travel handheld garment steamer

The Best Travel Steamers to Take on the Road, Tested and Reviewed

By Erinne Magee

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Even the most seasoned travelers open their suitcase after landing and find themselves with a daunting task ahead: deciding if their wrinkled clothes can get by with a thorough shake out or if reinforcements are needed. Of course, most hotel rooms are equipped with irons, but the task of setting up the ironing board and fitting each article of clothing just right can feel overwhelming. Not to mention, some pieces are too delicate for harsh heat. But is it easy to travel with a clothing steamer instead?

When I set out to find the best travel steamer a few years ago, I admit, I was hesitant about such a practical item taking up precious carry-on space. But when traveling as a family of four, as I often do, an ironing board set-up can quickly become a catch-all for toys, shopping bags, or electronics and simply gets in the way. Since I began testing these steamers, it’s rare I leave home without one.

Of the 13 steamers I've tested, my favorite models have one thing in common: a metal soleplate, allowing you to touch the steamer to the clothing to smooth out tricky spots. While steamers are mostly celebrated for their ability to get the wrinkles out, they also kill 99 percent of bacteria. Important to note, most steamers come with the recommendation of distilled water to keep the sediment buildup at bay, which I did not use as most of us don’t have easy access to it when we travel.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

My top picks:

Best overall steamer, best lightweight steamer, best long-lasting steamer, best foldable steamer, best steamer for international travel.

• Most leakproof steamer

Best two-in-one steamer

How i tested:.

Each steamer has been tested on jeans, khakis, T-shirts , button-down shirts , linens, blouses, and jackets based on the following criteria:

• Size/packability : Does it fit into a weekender or carry-on?
• Power/efficiency: Is it faster and easier than setting up and using the hotel iron? Or at least just as good?
• Water capacity: How many times do you have to refill the reservoir to steam an entire outfit?
• Leakproof: Will you be late to dinner while waiting for the wet spots to dry?
• Durability/longevity : Is the quality going to withstand enough trips to make the steamer worth packing and purchasing?

Can I travel with a portable steamer?

Most travel steamers will fit into a carry-on and can go through TSA without any issues; just make sure any remaining liquid from the reservoir has been emptied before getting to the airport.

Is a portable steamer worth it?

If you are going to a formal event or know you’re packing clothes that are famous for wrinkling, then yes, it's worth adding to your suitcase. A new perk I’ve recently come to love about steamers is I actually pack less clothing knowing I have a way to freshen up an item I want to rewear. This makes packing a simpler capsule wardrobe all the more possible. As someone who typically only uses a carry-on, I do value my space and find the steamer to be an easy item to remove should I be running short on room. Below, the six best travel steamers to pack on your next trip.

I have a new favorite steamer. While the Nesugar handheld steamer used to be my most-used, the Proctor Silex 2-in-1 compact garment steamer has moved into the top spot for me. It’s only seven ounces heavier than the Nesugar model and steams continuously for almost 10 minutes without needing to refill the reservoir. Plus, it works effectively on every type of garment—even jeans with stubborn wrinkles. Often we don’t know where or how many outlets our hotel or Airbnb will have, so the 10-foot cord on this steamer is much appreciated, as it allows you to move around comfortably. Surprisingly, this is also the most affordable steamer at $20. If you are someone who will only travel with a steamer for special occasions, this one is a safe choice.

Weight: 1.63 lbs. Water tank capacity : 4 oz. What I like most: Affordable, de-wrinkles all fabrics, heats up in 45 seconds, effective brush attachment Where there's room for improvement: Reservoir can be hard to completely empty

I've used this steamer regularly for over a year, and very much appreciate the smart design. The Nesugar portable steamer weighs less than a pound, but produces a solid stream of steam. With a small reservoir, I was surprised the water lasted for almost 10 minutes, allowing for five items to be de-wrinkled (though it was not powerful enough for jeans). There is a button to turn the steam on, but you don’t have to hold it down, which I like. The metal soleplate allows for an ironing option, which is what I ended up using to smooth out the jeans. An adjustable head not only makes the steamer compact, but gives you the option to steam at different angles. Originally, I wondered if frequent adjusting of the head would loosen the feature, but it is still going strong after countless trips. The unit also comes with a wall mount so you always have a place to hang it at home.

Weight: 12.8 oz. What I like most: Lightweight and packable, adjustable head, comes with a wall mount Where there's room for improvement: Works best on lighter fabrics

One of the more expensive steamers I tested, the Conair is definitely the winner in terms of power and functionality—a T-shirt can be good as new in less than a minute. While the steamer can blast wrinkles from jackets, you can also lower the setting for more delicate items. The Conair turbo is the only steamer I tested that had various settings to choose from. It even has a built-in creaser, if that’s your thing. Because the steamer is more powerful, it uses more water, so refills are necessary after a few items (depending on the fabric and intensity of the wrinkles, of course). The Conair Turbo would’ve taken the top spot if it were more compact for traveling (its dimensions are 13" x 8" x 6", making it a bit bulky for carry-ons). If you find yourself using an iron a lot at home, this steamer may actually be your best bet.

Weight: 3.2 lbs. Water tank capacity : 6.6 oz. What I like most: Can de-wrinkle anything, various settings to choose from, quick heat-up Where there's room for improvement: Hard to fill with its small opening, on the larger size for travel

This is by far the most aesthetically pleasing steamer I tested and ranks number two for packability. With a 30-second warm up and automatic steam (no trigger to hold), the Seekclass was off to a good start, but it did take four minutes to steam one pair of pants and I had to utilize the metal soleplate in order to get the job done. The reservoir is tiny, so I had to refill it before I could finish the pants, too. Because the hole to refill is so small, it’s also hard to get out any remaining water when you’re ready to pack up the unit. Knowing this, it’s smart to let the steamer dry out at your earliest convenience to keep any build-up from forming.

Weight: 1.4 pounds Water tank capacity : 3.5 oz. What I like most: Its foldable handle is great for travel, metal soleplate, quick heat-up Where there's room for improvement: Leaks when on its side; has small, hard-to-fill reservoir; heavier material requires at least one refill

International travelers will be happy about the automatic dual voltage with this steamer. While the heat up is quick (about 20 seconds), the reservoir of the steamer is painfully hot—so be sure to only hold on to the handle. Unfortunately, the high temperature of the reservoir requires a pause between fill-ups, but you can get three items done with one tank. My favorite feature is the automatic steam from the get-go, which means your fingers get a rest from holding down the trigger button that comes with many other steamers. The main reason this steamer remains on the final list is for its appeal to those who frequently travel abroad.

Weight: 1.2 lbs. Water tank capacity : 3.4 oz. What I like most: Dual voltage, collapsible handle for travel, automatic heat-up (no power button), no trigger needed to release steam Where there's room for improvement: Cannot promptly refill reservoir because the tank gets so hot

Most leakproof

I tend to gravitate toward the hybrid steamers that can also be used as an iron. The large iron plate on the Steamery Cirrus 3 is almost as efficient as a full-size iron, but I could only steam three items with one tank of water. Something that stands out with this steamer is its ability to remain leak-free. This is one of the most important features for me as I tend to travel with a busy itinerary, which means I may be steaming in a hurry and the last thing I want to do is take out a hair dryer to dissolve the wet spots left behind by the steamer. I even gave it a bit of a shake test and nothing spilled. Where this steamer falls short, honestly, is the price.

Weight : 1.8 lbs. Water tank capacity : 3 oz. What I like most: Large iron plate, completely leakproof, quick heat-up Where there's room for improvement: Expensive price point, reservoir empties after three garments

Rounding out our list of the best travel steamers is this hybrid steamer/iron that comes highly recommended by senior editor Megan Spurrell . “I was drawn to the Nori steamer because of its sleek design—two-in-ones are always ideal for travel, and not needing an ironing board seemed like a plus,” Spurrell says. “I put it to the test the day of my destination wedding this past month, on both my dress and my husband's linen suit. It did get the job done, and both functions (steaming and ironing) deliver.”

The unique, compact steamer features two aluminum plates that can simultaneously iron the front and back of a garment, getting the job done in half the time. Another perk: It offers six fabric settings (polyester, silk, wool, cotton, denim, and linen)—so no matter what you pack, you can rest assured it will be wrinkle-free and free of any damage when it's time to wear.

Weight : 1.4 lbs.  Water tank capacity : 1 oz.  What I like most: Double plates, dual voltage, automatic shut-off after 10 minutes of no movement Where there's room for improvement: Its tiny reservoir means it's best reserved for smaller jobs; it can be tiring to hold while smoothing out a very crinkled shirt.

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The 8 Best Travel Steamers to Keep You Looking Stylish on the Road

A compact clothing steamer can be a lifesaver on the road — here are our favorites.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Despite our best efforts, packing for a trip often means arriving at a destination with wrinkled and creased clothing. And although many hotel rooms come equipped with an old-school ironing board, it can be a huge pain to unfold the clunky equipment and physically iron everything on arrival. Worse still, if your room doesn’t have an ironing board, paying to have the hotel press and steam individual garments quickly adds up.

Thankfully, portable handheld steamers make it easy and affordable to ensure you'll always look your best while traveling. The compact steamers tend to weigh about a pound or two and can easily fit into a carry-on bag or suitcase. Whether you prefer straight steaming, or would like a multi-purpose tool that irons as well, our list includes plenty of standout options for travelers of all types.

Best Overall

Nesugar g3 steamer.

It's sleek and stylish, so you won't mind this sitting on your bathroom counter for frequent use.

The water reservoir is quite small, so it needs to be refilled if you're steaming multiple garments in a row.

For a sleek steamer that truly looks like a high-end travel accessory, we love the compact Nesugar G3 Steamer. It comes with a soft bag to protect it while traveling and takes up no more room than a standard hair iron; plus, it's very lightweight at less than one pound. While it may be small, this steamer is also very powerful and heats up in just about 15 seconds. We used this to steam everything from silk to linen and there was no damage to any garments and, more importantly, it’s actually powerful enough to quicky get wrinkles out of pieces that had been stored away in packing cubes for days.

The Details: 2.6 x 1.65 x 9.1 inches | 0.75 pounds | 15 seconds to heat | 70 milliliters | 900 watts

Longest Cord

Hilife steamer.

This budget-friendly steamer is portable, yet it comes with an especially large water tank for efficiency.

This option is not cordless.

Travel steamers are significantly smaller than traditional stationary steamers which can sometimes mean the water tank is inconveniently small — but that’s not the case with the Hilife Travel Steamer for Clothes. This portable steamer offers a large, 240-milliliter tank with a total run time of 15 minutes before needing to be refilled (which is likely more than enough time to steam your garments for the day ahead). And, although this option isn’t cordless, it does have a nine-foot cord that will allow you to press your items without needing to be right next to a power outlet.

The Details: 6.8 x 5.5 x 7 inches | 1.8 pounds | 240 milliliters | 700 watts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Splurge

Nesugar steamer for clothes.

The steamer's nozzle can rotate 90-degrees, so you can direct the steam where you need it.

There’s only one setting, so you can't adjust temperature or steam amount.

Just slightly larger than the Nesugar G3, this steamer is another powerful choice for any traveler. Simply fill the 70-milliliter reservoir with water and 15 seconds later it's ready to steam. What sets this steamer apart is the 90-degree rotating nozzle that allows you to direct your steam in a vertical or horizontal direction without spilling water all over your garment. It also includes a wall mount bracket, so you can store it easily when not in use, and a soft bag to pack it away while traveling.

The Details: 3.1 x 1.65 x 8.9 inches | 0.8 pounds | 15 seconds to heat | 70 milliliters | 900 watts

Best Budget

Bear travel steamer.

This affordable steamer comes with a handful of attachments and features a chic, gold-rimmed design.

The cord is only six feet long.

We love the look of this steamer — the modern design and gold-rimmed finish give it a look that is much more sophisticated than any garment steamer has the right to be. But the Bear Travel Steamer’s looks aren’t the only reason we love it. The budget-friendly price point and small size make this option great for travelers who rely on a carry-on bag only.

This option heats up in 10 seconds and has a run time of about 10 minutes. The only issue is that it has a tank capacity of just 120 milliliters, which is a bit inconvenient if you’re hoping to steam multiple garments at once.

The Details: 8.31 x 5.91 x 2.99 inches | 1.45 pounds | 10 seconds to heat | 120 milliliters | 1,000 watts

Best Iron/Steamer Combo

Nori the nori press.

This high-end option allows for casual steaming and more crisp, pressed lines thanks to steaming and ironing capabilities.

It’s the most expensive option on our list.

