A garment steamer is an extremely handy tool that doesn’t quite get the credit it deserves. Most people tend to focus their attention on steam irons, which is perfectly fine since this tool has been around for generations and is quite suited to performing tasks such as ironing seams. However, the clothes steamer is not a tool that should be disregarded because it can tackle a variety of steaming jobs and do it a lot easier than a conventional iron. They’re so useful, in fact, that I feel that every household should have one to remove wrinkles and refresh clothing.
I do understand though that what prevents some people from buying one of these models is the fear that it’s either difficult to buy a good one or that it will be a tool that’s difficult to use. Neither of which is correct. If you want to own the best clothes steamer available, then all you have to do is hang out with us for a little bit of time.
That’s because we’re not only going to review some of the best models currently available, but we’re also going to give you some tips on how to buy a model that suits your particular needs. And if that’s still not enough, then we’re also going to tell you how to use one of these steamers, so let’s just jump right into it and get started.
Best Clothes Steamer Reviews – The Top List
#8 Salav GS18-DJ/120 Steamer
This Salav steamer has the power, the accessories, and the features to get just about any steaming job done. It has 1,500-Watts of power which provide steam hot enough to soften and remove the wrinkles from all kinds of different materials including clothing, upholstery, drapes or car interiors. It also has a 1.8-liter water tank that’s translucent so you can always see how much water is in it at any given time and holds enough water to provide up to 60-minutes of non-stop steam.
This steamers also has a double insulated hose that’s designed to not get hot and is approximately 4.6-feet long. Another feature found on this unit is a folding adjustable hangar that’s positioned on the end of a garment pole, so the user always has a place to hang their garment while steaming the wrinkles out of it. And since this product also has roll casters, it’s easy to move from one room in your home to another room. These features make this unit suitable for just about any home.
#7 Pur Steam Elite Fabric Steamer
With a large capacity 61-ounce tank that heats up in 60-seconds and provides up to 60-minutes of steam at a time, this steamer is a great tool for just about any laundry room. It’s manufactured with a heavy-duty cast aluminum heating element that heats steam up to 248-degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that is hot enough to penetrate deep into the fibers of the garment to relax them out quickly and effortlessly.
And since the temperature of this steam is so hot, it not only softens garments and works out wrinkles but can also be used to sanitize clothes with the ability to kill up to 99.99% of all bacteria. A handy feature which can be found on this unit is a handheld steam board and a crease attachment that can be used to remove the wrinkles from pockets, sleeves, and even collars. This unit also has an adjustable hanger that makes it easy to hold the fabrics in place while they’re being steamed.
#6 Beautural 1,200-Watt Handheld Steamer
While this 1,200-Watt handheld steamer might not have the features and power of the larger units currently available, it does have two things going for it. It’s not only considerably less expensive than the larger models, but it’s also more portable. This easy-to-use steamer is just large enough to get the job done but isn’t so large so that it’s inconvenient to carry around. It has an 8.79-ounce water tank that’s designed to heat up in 30-seconds or less and will provide the user with up to 15-minutes of hot, continuous steam. Another great feature found on this ergonomically designed unit is that it’s leak-proof, so it won’t spill hot water when it’s being used to steam clothing.
It also has an auto-shutoff feature that shuts the unit off if it becomes too heated or if its left unattended for 8-minutes. Since it has a compact design, this product can not only be used in the home but can be used while on vacation or while on a business trip. And it comes with a number of added accessories which make it easier to use, and these include a lint brush, fabric brush, measuring cup and an informative instruction manual.
#5 Jiffy Steamer J-2000 Fabric Steamer
Designed to be good for not only home use but also for professional use, this fabric steamer is manufactured with all of the elements you would expect from a professional quality steamer. It has a solid-brass 1,300-Watt heating element that’s not only extremely reliable but is designed to heat up water in just under 2-minutes and provide high-quality steam that’s useful for working out any wrinkle. This product also has a 2.84-liter water capacity, so that it can provide up to 1.5-hours of continuous steam at a time.
This large water tank is also clear so you can clearly see how much water is left in it, and it fits securely into the base during the steaming process. This unit has a 5.5-foot flexible hose with a plastic handle and steam head and also has casters that allow it to be moved from one room to the next. All of these features come together to make a unit that’s safe, powerful and reliable enough for all of your garment steaming.
#4 Pur Steam Full-Size Professional Steamer
While some people will be bowled over by this steamer’s classy-looking green sea-foam color, the real power of this product lies beneath its beautiful exterior. That’s because it’s designed with all of the features you would expect from a high-quality steaming machine. It has a large 2.5-liter tank that holds enough water to provide up to 60-minutes of continuous steam at a time. It also has a collapsible hanger that’s big enough to hold suit jackets which are wide-shouldered and is adjustable enough so that it will also hold small garments as well.
