Best Handheld Clothing Steamer [Top 10 Picks for 2024]

In a world where time is a precious commodity and appearances matter, finding the best handheld steamer becomes a game-changer.

Ironing—a chore that elicits collective sighs of reluctance from many. The time-consuming endeavor of smoothing out wrinkles can be a daunting task. I watched my mother spend hours ironing clothes and getting angry if we got a wrinkle on it.

Clothes are meant to wrinkle, but when I grew up I could understand how that would make her angry. If I ironed for hours and that happened, I’d be mad too! So as I grew into adulthood, I made the conscious choice not to buy clothes that needed ironing. Seems like I am not alone on this thought too, according to this article.

But with adulting comes unexpected situations, and sometimes, unexpected clothing needs. Some fabrics are a headache to manage! Thank goodness for handheld garment steamers.

These nifty devices not only swiftly straighten wrinkled clothes but also refresh them, all while combatting bacteria and germs. If you have garments that don’t require regular washing, such as jackets, a steamer becomes your go-to tool to keep them fresh before storage.

Why You Need Handheld Clothing Steamers

The perks of a handheld steamer go beyond the realm of clothing. Their versatility extends to steaming furniture and curtains, making them indispensable for home maintenance. What’s more, they can even serve as a potent weapon in pest extermination. With such a multitude of benefits, investing in a handheld steamer becomes a wise choice for both home and travel needs.

Given the surging demand for handheld cloth steamers, the market is flooded with numerous brands and an extensive array of models.

For first-time buyers, the abundance of options can be overwhelming. Navigating this sea of choices necessitates a clear understanding of your needs, budget constraints, and reliable brands.

What to Consider When Buying a Clothing Steamer

When shopping for a garment steamer, it is easy to make the wrong choice with the many steamers available in the market. A simple search “Handheld Clothing Steamers” on Amazon will return hundreds of results, and settling on one steamer can be a daunting task.

Whether you are planning to buy a handheld steamer, standing steamer, professional steamer, or travel steamer, there are so many considerations to think of. But if you are in a hurry, there are three main things you need to do:

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Know the Purpose

Before you head to Amazon and order your steamer, it is important to know how and where you intend to use your steamer. The best garment steamer is one that suits your needs with no compromises. For instance, if you travel a lot, look for a multipurpose steamer – suitable for both home and travel use. Buying a multipurpose garment steamer is always a plus.

Performance

When shopping for the best clothes steamer, it is important to consider performance. Performance means how powerful the steamer is. You can check the wattage but, most importantly, check the steam temperature. For light steaming, you can do with a low-power steamer. However, a powerful steamer is multipurpose and offers many benefits – it is the best choice.

Steam Settings

As you look for a powerful garment steamer, it is important to check the steam modes. Look for a steamer that offers at least two steam modes. The different steam settings ensure you can have the right steam for different steaming needs.

Tank Capacity and Steaming Time

There is no point in getting a powerful handheld garment steamer that only steams for 5 minutes. It is, therefore, important to consider the water reservoir capacity of the steamer before making a choice. Ensures that the capacity is sufficient to steam for at least 15 minutes. This way, you need not keep refilling the tank when steaming.

Heating Time

The heating time ranges from 10 minutes to over two minutes with most clothing steamers. While the heating time will largely depend on the water capacity, some steamers heat faster than others. Look for a steamer that heats within 15 to 40 seconds. Fast heating means fast steaming, which is what you want.

Hose and Power Cord Length

While handheld garment steamers are very portable, you need more room when steaming. This is where the need for a long hose and power cord comes in. You do not want to have problems reaching the edges of your curtains when steaming. Therefore, consider buying a steaming machine that comes with a long steam hose and power cord.

Portability

Most handheld clothing steamers are indeed portable. However, some come with unique designs that enhance portability. For instance, when shopping for a travel steamer, check the portability. How easy is it to pack the device? Consider buying a small steaming machine or one that comes with a foldable design for easy packing.

Easy to clean

It is important to keep your garment steamer clean before storage. Therefore, look for a steamer that is easy to clean – consider those with a removable water tank as they are easy to clean.

Attachments

Different steamers will come with different attachments. Look for a machine that comes with many attachments such as fabric brush, water cups, creasers, hangers, fabric spacers, etc. Ensures the machine comes with whatever extra accessories that you need.

Safety

Many people do not consider safety when buying clothing steamers. Steam is dangerous, so look for a garment steaming machine that is 100% safe. Check the steam controls, build quality (the handle should not heat), leak proofing, auto shut feature, among other safety features.

