tefal travel steamer review

Tested and Reviewed: The Best Travel Steamer to Take on the Road

By Erinne Magee

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. 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 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 get in the way. After testing these steamers, I’ll be leaving the iron tucked away.

Of the nine steamers tested, my favorite 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 the wrinkles out, they also kill 99.9% 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.

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?

The design here is just smart. The 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 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: .8 pounds

Pros -Lightweight and packable -Adjustable head -Comes with wall mount -Powerful

Cons -Works best on lighter fabrics only

Can I travel with a portable steamer?

Most travel steamers will fit into your 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. As someone who typically only uses a carry-on unless traveling 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 Conair Turbo (weighing in at two pounds and measuring 13 inches long) in overall rating.

More steamers I tested

Of the nine steamers I tested out, these are the others I would recommend, with caveats:

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 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: 2 pounds

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

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 tiny, 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.

Pros -Handle folds in, making it easy to travel -Metal soleplate -Quick heat-up

Cons -Leaks when on its side -Very small, hard-to-fill reservoir -Heavier material requires at least one refill

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: 1.57 pounds

Pros -Metal plate -Option for continuous steam or manual

Cons -Longer heat up time -Won't tackle jeans or heavier garments

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 pounds

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

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The 7 Best Travel Steamers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Wrinkles? We don't know them thanks to these tiny, yet powerful steamers

Emma Phelps is an Associate Commerce Editor at The Spruce, who specializes in bedding, home improvement, and home design. You'll find her byline on a variety of topics from Tempur-Pedic mattresses to percale sheets. She loves testing out the latest products in bedding and home cleaning solutions.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

In This Article

Our Top Picks

Another Option We Like

How We Tested
What to Look For
Why Trust The Spruce

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

There's nothing worse than realizing that you so carefully (or not-so carefully) packed clothes only to have them become a wrinkled mess during transit. While some hotels provide steam irons, Airbnbs or other vacation rental homes don't always supply that household tool. In such situations, especially if you're dealing with delicate fabrics, a travel steamer becomes an essential. These compact units are light enough to pack into a carry-on or duffel bag, yet they deliver powerful steam that eradicates all wrinkles from your clothes in just a few up-and-down motions.

While we haven't had the chance to test travel steamers in The Lab , we did conduct an at-home test with 29 clothes steamers of all kinds—travel steamers included. During this test, we measured each steamer's heat time, considered the water tank capacity, and evaluated the steamer's effectiveness against deep-set wrinkles. After all our testing, we can say: don't let a travel steamer's compact size fool you. Whether you're looking for crease-creating attachments or pocket-size devices, the models below are the best options to reach for when you're in a pinch—or should we say wrinkle?

Best Overall

True & tidy handheld garment steamer.

Effectiveness 4 /5
Design 5 /5
Portability 4 /5

Very lightweight

Large stainless steel soleplate

See-through water tank

Tricky to fill water reservoir

Of all the travel steamers we tested, the True & Tidy Handheld Garment Steamer stood out the most and is the one to undeniably add to your suitcase. This colorful unit weighs just 1.5 pounds, and it breaks down into two pieces, making it extremely easy to stash in a bag of any size. We loved that its water reservoir is completely see-through, which allowed us to monitor exactly how much water was left. And it excelled in our testing, removing tough wrinkles with just a few passes, thanks to its powerful steam and stainless steel soleplate.

This travel steamer comes with a brush attachment that can help smooth fabric as you work, and it was ready to use in around two minutes. The handle stayed cool and comfortable for the duration of our testing, and the on-off rocker switch made the steamer simple and straightforward to operate. Our only woe when it comes to this travel steamer is that the water tank is a bit tricky to fill. You have to pour water in slowly. Otherwise, it backs up and overflows. However, beyond that one quirk, the product exceeded our expectations, earning perfect scores for design and value.

The Spruce / Camryn Rabideau

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Pure enrichment portable garment steamer.

Effectiveness 3 /5
Design 4.5 /5
Portability 5 /5

Long power cord

Easy to fill water tank

Not best for deep-set wrinkles

Need to refill tank when steaming multiple garments

A close runner-up is the Pure Enrichment PureSteam Portable Steamer. During testing, we found it was easy to twist off the top nozzle and fill the water tank—a process that wasn't so easy when using our "best overall" pick. Although, this steamer's compact size does mean you'll have to refill it if you have multiple garments to steam. But, we think it offers just enough steam time to finish at least one or two garments. Plus, the power cord is 8 feet long, making it easy to maneuver around your garment and navigate outlets in your hotel room or Airbnb.

This steamer is one of the lightest models we tested at just over 1 pound. It would easily fit into a suitcase or carry-on bag without making your bag overweight or taking up too much space. As is to be expected with smaller clothes steamers , this model isn't the best for eliminating deep wrinkles, but it did efficiently eliminate most wrinkles with just a few passes. All in all, if you're torn between our top recommendations, know that both models are easy to hold and operate, and quick to heat up.

Best Budget

Black+decker easy garment steamer.

Effectiveness 4.5 /5
Design 4 /5

Slit in nozzle gives off impressive steam

Large, easy-to-fill water tank

Extremely effective at removing wrinkles

Somewhat bulky design

The great thing about travel steamers is they're typically quite budget-friendly, and one of the best values we found was the Black+Decker Easy Garment Steamer. Despite its low price, this steamer worked extremely well in our tests, removing wrinkles in just one or two passes. We loved that its nozzle has a slit-shaped opening, which allowed more steam to come out and helped deliver faster results.

This travel steamer takes about a minute to heat up, and there's a large window that lets you see into the water tank to monitor how much is left. The top of the unit twists off when you need more water, and we had no issues filling the water tank from the faucet. The steamer is slightly bulkier than other models we tested, but it's still compact enough to fit in a carry-on or another suitcase.

Best Splurge

Beautural steamer for clothes.

Value 3.5 /5

Includes several handy accessories

Great for creating creases

Longer steam time than average

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.

Best Compact

Isteam steamer for clothes.

Release button for water tank

Can be used both horizontally and vertically

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, it's worth splurging on the iSteam Steamer. This sleek little device is one of the smallest we tested, yet it 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 filling. 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.

Best for Heavy Materials

Magicpro portable garment steamer.

Effectiveness 4.3 /5
Design 3.8 /5
Value 4.5 /5

Strong steam production

Easy-to-operate trigger

Sturdy, durable form

Can be bulky in suitcase or bag

It generally holds true that the larger the steamer, the more power it packs. The MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer is an unbeatable model in terms of steam output, making it ideal for heavy fabrics like wool or denim. But, the major downside is that it's fairly bulky and takes up quite a bit of space in your suitcase. Still, we were wowed by this steamer, which has a water reservoir attached to the front of its sturdy, durable body. It was able to remove wrinkles in one to two passes, working significantly better than similarly-sized models and earning a perfect score for effectiveness.

The MagicPro Steamer has a trigger-style button that turns the steam off and on, and it automatically locks in, saving you from having to hold it down the whole time. It's ready to use after just one minute of heating—impressive for its size—and it comes with a brush attachment, as well as a lint brush.

Best for Wedding Dresses and Delicate Items

Conair 2-in-1 garment steamer.

Heats up extremely fast

Four steam settings

Includes a variety of attachments

Oversized and bulky design

Doesn't work well horizontally

The last thing you want on your wedding day is to accidentally scorch your wedding dress—which is why we recommend the Conair Turbo Extreme Steam for delicate items. This steamer comes with a unique "delicates bonnet" attachment that helps to diffuse the steam, yet it doesn't hamper the unit's effectiveness. It was able to remove wrinkles from fabric in just a few passes in our testing, and we were impressed that it heated up in less than a minute, as well.

There's one major downside to this steamer, and that's its size. The unit is about 1 foot tall and weighs over 3 pounds, making it one of the largest options on this list. It wouldn't be good for frequent fliers who only travel with a carry-on, but we think it would come in handy at weddings or other special events, in particular.

Final Verdict

To keep your clothes looking fresh on the road, we recommend the True & Tidy TS-10 Handheld Garment Steamer . This compact unit is extremely lightweight and easy to operate, and it delivers an impressive blast of steam that removes wrinkles fast. For a more budget-friendly option, we also like the Black+Decker HGS011F Easy Garment Steamer . While slightly larger, its unique slit opening gives off ample steam for tackling wrinkles in fabrics.

Bear Portable Handheld Clothes Steamer : We have not had a chance to formally test this steamer, but one of our editors, Mia Ingui , says she loves this steamer as a travel option because it's not too cumbersome in her luggage and it effectively removes wrinkles without requiring refills. Plus, it can double as a steam iron in a pinch! While she wishes this model had a power switch, it's still a solid steamer that's also well-designed.

How We Tested the Travel Steamers

We purchased and tested 29 clothes and travel steamers in one of our homes for several hours over the course of two months. To start, we unboxed and set up each steamer, noting how clear the instructions were and how intuitive the design of the steamer is. We noted whether it was durable and practical, and if the buttons were placed well. We also considered whether each model could be described as a stylish option, and if the steamer came with accessories like a case or a brush attachment.

Next, we evaluated the heat time of each steamer by timing with a phone stopwatch how long the water took to heat up. We then used wrinkled linen napkins to test the effectiveness of each steamer and try out all the settings. Throughout our use of the steamers, we asked ourselves the following questions: How quickly did the steamer remove the wrinkles? Did it take one pass, three passes, or five passes to remove them? Did the napkin feel damp afterward? We answered all of these questions before also rating the portability of the product, and noting how easy it was to hold or carry around. We put the travel steamer in a packed carry-on bag to see if it would be practical to pack it in a suitcase and if it drastically altered the weight of the bag.

Lastly, we applied our hands-on experience to rate the overall value of the product and decide if it's worth the money you'd spend on it. All of these insights were boiled down to this list of what we believe are the very best travel steamers.

What to Look for in a Travel Steamer

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 tank 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," says Melissa Maker of Clean My Space. Our "best for heavy materials," the MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer , has a 15-minute steam time, which could allow you to easily steam a longer dress or multiple T-shirts. While travel steamers sometimes sacrifice steam time due to their small sizes and thus smaller water tanks, all of the models in our roundup have steam times just under or slightly over 10 minutes.

Size and Weight

A steamer's size not only impacts its steam time, but it also determines how packable it is in luggage. 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. "A steamer should be a manageable weight, comfortable to hold, and nicely balanced, so it's not too top or bottom-heavy," says Maker. Our "best overall" pick, the True & Tidy TS-10 Handheld Garment Steamer , is very lightweight at just 1.5 pounds, and it can be separated into two pieces for even more packability.

Design Features

There are multiple design elements to keep in mind when picking out your travel steamer. Although a slimmer travel steamer is great to easily slip into a suitcase, it may be top-heavy and lack a handle, causing a greater risk of accidental burns and complicating the cool down process. For that reason, you want to look for a steamer that has a well-distributed design. Additionally, you should look for a steamer that has an easy-to-access water tank. Some options can be tricky to refill, while others may feature an easy-release button, such as our "best compact" pick, the iSteam Steamer . Our "best for wedding dresses and delicate items" pick, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 Garment Steamer , may be one of the bulkiest handheld steamers in this roundup, but it has a comfortable handle and larger water tank.

Most travel streamers are lightweight and portable when you compare them with traditional clothes steamers. Most weigh less than 2 pounds, and some of the more compact varieties are no larger than a travel mug. This makes them easy to slot into even the smallest of suitcases. We particularly love the iSteam Steamer for its compact size. It was the smallest one we tested, but didn't sacrifice effectiveness or features.

Some travel steamers are lighter and more ergonomic than others, making them easier to use. While what's easiest for you ultimately comes down to personal preference, selecting one that you can hold at any angle without the water spilling out is helpful. Those with a larger water tank will save you the inconvenience of refilling them so often, as well. Our "best overall" pick, the True & Tidy TS-10 Handheld Garment Steamer , can be tricky to refill, but is very lightweight and comfortable. Notably, the handle stayed cool for the duration of our testing.

Travel steamers absolutely work! Standard-size clothes steamers are more powerful and carry more water, so they are much better for steaming multiple garments and heavy fabrics, such as wool and denim. However, a quality travel steamer will still effectively lift creases out of the clothes you are taking on vacation or a business trip.

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 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 .

Yes, travel steamers can be packed in a carry-on or checked bag. Just make sure they don't contain any liquid.

Steamers are effective at sanitizing clothing due to the hot temperature of their steam, but they don’t necessarily clean your garments. The hot air kills bacteria, but it doesn’t get rid of dirt, grime, odors, or sweat that may be on your clothing.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau , a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. As she started her research into travel steamers, she spoke with experts for insights on the benefits of steaming, what to look for in a travel steamer, as well as how to steam clothes properly. Rabideau personally tested 29 different clothing steamers, including a wide range of handheld models, evaluating each one on its design, portability, heat time, effectiveness, and value. She took these scores, as well as her overall experience with each steamer, into consideration as she put together this list of the best travel steamers.

