The 8 Very Best Clothing Steamers, According to our Testing

Wrinkle-free clothes make a strong impression, whether you’re headed to work, traveling, or preparing for a special event. Clothing steamers offer a fast, simple way to remove wrinkles and freshen up garments without the hassle of traditional ironing.

This article presents the best clothing steamers, tested and reviewed for performance, convenience, and value. This will help you pick the best steamer for your needs. You can choose a portable travel model, a strong upright unit, or a versatile all-around performer.

Why Use a Clothing Steamer?

Clothing steamers have become essential for anyone who wants to keep their wardrobe looking sharp with minimal effort. Steamers produce hot steam that relaxes fabric fibers, quickly removing wrinkles and refreshing clothes.

Unlike irons, steamers are gentle on delicate fabrics. They do not need to touch the material directly. This reduces the risk of scorching or leaving shiny marks.

Benefits of Using a Clothes Steamer:

• Removes wrinkles from various fabrics, including silk, wool, cotton, and synthetics.
• Freshens up garments, curtains, bedding, and upholstery.
• Kills surface bacteria and dust mites with hot steam.
• Saves time- no need for an ironing board or complicated setup.
• Ideal for travel, quick touch-ups, and daily use.

Our Top Picks Clothing Steamers

Below are the top-rated steamers, each excelling in specific categories.

Best Value: HiLIFE Steamer for Clothes

The HiLIFE Steamer for Clothes is a popular handheld garment steamer known for its simplicity, portability, and affordability. Featuring an 1100W heating element, it heats up in about 2 minutes.

It delivers a continuous steam flow for up to 15 minutes, thanks to its 300ml water tank. This capacity is higher than average for travel steamers. It lets users steam several garments at once without needing to refill often.

The HiLIFE is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack for trips or store in small spaces. Performance-wise, the HiLIFE steamer is best suited for light-to-medium-weight fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and silk.

It effectively reduces wrinkles and freshens clothes, though it may struggle with stubborn creases in thicker materials like linen or wool. The steamer comes with a brush attachment to help steam penetrate deeper into fabrics and remove lint or pet hair.

Its simple one-button operation makes it user-friendly but lacks multiple steam settings, so users must be cautious with delicate fabrics.

The HiLIFE is designed for 120V outlets only, limiting its use to North America. It is unsuitable for international travel without a voltage converter.

Additionally, while the unit is generally leak-resistant, it should be kept upright to avoid water spillage.

The HiLIFE Steamer is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for daily touch-ups and travel. It is great for those who value ease of use and portability more than heavy-duty performance.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• affordable
• large tank for size
• easy to use

Cons:

• Not dual voltage
• struggles with thick fabrics
• upright use only

Best Overall: Electrolux Portable Handheld Fabric and Garment Steamer

The Electrolux 1500W Portable Handheld Steamer is a high-performance garment steamer designed for both home and travel use.

Its powerful 1500-watt heating element ensures ultra-fast heat-up, often ready to use in under 30 seconds.

The 300ml water tank provides up to 18 minutes of continuous steam, making it one of the longest-running handheld models in its class.

This steamer removes wrinkles from various fabrics, including delicate silks, heavy cottons, and upholstery. The strong, steady steam output ensures effective de-wrinkling and fabric refreshing, while minimizing the risk of water spots.

The Electrolux steamer is ergonomically designed for comfortable handling, even during extended steaming sessions.

It includes useful attachments such as a lint remover and fabric brush, enhancing its versatility for different garment types and household textiles. The steamer’s leak-proof construction allows for both vertical and horizontal use. It is suitable for steaming curtains, bedding, and garments laid flat.

Safety features include automatic shut-off when the low water level or the unit overheats. The 1500W power ensures quick and thorough results, though the higher wattage may consume more energy than lower-powered models.

The unit is heavier than basic travel steamers. However, its performance and runtime make it a great choice. It is reliable, efficient, and versatile. This handheld steamer is perfect for regular use at home or while traveling.

Pros:

• Fast heat-up
• long steam time
• strong steam
• versatile attachments

Cons:

• Slightly heavier
• higher energy use
• not ultra-compact

Runner-Up: Conair Turbo Extreme Steam Handheld Fabric Steamer

Key Features:

• Water Tank: 7.3 oz
• Steam Time: 15–17 minutes
• Heat-Up: 40 seconds
• Attachments: Silicone band, bristle brush, fabric spacer
• Cord Length: 9 feet

The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam GS59X is the most efficient and versatile midsize handheld steamer tested. Its strong 1875-watt heating element produces a lot of steam. This steam quickly removes wrinkles from many fabrics, including delicate silks and heavy cottons.

The steamer heats up in just 40 seconds, indicated by a ready light, and offers five adjustable steam settings. This flexibility lets users adjust the intensity for different materials. It ensures gentle care for fine garments and enough power for tough creases.

