The Best Clothes Steamer
1. Hilife Steamer for Clothes
Key Features
7 in 1 multi-use
Powerful 700 watts
Lightweight at 0.568kg
Up to 16 minutes steaming
240ml tank
9ft power cord
Our best choice clothes steamer had to be the Hilife Steamer for Clothes which is so light it’s simply ideal for lifting and steaming for periods of time. This appliance is the perfect size at 14.5 inches tall so it’s really good for storing when not in use, and it’s handy for packing when traveling. Rather than using a heavy press that you can’t take with you or steam iron that can’t be used vertically, this is easy to use on the go so you don’t have to worry about putting up with creased clothing out of your closet or travel case.
For a mini travel steamer, this HiLife model has a big 240ml water capacity with a ‘fill’ level marker so you can’t go over that, and with the lengthy 9-foot power cable, you won’t be restricted to hovering near to the power socket. Steamers are known for removing bacteria, odors, and creases from clothing and soft furnishings such as drapes and bedding and this one does its job and is such a good price.
Pros
Great for traveling
Ready to use quickly
Smart design
2. Beautural Steamer for Clothes
Key Features
Lint remover, fabric brush and creaser tool
Powerful 1200 watts
Lightweight at 2lbs
15 minutes continuous steam
260ml tank capacity
Neat design at 10.7 inches tall
Unclutterer’s choice for the garment steamer with the best pump steam technology is the Beautural Steamer for Clothes, which is great for removing wrinkles from fabrics. It heats up really quickly – in just 30 seconds – and while portable, it’s supplied with three removable attachments providing a functional way to safely steam clothing, bedding, and even sofas and toys. It can be used horizontally or vertically thanks to the no-leak, no-spill detachable water jug.
The water tank itself has a large capacity of 260ml allowing for up to 15 minutes of steaming and the pump steam technology pushes high-pressure steam rapidly through the plate when you press the trigger. It will switch off after 8 minutes of inactivity, great if you forget to turn it off yourself, and this also features kicks in if the appliance overheats (when the empty water tank goes unnoticed). You’ll like the fact this steamer comes with a 24 months warranty.
Pros
Lightweight and easy to use
Use horizontally or vertically
3 accessories
Steam and dry decreasing
Cons
Difficult to make perfect creases
3. Magictec Portable Travel Garment Steamer
Key Features
Compact and lightweight
120ml water capacity
Quick plug-in and steam
Compliant with N. American safety standards
7.5 inches tall
The best value clothes steamer as chosen by Unclutterer is the Magictec Portable Travel Garment Steamer. It’s a handheld model that’s portable enough to travel with and powerful enough to use at home. The steam is released by an ergonomic nozzle design which allows for even removal of fabric creases in an easy-to-use way. With a promise of 7-in-1 uses, you will find it can do more than remove wrinkles and at this price that’s why we think it is best for value.
It is lightweight at a mere 1.2lbs with a small water capacity of 120ml yet it heats up quickly and works fast on all types of fabrics, even delicates. You will love the fact that it’s easy to store away at home when not in use, and just as convenient to pack when going away.
Pros
Small, lightweight design
Quick to heat up
Handy no-leak nozzle
Cons
Small water capacity
4. PurSteam Professional Series Garment Steamer
Key Features
2L water reservoir
Powerful 1800 watts
Height adjustable
One-touch steam control
Safety cap for burn prevention
The PurSteam Professional Series Garment Steamer makes it into our list as our premium pick of the bunch powered by a fantastic 1800 watts and an impressive continuous steam ability of up to 45 minutes. Whether you intend to use it professionally or simply want a powerful multi-purpose garment steamer, this is the one we picked out that is ideal for both.
Built into this professional-level appliance is also a folding ironing board for when you steam so there’s no need to unfold your main one, and comes with a useful hanger if you prefer to steam clothing vertically. It’s well designed and you can leave it in place in your utility or laundry room to save having to remove it from storage each time you want to use it.
