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The 7 Best Travel Steamers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your wardrobe in top shape, no matter where your travels take you.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Steamers We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

When it comes to looking polished on the go, nothing beats the convenience of a travel steamer. Whether you’re heading to a weekend getaway or business trip, a good travel steamer — like the Conair Handheld Garment Steamer I swear by — will become your go-to for freshening up your wardrobe. Unlike traditional irons, travel steamers offer quick and easy wrinkle removal without the need for an ironing board, making them perfect for frequent travelers.

Our Travel + Leisure team tested eight travel steamers to assess ease of use, performance, portability, durability, and value. We evaluated and compared each option based on heating time, wrinkle-busting performance on different fabrics, cord length, packability, and more. (Read more about our comprehensive testing process below). We will continue testing our picks for six more months to ensure each option’s reliability and durability, and we will update this article if anything should change. Scroll down below to find your next travel steamer that ensures you’re always prepared to look your best, no matter where your travels take you.

Best Overall

Electrolux garment steamer.

This steamer has the largest water capacity on our list, which comes in handy when you’re steaming multiple items consecutively. 

Packing it in tight spaces may be challenging since the head does not fold. 

This Electrolux Handheld Steamer is the Goldilocks of our list: everything is just right. From a large water tank to an 8-foot-long cord and multiple steam settings, this steamer strikes the perfect balance between convenience and performance. We tested this steamer twice to make sure it deserved our best overall spot, and it held up thanks to its light weight, powerful steam output, and wide plate that helped cover a wide surface area on each garment. The steamer heats up quickly — though for best results, a five-minute warm-up is recommended — and has a fixed steam trigger that will automatically provide continuous steam without the need to hold it down. We used it on various fabrics, including tuxedos, slacks, linen shirts, and button-down shirts, and each item came out fresh and crisp. When we tested this steamer in our lab during our final round of testing, we were able to steam four clothing items top to bottom, including a thick, wrinkled blazer, without having to refill the tank. We especially loved the ergonomic handle that saved us from hand cramps during extended use. 

The Details: 1 pound | 8 x 3 x 3.5 inches | 10-ounce tank | 8-foot cord | 2 steam settings | 18-minute steam time per fill

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Lightweight

Nesugar steamer for clothes.

The adjustable head gives you options to steam vertically and horizontally.

When the tank is completely full, it tends to spit out some water when you turn it on. 

Whether we tested this steamer out on trips or at home, it made quick work of everything from cotton shirts and dresses to wrinkled Roman blinds. And above all, we ranked this steamer high for being so lightweight that you barely even notice that it’s in your bag — perfect to throw into a tote or a carry-on suitcase during travel. The steamer heats up in less than 20 seconds and features a 90-degree rotating head, adding versatility by allowing vertical or horizontal use. The two-button operation is straightforward, though the cord's length was a bit limiting, and the initial water spitting from a full tank was a minor inconvenience. Despite these quirks, its small size and fast heat-up time make it a great choice for frequent travelers when you don’t want to add extra weight to your bag. 

The Details: 12.8 ounces | 3.1 x 1.65 x 8.9 inches | 6-foot cord | 1 steam setting | 10-minute steam time per fill

Travel + Leisure / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith

Most Compact

Polardo hand held portable travel garment steamer.

Its compact size, quick heat-up time, and effective wrinkle-busting power make it a top choice for travel.

This steamer is not compatible for international travel. 

We dub this one the “little steamer that could.” Despite its small size, this steamer delivers impressive performance, heating up in just 25 seconds and effectively smoothing out wrinkles from a variety of fabrics like cotton, linen, and blends. Its lightweight design — just over a pound — and compact size made it easy to pack, fitting comfortably into a weekender bag or carry-on. The detachable, magnetic water tank simplifies refilling, and the steamer’s consistent steam output effectively tackled wrinkles on multiple garments. With a cord over 7 feet long, it offers decent flexibility, though it might require some adjustment for different hotel setups — and you won’t be able to use it for international travel.

The Details: 1.2 pounds | 3.54 x 2.36 x 7.87 inches | 7-foot-7-inch cord | 4-ounce tank | 1 steam setting | 10-minute steam time per fill

Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Braet

Best Heavy-duty

Conair extremesteam hand-held fabric steamer.

This steamer has more steam settings and a longer use time than most others we’ve tested, plus it's very durable.

It’s the heaviest and largest of all the steamers on this list.

I can personally vouch for this steamer because it’s my go-to for travel and at home, having survived several trips and bag checks throughout the years. The steamer heats up in just 40 seconds and features an easy-to-grip handle, attachments, and adjustable steam settings for precise wrinkle removal. Despite its 3.5-pound weight, which might be cumbersome for some travelers, the steamer’s durability and performance makes it worth taking along if you have the space, especially since its L-shaped design and detachable tank make it easy to pack. This Conair option is a solid investment, especially for those who need a reliable steamer that works as well at home as it does on the go.

“I mostly steamed some of my cotton button-up shirts, which are notoriously prone to wrinkles and usually better tackled with a traditional iron,” says T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant . “I was impressed with how effective this steamer got the wrinkles out. I used the attached creaser on the hood of the steamer to get those tough to steam areas like the collar and sleeves, which helped me press those areas down flat. Genius feature!”

The Details: 3.6 pounds | 8 x 5.6 x 13.6 inches | 7.3-ounce tank | 5 steam settings | 20-minute steam time per fill

Travel + Leisure / Jasmine Grant

• Travel + Leisure/Jasmine Grant

Best Iron/Steamer Combo

Nori the nori press.

The steamer’s design, resembling a hair straightener, is easy to use and helps cut down steaming time.

The steam tank is small, so be prepared to refill it often (though you can still use it without the steam).

The Nori handheld steamer, tested on a variety of fabrics including linen, cotton, and denim, proved to be a standout performer. It heats up quickly, in under a minute, and its intuitive fabric settings make it easy to use, much like a high-tech hair straightener for clothes. The steamer's compact, lightweight design — just 1.4 pounds — makes it easy to pack and carry, whether in a suitcase or a weekender bag. It effectively combines the benefits of an iron and a steamer, allowing for quick wrinkle removal on both sides of garments simultaneously as you press it down directly on the clothing. Though it requires frequent refilling due to its small tank, it compensates with its six versatile fabric settings. 

“I found the design easier to use than other travel steamers I’ve tried, maybe because I’ve been using hair tools with a similar design my whole life,” says T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco . “I also love how you can switch between fabric settings so easily, and it will tell you to use it for poly, silk, wool, cotton, denim, or linen, so you don't have to guess.”

The Details: 1.4 pounds | 15.5 x 4 x 4 inches long | 0.98-ounce tank | 8-foot cord | 6 steam settings | 10-minute steam time per fill

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Best for Thick Fabrics

Hilife steamer.

The steamer's large water tank allows for 20-25 minutes of continuous use, making it efficient for multiple garments before needing a refill.

The steamer is on the bulkier side, which can make it less ideal for tight travel packing.

This HiLife steamer, which we tested on a range of fabrics from silk pajamas to linen pants and work shirts, delivers solid performance with its single "on" setting. We love the long cord length (the longest out of all the steamers on this list), which provides added flexibility and convenience, eliminating the need for constant repositioning. It takes about four to five minutes to start producing steam, which is visible through a window on the steamer. Despite its straightforward design, with an easy-to-fill water tank and a basic plastic handle, this steamer handles wrinkles efficiently, offering up to 20-25 minutes of continuous steam before needing a refill. Although it feels a bit bulky compared to other travel steamers and may not fit easily into a tightly packed suitcase, it functions well without leaks or malfunctions. One thing to note is that the fill line is located in the middle of the water tank, so you may be tempted to ignore it and fill it higher (like we did), but hot water will start spurting out, so follow the instructions and don’t overfill it.

The Details: 1.7 pounds | 6.8 x 5.5 x 7 inches | 8.1-ounce tank | 9.2-foot cord | 1 steam setting | 15-minute steam time per fill

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travel + Leisure / Kaylene Konigsmark

Best Budget

Bear travel steamer.

You can’t beat this price for anyone needing a portable, effective steamer.

This steamer does not have a steam lock feature.

Despite having only one setting, this steamer removes wrinkles with just a few passes, even on delicate fabrics, though not as powerfully as some of the other steamers on this list. It heats up quickly, within 10-15 seconds, and the consistent steam output ensures efficient wrinkle removal without sputtering. The lightweight and compact design made it easy to pack in a small, already-stuffed weekender bag. While the small water tank requires frequent refilling, the steamer's portability and performance make it a fantastic value at $20. Although it lacks a continuous steam setting and requires holding the button down, these are minor trade-offs for its impressive price, results, and convenience. 

The Details: 1.45 pounds | 8.4 x 6 x 3 inches | 4.05-ounce tank | 6-foot cord | 1 steam setting | 10-15-minute steam time per fill

Other Travel Steamers We Liked

One additional travel steamer we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list due to minor issues but still had notable features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Rowenta Steamer : This steamer is heavier than it appears, and while it fit into a carry-on, its size — reminiscent of an old-fashioned hair dryer — makes it a better fit for a checked suitcase or larger carry-on. Despite its weight, it heats up impressively fast and removes wrinkles efficiently, though the tiny water tank limits it to steaming one garment at a time.

Our T+L team tested eight travel steamers in everyday scenarios to assess portability, ease of use, performance, durability, and value. We assessed each steamer's weight and how it fit into various travel bags, from personal items to checked suitcases, to determine its portability. We gauged ease of use by how simple it was to fill the water tank, maneuver the steamer, and adjust settings if available.

Performance tests focused on how quickly the steamer heated up, the effectiveness of the steam in removing wrinkles, and how long a single tank of water lasted. We noted any issues with sputtering or leaking during use. For durability, we examined the quality of materials and any signs of wear after extensive testing. Lastly, we evaluated each steamer's value for money, comparing its price against its performance and quality to determine if the cost is justified.

We retested four steamers (from Electrolux, HiLife, Rowenta, and Bear) in our New York City lab to directly compare them against each other and to better assess the most appropriate categories for those products. For that lab test, we prepacked a selection of clothing overnight as messily as we could to make the garments as wrinkled as possible, including a blazer, trousers, a button-down shirt, and a long dress. We steamed a different set of wrinkled clothing with each steamer to note what made each one stand out among the pack.

Our ongoing plan includes further testing over six months to track each steamer’s long-term performance and durability. We’ll continue to document portability, practicality, and overall reliability, updating our findings as necessary.

Tips for Buying a Travel Steamer

Prioritize portability.

A compact steamer is ideal for carry-ons or personal items, but remember that smaller sizes often mean smaller water tanks, which may require more frequent refills. Balancing portability with functionality is key for a smooth travel experience. Ensure the steamer fits comfortably into your preferred travel bags, whether it’s a carry-on, weekender, or checked suitcase. A lightweight steamer will be easier to handle and pack, making it a more convenient option for frequent travelers. 

Think about types of garments you typically steam

If you frequently steam thicker fabrics like blazers, look for a steamer with higher power or steam output. For those packing a variety of outfits, including silk, cotton, linen, and denim, a steamer with multiple steam settings will offer the versatility needed to handle different materials effectively.

Look for extra features and attachments

Some, but not all, steamers come with additional features like a creaser, built-in irons, or lint removers. Special attachments can enhance versatility and functionality, helping you tackle a range of fabrics and garment types more efficiently. Make sure you know what your steamer includes when you buy it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start by filling the steamer's water tank. Most travel steamers have a removable tank or a small opening for easy filling. Plug in the steamer and turn it on. Allow it to heat up; this usually takes a minute or two. Some models will have an indicator light or sound to signal when it's ready. 

Hold the steamer upright and press the steam button to start the flow of steam. Gently move the steamer over the wrinkled areas of your garment, either holding the fabric taut or steaming it while it hangs. Some models allow you to use the steamer while the garment is flat on a surface.

After use, turn off and unplug the steamer. Empty any remaining water from the tank, and let it cool down before storing. 