Its ceramic-coated aluminum soleplate glides easily. It allows for both vertical and horizontal streaming. This mimics some functions of an iron. It helps create crisp results on hems and collars.

The 7.3-ounce water tank provides about 15–20 minutes of continuous steam for several garments per fill. While the tank opening is small and can be tricky to refill, a funnel can help prevent spills. The 9-foot cord grants ample mobility, and the steamer’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, weighing just 2.75 pounds when full.

Attachments- a silicone band, bristle brush, and fabric spacer- expand its functionality. However, the built-in creaser tool is less effective. The steamer is stable when set down and features a standby mode for safety and water conservation.

The main drawbacks are the short one-year warranty and the small tank. This tank may need more refills for big jobs.

Overall, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam GS59X is a top performer for everyday household use, balancing power, adjustability, and user-friendly design.

Pros:

• Powerful steam output
• five steam settings
• fast heat-up
• ergonomic design

Cons:

• Small tank opening
• short warranty
• moderate tank size

Best Standing Steamer: Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro

Key Features:

• Water Tank: 2 liters
• Steam Time: 60 minutes
• Heat-Up: 2 minutes
• Attachments: Fabric brush, garment hanger

The Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro Upright Clothes Steamer is a good choice. It is reliable and has a large capacity. This steamer is perfect for home use.

This upright model has a large 2-liter (67.6-ounce) water tank. It can provide up to 60 minutes of steam. This makes it great for big loads of clothes or household items.

The 1500-watt heating element ensures a strong, steady flow of steam. Though the heat-up time is slightly longer at two minutes, the extended runtime more than compensates for this minor delay. The steamer features four adjustable steam settings, allowing users to tailor the output to suit delicate silks or heavy cottons.

A foot-operated power button adds convenience. It keeps your hands free when handling garments. The built-in pole and hanger system makes it easy to steam items vertically. The detachable water tank simplifies refilling, while the sleek, modern design complements most laundry rooms.

Some users may notice minor water sputtering, but it is less frequent than similar upright models. The unit’s mobility is somewhat limited by its wheels, and there are no indicator lights for the different steam settings.

The PureSteam Pro has a few small drawbacks. However, it provides a professional streaming experience at a fair price. This makes it a good choice for regular users who want efficiency and versatility.

Pros:

• Long steam time
• four steam settings
• foot-operated power
• detachable tank

Cons:

• Longer heat-up
• minor sputtering
• limited wheel mobility

Nesugar Steamer for Clothes – Fashion Portable Handheld Garment Steamer

The Nesugar Steamer for Clothes is a lightweight, travel-friendly option that weighs just 0.8 pounds, making it easy to pack and carry. This handheld garment steamer heats up in only 15 seconds, allowing quick wrinkle removal even in a hurry.

With a 10-minute continuous steam time, it handles several garments per fill, making it suitable for both travel and light home use. The mini steam iron is small but works well. It gives a steady flow of hot steam. This helps relax fabric fibers without making them wet.

It’s small water tank means you’ll need to refill it for larger loads, but it’s highly practical for daily touch-ups and on-the-go fixes.

The Nesugar is safe for most fabrics, including delicate materials, and its ergonomic grip ensures comfortable handling. It’s ideal for business trips, vacations, or anyone who values portability and speed in a clothes steamer.

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight
• fast heat-up, compact
• good for travel

Cons:

• Small tank
• short steam time

Best Budget: Rolipo Handheld Steamer for Clothes

The Rolipo Handheld Steamer for Clothes is designed for users seeking a balance between capacity and portability. This steamer has a strong 1200W heating element. It heats up quickly, making removing wrinkles from shirts, dresses, and thicker fabrics easy.

Its standout feature is the large 360ml water tank, which is significantly bigger than most handheld competitors. This generous capacity enables up to 20 minutes of continuous steam, reducing the need for frequent refills and making it suitable for batch steaming sessions at home or in the office.

The Rolipo’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, and the steam output is steady and strong, effectively relaxing fabric fibers for a crisp, refreshed look. It suits various fabrics, including cotton, linen, silk, and synthetics.

The unit also has safety features such as automatic shut-off when the water runs low or the device overheats, providing peace of mind during use.

Its portability is a plus for travel, though the larger tank size means it’s slightly bulkier than ultra-compact models. The steamer is easy to refill and clean, and its leak-proof construction minimizes the risk of water spots on garments.

However, it might not be the best choice for people who need a lightweight travel steamer. The larger water tank can make it heavier when used for a long time.

Overall, the Rolipo Handheld Steamer is a solid choice for users who want a powerful, high-capacity steamer that’s still portable enough for occasional travel.

