Best Steamers for Clothes

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Clothes steamers are a popular alternative to traditional irons for removing wrinkles and freshening garments, using hot steam to relax fabric fibers for a gentler touch on delicate materials. They’re also quicker and easier to use, especially for larger items like curtains and suits. When choosing a clothes steamer, consider the unit’s size and portability—handheld models are great for travel, while larger standing units suit home use. Steam output, heat-up time, and tank capacity impact how quickly and effectively the steamer performs and how long you can steam without refilling. We tested a variety of clothes steamers to find the best options for different needs and budgets, focusing on quick heat-up, consistent steam output, and ease of use.

  • Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam

    10

    We think the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam is a great choice for those who want a powerful handheld steamer with multiple settings and useful attachments.

    10

    We think the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam is a great choice for those who want a powerful handheld steamer with multiple settings and useful attachments.

    Pros

    • Powerful 1875-watt steam generator
    • 5 steam settings for different fabrics
    • 3-in-1 attachment for versatile use

    Cons

    • Heavier than some other handheld steamers
    • Small water tank needs frequent refilling
    • May be overkill for occasional users

    We tried out the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam and were impressed by its performance. The steamer heats up in just 40 seconds, which is great when we’re in a rush. We liked that we could choose from five steam settings, making it easy to switch between delicate fabrics and tougher wrinkles.

    The 3-in-1 attachment proved very useful. We used the silicone band to pull fabric taut, which helped us get better results on tricky items. The bristle brush was good for thicker fabrics, helping the steam get deep into the fibers.

    One thing to note is that this steamer is a bit on the heavy side. We found it tiring to use for long periods. The water tank is also quite small, so we had to refill it often during big jobs. But for most everyday steaming tasks, it worked great. We think it’s a solid choice for people who steam clothes often and want a powerful, versatile tool.

  • HiLIFE Portable Steamer

    9.7

    We recommend this compact steamer for its ease of use and good wrinkle-removing power at an affordable price.

    9.7

    We recommend this compact steamer for its ease of use and good wrinkle-removing power at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and portable
    • Heats up quickly
    • Works on many fabric types

    Cons

    • Small water tank needs frequent refills
    • Only for 120V outlets
    • Steam isn’t as strong as larger models

    The HiLIFE steamer impressed us with how simple it was to use. We just filled the tank, plugged it in, and it was ready to go in minutes. Its 700-watt heating element produced a steady stream of steam that smoothed out wrinkles effectively on most fabrics we tried.

    We liked how compact and light this steamer is. It fit easily in our luggage when traveling. The 9-foot cord gave us plenty of reach to steam hanging clothes or drapes. We found it worked well on delicate items like silk blouses that we’d worry about ironing.

    One downside is the small 240ml water tank. We had to refill it after about 15 minutes of use. The steam isn’t quite as powerful as bigger, pricier models. But for most everyday wrinkle-busting tasks, we think this handy little steamer does the job well at a great price point.

  • HiLIFE Compact Clothes Steamer

    9.5

    We think this steamer is a solid choice for quick touch-ups at home or on the go, thanks to its strong performance and user-friendly design.

    9.5

    We think this steamer is a solid choice for quick touch-ups at home or on the go, thanks to its strong performance and user-friendly design.

    Pros

    • Fast heating and strong steam output
    • Large 300ml water tank
    • Compact and travel-friendly

    Cons

    • Only works with 110-120V outlets
    • May drip occasionally
    • Limited steam time per tank

    When we first tried the HiLFE Compact Clothes Steamer, we were happy with how fast it heated up. In just a minute or two, it was ready to go. The steam came out strong and steady, making quick work of wrinkles in our clothes.

    We liked the big water tank. It let us steam several items before needing a refill. This was great for busy mornings when we had to freshen up a few outfits. The steamer worked well on different fabrics, from cotton shirts to silk blouses.

    The design is simple and easy to use. We found the single button control handy, and the grip felt good in our hand. It’s light and small, which makes it perfect for travel. We could easily fit it in our suitcase for a weekend trip. Just remember, it only works in countries with 110-120V power, so it’s not ideal for all international travel.

  • GANIBAY Handheld Steamer

    9.4

    We think this GANIBAY steamer is a great choice for quick wrinkle removal and fabric refreshing at home or while traveling.

    9.4

    We think this GANIBAY steamer is a great choice for quick wrinkle removal and fabric refreshing at home or while traveling.

