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De-wrinkling your clothes can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to fabrics easily damaged by an iron. If you need to look presentable for frequent out-of-town meetings — or you just don’t feel like ironing regularly — a clothes steamer can tame those wrinkled outfits in virtually no time. From small to super-sized steamers, we consulted with experts to recommend the best clothes steamers available.
Clothes steamers range from practically pocket-sized to large enough to require considerable storage space in closet systems. Size is a key factor to consider before purchasing one: The largest clothes steamers — called upright, vertical or standing steamers — take up floor space and considerable vertical space, not unlike a commercial mop bucket with a mop in it. “If you want to use it in different places, consider the weight and ease of moving the steamer. A bigger, more powerful model might be good if you plan to use it mainly at home, but if you travel a lot or need a steamer for on-the-go use, a small, portable option would be better,” says Daniel Fitzgerald, vice president of operations for CD One Price Cleaners.
“You should always look for something within your budget, and consider what you'll use it for, such as personal at-home use or travel,” says Daniel Feliciano, CEO of Clotheslyne. “Budget-friendly clothes steamers start at around $30, while more high-end versions cost over $150.” Also, consider how often you might use the device, as this may help determine how much you want to spend.
“Although it may be tempting to buy the cheapest option available, these steamers often have fewer features and smaller tanks,” says Fitzgerald. “Instead, consider spending more on a higher-quality steamer with better performance, a bigger water tank and multiple settings.”
“When it comes to clothes steamers, it’s essential to look for one that’s versatile and able to work with various types of fabrics, such as linen and silk,” says Feliciano. “I have found that ones with an adjustable steam level are typically versatile, and a rapid steam-time functionality is beneficial during weeks when I’m working hard for industry events and functions.”
“In my experience, metal steam heads are generally better than plastic ones because they provide better distribution and are less prone to water drips,” says Feliciano. “The clothes steamer should be ergonomic and comfortable with the grasp of the handle. Smaller clothes steamers are great for traveling, while larger steamers are great for heavy-duty use beyond clothes, like curtains and drapes.”
While many clothes steamers are easy to use, some are more difficult to maintain than others — and maintenance is important. “One of the top ways to keep your steamer in long-lasting condition is to care for it properly,” Fitzgerald notes. “With that said, when choosing the right steamer for you, consider factors such as its cleaning needs and replacement part availability. Overall, it is best to go with models that have easy-to-clean surfaces, removable water tanks and clear maintenance directions to make upkeep easy.”
Clothing or garment steamers come in several basic types, each with its own benefits:
Travel clothes steamers are designed for portability and ease of use. They typically have smaller tanks and fewer features than larger models, but they’re also lightweight and ready to go in a hurry. “I recommend having the Conair Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment Steamer for traveling because it has dual-voltage for worldwide use,” says Feliciano. “As a traveler, having this garment steamer on the go (and as a trusty spare at home) is incredibly helpful for conferences or a night out of town.”
This travel steamer is ideal for domestic and international trips if you only need to de-wrinkle one or two garments.
Get it here: Conair GSC24 Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment Steamer
This clothing steamer is one of the simplest to use: Just power it up and wait 30 seconds for the steam. It’s also easy to refill, with the top portion of the steamer twisting off to reveal the water tank. This steamer is Amazon’s best-seller in the travel garment steamers category, selling more than 40,000 in the past month (as of the time of this article’s publication).
This steamer is excellent for a no-frills, plug-and-play approach to garment care. It’s powerful enough to remove wrinkles fast.
Get it here: Hilife Steamer for Clothes
“Picking the Rowenta X-Cel DR8120 as my portable steamer was an easy choice,” says Hyacinth Tucker, owner of The Laundry Basket. “It's efficient, tough and easy to carry around. This steamer is perfect for my busy days out and about. With it, I can quickly get rid of wrinkles on my clothes, so I always look sharp. It's not just a gadget; it's part of my everyday routine. When asked, I also recommend my clients use the same steamer — it's a game-changer for staying polished on the go!” It also comes with accessories, such as a door hook for hanging a coat or shirt, a fabric brush for heavy materials and a steam bonnet for delicate garments.