Pros
Large water reservoir
Powerful and easy to use
Doesn’t take up much floor space
Cons
No wheels
Quite a bulky steamer
5. PurSteam – Full Size Steamer for Clothes
Key Features
Convenient 2.2 lbs weight
Wheels for easy motion
Power cord
Telescopic pole with a woven hose
Professional, heavy-duty
A fashion-forward steamer, the PurSteam – Full-Size Steamer for Clothes was chosen by us as the best professional option. It’s a sturdy and powerful steamer that can be wheeled into position and used easily. It has continuous steam and four adjustment levels for sterilizing and de-creasing clothes and other fabrics like cushions, drapes, and bedding. You can create creases too such as in hems, trousers and skirt pleats.
This is, in Unclutterer’s opinion, a great option for steaming in-home fabrics and is light and portable enough to move from storage into the position you wish to use it. It stands vertically and the extendable pole can be retracted when you choose to store it away.
Pros
Easy to store
4 steam adjustments
Attached hanger for vertical steaming
Easy to put together
Cons
No flat surface to steam against
Wheels don’t lock
6. PurSteam PS510 Garment Steamer For Clothes
Key Features
Batteries not required
Gentle on delicate fabrics
Vertical effective steaming
Aluminum heating element
7 in 1 steaming
Travel or in-home use
If you are looking for a steamer that is most gentle on fabrics, the Unclutterer choice in this category is the PurSteam PS510 Garment Steamer For Clothes. This lightweight clothes and fabric steamer that is ideal when you travel and for general home use. It is especially effective at wrinkle removal for delicate fabrics such as embroidered and sequinned fabrics as well as satin, silk, and chiffon.
We believe this is a good choice as a first steamer or as an additional one for convenient, quick steam – and for those who don’t necessarily want to iron certain garments. It weighs just 1.1 pounds so you will find that it’s light enough to use to steam vertically
Pros
Heats up in just 90 seconds
Easy to travel with
Cons
No steam safety promise
May prefer a more sturdy steamer
7. MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer for Clothes
Key Features
300ml water tank
Rapid heating
Auto-off safety
Leak-proof technology
Lightweight at 2.8lbs
12.7 inches tall
For the best in leak-proof technology, the Unclutterer option is the MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer for Clothes. This model is a lightweight yet sturdy example of a portable garment steamer that can be used on a multitude of fabrics including clothing, drapery, cushions, and bedding.
It’s designed so that it won’t leak meaning that you can use it whilst fabrics are hanging up or while they are laid on a flat surface without it spilling or spitting out boiling water. You will like the fact that it shuts off if the water level becomes too low or the steamer becomes too hot.
Pros
Unique leak-proof technology
Impressive design
North American Safety Standards compliant
Auto shut-off
Cons
Uses water quickly, less steaming time
8. OGHom Steamer for Clothes
The best mini option for steaming clothes and other fabrics is the OGHom Steamer for Clothes which is a small and portable option, great for taking on your travels, and in our opinion the best mini option. Whether you intend to buy a small steaming appliance for home where it can be easily stored, you travel for work or want to de-crease clothes when taking a vacation, this is the ideal size.
With a good-sized water tank for such a small model, it offers up to 18 minutes of continuous steaming before the need to refill. You might like to discover that the stainless steel heating element promises to offer a longer life than those designed with aluminum heating panels – the stainless steel is an anti-rust and anti-oxidation addition to the OGHom mini steamer.
Pros
Lightweight at 0.57kg
Overheating safety protection
Under 7 inches tall
Cons
Only use at 45-degree angle
One temperature setting
9. Lemontec Portable Travel Garment Steamer
In the group of small and affordable portable garment steamers, Unclutterer has chosen to highlight the Lemontec Portable Travel Garment Steamer. It’s designed differently to most of the clothes steamers we are featuring in our ’15 best’ list – it’s black which some might prefer over a white appliance. It boasts powerful and effective steaming so you can manage wrinkles and sanitize clothing and other fabrics.