Our Experts:

Wayne Edelman , CEO of Meurice Garment Care
Melissa Maker , cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space
Emma Phelps , an associate editor for The Spruce, updated this roundup with additional information from Rabideau's original testing.

Oztoprak, Nefise, et al. “Comparison of Steam Technology and a Two-Step Cleaning (Water/Detergent) and Disinfecting (1,000 Resp. 5,000 Ppm Hypochlorite) Method Using Microfiber Cloth for Environmental Control of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in an Intensive Care Unit.” GMS Hygiene and Infection Control , vol. 14, 2019, p. Doc15.

The 8 Best Travel Steamers to Keep You Looking Stylish on the Road

A compact clothing steamer can be a lifesaver on the road — here are our favorites.

Despite our best efforts, packing for a trip often means arriving at a destination with wrinkled and creased clothing. And although many hotel rooms come equipped with an old-school ironing board, it can be a huge pain to unfold the clunky equipment and physically iron everything on arrival. Worse still, if your room doesn’t have an ironing board, paying to have the hotel press and steam individual garments quickly adds up.

Thankfully, portable handheld steamers make it easy and affordable to ensure you'll always look your best while traveling. The compact steamers tend to weigh about a pound or two and can easily fit into a carry-on bag or suitcase. Whether you prefer straight steaming, or would like a multi-purpose tool that irons as well, our list includes plenty of standout options for travelers of all types.

Best Overall

Nesugar g3 steamer.

It's sleek and stylish, so you won't mind this sitting on your bathroom counter for frequent use.

The water reservoir is quite small, so it needs to be refilled if you're steaming multiple garments in a row.

For a sleek steamer that truly looks like a high-end travel accessory, we love the compact Nesugar G3 Steamer. It comes with a soft bag to protect it while traveling and takes up no more room than a standard hair iron; plus, it's very lightweight at less than one pound. While it may be small, this steamer is also very powerful and heats up in just about 15 seconds. We used this to steam everything from silk to linen and there was no damage to any garments and, more importantly, it’s actually powerful enough to quicky get wrinkles out of pieces that had been stored away in packing cubes for days.

The Details: 2.6 x 1.65 x 9.1 inches | 0.75 pounds | 15 seconds to heat | 70 milliliters | 900 watts

Longest Cord

Hilife steamer.

This budget-friendly steamer is portable, yet it comes with an especially large water tank for efficiency.

This option is not cordless.

Travel steamers are significantly smaller than traditional stationary steamers which can sometimes mean the water tank is inconveniently small — but that’s not the case with the Hilife Travel Steamer for Clothes. This portable steamer offers a large, 240-milliliter tank with a total run time of 15 minutes before needing to be refilled (which is likely more than enough time to steam your garments for the day ahead). And, although this option isn’t cordless, it does have a nine-foot cord that will allow you to press your items without needing to be right next to a power outlet.

The Details: 6.8 x 5.5 x 7 inches | 1.8 pounds | 240 milliliters | 700 watts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Splurge

Nesugar steamer for clothes.

The steamer's nozzle can rotate 90-degrees, so you can direct the steam where you need it.

There’s only one setting, so you can't adjust temperature or steam amount.

Just slightly larger than the Nesugar G3, this steamer is another powerful choice for any traveler. Simply fill the 70-milliliter reservoir with water and 15 seconds later it's ready to steam. What sets this steamer apart is the 90-degree rotating nozzle that allows you to direct your steam in a vertical or horizontal direction without spilling water all over your garment. It also includes a wall mount bracket, so you can store it easily when not in use, and a soft bag to pack it away while traveling.

The Details: 3.1 x 1.65 x 8.9 inches | 0.8 pounds | 15 seconds to heat | 70 milliliters | 900 watts

Best Budget

Bear travel steamer.

This affordable steamer comes with a handful of attachments and features a chic, gold-rimmed design.

The cord is only six feet long.

We love the look of this steamer — the modern design and gold-rimmed finish give it a look that is much more sophisticated than any garment steamer has the right to be. But the Bear Travel Steamer’s looks aren’t the only reason we love it. The budget-friendly price point and small size make this option great for travelers who rely on a carry-on bag only.

This option heats up in 10 seconds and has a run time of about 10 minutes. The only issue is that it has a tank capacity of just 120 milliliters, which is a bit inconvenient if you’re hoping to steam multiple garments at once.

The Details: 8.31 x 5.91 x 2.99 inches | 1.45 pounds | 10 seconds to heat | 120 milliliters | 1,000 watts

Best Iron/Steamer Combo

Nori the nori press.

This high-end option allows for casual steaming and more crisp, pressed lines thanks to steaming and ironing capabilities.

It’s the most expensive option on our list.

Nope, this gadget isn’t a hair straightener. Nori’s unique iron/steamer combination makes it super simple to look put-together on the go — even after multiple days of travel. The clamp-enabled press can create sharp collars and sleeves, but instead of simply ironing, it also has a built-in steaming system that allows for quick and easy pressing on the go. It’s extremely compact and easy to pack, and although the tank is only 29 milliliters in size, the Nori Press still offers continuous steam for up to 10 minutes at a time.

The Details: 14 x 5.79 x 3.11 inches | 1.4 pounds | 3 minutes to heat | 29 milliliters

Most Compact

Polardo hand held portable travel garment steamer.

This lightweight steamer only weighs a little over a pound, which makes it great for tossing in your carry-on.

It’s extremely small and might be tedious to steam lots of garments with.

The idea of fitting a garment steamer into a tiny or already overstuffed bag might seem impossible, but the Polardo Hand Held Portable Travel Garment Steamer was truly designed to be as compact as possible. The ultra-lightweight steamer weighs a little over a pound and the compact size is about the same as a bottle of shampoo. We also love that this product heats up in just 25 seconds, effectively eliminating the waiting time that's usually associated with high-end steamers.

The Details: 7.7 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches | 1.2 pounds | 25 seconds to heat | 118 milliliters | 120 volts

Best Ergonomic

Electrolux garment steamer.

This option might be a little clunky, but the ergonomic handle makes it by far the most comfortable to use.

The large size isn’t the best for fitting in a carry-on bag.

If you prefer convenience (and tend to pack in a checked suitcase) this steamer might be the best option for you. The Electrolux Portable Handheld Garment and Fabric Steamer isn’t particularly compact or lightweight, but it does offer the best steaming action and largest tank capacity on the list. We particularly love this option because of the ergonomic design that makes it easy to both grip and manipulate while steaming all kinds of garments. We also love that the Electrolux heats up in just 30 seconds for fast and efficient steaming.

The Details: 12.4 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches | 4.02 pounds | 30 seconds to heat | 300 milliliters | 1,500 watts

Best for Thick Fabrics

Conair extremesteam hand-held fabric steamer.

This high-end steamer is ultra-efficient and powerful enough for thick fabrics like wool or denim.

The steam flow isn’t always consistent and can sometimes spit water.

The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer is your best option if you want a product that can handle thick fabrics like wool, but also provide gentle steaming for items made of silk or chiffon. The “ExtremeSteam” technology also kills up to 99.9 percent of germs through steaming alone which makes it very appealing for getting off all the nasties that cling to your clothing after a full day of traveling or sightseeing. This option boasts a tank capacity of 215 milliliters which provides an excellent run time of 15 minutes.

The Details: 5.6 x 8 x 13.6 inches | 7.3 ounces | 40 seconds to heat | 215 milliliters | 1,875 watts

Tips for Buying a Travel Steamer

Prioritize portability.

Having a large steamer is great for efficiency, but it won’t do you much good if you aren’t able to comfortably fit it in your carry-on or checked suitcase. If you want something you can genuinely bring with you on each and every trip, you’ll want to opt for a small, handheld one that can easily fit in baggage of all sizes. Most handheld steamers should fit the bill, but make sure to read the dimensions to ensure you’re getting something compact and portable.

Look for extra features and attachments

It’s wise to purchase something with bonus features that can be used on various trips. There are some steamers that come with attachments that allow them to function as an iron for when you need a crisp press, while others allow you to steam thicker materials like wool or corduroy, too.

Steamers can be a faster and more eco-friendly alternative to ironing. According to Brian Jones, product and travel expert at Best in Edmonton, a steamer can be used instead of an iron to eliminate creases from garments, especially in delicate fabrics that cannot be ironed (such as silk, wool, and pleated goods). However, you’ll want to note that steaming your clothes may produce a smooth, casual finish rather than the crisp, pressured gloss of ironing.

Yes, it does work to clean your clothes if you're in a pinch. “Running the steamer removes odors and perspiration residue from garments, and helps to remove creases from goods that aren't best suited to laundering or dry cleanings, such as silks, vintage items, pieces with leather ornamentation, and other specific materials,” Jones explains.

The easiest steamers to use should have a large water tank, steady bursts of steam, and a comfortable grip that will allow you to get into nooks and crannies without having to strain your arm.

Yes! Portable steamers can be packed in carry-on luggage and personal items and go through airport security without issue. Just be sure to remove any remaining liquid before packing.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and lifestyle editor to curate a list of the very best portable steamers for those on the road. She also spoke with Brian Jones , product and travel expert at Best in Edmonton, for his professional insights.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Oztoprak N, Kizilates F, Percin D. Comparison of steam technology and a two-step cleaning (Water/detergent) and disinfecting (1,000 resp. 5,000 ppm hypochlorite) method using microfiber cloth for environmental control of multidrug-resistant organisms in an intensive care unit . GMS Hygiene and Infection Control; 14:Doc15 . Published online October 24, 2019. doi:10.3205/dgkh000330

Closet and laundry

The Best Clothing Steamers

Our pick for best clothes steamer, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer (GS54), in dark blue.

By Jackie Reeve and Zoe Vanderweide

A good clothing steamer can have your garments looking polished and wrinkle-free in mere minutes. It’s often a more appealing option than pulling out the iron, and because a steamer smooths without scorching, it’s a better tool for delicate fabrics like silk and wool.

We’ve tested dozens of steamers since 2016, and our current favorite for regular home use is the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer . Its powerful blasts of steam, comfortable grip, and smart features make it the one we grab over and over. We also recommend an inexpensive compact steamer that’s ideally suited for travel, plus a heavy-duty steamer with a larger water tank for folks who frequently tackle bigger jobs.

Everything we recommend

Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer (GS38R)

A powerful steamer with clever features.

This steamer melted wrinkles without spitting water on our fabrics—rare among the models we tested. It’s also comfortable to hold and has standout features, like an aluminum steamer plate and dual steam settings.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

Conair CompleteSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer (GS2X)

For occasional use.

This small, inexpensive steamer is best suited for travel and occasional home use. It does leave some wet spots on fabrics, but it’s better built and more efficient than the other portable steamers we tried.

Upgrade pick

Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer

For marathon steaming sessions.

For serious steamers, this pricey, supersized floor-standing model will make getting the job done a lot more pleasant. Its steam head is the comfiest to use for extended periods, and it holds the most water—just be careful when rolling it across the floor with a full tank, because it can splash.

Like most of the midsize handheld steamers we tested, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer (GS38R) produced ample steam for the job, and it was easier to hold and more thoughtfully designed than the competition. It was also one of the only handheld steamers that didn’t leave wet spots on test fabrics. The Conair Turbo steamer weighs just under 2.75 pounds with a full water tank (other midsize steamers we tested weighed between 2.5 and 5 pounds), making it among the lightest and most comfortable to maneuver. The heat-up aluminum steamer plate glides over fabric, helping to smooth wrinkles nearly as effectively as a traditional iron. It also comes with several accessories, including a silicone band attachment for pulling fabrics taut, a mesh bonnet for protecting extra-delicate items, and a bristle brush for loosening fibers to allow for better steam penetration. Plus, with two settings, the Conair Turbo steamer was one of the only models we tested that allowed us to control the heat and force of the steam: We used the “steam” setting for smoothing delicate silks, while the more powerful “turbo” setting was effective for tackling heavier cotton shirts. It has a one-year limited warranty.

If you want a steamer on hand to occasionally freshen up a garment, or to pack in your suitcase, you probably don’t need anything fancier than the Conair CompleteSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer (GS2X) . It’s around half the price of the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer , and it was more effective at smoothing wrinkles than any other steamer we tried in its price range (most of which were junky). It was also one of the only steamers of this size (often called “portable” or “travel” steamers) we tested that didn’t pour water out of the spout when tipped over. It has a relatively small water tank (5 ounces; the portables we tried ranged from 5 to 8 ounces), and it did spit some water when in use, but it left fewer wet spots on clothes than the other portables we tried. If you think you’ll use a steamer regularly, invest in the well-made Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam, but if you just need to smooth a wrinkle now and then—at home or while traveling—the Conair CompleteSteam fabric steamer is a solid choice. It has a one-year limited warranty, which is typical for small, inexpensive steamers.