Nope, this gadget isn’t a hair straightener. Nori’s unique iron/steamer combination makes it super simple to look put-together on the go — even after multiple days of travel. The clamp-enabled press can create sharp collars and sleeves, but instead of simply ironing, it also has a built-in steaming system that allows for quick and easy pressing on the go. It’s extremely compact and easy to pack, and although the tank is only 29 milliliters in size, the Nori Press still offers continuous steam for up to 10 minutes at a time.

The Details: 14 x 5.79 x 3.11 inches | 1.4 pounds | 3 minutes to heat | 29 milliliters

Most Compact

Polardo hand held portable travel garment steamer.

This lightweight steamer only weighs a little over a pound, which makes it great for tossing in your carry-on.

It’s extremely small and might be tedious to steam lots of garments with.

The idea of fitting a garment steamer into a tiny or already overstuffed bag might seem impossible, but the Polardo Hand Held Portable Travel Garment Steamer was truly designed to be as compact as possible. The ultra-lightweight steamer weighs a little over a pound and the compact size is about the same as a bottle of shampoo. We also love that this product heats up in just 25 seconds, effectively eliminating the waiting time that's usually associated with high-end steamers.

The Details: 7.7 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches | 1.2 pounds | 25 seconds to heat | 118 milliliters | 120 volts

Best Ergonomic

Electrolux garment steamer.

This option might be a little clunky, but the ergonomic handle makes it by far the most comfortable to use.

The large size isn’t the best for fitting in a carry-on bag.

If you prefer convenience (and tend to pack in a checked suitcase) this steamer might be the best option for you. The Electrolux Portable Handheld Garment and Fabric Steamer isn’t particularly compact or lightweight, but it does offer the best steaming action and largest tank capacity on the list. We particularly love this option because of the ergonomic design that makes it easy to both grip and manipulate while steaming all kinds of garments. We also love that the Electrolux heats up in just 30 seconds for fast and efficient steaming.

The Details: 12.4 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches | 4.02 pounds | 30 seconds to heat | 300 milliliters | 1,500 watts

Best for Thick Fabrics

Conair extremesteam hand-held fabric steamer.

This high-end steamer is ultra-efficient and powerful enough for thick fabrics like wool or denim.

The steam flow isn’t always consistent and can sometimes spit water.

The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer is your best option if you want a product that can handle thick fabrics like wool, but also provide gentle steaming for items made of silk or chiffon. The “ExtremeSteam” technology also kills up to 99.9 percent of germs through steaming alone which makes it very appealing for getting off all the nasties that cling to your clothing after a full day of traveling or sightseeing. This option boasts a tank capacity of 215 milliliters which provides an excellent run time of 15 minutes.

The Details: 5.6 x 8 x 13.6 inches | 7.3 ounces | 40 seconds to heat | 215 milliliters | 1,875 watts

Tips for Buying a Travel Steamer

Prioritize portability.

Having a large steamer is great for efficiency, but it won’t do you much good if you aren’t able to comfortably fit it in your carry-on or checked suitcase. If you want something you can genuinely bring with you on each and every trip, you’ll want to opt for a small, handheld one that can easily fit in baggage of all sizes. Most handheld steamers should fit the bill, but make sure to read the dimensions to ensure you’re getting something compact and portable.

Look for extra features and attachments

It’s wise to purchase something with bonus features that can be used on various trips. There are some steamers that come with attachments that allow them to function as an iron for when you need a crisp press, while others allow you to steam thicker materials like wool or corduroy, too.

Steamers can be a faster and more eco-friendly alternative to ironing. According to Brian Jones, product and travel expert at Best in Edmonton, a steamer can be used instead of an iron to eliminate creases from garments, especially in delicate fabrics that cannot be ironed (such as silk, wool, and pleated goods). However, you’ll want to note that steaming your clothes may produce a smooth, casual finish rather than the crisp, pressured gloss of ironing.

Yes, it does work to clean your clothes if you're in a pinch. “Running the steamer removes odors and perspiration residue from garments, and helps to remove creases from goods that aren't best suited to laundering or dry cleanings, such as silks, vintage items, pieces with leather ornamentation, and other specific materials,” Jones explains.

The easiest steamers to use should have a large water tank, steady bursts of steam, and a comfortable grip that will allow you to get into nooks and crannies without having to strain your arm.

Yes! Portable steamers can be packed in carry-on luggage and personal items and go through airport security without issue. Just be sure to remove any remaining liquid before packing.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and lifestyle editor to curate a list of the very best portable steamers for those on the road. She also spoke with Brian Jones , product and travel expert at Best in Edmonton, for his professional insights.

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Oztoprak N, Kizilates F, Percin D. Comparison of steam technology and a two-step cleaning (Water/detergent) and disinfecting (1,000 resp. 5,000 ppm hypochlorite) method using microfiber cloth for environmental control of multidrug-resistant organisms in an intensive care unit .  GMS Hygiene and Infection Control; 14:Doc15 . Published online October 24, 2019. doi:10.3205/dgkh000330

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The 3 Best Travel Steamers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Wrinkles? We don't know them thanks to these small but mighty steamers

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• How We Tested
• What to Look For
• Why Trust The Spruce

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Having a travel steamer on hand means you'll be able to freshen up your clothes in minutes, whether you're comfortably at home or on a trip, with blouses, linen pants, and more packed tightly into your suitcase. We've tested more than 40 clothes steamers in The Lab and in our own homes, measuring each steamer's heat time, considering its water tank capacity, and noting its effectiveness against deep-set wrinkles on linen, cotton, and silk.

After all our testing, we can say: don't let a travel steamer's compact size fool you. These units are light enough to pack into a carry-on or duffel bag, or store in your bathroom vanity , yet they deliver powerful steam. You may need a funnel in order to fill up their water tank without making a mess—but, they'll eradicate all wrinkles from your clothes in just a few up-and-down motions and give you an average of 10 minutes of steaming time, which is plenty ahead of a day at work or night out.

Whether you're looking for crease-creating attachments or pocket-size devices, the models below are the best options to reach for when you're in a pinch—or should we say wrinkle ?

Editor's Note: This review was updated in May 2024 with new buying considerations and testing insights for our three favorite travel steamers.

Best Overall

Brookline steamer.

Pink or black design

Wide-mouthed reservoir for easy and clean filling

Good water tank capacity

One steam setting

Performs better when tank is more than halfway full

The ideal travel steamer should be lightweight, as small as possible, and able to decrease wrinkles in a matter of minutes. We saw in our testing that the Brookline Handheld Garment Steamer hits all of the above notes, and has a few extra conveniences that set it apart from the pack.

It comes in black or pink—so, depending on your choice, it would be easy to spot in your bag (pink) or subtle enough to blend in (black), if that's your priority. The reservoir is also easy to fill thanks to the wide mouth, so even if you're dealing with the limitations of a hotel sink, you'll be good to go without a funnel. The 6.1-ounce capacity is in the middle of our picks, too, which range from roughly 4 to 10 ounces.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

It takes about two and a half minutes to heat up; this was a bit longer than our typical experience, but is still within reason in our eyes. There's one steam setting, and depending on your materials (and the severity of their wrinkles), you may need to fill up the container in between garments. This steamer does perform better when the tank is more than half full, so you'll really want to stay on top of the water level either way.

Weight:  1.57 pounds |  Water Tank Capacity:  6.1 ounces |  Heat Time:  2.5 minutes |  Steam Time:  10 minutes |  Power Level:  800 watts

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Electrolux garment steamer.

12-foot power cord

Heats up instantly

Trigger lock for continuous steam

Smaller mouth on water reservoir

Not as compact as other picks

We've raved about the Electrolux Garment Steamer before, giving it the top spot among clothes steamers of all shapes and sizes. We definitely recommend it as a travel steamer, too. It's relatively compact and heats up fairly instantly, and the handle has a trigger lock so you can have continuous steam without having to keep a finger on the button. This especially came in handy when we used it to steam a pair of jeans during our testing. Denim is a tall order for any steamer, and while it took multiple passes, it made a noticeable improvement.

Although, we do have a few caveats with this steamer, since it isn't quite as small as some of our other picks. It's perhaps the sort of steamer you could comfortably tuck in a suitcase, as opposed to squeeze into a carry-on. The water tank is 10 ounces large (our other picks are 4 and 6 ounces), and the 12-foot cord doesn't retract, so you'll need to wind it and make room for that in your bag, too.

The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock

Lastly, the smaller mouth on the water reservoir is easier to fill when you use a funnel—which could be hard to come by in a hotel room if you don't think ahead and pack one. Still, we'd call this a good steamer to have on hand. You'll be able to bring it with you when you travel, but will also want to unpack it so you can use it full-time at home, too.

Weight:  1.99 pounds |  Water Tank Capacity:  10 ounces |  Heat Time:  Immediate |  Steam Time:  18 minutes |  Power Level:  1500 watts

We Also Love

True & tidy handheld garment steamer.

Brush attachment included

Large, stainless steel soleplate

See-through water tank

Tricky to fill water reservoir

The True & Tidy Handheld Garment Steamer is a colorful unit that breaks down into two pieces, making it super easy to stash in a bag of any size. We loved that its water reservoir is completely see-through, which allowed us to monitor exactly how much water was left. And it excelled in our testing, removing tough wrinkles with just a few passes, thanks to its powerful steam and stainless steel soleplate.

This travel steamer comes with a brush attachment that can help smooth fabric as you work, and it was ready to use in around two minutes. The handle stayed cool and comfortable for the duration of our testing, and the on-off rocker switch made the steamer simple and straightforward to operate.

The Spruce / Camryn Rabideau

Our only woe when it comes to this travel steamer is that the water tank is a bit tricky to fill. You have to pour water in slowly. Otherwise, it backs up and overflows. However, beyond that one quirk, the product exceeded our expectations and is still one worth adding to your home (and suitcase!).

Weight: 1.43 pounds | Water Tank Capacity:  4.6 ounces | Heat Time:  80 seconds | Steam Time:  10 minutes | Power Level: 600 watts

Final Verdict

The best travel steamer is the Brookline Handheld Garment Steamer : a compact yet powerful option that's lightweight, easy to use, and a cinch to fill thanks to the wide reservoir mouth. We also love the Electrolux Garment Steamer that heats up almost instantly and has a trigger lock that'll allow you to steam continuously, without having to press a button at the same time.

How We Tested the Travel Steamers

We've tested more than 40 clothes and travel steamers in The Lab and at home. Our tests can vary, but always include assessments of the following categories.

• Setup: To start, we unbox and set up each steamer, noting how clear the instructions are and how intuitive the design of the steamer is. We take note of the placement of buttons and how long the cord is, and jot down anything that makes the steamer particularly comfortable, or cumbersome, to use.
• Heat Time: We evaluate the heat time of each steamer by timing with a phone stopwatch how long the steamer takes to heat up. We also note if there are any indicators that the steamer is ready or not.
• Effectiveness: We then use household garments, like linen pants, cotton shirts, linen napkins, and silk tops to test the effectiveness of each steamer and try out all the settings. We also use any attachments in the box, and note how effective they are at releasing wrinkles and making desired creases.
• Portability : We rate the portability of the product, noting how easy it is to hold or carry. In some tests, we put the travel steamer in a packed carry-on bag to see if it would be practical in your suitcase and if it drastically alters the weight of the bag.
• Overall Value: Lastly, we use our hands-on experience to rate the overall value of the product, and decide if it's worth the money you'd spend on it.

What to Look for in a Travel Steamer

The heat and steam time.

When comparing different steamers, you'll want to look at their heat and steam times. The former indicates how long the unit takes to heat up and be ready for use, while the latter indicates how long the steamer runs when the tank is full. The longer the steam time, and the larger the water reservoir capacity, the more garments you can often de-wrinkle in one steaming session, without having to run to the sink to refill the tank.

"I like [a steamer] that has a decent amount of continuous run time—10 minutes, at least—so that you don't have to stop and refill several times," notes Melissa Maker of Clean My Space. While portable or travel steamers sometimes sacrifice a longer steam time for their small size (and thus, smaller water tank), all of the models in our roundup have steam times of 10 minutes or more.

The Electrolux Garment Steamer 's steam time clocks in at 18 minutes, and this steamer heats up almost instantly, too, meaning you can de-wrinkle your clothes sooner rather than later.

How Portable (and Packable) It Is

A steamer's size not only impacts its steam time, but it also determines how packable it is in your suitcase. If you're going to be packing a steamer in your suitcase, it should ideally be compact and lightweight—otherwise, it will prevent you from packing other necessities.

The unit's weight will also impact its usability and how packable it is, since you likely don't want to add to much weight to your suitcase or carry-on bag. "A steamer should be a manageable weight, comfortable to hold, and nicely balanced, so it's not too top or bottom-heavy," says Maker.

All of our selections weigh less than 2 pounds apiece, and the True & Tidy TS-10 Handheld Garment Steamer can even be separated into two pieces for easier storage in your suitcase or at home.