If you want to organize your wardrobe at home with something that you can store away easily, or if you intend to use this little steamer when you travel, this heats up in 70 seconds and promises up to 9 minutes steaming time before you need to refill the water tank.
Pros
Smart little size
Black matt design
Auto shut-off if overheats or water runs out
Cons
Not for steaming lots in one go
10. Bizond Steamer for Clothes
Key Features
Nano-filter
Lightweight 1.7lbs
8.5 inches tall
Heats up in 25 seconds
Spit & spill-free
Unique design
Our best pick for portable design with a nano filter is the Bizond Steamer for Clothes for both home and travel. This handheld model can be used vertically and horizontally and promises you can even use it upside down with no leakages or mess. If you want a versatile steamer that can be used at any angle then you might consider this one.
The nano filter is a feature that helps to prevent a build-up of limescale inside the appliance which helps to give it a longer life than those without it. It will make a great addition to your usual iron and you can take it places. Travel with it or pop it easily to store in your utility or laundry space to take out when you need it.
Pros
Nice design and color
Lightweight and portable
Steam at any angle
Cons
Only to be used on 110v electrical network / not dual voltage
11. Pure Enrichment PureSteam XL Standing Steamer
Key Features
1500 watts
Standing model
45 second heat-up
Up to 60 seconds steaming
Hanger and brush attachments
Easy roll wheels
The Pure Enrichment PureSteam XL Standing Steamer is our best choice if you want a fast heating, powerful option. It stands at just under 16 inches with a detachable pole and hose, hanger for efficiency, and it comes with an additional fabric brush. At just over 10 pounds it has been designed with wheels so that it can be moved into place easily without the need to lift it.
If you want to organize your wardrobe and remove clothing wrinkles while sanitizing your favorite outfits then it has a massive 60 minute steaming time before having to refill the huge half-gallon water tank. You can sterilize furnishings, hard surfaces, linens, and garments till your heart’s content.
Pros
Large water capacity
Portable easy-move wheels
Up to an hour of steaming
5ft steam hose
7ft power cord
12. hOmeLabs Handheld Portable Garment Steamer
Key Features
70 seconds heat-up time
180ml water capacity
Lightweight 1.28lbs
Dual safety feature
Batteries not required
Home or travel
The hOmeLabs Handheld Portable Garment Steamer is ideal for travel and quick use around the home. The safety feature has been designed with both auto shut-off; should the steamer become overheated it will switch off and reset itself again when cool enough and will do so if the water level becomes too low ( a handy reminder to refill the water tank ).
At just under 1.3 pounds you’ll find it light enough to use at eye-level and over time. It has a simple white design with an easy on-off switch and can be used for steaming, sanitizing, creasing, and de-wrinkling clothes, furnishings, linens, and more. If you are planning a work trip, just pop it in your case and refresh your clothes before that important meeting. Or just keep it next to your clean-laundry basket to pull out when you need a quick steam fix.
Pros
Small enough to travel with
Dual safety feature
Cons
Can’t be used horizontally
13. Cirago Garment Fabric Steamer with Hanger
Key Features
1450 watts
2.2L water tank capacity
Up to 80 minutes steaming
45 seconds heat-up
High-quality accessories
Two-level heat adjustment
The Cirago Garment Fabric Steamer with Hanger is our choice for the professional steamer that comes with superb high-quality accessories that most others choose not to provide. It is supplied with a perfectly shaped clothes hanger including pant clips so that you can steam clothing items whilst hang – the hose is easy to handle meaning you can hold things like sleeves out of the way with one hand and steam with the other.
It comes with a pants press, simply feed them through and create creases if needed. Also is a handy fabric brush and, we think, an all-important pair of anti-scalding gloves. It’s a professional-grade appliance that can adjust its heat output in 2 ways for garments with stubborn wrinkles.