If you do a lot of steaming, or if you find handheld steamers too heavy or uncomfortable, the Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer is a pleasure to use, and it may be worth the (considerable) investment. It’s nearly 6 feet tall, with a base about the size of a canister vacuum; despite its cumbersome size, it was our favorite steamer to use in testing. The tank holds a gallon of water (the most of any steamer we tried), it heats up quickly, and its steam head was much more comfortable for extended use than the handheld steamers that we tested. Be careful rolling the Vivio across the floor when the tank is full—it can splash water. This steamer comes with a three-year limited warranty, which was average for the ones we tested.

The research

Our favorite steamer: conair turbo extremesteam garment steamer, a budget pick for occasional use: conair completesteam hand held fabric steamer (gs2x), an upgrade pick for steaming marathons: reliable vivio 500 gc professional garment steamer, why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, the competition.

Our pick for best clothes steamer overall, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer (GS54), in dark blue.

They say the devil is in the details, but with the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer , the details were downright heavenly. The Conair Turbo steamer checked every box on our list: It was effective at vanquishing wrinkles, didn’t leave wet spots on test fabrics, and felt comfortable to hold. It heated up in under a minute and provided more than 15 minutes of continuous steam, and we found its long, 10-foot cord convenient. But the smart details—like the aluminum-quilted steam plate and the two steam settings—pushed the Conair Turbo steamer above its competitors to make steaming an enjoyable chore.

The bursts of steam from the Conair Turbo steamer smoothed out a silk dress in seconds and a rumpled cotton pillowcase in under a minute. Several steamers we’ve considered have multiple holes for the steam to escape, but the Conair Turbo has a thin, long slit, which results in a more targeted sheet of steam. It took more wrinkles out of crumpled button-down shirts than the other handheld steamers we tested (although the most stubborn wrinkles, on the sleeves and the bottom hems, still needed an iron). Also, many steamers we tested spit droplets of water along with the steam, leaving wet marks on test fabrics. The Conair Turbo steamer didn’t; out of eight handheld steamers we tried, only the Conair Turbo and the (now discontinued) Sunbeam Power Steam Fabric Steamer left clothes completely dry.

Handheld (aka midsize) steamers can be uncomfortable to use after a few minutes—of the three steamer types we tested, they were the heaviest to hold. The Conair Turbo is among the lightest and most comfortable handheld models, for both vertical and horizontal use. It weighs about 2.75 pounds with a full tank (the handhelds we tested ranged from 2.5 to 5 pounds), so while it can still feel heavy after prolonged use, it’s lighter than most in its category. It wasn’t as comfortable to use as the floor-standing Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer , but it’s about a quarter of the price and far, far easier to store.

Its 7.3-ounce water tank is one of the smaller water tanks among our handheld test group. Nevertheless, in testing it produced more than 15 minutes of continuous steam, and we were able to smooth a dress, a jacket, a pair of slacks, and three heavily wrinkled cotton button-downs with water left to spare. The Conair Turbo steamer’s water tank is also easy to remove and replace—simply slide up the release switch to unlock the tank, then click it back into place—which is handy if you do need to refill it in the middle of a big job. And it stands up on its own, meaning it can be filled while resting on the counter.

A side view of the Conair Turbo Garment Steamer, being held up in the air by a person's hand.

The Conair Turbo steamer has a heat-up aluminum head that glides smoothly and helps to push steam into the fabric’s fibers (similar to what an iron does). This feature was enormously helpful for unwrinkling heavier fabrics, especially when used horizontally against a flat surface. It also comes with three snap-on attachments: a bristle brush to ensure steam penetrates fibers for a perfect press, a silicone bar for pulling fabrics taut, and a mesh bonnet to protect your most delicate textiles. But for quickly removing heavy wrinkles, this steamer performs best all on its own. The Conair Turbo steamer also gave us more control over the amount of steam than most other handheld steamers, with two settings: “steam,” for freshening up lighter items, and “turbo,” for blasting the wrinkles out of weightier fabrics.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The relatively small water tank makes the Conair Turbo steamer weigh less than the competition when full, but it also means you’ll need to refill it if you’re doing a lot of steaming. And because of the tank’s small opening, it was challenging to fill from a gallon-jug of distilled water. (This is pretty common with handheld steamers, and can be easily remedied by using a funnel.) Plus, the small opening means it takes a long time for the tank to dry fully after use. Finally, we found the built-in creaser tool fiddly and awkward to use. If you want to make sharp pleats, use an iron.

Our pick for best clothes steamer in a smaller size, the Conair Complete Steam Hand Held Fabric Steamer (GS2).

Portable (aka travel-size) steamers are not the most impressive examples of modern engineering—most of them leak, and they’re not that powerful—but the Conair CompleteSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer (GS2X) is the best one we’ve found, and it even outperformed some bigger, pricier models. If you need to use a steamer only occasionally, for an outfit or for a trip, the small CompleteSteam is effective, affordable, and lightweight.

In our testing the Conair CompleteSteam not only beat all of the cheap portable steamers, it also was easier to fill and left fewer wet marks on clothes than midsize handhelds from Rowenta and Black+Decker . The Conair CompleteSteam didn’t produce as much steam as our main pick, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam, so it needed more passes over the fabric to flatten wrinkles, and it wasn’t as effective on tough creases—but it’s also less than half the price. The Conair CompleteSteam is just right for light jobs and travel, and it’s more comfortable to use than a heavier midsized steamer if you don’t have much to steam. It did leave some water spots when used too close to fabrics. But the CompleteSteam can also be used horizontally (not a given in this category); it dribbled only a few droplets, which was a win compared with others that poured water everywhere.

A side view of the Conair CompleteSteam’s Hand Held Fabric Steamer being held up by a person's hand.

The Conair CompleteSteam (like most of the five portable steamers we tried) looks like a small watering can, and it weighs about 2.5 pounds when full. It was the heaviest of the portable steamers we tested, yet it has one of the smallest water tanks. Empty it’s just over 2 pounds, and the tank holds 5 ounces of water. By comparison, the Hilife Steamer weighs 1.5 pounds when empty and has an 8-ounce water tank. You can steam two, maybe three, outfits with the Conair CompleteSteam before you’ll need to refill.

Conair’s one-year warranty is comparable to those of most of the other inexpensive portable steamers we considered. The price and quality of portable steamers indicate to us that these are not meant to last forever.

Our pick for best clothes steamer for long sessions of steaming, the Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer.

If you have a lot of steaming to do (like helping a wedding party get dressed or tackling a mountain of laundry), if you prefer to steam clothes spread out on a table or bed instead of hanging upright, or if you don’t find heavy handheld steamers comfortable to use, the floor-standing Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer is a solid alternative that left its four competitors in the dust. A flexible hose makes this steamer the most comfortable of our picks to use. It releases a steady, effective flow of steam; it’s smartly designed; and its 1-gallon tank was still steaming long after we ran out of fabric to smooth. It does, however, cost nearly four times as much as the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam .

For big jobs, the handheld Conair Turbo steamer will build up your biceps but test your patience; the Reliable Vivio, on the other hand, has a lightweight hose (like all floor-standing steamers) that was more flexible than others we tried and easier to glide across fabrics. (It’s like using a vacuum-cleaner hose.) This also made the Reliable steamer the best of our picks for steaming horizontally, if that’s what you prefer. It was as effective as other full-size steamers at smoothing wrinkles (and also similar to the handheld Conair Turbo in this regard), but it was the only one that didn’t spit any water.

All floor-standing steamers have an attached pole to hold the steamer head and a garment. The Reliable Vivio comes with its own hanger, which keeps your clothes steadier while you steam than models like the PurSteam and the Jiffy , neither of which included one. The Reliable Vivio’s design sets it apart, but it did require more setup than other floor-standing steamers we tested—we had to get out a screwdriver. Another standing steamer we tried, the Pure Enrichment Pure Steam , also came with a snap-on hanger, but it was harder to move around (an important consideration when you’re trying to steam the front and back of a shirt).

A close-up of a person's hand holding the steam head of the Reliable Vivio (with a removable brush attachment on).

Like those of all floor-standing steamers we tried, the Reliable Vivio’s removable tank was easy to fill, with a screw-on cap and a wide opening that fit under a faucet. It held more water (a gallon) than any other steamer we tested, but it still heated up in about two minutes. You don’t have to empty the tank after each use, so once it’s set up, it’s a breeze to wheel out and start using. The Reliable Vivio’s wheels were better on hardwood floors than those of any other full-size steamer we tried, but be careful when storing the steamer or moving it around. If the base tips backward, some water will dribble out of the tank. Leaking is a common issue, and this wasn’t the worst offender during testing. It comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Wirecutter senior staff writer Jackie Reeve has spent the majority of her waking life working with textiles, and that means dealing with wrinkles. She has written our guides to cotton sheets , flannel sheets , bed blankets , throw blankets , pajamas , robes , bath towels , and duvet covers , among others. In the course of doing the research for those pieces, she has done so much laundry that she must hold the company record by now. Jackie also wrote our guides to irons and ironing boards . For this guide she also built on the research of Camille Perri and Tim Heffernan.

Zoe Vanderweide is a Wirecutter senior staff writer covering style, so she’s constantly wearing, washing, styling and generally fussing over clothes. At any given time, she has between 30 and 40 garments in her testing queue to keep clean and wrinkle-free. In her off-hours, she’s also a type-A neatnik who considers a marathon garment-steaming session the ideal way to spend an evening in.

If you own a lot of delicate fabrics, or if you just need to freshen up the occasional piece of clothing or linen, a steamer will be a solid addition to your laundry arsenal, and it might even be a replacement for an iron . Over time, a steamer can also save you money normally spent at the dry cleaner. If you choose to hand-wash your delicate items at home ( we have guidelines on what can and can’t skip the dry cleaner ), a steamer can smooth out wrinkles and help everything look professionally cleaned and pressed. Steamers generally heat up in a couple of minutes, and the top ones we’ve tested melt away wrinkles with very little effort. They work best—and fastest—on thinner fabrics like silk and polyester, which you probably don’t want to iron anyway for fear of scorching them. Steamers are also a convenient way to smooth wrinkled curtains or drapes without having to take them down. We tested three basic types of steamers for this guide: midsize handheld models, which look like small dumbbells and are a good choice if you steam semi-regularly; small portable models (shaped like a pitcher), which hold a few ounces of water and are best for light use; and full-size, floor-standing models (similar in size to a vacuum cleaner), which have a rod to hang your garments on and the biggest tanks, so you can steam for long stretches without refilling.

Don’t rely on a steamer to create sharp pleats or creases, or to flatten seams. Some we tried came with special tools for that purpose, but they were time-consuming and fiddly, and they made us wonder why we hadn’t just gotten out the iron. In testing we also found that steamers were less effective than irons on stubborn folds and wrinkles, particularly on the hems of heavily creased shirts, jeans, and cotton sheets. If you wash and dry dress shirts—or any button-down shirts—at home, an iron is a better tool for keeping them crisp. A steamer can be helpful if you want to avoid storing a big ironing board in a small apartment, but that’s only realistic if your laundry isn’t that wrinkled. (We recommend options for small-space living in our ironing boards guide .)

We used these criteria to choose the best steamers:

Effective: The steamers with the strongest bursts of hot steam flattened wrinkles the fastest. We wanted to be able to steam an outfit in minutes and get out the door.

Non-leaking: A water stain can ruin a delicate, expensive fabric, and dribbling water can also be a safety hazard with a plugged-in appliance. We looked for steamers that didn’t drip, spit, or leak.

Big water tanks: The bigger the tank, the longer you can use your steamer before having to refill it. We looked at three different size categories and prioritized roomy water tanks for all of them.

Comfortable to use: Midsize handheld steamers can be especially top-heavy and awkward to hold. Since steaming involves a fair amount of arm lifting, we looked for steamers that were comfortable enough to use for several minutes at a time. We also favored steamers that could be used both vertically and horizontally, for people who are more comfortable using a steamer on a flat surface. And we looked for longer cords, which are helpful if you’re tall, or if your outlets aren’t in a convenient spot.

Protected by a warranty: Over the years, we’ve learned that irons and steamers can break easily. For one person, a steamer might last for years, and for someone else, the same model might conk out after two months. We considered only models with solid warranties, in case they give up the ghost too soon.

In addition to relying on our own deep knowledge of steamers (gained from a long history of testing them), we considered opinions from The Strategist and Good Housekeeping , and checked star ratings on Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and other retailers to compile a list of 28 candidates. We narrowed the list by reading user reviews from those same retailers, checking for things like customer service concerns and for reports of steamers that didn’t last long, and we looked at each steamer’s specifications—warranty, water-tank size, and useful features. We included well-reviewed steamers, favored brands that have proved to be reliable in the past, and covered household names that are easy to find. In the end, we decided to test 17 steamers in three categories: portable, handheld (aka midsize), and floor-standing.

We tried each steamer on a variety of items, including cotton sheets, button-down shirts, and silks, noting which models met the above criteria. We used them vertically (on clothes hung from hangers) and horizontally (spread out on an ironing board), and we measured the length of the steamers’ extension cords and the size of their water tanks.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available.