This product has four different steam adjustment levels and is suitable for steaming all kinds of different fabrics. This unit also has a burn prevention cap that won’t allow the user to take the cap off of the unit while the steam is hot enough to burn them. It’s a unit that’s great for steaming everything from wool and cotton to silk and cashmere.
#3 Pur Steam Heavy-Duty Steamer
A modern design, reinforced ABS wheels and a telescopic garment pole are only a handful of the features that can be found on this compact, yet powerful unit. This steamer also has 4-steam settings that allow the user to select the right amount of steam for the right garment. It also has a removable water tank that pulls out easily when it’s time to refill it, but otherwise sits firmly into the base of the unit.
Since this unit uses a special safety cap on its water tank, users don’t have to worry about burning themselves when they are refilling the tank. That’s because this safety cap won’t come off while the water or steam inside the unit is hot enough to burn the skin. Other features which can be found on this fun to use system include a high-quality steam nozzle, durable steam hose, and an ergonomic handle.
#2 Gideon Handheld Portable Steamer
Portability and ease-of-use are the two most important features that can be found on this portable steamer. It has a compact size that’s only 8-inches by 3-inches by 4-inches, so it can easily be taken on extended trips without a whole lot of hassle. Of course, it can also be used at home and has a nice 6-foot long power cord that gives it easy reach to just about any home electrical outlet. Another feature that can be found on this steamer is that it’s drip-free and spit-free as well, so it won’t spill hot water on either the garment or the user’s hands.
Since it’s so compact, and only has a 5-ounce water tank, this unit can easily come to temperature in 60-seconds or less and be ready to steam clothing to a wrinkle-free look. Although it won’t provide the user with extended periods of steam, it is extremely easy-to-use, inexpensive and very durable.
#1 Lemontec Portable Travel Steamer
Highly praised for its design and power, this unit is suitable for anyone who wants to try one of the best steamers currently available. This product has a design that’s portable enough to allow it to be taken just about anywhere but is powerful enough to allow it to perform just about any steam job. It has a 180-Ml tank that only takes about 70-seconds for it to come to temperature and will provide up to 9-minutes of steam time.
While it won’t set any records for the length of time this unit produces steam, the steam it does produce is extremely hot and very effective at relaxing wrinkles. Another important feature to mention on this unit is that it can automatically shut itself off if it gets too hot or if its water level becomes too low.
Buying the Best Garment Steamer
In this section, we’re going to talk about how to buy the best steamer possible. While we’ve covered some of the best clothes steamer reviews up above, we thought it would be nice to give you a little bit of extra information that will help you determine which particular type of steamer is right for you.
Looking over the above reviews, you’ve probably noticed that steamers come in two general models. There are ones that are handheld, and there are ones that are primarily floor models. Deciding which one of these models actually suits your needs is going to be the primary purpose of this section, so let’s get down to it and find out which one is really right for you.
Handheld vs. Floor Units
Whether you want a handheld steamer or a floor unit is up to you, but there are a few things to consider. For instance, you might want to think about whether you need the unit to be portable enough to travel with you. If that’s the case, then you are definitely going to want to buy a portable model. After all, the big floor steamers can be hard enough to move from one part of the house to the next, but it’s almost possible to take them with you if you do a lot of business traveling.
Portable units are also cheaper, so that’s another thing to keep in mind when choosing a steamer. Floor models often come with extra accessories, such as clothing hangers or poles, that make them easier to use but this also makes them more expensive.
Features to Look For on Floor Units
If you do decide to get a full-size garment steamer, otherwise known as a floor model, then you are going to want to choose a model that has some good features. For one thing, you are going to want to buy a model that has a flexible hose that’s lightweight and easy to use. You are also going to want to find one that has an easy-to-extend garment pole that’s secure and doesn’t wobble. Also be sure to get a model that has wheels on it. That will make it easier to move from one room to another room in your house.
Another feature that some models have is an on/off switch that can be operated by your foot. While this is extremely convenient and allows you to turn the unit on and off without having to bend over or kneel, it’s not a big deal if your unit doesn’t have one. What’s more important for these models is that they have the right accessories available. Look for models that have fabric brushes, steam bonnets, and lint pads.
Another common feature among floor models is the choice between a plastic head and a metal head. Metal heads are good if you want the ability to use the garment steamer as a conventional iron as well as a steamer. If you don’t have this need, then feel free to go with a plastic head model that’s probably a little bit cheaper. And last but not least, be sure that whatever model you buy, it has a water tank that is big enough for your particular needs.
Features to Look For on Portable Units
On the other hand, if you want to buy a handheld unit instead of a floor model, then you are going to look at a whole different range of different features. That’s because these steamers are fundamentally different from floor models, so you have to find the best features that are specific to these model of steamers.
For instance, a feature that should be expected on most portable models is a safety feature that will shut the unit off when it runs out of water. I consider this a basic safety feature that all units should have. Unfortunately, there are some models out there which don’t, so be sure to try to buy models that have this feature whenever possible.