This steamer is ideal for everyday use around the house, or as a go-to in your travel bag.
Get it here: Rowenta X-Cel Steam Plus Steamer DR8120
This iron has an adjustable steam feature to release the ideal amount of steam, in addition to three heat/garment settings to avoid scorching fabric. It also has a vertical steam feature for using it like a clothing steamer. The eight-minute automatic shutoff feature is the perfect solution for the “Did I leave the iron on?” worry that plagues so many people. “The Mueller professional-grade steam iron is an excellent option for effective wrinkle removal,” says Fitzgerald. “With its powerful 1,500 watts of power, it quickly warms up to handle even the most stubborn wrinkles.”
This quality, budget-friendly iron doubles as a clothes steamer when used vertically.
Get it here: Mueller Professional Grade Steam Iron
Conair makes quality garment steamers of all sizes, and this one is no exception, with its telescoping vertical rod for easier storage. “Its inventive multi-garment hanger is perfect for clothes, linens, curtains and bedding,” says Fitzgerald. He also likes the sizable water tank, which he says lasts up to 90 minutes per use. Some users report the hand wand as a bit on the heavy side, which may be fatiguing if you use it for long periods. This model has two large wheels rather than the four smaller wheels found on similar units, so it may be a bit awkward if frequently moving it to various locations.
This is a real timesaver if you regularly need to steam multiple outfits.
Get it here: Conair GS121 Turbo Extreme Steam Professional Steam & Press
“The Turbo Handheld Steamer combines the power of an iron with the effectiveness of steam to instantly smooth out wrinkles and eliminate germs, dust mites and bed bugs. It’s easy to use, with a quick 40-second heat-up time and a three-in-one attachment,” says Fitzgerald. The attachments include a silicone band to keep the fabric taut, a fabric spacer for delicate materials and a bristle brush to loosen fabric fibers. The built-in creasing tool also comes in handy for creating pleats without a clothes iron. Although it’s easy to remove the water tank, its opening is small, which can make it tricky to fill without spilling any distilled water.
This is a great handheld clothing steamer with multiple steam settings for assorted fabrics.
Get it here: Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Garment Steamer GS59X
Ready to ditch the clothes iron and do all your de-wrinkling with a steamer? If so, this steamer is an excellent pro-quality choice. “It’s easy to use, offers rapid heating within two minutes and delivers steady steam,” notes Feliciano. It has a six-inch-wide metal head designed specifically for garment steaming, yet Feliciano says it’s also “excellent for removing wrinkles from everything, from clothing to bedsheets. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for all your steaming needs.” He says the only drawback is its size, which requires significant storage space. “An upright clothing steamer would likely be unsuitable for a small apartment or an individual living in a studio,” he says.
An excellent workhorse for frequent garment steaming.
Get it here: Jiffy Steamer J-2000M
Prefer to handle both ironing and steaming duties in one device without being tethered to a cord? This device is ideal for the job and has its own carrying case. Fitzgerald likes this model for its double-duty capabilities. “It lets you steam horizontally and vertically, so you can smooth out every tiny crease without carrying around a big steamer,” he says.
This is a great two-in-one device with cord-free operation.
Get it here: Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless Portable Steam Iron
These selections were made after consulting with clothing care experts who have decades of clothing steamer use in their respective fields, as well as my own experiences while traveling and occasionally using the wardrobe department’s steamers at concerts. Extensive research into factors like price, customer reviews and ease of use also played into these choices.
A clothes steamer works in the same way as the “Steam” function on a clothes iron but with greater steaming power. When a heating element inside the steamer warms up, it quickly heats the contained water to create water vapor or steam. This steam rises through the device and out through the tiny holes in the steam head. As the steam penetrates clothing fibers, it relaxes them and releases wrinkles from the garment.
“A clothes steamer is a quick way to remove folds and wrinkles from garments, especially those made from delicate fabrics that would not withstand an iron,” says Ginny Houghdahl, wardrobe assistant to multiple A-list rock bands and owner of Rock Fabric Scissors, an online vintage apparel and accessories shop.