Handheld (aka midsize)

The Beautural 1200-Watt Steamer for Clothes smoothed wrinkles on thin silk but struggled with thicker cotton, and it spit some water onto fabrics.

The Black+Decker Advanced Handheld Steamer (HGS200) was a dud. We had to push the power button several times to get it to work, and it was the slowest steamer to heat up in our testing. Also, it didn’t produce much steam, and it made strange—even alarming—noises, so we unplugged it after just a few minutes. It did have the largest water tank (13.5 ounces) of any handheld we tried, though.

In past years, we’ve also tested and dismissed other handheld steamers, including the Jiffy Esteam Travel Steamer .

The Hilife Steamer for Clothes leaked water, couldn’t be used horizontally, and didn’t get very hot.

In previous years we also tested and dismissed a number of other portable steamers, including the Conair Travel Smart and the Pure Enrichment PureSteam Portable Fabric Steamer .

Floor-standing

Our former floor-standing pick, the J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer , has a simple design, and it emitted strong steam, but it was the worst offender in our testing when it came to water leaks from the tank. When we tried to roll the Jiffy’s stiff wheels across the floor, water poured out of the base, covering the cord and plug. We had to halt testing this steamer until it was dry enough to plug in, and it leaked again when we moved it after testing.

The Pure Enrichment Pure Steam XL Standing Steamer was the least expensive full-size steamer we tried. Although it has some nice details, overall you get what you pay for. It spit on our test fabrics, and it wasn’t as powerful as our Reliable Vivio 500 GC floor-standing pick. The clip-on hanger kept garments still, but it was fussy to unclip and turn around to steam the garment’s other side. Plus, it had the smallest water tank of the floor-standing group.

The PurSteam Full Size Garment Fabric Steamer has a dial to control the force of the steam. This is a nice (and rare) feature, but the steamer leaked on all the test fabrics. Also, the hose was stiff to use until the steam loosened it up after several minutes.

In previous years we tested and dismissed several other floor-standing steamers, including the Conair Ultimate Fabric Steamer (GS28) and the Steamfast SF-510 Fabric Steamer .

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Editors, The Best Clothes Steamers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviews , The Strategist , May 10, 2019

Sarah Bogden, These Are the 10 Best Garment Steamers to Buy , Good Housekeeping , December 7, 2018

Meet your guides

Jackie Reeve

Jackie Reeve is a senior staff writer covering bedding, organization, and home goods at Wirecutter since 2015. Previously she was a school librarian, and she’s been a quilter for about 15 years. Her quilt patterns and her other written work have appeared in various publications. She moderates Wirecutter’s staff book club and makes her bed every morning.

Zoe Vanderweide

Zoe Vanderweide is a senior staff writer reporting on style and accessories at Wirecutter. She has been wearing things for over three decades, and she has spent years covering streetwear, luxury, art, and design. Off the clock, you can find her painting the town rainbow with her (devastatingly stylish) daughter.

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The 9 Best Clothes Steamers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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.

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.

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

To determine the best clothes steamers, we tested 48 models in our Lab, 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 Nelson and Jerry Pozniak , managing director of Jeeves New York, a luxury dry cleaning service, for their expert advice on what to look for when shopping and tips on how to use the model you choose.

Best Overall Clothes Steamer

Conair extremesteam hand-held fabric steamer.

Effectiveness 4.7 /5
Design 4.3 /5
Portability 5 /5
Heat Time 5 /5

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

It’s a bit heavy.

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.

This steamer comes with five steam settings (ranging from low to supercharged) for use with different fabrics and includes 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.

The steamer’s opening is fairly small, but the device also comes with a water funnel to help avoid spilling. Additionally, it has a lengthy cord, a reasonable price tag, and a comfortable grip, and it comes in five fun colors. Take note, though, 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 Clothes Steamer

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

Proctor Silex

Effectiveness 4.2 /5
Portability 4.8 /5

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. It’s comfortable to hold, too, thanks to a long handle, and it has a lengthy 10-foot cord for extra convenience. Additionally, the steamer comes with a fabric brush attachment for use on upholstery.

That 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 the reservoir is easy to fill up with a funnel. You can also only use the steamer for up to seven minutes in one go. 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 Steamer

Pure enrichment upright clothes steamer.

Design 5 /5
Portability 4.5 /5
Value 4.5 /5
Heat Time 4 /5

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, 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 steaming 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.

Although the steamer has wheels on the back for portability, 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. In all, though, 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 Clothes Steamer for Upholstery

Black+decker hgs200 advanced handheld steamer.

Effectiveness 4.5 /5
Design 4 /5

The three attachments are all effective and easy to use.

You have to press the button the whole time.

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.

That’s far from the only great feature of this steamer. It also includes a lint remover attachment as well as one for use with delicate fabric that helps prevent water from dripping onto the material. While the steamer only has one setting, its steam and temperature are powerful and consistent, and the water tank is fairly large (and easy to take on and off). The device is comfortable to hold, too, and has a long 15-foot cord for extra portability.

On the downside, you do have to press the power button the entire time you use the steamer, which can be irksome, and there’s also no fabric creaser attachment included like with some other options. That said, it’s still a reliable and efficient steamer we wholeheartedly recommend for upholstery and more.

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

Best Portable Clothes Steamer

Brookline steamer.

Design 4.5 /5

It comes in three colors and has a low price tag.

It starts to lose effectiveness after half the water has been depleted.

For anyone looking for a clothes steamer they can easily take on the go, this option from Brookline is an excellent choice. The highly compact and lightweight steamer is small enough to throw in a bag for a trip or store in nearly any area, and while the 9-foot cord provides a good amount of length, it’s not so long that it takes up much space.

Available in three colors (including a fun pink), this is a very simple steamer, with one setting and no accessories. Because of this, it’s not ideal for heavy-duty cleaning or use with more difficult fabrics like linen, but it’s perfectly effective for silk and cotton, among other materials. The water tank is easy to refill (albeit not very large, causing frequent refills to be needed), and the steamer’s arm is comfortable to hold no matter how long you use it.

One notable flaw of this steamer we noted in our testing is that it does start to slow down after more than half of the water in the tank has been used, and it also takes a bit of time to heat up. But considering its low price and compact design, we still believe it’s worth the purchase for on-the-go steam jobs.

Heating Time: 2 minutes | Steam Duration: 10 minutes | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 6 ounces

Best Large-Capacity Clothes Steamer

Chi handheld garment steamer.

Effectiveness 5 /5

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 it’s also easy to fill due to its large opening, saving you serious time and effort.

This steamer heats up more quickly than most (in just 20 seconds!), and it 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.

In terms of negatives, they’re pretty minor; for one thing, 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. 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.

Effectiveness 4.8 /5
Design 4.8 /5

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 as well as 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. The steamer also includes a fabric brush and lint brush, and it has a lengthy 12-foot cord.

Price-wise, this steamer is 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 Clothes Steamer with Attachments

Conair handheld garment steamer.

Effectiveness 4.4 /5

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, and the steamer’s comfortable grip means your arm won’t get tired, even if you go all 15 minutes of the continuous use it promises. The steamer also has a long cord and a price tag that’s right about average. 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 Clothes Steamer

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.

In our tests, we noted that this powerful steamer works well on all materials (with silk standing out in particular) and is comfortable and easy to hold. 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. The cord is long, too, and the tank is easy to fill without spilling.

Despite its power, this is a fairly simple steamer that only has one setting, so you can’t vary the steam level or temperature depending on the fabric. It also may leave the occasional water mark on clothing, and its large size makes it difficult to store. For the high price, we wish the steamer had fewer flaws, but its long use and sheer power are impressive enough to make up for them.

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 Lab, 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 then took note of its sharpness. Finally, we switched to each steamer’s highest/linen setting (when applicable) and worked 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. We are currently long-term testing each item on our list and will update with further insights when we have them.

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, saying: “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 criteria,” says Nelson. “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 one 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 in just 20 seconds.

Smaller steamers will 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 that they de-wrinkle more easily. “Having the right accessories makes all the difference in your steaming experience, such as a mini 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 : As for this steamer, it’s 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’ time 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 iron is contact. Irons require direct contact onto 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.

So is one necessarily better than the other? “It depends on the type of fabric,” Pozniak says. “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 out some of the wrinkles, 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?

Fabrics you should not steam include “leather, suede, fur, vinyl/plastic fabrics, and some embellished garments,” Pozniak says. Suede, leather, and fur in particular “can be severely damaged with steam.” 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, says Nelson. “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. Spritz your garment with vodka before steaming for even more 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 up the tank with water up to the water line, not above it. Then, turn on the device and wait until the machine starts 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 to 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 overtime 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. To find the best clothes steamers, we tested 48 irons in our Lab and evaluated 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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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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Tefal handheld garment steamer review: We put the Access Minute DT7050G0 to the test

Published : 14:10, 30 Aug 2022
Updated : 14:12, 30 Aug 2022

THE Tefal Access Minute garment steamer is designed for international travel and comes with lots of accessories.

But we have mixed feelings about the product - read on to find out why.

Tefal Access Minute handheld garment steamer, £69 from AO.com - buy here

Tefal Access Minute handheld garment steamer: Quick summary

The Tefal Access Minute DT7050G0 is the brand’s garment steamer that’s designed for international travel.

It’s dual voltage - 120V or 240V - so you can use it in more than one country without having to worry about getting a voltage converter.

You also get a handful of accessories so you can use it on different outfits.

But while the idea is good, we’re not quite sure the device quite stacks up to its full potential.

Not all is lost but its usefulness will depend on the type of garment you want to press.

The Tefal handheld garment steamer is designed to be taken abroad

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Key features: 4/5
Maintenance: 3/5
Dual voltage for international use
Sizeable water tank
Easy to put down during use
Comes with lots of accessories
Big and heavy
Not as effective on some fabrics
Can cause excessive dampness
Best clothes steamers
Best ironing boards
Best washing machine cleaners
Best carpet stain removers

Tefal Access Minute handheld garment steamer: Full review

Key features:.

The Tefal Access Minute garment steamer has a few great features, including:

Dual voltage : It’s easy to toggle between 120V or 240V depending on where you are in the world.
Decent efficiency : The 1100W device has a steam output of 17g/min which is comparable to regular irons.
Quick to heat up : It takes up to 45 seconds for the device to heat up, with a light letting you know when it’s ready to use.
Lots of accessories : You get a steam cover, fabric brush and door hook so you can use it on a range of fabrics while on the go.
Large water tank : The 150m water tank can be removed for refilling at the tap. It gives up to 8 minutes of steam.

Other specifications:

Dimensions : 25 x 13 x 11cm
Weight : 1.03kg
Cord length : 2m
Guarantee : 2 years
Storage bag : Yes

The gadget will run for eight minutes on a full tank of water

There’s minimal set up when it comes to the Tefal Access Minute garment steamer.

The water tank is locked into place so you have to press the release button before removing it.

But then you can just fill it up using regular tap water and push it back into place.

Before use, you have to make sure the device is set to the right voltage using the toggle button on the top.

Then it’s just a case of plugging it in, switching it on and then waiting.

It takes around 45 seconds for the device to heat up - you won’t be able to use it until then - and there’s an LED light at the top to let you know when it’s ready.

To use, you just push the steam button to start.

If you want to refill the water tank during use, just switch off the device, remove the water tank, refill and then replace.

Thanks to the wide base of the device, you can set it down on a flat surface without worrying about it causing any heat damage or falling over.

The Tefal Access Minute garment steamer is really easy and straightforward to use - you simply hold the steam trigger and pass it over your clothes in an up and down motion.

It’s on the larger and heavier side - the size is comparable to our normal iron, although not quite as heavy - which means it’s not the easiest handheld device to use.

Fortunately it has a large and steady base that means you can set it down as often as you need to while you adjust your clothes into the right position.

We tested the steamer on a variety of different fabrics, including cotton, linen and polyester, and the results varied a lot.

On lighter fabrics such as polyester, it removed those creases pretty quickly.

But when it comes to thicker fabrics such as cotton, it takes a few passes before the creases soften - but they’re not completely removed, unlike with a standard iron.

Because you have to pass it over the fabric a few times though, it’s easy to make your clothes excessively damp so you would need to allow it to dry slightly before wearing it.

And when the water runs out, it can be a bit fiddly to remove and replace the water tank for refilling.

The Tefal Access Minute garment steamer also comes with a couple of accessories.

The steam cover we found quite useful for more delicate fabrics, as it protects your clothes from any impurities and water drips, which can be a problem.

The fabric brush attachment is supposed to help the steam penetrate deeper - we think it’s meant for thicker fabrics, although Tefal doesn’t specify - but it didn’t make a huge difference for us.

There’s also a foldable door hook, which is quite handy if you’re travelling or if you don’t already have hooks at home.

Overall, although there were lots of useful features, we didn’t feel that they performed as well as we had hoped, especially compared to alternatives we tested.

Maintenance:

After use, you just have to unplug the device and allow it to cool for at least an hour, before wiping down the steam head with a sponge if needed.