To produce steam, travel steamers need to generate water temperatures of more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you need to use any clothes steamer with care , to avoid accidental burns and spills. For use with heavier fabrics, temperatures can reach as high as 395 degrees Fahrenheit on many standard clothes steamers, but the less-powerful travel varieties don't often reach these temperatures.

While they may seem similar, steamers and steam irons serve different purposes in the laundry room.

Steamers use hot steam to relax fibers within a fabric, while irons are used to press and smooth fabric and create creases. Further, steamers are typically used vertically on hanging garments, while irons require a horizontal surface, such as an ironing board .

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by  Dena Ogden , an associate editor at The Spruce focusing on home tech, appliances, cleaning, and organization. Ogden has firsthand testing experience with products from top appliance brands, testing robot vacuums, upholstery cleaners, and more in her own home. For this piece, she considered insights from  The Lab  and our home testing, looking at the effectiveness, ease of use, and features of each travel steamer.

Our Experts:

• Camryn Rabideau , freelance writer and product tester at The Spruce
• Melissa Maker , cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space
• Emma Phelps , associate editor at The Spruce
• Marisa Viglione , senior editor at The Spruce

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The Best Clothing Steamers

By Jackie Reeve and Zoe Vanderweide

A good clothing steamer can have your garments looking polished and wrinkle-free in mere minutes. It’s often a more appealing option than pulling out the iron, and because a steamer smooths without scorching, it’s a better tool for delicate fabrics like silk and wool.

We’ve tested dozens of steamers since 2016, and our current favorite for regular home use is the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer . Its powerful blasts of steam, comfortable grip, and smart features make it the one we grab over and over. We also recommend an inexpensive compact steamer that’s ideally suited for travel, plus a heavy-duty steamer with a larger water tank for folks who frequently tackle bigger jobs.

Everything we recommend

Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer (GS38R)

A powerful steamer with clever features.

This steamer melted wrinkles without spitting water on our fabrics—rare among the models we tested. It’s also comfortable to hold and has standout features, like an aluminum steamer plate and dual steam settings.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

Conair CompleteSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer (GS2X)

For occasional use.

This small, inexpensive steamer is best suited for travel and occasional home use. It does leave some wet spots on fabrics, but it’s better built and more efficient than the other portable steamers we tried.

Upgrade pick

Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer

For marathon steaming sessions.

For serious steamers, this pricey, supersized floor-standing model will make getting the job done a lot more pleasant. Its steam head is the comfiest to use for extended periods, and it holds the most water—just be careful when rolling it across the floor with a full tank, because it can splash.

Like most of the midsize handheld steamers we tested, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer (GS38R) produced ample steam for the job, and it was easier to hold and more thoughtfully designed than the competition. It was also one of the only handheld steamers that didn’t leave wet spots on test fabrics. The Conair Turbo steamer weighs just under 2.75 pounds with a full water tank (other midsize steamers we tested weighed between 2.5 and 5 pounds), making it among the lightest and most comfortable to maneuver. The heat-up aluminum steamer plate glides over fabric, helping to smooth wrinkles nearly as effectively as a traditional iron. It also comes with several accessories, including a silicone band attachment for pulling fabrics taut, a mesh bonnet for protecting extra-delicate items, and a bristle brush for loosening fibers to allow for better steam penetration. Plus, with two settings, the Conair Turbo steamer was one of the only models we tested that allowed us to control the heat and force of the steam: We used the “steam” setting for smoothing delicate silks, while the more powerful “turbo” setting was effective for tackling heavier cotton shirts. It has a one-year limited warranty.

If you want a steamer on hand to occasionally freshen up a garment, or to pack in your suitcase, you probably don’t need anything fancier than the Conair CompleteSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer (GS2X) . It’s around half the price of the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer , and it was more effective at smoothing wrinkles than any other steamer we tried in its price range (most of which were junky). It was also one of the only steamers of this size (often called “portable” or “travel” steamers) we tested that didn’t pour water out of the spout when tipped over. It has a relatively small water tank (5 ounces; the portables we tried ranged from 5 to 8 ounces), and it did spit some water when in use, but it left fewer wet spots on clothes than the other portables we tried. If you think you’ll use a steamer regularly, invest in the well-made Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam, but if you just need to smooth a wrinkle now and then—at home or while traveling—the Conair CompleteSteam fabric steamer is a solid choice. It has a one-year limited warranty, which is typical for small, inexpensive steamers.

If you do a lot of steaming, or if you find handheld steamers too heavy or uncomfortable, the Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer is a pleasure to use, and it may be worth the (considerable) investment. It’s nearly 6 feet tall, with a base about the size of a canister vacuum; despite its cumbersome size, it was our favorite steamer to use in testing. The tank holds a gallon of water (the most of any steamer we tried), it heats up quickly, and its steam head was much more comfortable for extended use than the handheld steamers that we tested. Be careful rolling the Vivio across the floor when the tank is full—it can splash water. This steamer comes with a three-year limited warranty, which was average for the ones we tested.

The research

Our favorite steamer: conair turbo extremesteam garment steamer, a budget pick for occasional use: conair completesteam hand held fabric steamer (gs2x), an upgrade pick for steaming marathons: reliable vivio 500 gc professional garment steamer, why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, the competition.

They say the devil is in the details, but with the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer , the details were downright heavenly. The Conair Turbo steamer checked every box on our list: It was effective at vanquishing wrinkles, didn’t leave wet spots on test fabrics, and felt comfortable to hold. It heated up in under a minute and provided more than 15 minutes of continuous steam, and we found its long, 10-foot cord convenient. But the smart details—like the aluminum-quilted steam plate and the two steam settings—pushed the Conair Turbo steamer above its competitors to make steaming an enjoyable chore.

The bursts of steam from the Conair Turbo steamer smoothed out a silk dress in seconds and a rumpled cotton pillowcase in under a minute. Several steamers we’ve considered have multiple holes for the steam to escape, but the Conair Turbo has a thin, long slit, which results in a more targeted sheet of steam. It took more wrinkles out of crumpled button-down shirts than the other handheld steamers we tested (although the most stubborn wrinkles, on the sleeves and the bottom hems, still needed an iron). Also, many steamers we tested spit droplets of water along with the steam, leaving wet marks on test fabrics. The Conair Turbo steamer didn’t; out of eight handheld steamers we tried, only the Conair Turbo and the (now discontinued) Sunbeam Power Steam Fabric Steamer left clothes completely dry.

Handheld (aka midsize) steamers can be uncomfortable to use after a few minutes—of the three steamer types we tested, they were the heaviest to hold. The Conair Turbo is among the lightest and most comfortable handheld models, for both vertical and horizontal use. It weighs about 2.75 pounds with a full tank (the handhelds we tested ranged from 2.5 to 5 pounds), so while it can still feel heavy after prolonged use, it’s lighter than most in its category. It wasn’t as comfortable to use as the floor-standing Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer , but it’s about a quarter of the price and far, far easier to store.

Its 7.3-ounce water tank is one of the smaller water tanks among our handheld test group. Nevertheless, in testing it produced more than 15 minutes of continuous steam, and we were able to smooth a dress, a jacket, a pair of slacks, and three heavily wrinkled cotton button-downs with water left to spare. The Conair Turbo steamer’s water tank is also easy to remove and replace—simply slide up the release switch to unlock the tank, then click it back into place—which is handy if you do need to refill it in the middle of a big job. And it stands up on its own, meaning it can be filled while resting on the counter.

The Conair Turbo steamer has a heat-up aluminum head that glides smoothly and helps to push steam into the fabric’s fibers (similar to what an iron does). This feature was enormously helpful for unwrinkling heavier fabrics, especially when used horizontally against a flat surface. It also comes with three snap-on attachments: a bristle brush to ensure steam penetrates fibers for a perfect press, a silicone bar for pulling fabrics taut, and a mesh bonnet to protect your most delicate textiles. But for quickly removing heavy wrinkles, this steamer performs best all on its own. The Conair Turbo steamer also gave us more control over the amount of steam than most other handheld steamers, with two settings: “steam,” for freshening up lighter items, and “turbo,” for blasting the wrinkles out of weightier fabrics.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The relatively small water tank makes the Conair Turbo steamer weigh less than the competition when full, but it also means you’ll need to refill it if you’re doing a lot of steaming. And because of the tank’s small opening, it was challenging to fill from a gallon-jug of distilled water. (This is pretty common with handheld steamers, and can be easily remedied by using a funnel.) Plus, the small opening means it takes a long time for the tank to dry fully after use. Finally, we found the built-in creaser tool fiddly and awkward to use. If you want to make sharp pleats, use an iron.

Portable (aka travel-size) steamers are not the most impressive examples of modern engineering—most of them leak, and they’re not that powerful—but the Conair CompleteSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer (GS2X) is the best one we’ve found, and it even outperformed some bigger, pricier models. If you need to use a steamer only occasionally, for an outfit or for a trip, the small CompleteSteam is effective, affordable, and lightweight.

In our testing the Conair CompleteSteam not only beat all of the cheap portable steamers, it also was easier to fill and left fewer wet marks on clothes than midsize handhelds from Rowenta and Black+Decker . The Conair CompleteSteam didn’t produce as much steam as our main pick, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam, so it needed more passes over the fabric to flatten wrinkles, and it wasn’t as effective on tough creases—but it’s also less than half the price. The Conair CompleteSteam is just right for light jobs and travel, and it’s more comfortable to use than a heavier midsized steamer if you don’t have much to steam. It did leave some water spots when used too close to fabrics. But the CompleteSteam can also be used horizontally (not a given in this category); it dribbled only a few droplets, which was a win compared with others that poured water everywhere.

The Conair CompleteSteam (like most of the five portable steamers we tried) looks like a small watering can, and it weighs about 2.5 pounds when full. It was the heaviest of the portable steamers we tested, yet it has one of the smallest water tanks. Empty it’s just over 2 pounds, and the tank holds 5 ounces of water. By comparison, the Hilife Steamer weighs 1.5 pounds when empty and has an 8-ounce water tank. You can steam two, maybe three, outfits with the Conair CompleteSteam before you’ll need to refill.

Conair’s one-year warranty is comparable to those of most of the other inexpensive portable steamers we considered. The price and quality of portable steamers indicate to us that these are not meant to last forever.

If you have a lot of steaming to do (like helping a wedding party get dressed or tackling a mountain of laundry), if you prefer to steam clothes spread out on a table or bed instead of hanging upright, or if you don’t find heavy handheld steamers comfortable to use, the floor-standing Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer is a solid alternative that left its four competitors in the dust. A flexible hose makes this steamer the most comfortable of our picks to use. It releases a steady, effective flow of steam; it’s smartly designed; and its 1-gallon tank was still steaming long after we ran out of fabric to smooth. It does, however, cost nearly four times as much as the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam .

For big jobs, the handheld Conair Turbo steamer will build up your biceps but test your patience; the Reliable Vivio, on the other hand, has a lightweight hose (like all floor-standing steamers) that was more flexible than others we tried and easier to glide across fabrics. (It’s like using a vacuum-cleaner hose.) This also made the Reliable steamer the best of our picks for steaming horizontally, if that’s what you prefer. It was as effective as other full-size steamers at smoothing wrinkles (and also similar to the handheld Conair Turbo in this regard), but it was the only one that didn’t spit any water.

All floor-standing steamers have an attached pole to hold the steamer head and a garment. The Reliable Vivio comes with its own hanger, which keeps your clothes steadier while you steam than models like the PurSteam and the Jiffy , neither of which included one. The Reliable Vivio’s design sets it apart, but it did require more setup than other floor-standing steamers we tested—we had to get out a screwdriver. Another standing steamer we tried, the Pure Enrichment Pure Steam , also came with a snap-on hanger, but it was harder to move around (an important consideration when you’re trying to steam the front and back of a shirt).

Like those of all floor-standing steamers we tried, the Reliable Vivio’s removable tank was easy to fill, with a screw-on cap and a wide opening that fit under a faucet. It held more water (a gallon) than any other steamer we tested, but it still heated up in about two minutes. You don’t have to empty the tank after each use, so once it’s set up, it’s a breeze to wheel out and start using. The Reliable Vivio’s wheels were better on hardwood floors than those of any other full-size steamer we tried, but be careful when storing the steamer or moving it around. If the base tips backward, some water will dribble out of the tank. Leaking is a common issue, and this wasn’t the worst offender during testing. It comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Wirecutter senior staff writer Jackie Reeve has spent the majority of her waking life working with textiles, and that means dealing with wrinkles. She has written our guides to cotton sheets , flannel sheets , bed blankets , throw blankets , pajamas , robes , bath towels , and duvet covers , among others. In the course of doing the research for those pieces, she has done so much laundry that she must hold the company record by now. Jackie also wrote our guides to irons and ironing boards . For this guide she also built on the research of Camille Perri and Tim Heffernan.