Standing or upright clothes steamers are a must-have in the busy world of the wardrobe department backstage on concert tours, helping the wardrobe team ready the show’s outfits in a hurry. They’re just as handy in the home environment, too. “The garment can be put on a hanger and then hung from the steamer pole so you have both hands free. You can hold the steamer nozzle with one hand and move the fabric with the other. A clothes steamer also works well to refresh suit jackets and other garments to save on dry cleaning,” adds Houghdahl.
The key to keeping your clothes steamer running is reading the instruction manual, especially regarding which type of water to use. “Follow your steamer’s instructions on whether to use tap water or distilled water,” notes Hougdahl. “If you have hard water, minerals may build up on the nozzle. After the nozzle cools, wipe the nozzle surface clean to prevent buildup. Empty the water tank after you’ve finished using the steamer.”
While it may seem like extra work to tend to the steamer after each use, it’s important to keep buildup at bay; these materials could clog the steam nozzle head and prevent the steamer from functioning properly, if at all. “Remember to descale to remove mineral deposits in the device for longevity,” agrees Feliciano.
No matter the size of the steamer, they all work similarly once the device is heated up and ready to emit steam. “Hold the garment fabric in one hand, gently pulling it to one side to flatten it a little. Hold the nozzle in the other hand, about three to four inches away from the fabric so only the steam hits the fabric. Don’t touch the nozzle to the fabric; let the steam do the work. Move the nozzle slowly up and down to steam wrinkled areas. Keep the nozzle moving to avoid overheating the fabric, which could damage it,” says Houghdahl. “If you plan on doing lots of steaming, it’s helpful if you wear white inspection gloves to protect your hands.”
“Steamers work wonders on clothing and do a fine job of removing wrinkles,” says Feliciano.
They’re also good for clothes that could be damaged by ironing. “Handheld ones are great for touch-ups or for T-shirts,” Houghahl states. “If you’re only going to use one occasionally, the inexpensive handheld ones are fine. If you’re going to steam a wedding party’s clothing, then you’ll want a free-standing one.”
A steamer isn’t always the best tool for the job, however. “Regular button-up shirts usually require an iron unless it’s a polyester shirt,” warns Houghdahl. “A handheld steamer won’t work well on serious creases.”
“A clothes steamer is worth buying for those traveling and to remove wrinkles without the risk of burning a hole using an iron,” notes Feliciano. Some garments that get wrinkled in a suitcase aren’t meant to be ironed; a garment steamer prevents the temptation of using a hotel-room iron to de-wrinkle your favorite travel wear.
“Everyone, at some point or another, finds their wardrobe riddled with wrinkles,” says Fitzgerald. “It’s times like these that a clothing steamer will come in handy. Additionally, steamers are often better than alternative de-wrinkling methods as they are fast, reliable and cause no harm to most fabrics.”
Our go-to for the most reliable steamer is the Hilife Clothes Steamer,” says Fitzgerald. “This quality steamer is a great solution for refreshing clothes without an iron and ironing board.” He also likes its compact design and the quick heating time of 20 to 30 seconds. “With a 10-ounce water tank, the steamer can provide long steaming times without frequent refills, making it convenient for handling multiple garments at once.”
“Steamers are less accident-prone than irons and easier to use,” says Feliciano.” A clothing iron may provide a more precise finish and help the clothing look stiff. However, clothing steamers are gentler on clothes and are easier to use.”
“For fabrics that are thicker and stiffer, such as denim or wool, irons usually do a better job than steamers,” says Fitzgerald. “The heat and pressure from an iron can reach deeper into dense fabrics and smooth out stubborn wrinkles. But if you're dealing with delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon, steamers are the better option. The soft steam from a steamer helps ease wrinkles without risking damage to the fragile fibers. Unlike irons, steamers do not flatten fibers, which helps keep the fabric's quality and prevents permanent damage.”
“When it comes to speed, steamers are faster,” Fitzgerald adds. “They are generally easier to set up and use than irons, which makes them perfect for quickly freshening up clothes before wearing them.”
Portable Steamer AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.