You’ll also need to empty the water tank before you pack the device away.

With longer use, you’ll need to decalcify the device.

Tefal doesn’t have a recommended timeline for when you should do this but generally if you see your steamer leaving a residue on your clothes or it’s spitting, it’s time to do some maintenance.

The process is fairly straightforward although you’ll need to be in a well vented room and it can take a bit of time.

We think this gadget would be great for sanitising

Start by filling the water tank with 50% water and 50% white vinegar - don’t use any other products or cleaners designed for irons.

Run this solution through the steamer non-stop, pointing the head away from people or things that can be damaged by hot steam.

Then you refill the tank with just water and run the full tank again.

Repeat the process if your steamer is still spitting but otherwise it should be fine to use.

Tefal Access Minute handheld garment steamer: The verdict

We think the Tefal Access Minute garment steamer is a great idea but for a travel steamer, it’s actually quite big and bulky.

If we’re going on a longer trip, we might be tempted to bring it with us, but otherwise we think it’s best suited for the home.

We would also only recommend it for thinner fabrics as it hasn’t been great at smoothing out creases from thicker fabrics.

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That said, if you’re looking for a steamer to sanitise and deodorise rather than smooth out wrinkles, this is a great option.

The large 150ml will allow you to run the device for up to eight minutes, which is ideal if you want to tackle bigger items like curtains.

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Tefal Access Steam+ DT8150 Handheld Clothes Steamer Review – Is It Any Good?

Nowadays, the best technique to get wrinkle-free garments is to steam them. Steaming your clothes, bedding, or other textiles is a breeze with a garment steamer.

To prevent burning or shrinking, you can adjust the power on most models. Better yet, you won’t have to waste time with an ironing board.

Portable versions are convenient for on-the-go pressing, last-minute alterations, and compact sleeping quarters.

Let’s take a dive into the Tefal Access Steam+ DT8150. Here, we will break down whether it is any good, what its key features are and we compare it to three other popular handheld steamers.

This powerful handheld steamer with a hot soleplate will have you looking great in no time!

A soleplate heated to 140 degrees Celsius and coated with ceramic is more effective on all materials and can eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria*.
Heats up in 40 seconds, produces 1600W and 26g/min of steam, and can quickly clean and disinfect
2L detachable tank with lockable trigger, 3m cable, and sturdy base
Accessories include a door hook, brush, pleat attachment, steam bonnet, and a portable carrying case.

First Impressions

At some point or another, we will have to face the facts. Unfortunately, ironing is still one of the best options for removing stubborn wrinkles from clothing.

However, the Tefal Acess Steam+ DT8150 does a respectable job, especially for mildly wrinkled garments.

The great thing about the handheld steamer is that you don’t have to take out your ironing board and wait for the iron to heat up; the steamer does it in a couple of seconds.

It is also straightforward to manage, and we loved that it was portable!

However, the compromise likely lies there. Do you want to spend hours struggling with an ironing board and the other hassles of ironing when a steamer may produce just as good of a result with much more ease?

Quick Facts Table

Key features.

Steams And Sanitizes

All your clothing will look as good as new thanks to the Tefal DT8150 Hand Steamer’s antibacterial function, which can eliminate 99.9 percent of microorganisms. And you may use it on all your fabrics, even the most delicate ones.

Fast Heating

The handheld Tefal Access Steam is ready to use after only 40 seconds , making it an excellent option for quick touch-ups!

Rapid Results

The 26g/min super turbo setting lets you quickly steam through even the most stubborn creases.

The convenient Tefal Access Steam+ DT8150 Hand Steamer removes wrinkles from all of your clothing, allowing you to appear your absolute best no matter the event you’re attending.

Your garments, whether crumpled shirts or folded skirts, will be ready to wear in minutes. If you come across particularly tenacious creases, you may add a turbo boost spray of steam to the iron.

Ready To Wear

With a heated soleplate of 140 degrees, you will have access to quick-drying, ready-to-wear garments!

Easy to use

If you’re ever in a pinch for time, the Access Steam+’s rapid heating and user-friendliness will come in handy.

The water tank is easily detachable for refilling, and additional extras, like a cloth brush and a carrying case, are also included in the package.

How Does It Perform?

If this is your first time using a handheld steamer, the routine will initially feel a little off-center and unusual.

However, you will undoubtedly be pleasantly surprised and how well it functions!

In addition to the fact that the DT8150 eliminates the need for an ironing board, it also heats up so quickly, saving you time when you need to run out of the house!

After plugging in the steamer, you will be ready to use it in about 40 seconds and ready to leave in about 3 minutes; it works that quickly!

We believe the product works well and does exactly what it needs. More often than not, when you are ironing, you probably create new creases for yourself that will need additional ironing.

However, that is not the case with this particular steamer. The steam does all the work for you.

These aspects give this procedure the edge compared to an iron and ironing board!

Pros And Cons Of The Tefal Access Steam+

There are many advantages and disadvantages to getting your hands on a Tefal Access Steam+. Continue reading to find out more!

The danger of scorching silk, satin, and velvet, among other sensitive fabrics, is significantly reduced.
You may steam your garments while still hanging on the hanger, saving you time.
It is compact and easy to store.
It is portable and can be taken almost anywhere.
It is a lot quicker to heat up and use compared to iron.
It’s less harsh on clothing, so it lasts longer without showing signs of wear and tear.
It can be used on different types of upholstered furniture.
Clothes cannot be made completely smooth and crisp using a steamer.
Clothes could become damp after using a steamer, so there may be a slight waiting period before putting your clothes on.
Crinkles in thick or abrasive fabrics cannot be removed effectively.
It does not hold the biggest water tank. Thus if you have a lot of clothing to steam, you may need to fill it up frequently.

Who Should Buy It?

Using a steamer after washing delicate things at home can make them look as good as they did after being professionally cleaned and ironed.

A steamer is an excellent addition to your laundry armory and can even replace your iron if you have a lot of delicate textiles.

It is also great if you need to freshen up an item of clothes or linen now and then.

When looking at the long-term logistics of whether to invest in a steamer or not, it is good to know that a steamer can also save you money that would have been spent on trips to the dry cleaning.

So if you need something easy to use, quick and reliable, it sounds like you are in the market for a steamer!

Overall Score For The Tefal Access Steam+ DT8150: 91/100

This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a portable steamer to bring on vacation.

It removes wrinkles from silk and viscose fabrics and significantly reduces those from cotton and linen.

The 40-second heat-up time is fair, and there are standard, sensitive, and turbo settings to accommodate a wide range of textiles.

There is also hardly any spitting, and your clothes are rarely (if ever) left soggy.

Its bulky head made it challenging to steam hard-to-reach places like underarms, and the trigger lock frequently came undone.

However, the travel bag and fabric brush were a nice addition to the product.

3 Other Similar Clothes Dryers We Like – Mini Reviews

welltin clothes steamer 2000w.

The steam from Welltin’s powerful 2000W power clothes steamer is robust and concentrated.
The handheld garment steamer’s 400ML water tank will extend the duration for up to 20 minutes, making it less aggravating to refill water regularly while removing wrinkles, odors, and bacteria.
The snug design ensures that no water will leak out during installation; all you have to do is twist it into place.
This handheld steamer is ideal for use at home, at the office, or when traveling due to its small size, portability, and ergonomic design.
The extra-long 86in/2.2m means you can use this garment steamer anywhere!

Overall Score: 89/100

Philips steam&go plus handheld clothes steamer.

This portable version is great if you’re always on the go and running short on time. It takes 29 seconds to heat up, and its broad head can quickly remove creases from any fabric.
The trigger switch is not lockable, so keeping it depressed while steaming is essential, making it slightly inconvenient to use in tight spaces.
We were pleasantly pleased by how long the water lasted before it needed to be refilled, given its relatively low capacity. There aren’t a ton of extras, but the protective glove is a nice addition too.

Overall Score: 90/100

Wiredlux clothes steamer handheld.

The powerful steam sterilizes and disinfects clothing, curtains, and upholstery by destroying 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria, making for a cleaner and healthier home environment.
To steam your clothes, go no further than the SteamSmart S200 Pro, the most cutting-edge model currently sold in the UK.
The steam generator in your hand heats up in 25 seconds and keeps pumping out strong steam for 10 minutes.
Unwrinkle your garments quickly and easily with only a plug and some steam.
This handheld clothing steamer is unlike any other steamer on the market since it can be used securely in any orientation, from flat to steaming upright to even upside down.
Modern pumping and steaming methods ensure that it is airtight from every conceivable direction.

Overall Score: 88/100

conclusion.

Steaming your clothes has many benefits, including reducing bacteria, ease of use, and convenience. However, there is no reason you wouldn’t benefit from investing in one!

Still, there were a few drawbacks, such as the inability to get through thick creases and limited tank space.

And the Tefal Access Steam+ DT8150 has all the bells and whistles you would need. Including the fact that it is small, compact, portable, and does exactly what it needs to do!

© 2022 Amazon Associates Program. House Home And Garden is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

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15 best clothes steamers for banishing creases

Refresh your wardrobe with our tried and tested handheld and upright garment steamers

This article was updated in April to reflect the latest prices and deals.

The best clothes steamers will leave any item in your wardrobe looking pristine in minutes. There is plenty of choice on the market, including handheld options for travelling pros, and there’s a model to suit all budgets.

Which is the best clothes steamer to buy?

The GHI team tried and tested market-leading garment steamers on a range of fabrics, from delicate silk to hardy linen. These are our top picks:

Best upright garment steamer

Fridja f1000 professional vertical garment steamer.

Joint best handheld garment steamer

Philips steam & go plus handheld clothes steamer.

Fridja F10 Raf Handheld Travel Clothes Steamer

Best budget garment steamer

Steamworks handheld garment steamer.

Best clothes steamer for travel

Tefal pure pop handheld garment steamer.

Best clothes steamer for fragranced steaming

Tefal pure tex dt9530g0 handheld garment steamer.

Best upright steamer for ease of use

Steamery cumulus no.3.

Best upright garment steamer for continuous steaming

Philips easytouch garment steamer gc487.

Best handheld steamer for ease of use

Propress mini clothes steamer.

Quickest to heat up

Tefal dt3030 access steam pocket garment steamer.

If you’re replacing an existing clothes steamer, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point , or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.

Is a clothes steamer worth it?

Steaming is the modern way to enjoy fresh, crease-free clothes. Garment steamers heat up in seconds and are easy to use, including on soft furnishings like sheets and curtains. Most offer a range of settings so you can adapt the power to your fabric and avoid any damage. Best of all, there’s no need to faff around with an ironing board!

Handheld models are useful for keeping clothes crisp on-the-go, quick touch-ups and storing in smaller bedrooms. They’re so popular you’ll find 11 in our roundup.

How we test clothes steamers

The GHI put a range of market-leading garment steamers to the test. Our experts timed how long each model took to heat up, before judging how quickly and effectively it steamed a linen suit, a silk evening dress, a cotton and polycotton shirt and a viscose top.

They considered how easy and comfortable each garment steamer felt to use and noted if it dripped or spat. Its manoeuvrability, controls and overall design were also taken into account before awarding a final score.

We've listed our best buys below, along with a guide on the clothes steamer features to look for.

Love Good Housekeeping and want more of our Triple-Tested recipes, home tips, fashion inspiration, essential consumer advice and so much more delivered to your inbox? Sign up to our FREE weekly newsletters, sit back and enjoy!

Score: 93/100

No matter what fabric was thrown at it, this steamer took it in its stride. It rapidly steamed through a large pile of clothes, thanks to its big tank and wide head, and it left everything bone dry.

It proved powerful, but not too strong for delicate fabric, and our polycotton shirt emerged looking as crisp as if it had been ironed. It comes with a generous array of accessories too, including a folding hanger, and has wheels for easy transportation.

However, there was no light to indicate when it was ready to use and no way of controlling the steam. It spat occasionally, too, but we’re being picky.

Key specifications

Philips steam & go plus handheld clothes steamer.

Score: 90 /100

If you’re frequently on the move and pressed for time, look to this handheld model. It heated up in an impressive 29 seconds and its wide head made quick work of almost all creases, across all fabrics.

However, it proved too cumbersome to tackle intricate areas and the trigger switch can’t be locked, meaning you have to hold it down while steaming.

Despite its small capacity, we were pleasantly surprised by how long its water lasted before requiring a refill. There aren’t many included accessories, but the protective glove is a bonus.

The compact F10 gave a brilliant performance, eradicating all creases from every fabric except cotton (although it still did a good job). It preheated quickly and its smaller head offered better manoeuvrability than some of its competitors, allowing it to cover every nook and cranny.

It offers two power modes and comes with plenty of useful accessories, including a collar press. Its short power cable limited our reach and it took a little longer than expected to steam linen and silk, but those were our only niggles.

Score: 87/100

This handheld steamer will rid your clothes of wrinkles for a reasonable price. It quickly smoothed creases from all materials tested and left our polycotton shirt looking freshly ironed. It comes with a one year guarantee and is a fraction of the cost of many of its counterparts.