Price

Finally, when shopping for the best clothes steaming machine, make a price comparison. There are steamers for every budget, even without compromising on capabilities and safety. Therefore. Set a budget and stick to it. You will get the right steamer for your budget.

Our Favorite Handheld Clothing Steamers in 2024

Our Top Pick – Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam 1875W Handheld Steamer

Among the multitude of options, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam 1875W Handheld Steamer stands out as our top recommendation.

This steamer boasts a rapid heating mechanism, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying wrinkle-free garments. The 7.3-ounce water tank allows for an impressive 15 minutes of continuous steaming, catering to even extensive garment care sessions. Beyond its efficiency in banishing wrinkles, this steamer is a germ-fighting powerhouse, equipped with five temperature settings for versatility in handling various fabrics.

The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam 1875W does not disappoint. It offers many features that make it an excellent choice for many households. First, it comes with a 7.3-ounce water tank capacity and heats in under 40 seconds. This is fast enough and means you can start steaming almost immediately when you plug in the steamer.

Another great feature that makes this steamer a must-have is that it comes with a 9-foot power cord, which gives room for seamless steaming. In addition, with an 1875-watt steam generator, the machine produces hot steam capable of killing 99.9% of bacteria and germs. All this makes removing wrinkles and refreshing garments seamless.

There are even more reasons why you should consider buying this clothing steamer. Unlike other steamers, the steamer is easy to use, thanks to its simplistic design and modern controls. It also comes with a 3-in-1 attachment, including a silicone band, a delicate fabric spacer, and a bristle brush. All these attachments ensure you have an easy time steaming all types of fabrics.

Another reason why you should get this handheld steamer is that it is multipurpose. You can steam clothes, curtains, upholstery, and other home textiles, keeping them smooth and fresh. The steamer is also ideal if you travel a lot because it is easy to pack and carry. It is one of the best wrinkle removers and comes at a great price.

Best Premium Option – PurSteam Standing Garment Steamer

PurSteam Garment Steamer is a perfect choice if you are looking for a high-end steamer. Unlike other steamers, this one comes with quality components and features that make it ideal for heavy steaming. Among the many features that make the steamer stand out is the 61 oz water capacity. It also heats fast, considering the size of the tank. You will have the steam ready between 45 to 60 seconds. The big water capacity also presents another benefit – you enjoy 60 minutes of continuous steaming. In addition, with the steam temperature getting as high as 248 °F, you can steam any fabric, including the heavy ones. The hot steam removes wrinkles and penetrates deep and soft fibers freshening and killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Since there is no use of chemicals, the steamer is ideal for all surfaces, including upholstery and furniture.

Being a premium steamer, you have peace of mind knowing the steamer is fabric-friendly. This means you can steam any upholstery without worrying about damaging the fabric. The steamer also comes with many accessories, and you can easily hold garments in place when steaming – this is a premium option. Also, there is a fabric brush to remove wrinkles, and to make your ironing seamless, this mighty steamer is suitable for any clothing closet. In addition, the long hose, pole, and power cord gives you enough room to maneuver when steaming your clothes. Since you will be spending a lot to acquire the steamer, you get a 5 years warranty for your peace of mind.

Best Budget Option – Hilife Clothes Steamer

Hilife Clothes Steamer is a great budget option and is also ideal for travel needs. While this steamer is affordable, it does not compromise on capabilities. First, it comes with an 8.1 oz capacity that can last up to 15 minutes of minutes. This is sufficient, considering the size of the steamer. In addition, this handheld steamer also comes with a 9-foot power cord. The long cord ensures easy maneuvering when steaming garments. While it doesn’t heat fast compared to other steamers, it makes up for this by being very portable and hence ideal for travel needs. You need not worry about wearing wrinkled clothes when on vacation – you get wrinkle-free on the go with this steamer.

There are even more reasons to buy this affordable steamer. It is a 7-in-1 multipurpose steamer. It not only steams clothes but it is also ideal for smart living. You can also steam different types of fabrics thanks to the high-temperature steam. In addition, there is a brush accessory, which comes in handy when steaming thick material. There is also a measuring cup, which makes refilling seamless. With this handheld/travel steamer, you spend less while getting more. It also has many positive reviews, and it is a steamer you can trust.

Best Travel Handheld Steamer – Conair GSC24 Garment Steamer

Conair GSC24 Garment Steamer never disappoints if you are in the market for a travel handheld steamer. Its practical design is what makes it unique. It stands on a flat surface and comes with a built-in creaser that opens up with a button press, making steaming easy. Tons of features make it a top choice.

