush attachment gives you a powerful tool for removing debris from garments fresh from the dryer.
- An automatic shut-off feature will power the unit down after eight minutes of inactivity, so you won’t have to worry about overheating if you take a break.
- Three color options let you choose an aesthetic to match the rest of your hardware.
Cons:
- This design is a little more fragile than other options, so beware of knocks when handling it.
iSteam Luxury Edition Steamer
No time wasted
When you need to get the job done fast, this deluxe steamer has you covered. With its nimble heating time of 25 seconds, you’ll be dressed to impress in record time. The 110mL tank provides ten minutes of steaming time, and the onboard electronic pump system distributes a steady flow inside this watertight design. This lets you use the steamer from any angle without the risk of a leak, which removes the hassle of awkwardly hanging larger garments. Paired with the nozzle brush attachment, this steamer can also be used to remove lint and other debris from your clothes during the steaming process.
Pros:
- Equipped with a nano polymer filter, this steamer will remove minerals from hard water sources to prevent calcification inside the tank.
- Automatic protection shutoff will cut the power if this unit overheats or runs dry.
- If you’re looking for a travel option, this item is TSA-authorized for inclusion in carry-on luggage for travel.
Cons:
- The 110mL tank is smaller than most, meaning more refills during use.
Pure Enrichment PureSteam XL
Portable steamers are a great solution for everyday use when you only have a few garments to freshen up. But if you plan on steaming large quantities of clothes, you might be searching for an option with a little more firepower than your average handheld steamer. This standing steamer offers a no-holds-barred solution for larger garments. A mammoth half-gallon tank can provide a continuous hour of steaming between refills. The built-in garment hanger makes it easy to approach larger items like blazers and coats, too. Despite its size and power, this unit only takes 45 seconds to heat up, so you don’t have to sacrifice power for speed.
Pros:
- If you’re wary of heavy lifting, don’t be put off by the size of this water tank. Its removable design makes it easy to fill without lifting the entire device.
- The powerful wattage of this device produces a consistent level of heat that is hard to find in handheld options.
Cons:
- The large size of this unit means it will take up more space when not in use. Because of that, it might not be a great option for smaller apartments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I hang garments when steaming?
To achieve the best end result, suspend clothes or other fabrics from a hanger or clothes rail so that steam can pass through without obstruction. Pull the fabric taut, and be mindful to keep your hands away from the flow of hot passing steam to avoid being burned. Apply the steam by working in a gentle, downward motion across the garment.
Can I pack a portable steamer in my carry-on luggage for air travel?
It’s hard to know whether larger devices will be stopped at airport security before 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 by your local authority for air travel.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.