Zoe Vanderweide is a Wirecutter senior staff writer covering style, so she’s constantly wearing, washing, styling and generally fussing over clothes. At any given time, she has between 30 and 40 garments in her testing queue to keep clean and wrinkle-free. In her off-hours, she’s also a type-A neatnik who considers a marathon garment-steaming session the ideal way to spend an evening in.

If you own a lot of delicate fabrics, or if you just need to freshen up the occasional piece of clothing or linen, a steamer will be a solid addition to your laundry arsenal, and it might even be a replacement for an iron . Over time, a steamer can also save you money normally spent at the dry cleaner. If you choose to hand-wash your delicate items at home ( we have guidelines on what can and can’t skip the dry cleaner ), a steamer can smooth out wrinkles and help everything look professionally cleaned and pressed. Steamers generally heat up in a couple of minutes, and the top ones we’ve tested melt away wrinkles with very little effort. They work best—and fastest—on thinner fabrics like silk and polyester, which you probably don’t want to iron anyway for fear of scorching them. Steamers are also a convenient way to smooth wrinkled curtains or drapes without having to take them down. We tested three basic types of steamers for this guide: midsize handheld models, which look like small dumbbells and are a good choice if you steam semi-regularly; small portable models (shaped like a pitcher), which hold a few ounces of water and are best for light use; and full-size, floor-standing models (similar in size to a vacuum cleaner), which have a rod to hang your garments on and the biggest tanks, so you can steam for long stretches without refilling.

Don’t rely on a steamer to create sharp pleats or creases, or to flatten seams. Some we tried came with special tools for that purpose, but they were time-consuming and fiddly, and they made us wonder why we hadn’t just gotten out the iron. In testing we also found that steamers were less effective than irons on stubborn folds and wrinkles, particularly on the hems of heavily creased shirts, jeans, and cotton sheets. If you wash and dry dress shirts—or any button-down shirts—at home, an iron is a better tool for keeping them crisp. A steamer can be helpful if you want to avoid storing a big ironing board in a small apartment, but that’s only realistic if your laundry isn’t that wrinkled. (We recommend options for small-space living in our ironing boards guide .)

We used these criteria to choose the best steamers:

Effective: The steamers with the strongest bursts of hot steam flattened wrinkles the fastest. We wanted to be able to steam an outfit in minutes and get out the door.

Non-leaking: A water stain can ruin a delicate, expensive fabric, and dribbling water can also be a safety hazard with a plugged-in appliance. We looked for steamers that didn’t drip, spit, or leak.

Big water tanks: The bigger the tank, the longer you can use your steamer before having to refill it. We looked at three different size categories and prioritized roomy water tanks for all of them.

Comfortable to use: Midsize handheld steamers can be especially top-heavy and awkward to hold. Since steaming involves a fair amount of arm lifting, we looked for steamers that were comfortable enough to use for several minutes at a time. We also favored steamers that could be used both vertically and horizontally, for people who are more comfortable using a steamer on a flat surface. And we looked for longer cords, which are helpful if you’re tall, or if your outlets aren’t in a convenient spot.

Protected by a warranty: Over the years, we’ve learned that irons and steamers can break easily. For one person, a steamer might last for years, and for someone else, the same model might conk out after two months. We considered only models with solid warranties, in case they give up the ghost too soon.

In addition to relying on our own deep knowledge of steamers (gained from a long history of testing them), we considered opinions from The Strategist and Good Housekeeping , and checked star ratings on Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and other retailers to compile a list of 28 candidates. We narrowed the list by reading user reviews from those same retailers, checking for things like customer service concerns and for reports of steamers that didn’t last long, and we looked at each steamer’s specifications—warranty, water-tank size, and useful features. We included well-reviewed steamers, favored brands that have proved to be reliable in the past, and covered household names that are easy to find. In the end, we decided to test 17 steamers in three categories: portable, handheld (aka midsize), and floor-standing.

We tried each steamer on a variety of items, including cotton sheets, button-down shirts, and silks, noting which models met the above criteria. We used them vertically (on clothes hung from hangers) and horizontally (spread out on an ironing board), and we measured the length of the steamers’ extension cords and the size of their water tanks.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available.

Handheld (aka midsize)

The   Beautural 1200-Watt Steamer for Clothes  smoothed wrinkles on thin silk but struggled with thicker cotton, and it spit some water onto fabrics.

The Black+Decker Advanced Handheld Steamer (HGS200) was a dud. We had to push the power button several times to get it to work, and it was the slowest steamer to heat up in our testing. Also, it didn’t produce much steam, and it made strange—even alarming—noises, so we unplugged it after just a few minutes. It did have the largest water tank (13.5 ounces) of any handheld we tried, though.

In past years, we’ve also tested and dismissed other handheld steamers, including the Jiffy Esteam Travel Steamer .

The Hilife Steamer for Clothes leaked water, couldn’t be used horizontally, and didn’t get very hot.

In previous years we also tested and dismissed a number of other portable steamers, including the Conair Travel Smart and the Pure Enrichment PureSteam Portable Fabric Steamer .

Floor-standing

Our former floor-standing pick, the J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer , has a simple design, and it emitted strong steam, but it was the worst offender in our testing when it came to water leaks from the tank. When we tried to roll the Jiffy’s stiff wheels across the floor, water poured out of the base, covering the cord and plug. We had to halt testing this steamer until it was dry enough to plug in, and it leaked again when we moved it after testing.

The Pure Enrichment Pure Steam XL Standing Steamer was the least expensive full-size steamer we tried. Although it has some nice details, overall you get what you pay for. It spit on our test fabrics, and it wasn’t as powerful as our Reliable Vivio 500 GC floor-standing pick. The clip-on hanger kept garments still, but it was fussy to unclip and turn around to steam the garment’s other side. Plus, it had the smallest water tank of the floor-standing group.

The PurSteam Full Size Garment Fabric Steamer has a dial to control the force of the steam. This is a nice (and rare) feature, but the steamer leaked on all the test fabrics. Also, the hose was stiff to use until the steam loosened it up after several minutes.

In previous years we tested and dismissed several other floor-standing steamers, including the Conair Ultimate Fabric Steamer (GS28) and the Steamfast SF-510 Fabric Steamer .

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Editors, The Best Clothes Steamers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviews , The Strategist , May 10, 2019

Sarah Bogden, These Are the 10 Best Garment Steamers to Buy , Good Housekeeping , December 7, 2018

Meet your guides

Jackie Reeve

Jackie Reeve is a senior staff writer covering bedding, organization, and home goods at Wirecutter since 2015. Previously she was a school librarian, and she’s been a quilter for about 15 years. Her quilt patterns and her other written work have appeared in various publications. She moderates Wirecutter’s staff book club and makes her bed every morning.

Zoe Vanderweide

Zoe Vanderweide is a senior staff writer reporting on style and accessories at Wirecutter. She has been wearing things for over three decades, and she has spent years covering streetwear, luxury, art, and design. Off the clock, you can find her painting the town rainbow with her (devastatingly stylish) daughter.

Further reading

If You Hate Ironing, Try This Handheld Steamer Instead

by Elissa Sanci

An iron isn’t the only way to blast away wrinkles.

The Best Clothing Iron

by Jackie Reeve

After testing dozens of irons (and researching many more), we think the Black+Decker Allure Steam Iron D3030 is the best clothing iron for most people.

11 Cheap(ish) Laundry Aids to Help Your Clothes Look Better and Last Longer

by Zoe Vanderweide and Dorie Chevlen

The right tools can keep your clothing looking better for longer. Here’s what you need to wash, dry, and spruce up your favorites.

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Clothing Picks of 2023

by Wirecutter Staff

These stylish items were some of Wirecutter’s most-loved clothing and accessory picks in 2023.

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Tested and reviewed: the best travel steamer to pack in your suitcase

By Erinne Magee

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Even the most seasoned travellers open their suitcase after landing and find themselves with a daunting task ahead: deciding if their wrinkled clothes can get by with a thorough shake out or if reinforcements are needed.

Of course, most hotel rooms are equipped with irons, but the task of setting up the ironing board can feel overwhelming. Not to mention, some hotel irons aren't so trustworthy, while some fabrics are too delicate for harsh heat. Enter our swanky new friend, the travel steamer.

When I set out to find the best travel steamer, I admit, I was hesitant about such a practical item taking up precious carry-on space. But when travelling as a family of four, as I often do, an ironing board set-up can quickly become a catch-all for toys, shopping bags, or electronics and simply get in the way. After testing these steamers, I’ll be leaving the iron tucked away.

Of the 10 steamers tested, my favourite models had one thing in common: a metal soleplate, allowing you to touch the steamer to the clothing to smooth out tricky spots. While steamers are mostly celebrated for their ability to get wrinkles out, they also kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria. It's also important to note that most steamers come with the recommendation of distilled water to keep the sediment buildup at bay. I did not use this as most of us don’t have easy access to it when we travel.

Each steamer has been tested and reviewed on jeans, khakis, t-shirts, button-down shirts, blouses, and jackets based on the following criteria:

• Size/packability : Does it fit into a weekender or carry-on ?
• Power/efficiency: Is it faster and easier than setting up and using the hotel iron? Or at least just as good?
• Water capacity: How many times do you have to refill the reservoir to steam an entire outfit?
• Leakproof: Will you be late to dinner while waiting for the wet spots to dry?
• Durability/longevity : Is the quality going to withstand enough trips to make the steamer worth packing and purchasing?

Which is the best travel steamer?

Below, our top four models to buy now.

The design here is just smart. The steamer weighs less than 500 grams, but produces a solid stream of steam. With a small reservoir, I was surprised the water lasted for almost 10 minutes, allowing for five items to be de-wrinkled (though it was not powerful enough for jeans). There is a button to turn the steam on, but you don’t have to hold it down, which I appreciated. The metal soleplate allows for an ironing option, which is what I ended up using to smooth out the jeans. An adjustable head not only makes the seamer compact but gives you the option to steam at different angles. I did wonder if frequent adjusting of the head would loosen the feature, but the steamer seems to be quite solid and well-made. The unit also comes with a wall mount so you always have a place to hang the garment at home.

Weight: 0.3 kg

Size : 22.6 x 7.9 x 4.2cm

Pros: Lightweight and packable, adjustable head, Comes with wall mount, powerful

Cons: Works best on lighter fabrics only

This Tefal steamer comes in a very close second place and, if you’re looking for an inexpensive option, then it clinches the win – it’s nearly half the price of the model above. It’s a million times better than the cheap Amazon product I was using before, removing wrinkles in record time, with a swift 15 second heat-up time. It’s lightweight, comes with a handy bag for travel and an attachment that removes lint as it steams. Unlike my old steamer, this one can also tackle clothes on flat surfaces, which means no more worrying about burnt fingers and I can press out collars and sleeves more effectively. For travel especially, I love how slim it is – it will easily squeeze into any remaining suitcase space in even tightly packed bags. It’s a winner. Olivia Morelli

Weight: 700g

Size: H32 x W14 x D6cm

Pros: Very light, slimline, comes with travel pouch, can be used for stubborn creases

Cons: Small, so can only do two or three items at a time

I’ve been tempted to purchase a steamer in the past, but most people I’ve asked have said they’ve struggled on heavier fabrics, which has put me off – why buy something that’s only going to work on half your wardrobe? But my fears were not borne out here. I had a pair of jeans looking pressed and perfect within minutes, plus a cotton T-shirt and a button-down, all in far less time than it’d take to iron. The steamer did struggle with the creases on a very crinkle-prone dress, so I had to use the included mitt to hold the fabric more taut at the bottom, which was a little time-consuming. So I’d not ditch my iron completely at home – but for pressing out floaty summer dresses and light shirts while travelling? This is a game-changer. This is a newer, smaller and lighter model than the Steamery option we tested below, and better-designed for use on-the-go. I’d say it’s still a better match for your checked case than your carry-on but, either way, it’s coming with me on my next flight. Charley Ward

Weight: 0.75kg

Size: 31 x 14 x 9cm

Pros: Comes with mitt for doing shirt collars and cuffs, worked very effectively on jeans and heavy fabrics

Cons: Didn’t perform so well on a very creased dress

This steamer is one of the best, size-wise, for travellers – it folds up to around the same size as a shoe, making it easy to slip into the corner of your suitcase. It comes with a refill container, fabric brush and a bag to keep everything neatly together. I was impressed with how quickly it heats up, and it got most of the creases out of a thick white shirt easily. On the other hand, the cord is quite bulky, so it’s a little fiddly to get into the bag properly if not wound in perfectly. Overall though, light packers will likely find this to be a new essential for their travelling tech kit. Amber Port

Weight: 1.26 kg

Size: 28.5 x 24 x 11cm

Pros: Folding design, comes with a fabric brush

Cons: Cord makes it bulky in the bag

Can I travel with a portable steamer?