The primary difference between a steamer and an iron is each tool’s method of wrinkle removal. A steamer uses hot steam, which helps to smooth out wrinkles without direct contact. In contrast, an iron uses direct heat and pressure to press wrinkles out of clothing. It requires physical contact with the fabric, which can sometimes lead to burns or shiny spots if not used carefully. While irons can provide a crisp, pressed look, steamers are often quicker and gentler, making them suitable for a wider range of fabrics and easier to use on items that are hanging.

Yes, you can generally bring a travel steamer on an airplane or cruise ship, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. For airplanes, most airlines allow travel-size steamers in carry-on or checked luggage, but remember to empty out the water tank to avoid any issues at security. On cruise ships, steamers are usually permitted in your cabin, but it's a good idea to confirm with the cruise line before your trip because some ships have specific policies or restrictions on electrical appliances. Even when flying, checking with your transportation provider is always a good idea.

Always confirm the voltage specifications of your steamer before traveling, and consider investing in a universal adapter and voltage converter if needed to ensure your steamer functions properly abroad. Most travel steamers operate on 110/120V — including all items on this list — which is standard in the U.S. and some other countries. If you’re traveling to a country with a different voltage standard, such as 220/240V, you’ll need a voltage converter to use your steamer safely. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

An expert on shopping trends and a frequent traveler, Maddie Michalik has been professionally reviewing products for a decade. She has firsthand knowledge of travel steamers, having invested in a Conair Handheld Garment Steamer four years ago and never looking back. The travel steamers included on this list scored highly in real-world and laboratory tests carried out by the T+L team.

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Related Articles

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

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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.

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 6 Best Travel Steamers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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

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 an outfit in minutes, whether you're comfortably at home, or on a trip with a suitcase full of wrinkly clothes. We've tested more than 40 clothes steamers in The Lab and in our own homes, measuring each one's heat time, water tank capacity, and overall 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, on average, ten minutes of powerful steam. You may need a funnel in order to fill up their water tank without making a mess but with just a few up-and-down motions, your clothes will be ready. 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 July 2024 with new buying considerations for three of our six favorites.

Best Overall

Brookline steamer.

Pink or black design

Wide-mouthed reservoir for easy and clean filling

Good water tank capacity

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.

The design (sort of like an elongated teapot) is easy to use or pack, and the wide-mouthed reservoir is a breeze to fill—even if you're dealing with the limitations of a hotel sink, there's no need for a funnel. The 6.1-ounce capacity is in the middle of our picks, too, which range from roughly 4 to 10 ounces. Now, it is easy to go through this amount of water in a single steam session, but that's to be expected from most travel steamers. This one strikes a good balance between being compact enough for travel, but still a useful shape and size for functionality.

• PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock

For us, it took 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, so 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.

Lastly, we were able to acquire a pink version of this steamer to test, but that color is not always available—if a colorful steamer is a priority for you, check out the Polardo Handheld Travel Garment Steamer , which comes in eight different options.

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 almost 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.

• PHOTO: The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock
• PHOTO: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

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

Best Compact

Isteam steamer for clothes.

Release button for water tank

High-quality brush attachment

Not as effective in horizontal position

If you don't want to sacrifice any more suitcase space than is absolutely necessary, the iSteam Steamer is a great choice. This sleek little device blew us away, heating up in less than a minute and delivering enough steam to remove wrinkles in just a few quick passes.

This steamer has a water tank mounted to the front, and an easy-to-press button releases the tank for easy filling (and since the water tank is roughly 4 ounces, that's an important feature). All of its pieces are made from thick, durable plastic, and we were even impressed with the quality of its brush attachment, which had significantly more bristles than other options.

You can even use this steamer at an angle thanks to its no-drip design—though, we found it was less effective in a horizontal position, as the steam tends to taper off a bit.

Weight: 1.55 pounds | Water Tank Capacity:  4.1 ounces | Power Level: 900 watts | Heat Time:  25 seconds | Steam Time:  10 minutes

The Spruce / Camryn Rabideau

Easiest to Pack

Beautural foldable handheld steamer.

Folding design

Steady steam output

Storage bag included

Small water compartment is a bit difficult to fill

If you're trying to fit everything into your carry-on, then the Beautural Foldable Handle Steamer is worth a close look. It's the only pick of the bunch that has a foldable design (much like a hair dryer you might find as a hotel amenity), so if you're in need of the most space-saving of the bunch, we think this is it. It comes with a bag too, which can be used for travel and home storage.

Along with the convenience of its size and shape, this Beautural steamer's performance impressed us, too. The water compartment is just over 5 ounces and it's designed well, so we didn't experience any leaking or sputtering.

Filling the water container took a bit of trial-and-error to get the water flow just right for the small opening, but we made it work. All said and done, the steam comes out steadily, and we were even able to get through some deep creases on heavy drapes in one go.

Weight: 1.43 pounds | Water Tank Capacity:  5.1 ounces | Power Level: 1000 watts | Heat Time:  47 seconds | Steam Time:  15 minutes

Best Lightweight

Polardo hand held portable travel garment steamer.

Brush attachment included

8 color choices

Heats up in 20 seconds

Clicking sound while in use

Some water sputtering

The Polardo Handheld Travel Garment Steamer is what you should consider if every ounce of weight in your suitcase matters. Aside from the sleek design, this steamer took roughly 20 seconds to heat up, while our best overall was a full 2.5 minutes. This one also has one of the smallest water tank capacities (4 ounces), and is the lightest weight of our picks.

The Polardo steamer also comes in eight colors total (including some fun ones like purple and red), so you can easily spot it among your packing cubes and laundry. The Polardo also includes a brush attachment, which we liked—it allowed us to get close, but not too close to our material.

The steamer did spit some hot water when we were getting started with it, though. This isn't unheard of for clothes steamers, and something we learned to work through with many models that we've tested. We also heard a bit of a clicking noise while it was in use; the manual did note that this could happen when the water level was low, but for us it happened even with a full tank.

Weight:  1.2 pounds |  Water Tank Capacity: 4 ounces |  Heat Time:  20 seconds |  Steam Time:  10 minutes |  Power Level:  900 watts

We Also Like

Beautural steamer for clothes.

Includes several handy accessories

Great for creating creases

Longer steam time than average

Somewhat bulky design

Accessories allow you to do more with your travel steamer, and the Beautural Steamer comes with three handy attachments: a brush, a lint brush, and a crease clip. This steamer is on the larger side, making it slightly bulky to travel with, but in testing, we liked that it's able to remove most wrinkles within a few passes. We were also impressed with the crease clip, which made crisp, clean creases with just one pass.

The Beautural Steamer only takes a minute or so to heat up, and its water tank delivers up to 15 minutes of steam. We liked that it has a locking trigger for continuous steaming—the only thing we didn't like is that the water tank opening is tiny and awkwardly placed, making it tricky to fill without spilling.

Weight: 2 pounds | Water Tank Capacity:  8.8 ounces | Power Level: 1200 watts | Heat Time:  30 seconds | Steam Time:  15 minutes

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.
• Heat Time: We evaluate the heat time of each steamer by timing how long it takes to heat up.
• Effectiveness: We use household garments, like linen pants, cotton shirts, linen napkins, and silk tops to test the effectiveness of each steamer. If there are any attachments, we give those a try, too.
• Portability: We note how easy each steamer 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 bag's weight.
• Overall Value: Lastly, we use our hands-on experience to rate the overall value of the product, and decide if it's worth the cost.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

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 2 pounds or less, with the Polardo Handheld Travel Garment Steamer weighing the least (1.2 pounds).

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 clothes 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 .

The Spruce Home / Henry Wortock

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:

• Melissa Maker , cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space
• Emma Phelps , associate editor at The Spruce

More from The Spruce

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The 12 Best Portable Travel Steamers for Wrinkle-free Clothes [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Table of Contents

Travel steamer vs. regular steamer, things to look for in travel steamers, how to use a travel steamer, the 12 best clothes steamers for travel, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Need to look your best while you are away? Crinkled and creased clothing will not impress if you are headed to a business meeting, conference, wedding, or other occasion. A travel steamer will help you to breathe new life into rumpled clothing, while still being compact and lightweight enough to take everywhere with you.

Steaming your clothes is an excellent alternative to ironing, both on vacation and at home. Conventional ironing flattens the fibers of the fabric, while steaming allows the same fibers to gently relax so that the creases drop away more naturally.

Regular size steamers offer plenty of power to let you de-crease with ease at home. They can, however, be bulky and cumbersome, making them less than practical to pack in your carry-on, and they may even need additional attachments to ensure your clothes are perfectly presented at all times.

Regular steamers have the power and capacity to steam whole outfits, but to do this, they need large water tanks that can produce a lot of steam. In contrast, travel steamers are incredibly compact and feature smaller tanks , meaning that they can be held in just 1 hand for easy de-creasing when you travel.

Of course, smaller tanks call for regular refills and a limited amount of steam power, but this is a small price to pay for easy to use, portable steam power that can be used on a variety of fabrics, for a wide range of occasions.

The other main difference between travel-size steamers and regular ones is the amount of power they can produce. A large steamer can kick out as much as 1800 watts of power, whereas travel-sized appliances might only offer between 750 to 850 watts of power.

Bottom Line: The lower the wattage, the slower the steamer, meaning that while travel appliances are super useful, they may not have the physical power to get rid of every single crease.

A steamer with a short cord is of little use to anybody. Likewise, cords that are too long can get in the way and hinder your steaming capabilities. Before you invest, read up on your preferred model to ensure that the cord is long enough to be useful without you risking getting caught up in it along the way.

Remember, a steamer is supposed to help you not hinder your ability to get out the door looking pristine. Somewhere around 5 to 10 feet in length should see you right .

Water Capacity

Travel steamers will likely have a smaller capacity than larger, regular units. That said, they will still need to hold enough water to create enough steam to finish the job. Look for a model that has a reservoir that can hold enough for about 10 minutes of quality steaming , which should be enough to get you through a full outfit.

Size and Weight

Your portable steamer will need to be just that — portable. With this in mind, look for models that are compact enough to fit easily into your suitcase or carry-on without taking up too much of your valuable clothes storage space.

Hot Tip: A travel steamer should also be as light as possible without being flimsy, so aim for models that weigh in at 2 pounds or lighter.

Fabric Types

Some fabrics respond better to steaming than others, and some steamers are not suitable for all types of fabric. Before you buy, check that the models you are looking at can steam the creases out of your outfits and that they are also able to cope with delicate fabrics without damaging them.

Assuming that you don’t want to spend all day hiding out in your hotel room waiting for your steamer to work, the heat-up time is an important factor. Generally speaking, the faster the water heats up, the more efficient the device is. Do your research and opt for a model that heats in 2 minutes or less.

Ease of Use

The easier your steamer is to use, the less time you will need to spend steaming. With this in mind, look for models that have clear instructions that are also easy to clean and fill. You should also consider paying extra for a portable steamer that comes complete with a filter to purify the water. This will help prevent damage to your delicates and reduce water spots or sediment.

Attachments

A fabric brush is also a useful addition to a travel steamer, as it will open up the fabric to make the steaming process more even and efficient. Other attachments to consider could be a lint brush, a creaser, or even a softening attachment, but be aware that extra attachments take up space to carry with you, and could cost extra.

Watts and Voltage

A dual-voltage steamer will be suitable for use all over the world and will offer the option to switch between 110 to 120 volts for the U.S. and 220 to 240 volts for use in Europe . If you are unable to find one that offers this feature, you will need to take a converter with you.

The wattage of the appliance relates to the amount of power it can produce. Most travel steamers have a power output of around 750 to 850 watts , which, while still useful, may not be enough to remove some of the most stubborn of creases.

Travel steamers should be super easy to use. They are more convenient than traditional steam irons, and you won’t need a flat surface to use them. How you steam your garment will depend on the exact design of your travel steamer, the type of garment you are steaming, and the amount of space available.