    Pros

    • Heats up in 30 seconds
    • 25 minutes of continuous steam
    • Works on many fabric types

    Cons

    • May not replace an iron for all tasks
    • Water tank could be larger
    • Might be too bulky for some travelers

    We tested this GANIBAY steamer and found it really easy to use. The single-button interface is simple, and we liked being able to choose from three steam settings. It heated up fast – in about 30 seconds we were ready to start steaming.

    The 380ml water tank gave us enough steam to freshen up several garments before needing a refill. We used it on shirts, pants, and even curtains with good results. The 360° anti-leak design let us steam at any angle without worrying about drips or spills.

    We appreciate the long 9.8-foot cord, which made it easy to reach clothes hanging in different spots. The steamer comes with a lint brush attachment and refill cup, nice extras that add to its value. While it worked well on most fabrics, very stubborn wrinkles might still need an iron.

  • Rolipo Handheld Steamer

    9.3

    We think this compact steamer is a great choice for quick touch-ups at home or on the go.

    9.3

    We think this compact steamer is a great choice for quick touch-ups at home or on the go.

    Pros

    • Powerful steam removes tough wrinkles
    • Large 400ml tank for longer use
    • Lightweight and portable design

    Cons

    • May not be ideal for large garments
    • Takes practice to avoid water drips
    • Single heat setting limits versatility

    We found the Rolipo handheld steamer to be a handy tool for dealing with wrinkles. Its 1350-watt heating element produces strong, consistent steam that tackles creases in various fabrics. We liked how quickly it heats up – in about a minute, we were able to start steaming.

    The 400ml water tank is a nice size for a portable unit. It gave us about 20 minutes of continuous use, which was enough to freshen up several garments. The clear tank made it easy to check the water level. We appreciated the long power cord, which let us move around freely while steaming.

    This steamer feels light in hand and was comfortable to use. Its compact size makes it great for travel or small spaces. While it worked well on most clothes, very heavy fabrics sometimes needed a few passes. We had to be careful to avoid water drips, but with some practice, we got the hang of it. For its size and price, we think this Rolipo steamer offers good value for basic garment care needs.

  • Electrolux Portable Steamer

    9.1

    We think this Electrolux steamer is a great choice for most people looking to quickly remove wrinkles from clothes and fabrics.

    9.1

    We think this Electrolux steamer is a great choice for most people looking to quickly remove wrinkles from clothes and fabrics.

    Pros

    • Heats up fast in 30 seconds
    • Powerful steam output
    • Versatile with multiple attachments

    Cons

    • Somewhat heavy at 2 pounds
    • Small water tank needs frequent refills
    • A bit pricey compared to basic models

    When we tested this Electrolux steamer, we were impressed by how quickly it heats up. In just 30 seconds, it was ready to go. This is super handy when you’re in a rush to de-wrinkle an outfit.

    The steam output is strong and steady. We found it worked well on all kinds of fabrics, from delicate silks to heavy curtains. The ceramic soleplate glides smoothly and helps distribute the steam evenly.

    We really like the extra attachments that come with this steamer. The fabric brush is great for tougher wrinkles, while the lint brush helps freshen up clothes. These add-ons make it more than just a basic steamer.

    One downside we noticed is the weight. At about 2 pounds, it can feel a bit heavy after extended use. The water tank is on the smaller side too. We had to refill it every 15-20 minutes of continuous steaming.

    The 12-foot cord gives good reach, which we found useful when steaming larger items like curtains. The auto shut-off is a nice safety feature, especially if you’re prone to forgetting things.

    While it’s pricier than some basic models, we think the Electrolux steamer’s quality and features make it worth considering for anyone who regularly needs to remove wrinkles from clothes or fabrics.

  • SALAV Heavy-Duty Steamer

    9

    We recommend this powerful steamer for its commercial-grade performance and large water tank, making it great for heavy use.

    9

    We recommend this powerful steamer for its commercial-grade performance and large water tank, making it great for heavy use.

    Pros

    • Powerful 1800-watt steam output
    • Large 3-liter water tank
    • Easy to use with foot pedal control

    Cons

    • Bulky size may not suit small spaces
    • Higher price point than home models
    • Only one steam setting

    The SALAV steamer packs a punch with its 1800 watts of steam power. We found it heats up fast and tackles wrinkles quickly. The large 3-liter tank is a game-changer, letting us steam for over an hour without refills.

    We like the foot pedal control, which makes it easy to turn the steam on and off. The wide support frame and hanger are handy for holding garments. It’s stable and doesn’t tip over, even with heavier items.