However, it spat sometimes and its short head risks burning your fingers if not handled carefully. It started straining slightly after about two minutes and, despite its speed, our silk, linen and cotton clothes were all left a little damp.

This colourful, slimline garment steamer would make a great holiday companion, quickly heating up and removing creases from warm-weather favourites including viscose, silk and cotton.

It took longer to achieve pristine results on our linen garments, however, and it spat a little, meaning it’s best used when your clothes have time to dry. With a full tank our tester said it felt heavy too. But for an on-the-go steamer, it’s surprisingly effective.

Score: 86/100

Our tester praised the “powerful steam output” of this device, which removed “each and every crease” from viscose and silk garments quickly and effectively, thanks to the larger head. Other materials – including linen and cotton – required another sweep to be 100% crease-free, but the end results were equally impressive.

It reached optimum temperature quickly and we didn't have to worry about spitting, making it ideal for last-minute touch-ups. The travel-friendly compact design was also a highlight, while the additional magnetic accessory attachments – including pads to assist with everything from lint removal and fragrancing clothing – scored highly with our expert, who added that it would be a great first time steamer for all fabrics.

Score: 85/100

This standing home steamer boasts an impressive 1.8L tank for 60 minutes of continuous steaming, making it great for larger loads, family use and even small businesses. There are two steam levels to choose from (900W and 1750W), plus an additional brush for delicate fabrics such as silk, though it’s worth noting that this isn’t safe for use on leather or suede. Despite that, it “excelled” on each material tested, removing every crease – even viscose.

The integrated hanger and hooks proved popular with our tester, enabling effortless steaming, though the lack of castor wheels compromises the manoeuvrability somewhat. The large tank is easy to fill, but the indicator light and water line can be difficult to see due to awkward positioning. While this was one of the more premium devices tested, our expert felt the performance justified the higher price point.

Score: 83/100

If you find holding down a trigger uncomfortable, this upright steamer may please as you simply turn on a dial for a continuous stream of steam. This effectively banished creases across most fabrics (as usual, linen needed a few extra sweeps and there were some visible watermarks when finished), and its large steaming head means you can cover more material in one go.

Its hanging system is sturdy, and the detachable water tank is easy to fill, although we found it emptied more quickly than some uprights. There’s also no way of knowing when it’s ready to steam, or when it has reached a new setting, and the dial markings aren’t the clearest. Overall, though, it's quick-heating and convenient.

Our experts were full of praise for this sleek steamer, which is available in a range of pastel shades. On test, it removed creases quickly and was particularly effective on cotton, polycotton, and even linen. It also worked well on silk, but the fabric was left a little damp, so build in some extra time if you’re steaming any occasion wear.

Another pro to this steamer is its versatility as the head doubles as an iron for more stubborn wrinkles. Testers would have liked a more transparent water tank (so it’s easier to see when top-ups are needed) and more detailed instructions. But it’s a fairly intuitive design, earning full marks for its ease of use.

Score: 81/100

This super-speedy garment steamer heated up in a blistering 15 seconds. It was also fast at removing creases, performing particularly well on polycotton, and all clothes were left dry. It struggled to remove deep-set wrinkles in cotton and viscose, but it was able to lighten the latter.

Its collapsible head can be folded down but it’s a little short, meaning we occasionally caught our fingers in the steam. There’s also no lock, so the trigger has to be held down continually.

Russell Hobbs Steam Genie 2 in 1 Handheld Clothes Steamer 28370

Score: 80/100

If you’re tight on space, this multi-tasker steams and irons! As a result, the triangular ironing plate is particularly handy if you need to get into any hard-to-steam nooks and crannies. It was very quick at removing creases when steaming too, excelling on cotton, polycotton, silk and viscose. Our garments were dry afterwards and it didn’t spit either.

The controls were responsive and clear, although our tester found the sliding steam control switch took a bit of getting used to. You must turn the steamer off to refill the tank and it’s not the lightest to hold. Its attachments also need to be stored separately, but it comes with a handy heat-resistant travel bag for the steamer itself.

Beldray Handi Steam Max Pro BEL0932

Score: 78/100

Compact, lightweight and ready to use in just 30 seconds, this hand steamer is great for both travelling and day-to-day use. Though the functionality appears relatively stripped back, it offers everything you need – two heat settings, vertical steaming capabilities and a brush attachment for finer fabrics.

The device was quick to remove creases when steaming viscose, linen, silk, cotton and polycotton, though some small creases may require a second sweep. The water tank is easy to fill and the trigger switch is both simple and comfortable to use – even over longer periods.

The device did leave items a little damp which, while not unusual, means we’d recommend using in advance of wear to ensure any water residue has the chance to dry.

Tefal DT9100 Access Steam Care Garment Steamer

The DT9100 left our viscose garments looking brand new and successfully rid linen of all wrinkles. Three steam settings cater to different fabrics, but it wasn’t powerful enough to smooth silk and cotton fully. Our silk dress was left wet and there were some damp patches on the linen suit too.

Its large head made it harder to reach into tricky areas and there was some spitting. That said, it took just over 30 seconds to heat up, which is handy for one-off touch-ups.

Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Aroma 28040

Score: 76/100

With its scented steam, this steamer will make your clothes feel and smell fresh in between washes. It banished creases in one sweep from lightweight fabrics such as viscose and silk, but look elsewhere if your wardrobe is exclusively cottons and linens, as it struggled on these.

Our tester enjoyed its spit-free design, easy-to-fit opaque tank and long swivel cord but found it quite heavy and ill-balanced to use.

Russell Hobbs Easy Store Pro Steam & Fold Garment Steamer

Score: 74/100

If you’re just travelling with a carry-on but still want to squeeze in a clothes steamer, this foldable, compact design may be just the ticket. It’s lightweight, and still impressed with its performance, heating up in four minutes, and removing creases reliably – especially from cotton and viscose. It struggled with linen though, leaving our garments smarter but not entirely crease-free.

Testers found it spat at times, and it’s hard to see when you need to refill the tank. The steam sometimes came out in bursts too, rather than in a continuous stream. But we wouldn’t expect a foldable design to rival the performance of a standard steamer, so overall our testers were still pleased with this neat design.

What type of clothes steamer should I go for?

There are two types of garment steamer: upright and handheld. Both designs do the same job but there are a few key differences.

Upright steamers are powerful and best suited to heavy duty jobs. They have large water tanks built into their base, allowing you to keep steaming for longer, and usually feature built-in hangers. However, they tend to be bulky, less portable and more expensive.

Handheld steamers are much lighter and more compact, making them far easier to carry around with you. They have smaller water tanks but tend to be more affordable.

How to use a clothes steamer

Good Housekeeping's Household Advice Editor explains how to effectively banish creases

What should I look for in a clothes steamer?

There are several features that set top-of-the-range garment steamers apart from sub-par models.

Time to heat

High-performing fabric steamers preheat in under a minute for quick and effective touch-ups, though those with larger tanks (typically the larger upright steamers) will naturally take a little longer to get to temperature.

Water tank capacity

Look for a large water tank if you’ve got a big pile of clothes to plough through, as it will ensure you don’t have to keep stopping and refilling.

If you plan on using your clothes steamer for one-off occasions or touch-ups, a smaller tank will suffice, ideally with a transparent casing so you know when to refill it.

A trigger lock is another useful tool, as it means you can enjoy continuous steam without having to hold your finger down.

Additional accessories and versatility

The best fabric steamers offer a range of steam settings, allowing you to alter the power depending on the delicacy of the fabric – whether that be cotton, linen, silk or viscose.

Others offer features and attachments such as brushes to refresh upholstery, lint removers and scent infusers, to use on a variety of garments.

Included accessories such as travel bags and folding hangers can also be useful, particularly if you're looking for a handheld steamer to take travelling.

Energy usage

It’s worth considering your needs and the energy usage of your clothes steamer prior to purchasing. If you plan to use your steamer for a couple of items, then a light energy, handheld device will do just fine.

For larger loads, you may require a higher wattage standing steamer.

Safety features

Look for a device that offers automatic shut off, meaning when the water runs out or if the device gets too hot, the machine will turn itself off to prevent damage.

Millie is our food, wine and spirits writer, with five years’ experience writing product reviews, buying guides, breaking news and about the latest trends. Millie has also reviewed countless restaurants and written travel features for British GQ, The Telegraph and the Independent, and has interviewed a number of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc. Founder of creative catering brand @grazeandgorge , Millie also spends her time creating seasonal recipes and tablescape content, as well as planning her next golden retriever-friendly getaway and rearranging her own home bar cart (... again).

Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows , and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist , working for Stylist , Sky Sports and more.

Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster. In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.

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Tefal Ultimate Pure review: is this heavy-duty steam iron worth the investment?

Looking for a quality steam iron that is built to last? Mumsnetters’ favourite, the Tefal Ultimate Pure, may be just what you’re looking for.

By Laura Cooke | Last updated Jan 31, 2024

Overall star rating: 4.5/5

Price on writing: £117 | Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Water level is easy to see

Iron heats up very quickly

Sturdy built-in stand

Handy anti-calc feature

What we don’t like

It’s a little on the heavy side

Writing on the dial is quite small

Related: The best steam generator irons for faff-free ironing

What Mumsnet users say

"I've got a Tefal one. It has a little filter thing of its own for the hard water. I had a good deal by opening a Very catalogue and getting 20% off as a new customer, which came in at about £100. Absolutely wouldn't be without it." (Recommended by Mumsnet user Woeisme99 )

Our verdict

Tefal has an enviable reputation for producing some of the best steam irons around. And without a doubt, the Tefal Ultimate Pure is one of the brand’s gold-star products.

The Ultimate Pure promises no scale stains, the fastest glide and plenty of power and delivers on all fronts. All my washing was left beautifully wrinkle-free and with collars looking more crisp than I knew was possible.

Yes it is on the heavy side, and deviates from the standard size/shape of a typical steam iron, but if you can look past that, it’s a very good investment buy.

Related: The best budget washing machines under £500

What’s the Tefal Ultimate Pure like to set up?

Just like most steam irons, there’s not too much involved in setting up the Tefal Ultimate Pure.

I set the steam control to its lowest setting before filling the water tank up straight from the tap using untreated water, as recommended by Tefal. I plugged it in and switched it to the desired setting. It very quickly heated up to the required temperature and the iron was good to go.

Before using the steam function on your iron, it’s recommended that you let it operate in a horizontal position, without making contact with your washing. Pushing the button a few times will allow any particles left over from the manufacturing process to be pushed out and wiped away, rather than transferred onto your lovely clean laundry.

Read next: Best laundry baskets to buy: practical and stylish laundry storage for families

How does it feel to hold?

Picking the iron up for the first time, it was hard not to notice how much heavier it was compared to similar steam irons, such as the Tefal Easyglisso Eco . The Ultimate Pure is also bigger than other steam irons, which could potentially cause storage issues. It’s also worth bearing this size difference in mind if you only have a small ironing board.

However, once I started using the Ultimate Pure, I didn’t really notice the difference in weight or size. It glided across my washing easily and I liked the three-metre-long cord, which gave me much more freedom when ironing.

Read next: Best ironing boards to keep clothes smooth and wrinkle-free

What is the Tefal Ultimate Pure like to use day-to-day?

Using a Durillium Airglide soleplate, the Tefal Ultimate Pure steam iron ran smoothly across even highly textured and heavy-duty fabrics, including denim, by evenly distributing the steam across the whole plate. It dispensed with creases quickly and efficiently, which cut down my ironing time and freed me up to do something more fun. Although let’s face it, anything is more fun than tackling a whacking great pile of ironing.

The Tefal Ultimate Pure boasts a 350ml water tank, so I found I didn’t need to keep stopping for a top-up, which was definitely a big plus. I also liked the big chunky heel which allowed the iron to stand safely on the board. This is complemented by the special safety feature - if left unused, the Ultimate Pure turns itself off after 30 seconds resting on its side or soleplate and after eight minutes if left on its heel.

The only real downside I could find was that the dial was stiff on first use and some of the writing on the dial was much smaller than on other Tefal models. Which was a surprise for such a big iron.

Read next: 9 best washing machines to buy as recommended by families

Does the Tefal Ultimate Pure have any special features?

I loved the Tefal Ultimate Pure’s 2-in-1 micro calc filter that was able to catch even the tiniest particles. From the very first use, it was immensely satisfying to remove the filter and see all the little bits that had been gathered up. The particles were washed away before the micro calc filter was put back in, ready for another round of ironing.

Just like the dial, I found the micro calc filter a bit stiff to remove at first, but ultimately it didn’t impact on its performance.

Read next: Best tumble dryer balls for fast and efficient clothes drying

Does the Tefal Ultimate Pure offer value for money?

At £117 at the time of writing (October 19th, 2023) the Tefal Ultimate Pure is not the cheapest steam iron on the block. But don’t let the price put you off - the Tefal Ultimate Pure is a great investment and comes under Tefal’s 10-year repair scheme, so it should give you many happy years of ironing.