Here are some general tips on how to use a steamer:

• Start by hanging your garment up , ideally against a solid surface that can add resistance. Hang it at a height that is comfortable for you and one that won’t mean you have to hurt your back or bend and twist while you are steaming.
• Before you start steaming, be sure to check the labels in the garment. Some fabrics do not respond well to steam, and trying to remove creases could result in you ruining them. Check before you begin as those that can’t be steamed may need to be taken to the dry cleaner instead.
• Pull and stretch the garment with your free hand , taking care not to let the steam burn you as you hold it.
• When it comes to steaming, start by moving the appliance in a downward motion, keeping the steamer upright  and aligned at all times. Hold the plate close to the garment to maximize the power of the steam.
• For more delicate fabrics, you may want to keep the steamer at least an inch away from the fabric, while thicker, heavier items may need to be steamed from both sides.
• If you are having trouble with stubborn collars or cuffs, you may want to use your hand to give them extra shape and support.
• When you have finished steaming, be sure to tip out any remaining water in the tank and let your steamer cool down before packing it away again.

1. A Great Little Steamer for All of the Family

Lemontec portable travel garment steamer .

Carefully designed to evenly distribute steam effectively to remove wrinkles fast, this mini steamer is great for taking with you on a trip. Lightweight and compact, it also comes complete with a long built-in 2 point cable, removing the need for an extension cable.

With a 6-ounce tank capacity and a heat-up time of approximately 70 seconds, you can expect to achieve around 9 minutes of steaming time from this little beauty. For your safety, it also features an automatic shut-off function that kicks in when the water gets too hot or the water level drops too low.

What We Like

• Heats up quickly

What We Don’t Like

• Can spit water as well as steam

2. Hi-tech Heating and Steaming on the Go

Isteam steamer for clothes.

Featuring upgraded technology and a super high-tech heating panel, the iSteam is a superior wrinkle remover that is perfect for travel. With a heat-up time of just 25 seconds and a good-size reservoir, you can steam an entire outfit quickly and easily, even when you are away from home. The innovative 360-degree technology means that you can use this steamer from any angle without leaks — even upside down.

Suitable for use on a wide variety of materials, this model is light and compact enough to take away with you. It comes with a specially-designed nozzle to speed up ironing time, and also features an automatic shut-down feature if the water level falls too low. One thing to be aware of, though, is if you are looking to use this model with 220v outlets, you must use a voltage converter and adapter plug.

• It can be used upside down
• Requires a voltage converter with 220v outlets

3. Efficient Steaming Both at Home and Away

Hilife portable travel garment steamer.

Exclusively designed with a unique type of nozzle, this handy little device is designed to distribute steam evenly to ensure wrinkle-free clothing, every time. Suitable for use on all kinds of fabrics , the Hilife Portable Steamer can be used for steaming, sanitizing, cleaning, and removing wrinkles.

Small enough to go everywhere with you, this model is also competent enough to be used at home. With an 8-ounce reservoir, this steamer provides up to 15 minutes of steam to eliminate wrinkles from an array of materials, including cotton, linen, silk, and chiffon.

• Provides 15 minutes of steam
• No auto shut-off safety feature

4. Superfast Heat-up for Easy Steaming

Magicpro portable garment steamer.

With a superfast 25-second heat-up time , this is an impressive steamer that can be used on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, linen, polyester, wool, and velvet, as well as other common fabric blends.

It also features unique leakproof technology that uses an electronic pump to prevent water from spitting and spilling, meaning you can steam your clothes either horizontally or vertically. There is an automatic shutdown system that activates whenever the steamer is too hot, or the water level is too low, and the 2-in-1 fabric and lint brush included in the box gives you more versatility at home or on the go.

• Heats up super quick
• The water tank is quite small

5. NANO Water Technology for Softer Steaming

Polardo handheld travel steamer.

Featuring 360-degree, anti-spill technology, this high-grade travel steamer uses an electronic pump system to deliver steam from any angle. You can even use this steamer upside down — without the risk of spills or burns — to ensure that you never miss a single crease.

With a tank that heats up in less than 25 seconds and delivers 10 continuous minutes of steam power, this model is a little more costly than some others on the market, but its superior steaming capabilities make the extra few dollars well worth it.

Offering seriously useful features for those who like to stay wrinkle-free on the go, you can steam, sanitize, sterilize, soften, and clean any type of fabric including cotton, satin, linen, nylon blends, sequins, embroidery, beads, and much more. Gentle and safe to use, it also comes complete with an ultramodern NANO water filter . This softens tap water to prevent calcification and keeps your clothes feeling softer for longer.

• Can be turned and used from any angle
• Falls over easily when standing upright

6. Compact Steaming With a Carry Bag

Perfectday portable garment steamer.

Powered by 800 watts of steam and with 8 steam nozzles , this is a good quality garment steamer that provides rapid venting for even steaming. It also comes with a fur brush to help remove dust, dirt, or debris from your clothes. With a compact design and a removable nozzle head, this model is small enough to tuck in your carry-on bag, while still being powerful enough to keep you looking fresh on the go.

The 3.4-ounce tank capacity will provide enough steam for around 10 minutes of steaming power, and the dual safety protection system will shut off the device if it gets too hot or the water gets too low.

• Doesn’t leak when using
• Has a 1-year warranty

Hot Tip: Protect your purchases by using a credit card with extended warranty coverage !

7. Commercial Grade Steaming in a Handheld

Esteam personal hand held steamer.

This high-end steamer comes complete with a multitude of functions, including a selection of voltage plugs that will ensure your steamer works wherever in the world you are headed. Offering all the power of a full-size steamer in a smaller, portable package, the Jiffy ESTEAM uses many of the same components used in commercial-grade steamers for wrinkle-free clothing.

Measuring just 10.5 x 5 inches, this compact model can easily slip into your suitcase or carry-on. The built-in reservoir can hold up to 8 ounces of plain tap water, and the 600-watt heating element heats up in less than 60 seconds. Incredibly easy to use, this machine will transform your clothes from a wrinkled mess to laundered perfection in minutes.

• Available in black or pink
• Can leak if not used upright

8. Fast and Powerful Portable Steaming

Rowenta dr8120 powerful handheld garment and fabric steamer.

This superfast and super-powerful handheld steamer is perfect for looking good on the go. Offering 1,600 watts of power and a removable 6.76-ounce tank, this model can create 10 minutes’ worth of steam in just 40 seconds. It is also super hygienic, killing 99.9% of germs, dust mites, and more , and can also be used on household items like curtains and furniture back at home.

Compact and lightweight, this steamer also comes with a selection of accessories, including a fabric brush to brush out wrinkles, a lint pad, and a steam bonnet to prevent water from dripping on your garments. Weighing in at just 3 pounds, this model is light enough to not make a dent in your luggage allowance , while still being powerful enough to handle a wide variety of fabrics and garment types.

• Comes with a fabric brush and steam bonnet
• Quite a large steamer

9. Dual-voltage Steaming for Use Worldwide

Conair travel smart 450 watt dual voltage garment steamer.

This impressive and affordable garment steamer from Conair is a 450-watt, dual-voltage garment steamer that will remove wrinkles in minutes. It comes complete with an 8-foot cord and detachable lint and bristle brush, a folding handle, and a compact and lightweight design , making it perfect for travel.

This device works great on a wide variety of fabrics and can handle suitcase-creased clothing with ease. It is also useful for quick touch-ups on the go, and with a tank that heats up in less than a minute, you will never be waiting too long to be wrinkle-free and ready to go.

• Has a collapsible handle for easy transportation
• The unit takes a while to cool down

10. A Lightweight and Compact Travel Steamer

Masteam steamer for clothes.

Using the latest technology wrapped up in a small and portable design, this is a great little travel steamer for those on the go. Weighing in at just 1.5 lbs, and offering spill-proof technology and an automatic safety system , this is a compact but powerful little steamer.

The spacious tank can hold up to 6-ounces of tap water and will heat up in 2 minutes to provide up to 10 minutes of steam power. Suitable for use across a wide range of fabrics, this is a handy little tool for travel.

• Small and lightweight
• Only suitable for lightweight fabrics

11. Dual-voltage, Superfast Steaming

Steam & go handheld travel steamer.

This dual-voltage steamer is perfect for use anywhere in the world to ensure your clothes remain wrinkle-free on the go. Lightweight and portable, and weighing only 2.5 pounds, it will fit into your carry-on or checked luggage easily. With a 5-ounce tank, this portable steamer heats up in 2 minutes to create enough steam for 11 minutes of use .

Packed full of safety features, this steamer can be used both horizontally or vertically without dripping or leaking and has an auto shut-off feature should the steamer run short on water or become too hot.

• Works with dual voltage
• Doesn’t work on thicker materials

12. Leakproof Technology for Vertical and Horizontal Steaming

HHSUC  Portable Garment Steamer for Clothes

This powerful little handheld garment steamer measures 10.9 inches high, meaning it is compact enough to go anywhere with you. With 1,200 watts of power, wrinkles can be easily removed with 2 different steam settings, and the tank takes just 15 seconds or so to produce 20 minutes’ worth of steam.

Leakproof technology means you can use this little beauty both vertically and horizontally without leaking, and the 7.8-foot long cable makes it easy to steam clothes hanging up, wherever you are.

• Has a choice of 2 steam settings depending on the fabric
• The cord could be longer

A travel steamer can be the difference between feeling crumpled and jet-lagged to fresh and well-presented. Compact, affordable, and easy to use, a travel steamer may not offer the power of a regular garment steamer, but it will have enough oomph to de-crease, refresh and de-wrinkle your clothes when looking presentable is really important.

Looking for more travel products? Explore all of our best travel products reviews — all in one place.

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The best travel steamers to keep your clothes wrinkle-free

You could spend hours neatly folding your clothes into packing cubes , but no level of preparation will perfectly stop your evening pants and dress shirts from developing a few creases along the way. While many hotels come with some iron or steamer, it may be easier to bring your own — especially if you are traveling for a wedding or special event — as you never know how hot an iron or steamer may get or how it will work on your clothing .

To help you find the best ones on the market, we consulted travel experts and NBC Select staffers about their favorite options.

SKIP AHEAD The best travel steamers in 2024 | How to shop for travel steamers

Selected. Our top picks

select 5 best expert-recommended travel backpacks for your upcoming trip

The best travel steamers in 2024.

To help you find the best travel steamers for your next trip, we took into consideration expert recommendations, staff picks and highly rated options that will fit in your luggage while traveling.

Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer

Steamery’s Cirrus 3 is a personal favorite, as it removes wrinkles and creases on my dresses within minutes. It's a hybrid iron and steamer that can eliminate any odors and bacteria from your clothing and can hold up to 90 milliliters of water in its tank, according to the brand. Its auto shut-off feature, which turns the steamer off after 30 minutes of inactivity, especially gives me peace of mind while traveling. I primarily use this steamer for cotton, linen and silk clothing. That said, you can also use it on fabrics like viscose and cashmere, but should avoid leather and suede as it may damage your clothing, according to the brand.

Capacity : 90 milliliters | Weight : 1.89 pounds

Urpower Steamer

This travel steamer, which has a 4.3-average star rating from over 10,000 reviews, is a favorite of travel journalist and writer, Rana Good , for how quickly it works. “It gets my clothes steamed in minutes and is especially good to use with flowy materials like silk,” she says. It heats up within two minutes and has a water tank that allows for continuous steaming for up to 10 minutes, according to the brand. You can use it on your clothing, but also on drapery and table cloths — just make sure not to tilt it more than 45 degrees to avoid any spillage, according to Urpower. Plus, it has an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in if the steamer overheats or if the water level is too low, as detailed on the product page.

Capacity : 130 milliliters | Weight : 1.2 pounds

Brynnl Mini Handheld Steamer Iron

If you're looking for a mini iron steamer, consider this Brynnl option, which comes highly recommended by travel blogger and advisor, Sally Nguyen for its compact size, which she described as similar to the iPhone 14 Pro. It has a simple one-button start feature and you can use it to ease wrinkles on cotton, silk and linen fabrics, according to the brand. The pointed curved design should help you iron out corners and hard-to-reach areas around buttons and collars, according to the brand.

Capacity : around 44 milliliters | Weight : 0.66 pounds

Hilife Steamer

This top-rated handheld steamer, which has a 4.3-star rating from more than 90,000 shoppers, can emit steam within 140 seconds and works on a variety of fabrics including chiffon, silk, wool, cotton and nylon, according to the brand. Its 240-milliliter water capacity provides up to 15 minutes of continuous steaming (the longest on our list) and its 9-foot cord provides easy access and maneuverability.