Most travel steamers will fit into your carry-on and can go through airport security without any issues; just make sure any remaining liquid from the reservoir has been emptied before getting to the airport.

Is a portable steamer worth it?

If you are going to a formal event such as a destination wedding or know you’re packing clothes that are famous for wrinkling, then yes, it's worth adding to your suitcase. As someone who typically only uses a carry-on unless travelling with family, I do value my space and find the steamer to be an easy item to remove should I be running short on room.

What is the lightest travel steamer?

The Nesugar steamer weighs less than a pound, which inched it ahead of the Steamery Cirrus 2 (750 grams and 31cm long) and the Conair Turbo (weighing in at about 900 grams and measuring 33cm long) in overall rating.

More steamers I tested

Of the 10 steamers I tested out, these are the others I would recommend, with caveats:

Leave it to Swedish brand Steamery to create not just one of the most effective hand-held steamers on the market, but also the most aesthetically pleasing. Their latest style is a slick-looking steamer and iron in one. The tool heats up quickly with just one button and the power is impressive – I was able to steam a couple of crinkled silk dresses in a matter of minutes. It also comes with a wearable heat-protecting ironing mitt so it's really easy to remove every crease. Overall it's not just great for travel, but can easily replace your iron at home. If you're hand luggage only, this one may be a little on the heavier side, but if you're travelling with check-in luggage, the minimalist design is easy to store amongst your other items. They also make a fabric spray that is brilliant for keeping clothes smelling fresh when you're travelling. Lauren Burvill

Weight: 0.86 kg

Size : 24.6 x 14 x 8cm Pros: Can de-wrinkle anything, can stand on its own, quick heat-up

Cons: On the heavier side for travel

The Conair is definitely a winner in terms of power and functionality — a t-shirt can be good as new in less than a minute. While the steamer can blast wrinkles from jackets, you can also lower the setting for more delicate items. The Conair turbo is the only steamer I tested that had various settings to choose from. It even has a built-in creaser, if that’s your thing.

Because the steamer is more powerful, it uses more water, so refills are necessary after a few items (depending on the fabric and intensity of the wrinkles, of course). The Conair Turbo would’ve taken top spot if it were more compact for travelling. If you find yourself using an iron a lot at home, this steamer may actually be your best bet.

Weight: 1.38kg

Size : 34.5 x 21.4 x 14.4 cm

Pros -Can dewrinkle anything  -Various settings to choose from -Quick heat-up

Cons -Hard to fill with small opening -On the larger side for travel

At first, I was wondering if I had a faulty unit because it took several minutes for this steamer to heat up, which felt like an eternity compared to others. Once it was ready to go, though, the steam was quite efficient as long as the material wasn’t too thick (button-down shirts worked fine, but nothing heavier). Again, the metal plate comes in handy for more stubborn wrinkles. You have the option to lock the steamer into a continuous stream or control the trigger for smaller bursts (this helps save water in between items, too).

Weight: 1.19kg

Size : 28.5 x 12.5 x 12.5 cm

Pros -Metal plate -Option for continuous steam or manual

Cons - Longer heat up time -Won't tackle jeans or heavier garments -Heavy

International travellers will be happy about the automatic dual voltage with this steamer. While the heat up is quick (about 20 seconds), the reservoir of the steamer is painfully hot so be sure to only hold on to the handle. Unfortunately, the high temperature of the reservoir requires a pause between fill-ups, but you can get three items done with one tank. My favourite feature is the automatic steam from the get-go, which means your fingers get a rest from holding down the trigger button that comes with many other steamers. The main reason this steamer remains on the final list is for its appeal to those who frequently travel abroad.

Weight: 0.5kg

Size : 24.1 x 11.4 x 11.4 cm

Pros -Collapsible handle for travel -Automatic heat-up (no power button) -No trigger needed to release steam

Cons -Cannot promptly refill reservoir because the tank gets so hot

Shopping | ES Best Home | Home & Garden | Home Accessories

Best travel steamers to keep your clothes looking fresh on the move

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Avoided packing your linen trousers and favourite shirts because you don't trust the iron at your hotel not to burn the creases out of them? You're not the only one.

But, if you've been staring a little too hard at the couple opposite and wondering just how they got their clothes looking so freshly pressed, the answer might come in the form of a travel steamer .

Maybe not the most exciting thing you'll throw in your suitcase but almost definitely one of the most useful, a travel steamer gives you the freedom to pack along all of the best parts of your wardrobe without worrying about removing the creases after a long journey.

A travel steamer not only helps you to save space and weight in your luggage (as well as avoid potential damage to your clothes from ironing), but it can also sanitise and deodorise your clothes, killing bacteria and eliminating odours from a suitcase that's past its best.

The best travel steamers are small enough to fit in your bag and light enough to carry around without taking up too much of your precious baggage restriction . In fact, you'll find travel steamers come in all sizes depending on the water tank capacity, the heating element and the design of the nozzle and handle.

It might go without saying but a larger steamer has a bigger capacity and can steam larger clothes without, well, running out of steam. You'll want a steamer that's powerful enough to produce enough steaming power to smooth out your clothes, and efficient enough to heat up quickly and last long. The performance and efficiency of a travel steamer depends on the wattage, the steam output, the heat-up time and the run time.

One final thing to keep in mind: wattage varies around the world, so you may want to invest in a voltage converter depending on where you're heading off to.

We've rounded up the best travel steamers

Best mini underseat cabin bags that fit beneath an airline chair

Best lightweight luggage, from cabin bags to larger cases

Best handheld clothes steamers to smooth out creases with ease

Philips STH3000/26 Handheld Foldable Garment Steamer

A top choice for iron-avoiders everywhere, the Philips STH3000/26 Handheld Foldable Garment Steamer was designed to be light, compact and foldable for easy usage and storage to refresh fresh outfits anytime, anywhere. Ready to go in 30 seconds and promising burn-free, odour-free clothes almost instantly, this travel steamer is a top choice for bringing your clothes back to their best without setting up the ironing board.

PWRHUB Portable Travel Steamer

With its super-fast 30-second heat-up, you can save time and de-wrinkle your clothes even on the shortest of notice when you buy PWRHUB’s portable steamer. This steamer is one of the most powerful travel steamers on the market, with its 1450 watts power and 150ml detachable water tank, giving you up to 10 minutes of continuous steam without the need to refill. It has a foldable design for more convenient storage and comes with a heat-protective storage bag, so you can easily carry it in your luggage worry-free.

Rolipo Clothes Steamer 1800W Handheld

Rolipo’s Clothes Steamer heats up incredibly quickly, thanks to its 1800W power, which means it wastes no time at all when it comes to restoring your clothes to their best. Ideal for holidays, its compact size and 0.85kg weight make it the perfect travel companion for carrying in your suitcase even when you’re restricted to just hand luggage. It can also be used both vertically and horizontally, allowing you to steam clothing at any angle.

BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer

This BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer folds up into a tiny piece of equipment, so you’re free to shove it in your suitcase at the last minute without worrying about being over the weight allowance. Safe to use on all fabrics and suitable for clothes, curtains, furniture and toys, this versatile steamer has 1000 watts of power and can steam both vertically and horizontally. 

YurDoca Steamer for Clothes

This steamer includes a specialised technology that ensures no leaking or spilling, keeping your garments dry and drip free as it works its crease-free magic. Combining the performance of an iron with the power of steam to instantly smooth out wrinkles in clothing, this powerful but gentle steamer is highly effective and safe to use on all fabrics; cotton, silk, wool, polyester, velvet, fibre and even your delicates.

Breville VIN430 CompactSteam Handheld Garment Steamer

One of the most popular travel steamers around, Breville’s VIN430 CompactSteam Handheld Garment Steamer fits in any bag with ease so you can look sharp on the go. It’s of the fastest we tested - so you don’t have to think twice about wearing that shirt you thought was far too creased for dinner - you can hang up your garment and start steaming in just 26 seconds precisely. With a generous 200ml water tank providing up to 15 minutes of run time, this steamer also features a three metre cord for those hotel rooms that put plugs in the least opportune spots.

Tefal Access Steam Minute DT7000 Handheld Garment Steamer

A popular choice that’s ready to go within 45 seconds, Tefal’s Access Steam Minute DT7000 Handheld Garment Steamer has a height of just 24.5cm and is the brand’s most compact handheld garment steamer. Combining 1100W with 17g/min vertical steam, this travel steamer doesn’t just remove creases – it sanitises too, killing bacteria for crease and odour-free clothes in a flash. How’s that for a travel miracle?

Steamery Cirrus No.2 Garment Steamer, Black

The Steamery Cirrus No.2 might sound a little more like a Harry Potter broomstick than an anti-crease device but you’ll swear this travel steamer is a little magic when you’ve given it a try. With 1500 watts of power and a weight of 780 grams, this small but mighty steamer does the job almost instantly with no fuss in sight. A sustainable and efficient alternative to both ironing and washing, you’ll want to reserve a little space for this one in your suitcase next time you’re off somewhere fun. It’s already been given the seal of approval by the fashion set where you’ll spot it backstage at fashion and magazine editorial shoots.

Philips Steam & Go Plus Handheld Garment Steamer

The clue’s in the name when it comes to this travel steamer’s efficiency: you really will be able to steam and go. Philips’ handheld gadget offers continuous vertical or horizontal steaming and, with a 2.5 metre cord, is another top choice for those unusually-designed hotel room plugs. Its ergonomic design and removable water tank makes this steamer even more travel friendly too.

Tefal Pure Pop

“Cute” might not typically be the first word that comes to mind when you think of travel steamers. But, once you’ve admired Tefal’s Pure Pop, that will likely be the word you think up. This handheld, compact steamer is one of the daintiest around and thus made for travel - it even has its own pouch.

With its sunshine yellow shade, this is a steamer that will get you in the holiday mood when you’re brightening up your favourite outfits before you’ve even headed down for dinner. It pumps out 20g of steam a minute to make creases disappear in a flash and features 1300 watts of power.

This Philips STH3000/26 Handheld Foldable Garment Steamer is light, compact and foldable for easy usage and storage: everything you need for those last minute holiday outfits with no iron in sight.

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8 best handheld garment clothes steamers for travel in 2024

Unless you’re camping or hiking, chances are you actually want to look as good as you feel on holiday.

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Once those carefully selected pieces are pulled from the suitcase, they should have maximum impact.

But silk and Samsonites don’t often play well together. Which is why a portable travel steamer - also known as steam irons - can be your wardrobe’s best mate. 

After all, you never see anyone in The White Lotus in creases.

OUR TOP PICKS

Best overall travel steamer: Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam, Amazon, $291.55

Best high-end clothes steamer: Tefal Access Steam Care, Amazon, $149

Best stylish travel steamer: HErfst Portable Mini Ironing Machine, Amazon, $25.49

Best steamer and iron combination: Auselect Garment Steamer Iron, Amazon, $33.95

Best garment steamer

Conair turbo extremesteam, amazon, $291.55.

Yes, this the most expensive of the steam irons in but it outrates everything else in this round up of the best steam irons by some margin. Conair is not the excellent Nicolas Cage action film - that’s Con Air - but rather the boss in this category. It combines a steam feature and iron and pumps out 1875 watts for impeccable results. There is also a generous water tank so you can get all your tasks done in one shot. So say goodbye to that hotel room ironing board.

Best high-end clothes steamer

Tefal access steam care, amazon, $149.

Resembling a sci-fi weapon, this isn’t the most compact of steam irons for carryon but it’s worth the space in your checked baggage for the results it delivers.  There are three steam settings to flatten and an anti-drip stable base is a mandatory safety feature.

Best stylish travel steamer

Herfst portable mini ironing machine, amazon, $25.49.

This steam iron weighs just 380 grams and takes three minutes to heat up and one touch control makes it a cinch to use. Bonus points for the point on top which allow you to get into buttons, lapels and collars.

Best steamer and iron combination

Auselect garment steamer iron, amazon, $33.95.

Sometimes you just need contact with a heated surface to ensure a perfectly smooth finish. This clever steam iron combines the best of two worlds - iron and steamer - in a package weighing just less than 700 grams. The handle even folds away so it takes up less space in your luggage.

Best mid-range travel steamer

Wiredlux steamsmart s200 pro, amazon, $89.99.

This potent machine heats up in just 25 seconds and operates safely at 360 degrees. You can also get a clip on brush, door hook and travel bag and it has some seriously impressive safety features.

Best powerful travel steamer

Sunbeam power shot, the good guys, $49.

For less than a pineapple ($50), you get 1200 watts of power at your and the Power Shot in the title delivers a blast of 45 per cent more steam to get the job done quick. It comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty.

Best compact travel steamer

Tefal pure pop garment steamer, the good guys, $129.