However, if your budget is a little on the tight side, it may be worth considering the Tefal Easygliss Eco , which is currently selling for £65 on Amazon, or the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra for just £32.

Read next: Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra review: a powerful steam iron for a pocket-friendly price

How we tested

Reviewer Laura lives in Sussex with her husband and two kids, aged four and six.

The Tefal Ultimate Pure steam iron was tested on various fabrics, including heavy denim, and clothing, including school uniforms and PE kits. Laura used a Minky Ergo Ironing Board during testing.

Laura started writing Swears By articles for Mumsnet in 2021 and now has responsibility for laundry content. She writes buyers guides, cleaning articles, including how to care for jumpers and knitwear , and tests products, including the Wilton London laundry range , to help Mumsnetters make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies.

Laura is a freelance journalist and has written for a range of titles, including the Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful magazine.

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Garment steamers are magic on delicates and useful on soft furnishings like curtains and cushions.

Our expert testers give every steamer a thorough workout to help find the models that are:

best at removing creases from a range of fabrics, especially delicate ones
best at removing creases from curtains
easiest to use.

We've also partnered with Shop Ethical on this update to show the ratings the Ethical Consumer Group gives to each company.

Our interactive comparison tool can help you pick a garment steamer with a quick heat-up time and variable steam settings, while our Recommended list shows you at a glance which models come out on top.

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List of brands we tested in this review.

Russell Hobbs 2

The manufacturer's recommended retail price at the time of testing.

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Whether the garment steamer is handheld or freestanding.

Freestanding 8
Performance score

We assess how effective the garment steamers are at removing creases. We use synthetic organza, silk, wool, a cotton shirt, denim jeans, a poly-cotton shirt, dresses and curtains for this test.

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Ease of use score

We check how easy it is to fill the water tank, how comfortable the iron is to hold, the convenience of the hose, the functionality of the hanger and how easy the controls are to use.

Variable steam

How many steam settings the appliance has.

2 settings 3
3 settings 2
5 settings 2
6 settings 1
7 settings 0
Tank capacity (L)

How much water the tank can hold. Handheld steamers have a far smaller capacity and will need refilling more often.

Wheels make a freestanding model easier to move around. Handheld models don't have wheels.

Telescopic pole

Handy to collapse down for storage.

Coat hanger

A coat hanger usually comes with clips and helps you keep the garment in place while steaming.

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A Similar model is identical in most aspects except for a few. This means that a majority of its test results are identical so you can reasonably expect to get the same results from the model we tested, but for those aspects which aren't identical, we'll note these as "Not Tested" in the Compare tables.

A Tested model refers to a model that is still current and available in the Australian market. You should be able to order this model through your local retailer, or find it online.

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Home » Cleaning » Clothes Steamers

The Best Clothes Steamers

Updated May 27, 2021

F or this 2021 update, we tested three newer models to see how they compared with our previous top picks. We found the BEAUTURAL to be the best handheld steamer available. It’s a lightweight steamer that produces plenty of steam to get your clothes wrinkle-free in minutes. If you need something with a larger tank to steam lots of clothes, its older sibling, the Jiffy – J-2000 , wins our pick for the best standing steamer. This standing model performs very well, heats up in about two minutes, and gets 90 minutes of steam on one full tank.

Our Top Choices

Best Handheld

Upgrade Handheld Pick

Best Upright

Compact Pick

The 13 clothing steamers we tested, 1. best handheld: beautural, 2. upgrade handheld pick: jiffy – esteam, 3. best standing unit: jiffy – j-2000, 4. best compact: urpower, other products we tested, how we selected, how we tested, the bottom line, standing steamers.

Jiffy – J-2000
Rowenta – IS6200
Steamfast – SF-407
Pure Enrichment – PureSteam XL

Handheld steamers

Jiffy – ESTEAM
Rowenta – DR8120X
Shark – Press and Refresh GS500 (not recommended)
Conair – ExtremeSteam (not recommended)
Epica (discontinued)

Of the three clothes steamers that we tested for this 2021 update, we preferred the BEAUTURAL over the Hilife and Rowenta. The BEAUTURAL has a removable fill tank that can hold 8.79 ounces (259.95 milliliters) — the largest of the other two — and during testing, the steam lasted a good 12 minutes before sputtering out.

Like other steamers we previously tested, this handheld steamer resembles a sci-fi laser gun and weighs two pounds, which we felt was just comfortable enough to hold for long stretches of time. At 1200 watts, the BEAUTURAL was the fastest in heating up — 30 seconds — and has a trigger lock for controlling continuous steam or steam bursts. The produced steam was forceful and steamed out a wrinkled shirt in five minutes and a sheer silk scarf in five seconds.

Best Handheld Steamer: BEAUTURAL

The BEAUTURAL handheld steamer has a lot of power for a two-pound unit. With features like automatic shut-off and a trigger lock to control steam output, the BEAUTURAL can steam out wrinkles in a few minutes.

The BEAUTURAL has a feature that you would think the Hilife and Rowenta should have (but don’t) is an automatic shut-off after eight minutes of inactivity, which prevents the unit from burning if you leave it unattended. The BEAUTURAL comes with three attachments: a brush tool, a crease clip, and a lint brush.

The brush tool works well in steaming shirts, and the lint brush is great for lifting lint or pet hair from suits and pants while steaming at the same time. The crease clip is a bit awkward to attach, and it really doesn’t work since you can only run a couple of inches of pant leg at a time. In our mind, it’s a lot easier using an iron for creasing pants.

The crease clip is a minor quibble because otherwise, the reasonably priced BEAUTURAL is a terrific handheld clothes steamer you should consider purchasing.

Key takeaways:

The BEAUTURAL is one of the fastest steamers to heat up in only 30 seconds.
It has a large fill tank that can produce a powerful steam flow for at least 11 minutes.
The steamer’s crease clip can’t compete with an iron for creasing pants.
The BEAUTURAL has a unique lint-brush attachment that works well on suits.

The Jiffy – ESTEAM handheld steamer provides almost as much power as the larger J-2000 Jiffy Steamer, but it did so in a compact unit. Unlike the other handheld models, the steam head is square, which provides more precision for going over corners of pockets and pressing into the fabric more effectively. And unlike the majority of the others, for a smaller unit, it packed a lot of power.

First impressions on appearance aren’t leaning in the ESTEAM’s favor, but it grew on us. It sort of looks like a stylized coffee pot. Unlike the others, it doesn’t have a max fill line for the water. You just fill the chamber all the way up, which is nice and simple.

Also unlike the others, it doesn’t have a power switch but turns on immediately when plugged in. This adds to the simplicity of the device, but if you ever want to turn it on and off during the steaming time, it’s slightly more cumbersome to have to unplug the cord rather than flipping a switch. This can be a good way to make sure you just unplug it and don’t accidentally leave a unit on while plugged in.

Upgrade Pick: Jiffy-ESTEAM

Well built, no-nonsense with a simplistic design, and gets the job done. Built to last many years, for a fairly reasonable price.

User reviews mention their Jiffy steamers lasted for years, mainly due to their sturdy design. With other steamers set to break down after a year or two, this slightly more expensive model would eventually pay for itself.

The steamer maneuvered very well, with no danger of leaking when moved around the garments. With a total steam time of nearly 20 minutes, it blows the other steamers out of the water. Especially if you’re just doing touch-ups while traveling, the steam time being one step above the rest means you’ll have more time to perfect the look of the clothes.

The ESTEAM heats up in two minutes and 20 seconds, and when it does it’s fairly calm and doesn’t shake from the bubbling inside the chamber. For a total of 19 minutes, it steamed much longer than the rest of the other handheld steamers.

In particular, it straightened out wrinkly shirt pockets quickly, a task that was difficult for most of the steamers we tested. Drapes were steamed with ease and the silk items were wrinkle-free after just one pass. While it is a little on the pricier end in the handheld category, it’s a solid machine all around that warrants the price.

At three pounds, it’s light for travel. It’s slightly bigger than some of the other options, but its quality makes up for where it lacks in compactness. Overall, this should prove to be a long-lasting, effective choice for any time you need to steam either on the go or at home.

Options like the URPOWER and Epica (discontinued), for the price, will not let you down. But if you’re willing to spend a little more, Jiffy’s ESTEAM delivers better quality.
Some models, like the Conair and the Shark, were either too much hassle or didn’t provide enough steaming power. Not every steamer steams equally — you can actually go wrong with this purchase.
Every steamer had trouble making creases, even the ones with specific tools to attempt to create them. For that, ironing just can’t be beat.

The Jiffy – J-2000 gets a standing ovation. Not only did the J-2000 have the longest steam time at 100 minutes, but it steamed with more power than the rest. It performed well with all the fabrics, and it did it fast. Set up was incredibly easy, and it made the actual steaming an enjoyable process too. The price tag may be a bit higher than the others, but in terms of build quality, the Jiffy clearly stands out.

The barebones design might make it seem like it’s missing something, but even without any attachments, the Jiffy didn’t suffer in performance. In fact, its simplicity was welcomed after piecing together the extras that came with the others brands. The design itself is extremely sturdy.

The pole connected firmly into the base and stood over five feet tall — the tallest pole of all the machines — making steaming even more convenient. And if you need some attachments, its detailed handbook lists the many that are available, from crease tools to power converters.

Top Standing Model: Jiffy J-2000

Very effective at removing wrinkles and comes with a tank that provides a whopping 100 minutes of steam time. Great build quality without frills -- an excellent choice for a standing steamer.

The J-2000 steamed for a whopping 100 minutes. That basically means you can flip the Jiffy on along with your favorite movie, and the run time will be the same. We’re hoping that you won’t have that much work to do in one sitting, but if you do, the Jiffy’s got your back. The extra steam time also allows for assurance that you won’t have to rush while steaming and prolongs the time between refills.

Dress shirts were steamed in about four minutes, while the silk dress required only one pass of the steamer to remove wrinkles. The steam head is fairly wide with six holes, which provided just the right amount of steaming power. It tackled a wool sweater with no issue and took on any garment with simplicity, getting the wrinkles out easily.

The handle stayed cool while heating, a bonus for comfort level on an already well-designed machine. And when you need to move the machine around a bit, all four wheels roll easily. We didn’t have to move it much when in use, but when it was time to wheel it away, the job was simple.

The water chamber is clear, which lets you see how much water is left in the steam cycle. It’s also designed with an effective carrying handle, which made transporting to and from the sink much less awkward than its competitors.

If you don’t like ironing and have lots of stuff to steam, the Jiffy might the answer you’re looking for.

The Jiffy – J-2000 garment steamer was a standout for its sturdiness and quick steam time; it had all we wanted from a steamer.
The Rowenta at about $100 less is a cost-effective option for people looking to save, as it does a solid job of going over clothes and straightening them out in about one pass, but the quality is clearly lower than the Jiffy.
All of the standing steamers tested were more or less effective in de-wrinkling clothes, but the Jiffy was considerably more powerful, more efficient, and less of a hassle.

For travel needs, you’re going to want compact and quick, and that’s what the URPOWER delivers. At 1.2 pounds, it’s easy to tuck away inside a travel bag.

The URPOWER heats up quickly, another bonus for when you’re on the go and need something steamed fast. The auto turn-off is a nice bonus too; if you’re rushed and forget to turn it off, this feature prevents overheating and causing a house fire (unfortunately, we know someone this happened to).

Best for Travel: URPOWER

This compact unit is easy to pack when you travel and gets the job done for quick touch-ups.

The design is comfortable, and the twist-off reservoir is easy to use. The water can be seen heating up right away in the small chamber. This unit takes one minute 20 seconds to start producing steam, which is relatively quick compared to the competition.

It gives off some initial pops and creaks when first heating but then simmers down. It required running over some garments twice to completely steam out all the wrinkles, but it did the job well.

Because the steamer is pretty small, the water chamber is also small, but it will still give you around nine minutes of steam, which isn’t too shabby. The URPOWER didn’t have as much power as other contenders, but it was enough to get our shirts done.

The hassle-free URPOWER works well and requires no pesky set-up tricks to get you on your way.
It’s a great size for travel, with an acceptable tradeoff in steam power.
While it may lack some power, it will eventually get all of your fabrics looking wrinkle-free.

5. Rowenta – IS6200

The Rowenta IS6200 steamed out wrinkles well from all fabrics. The attachments were an added bonus if you like getting fancy; we could take them or leave them. You won’t be going wrong if you choose this option, but you won’t be getting top tier in terms of quality.

Aside from being fairly difficult to take out of the box, the Rowenta made for an easy set-up. The hanger head has a handy slot where the steamer head is stored.

It boasts a 60-second heat-up time, which in reality took closer to 90 seconds. A cotton men’s dress shirt took around four minutes to straighten out. It glided smoothly over the silk dress and immediately ironed out wrinkles with no more than one or two passes of the steamer. The hose of the Rowenta became noticeably hot but never too hot to use.