Pros:

• Large tank
• strong steam
• safety features
• versatile

Cons:

• Slightly bulky
• heavier when full
• not ultra-compact

Best Investment: Jiffy J-2000 Floor Standing Fabric Steamer

Key Features:

• Water Tank: 2.8 liters
• Steam Time: 90+ minutes
• Cord Length: 6.5 feet

The Jiffy Steamer J-2000 is a professional-grade floor-standing garment steamer known for its durability and high steam output.

It features a large 2.8-liter water tank, providing over 90 minutes of continuous steam, ideal for large households or commercial use.

The plastic steam head is safe for all fabrics, including delicate silks and heavy drapes. The unit’s strong heating element helps remove wrinkles quickly and effectively.

The J-2000 heats up in about two minutes and maintains a steady, strong steam flow throughout use. Its sturdy base and long hose make steam-hanging garments, curtains, and upholstery easy.

Jiffy Steamer’s simple design has a one-button operation and a wide tank opening for easy refills. The Jiffy J-2000 takes up more space and is less portable than handheld models. However, it is a great choice for people who need professional results and long run times.

Pros:

• Long steam time
• powerful
• durable
• easy to use

Cons:

• Bulky
• not portable

Black + Decker Advanced Handheld Garment Steamer

The Black + Decker Advanced Handheld Garment Steamer stands out for its versatility. It is an excellent choice for clothing and home textiles. With a 1400-1600 watt power range, this steamer heats up quickly and produces a strong, steady steam flow.

Multiple steam settings allow users to customize output for different fabrics, from delicate silks to thick upholstery. The included attachments, such as a fabric brush and lint remover, enhance its effectiveness on various materials, including drapes, bedding, and furniture.

The Black + Decker steamer is ergonomically designed for comfort and easy maneuvering during extended use.

Its moderate water tank capacity supports longer steaming sessions than many handheld competitors. However, it is slightly heavier, which may cause some fatigue over time.

The heat distribution is even, ensuring consistent wrinkle removal without spitting or dripping. While the water tank is not the largest available, it balances runtime and portability well.

This model is a strong performer for users who want a versatile, all-purpose steamer to handle garments and household tasks.

Pros:

• Versatile attachments
• strong steam
• ergonomic design
• good for upholstery

Cons:

• Slightly heavy
• moderate tank size
• average heat-up time

SALAV Heavy Duty Commercial Full-Size Garment Steamer

The SALAV Heavy Duty Commercial Full-Size Garment Steamer is engineered for users who demand industrial-level performance and convenience.

SALAV steamer Boast is a powerful 1800-watt heating element. It produces a robust, continuous flow of steam that easily penetrates heavy fabrics. It is ideal for professional settings, boutiques, or households with extensive wardrobe care needs.

The extra-large 3-liter water tank stands out, delivering up to 90 minutes of uninterrupted steam. It’s significantly reducing refill frequency and supporting large-scale steaming sessions.

A key feature is its hands-free operation via foot pedals. It allows users to control power and steam output without bending down, which is especially valuable during long or repetitive tasks.

The steamer comes with a telescopic aluminum pole. It has a built-in hanger and garment clips. This setup provides a stable and adjustable platform for steaming items like shirts and drapes.

Its ergonomic steam nozzle is designed for comfort and efficiency, and the flexible, insulated hose ensures a safe, extended reach.

Safety features such as automatic shut-off when water runs low and overheating protection add peace of mind.

Despite its larger footprint, the steamer’s sturdy base with smooth-rolling wheels makes it easy to move. While the SALAV excels in power, capacity, and convenience, its size and price point may be excessive for occasional home users or those with limited storage.

Assembly is required, but the intuitive controls and durable construction make it a long-term investment for demanding garment care environments.

Pros:

• Massive tank
• foot pedal controls
• powerful steam
• long runtime

Cons:

• Bulky
• pricey
• requires assembly

Conair Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes

The Conair Handheld Garment Steamer ExtremeSteam 1200W is a compact, user-friendly solution for everyday wrinkle removal.

Powered by a 1200-watt heating element, it heats up quickly, typically in under a minute, and provides a steady stream of steam for up to 15 minutes per fill, thanks to its 7.3-ounce water tank.

This model is designed for portability and ease of use, weighing just over 2 pounds. It is suitable for travel, dorms, or quick wardrobe touch-ups at home.

The ExtremeSteam delivers consistent steam output, smoothing fabric wrinkles, from delicate silks to heavier cottons. Its ergonomic handle and lightweight construction reduce hand fatigue, while the 9-foot cord offers good maneuverability for steaming curtains or bedding.

The steamer comes with three handy attachments: a fabric brush for deeper steam penetration, a silicone band for pulling fabrics taut, and a spacer for protecting delicate materials. These accessories enhance its versatility, making it suitable for clothing and household textiles.

While the water tank is on the smaller side, it is sufficient for a few garments per session and is easy to refill. The tank’s small opening can make filling from larger water jugs challenging, but using a funnel helps prevent spills.