Don’t let its petite size fool you. There is 1300 watts of power secreted in this sleek package and the reversible pad system allows you to choose between a lint-removing side to keep clothes looking crisp or a velvet side that's safe for all fabrics.”

Best steamer for horizontal and vertical use

Phillips steam&go, myer, $139.

First the stats: 1300 watts of power and a two year warranty. It also comes with a no-burn guarantee, a Smartflow heated plate for optimal steam flow and a brush accessory for thicker fabrics.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING

Like any electronic item, you want to be covered if things go wrong. A two-year warranty from the manufacturer - not the vendor - is standard.

Vertical stability

The steamer needs to be able to stand firmly with or without water in the reservoir and withstand accidental nudges.

A decent sized water compartment

You should be able to steam a suit or three separate items without having to dash backwards and forwards to the tap. 

What are the best irons?

The best travel steamer finds the middle ground between power and portability. You want results but don’t want to take an iron on holiday. The ConAir Turbo Extreme Steam gets our vote.

What accessories should come with a travel steamer?

The idea is that you don’t need an ironing board so a hanging hook is always welcome. As is a brush attachment.

Can I bring a steamer on a plane?

Yes but like most electronics you will have to remove it from your carryon before it’s scanned. And be sure to empty the water reservoir beforehand.

What are the main differences in heating plates?

Some steam irons use a stainless steel soleplate while others use a ceramic soleplate. The latter heat up and cool down quicker.

How we choose products

More coverage.

Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.

For more travel products check out our roundup of the best suitcases , travel prams and women’s puffer jackets you shouldn’t leave home without.  

For more great holiday deals and savings, check out these coupons from TripAdvisor, Antler and Agoda.

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The 9 Best Clothes Steamers of 2024, According to Testing

We tested the best options for different lifestyles and materials.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

The Bottom Line

Our testing process.

• What to Know Before Shopping
• Others We Tested

Your Questions, Answered

What is bhg recommends.

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

If you’ve ever left an iron-shaped scorch mark on the back of a favorite shirt or have given up completely on ever wearing linen or silk in public, then a clothes steamer is the tool you and your wrinkled wardrobe desperately need. But with so many options available, how do you figure out which one is best for you and your garments?

For starters, consider the size of the water tank, says Dara Senders , designer and founder of Dara Senders. “If you plan on steaming a lot of clothes at once or have a garment that has a lot of wrinkles that might take more time, having a steamer with a larger water tank will allow you to steam more in between fillings,” she explains. 

To find the best clothes steamers, we tried 28 options at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We examined how easy it was to fill the water reservoirs (we used distilled water) and how quickly it took each steamer to heat up. We tried out each steamer on a woman’s silk shirt, a men’s cotton dress shirt, and a pair of linen pants, noting how long it took to get optimal, wrinkle free results .

We also consulted Senders for additional insight on what to look for when shopping for a clothes steamer.

What We Tested

• Effectiveness: We took note of how well the steamer could remove wrinkles, as well as which fabrics it worked best on and which ones it didn’t. 
• Design: As we filled the steamer’s tank with water, we considered how easy it was to do and if water spilled to the side. 
• Portability: If the model had a creaser, we used it on a men’s shirt to test how well we could get a crisp crease on the shirt. 
• Value: Value was based on what we liked about the steamer, what we would change, and if we thought it was a fair price given our overall experience.

Best Overall

Chi handheld garment steamer.

• Effectiveness 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

It has two steam settings and comes with a fabric brush that's quite effective.

The steam setting button placement can lead to unintentional adjustment.

Steamers are effective, but if you plan to use them on a variety of fabrics, the ability to adjust the flow of steam is key. That’s why we were so impressed with the performance of the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer . 

Not only are there two adjustable steam settings, but there’s also a locking mechanism to keep the steam in the on position, so you won’t have to worry about hand fatigue.

The only drawback is that the button to adjust the steam is poorly placed. There were a couple of times when we changed the setting unintentionally, but we anticipated getting in a better groove with continued use.

We found the steamer removed wrinkles well, though it was most effective when used with the helpful fabric brush attachment that’s included. The steamer offers a comfortable grip, which also helps in avoiding hand cramping and fatigue. 

The 10-foot cord is rather lengthy, but it didn't get in the way of our steaming. We also liked that it was very easy to refill the tank without spilling. There was some sputtering when we first started steaming on the highest setting, but it disappeared as the test went on. 

For its price, ease of use, and overall performance, we think the CHI is an excellent value.

Product Details: Dimensions: 4.72 x 11.42 x 6.06 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 10.1 ounces | Cord Length: 10 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Best Budget

Proctor silex compact 2-in-1 garment steamer/iron.

• Effectiveness 4.2 /5
• Design 4.3 /5
• Portability 4.8 /5

It worked very well on silk and cotton.

It’s not as effective on linen, plus the small water tank makes for frequent refills.

If you’re new to using a clothing steamer and you don’t want to invest much, we recommend the Proctor Silex Compact 2-in1 Garment Steamer/Iron . 

The steamer seemed to instantly unwrinkle silk, and we were also impressed with its ability to smooth out cotton, though it did take longer to do so. With linen, it didn’t perform as effectively; it eased the wrinkles rather than completely eliminate them. 

We found that the steamer does sputter a bit when the small water reservoir is first filled, but it stops as you get going. We liked how easy it was to refill the reservoir, thanks to a twist-off design. The long handle on the steamer offers a comfortable grip, and though you do have to keep a finger on the button to produce steam, it didn’t feel awkward.

There’s just one steam setting, but given that this is a less expensive model, we were expecting a more no-frills steaming experience. We did like the included fabric brush attachment, which serves as a guide for how close to put the steamer head to delicate fabrics. The cord is also quite long, but it’s not unwieldy during use. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 4 x 8.8 x 8 inches | Weight: 1.63 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 4 ounces | Cord Length: 10 feet

Best Splurge

Steamery cirrus 3 iron steamer.

• Effectiveness 4.5 /5

It works great on silk and has some useful accessories, like an iron glove.

It’s got a small water tank, and there’s no lock button for the steam.

We were impressed by the Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer’s ability to produce a low, consistent stream of steam without any sputtering or spitting. Filling the water tank was a bit of a hassle without the funnel, though detaching and reinserting it was easy to do. 

The steamer has a nice comfortable grip despite it being quite wide at the base. We would have preferred not to have to keep a finger on the steam button the entire time, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable to do so.

We were surprised that this steamer only had one setting given the price point, but it does perform effectively despite not having the ability to adjust the power or temperature. We appreciated the variety of attachments it comes with, especially the ironing glove, which helped create smooth creases on pants during testing. 

The 8-foot cord is shorter than others on this list, but it’s still plenty long for you to steam freely. It would have been even nicer if the cord rotated, but it wasn’t a deal breaker for it to stay in place.

Product Details: Dimensions: 9.7 x 5.5 x 3.1 inches| Weight: 1.9 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 3 ounces | Cord Length: 7.5 feet

Best for Linen

Black+decker hgs200 advanced handheld steamer.

• Design 4 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

It’s lightweight so it won’t cause hand fatigue, plus it comes with useful attachments.

The water tank is hard to refill, plus you have to hold the button continuously to steam.

Wrinkles are par for the course with linen, but you don’t have to banish this fabric from your wardrobe if you have this Black+Decker Advanced Handheld Steamer around.

We found the temperature and steam production to be consistent during use, so this steamer is effective on a variety of fabrics even with just one setting. 

It took longer to smooth out linen than it did silk, as expected; we would have liked there to be a hold button for the steam for convenience. Still, we found it lightweight and comfortable to hold. The steamer also has a 15-foot cord, which is more than ample for steaming without it hindering your work.

This steamer also comes with a few helpful attachments. We discovered that the delicate fabric attachment was effective in preventing water droplets from forming on silk during steaming. The water tank is easy to remove and replace, but it is a bit difficult to fill if you don’t have a funnel.

Product Details: Dimensions: 4.75 x 11 x 5.75 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 6.7 ounces | Cord Length: 15 feet

Best for Travel

Brookline steamer.

It’s got a comfortable design and works well on silk.

It struggles with cotton and linen, plus it’s not good for steaming multiple garments at a time.

Whether you have weddings often or frequent business trips, the Brookline Steamer is the best clothes steamer to consider for travel. During testing, we found this pick easy to use and the lightweight style is easy to pack up. 

This steamer worked well on silk and cotton, but you might have to settle for wrinkled linen if you don’t have the patience to stand there steaming for a long time.

We were impressed that it didn’t sputter any water, though we did notice the steam decreased once the water tank went lower than the halfway mark. The tank is small so refilling often is necessary, though the wide mouth makes it easy to do so.

It’s quite basic and very simple to use if you’re a beginner; it has just an on/off switch and there are no attachments or accessories. It’s not particularly ergonomic, but because it’s lightweight, we didn’t experience any hand fatigue. 

The cord is lengthy, but it doesn’t rotate. We like that the steamer is compact enough for travel, but it’s also a cinch to store in your laundry space or closet.

If you plan to steam multiple outfits at a time, you may want a steamer with more bells and whistles. But if you’re only going to steam clothes occasionally, this is a good, less expensive device to have on hand.

Product Details: Dimensions: 5.63x 6.42 x 5.83 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 6 ounces | Cord Length: 9 feet

Best Attachments

Conair handheld garment steamer.

• Effectiveness 4.4 /5

It’s got multiple settings and useful attachments and accessories that are effective on various fabrics.

Steam production does decrease during use; you must fill the water tank precisely for optimal steam production.

Adjustable steam and multiple attachments are what makes the Conair Handheld Garment Steamer effective. We like that you can easily switch between the regular and turbo steam settings depending on whether you’re steaming silk, cotton, or linen. 

The steam output seemed to work best right at the beginning of a steam session; we noticed it decreases over time, even on the turbo setting. It’s easy to refill the tank, but you have to be careful not to overfill it or it will affect steam production. 

This pick comes with three attachments, including a bristle brush, delicate fabric spacer, and a silicone band, as well as a creasing tool, so you’ve got a lot of options for achieving a wrinkle-free wardrobe. 

The steamer is lightweight and the handle has a comfortable grip, so there’s no worry about hand fatigue when using it. The lengthy cord didn’t get in the way; in fact, we barely noticed it was there. 

Overall, for its performance, features, and attachments, we thought this steamer is a great value for the price.

Product Details: Dimensions: 8.50 x 13.62 x 5.75 inches | Weight: Not listed | Water Tank Capacity: 7.3 ounces | Cord Length: Not listed

Best Handheld

Conair extremesteam hand-held fabric steamer.

• Effectiveness 4.7 /5
• Heat Time 5 /5

It heated up quickly and has five steam settings for various fabrics.

It felt quite heavy after a while, plus the water tank was challenging to fill.

We were impressed with how well the Conair Turbo Extreme Handheld Fabric Steamer worked on silk, cotton, and linen. It did sputter a bit while on the turbo (high) setting, but it stopped once the steamer warmed up fully. During testing, we found that it helped to have a funnel when you’re filling the reservoir, but be careful not to overfill.

There are five settings on this steamer—more than any of the others on this list—but we had to look to the manual to see which ones were best depending on the fabric. We found the cord length was ample and made it easy to move around while steaming the garments. 

Although the steamer was comfortable to grip, it was a bit heavy; we felt like we were getting an arm workout after about 15 minutes of use. 

Overall, we were impressed by the steamer’s performance, especially the variety of settings and the speed with which it heats up. It would be even better if it were a bit lighter, but for its ease of use and effectiveness, it’s a good value for the money. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 5.6 x 13.6 x 8 inches | Weight: Not listed | Water Tank Capacity: 7.3 ounces  | Cord Length: Not listed

Best for Silk

Electrolux garment steamer.

• Effectiveness 4.8 /5
• Design 4.8 /5

It produces steam instantly and works great, especially on silk.

There was some sputtering when first filled the unit.

The Electrolux Garment Steamer heated up immediately, and we were impressed with how well it removed wrinkles with little effort, particularly when used on silk. It took just around six minutes on the lower steam setting to smooth out the silk shirt. 

The linen required the higher of the two settings, and we were satisfied with the results around the eight-minute mark. We refilled the tank after finishing the two garments. The tank was easy to remove, but you may want to keep a funnel handy to pour water into the small mouth.

There are two steam setting buttons that aren’t clearly marked; we found the instruction manual didn’t offer much clarity, so we figured out which was which through trial and error. The cord is quite long and gives us plenty of room to work. 

The handle felt comfortable to grip and we appreciated that there was a lock button for the steam, so we didn’t have to worry about finger cramps or hand fatigue.

The steamer comes with a fabric brush and a lint brush, though we found the steamer to be quite effective even when they weren’t attached. Overall, for its effective performance during testing, we think the Electrolux offers great value.