Quick 35-second heat-up, easy-fill removable water tank, and adjustable steam head to easily reach wrinkles at any angle.

Amazing right? Unlike other steamers, you will have steam ready within 35seconds.

Besides being a powerful steamer, it is also effective for disinfecting surfaces – it kills up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria. For seamless steaming, the steamer comes with a long power cord, and you can effectively steam curtains, upholstery, clothes, and other high-quality garments. It is a decent steamer and comes at a fair price. I love bringing this in the office to steam and also disinfect the space as it is so handy.

Best Upright Steamer – Jiffy Garment Steamer

This is a heavy-duty full-size steamer that offers 90 minutes of steaming and a large water capacity. The long hose and handheld head makes steaming easy and fast. It is ideal for both household and commercial steaming.

Jiffy Garment Steamer is a classic full-size steamer that is functional and comes in an upright design. This steamer wins in many aspects. First, unlike other clothes steamers, this one comes with a large water capacity – 96 ounce. This ensures you have 90 minutes of continuous steaming hence ideal for heavy commercial steaming if you like. Even with large capacity, this garment steamer heats in under 2 minutes, and this is fast enough for a steamer of its size. In addition, the steamer comes with a high power rating 1300 watt, and this ensures you get high-temperature steam ideal for any steaming project. Whether you are steaming light or heavy fabric, the multilevel steam settings makes anything possible.

Since this full-size steamer does not come cheap, there are some features to make up for that. First, it is very durable thanks to the high-impact plastic on the outer housing. The steamer also comes with a long cord and steam hose which makes steaming flawless – easy maneuvering. The steam head is handheld and 6 inches wide. What’s more, the steamer is very safe as it comes equipped with an automatic shut-off feature. It also comes with a 3-year warranty as a guarantee of quality, and this gives you peace of mind.

Best All-Angle – Bizond Portable Steamer

Bizond Portable Steamer is a unique product in its class for many reasons. First, unlike other handheld steamers that spit water if you tip them too far, this garment steamer does not spit. It works at all angles, with no leaks. By preventing puddles and spills, it protects your hands, and you can place it on any surface without worrying about damages. This fabric steamer is also powerful and heats fast. It has a water capacity of 3.4 ounces and heats in 25 seconds, allowing 10 minutes of steaming. It is, therefore, not ideal for heavy-duty steaming but rather for home and travel needs.

Besides being safe, this steamer comes with a NANO filter. The filter protects the heating elements from calcification which would otherwise reduce the lifetime of the device. The compact design makes this fabric steamer comfortable to hold and the well laid out controls makes it easy effortless to use. In addition, you can use the steamer on all types of fabrics, upholstery, and furniture. Also, for improved safety, the device comes with an automatic shut off feature if the steamer goes unused for 5 minutes. This feature also saves on power. There is also a long power cord 9.8 foot and brush attachments, all of which makes the steamer even better. Besides getting the steamer at a fair price, you also get a three years warranty.

Best for Travel – Homelle Travel Steamer

Homelle Travel Steamer is your best travel partner if you are looking for a functional yet compact fabric steamer. This device has an antispill feature that ensures you can steam at any angle, and no water will leak. While it is lightweight and very portable, it does not compromise when it comes to steaming. It heats in 25 seconds and produces continuous steam for 25 minutes. What’s more, a Cooling Touch System ensures that the handle never gets hot for easy handling. Another handy feature is the Safe Auto-Off Element switch that switches off the device if it goes unused for 2 minutes. This is not only great for safety reasons but also saves energy.

One reason why this fabric steamer is ideal for travelers is that it is lightweight and very compact. It comes with a one-touch removable water tank, and the steam lock makes it easy to use, and you can use it with one hand. It is also a multipurpose steamer because you can steam clothes, mattresses, sofas, pillows, curtains, and any other fabric. In addition, you can use this steamer to get rid of unpleasant odors as well as exterminate bedbugs. While it is an affordable garment steamer, you also get a 1-year warranty to guarantee you are getting a quality product.

Best Lightweight Steamer – Oghom Steamer

Oghom Steamer is the best lightweight clothes steamer. With this steamer, you get great features such as a high capacity water reservoir – 8.1 ounce that ensures you can steam for 15 mins non-stop. What’s more, you do not have to wait for long once you plug in the steamer; it only takes two minutes to get the steam ready. It also comes with a 9ft long power cord making it easy to use when steaming. This machine can effectively steam and refresh all types of fabrics and improve your living styles.