The device features intuitive controls and a standby mode for safety and water conservation. Its one-year limited warranty is standard for this category.

Overall, the Conair ExtremeSteam 1200W is a reliable, efficient, and affordable steamer for users seeking a portable steamer that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

Pros:

• Quick heat-up
• lightweight
• versatile attachments
• portable

Cons:

• Small tank
• short warranty
• basic features

How We Chose and Tested the Best Steamers

We looked at top brands, read expert and user reviews, and tested the best models on different fabrics to find the best clothing steamers. Our evaluation focused on:

• Wrinkle Removal: How well does the steamer smooth out wrinkles on different materials?
• Heat-Up Time: How quickly is the steamer ready to use?
• Steam Output and Duration: How long can you steam before refilling the tank?
• Ease of Use: Is the design comfortable and intuitive? Are controls and refills simple?
• Portability and Storage: Is the steamer compact and lightweight for travel or easy storage?
• Build Quality: Does the steamer feel durable and reliable?
• Attachments and Features: Does it include useful accessories like brushes, creasers, or fabric guards?

We tested each steamer on shirts, pants, dresses, and household fabrics to ensure a fair comparison.

➡How We Pick Products and Services

Types of Clothes Steamers: Handheld vs. Upright

Handheld Steamers

Handheld steamers are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. They’re ideal for quick touch-ups, travel, and small spaces. Most models heat up in under a minute and offer 5–20 minutes of continuous steam.

Pros:

• Portable and easy to store.
• Quick to heat up.
• Great for travel and small jobs.

Cons:

• Smaller water tanks require frequent refills.
• May not be as powerful as upright models.

Upright (Standing) Steamers

Upright steamers are larger, with higher steam output and bigger water tanks. They’re suitable for steaming multiple garments or heavy fabrics and often include built-in hangers and garment racks.

Pros:

• Longer steam time (up to 60–90 minutes).
• More powerful steam for thick fabrics.
• Convenient for large wardrobes and regular use.

Cons:

• Bulky, requiring more storage space.
• Less portable.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a steamer, focus on these important features:

• Water Tank Capacity: Larger tanks allow longer steaming without refills. Handhelds usually range from 2.5–10 ounces; uprights can hold up to 2 liters.
• Heat-Up Time: Most quality steamers heat up in 20–60 seconds (handheld) or 1–2 minutes (upright).
• Steam Settings: Adjustable steam lets you tailor output for different fabrics.
• Cord Length: Longer cords (8–12 feet) offer more flexibility.
• Attachments: Look for fabric brushes, lint removers, creasers, and guards for delicate materials.
• Weight and Ergonomics: Lighter models are easier to handle, especially for travel or long sessions.
• Auto Shut-Off: Safety feature that turns off the steamer if it overheats or runs dry.

How to Use a Steamer for Best Results

1. Hang the garment on a sturdy hanger or rack.
2. Fill the steamer with distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
3. Allow the steamer to heat up fully before use.
4. Test the steam away from the garment to avoid water spots.
5. Hold the steamer head ½ inch from the fabric and move in slow, downward strokes.
6. Use your free hand to pull the fabric taut for faster wrinkle removal.
7. Use a lower steam setting or a fabric guard attachment for delicate fabrics.
8. Let garments cool briefly before wearing.

Steamer vs. Iron: Which Is Better?

Clothes Steamers:

• Best for delicate fabrics, quick touch-ups, and items with embellishments.
• Great for refreshing garments, curtains, and upholstery.
• Easier to use and store.

Irons:

• Best for sharp creases, pleats, and thick fabrics that need pressure.
• Ideal for formal shirts and linens requiring a crisp finish.

Tip: Many households benefit from having both a steamer and an iron.

Care and Maintenance Tips

• Always use distilled water to prevent mineral deposits.
• Empty the water tank after each use.
• Allow the steamer to cool and dry before storing.
• Clean the steamer monthly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Descale if you notice reduced steam output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do clothes steamers work on all fabrics?
Steamers are safe for most fabrics, including silk, wool, cotton, and synthetics. Avoid using suede, velvet, waxed jackets, or items with plastic embellishments.

How hot do clothing steamers get?
Most steamers heat water to 200–212°F (93–100°C), producing steam hot enough to relax fibers and kill bacteria.

Can I use tap water in my steamer?
Distilled water is recommended to prevent mineral buildup and extend the life of your steamer.

How long does a steamer last?
Handheld steamers last 3–5 years with proper care, while upright models can last 5–10 years or more.

Conclusion

Clothes steamers are a smart investment for anyone who values convenience, garment care, and a polished appearance. You can find a compact travel steamer, a strong upright unit, or a versatile all-rounder here. The models reviewed provide reliable performance for every need and budget.

Choose the best clothing steamer for your lifestyle and enjoy wrinkle-free clothes every day.