Product Details: Dimensions: 5 x 10 x 6 inches | Weight: 3.98 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 10 ounces | Cord Length: 12 feet

Best Upright

Pure enrichment upright clothes steamer.

• Design 5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Heat Time 4 /5

It has temperature control to efficiently remove wrinkles from silk, cotton, and linen.

There is no “ready” light to indicate when it’s optimized for steaming.

The Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro Upright Clothes Steamer is a professional-style steamer with a temperature control, so you can adjust output depending on the fabric. We were impressed with how well this upright steamer worked on removing wrinkles—silk was the easiest, but with a little patience, the linen also came out smooth. 

The cord is lengthy, but what’s even better is that you can hang the garment on the steamer arm—there are pant clips, too—while you work. The detachable water tank was easy to remove for filling; we love that it’s large enough to get through multiple garments without needing a refill. 

An indicator light shows when the unit is powered on, but we’d prefer there to be a “ready” light to know when it’s actually primed for steaming. The base has wheels, but only on the back, so you do have to tip the steamer back to move it to a new location. However, the steamer is lightweight enough so it’s not an issue. 

For its performance and features, this is a great value. It also comes with a fabric brush, though we found steaming to be effective enough without using it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 8.9 x 54 x 13.7 inches | Weight: 9.56 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 67.6 ounces | Cord Length: Not listed

The CHI Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes topped our list of best clothes steamers. Its adjustable steam setting was effective in removing wrinkles from silk, cotton, and linen, and the included fabric brush enhances performance. We also liked that there is a button to lock the steam in the on position, which helps greatly in avoiding hand fatigue. 

To find the best clothes steamers, we put 28 styles to the test at our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab. During the testing period, we evaluated each style based on effectiveness, design, portability, and value. 

Before we started steaming any products, we examined each clothes steamer, noting the size of the steam nozzle and length of the power cord. For folding steamers, we folded and unfolded them to observe how easy or challenging the process was; for stand-up steamers, we practiced rolling them around the space to test their portability.

We tested each of the steamers without any attachments at first to determine how well they could remove wrinkles from three different garments: a woman’s silk shirt, a men’s cotton dress shirt, and a pair of linen pants. 

First, we filled the reservoirs with distilled water, using a funnel for those tanks with small mouths. Next, we started a timer to see how quickly the steamer heated up. Then we started steaming the test garments, using the highest setting where applicable and marking the time when we achieved optimal results, though we had a hard stop of eight minutes per garment. (Note that we stopped the timer whenever we had to pause steaming to refill the water reservoir.) 

After steaming the men’s shirt, we added on the crease attachment (where applicable) to see how, if at all, it enhanced results. We made our final selections for the best clothes steamers based on performance, features, size and design, and overall value.

What to Know About Clothes Steamers Before Shopping

There’s no recommended size for steamers, but the right size for you depends on your steaming needs. Handheld steamers are fine for occasional use at home, though they should be compact enough so that you can maneuver them with one hand. 

If you want to stow in a suitcase or carry-on, look for one that’s even smaller. However, if you plan to use your steamer more frequently and don’t mind taking up space in a closet or behind a door, it’s fine to opt for a taller stand-up steamer with a garment pole, like the Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro Upright Clothes Steamer , our best upright pick. 

Using a clothes steamer can already be a bit of an arm workout, so you don’t want to make it an advanced one with a steamer that’s too heavy. Aim for one that’s lightweight so your arm doesn’t tire out before the wrinkles get out of your clothing. 

We found that the Black+Decker Advanced Handheld Steamer and the Brookline Steamer were particularly lightweight during testing. 

Water Tank Capacity

As Senders says, the size of the water tank correlates to how often you’ll be refilling it. If you only steam the occasional garment, then you can get by with a steamer that has a more compact water tank. But if you plan to steam outfits at a time, look for a larger tank so you won’t have to stop to refill so often.

The Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro Upright Clothes Steamer has a 67-ounce water tank capacity, which is the largest on our list. If you’re looking for a smaller unit, however, consider the Electrolux Garment Steamer or the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer , which water capacities of about 10 ounces. 

Cord Length

What many of these clothes steamers lack in size they more than make up for in cord length. Look for a steamer that has a long enough cord to give you room to work, but not so long that it gets in the way. 

We found all of the products on our best clothes steamers list to have more than adequate cords, though you may wish to look for a model with a rotating cord for even better maneuverability.

During testing, we found that the Black+Decker Advanced Handheld Steamer has a 15-foot cord, which was longer than many other options on this list. 

Included Attachments

While steaming capability is the obvious priority when shopping for a steamer, some models come with helpful attachments that make it even easier to banish wrinkles. For example, if you plan to steam silk or other delicate fabrics, you might wish to get a steamer that has a delicate fabric attachment. 

For those who like to have a neat crease in their pants, a crease tool might be in order. You’ll likely have to pay a bit more for a steamer that has multiple attachments, so consider carefully whether you might actually use them before committing to a purchase.

Other Clothes Steamers We Tested 

Beautural foldable handheld steamer.

We liked the compact, travel-friendly Beautural Foldable Handheld Steamer that was easy to fill. It performed well on silk, but it had limited abilities on linen and other heavily wrinkled fabric. The small water reservoir made for frequent refills, plus our fingers got a bit tired having to hold the steam button during use.

PurSteam Standing Garment Steamer

We were quite impressed by how the PurSteam Standing Garment Steamer smoothed wrinkled linen, though it struggled to get cotton crisp. We also liked features like the easy-to-fill tank, the telescopic handle, and the wheeled base that made it portable. However, the steamer head sputtered and we found the steaming capability to be less efficient than using an iron or steam dryer.

While testing the Nori Press , we loved the multiple settings optimized for different fabrics and were impressed with its creasing ability, but found that it struggled with actual wrinkles, especially on silk. Though the design looks portable, we found it awkward to use and sputtered frequently, creating water stains on the garments.

How much should you expect to spend on a clothes steamer?

As you can see from our list of best clothes steamers, there’s a rather wide-ranging budget for this handy tool. “I have found some really great hand-held and travel steamers for $40 that I've been using for the last 15 years,” Senders says. But if you’re looking to steam clothing often and want a professional-level steamer, that price tag will jump to around $200, she says.

If you’re new to using a steamer or don’t think you’ll use it often, we highly recommend the Proctor Silex Compact 2-in1 Garment Steamer/Iron , our best budget pick. Though it’s less expensive than other styles, we found that it worked well on silk and cotton. 

What are the benefits of a clothes steamer? 

Using a clothes steamer is a convenient alternative to an iron , but that’s not the only benefit of this gadget. “Steaming is the easiest and safest way to get rid of the wrinkles in your clothes,” says Senders. “Steam disinfects, so not only will you be straightening out each wrinkle, but you’ll also be killing off any unwanted germs that may have settled in the fabric.” 

This can help revive clothes in between uses, particularly dry-clean-only garments. “Steaming your clothes can also save you several trips to the dry cleaner in between wears, which can save lots of time and money,” she says. 

Are clothes steamers easy to use?

“Steaming is the best form of unwrinkling,” says Senders, who notes that steamers are much easier to use than iron ; in fact, you have a greater chance of damaging clothes with an iron if you don’t have it on the right setting. 

Senders’ tip for steaming clothes quickly is to put the steamer underneath the garment . Position the head of the steamer inside the garment so it’s facing you, then press the steamer against the fabric in a downward motion. 

“In my experience, this is a faster technique than steaming with the head of the steamer facing the fabric on the outside,” Senders says.

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, New York, covering all things home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best clothes steamers, Barbara analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa. She also consulted Dara Senders , designer and founder of Dara Senders.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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Wondering what’s the best travel steamer to take with you on your next journey? We’ve rounded up the most popular options available. These are the top 10!

Spoiler alert : Can’t wait to find out our top two travel steamers? These are the fave two brands according to our readers (and we agree)!

• PurSteam Mini Clothing Steamer
• Polardo Hand Held Portable Travel Garment Steamer

Best Travel Steamer

Table of contents.

Nothing is more unflattering than wrinkles and creases in your travel outfits, especially if you’re attending an important business meeting or going out for the evening. While there are many ways to pack clothes without wrinkles , there are certain occasions you just can’t take the risk.

If you’re traveling for business, attending a conference or formal event, or want to look Insta-worthy anywhere you go, here is a list of travel clothing steamers that can help you remain presentable and perky for your itinerary!

Still not sure about packing a steamer? Keep your clothes looking fresh and neat with these wrinkle release sprays instead!

What is the Best Travel Steamer?

850W PurSteam Garment Steamer

PurSteam Portable Travel Steamer

PurSteam  is the best handheld travel steamer according to our readers. It’s also the one my friend uses as her everyday steamer at home (instead of owning an iron).

At 1.13 pounds it’s quite lightweight and similar in size to the majority of small portable clothes steamer brands out there. It’s adept enough to smooth out most garments and heats up quickly, which is a plus when you wish to get ready on time to go sightseeing. And, it also includes a bonus travel pouch, for easy storage. 

This portable steamer is 850 watts, which means it’s powerful enough to do whatever you need.

This mini clothing steamer gets the readers’ vote so it gets my vote as well.

Here’s a list of top travel accessories that you can also add on your packing list aside from the steamer!

700W Hilife Garment Steamer

Hilife Travel Garment Steamer

The Hilife travel streamer is a massive favorite with travelers as it’s an extremely small and lightweight travel steamer for clothes which allows you to pack light while also putting less strain on your arms, too! 

At 700 watts, it gets the job done. While it doesn’t iron out deep creases, it easily removes the wrinkles from the majority of clothing. 

The downside is that neither of the top travel steamers shown above is dual voltage. But the Hilife is still a solid choice to use along your travels.

Thinking of where to store your steamer? Here’s a list of the best packing organizers !

1000W Jack ＆ Rose Dual Voltage Travel Steamer

Jack ＆ Rose Dual Voltage Portable Steamer

Finding a dual-voltage portable steamer is very rare, so readers were excited to discover this Jack & Rose travel steamer that works all around the world! While compact and incredibly lightweight, it releases high-speed steam that removes wrinkles quickly and easily and warms up in only 15 seconds. It also has a rotating steam head for ease of use and convenient packability.

One reader shares that she took this on a trip to Mexico for a wedding, and it worked like a charm for all the dresses and shirts she needed to steam!

400W Conair Garment Steamer

Conair Garment Steamer

Conair doesn’t just make amazing curling irons and blow dryers; they also make a comparable handheld fabric steamer. This Conair steamer is the ONLY dual voltage steamer we could find. Do you have any other suggestions?

Unlike the previous steamers, this includes a detachable bristle and lint brush to remove debris and have more hand control. It claims to have an impressive 10-minute steam time and a convenient 8-foot cord.

Incredibly light at just 1.2 pounds this could easily be the best travel steamer for clothes available. One traveler noted that she took this on a trip to France and reported how it worked beautifully. 

Aside from a garment steamer, you might also need business travel essentials on a work trip!

Polardo Handheld Mini Steamer

Polardo Mini Steamer

A downside of portable travel steamers is that they are often oddly shaped which creates a challenge to have a neatly packed suitcase. But the Polardo Mini has a unique shape that uses the body as a handle, making it one of the smallest travel steamer products that are fuss-free to store or pack.  

The 25-second heat-up mode is one of the fastest around and our favorite feature is the auto-protection that turns off after five minutes in standby. One reader says, “I never have to take a hotel ironing board out again. Even in carry-on, this is something I won’t go without.”

Its compact size, quick heat-up, and the fact it doesn’t spit water places this lightweight travel steamer as a sure bet! 

900W iSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer

iSteam Portable Steamer

The iSteam Steamer is considered one of the best steamer for clothes with its spiral nozzle designed to evenly distributes steam for a put-together outfit in no time and prevent spits of boiling water from spoiling your clothes. It is also super lightweight and  easy to store in any suitcase or carry on luggage

The water tank lasts up to 15 minutes off continuous steaming to bust out those deep creases. This travel size clothes steamer is certainly popular, one traveler calls it a “lifesaver” to business professionals and says that it “steams like a pro.” Plus, it’s safe to use with the built-in automatic shut-off if it gets too hot or too low. 

1200W BEAUTRUAL Handheld Garment Steamer

BEAUTRUAL Garment Steamer

While the Beautural portable travel clothes steamer might not be as compact as some of the products we’ve featured, it is definitely more powerful. More watts equals more power, which equals better ability to tackle some ornery creases!

It generates about 14 minutes of continuous steam and preheats in 35 seconds or less, removing wrinkles fast and efficiently. One reader says, “Without reservation, this is the best hand held steamer I’ve ever used.”