While other garment steamers come with outdated technology, this model comes with leading technology. It features a 304 stainless steel heating panel that prevents oxidation and rust, which prolongs your steamer’s life. The machine also features an attractive design and operating it is seamless. The different steam setting also makes it very capable, and it can remove even stubborn wrinkles. With the attractive price and positive reviews, have confidence buying this fabric steamer, knowing that it will not disappoint you.

Best Design Steamer – Beautural Steamer

Beautural Steamer is unbeatable when it comes to looks, functionality, and portability. First, it features a unique design – a foldable design that is attractive and makes storage and packing when traveling easy. Unlike other garment steamers, this model comes with two water tanks of different capacities. You can use the 3.4-ounce tank when traveling and the 6.8-ounce tank for heavy steaming at home. The machine is also very powerful with a 1000 watt power rating and produces 257°F steam, which is enough to remove wrinkles and sanitize clothes – killing germs and bacteria. The high power rating also ensures fast heating – 40 seconds heat up time.

When shopping for the best clothes steamers, it is important to consider the safety of the steamer. This particular model is 100% safe. It features a leak-proof design, which ensures no leaks no matter the steaming angle. There is also an automatic shut-off feature when you leave the steamer unused for 8 minutes. The steamer also shuts off when overheated, which saves power. In addition to all these features, the steamer is multipurpose and is suitable for all types of fabrics – from delicate fabrics to heavy fabrics. It also comes with a fabric brush for easy, flawless steaming. Lastly, the stainless steel head ensures easy and fast smoothing and de-wrinkling of any type of clothing.

Safest Garment Steamer – iSteam Steamer for Clothes

iSteam Steamer for Clothes is a stylish and safe handheld clothes steamer. It comes with a unique luxury design, and no wrinkle is too tough for this steamer. It features a 4.1-ounce water tank that heats up in under 25 seconds. With this garment steamer, you get continuous steam for 10 minutes, making it ideal for both home and travel steaming needs. You can gently iron all clothing, drapery, bedding, and other fabrics with the hot steam. In addition, this device comes with a Spill-Proof technology and Shutdown System, all of which keep you and your clothes safe.

Unlike other steamers, this model is powerful and portable. You can carry the steamer when traveling as the device is easy to stash or pack in your suitcase – it takes less space. The design look is amazing, with no compromises on capabilities. The steamer is lightweight and comes with features such as Nano-Polymer Filter, which prevents calcification, thereby adding life to the steamer. It also comes at a great price, and you get a 3-year warranty.

From swiftly smoothing out wrinkles to refreshing and sanitizing your clothes, the handheld steamer transcends the boundaries of a mere household appliance. Its utility extends to preserving non-washable garments, making it an indispensable tool for every fashion enthusiast.

As you embark on the journey of choosing the perfect handheld garment steamer, remember that it’s not just a device; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Tailor your choice to align with your unique needs, whether it’s the Conair Fabric Steamer for its rapid heating and germ-fighting prowess or another model that caters to your specific requirements. With the right steamer, you not only bid farewell to the chore of ironing but welcome a new era of wrinkle-free living.

Enjoy the freedom of effortlessly maintaining your wardrobe, leaving more time for the things that truly matter.

Frequently Asked Questions for 10 Best Handheld Clothing Steamer

Which is the best handheld garment steamer to buy?

There is no ideal garment steamer for everyone. What works for you may not necessarily work for the other person. However, there is a way to buy the right steamer. First, know your needs, for instance, how and where you intend to use the machine. Secondly, consider performance, steam settings, portability, accessories, and price. This way, you will get a steaming machine that meets your needs.

Are garment steamers better than irons?

Yes and No! Clothing steamers are better than irons in some cases, but this is not always the case. Steamers work faster than irons, but the results are not as good as when you use an iron. In addition, steamers are better in that they not only steam but also kills germs. They are also easy to use and safe compared to irons. On the other hand, irons are slower and riskier than steaming machines. Irons are also not portable, while most steamers are portable. Although you can weigh your options and choose what works for you, you can consider having both.

Are there any fabrics that I should not steam?

While most steamers are suitable for all fabrics, avoid steaming suede and waxed materials. Also, avoid fabrics that can melt when subjected to high temperatures.

Can garment steamers exterminate bedbugs? 

Yes! High-power steaming machines quickly kill bedbugs. The machine’s effectiveness will depend on its strength and closeness to the surface – to maintain high temperature on the surface.

Does steaming remove odor?

Yes! Bacteria cause odor, and most steaming machines are good at killing germs and bacteria. Therefore, by steaming your clothes, you can be sure to remove the odor and keep your clothes fresh.