    While it’s great for frequent use, this steamer is big. It might be too much for small homes. But if you need to steam often, we think it’s worth the space. The wheels make it easy to move around, and it folds down for storage. For businesses or busy households, this SALAV steamer is a solid pick.

  • BEAUTURAL Portable Steamer

    8.7

    We think this steamer is a great choice for most people who want to quickly remove wrinkles from clothes and fabrics.

    8.7

    We think this steamer is a great choice for most people who want to quickly remove wrinkles from clothes and fabrics.

    Pros

    • Heats up in just 30 seconds
    • Works on all types of fabric
    • Large water tank for longer use

    Cons

    • May leak if not held upright
    • Takes practice to use well
    • Brush attachments can be tricky

    We tested the BEAUTURAL steamer and found it worked well on most clothes. It heated up fast and put out a good amount of steam. We liked that we could use it on all our fabrics without worry.

    The big water tank was nice. We steamed several shirts before needing to refill it. This saved time when we had lots of clothes to do. The steamer felt light in our hands, even when full of water.

    We had some trouble at first. It leaked a bit if we tilted it too much. But once we got the hang of it, it worked great. The brush tools were useful but took some figuring out. All in all, we think this steamer is a good buy for most people.

  • PureSteam XL Standing Steamer

    8.7

    We recommend the PureSteam XL for its quick heat-up time and large water tank, making it a solid choice for most home users.

    8.7

    We recommend the PureSteam XL for its quick heat-up time and large water tank, making it a solid choice for most home users.

    Pros

    • Heats up in 45 seconds
    • 1-hour continuous steam
    • Works on various fabrics

    Cons

    • Can sputter water occasionally
    • No steam control
    • Hose could be longer

    The PureSteam XL is a handy tool for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. We found it easy to set up and use right out of the box. The large half-gallon tank was a big plus, letting us steam for a full hour without refills.

    We tested it on different fabrics, from delicate silks to tough denims. It worked well on all of them, though we noticed it sometimes sputtered water. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

    The wheels made it simple to move around, which we liked. But we wished the hose was a bit longer for easier reach. Despite these small issues, we think the PureSteam XL is a good pick for most people who want to ditch their iron.

  • Rowenta X-Cel Handheld Steamer

    8.6

    We think this powerful steamer is a top choice for quick wrinkle removal and fabric refreshing.

    8.6

    We think this powerful steamer is a top choice for quick wrinkle removal and fabric refreshing.

    Pros

    • Heats up in just 25 seconds
    • Powerful 1875-watt steam output
    • Safe for all fabrics

    Cons

    • Might be heavy for some users
    • Water tank can be tricky to remove
    • Pricier than basic models

    We tested the Rowenta X-Cel and were impressed by its quick heat-up time. In less than half a minute, it was ready to tackle wrinkles. This speed is a big plus for busy mornings or last-minute touch-ups.

    The steam output is strong, making short work of stubborn creases. We found it worked well on a range of fabrics, from delicate silks to heavy curtains. The 9.84-foot cord gave us plenty of reach, which was handy when steaming longer items.

    One thing to note is the weight. At 1.4 pounds, some users might find it a bit heavy for extended use. The water tank, while good-sized at 6.4 ounces, can be a bit tricky to remove. But these minor issues aside, we think the Rowenta X-Cel offers great value for its price. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable, powerful steamer for home or travel use.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a clothes steamer, there are several key factors to consider:

Water Tank Capacity

A larger tank means less refilling during use. We recommend looking for:

  • Handheld steamers: 5-10 oz tank
  • Standing steamers: 40+ oz tank

Heat-up Time

Quick heat-up lets you start steaming faster. Aim for:

  • 30 seconds or less for handheld models
  • 1-2 minutes for standing units

Steam Output

More powerful steam removes wrinkles better. Look for:

  • At least 15-20 grams/minute for handhelds
  • 30+ grams/minute for standing steamers

Attachments

Useful extras can include:

  • Fabric brush
  • Creaser
  • Lint remover

Portability

For travel, choose a compact handheld under 2 pounds. At home, a standing unit offers more power.

Safety Features

We suggest picking a steamer with auto shut-off and cool-touch exteriors.

Price

Expect to pay:

  • $20-$50 for basic handheld models
  • $50-$150 for premium handhelds or basic standing units
  • $150+ for high-end standing steamers

By weighing these factors, you can find the best steamer for your needs and budget.