We also like to see portable units that don’t “spit.” Spitting is a term used to describe the excess water that some steamers produce. While it’s perfectly normal for steamers to produce a little bit of moisture during the steaming process, it should rain down water at every turn. Therefore, look for models that are spit and drip-free for best results.
You should also examine the cord of the portable unit that you want to buy. The better models have reinforced cords that have a good length to them. This gives you a little bit of room to move around as you’re using it. Some of them also have 360-degree swiveling cords. I particularly like these models because it prevents the cord from tangling and makes the whole unit easier to use. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of models using this feature at the moment.
Steam trigger-lock features are also pretty handy, although only a few portable models have them. This feature allows the user to lock the steam in the on position so that they can get a constant stream of steam. This is handy for large garments but can quickly deplete the unit’s water reservoir. Regardless, it’s still pretty useful for some steaming projects.
How to Steam Your Clothing
There’s no doubt about it. A clothing steamer is a great invention. It can remove wrinkles out of clothing and is fairly easy-to-use. In fact, I think they’re so great that every household should have one to keep their clothes in top condition and on point. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t drawbacks to using a clothes steamer because there are in fact some drawbacks. And one of the drawbacks is that it can be extremely easy to damage delicate products with this device if it’s used improperly.
We want everyone to get the most out of a newly purchased steamer for clothes, so we’ve decided to put together this guide to help everyone use the best practices when using these devices. After all, you’ve searched through countless garment steamer reviews, so you want to make sure that you get the most out of it and don’t damage it or the clothing you’re steaming. Okay, let’s go ahead and start this guide.
Decide on Either a Steamer or Steam Iron
Before you begin, it’s probably a good idea to assess your expectations. What I mean is that you should decide if the best steamer for clothes, is the best option for your clothes. When it comes to steaming clothes, there are two different ways to do it. There are steam irons, and there are garment steamers, and each of them has their own particular set of pros and cons.
For example, garment steamers are mainly used to steam wrinkles out of clothes while they’re on a hanger. Therefore, they aren’t very good for pressing your clothes or putting a crease in your clothing. However, they are less likely to damage clothing than irons. Steam irons, on the other hand, can be used to make a variety of creases and can give clothes that crisp look, but they have the potential of damaging clothing quite easily if misused.
Knowing What To Steam
After you’ve received your garment steamer, you’ll probably have the urge to set it up right away and begin to immediately steam. However, it’s important that you take a few moments before you do and learn a little bit about your machine. Make sure that you thoroughly read your instruction manual and know it from cover to cover, especially the safety precautions.
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with your steamer’s instruction manual, you’ll then want to take a few moments and think about what you can and can’t steam. While the majority of modern fabrics can be steamed, there are some fabrics that shouldn’t be steamed. These fabrics include synthetic leather, sued or items made from plastic. Categories that can be steamed include cotton, silk, polyester, wool and even leather. Just be sure to read the fabric care instructions and follow them to the letter. If a garment’s label says not to steam it, then don’t steam it. If you’re not exactly sure if your garment can be steamed or not, then you will probably want to test out a small, inconspicuous area of the garment. If the area isn’t damaged, then it’s probably safe to steam the entire garment.
Properly Steaming Your Clothing
Okay, now that you’ve figured out that one of these steamers is indeed what you need and have read all safety and care instructions for both the machine and the garment, you are then ready to start steaming your clothes. Below are some tips.
Congratulations, you just used your favorite steamer to get the wrinkles out of your clothing and it most likely turned out great. While it can be a bit intimidating to steam clothes for the first time, if you’re not used to the process, once you get into it you’ll see just how quick and easy it really is.
Nothing does a better job at removing wrinkles than a good steamer. Now, before you go, there’s just one last thing we’d like to talk with you about and that’s using your steamer in a safe and responsible manner.
Garment Steamer Safety Tips
- Never Use a Steamer With a Damaged Cord
- Read and Understand Your Unit’s Instruction Manual
- Don’t Handle the Power Cord With Wet Hands
- Do Not Use the Unit Outdoors
- Don’t Use for Any Purpose It’s Not Designed For
- Only Certified Technicians Should Service Your Steamer
- Keep Your Steamer Away From Children
- Store in a Safe, Dry Place
- Don’t Use Any Steamer Near Flammable Objects
- Unplug Your Unit When Not In Use
Conclusion
As you can pretty well see, finding one of these garment steamers is easy to do, as is using one of these devices. You don’t have to get all steamed up with one of these steamers. After all, there’s a model for just about anyone, and all of them are pretty easy to operate. And they all manage to do a really good job at refreshing fabrics, and removing wrinkles from garments of all types.
All you need to do is find one that suits your lifestyle and your pocketbook, and you can put these remarkable tools to work for you. It doesn’t matter if you want to use it at home or on the road, these devices really come in handy.