Capacity : 240 milliliters | Weight : 1.7 pounds

Perfectday Garment Steamer

PerfectDay Garment Steamer

This mini travel steamer is another favorite of Nguyen’s for its safety features including its automatic shut-off functionality that kicks in when it is overheating or short on water. It can store about 100 milliliters of water and can run continuously for about 10 minutes, according to the brand. The nozzle head, which has eight steam holes for rapid venting, is removable too, making it easy to pack. The 1-pound steamer also comes with a fabric brush to get any dust, dirt or debris off your clothes. And, while it’s great for removing wrinkles from your clothes, Nguyen also uses it for facials, as the steam moves in one uniform direction, which allows it to coat her face evenly. “It helps me take care of my skin when I travel as it clarifies my skin and unclog my pores,” she says.

Capacity : 100 milliliters | Weight : 1 pound

The Nori Press

The Nori Press is a favorite of NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider as it doubles as an iron and steamer and functions like a flat iron for your clothes. It comes with six fabric settings, a clamping mechanism to press your clothes and a pointed tip that can iron hard-to-reach areas like collar corners. You’ll press its two aluminum plates against the front and back of each garment to minimize creases and wrinkles.

Capacity : 29 milliliters | Weight : 1.4 pounds

select Suitcase always in disarray? Save time this summer with packing cubes.

How we picked the best travel steamers.

All of our picks are expert-recommended or highly rated with an average of four stars or higher and in line with our expert guidance. We also included Select staff recommendations and kept the following in mind:

• Weight : Every travel steamer on our list weighs less than 2 pounds.
• Attachments : Some steamers come with attachments like a brush or a lint remover. For ease while traveling, we chose steamers without any additional attachments to save you space in your carry-on or checked bag.
• Capacity : This indicates how much water the steamer can hold. The more it holds, the longer it can continuously run. We recommended steamers that can hold up to 240 milliliters (which is about 15 minutes of steaming).

How to shop for travel steamers

Aside from looking for steamers with portable and lightweight designs to make travel easy, here’s what our experts recommended searching for while shopping:

• Heat-up time : The faster the steamer heats up, the better, when living life on the go, according to Nguyen. We chose steamers that do so in under three minutes.
• Size : Since every steamer weighs less than 2 pounds, it won’t add too much weight to your bags.
• Works on different materials : A quality steamer should work on a range of different materials including linen, nylon, cotton and silk, according to Good.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Rana Good is a travel writer and founder of Naïra , a digital magazine for women of color.
• Sally Isabella Nguyen is an influencer and luxury travel advisor who has traveled to over 37 countries.

Why trust NBC Select?

Nishka Dhawan is an associate commerce editor at NBC Select who’s written about the best travel backpacks and the best luggage sets . For this article, she interviewed travel bloggers and journalists about their favorite travel steamers and considered staff favorites as well.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Nishka Dhawan is a former associate commerce editor at NBC Select.

5 Best Clothes Steamers, Tested by Laundry Experts

Wrinkles don't stand a chance against these handheld and professional picks.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Clothes Steamer

Conair turbo extremesteam handheld fabric steamer.

Best Value Clothes Steamer

Conair power steam handheld travel garment steamer.

Most Versatile Clothes Steamer

Black + decker advanced handheld garment steamer.

You may be surprised to hear that garment steamers may just edge out the irons our grandmothers wielded for decades. Handheld or upright, clothes steamers are lighter to manage and don't require an ironing board that hogs precious closet space.

They are also more versatile. Steamers can de-wrinkle flowy and silky fabrics (even linen!) and formal suits without scorching, refresh garments between dry cleaning and smooth draperies and window treatments . Even the original 1935 player token shaped like an iron has been phased out of Monopoly — a sign of household trends to come?

A great clothes steamer is an excellent tool to have in your laundry arsenal, but there are a few things to consider before you pick one up like steam output, ease of use, and whether it can operate at different angles without dripping.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, our team has tested hundreds of laundry-related items including irons (even the best cordless irons ), ironing boards , washers , dryers , fabric shavers and, of course, clothes steamers. We test garment steamers on a range of fabrics, including natural and synthetic fibers, to measure heat-up time and gauge efficiency, ease of use and overall value.

At the end of this article, you'll find more info on how we test steamers in our Lab and with consumer testers . We also answer when a billow of steam is better than ironing (sequins, anyone?) and outline helpful shopping pointers.

The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam is a Good Housekeeping Seal -holder for a reason. It's one of the best wrinkle removers we've ever tested. We like the two steam slots, ceramic faceplate for a smoother glide and five steam settings — from delicate to turbo — to meet any fabric need. Once it starts pumping, the steam is continuous, with no extra buttons to press.

We were especially impressed with how well the Turbo dewrinkled denim jeans and lined wool pants, unlike some other steamers we tested that couldn't handle thicker fabrics. On a lower setting, this worked magic on a cotton top with sequins and embellishments. It produced abundant billows of steam on all settings, pumping out from 11 grams per minute on low to 22 grams per minute on high. The 9-foot cord allowed us to maneuver freely around the garment. This model includes a three-in-one attachment to lift fibers, protect delicates and pull fabrics taut for better results, along with a built-in creaser to help achieve sharp pleats. Its large head may make it more difficult to store but that's an easy drawback to overlook, if you ask us.

The Conair brand, dating to 1959, has a long history in personal care products. We consider the brand's steamers to be wrinkle-removing champs. But this totable model, which earned a spot in our 2023 Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards , does even more.

Its head pivots to three positions to steam at an angle or flatten to tuck neatly into a suitcase. In the Cleaning Lab, we found this pretty sage steamer easy to use and totally packable. It heated up in 35 seconds to smooth even tricky fabrics like linen, and the dual voltage power is a plus for worldwide travel. It even comes with a folding hanger. What more could you need?

We got almost 5 ½ minutes of steam time from each water tank fill, and the little green goddess pumped out 16 grams of steam per minute, a very good performance for a steamer with a small tank. We didn’t experience any spitting, either.

You can beautify way more than clothing with the Black + Decker Advanced Garment Steamer. The extra-long cord (15 feet!) makes it simple to reach high-up places such as curtains and even bed skirts that are far from an outlet. We appreciate that the steamer stands upright and automatically shuts off after 15 minutes, a nice-to-have safety feature if you happen to walk away.

The water tank was easy to fill and the product left fabrics looking smooth and finished. This model comes with attachments for upholstery , delicate fabrics and lint removal, and we found that the continuous steam feature was especially helpful for large swaths like draperies, mattresses and furniture. Our only wish? That the long cord retracted for tidy storage.

Jiffy Garment Steamer

This classic workhorse made in the U.S. since 1940 doesn't have fancy bells, whistles or attachments. But ask any photo stylist responsible for making clothing look picture-perfect, and they'll tell you it's still the best. We love the 90 minutes of gentle, continuous steam from its 3/4 gallon water tank. You'll spot it in every fashion magazine closet and at every photo shoot because it performs without fail. It even comes in pink!

We have used it often in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab and consider it the gold standard of upright garment steamers with a stand. It shuts off automatically for safety and rolls easily on swivel casters. This Jiffy even comes backed by a three-year warranty. Because of its height and hose length (5 1/2 feet), it may be a bit challenging to store.

CHI Steam Handheld Garment Steamer

This Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award -winner is a Lab favorite. The slim steamer is comfortable to hold and about the size of a flat iron making it easy to tuck into your suitcase — even a small carry-on , weekender or backpack . It's ideal when you don't know what kind of in-room amenities your lodging will offer but still want to look neat and put together, not crumpled and rumpled, after a flight or road trip.

Despite its small size, we saw solid performance. Filling the tank is easy, it revs up quickly and it's simple to use. It pumps out five minutes of steam, so it will need to be refilled more often than other steamers. In our tests, we got pro results even on the front placket of a cotton shirt. We love that it works in any direction without dripping and comes with a travel pouch.

How we test clothes steamers

When we take off our lab coats, we in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab manage life at home, just like you do, including wrinkled clothes. We know what matters to people who run households, and we are committed to reporting the pros and cons of products, so you get your money's worth. No one needs a fail that wastes your time, energy and dollars.

We put all garment steamers through a consistent battery of tests, to check heat-up time, handling, performance and other pressing issues. We consider design, balance, a comfortable hold and overall footprint. We look at the size of each water tank and time how long the water lasts. We want to be able to fill and empty it without struggles or spills. We never lay the clothing flat to steam it, and neither should you. We test steamers vertically, on hanging garments. The drier the steam, the better. Wet steam or spits and sputters can leave fabrics wet and damaged with water spots.

We want to know how hard each steam machine works. We consider how many grams of steam it pumps out per minute (the higher the number, the faster it works). Then we test each model on linen (always a true challenge), delicate silk, cotton, wool and synthetic fabric swatches and garments we've balled up and wrinkled overnight. That includes light, heavyweight and woven fabrics, knits, blouses, tops, pants and jackets. We especially track steamer performance on tough-to-smooth fabrics and fibers, like linen and heavy cotton.

We time how long it takes to smooth each crunched-up item and then score each fabric using an industry-standard protocol borrowed from our GH Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab . We also note any spitting or sputtering and test any steamer attachments.

What to look for when shopping for a clothes steamer

✔️ Large water tank. If you expect to steam often, look for a large water tank, long cord and a button to lock in continuous steam. If you will use the steamer occasionally or just for travel, consider a slim model that's nice and lightweight.

✔️ Long run time. Do you plan to do a batch of items at once (uniforms for the week, for example)? Select a model with a longer run time.

✔️ Compact design. Don't get a large pro steamer — the kind that magazine stylists use — if you don't have the space. It could turn into a clothes hanger but not in the way you intended.

✔️ Water type. Check the product's use and care guide on the brand website for details on using distilled water and cleaning mineral residue, which can clog a steamer. Most use regular tap water, but some brands recommend distilled, especially if your tap water is extremely hard.

✔️ Safety features. Let a steamer cool off in a place away from kids and pets, then empty the water tank before storing. Steamers with auto shut-off help protect you and your family.

Does a clothes steamer really work?

Should you trade up from your trusty iron to a more modern clothes steamer? Good steamers do come through, erasing wrinkles without having to lug out an ironing board and heavy iron .

A steamer can freshen garments on the go, in a hotel room or before a job interview or party. It's convenient since most clothing can be steamed right on a hanger. It also simplifies tasks like smoothing curtains or drapes, since you don't take them off the rods.

A steamer is more compact, with no cumbersome board to store. And you can save money and time by giving clothes a quick steam to refresh them in between dry cleaning drop-offs.

Clothes steamers are even your secret weapon to kill bacteria and dust mites near the surface and help remove odors from difficult-to-clean mattresses, throw pillows, stuffed toys and upholstery. And a steamer is, hands down, the simplest way to de-wrinkle sheer, delicate and embellished fabrics and garments without scorching or damaging them.

Are steamers better than irons?

For some — but not all — de-wrinkling jobs, a steamer works better than a steam iron . Garment steamers pump out soft billows of hot air that pass through fabrics and delicate fibers to allow wrinkles to fall out as you gently tug on the bottom of the shirt or blouse. Irons, on the other hand, use moisture, heat, steam and pressure to smooth and flatten fabrics and remove wrinkles as you press against the board.

Ironing takes more muscle but is better suited to setting pleats or sharp creases or when you want a crisp finish, like on a dress shirt.

Steamers are also better suited for items trimmed with sequins and beads, and tailored garments , like jackets, that are hard to lay flat. And a clothes steamer is better when you don't want a pressed look or sharp creases, as for knit sweaters or dresses.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

This article was originally written by Carolyn Forté , the GH Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab executive director. She has a B.A. in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York, and is a consumer products expert. She has been testing, speaking and writing about appliances, textiles, cleaning products and more for over 40 years as well as consulting with the appliance industry about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits.

Contributing writer Alice Garbarini Hurley is the most recent updater of this article. She has written about home, kitchen and style for more than 40 years at Woman’s Day , Seventeen and Good Housekeeping. Her first glimpse of a clothes steamer was in the fashion closet at her first job. She writes about interior design and home furnishings for Aspire Design and Home and after working on this story, is considering investing in a standing steamer of her own (in pink!).

Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.

Alice Garbarini Hurley has been a lifestyle and consumer writer since a pizza parlor taste test for the Dumont High School Periscope . She wrote about prom dresses and mascara at Seventeen, then about everything that matters at Good Housekeeping as a senior lifestyle writer for 10 years and as a GH freelancer for 10 more. Her work has appeared in The New York Times , Coastal Living and InStyle . She has published essays and has blogged at Truth and Beauty since 2010. Writing keeps Alice calm and focused while raising a teenage girl. She loves bluebells and daffodils, Cape Cod, accessories, cream in her coffee and reading cookbooks cover to cover.   

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

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

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 8 Very Best Clothing Steamers

From mini travel steamers to the workhorse standing unit found in every costume shop..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best standing
• Best less expensive
• Best travel
• Best ergonomic
• Best stylish
• Best splurge

Steamers are the secret weapon of garment care. Although their place in the home-appliance canon is less established than that of irons , they can do many of the same things: “I don’t think people understand how much you can get away with steaming things as opposed to ironing,” says Zach Pozniak , a third-generation dry cleaner and the vice-president of operations at Jeeves New York . “You can steam the vast majority of your clothing and be pretty happy with the results.” Plus steaming is, in many cases, better for keeping delicate, soft textiles in good shape: “Ironing is way more aggressive to your clothes than steaming is,” says Pozniak, “because you’re drilling it with pressure and heat,” while steamers work more gently to relax fibers.

As an amateur sewer and the owner of a lot of fussy clothing, I keep both an iron and a steamer around. I pull out the iron for sewing projects or a mega-wrinkled garment, but for the vast majority of clothing, I prefer doing a few passes with a steamer (right now, a sturdy Jiffy standing model — more on that below). As Pozniak says, steaming is gentler on the fabric and less likely to damage it through accidental scorching. It’s also quicker than ironing, which makes a difference: 99 percent of the time I steam something, that something is rumpled and I’ve just pulled it out of the closet, and I’m already running five minutes late. No matter your use case — whether you only fire up a garment steamer when traveling for an event or you steam your bed linens every week — there’s a model for you. To help find the best clothes steamer, I consulted 12 experts, from stylists to laundry influencers, about their tried-and-true favorites and tested several highly recommended models on my own silks, linens, denim jackets, and ’90s nylon pants.

Update on August 6, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

What we’re looking for

We’re categorizing steamers as travel size (less than 12 inches tall and six inches wide), handheld (too large to throw in a suitcase, but small and lightweight enough to use one-handed), and standing, the largest size, which feature a water reservoir, a hanging rack, and will usually have wheels.

The power of a steamer is measured in watts, which corresponds to how quickly an appliance heats up and how forcefully it can expel steam — think about the difference between a face mister and Jacuzzi jets. Most options on this list are between 1,000 and 2,000 watts, which is powerful enough for even heavy-duty garment-steaming tasks.

Tank capacity

The water capacity of a steamer is an industrial-design balancing act: too small and you’ll be running back to the sink to refill it before you finish steaming a single shirt; too large and the steamer will be heavy and unwieldy when full. Most handheld options on this list have a tank capacity of between four and eight ounces of water, which provides about ten to 15 minutes of continuous steam. The experts I spoke to agreed that that capacity is sufficient for home use, but if you’re regularly steaming a lot of clothing at once or just don’t like refilling a water tank, consider a freestanding steamer, which is less portable but has a higher-capacity tank. It’s the style found in “every department store and every studio,” per costume designer Alison Freer. I myself used a freestanding steamer on entire racks of theater costumes at my college costume-shop job.

Several of the experts I spoke to also shared tricks for avoiding “spitting,” which happens when the minerals naturally found in tap water build up and “eject this gross white grainy sand,” says Pozniak, which can stain your clothes. Filling your steamer’s tank with distilled water is the simplest way to prevent mineral buildup. If you want to get even more precise, Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy , recommends using spring water, which contains some minerals but less than tap water. That allows the water to heat up beyond the boiling point of distilled water — the same rationale as adding salt to pasta water — which makes for a hotter, more effective steam. Another suggestion from Marilee Nelson, a nontoxic consultant and co-founder of Branch Basics , is to fill the tank with a half-and-half mixture of water and an inexpensive, high-proof vodka: the alcohol will “remove allergens, body odor, and even smoke and perfume picked up on clothes.”

Best clothes steamer overall

Size: Handheld | Power: 1,875 watts | Capacity: 7.3 ounces

The Conair Turbo Extreme Steam is a powerful, reliable steamer that can stand up to nearly any steaming task you throw at it. I used it for several months, and it’s favored by three other discerning users: Kate Young, Uma Thurman’s stylist and the mastermind behind her wrinkle-free 2022 Oscars look ; Strategist women’s fashion writer Ambar Pardilla ; and Pozniak , who uses it about twice a week to clean drapery and upholstered furniture in clients’ homes. Pozniak discovered the model while searching for an alternative to a standing machine , which he found too unwieldy for large jobs. He likes that the Conair steamer is lightweight, heats up in about 30 seconds, and can “run at full blast” for about ten minutes.

When I tested it, I was impressed with the quick heat-up time and the amount of steam it could generate on the highest setting. (The Turbo has five settings, which correspond to the volume of steam it puts out.) It’s on the larger side, but once it was in my hand, I realized all the other things I could steam and gave my pillowcases and bedding a quick once-over, too — I’m allergic to everything and appreciate that steaming fully neutralizes some kinds of allergens, including dust mites. Pardilla also loves the steamer, which she bought after the experience of stamping “big horseshoe-shaped marks onto a couple of T-shirts ” made her swear off irons. “It gives you a red-carpet-immaculate finish every time,” she says.

Best standing clothes steamer

Size: Standing | Power: 1,300 watts | Capacity: 96 ounces

The Jiffy J-2000 standing steamer is the industry standard; you’re more likely than not to find it in any costume shop or department store. Freer has four, the oldest of which was a gift from a mentor and is “easily 25 if not 30 years old and still works like a champ.” Musician Katie Crutchfield (a.k.a. Waxahatchee) is also a fan and named it as something she can’t live without : “Years and years of buying a shitty steamer and having my outfit covered in water and totally wrinkled have led me here,” she says. “This is a case in which I decided to buy the actual thing, and I’m really glad I did.”

I had assumed a J-2000 steamer would be too heavy-duty for me — I steam a garment about once a week, usually five minutes before leaving the house — but I was curious after graphic designer and home sewer Tracy Ma mentioned that she has one. Although it “seems silly at first to have such a large thing in a New York apartment,” she says, “it’s actually an appliance I use regularly.” After four months of use, my conclusion: If you aren’t a clothes person, you don’t need a standing steamer. If you are, this will change your life. It heats up fast, rarely needs to be refilled, and can get wrinkled nylon and creased wool crisp in less than a minute. Keeping it in the corner of my bedroom removed the mental block around getting an appliance out of the closet ( and the metal rod provides a convenient place to hang clothes I’m planning to wear the next day ) , so I ended up using it more often and thus getting more wear out of my most wrinkle-prone clothes. I’ve even used it to steam pajamas .

It’s expensive, but it will last you decades and is easy to repair — if a component breaks, Jiffy sells replacement parts on its website, which is helpful for heavy-duty users. (“One of the wheels fell off because I’m always dragging it through a parking lot,” Freer says of her J-2000 steamer.)

Best less expensive clothes steamer

Size: Handheld | Power: 1,200 watts | Capacity: 6 ounces

If you want the Extreme Steam Turbo in a smaller package, this less expensive version of the Conair Turbo is a good choice — it has less power and a lower capacity than our best-in-class pick but still performs well and might be preferable for those who don’t use a garment steamer frequently. It’s the go-to steamer of Queer Eye ’s Tan France , who praises its lightweight construction and its reliability. He says, “Every stylist out there knows how annoying it is when a steamer leaks and drips,” potentially damaging delicate fabrics, but the Extreme Steam rarely does. It’s also a favorite of Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens, who describes it as “so solid,” especially considering how small and inexpensive it is.

Best travel clothes steamer

Size: Travel | Power: 600 watts | Capacity: 8 ounces

This compact Jiffy travel steamer is a favorite of Freer and businesswoman Barbara Corcoran (one of the sharks of Shark Tank ), who says it takes 30 seconds to get dresses looking “like I just went to the dry cleaner.” Freer appreciates its compact size — it’s about “the size of a Hydro Flask”— and says it especially comes in handy when traveling for an event. She mentions a time her boyfriend folded and flat-packed a suit in his luggage, and “I coaxed that thing back to life” with just the Jiffy steamer. “That’s the thing I’m still proudest of in my entire career.”

I tested the Jiffy Esteam on a silk suit that needed a quick refresh before wearing. It’s a very simple device — it doesn’t even have an on or off button, just a red light to indicate it’s working — but it does the job well. The Esteam took about a minute to heat up and smoothed trouser wrinkles in one pass. It also has the distinction of being the least annoying to fill garment steamer on this list — the top unscrews, and you can fill the tank directly from the tap like a water bottle.

Best clothes steamer for international travel

Size: Travel | Power: 1,200 watts | Capacity: 2.7 ounces

For a less expensive travel steamer, Conair’s dual-voltage model is a great option and has the useful feature of working with 120-volt U.S. outlets and 220-volt outlets, which are more common worldwide. When I tested it, it heated up in about 36 seconds and emitted a fine, gauzy hiss of steam that unwrinkled a pair of wool pants in no time. Its capacity is on the lower end, so you’ll need to refill it after steaming a couple garments. But it’s a solid option if you’re looking for a powerful steamer you can throw in your luggage, or if you only steam one or two things at a time — it’s become the model I reach for over our best-in-class pick, the Conair Turbo Extreme Steam, when I need to give something a quick once-over before leaving the house.

Best ergonomic steamer

Size: Handheld | Power: 1,600 watts, 1,875 watts | Capacity: 6.76 ounces

Rowenta makes some of our favorite irons — it has a reputation for precise engineering and reliable safety features. They also make a great garment steamer, recommended by stylist Shannon Adducci . “On long shoots, you really appreciate its thumb-saving ergonomic design,” she says. “Unlike overhead triggers on flimsier models, the trigger on the X-Cel is positioned under the steam head for you to pull with your index and middle fingers.”

Best stylish steamer

Size: Travel | Power: 1,000 watts | Capacity: 3 ounces

Steamery bills the Cirrus No. 3 appliances as a combination steamer and iron, which is a bit of a misnomer — it has a front plate safe to press directly onto textiles that heats up to about the lowest level on a traditional iron , so it can’t flatten deep-set wrinkles or smooth textiles that need higher heat like linen or cotton. Strategist writer Dominique Pariso, who uses the Cirrus No.3 a few times a week, says it’s great for instances where “I realize the shirt I want to wear is wrinkled five minutes before I’m supposed to leave my apartment.” (And five minutes before leaving the house is, to be honest, also when I do most of my steaming and ironing.) Its sleek design is also a plus: Strategist contributor Chris Black recommends it as a wedding-registry item, and it’s a favorite of Bread Beauty Supply founder Maeva Heim, who named it the best gift she bought herself in 2020.

Best splurge iron-steamer combo

Size: Handheld with tank | Power: 1,600 watts | Capacity: 37.2 ounces

Richardson swears by his Laurastar steam iron, which he’s used for several years — it combines the functions of an iron and a garment steamer into one appliance, eliminating the need to buy one of each. He especially likes the hot, dry steam it produces: “Their steam dries on contact. I can iron a shirt in 60 seconds with their iron because you only go over the area once and it’s completely dry, so you can just keep moving.” And though it’s expensive, he says it’s well worth it if you regularly spend money on dry cleaning — you can get the same results with a Laurastar iron at home — and it’s made to last. “It’s like buying a KitchenAid mixer — you only ever buy one.”

