Best Clothes Steamers

Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS59X) sits at #1 in the S tier of our consolidated board, ranked across independent research runs over current expert reviews. Consistent praise for its powerful steam and fast heat-up time makes it the clear frontrunner in this category.

Electrolux Garment Steamer ranks #2 (A tier). Its absence of negative feedback and inclusion on lists suggests a solid, reliable performer.

Our research places Jack & Rose Steamer & Iron, HiLIFE Steamer, Lakeland Compact EasyFold Steamer, JetSteam 1500W Handheld Steamer, Conair ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer in the bottom tiers (D/F). Limited visibility suggests it may not resonate with most consumers.

Yes, a good steamer relaxes fabric fibres with hot steam and takes out everyday creases in a minute or two per garment. Results depend on steam output: the powerful units do it quickly and the weak ones leave creases behind. On our board the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS59X) earns consistent praise for powerful steam and reliable quick wrinkle removal, while the HiLIFE Steamer and the Lakeland Compact EasyFold Steamer are marked down for limited or weak steam.

They do different jobs. A steamer is faster for hanging garments, delicate fabrics, knits and anything you cannot lay flat, and it will not scorch. An iron gives crisp creases and a flat finish on cotton shirts and trousers that a steamer cannot match. If you want both, the board has 2-in-1 units: the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie in A tier and the Tefal ActiSteam 2-in-1 in B tier both steam and press.

Buy a handheld for most homes. It heats up faster, stores in a drawer and travels. A standing steamer has a bigger tank and a hanger pole, so it suits people who steam a full wardrobe in one session or work with long garments like dresses and curtains. On our board the top picks are handheld, led by the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS59X). The Pure Enrichment Upright Clothes Steamer is the standing option, in C tier, with a large tank and steady steam.

On our board Conair and Electrolux come out strongest. The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS59X) is praised for robust build quality and the Electrolux Garment Steamer for its durable build and low failure rate. Philips and Breville back their units with five-year heating element or limited warranties on the Philips GC5030/30 Garment Steamer and the Breville VIN432 EliteTEMP Handheld Garment Steamer. The weakest reliability records belong to the HiLIFE Steamer, the JetSteam 1500W Handheld Steamer and the Lakeland Compact EasyFold Steamer.

A well-built steamer that is descaled regularly should give several years of weekly use. The board's evidence splits sharply by build. The Electrolux Garment Steamer and the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS59X) are noted for durable, robust construction. At the other end, reviewers report the JetSteam 1500W Handheld Steamer leaking steam after three months, the HiLIFE Steamer losing steam pressure within months, and the Lakeland Compact EasyFold Steamer wearing out its folding mechanism quickly.

The common failures are limescale blocking the steam path, overheating, leaks and cracked plastic housings. On our board the JetSteam 1500W Handheld Steamer overheats and leaks, the HiLIFE Steamer has a plastic body that cracks after repeated use, and the Lakeland Compact EasyFold Steamer suffers a small tank and a folding hinge that wears out. Limescale is the one you can prevent: use distilled or filtered water and descale on schedule.

Descale it. Empty the tank, fill it with a one-to-one mix of white vinegar and water, run it until about half has steamed through, then let it sit for 30 minutes and flush with clean water until the vinegar smell is gone. Do this monthly with hard tap water, or every few months with distilled water. Wipe the steam head with a damp cloth once it has cooled and never leave water sitting in the tank between uses.

A steamer freshens clothes and reduces odours, and hot steam held on a spot for a while will kill many bacteria and dust mites. It does not wash anything: dirt, sweat and stains stay in the fabric until the garment is laundered. Treat steaming as a way to refresh and de-wrinkle between washes, not as a substitute for washing.

Avoid paying for wattage alone. The JetSteam 1500W Handheld Steamer has high power yet sits in F tier because the power draw leads to overheating and a short lifespan. Avoid very small tanks and folding gimmicks, which is what sinks the Lakeland Compact EasyFold Steamer. Avoid a combo unit that is heavy and bulky, the problem with the Jack & Rose Steamer & Iron. And check you are buying the right Conair: the Conair ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer without Turbo branding rates F tier, while the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS59X) is the S tier pick.

The CHI Portable Handheld Steamer and the Philips GC5030/30 Garment Steamer are the travel picks on our board, both in B tier. The CHI Portable Handheld Steamer is compact with excellent steam output for its size, though reviewers think it is over-priced for what it does. The Philips GC5030/30 Garment Steamer pairs a travel-friendly design with a sturdy steel build and a five-year heating unit warranty. Check the voltage before you pack either one, as most handheld steamers are single voltage.