Pros
Easy to move on rollers
Stands tall at 5ft 7″
High-quality accessories
Fast heat-up
Huge 2.2-liter water tank
Cons
Must wear gloves
14. PurSteam 1400-Watt Steamer for Clothes
Key Features
1400 Watts of Power
Auto shut-off
2-year warranty
Lightweight at 2lbs
130ml detachable water tank
Preventative spill design
As the name suggests, the PurSteam 1400-Watt Steamer for Clothes is a powerful appliance that is useful to use in your home or whilst traveling. It only weighs 2 pounds making it ideal for packing away for business or leisure trips and it’s easy to store at home. Perfect for a quick fix, you can steam and sterilize garments whilst they are hanging up and this model is gentle on all kinds of fabrics.
We all hate ironing and this little gem is great for getting wrinkles out of pieces of clothing and heats up in seconds. It comes with a water measure and a handy fabric brush and the water tank is detachable. We think it’s great for refreshing and getting creases out of the lightest summer clothing as well as thicker winter pieces and it will also sanitize and steam home furnishings.
Pros
Handy size at 12 inches tall
Easy to grip
Powerful mini steamer
Cons
Small water capacity
15. Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro Steamer for Clothes
This Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro Steamer for Clothes is a standing 4.5 feet steamer with a huge 2-liter water tank giving up to an hour of continuous steaming. We think this is on par with our professional choice although the difference here is that the on/off switch is controlled with a foot pedal.
It comes with a detachable hanger for steaming clothing and you might like the fact it has four different water temperature levels so that you can steam and sterilize both thick and more delicate garments. The 6.5-foot power cord tidies neatly away when not in use.
Pros
Different steaming levels
Large tank
Heats in 45 seconds
Lightweight and easily moved
Cons
Small wheels work better on hard flooring
Features To Consider With Clothes Steamers
Before you decide if a steamer is for you and, of course, which steamer suits you best check out the following features to look out for.
Power
In a typical steamer, the size will normally determine how powerful it can be. Battery operated garment steamers aren't very popular and simply put the higher the wattage the greater the steam output getting garments free of wrinkles after pulling them out of your laundry bag in a short space of time. Make sure also that, if you are planning to travel with a handheld steamer, the manufacturer recommends that you do not use a power adaptor - some quite rightly do highlight that the power is for a certain voltage only so you may find that these models will either not work or will get damaged if, say, for instance, you use it with a European plug adaptor.
Temperature
With the use of a high-temperature steamer not only can you remove wrinkles from garments but you can refresh them and keep them free of germs. Because you are using steam there is no chance of burning the fabric and even delicate pieces can withstand the high temperatures that are built into a steaming appliance. When you choose an appliance that comes with different steam settings you are more likely to be able to steam both delicate and more bulky items.
Water Tank Size
Simply put, the larger the tank capacity the longer steam time you have before needing to refill it. Smaller tanks of around, say, 120ml are ideal as a quick fix on smaller garments whilst a larger tank of 2 liters will be ideal for those planning to remove creases and refresh more garments in one continuous steaming session. If you don't want to be constantly topping up the water then don't opt for a tiny steamer.
Performance
There are two types of garment steamers: handheld or travel steamers which are shaped sometimes like an electric kettle or a showerhead; upright standing steamers that have larger water tanks. The upright steamers are likely to perform better and for a longer duration and usually have temperature controls, perfect for steaming multiple garment types whilst a mini steamer will perform just as well but on smaller and fewer items per steaming session. Check out performance ratings on sites such as Amazon or Walmart.
Characteristics
Whilst some steamers are simply handheld and designed to steam on one setting, some are standing models that may seem cumbersome yet more powerful. Some manufacturers like to focus on the aesthetics in the visible design as well as its abilities to steam effectively. Just because something looks good doesn't always mean that it's good at its job.