Some more clothing-care tools we’ve written about

Our experts

• Shannon Adducci, stylist • Chris Black, Strategist contributor • Tan France, Queer Eye host • Alison Freer, costume designer and author of How to Get Dressed • Maeva Heim, founder of Bread Beauty Supply • Simone Kitchens, Strategist senior editor • Tracy Ma, graphic designer • Marilee Nelson, co-founder of Branch Basics • Ambar Pardilla, Strategist writer • Zach Pozniak, vice-president of operations at Jeeves New York • Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy

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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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Best Travel Steamers

This hand-held steamer checks all of the boxes, being that it heats up quickly, is durably constructed, and makes fabrics look great.

Features 5 heat settings. Kills 99.9% of bacteria for optimal sanitation. Includes 3 attachments for use on delicate items. Heats water in 40 seconds and can hold up to 7.3 ounces.

It is recommended to use distilled water in this steamer to prevent mineral buildup.

If you need an iron that's great to travel with, our expert recommends this model.

Tiny and portable. Dual voltage settings are great for international travel. Grip is considered ideal for those who find regular irons uncomfortable. Heats up in as little as 15 seconds.

Uneven temperature across the soleplate. Steam production is slow. Unstable when placed on its heel.

Unlike other travel steamers, this one does not leak or spit water, and it's easy enough for even an inexperienced user.

It has many safety features and even comes with a glove to protect your hand. It heats up within seconds and features an auto-shutoff.

While it's portable, it's not as small as some other steamers.

This steamer is perfect for traveling but is more expensive than steamers with similar abilities.

This lightweight, compact steamer does not leak and is easy to fill, heating up in less than a minute.

It has a tendency to sometimes spit hot water.

Compact and convenient, this travel steamer is a quick alternative to ironing but can't do bigger items such as curtains.

The perfect size for traveling, with a travel pouch, it can also be used every day. It works quickly with just regular tap water.

It does spit and splatter at times. Must have it close to the garment for it to work.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best travel steamers.

Updated November 2023

Most hotel rooms have ironing tools for you to use, but do you really want to use an old, musty ironing board to freshen up your business attire? Do you want to risk staining your new dress with a potentially dirty or broken iron? Pack a travel steamer in your suitcase instead, and you’ll have a quick, convenient way to de-wrinkle and refresh your clothing when you’re away from home.

Travel steamers are compact, portable tools that allow you to easily remove wrinkles from your clothing … even when you’re on the road. And they’re not just for vacations and business trips; you can keep a travel steamer at the office for use before an important meeting or in case of an emergency. If you’re low on storage space at home, you can keep one there, too.

The BestReviews team performed in-depth research on travel steamers to identify the very best products. Read on to learn more, or check out the travel steamers we’re recommending.

Benefits of a travel steamer

The application of steam is a great way to get wrinkles out of delicate fabrics. Most travel steamers have smaller water reservoirs than their full-sized counterparts, so if you have a lot of work to do, you may need to refill yours more often. Some travel steamers may also produce less steam than traditional models. Nevertheless, many people agree that a steamer is a more convenient appliance than an iron.

Here are some of the main advantages of owning a travel steamer.

Won’t burn clothing

Can be used on almost any type of fabric

Sanitizes and removes wrinkles

No chemicals (unlike dry cleaning)

Low cost (unlike dry cleaning)  

Keep in mind that although steamers are highly convenient, they cannot produce the crisp creases that you can achieve with a steam iron and ironing board.

Considerations

Here are the main things to consider when shopping for a travel steamer.

Size and weight

Make sure your chosen travel steamer is suitably lightweight for travel. It should be compact enough to fit easily inside your suitcase . A unit that’s too heavy will be cumbersome to pack and challenging to hold, as well. Most travel steamers vary in weight from just over one pound to a little over three pounds.

Water reservoir size

A larger reservoir usually means that the unit will be heavier when full. But it also means the device holds more water, which translates to a longer steam time and less-frequent refilling.

Heating time

How quickly does the travel steamer heat up? Heating times can range from 20 seconds to several minutes. If you’re a last-minute kind of person, opt for a steamer with quick heating so you can plug in and go. Many manufacturers state the device heating time on the package.

Performance

How big is the water reservoir? A larger reservoir may allow you to steam more than one garment before you need a refill. Most travel steamers have water tanks that provide enough steam for one item of clothing at a time.

A good steamer doesn’t spray hot water; it produces a steady stream of hot steam. Look at the product description to discover how long the unit can produce a continuous stream of steam. Avoid models for which users have complained of water leakage.

Steamers with higher wattage are more powerful but may be larger, bulkier, and not ideal for travel purposes.

Ease of use

The best travel steamers are easy to use. The tank is removable for cleaning and filling, and the unit doesn’t leak or dribble water. The cord is long enough to maneuver the steamer without fuss; it may even be retractable. The controls or buttons make sense, and the handle is comfortable to hold as you de-wrinkle your clothing.

Most steamers have an auto shutoff feature that turns off the device when the water reservoir is empty.

Dual voltage

Wall outlets differ depending on where you are in the world. For overseas travel to Europe, you’ll need a dual-voltage device or an adapter to use the steamer with a different outlet type. Notably, it might be tough to find a steamer with dual voltage; this feature is more common in travel irons .

Travel steamer prices

• Budget travel steamers: $25 and under Travel steamers in this price range take longer to heat up, have smaller water reservoirs, and produce shorter continuous bursts of steam. They tend to be less powerful, too, with most models providing under 1,000 watts of power.
• Mid-range travel steamers: $30 to $50 For a bit more money, you can get a travel steamer that heats faster and has a larger water tank. Most units in this range provide at least 1,000 watts of power.
• Premium travel steamers: $50 and up The priciest travel steamers offer more powerful wattage (over 1,000 watts). They heat up very quickly and deliver long, steady bursts of steam.

Packing to prevent wrinkles

A travel steamer can help get out stubborn wrinkles when you’re on the go, but the first step to wrinkle-free travel is actually the proper packing of your suitcase. Here are some tips for wrinkle-free packing.

Roll cotton tees and clothes instead of folding them.

Choose synthetic fabrics to pack since they won’t wrinkle as easily as cotton. Wool is also wrinkle proof.

Use packing cubes to keep clothing from tumbling around inside your suitcase.

Neatly fold sweaters and shirts into squares. Use plastic bags (dry-cleaning bags are a good choice) to prevent wrinkling.

Keep smaller items like underwear and lingerie in zip-lock bags .

Minimize loose space to prevent jostling. Use items like socks to fill in the gaps.

Don’t overpack . A fully packed suitcase can squish and compress your clothing, causing it to wrinkle and crease unnecessarily.

• Bundle wrap your clothing to keep your garments looking neat and tidy. The method involves wrapping delicate, wrinkle-prone items with clothing less likely to wrinkle.

Q. Do travel steamers come with accessories? A. Some travel steamers may come with a brush attachment or lint roller attachment to help keep your clothes looking sharp. But steamers are relatively basic devices, and you don’t need extra accessories to steam your clothing correctly.

Q. What’s the best way to clean my travel steamer? A. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside your steamer head and clog the unit. To thoroughly remove residue, fill the water reservoir with vinegar. Turn on the steamer and let the steam run its course. Once the reservoir has emptied, repeat the process with water. Rinse the tank when you’re done.

Q. Should I use distilled water in my steamer? A. The use of distilled water is recommended but not necessary. Using distilled water helps reduce buildup and mineral deposits, but it’s not dangerous to use regular tap water to steam clothing. If you don’t regularly clean your steamer, however, mineral deposits may eventually produce white stains on fabric.

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The Best Travel Clothes Steamers

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.  Learn more .

Our Picks For The Top Travel Clothes Steamers

1. conair freestanding bacteria killing portable fabric steamer, 2. electrolux anti-crease auto-off fabric steamer, 3. lemontec lightweight compact fabric steamer, 4. beautural leak-proof continuous fabric steamer, 5. pursteam world’s best steamers 7-1 portable fabric steamer, 6. magicpro all-purpose high capacity fabric steamer, 7. urpower 7-in-1 portable fabric steamer, 8. oghom handheld mini travel fabric steamer.

Freestanding Bacteria Killing Portable Fabric Steamer

Not only does this portable fabric steamer work to de-wrinkle your clothing, but it can also be used to kill 99.9 percent of germs on the surfaces in your home. The steamer is compact and easy to hold and heats up in just 40 seconds. The device comes with three attachments and features a built-in creaser to accommodate pleats.

Choice of Colors You'll find this portable fabric steamer comes with a choice of five color options.

Anti-Crease Auto-Off Fabric Steamer

A powerful 1500-Watt motor and a quick heat ceramic plate set this portable fabric steamer above the rest. The unit has a large detachable 10-ounce water tank that produces 18 minutes of continuous steam. There are also two adjustable steam settings, an automatic shut-off feature and a handy lint brush.

Handy Accessories Thanks to the 8-foot power cord on this portable fabric steamer, you won't have any trouble reaching your curtains and hanging garments.

Lightweight Compact Fabric Steamer

This sleek handheld mini-steamer holds 180 milliliters of water and provides about nine minutes of steam. It only takes 70 seconds to heat back up and is safe on most natural fabrics. It is very lightweight, and has a long, built-in two-point cable.

Great for Trips This miniature portable fabric steamer warms water quickly and is easy to hold.

Leak-Proof Continuous Fabric Steamer

Quickly remove wrinkles from your garments with this portable fabric steamer. It features a large detachable water tank, a 1200-watt motor, and an auto shut-off function. It's even available in aqua, blue and purple.

Fast Upstart This portable fabric steamer is ready to use in just 30 seconds!

Buying Guide

Portable fabric steamers can be extremely useful, especially when you are in a hurry or traveling. Some can also be used on household items, like stuffed animals, curtains and upholstery. Although full-sized garment steamers are still useful, portable ones allow you to move them around the items, making the job faster and easier.

Before buying a portable fabric steamer, decide what you will be using it for. If you plan to bring it when traveling, smaller may be better. For heavier fabrics, look for higher capacities and longer run times per fill of the water tank.

Travel steamers come in a variety of sizes and hold different amounts of water. Once they are charged (many come with power cords), the continuous-temperature steam will last for a certain amount of time. Charging times vary, so be sure to check the water capacity and charging times when you are shopping.

For the best results, you should use distilled water in your fabric steamer, as this prevents mineral buildup. Tap water can also be used, but you may need to clean the steamer more often. This can be done with vinegar and distilled water; check the package for cleaning instructions.

What to Look For

• Never touch the fabric steamer when it is hot, or you could burn yourself. Remember: water boils at 212° F.
• Only use purified or distilled water with your steamer; do not use anything with chemicals, like laundry detergent or fabric softener.
• Always hold your fabric steamer upright when using it, unless the manufacturer specifies differently.
• The water reservoir will have a “Max” line. Do not fill it up past this line.
• Be sure to turn the fabric steamer off when it is not being used or when it is running out of water. Many steamers have automatic shutoff features, which are important for safety.

Travel Clothes Steamer Rankings

More to Explore

No one loves wrinkled clothing, and portable fabric steamers make the job of smoothing clothes out much easier. There are some ways that you can prevent clothing from becoming more wrinkled, though. These can be incorporated into your regular clothes-washing routine.

Clothes should be sorted properly before going into the washing machine. They should be separated by color, fabric content and weight. For instance, do not wash heavy sweaters with lightweight items like lingerie or camisoles. Read clothing labels to see what water temperatures, wash cycles and dryer cycles (if any) should be used.

Remove clothes from the dryer right away, and fold or hang them as soon as possible. Never stuff clothing into a closet or drawer, since this will increase wrinkling. Allowing air to circulate around clothes will remove excess moisture, and it also allows the fibers to relax. If all else fails and wrinkles appear, your fabric steamer will be there to help you.

MORE :  The Best Clothes Steamer

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The Best Clothes Steamers You Can Buy Online

Tried-and-true models you can use at home or on the go.

Nicole Lund is the shopping editorial director for Real Simple with six years of experience writing product reviews. She has written product reviews, gift guides, and more for Real Simple, The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Apartment Therapy.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Our testing process.

• How to Shop
• More to Consider

Take Our Word for It

What is real simple selects.

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

Clothes steamers are a great alternative for people who don’t have the patience, space, or tools to iron their clothing . Clothes steamers work by heating up water to produce steam, which loosens the clothing’s fibers to get rid of wrinkles. Steaming also helps give your clothes a nice refresh and can be used for other household items, such as curtains.