It’s safe to use on all kinds of fabric, from cotton and polyester, silk, and wool. Bonus too, it has three attachments, including a fabric brush, creaser, and a lint brush. This mini steamer clearly has the tools to achieve a wrinkle-free look! 

1200W Conair Extreme Steam Hand Held Fabric Steamer

Conair Handheld Steamer

Thanks to 1200 watts of power and an easy to fill water tank, Conair  makes some of the best travel garment steamers in terms of power. Yet somehow it’s quite compact. 

It’s adored by TFG readers and as one says, “I love this! So portable and easy to put into a suitcase.”

This lightweight travel hand steamer is less than 2 pounds and has a slender design for convenient storage. It also heats up fast—in 40 seconds you can start de-wrinkling your clothes! 

600W Jiffy Esteam Handheld Travel Steamer

Jiffy Esteam Handheld Travel Steamer

The priciest steamer on our list is the Jiffy Esteam handheld travel steamer . What makes this item stand out are the converter/adapter plugs which are included. It can run for 15 minutes per water tank fill, which makes it beneficial when you have a few outfits to de-wrinkle.

Don’t let the fact that it’s bigger put you off. What makes it one of the best travel clothing steamer selections is how it performs. One reader feels “It’s a little larger and heavier than I’d like, but still fits in my carry-on and doesn’t weigh me down.” 

It has a 600-watt heating element (120-volts in North America) and it’s a durable choice, made with high-impact plastic. Perfect for carting along to your next vacation! 

1600W Rowenta DR8120 Handheld Garment Steamer

Rowenta DR8120 Garment Steamer

Rowenta makes one of the best steamers and this round-up wouldn’t be complete without including their travel-size version. This portable handheld brand is a bit larger than the travel steamers previously listed.

However, we’d class this as the luxury option because of its 1600-watt power and the higher price tag, too. Surprisingly, the Amazon price tag is less expensive than the Jiffy, while being much more powerful.

The downside? It weighs in at 3 pounds so it may be best for professional jobs that require a steamer on the go. 

350W Sharper Image Mini Steam Iron with Dual Voltage for Travel

Sharper Image Dual Voltage Steamer Iron

If you want a little more, the best travel steamer iron is the Sharper Image  as shown above. It’s versatile because it can press clothes and take out creases or wrinkles simultaneously.

As a pro, it’s a dual voltage garment steamer but as a con, with only 350 watts it offers the least amount of power as some of the other models listed.

A word of warning, though, try to get continuous steam as opposed to spurts of steam as this can burn the fabric—unfortunately, I speak from experience. But this is a great travel size steamer iron if you want both functions. Buy it here !

Best Travel Steamer Comparison Chart

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”10″ class=”center-table-align”]

Travel Steamer vs. Regular Steamer?

If you’re used to the power of a full-size, quality garment one, you’ll find a notable difference with a small portable steamer.

The main difference is a travel size garment steamer ranges from 750-850 watts whereas a regular one is around 1700-1800 watts. This means that it will take longer to steam out wrinkles and you may not be able to remove the most stubborn of creases.

If you plan to travel with clothing items that wrinkle easily, you may want to consider one of the best small steamer models instead of a travel-size one, which may offer up to 1500 watts of power. They’ll take a little more room in your suitcase but will ease the frustrations of a slow steamer experience.

A full-size steamer may perform well, but the best mini travel steamer brands are more portable, packable, and quality enough to help you look suitable for whatever you have planned.

Note: I personally own a travel steamer for home use and I don’t use it often enough for it to cause me frustration!

Should I Buy a Travel Steamer?

It’s not easy to find a decent clothes travel steamer but I still own one and use it on trips when necessary. It’s better than nothing!

To determine the best travel steamers you have to weigh the pros and cons. I know someone who was so meticulous with their clothing that they packed a FULL-SIZE steamer on a vacation! In this case, a small clothing steamer or even a travel size steam iron makes more sense.

Some people (me included) even prefer to own a mini garment steamer instead of a full-size one for daily use at home. They’re less bulky and more affordable so this is an ideal option if you only need to steam the occasional clothing item.

It’s important to remember that it can also be a challenge to find the best dual voltage travel steamer model.

How to Choose a Travel Steamer

There are a few things to know before purchasing a travel fabric steamer:

• They’re not as small as you might like
• They’re not as powerful as a regular steamer (800 vs. 1800 watts)
• They can only steam one garment per fill
• They’re rarely dual voltage

The truth is that even the best mini clothes steamer does not compare to its full-size counterpart. While they do offer the convenience of removing wrinkles on the go, they will not be as powerful. It’s important to be realistic about your expectations before deciding to buy one.

The list of travel clothes steamers we’ve provided lays out several options that could work for you! 

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Best International Travel Adapter

Traveling Abroad With a Travel Steamer

Dual voltage electronics have two voltage options: 110-120 volts (US) and 220-240 volts (Europe). They are ideal for travel because they are safe to use at home and abroad, too. 

Right now, travel steamers can be somewhat difficult to source. If you do not buy an international travel steamer dual voltage model you’ll need to bring BOTH a travel adapter and a converter . While there are some travel-friendly converters, they’re usually only good for products up to 200 watts—a compact travel steamer is higher than this—so choose one that can handle the voltage.

If you plan to buy a dual voltage clothes steamer then a universal travel adapter is all you’d need and it will work in various outlets abroad, such as the international adapter  pictured above. 

Tip: It’s important to understand that an adaptor and converter are NOT the same thing. An adapter fits the outlets and a converter changes the electrical current so your electronics down blow a fuse!

Here’s our voltage converter vs. travel adapter post to give you more information!

After choosing from our round-up of the best travel steamers, please read our guide or watch the video above to learn about the difference between travel adapters, converters, and voltage!

What Is the Best Dual Voltage Travel Steamer? 

Unfortunately, there are not many dual voltage travel steamers in the market—the Conair is the best travel clothes steamer product we are aware of. Though a steamer travel iron, the PurSteam is also dual voltage. They’re both listed above, so please take a look and compare. If you know of other travel garment steamer dual voltage brands, let us know!

Tip: Remember to switch your clothing steamer to 220V/240V when you arrive at your destination !

What do you think is the best travel steamer? Share and comment below!

For more ideas on travel clothing and packing tips, please read:

• How to Pack Clothes Without Wrinkles
• Top Wrinkle Free Dresses for Travel
• Best Wrinkle Free Pants for Travel: Casual to Dressy Picks 
• These Wrinkle Free Shirts Will Make Packing A Breeze 

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Great post! I’m always on the lookout for new travel gadgets to make my trips more comfortable and convenient, so this was really helpful. Thanks for sharing your top picks!

I use a steamer at home and like it. Good to know that a Small travel steamer takes longer to heat. I’ll have to consider this when choosing, but I definitely need one that takes up less space.

This post was so helpful!

My next travel purchase will be a portable steamer. Friend had one on our recent trip to New Zealand and it was well worth her bringing it!! She has the PurSteam handheld travel steamer.

I have the Conair Extreme Steam Turbo handheld steamer and it works almost as well as a professional steamer. A lot faster to start. Downside is that its bulkier than your average handheld steamer.

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Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer review: Time-saving travel companion

I was disappointed when I couldn’t take a garment steamer on my recent trip. As I began packing for Los Angeles, California, I quickly realised that the voltage difference would be an issue. I packed up my garment steamer from Xiaomi and said my goodbyes – temporarily.

But having returned to India (at the time of writing this review) and being able to use Xiaomi’s Handheld Garment Steamer once again, I’m impressed by what I've seen. I’ve never really ironed my clothes, barring my days in college. Thanks to Xiaomi, I finally returned to using a garment steamer (even if it isn’t an everyday event).

Xiaomi has a diverse range of products under its portfolio. Gone are the days when it was just a company that made smartphones. From EVs (yes, really, Xiaomi has an electric vehicle under its portfolio) to sports shoes, Xiaomi has it all – a smart light, smart vacuum cleaner, security camera, air purifier, and more. 

Xiaomi’s India store isn’t as extensive as its Chinese counterpart, but it’s slowly building up. Xiaomi launched the Air Fryer 6L alongside its Xiaomi 14 Civi smartphone recently. But today I’m talking about a “new category product", the Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer, which was launched at Xiaomi’s Smarter Living Event in April. Let’s get on to the product.

What are handheld garment steamers?

It’s easy to understand how handheld garment steamers work. These handheld steamers feature a tank (for the water). At the basic level, the water is heated until it turns to steam, which is directed through a nozzle. Point the nozzle at the fabric, and iron away. There are multiple other brands in this category – be it Philips, Black+Decker, Wipro, Havells, and many more.

Also read: Insta360 X4 review: Is this the best 360-degree action camera you can buy?

The Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer is a compact (and foldable) product. It’s shaped like a pistol and can even be mistaken for a hair dryer. It’s only available in white (good luck keeping it clean and pristine) and weighs 775g. It is one of the lightest handheld garment steamers out there. It’s portable and can be folded to fit easily into any suitcase. A note of caution - be careful and read up on the voltage during all your travels.

The garment steamer can be broken down into two parts. The device features a translucent water tank at the back (which easily detaches). At the front is a ceramic soleplate with holes (that emit the steam). There’s a button to release steam. The power cable that needs to be plugged in for the steamer to work is 1.9m long, which is suitable for most rooms. The steamer uses a 5-amp plug.

How does the Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer perform?

All you need is 30 seconds and you’re good to go. Thanks to a power rating of 1300W, the garment steamer is ready to use in about 26 seconds. The claimed steam rate is up to 24g/min. It is safe for all fabrics - cotton, linen, wool, silk, polyester, and nylon - and can be used vertically (while clothes are on a hanger) and horizontally (can be used in this mode without steam). It can kill 99.9 percent of germs and remove odour. Lastly, the 160-ml tank capacity, which is good for ironing four to six pieces of clothing.

What works:

There are a few things that I liked about the Xiaomi garment steamer.

- Easy to set up: It’s quick and easy to fill the tank, plug it in and have it ready to be used. It takes barely a minute or two. The ease of use is something that anyone can get used to.

- Horizontal and vertical: The steamer can be used in horizontal and vertical modes, making it versatile. The horizontal mode is best for removing wrinkles and can even be used for drying garments.

- Inexpensive: At ₹ 3,999 (currently discounted on Mi.com to ₹ 2,499), the Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer is inexpensive and can easily supplement your regular iron. It’s a handy gifting option, especially for students in hostels or a college dormitory.

- Portability: The compact design makes it easy to carry.

What doesn't work:

- Not suitable for polyester and nylon clothes: A traditional iron worked much better on polyester and nylon clothes. I didn’t get the same feeling as I would after it was ironed by a proper iron.

- It doesn’t work globally: Unless you’re carrying around a voltage converter, the garment steamer doesn’t work in places like the US and a select few other countries.

As many have said before, garment steamers cannot replace regular irons. But garment steamers aren’t trying to beat regular irons either. They work best when you’re short on time or in a place where you don’t have the space or capacity to house a regular iron.

The Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer checks all those boxes and is the perfect travel companion, ready to use in seconds. And at ₹ 2,499, the pricing from Xiaomi is spot on.

Sahil Bhalla is a Delhi-based writer. He posts @IMSahilBhalla.

Also read: Explained: Is the Light Phone 3 a perfect device for your digital detox?

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Easy Care Sunshine 15s Heat up Mini Travel Steamer, Easycare Sunshine Steamer Cordless, Rechargeable Cordless Mini Handheld Clothing Steamer for Garments, Fabric Steam Iron for Home and Travel

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About this item.

• 【New Upgraded Clothes Steamer】Easy Care Sunshine 15s Heat up Mini Travel Steamer, Enjoy 15 seconds fast heating and 1 hour continuous steam, perfect for on-the-go use. The mini travel steamer produces soft and long-lasting dry steam, which can effectively and quickly remove wrinkles from clothes
• 【Multifunctional】Easy Care steamer is ideal for ironing all kinds of clothes, and is an ideal companion for home life and business travel. It is suitable for all fabrics and is widely used for T-shirts, shirts, coats, wool, denim, curtains, furniture, toys, silk, lace, etc
• 【Easy to Use and Safe】This steamer comes with a 100ml transparent water tank, which allows you to easily monitor the water level and add water when needed. The detachable water tank is easy to refill, and the handle is made of PAI polymer for a comfortable grip. It has high temperature resistance and safety features
• 【Best Choice for Travel】This travel steamer is perfect for any trip - it is lightweight and compact, weighing only 1 pound. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, you can easily carry it in your cosmetic bag, shower bag, backpack or suitcase
• 【Cordless and Rechargeable】The mini travel steamer is equipped with an extra-long battery life. for up to 60 minutes on a single charge. No more frequent charging required

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Color: White /Blue/Light Pink / Pink/Black/Green/purple

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1/2Set * Easy Care Sunshine 15s Heat up Mini Travel Steamer

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