Accessories
When looking at a new steamer take into consideration its different features and accessories. Every model when you are reviewing prior to buying will list any added extras it's supplied with. This might be a clothes hanger, ironing mat, fabric brush, measuring water cup, collapsible handles (standing garment steamers), or an attachment for creasing trousers.
Safety Features
Is the model you are interested in known for spitting or leaking water? Review comments from reputable sites as this isn't something any clothes steamer should do and something the manufacturer isn't going to tell you about! Look out for one with leak-proof technology if you are concerned. Make sure that there is an automatic shut-off feature too, steamers with small tanks will run dry quickly and can overheat in the same way a steamer with large water capacity can and it's easy to forget to check when you're engrossed in your steaming session. Auto shut-off will reset as soon as the water is cool enough/refilled.
Extras
Useful extras that might not be supplied with a standard steam iron will be things like a water measuring cup or a fabric brush. Another useful extra feature for those traveling overseas will be dual power so that it can be used with an adaptor according to the voltage levels available in other countries.
Water Marks
Whilst it's quite normal to observe some water droplets on a garment or piece of fabric you are steaming, the steamer should actually remove water marks from fabrics using water - surprising to some. Water spots will usually disappear with a sharp burst of steam to the fabric. If you are worried that a steamer will leave water marks, then use only unperfumed distilled or mineral water so that traces of minerals won't build up and mark fabrics.
Ease Of Use
To make steaming as easy as possible check out features such as quick heat-up, an easy to grip handle or nozzle, and a switch that keeps the steamer on so you don't constantly need to press a release button. With standing garment steamers you might like a pedal on/off switch so you don't have to keep bending over. Check out the length of the power cord too, it's frustrating being restricted with a short flex and if you're planning on steaming upholstery or hung drapery, you won't want to be able to reach the item rather than removing it from its spot.
Clothes Steamer FAQ
Q: What are clothes steamers?
While both an iron and a steamer are designed to remove wrinkles, the basic difference between a steam iron and a garment steamer is that a garment steamer does not need to be in contact with the item whilst an iron does. Both contain a water reservoir that varies in size depending on the model.
Q: What should I expect to pay for the best steamers?
This depends on a number of things. How often do you plan on running the steamer over items? Does it need to be portable to take on your travels? Handheld models can start as low as $13 and do just as good a job. Think about budgeting at least $100 for a vertical steamer with a large tank.
Q: Is a clothes steamer better than an iron?
Some people choose to own a powerful steam iron and also a steamer as with a steamer clothes can be tackled whilst hanging up. Some of the best clothes steamers can be used on a flat surface too. Some people simply don't like to iron, or only iron one garment at a time so a handheld steamer or full-size steamer can be useful. Some steam irons can steam vertically but the weight of the iron can be far from comfortable. Also because the iron comes into contact with fabric, a fabric steamer does not. By using a handheld steamer or standing steamer, the fabric will not scald even with powerful steam pumped from the appliance when removing wrinkles.
Q: What type of accessories might come with a clothes steamer?
Look out for a heatproof mitt, a trouser creasing accessory, clothes hanger with trouser clips, fabric brushing tool, ironing mat, or a nozzle cover for the steam head.
Q: Does a garment steamer shrink clothes?
Keep in mind that a fabric steamer is not suitable for all fabrics. Wool can be steamed but may shrink, the best clothes steamers will be heated adjustable although most handheld steamers don't have this option. Sometimes even the best steamer will not have adjustable heat settings. That said, a steamer relaxes fibers in a garment but as a rule, don't use hot steam to remove wrinkles if the washing instructions say 'cold wash' or dry clean only.
Q: What fabrics should not be steamed?
A fabric steamer is suitable for most materials but even the best clothes steamers must not be used on items like wax jackets or plastics. As above, a garment with certain washing instructions should avoid being de-creased using a garment steamer.