To determine the best clothes steamers, we tested 48 models in our Des Moines lab and at home, assessing each product’s effectiveness, ease of assembly, design, and overall value, as well as how long it took for each product to produce steam. We also tapped Marilee Nelson , co-founder of Branch Basics , and Jerry Pozniak , managing director of Jeeves New York , a luxury dry-cleaning service, for expert advice on what to look for when shopping and tips on how to use the model you choose.

Best Overall

Conair extremesteam hand-held fabric steamer.

It comes with a helpful three-in-one attachment and a built-in clamp for creasing.

It’s a bit heavy, so it may not be ideal for travel.

Of all the clothes steamers we tested in our lab, this device from Conair earned our top spot, thanks to its smart design, efficient heating process, and overall effectiveness. The compact yet powerful steamer removed wrinkles in all types of fabric (including cotton and silk) and took just 40 seconds to fully heat up, making it one of our Very Best Products of 2024 . When used on lighter fabrics, like cotton and linen, we found that the steamer worked far quicker than a standard iron. Thicker items like jeans and sweaters did require a few more passes, but no more than an iron would. Even after six months of use, the steamer is still working perfectly.

This steamer comes with five steam settings (ranging from low to supercharged) for use with different fabrics, along with a helpful three-in-one attachment that consists of a silicone band to pull fabric tauter, a fabric spacer to keep trims safe, and a bristle brush for use on heavier materials. It also has a built-in clamp to create even pleats and folds, and it can be used for up to 15 minutes continuously thanks to its large, 7.3-ounce water tank.

While the steamer’s opening is pretty tiny, the water tank is detachable, and the device comes with a water funnel to help avoid spilling. Additionally, we appreciate its lengthy cord, comfortable grip, and reasonable price. Plus, it comes in five fun colors. Take note that it isn’t the most lightweight steamer, so you might get a sore arm after several minutes of use.

Heating Time: 40 seconds | Steam Duration: 15 minutes | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 7.3 ounces

Best Budget

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

It removes wrinkles from silk quickly and effectively.

The water reservoir is small, and the steamer presents a burn risk if you’re not careful.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive clothes steamer that still packs a punch, make sure to consider this model from Proctor Silex. The small and lightweight steamer boasts a low price tag, but that’s just one of several perks it offers.

When we tested out this steamer, we found that it heats up very quickly and is simple to use, with only one button to press and a single setting. It’s not the best on linen (it eases wrinkles, but doesn’t fully remove them), but it is highly effective on silk and cotton and performs especially well on our lightweight garments. It’s comfortable to hold, too, thanks to a long handle, and it has a lengthy 10-foot cord for added convenience. Additionally, the steamer comes with a fabric brush attachment for use on upholstery .  After six months of use, the steamer is still going strong, with no changes in quality whatsoever.

The fabric brush can double as a spacer to keep a necessary 1-inch buffer between the steamer’s head and the handle; otherwise, you might risk getting burned, as we found during our tests. We also didn’t love that the water reservoir is pretty small and requires frequent refilling, although it is easy to fill up with a funnel. Note that you can only use the steamer for up to seven minutes in one go, making it less suitable for those steaming a large load of clothes at once. Still, for a simple, no-frills device, it’s worth its low cost.

Heating Time: 45 seconds | Steam Duration: 7 minutes | Weight: Not listed | Water Tank Capacity: 4 ounces

Best Upright

Pure enrichment upright clothes steamer.

The included garment pole is adjustable and comes with hangers.

There’s no indicator light to say when it’s at the right temperature.

If you want a steamer that can provide a serious amount of power for a long period of time, opt for an upright model like this option from Pure Enrichment. The device has a massive 2-liter water tank to provide an hour’s worth of steaming, which is far greater than many others.

During our tests, we discovered that this steamer works quickly and effectively on all fabrics, especially silk. It heats up quickly and has four steam levels to choose from as well as adjustable temperature controls, which we found to be extremely helpful. To use this device, you just need to step on the pedal at the base; the water tank is detachable and easy to take in and out without spilling.

The adjustable garment pole conveniently comes with hangers and clips, saving you the hassle of bending over to steam clothes and deal with the cord. Additionally, the steamer features a fabric brush and has a comfortable arm. After six months of weekly use, this steamer has continued to exceed our expectations. We've noticed no sputtering, and every material we've steamed has retained a wrinkle-free appearance after hanging and cooling.

Although the steamer has wheels on the back for portability, it isn't very portable—its upright design makes it a bit bulky, and we wish it had more wheels on the front for better stability. There also isn’t an indicator light to say when it’s ready to use or at the proper temperature. That said, it’s a very high-quality steamer that offers plenty of significant, time-saving benefits.

Heating Time: 45 seconds | Steam Duration: 1 hour | Weight: 9.6 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 67.6 ounces

Best for Upholstery

Black+decker hgs200 advanced handheld steamer.

The three attachments are all effective and easy to use.

You have to press the button the whole time, and there are no temperature settings.

Getting wrinkles out of upholstery can be tricky, but this top-rated steamer from Black+Decker is more than up to the challenge. During our tests, we found that the lightweight, easy-to-use device completely removed wrinkles from all fabrics (especially silk and cotton), and it comes with a special upholstery attachment that makes it even more effective. It only took us one pass to steam our tablecloth, and we didn't even have to go over it.

Some more great features include a lint-remover attachment as well as one for use with delicate fabric that helps prevent water from dripping onto the material. It was comfortable to hold, too, with a long 15-foot cord for extra portability. While the steamer only has one setting, its steam and temperature were powerful and consistent in our testing, and the water tank is fairly large (and easy to take on and off). Despite its easy attachment, we did encounter some difficulty filling the tank—the chamber's hole has a middle section to mark the maximum fill line, which restricted entry and prevented us from adding a funnel. The pour lip did allow us to add water without spilling, but a funnel would have simplified the process.

It's worth noting that you do have to press the power button the entire time you use the steamer, and there’s also no fabric creaser attachment included like with some other options. We also observed some sputtering when the water reservoir was overfilled, so we recommend letting it heat up before activating the steam. Still, it’s a reliable and efficient steamer we wholeheartedly recommend for upholstery and more. And, after six months of use, it still works as good as new.

Heating Time: 45 seconds | Steam Duration: 15 minutes | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 7.4 ounces

Best Portable

Polardo hand held portable travel garment steamer.

It's small enough to travel with and heats up very quickly.

It's less effective on silk and makes a clicking noise while in use.

For anyone seeking a clothes steamer that they can easily take on the go, this option from Polardo is an excellent choice. The highly compact and lightweight steamer stands under 8 inches tall and weighs just over 1 pound, making it small enough to throw in a bag for travel . The 6-foot cord takes up minimal space, though you can plug it into an extension cord for added flexibility.

We were amazed by how quickly this steamer heated up—within just 20 seconds, it was already producing a strong stream of steam. This steamer proved particularly effective on cotton, linen, and polyester fabrics, which are lightweight yet robust enough for direct contact with the nozzle. Our silk proved to be a bit more challenging, requiring us to maintain our distance to avoid damaging the material. On delicate fabrics, we found the brush attachment to be especially effective.

The steamer emitted a fairly loud clicking noise while in operation, which the manual said occurs only if the steamer needs more water. Luckily, once the steam was steady, we could hardly notice the noise. After six months of use, it's still working well.

The tradeoff for this steamer's compact size is its small water capacity. With a tank capacity of just 4 ounces, the device requires fairly frequent refills and isn't large enough to tackle curtains and other garments with a large surface area. We also found the water tank opening to be a bit small. Still, the filling process was a breeze—simply click the release button to remove the water tank and pour through the opening. We appreciate that the device has a small rubbery plug that helps prevent spills as you snap the tank back into place.

Heating Time: 25 seconds | Steam Duration: 10 minutes | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 4 ounces

Best Large Capacity

Chi handheld garment steamer.

It heats up in just 20 seconds.

The button is awkwardly located, causing accidental setting changes.

Having to constantly refill a clothes steamer’s water tank can be a hassle, which is why a large-capacity steamer like this model from CHI is so desirable. The device boasts a 10-ounce capacity tank that’s not only larger than average but also easy to fill due to its large opening, saving you serious time and effort.

This steamer heats up quicker than most (in just 20 seconds!) and comes with two mode options (low and high). It’s comfortable to hold, has a long 10-foot cord, and features a locking mechanism to keep the steam on or off. It also comes with a fabric brush that we found to be very effective during our testing, especially on linen. After six months of use, the steamer is in the same condition as it was on day one.

In terms of negatives, they’re pretty minor: The main button is inconveniently located, which can lead to accidental setting changes, and we noticed that there can also be some slight water sputtering when the steamer is first turned on. We also wish it was a bit lighter, as our arm tends to hurt after steaming for longer durations. But those are small qualms that certainly don’t overpower the steamer’s many benefits (including its fairly low price and stylish red color).

Heating Time: 20 seconds | Steam Duration: Not listed | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 10.1 ounces

Best Clothes Steamer/Iron Combo

Electrolux garment steamer.

The locking mechanism keeps the steam going without any effort on your end.

The setting icons are hard to decipher and have no instructions.

Why shell out the money for a clothes steamer and an iron when you can have a device capable of doing both jobs? This steamer from Electrolux can be used vertically or horizontally like an iron, powerfully removing wrinkles from fabric regardless of its position.

The compact steamer (which is available in either black or blue) has two settings and comes with a sizable 10-ounce water tank that requires minimal effort to fill and remove. The device also stands out for how quickly it heats up (only 30 seconds) and for how long it can be used continuously (nearly 20 minutes). It has a comfortable grip, too, and comes with a handy locking mechanism that keeps the steam going without you having to continuously press the button.

It also includes a fabric brush and lint brush, both of which we found to be effective. The fabric brush excelled at minimizing water droplets on our garments, and the lint brush was a real showstopper, removing both pet hair and wrinkles from our skirt. This device works incredibly fast on lighter wrinkles, and though it does sometimes struggle to completely remove deeper ones, we've found that every garment looks better after steaming than it did before.

After six months of use, the quality of this steamer is exactly the same as when we first received it. As for price, it's slightly above average, and you’d hope that for that amount, it’d come with instructions on how to decipher the otherwise unclear icons for each setting. That annoyance aside, this is a very solid device that does both of its jobs quite well.

Heating Time: 30 seconds | Steam Duration: 18 minutes | Weight: 3.9 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 10 ounces

Best With Attachments

Conair handheld garment steamer.

In addition to the three main attachments, it also has a handy built-in creaser tool.

Its power decreases the longer you use it.

If you want a clothes steamer that comes with multiple extra tools designed to enhance the steaming process, take a look at this great pick from Conair. The small, lightweight steamer features three highly useful attachments: a silicone band to pull the fabric taut, a bristle brush to get through heavier fabrics, and a delicate fabric spacer to keep trims and finer fabrics safe from harm. But that’s not all—the steamer also comes with a built-in creaser tool that we found very effective and easy to use during our tests. 

Filling this steamer’s water tank is simple, but you do need to be careful of overfilling, or else it won’t work. You can choose between two settings (regular and turbo), both of which are labeled clearly and have instructions. While we found it to be a bit larger than other steamers on our list, its comfortable grip ensures that your arm won’t get tired, even if you go for all 15 minutes of the continuous use it promises.

After using the steamer for six months, we've noticed no changes in quality. It removes wrinkles seamlessly from our clothes—especially the softer, thinner garments like button-downs and linen pants—with no sputtering whatsoever. Plus, it has a long cord and reasonable price tag. It may not be the most powerful steamer on the market, and frustratingly, it does wane in power as it works, even on turbo mode. But there’s still a lot to like, especially those helpful accessories.

Best Professional

Jiffy fabric steamer.

It can be used continuously for an hour and a half and rarely needs a water refill.

It only has one setting.

Compact clothes steamers may be convenient, but if you want a device that can handle heavy-duty use and don’t mind the large size, a professional-grade option like this model from Jiffy is the way to go. The steamer can last for an hour and a half of continuous use, with a huge 96-ounce water tank that can go through at least a half-dozen items before needing a refill.

