Pure Enrichment Upright Clothes Steamer

It ranks #8 (C tier) on our consolidated clothes steamers board, drawn from 2 independent outlets.

Someone who steams several garments in one session and wants a large tank and a hanger rather than a handheld. It is a C tier product on our clothes steamers board, credited with effective wrinkle removal, steady steam and easy use. Most buyers are better served by the handheld picks above it: the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS59X) in S tier or the Electrolux Garment Steamer in A tier.

The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS59X). It is the only S tier steamer on the board, with more powerful steam and faster heat-up. If you specifically want a standing unit with a pole, the board has no higher-ranked one, so the Pure Enrichment Upright Clothes Steamer is the standing pick by default.

Reviewers say it meets the need for wrinkle removal while travelling, but an upright steamer with a pole and a large tank is far bulkier than a handheld. It suits a car trip or a long stay more than a carry-on. For air travel, the compact handhelds on our board are the better fit.

A standing steamer needs floor space for the base and a clear area about the height of a person for the pole and hanger, so plan for a corner of a bedroom or laundry room. Most telescoping poles collapse for storage. Keep the hose straight while steaming, since a kinked hose traps condensation and spits water.

Fill the tank with equal parts white vinegar and water, run the unit until about half has steamed out, leave it for 30 minutes, then empty and run two tanks of clean water through. A large tank means you can go longer between refills, but it also holds more water, so empty it after each session rather than leaving water to stand.