We were amazed by this steamer's sheer speed and effectiveness—it removed wrinkles in a matter of seconds, so we never had to run it over the same spot multiple times. It worked well on all materials in our testing—especially silk—maintaining its performance throughout six months of use. It helpfully comes with a rod to hang up clothes as you work, as well as two sets of wheels that glide smoothly and provide extra stability. We found it comfortable to hold and appreciated the long cord. As a bonus, the tank is easy to fill without spilling. Just keep in mind that the hose does get pretty hot, and since it's long and floppy, you'll want to make sure it doesn't hit your legs as you work.

Despite its power, this fairly simple steamer has only one setting, so you can’t vary the steam level or temperature depending on the fabric. It may leave the occasional water mark on clothing, and its large size makes it difficult to store.

Heating Time: 2 minutes | Steam Duration: 1.5 hours | Weight: 15.9 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 96 ounces

After all our testing, we found Conair’s Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer to be the most appealing, thanks to its five powerful settings and useful attachments, among other features. For a great lower-budget alternative, we recommend the Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Garment Steamer/Iron , which is compact, easy to use, and heats up very quickly.

To find the best clothes steamers, we tested 48 models in our Des Moines lab and at home, evaluating their effectiveness on a variety of fabrics. For each steamer, we first recorded its measurements, then noted how easy or difficult it was to roll it (if it was a standing model) or unfold it (if it was a folding model). We filled each steamer’s water reservoir to the max, then hit the “on” button (going to the highest setting if available) and timed how long it took to fully heat up. We then switched the steamers’ settings to the lowest options (if available) to let them cool down and recorded that timing, as well.

Next, we began the steaming process with each device. We first steamed a woman’s silk shirt on the lowest/silk setting (when applicable) and noted how quickly and well wrinkles were removed. After, we moved to the medium/cotton setting (when applicable) and steamed a men’s dress shirt while noting the same information. For this test, we also used the steamer’s creaser attachment (if included) to create a crease along the shirt’s side and took note of its sharpness. Finally, we switched to each steamer’s highest/linen setting (when applicable) and used the device on a pair of linen pants, recording the capability and speed in removing wrinkles.

At the end of our testing, we summarized each steamer’s effectiveness in tackling wrinkles on each fabric as well as if the steamer ever sputtered near or onto the garments. We also noted our thoughts on the design of each steamer, including the simplicity of filling the water tank without spilling, the comfort level of holding the steamer for long periods of time, the number of setting options and the ability to understand their functions, and the existence and effectiveness of any accessories.

After that, we recorded the cord length of each steamer and whether it could rotate easily around the base when we changed angles or directions. For portable steamers, we looked at the ease of folding and storing it for travel, while for standing models, we analyzed how smoothly the wheels moved around our lab.

Lastly, we determined each seamer’s overall value by considering whether its performance, design, and portability felt worthy of its retail price. For long-term testing, we took the steamers home and evaluated their performance after six months of use.

How to Shop for Clothes Steamers Like a Pro

There are two types of clothing steamers: handheld steamers and large upright steamers. The type you buy should depend on how you want to use it, how long you want to spend steaming, and how much storage space you have available. Handheld clothes steamers are best for those who steam clothing occasionally or don't have the space for a large upright steamer. Large garment steamers work better for those who steam clothing frequently, as these products have larger water tanks and can steam for much longer than handhelds (up to 20 minutes on a handheld vs. an hour on a large steamer). 

Keep in mind that a larger steamer isn’t necessarily better. In fact, Pozniak says that he only uses handheld steamers for clothing, drapery, and upholstered furniture—the lighter, the better. “We moved away from the larger units due to size, weight, and water dripping issues,” Pozniak says. “Also, the large steamers take forever to heat up.”

Nelson agrees, adding that handheld steamers remove wrinkles just as efficiently as vertical steamers, but they are designed with portability in mind and are easy to bring in your travel bag .

If you are interested in a large garment steamer, just make sure you have enough storage space for one in your home. Although some large garment steamers can be broken down to become more compact, they will still need about as much space as a stick vacuum cleaner .

“The heat-up time is an important selection criterion,” Nelson says. “If you plan to use your steamer in the morning before heading to work, it should not make you late!” Most steamers heat up in just under a minute, but the exact time varies depending on tank size and steamer power. Our best large-capacity pick, the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes , heats up the fastest of any steamers on our list, taking just 20 seconds.

Smaller steamers generally heat up more quickly than larger upright steamers, which can take about two minutes to heat up. While the difference isn't huge, it's still important to consider. Similarly, the length of time a steamer can run varies depending on the capacity of its tank. Smaller steamers have a runtime of about eight to 20 minutes, while larger garment steamers can run for one to two hours, depending on the setting.

The most important part of a clothes steamer is effectiveness, but extra features can certainly make the steaming process a whole lot easier. Common additional features include more than one steam setting, which will help if you need to get steaming done quickly or have sturdier fabrics. The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer , our best overall pick, has five heat settings and comes with a variety of accessories.

Some useful accessories to have include crease clips and bristle brush attachments. Crease clips help create creases in your pants without an iron, while a bristle brush attachment helps loosen fabric fibers so the wrinkles come out more easily. “Having the right accessories makes all the difference in your steaming experience, such as a mini ironing board , which helps make the finishing touches like collars perfect,” Nelson says.

If you're looking at a large garment steamer, look for additional features such as wheels on the bottom of the device, a retractable cord, and an included hanger with hanger clips to hold up your garments more easily.

More Steamers to Consider

Conair Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes, ExtremeSteam : This low-priced steamer works very well on various materials (including linen) and can be used almost immediately after refilling the water. That said, the water reservoir is very hard to fill, and it’s heavy enough to cause shoulder soreness.

MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer : This steamer is highly effective and easy to use, including when filling up the water tank, but it only has one setting and becomes uncomfortable to use after a few minutes due to its heavy weight.

Questions You Might Ask

What is the difference between a clothes steamer and an iron.

The big difference between a clothes steamer and an iron is contact. Irons require direct contact with fabric to get rid of wrinkles whereas steamers need to be held a short distance away from the fabric to achieve the same result. Irons are great for creating creases in pants, pressing pleated clothing, and getting wrinkles out of thicker fabrics that would take a longer time to tackle, such as jeans or a blazer. Steamers are best for more delicate items or fabrics, such as a silk blouse or a cashmere sweater.

“A hot iron can easily burn or damage more delicate fabrics like silk, satin, cashmere, or polyester,” Nelson says. “Steamers are a much safer option for delicate fabrics while simultaneously refreshing garments, reducing wrinkles and odors, and killing bacteria." She adds that steaming is also more environmentally friendly since you don’t have to wash the clothes that only need to be refreshed.

So, is one necessarily better than the other? According to Pozniak, it depends on the type of fabric: “Cotton and linen will need an iron, while you can use a steamer for silk, wool, and synthetic fabrics. If you do steam cotton and linen, you may get some of the wrinkles out, but those fabrics will never look crisp. You need the steam of an iron to relax the fibers and the heat of the iron to remove the moisture and ‘set’ the fabric, making it look crisp.”

Are There Any Fabrics You Shouldn’t Steam?

Pozniak says you should avoid steaming certain fabrics, including leather, suede, fur, vinyl/plastic fabrics, and some embellished garments. Suede, leather, and fur, in particular, can be severely damaged with steam, he says. You also don't want to get too close to embellishments like buttons, beads, or sequins, as those could be made of plastic and melt.

Can You Use a Steamer To Freshen Up Clothes Between Washes?

Absolutely, Nelson says: “Steamers are perfect for freshening up used garments in between washes since the hot steam targets bad odors. Especially when it comes to fabrics that cannot be washed, or items too bulky to wash by hand or in a machine—like a duvet or even a couch —steaming is an excellent alternative."

As a hack, she recommends spritzing your garment with vodka before steaming for extra odor removal .

How Do You Properly Use a Clothes Steamer?

Always read your product's instruction manual before you proceed, as use can vary between clothes steamers. Typically, you start by filling the tank with water up to the water line, not above it. Then, turn on the device and wait until the machine begins continually producing steam. Otherwise, there's a risk of water spurting out and getting onto your fabric, which may stain it.

Hang your garments on a hanger and hold them taut while steaming. Keep the steamer an inch away from the garment while steaming—do not put the steamer nozzle directly on your clothes. According to Nelson, you should steam any sort of lining first and always steam items from top to bottom to produce an optimal effect. Once you're done, wait for your clothes to dry. Throughout the steaming process, make sure that your hands stay far away from the extremely hot steam so you don't get burned.

Should You Regularly Clean a Clothes Steamer?

Yes, but how often depends on how much you use it. If you notice that your clothes steamer is not producing steam as easily or as quickly as previous uses, that's when it's time for a cleaning . Clothes steamers get dirty when the minerals from hard water build up over time and create a gunk that can clog your nozzle and leave white residue on your clothes.

You can avoid this by using distilled water when you steam. If that isn't an option, you can clean your clothes steamer with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. After you've put the mixture into your water tank, turn on your steamer and let that mixture run until it's about halfway done. Repeat the process until your nozzle lets steam out easily and quickly. Once you're ready to use your steamer again, make sure to do the same process but with just distilled water to make sure that any remaining vinegar is removed.

This roundup was written by Rachel Simon , a writer for Real Simple , Better Homes & Gardens , The New York Times , and many other publications; and Nicole Lund , associate commerce editorial director at Dotdash Meredith. It was updated by Jamie Fischer , a commerce writer for Real Simple . To find the best clothes steamers, we tested 48 irons in our lab and at home over six months, evaluating each model on its effectiveness, design, and overall value for money. We also consulted Jerry Pozniak , managing director of Jeeves New York , a luxury dry cleaning service, and Marilee Nelson , co-founder of Branch Basics , for expert advice.

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval . Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects , from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

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Ironizze Pro, Sotrends Steam Iron, Handheld Portable Steamer for Clothes, Travel Mini Steam Iron, Mini Ironing Machine, Garment Steamer for Clothes, Curtains, Sheets (Green)

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About this item.

• 【Removes Stubborn Wrinkles】: Stubborn wrinkles from clothing are often difficult to remove, but Ironizze Pro quickly overcomes them thanks to its powerful steam. Its titanium panel heats up in seconds, relaxing the fibers of the most resistant fabrics without extra effort.
• 【High Power】: Our Travel Mini Steam Iron has 1000W high power, spray mist water humidification, deep penetration of clothes, constant temperature of 302°F for ironing clothes, 5 seconds preheating, 3 minutes ironing clothes, it is a must-have for furniture.
• 【Versatility and Comfort】: Its innovative triangular tip allows you to iron with precision the most difficult to reach areas, such as collars and buttons. Whether you are ironing silk shirts or thick cotton trousers, Ironizze Pro adapts to all types of fabrics without damaging them.
• 【Longevity and Ideal Tank】: Sotrends Steam Iron has a 50 ml water tank, large enough to iron several garments without having to constantly refill it. The anti-leak system ensures clean and hassle-free use, thus extending the life of the device.
• 【Quick and Easy Ironing】: Ironizze Pro offers a practical and effective solution for removing wrinkles from clothes, whether you are at home or on the go. Thanks to its compact and lightweight design, it fits easily into your travel bag, allowing you to iron quickly before an important meeting or appointment.

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Ironizze Pro Portable Steam Iron for Clothes

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Ironizze Pro, Sotrends Steam Iron, Handheld Portable Steamer for Clothes, Travel Mini Steam Iron, Mini Ironing Machine, Garment Steamer for Clothes, Curtains, Sheets Features: - Compact and Portable Steam Iron. - Easily Removes Wrinkles and Creases. - Suitable for All Types of Fabrics. - Non-Stick Titanium Base (Glides Easily). - Can Be Used on Clothes, Sheets, Curtains, etc. Specifications: Name: Ironizze Pro Voltage: 110v-240v Frequency: 50HZ Water tank capacity: 50ml Water spray volume: 0.4g/time Size: 11.5*8.4*6.2cm(4.53*3.3*2.44in) Package Included: 1/2PCS * Ironizze Pro 1/2PCS * Silicone Mat 1/2PCS * Measuring Cup

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