The product comes with three attachments: a fabric brush, a crease attachment, and a lint pad. The fabric brush didn’t make a noticeable difference from using the regular steam head. An included crease tool sets out to solve a steamer’s biggest flaw: It can’t create creases. The creases were visible but not as defined as those created with a typical iron.

Oddly, there was a small pool of water left in the bottom of the machine after use and removing the water tank, but it wasn’t difficult to empty out of the chamber.

The “tilt-and go” feature was slightly awkward compared to its rolling competitors. Another bonus feature is the power switch, essentially a large foot pedal that’s stepped on to activate the steamer. The Rowenta is a decent pick, but it doesn’t particularly shine.

6. Pure Enrichment – PureSteam XL

The PureSteam XL and the Steamfast were actually very similar in design, also both clocking in at 1500 watts. The first impression of the PureSteam is that it’s definitely cute; it almost looks like a little Star Wars droid.

There was some initial concern that the tube for the steam was inflexible and was going to make it difficult to maneuver around the garments, but once the machine heated up, the tube warmed and became more bendable. The mesh covering on the outside of the hose kept it from getting hot to the touch.

The PureSteam heated up in 60 seconds, even though it advertised 45. It gave 40 minutes of steam time, and it took about five minutes to iron one shirt, making it seem slightly less powerful than its competitors. One full tank could get about eight shirts done. It performed well on silk and ironed the wrinkles out efficiently.

It also worked well on wool, even with the steaming power being a little weaker. This is a great steamer for lighter fabrics as it’s simple and easy to use, but heavier garments like thick cotton and khakis would require much more work.

7. Steamfast – SF-407

steamfast standing unit with accessories

Again, the Steamfast and the PureSteam XL were highly comparable to one another. Both are decent picks, giving about 40 minutes of steam time and effectively steaming your clothes. The tubing is the same, the steam headrests are the same and the power is about the same.

The Steamfast didn’t come with a hanger attachment, which was a non-issue since the head for the pole was the exact same make as the PureSteam and functioned well for placing hangers.

The water tank is clear with small indents for carrying purposes that are not as handy as its competitors but still fairly easy to carry. There was a 60-second heat-up time, and one tank lasted for 40 minutes. Each shirt only required a slow pass with the steam head about one time with some touch-ups on problem areas like pockets or collars.

Silk wrinkles were removed with ease, and the head is fairly large and able to cover more surfaces without being bulky or ineffective. When the tank was about three-quarters of the way empty, it started making loud gurgling noises. It didn’t hinder the performance of the steamer, but it did terrify the cat.

The Steamfast only sort of lived up to its name, getting the job done at a moderate pace.

8. Shark Press and Refresh GS500

In a steamer, you want dependable and effective, not quirky, and difficult to get to know, which is exactly what the Shark Press and Refresh was. The iron bar is neat but dangerous, and the concept of the press pad is innovative but imperfect.

The Shark Press comes with a vertical press pad, which promises easy set-up on any door. The concept seems awesome in theory. In actual practice, it’s more or less a hassle. It also comes with a steam bonnet to place over the head of the iron to prevent burns.

The press pads attach using adjustable handle straps that loop around the edges of the door. It doesn’t particularly work on every single door, as some of the doors we tried still graze the top part of the doorframe when open and don’t create enough space for the loop straps to fit around. The strap got stuck once, and we thought we’d have a press pad stuck to our door forever, but it eventually came free.

The steam bonnet takes some fiddling when removed to fit other parts onto it. It takes about three minutes to heat up, and you don’t know it’s ready unless you press the handle, which is the only way to emit steam, unlike the others that steam continually.

The Shark Press takes a lot of getting used to. But once it’s given a few tries, it actually proves itself to be revolutionary: Because of the vertical press pad and leaning against the door, it’s a steamer that can create sharp creases. It has a lot of steaming power and was able to de-wrinkle shirts with ease, and the wrinkle remover acted basically as a quasi-iron. That being said, acting as what’s basically a tiny iron bar, it gets hot. Very hot — if you accidentally touched it, you’d get burned.

It gives 25 minutes of steam time, likely attributed to the press trigger that allows you to choose when you want to steam.

If you’re into bells and whistles, this is a viable option, but overall gave an average performance. It’s not a walk in the park to set up, and takes some skill to start using to its full effect. It was reminiscent of a good ol’ regular iron.

9. PurSteam

The PurSteam was decent, but nothing makes it really stand out. It steams your clothes and gets the wrinkles out. It’s a little shaky and can crackle occasionally but works well enough.

If you like big, silver heat-resistant mittens, the PurSteam comes with one to protect your hands while ironing. This was a thoughtful inclusion, but we didn’t find it necessary.

The heating chamber is clear, and the bubbles can be seen while the device is heating up. It took two minutes for the steam to get hot, and once it became useable, the boiling of the water shook the device a noticeable amount. It calmed down after one minute of use with the occasional crackling noise.

The steam head dribbled a small amount of water from the holes at first, which created some water spots on the shirts if the fabric was touched. It took a few passes on a cotton dress shirt, which was fully steamed in about eight minutes. In all, it gave 10 minutes of steaming time on one fill.

The PurSteam did decently well with drapes, gliding up and down and removing wrinkles with two passes. Still, it’s probably not the purchase for a perfectionist because of the average amount of steam power.

10. Rowenta – DR8120X

At 1600 watts, the Rowenta DR8120X is a hefty powerhouse that produces a continuous gush of boiling hot steam. For such a big machine, it has a surprisingly small tank with a 6.76-ounce capacity, which delivers about 10 minutes of steam. It has a delicate setting and a turbo setting, which shoots out steam in full force, and enables you to steam wrinkles out of the sheerest and sturdiest fabrics.

The Rowenta comes with a crease clip, brush, steam cover to protect fabrics from water impurities, and a nifty door hook for hanging the clothing you want to steam. All of this seems great, but the Rowenta has a few issues. First off, the steam is very hot, and when you’re pulling down on a shirt, for example, to steam an especially wrinkled area, it’s impossible to avoid getting your hand shot by a burst of the hot steam. It has a switch for the steamer to do continuous steam or steam bursts, but it slips too easily because it’s located just beneath the trigger.

The Rowenta has no automatic shut-off — it just simply stops when water runs out — and surprisingly, it has no power button, so to shut the unit off, you need to pull out the plug. Lastly, the Rowenta weighs a little over 3 pounds, so it’s tiring to hold it for more than a few minutes.

The Hilife steamer is a little portable model that’s good for steaming out wrinkles from clothes that have been packed in a suitcase. Weighing in at only 1.7 pounds, it’s easy to use for several steamings at a time without tiring your hand. The Hilife’s tank has a 240-milliliter capacity, which gives about 14 minutes of steam; however, during our testing, the amount of steam lessened at the 11-minute mark.

The steamer has 700 watts, so it took two and a half minutes to heat up and start producing steam. The Hilife’s steam isn’t very forceful, so it took us 7 minutes to steam a shirt. The finished shirt wasn’t completely wrinkle-free, and it had water spots from the Hilife’s frequent spitting.

It comes with two brush attachments, which worked better on clothing, but we still had to do over-wrinkled areas several times. The Hilife is less expensive than other handheld steamers, but in the end, it just didn’t produce enough steam to do the job.

12. Conair ExtremeSteam

Because of its lower power and ineffectiveness, we do not recommend the Conair ExtremeSteam , no matter how cool it looks. You’ll spend a lot of time getting frustrated and not a lot of time actually ironing your clothes, so we’d opt out on this choice.

The ExtremeSteam is definitely a looker, slightly resembling the Star Trek Enterprise. And like a ship, it’s big; it’s probably not the steamer you want to take along with you on your travels. It comes with a fabric brush, creaser, and soft cushion brush.

Filling the tiny water tank on this unit is difficult. When it’s plugged in, it starts buzzing loudly and steam initially dribbled out the front. The steamer has a lock on the trigger to allow you to decide if you want constant steam, or to be able to press the trigger down and only have it steam when pressed. It also has a high and a low heat setting.

Here’s the bad news, the low-heat setting was like feeling the steam coming off a cooling cup of coffee. The high-heat setting wasn’t better. It eventually ironed out wrinkles but took a very long time. The head attachments weren’t effective either, as they would have required more power and hot steam to work.

When it was done steaming — as though it was breathing a huge sigh of relief — it whooshed out one last puff of air and then was done. It lasted about 15 minutes. The Conair ExtremeSteam would be elected most creative for senior superlatives, but it’s not the steamer you want to buy for the sake of functionality.

13. Epica – Handheld Steamer (discontinued)

March 2019 update: the model we tested seems to have been discontinued, but Epica offers a few other units at a similar price point.

For around 20 dollars, the Epica is a steal for its unexpectedly powerful steaming capability. It also promises a three-year warranty, so you can be confident in your purchase.

The Epica tends to sputter upon the initial plugin, but it quickly recovers and starts steaming in two minutes. The steam is hot and works well, but you do get more than what you paid for. The 10-foot cord was also a nice feature, giving some extra play in the ability to move around with the steamer.

The Epica is compact, so you can pop it into your suitcase for travel. It’s not for heavy-duty or high-volume garment steaming, but it will get you through your touch-ups and typical needs.

It heated up in two minutes flat and had a total steam time of 13 minutes. The design has a very wide steam head, which is a bonus for being able to go over larger sections quickly, but also slightly sacrifices the ability for precision depending on what was being ironed; for shirt pockets, it required a little extra work. For drapes, it worked well and steamed out the wrinkles without difficulty.

This little guy was a pleasant surprise. It’s not the most powerful machine amongst the ones we tested so didn’t get top pick, but it’s simple and effective for the price. Sadly these days you can’t get much for 20 dollars, but you can get the Epica and make your clothes look like a million bucks.

We wanted to test the gamut of steamers in the way most people use them and decided to test both handheld and standing steamers. These tests were done in a home with the average consumer in mind and weren’t meant to cater to any factory or commercial settings where you can just be steaming for hours on end.

Much of our selection was narrowed down by searching retailers such as Amazon to find the best-rated products. Luckily there were a lot of brands available to compare, and we were able to avoid testing any products with enough complaints from previous owners.

Two of the brands we included were just to test brand variety, although they didn’t rank above four stars: the Conair – ExtremeSteam and the Steamfast – SF-407 .

Testing Jiffy’s standing unit, the J-2000 was a no-brainer since it was rated very well by customer reviews, and fared well in Wirecutter’s review for heavy use.

Many brands here had multiple steamer models available and aside from the Jiffy, we avoided doubling up to get a better feel for what other brands had to offer.

We wanted to put these steamers through the paces by testing capacities, effectiveness as well as practical use testing to discover any potential issues.

Typically, the most difficult wrinkles to remove are on thick cottons, linens, and silk. So we put all three to the test on each one of these steamers. We filled each tank with water from the sink to the fill lines and got to steaming.

Longest Steam Time: Jiffy - J-2000

A 3/4-gallon capacity water reservoir provided the longest steam time of around 100 minutes.

The steam time was determined by filling up the reservoir of each machine and letting it warm up. Once the machine began producing steam, we started the timer.

When the steamers ran completely out of water in the reservoirs and no longer steamed the clothes, the timer was turned off and the time was recorded. This was done in one round specifically to measure steam time.

The tests to measure effectiveness on t-shirts, dress shirts, silk and drapes were done separately.

Cotton Dress Shirts and T-Shirts

We used the same size large men’s cotton dress shirt for every steamer to measure the results. After steaming, we washed the shirt until it was entirely soaked in water and threw it in the dryer to get it nice and wrinkled again. Imagine the level of wrinkled your mother would scold you for — that was our sweet spot. Quantitatively, there were about three major wrinkles on both the front and the back of the shirts.

After testing the results on the cotton dress shirt, large cotton men’s t-shirts were steamed to see how many shirts the steamers could steam on one full tank. The shirts were deemed “finished” when all the wrinkles on the front, back and sleeves had been steamed out.

Again, that “pressed” look couldn’t be achieved with any steamer except for the Shark Press and Refresh , but the shirts were considered finished when they looked good enough to wear to your company dinner party.

Linen Drapes

Next, we wrinkled linen drapes to wrinkle them by taking them off the rods and bunching them in a pile until the wrinkles held. Then we set the steamers on them. The drapes were about 33 x 53 inches and were steamed while hanging on the curtain rod. They were finished when all wrinkles were removed.

Standing steamers were not ideal for ironing drapes taller than 53 inches, since it can be a stretch to reach the very top. In our test, we could reach the top of these shorter drapes to steam out any wrinkles. For anything taller than this, we recommend using the handheld steamers or taking your drapes off the hanging rods for better accessibility.

Silk Shirts and Dresses

We wrinkled and steamed silk dresses and shirts to test effectiveness of each machine. Like in the other testing, it was deemed finished when all wrinkles were gone. Interestingly, none of the steamers, even the lower powered ones, had a difficult time with silk.

We’ve got to hand it to Jiffy – their steamers are impressive. For a standing steamer the Jiffy J-2000 powered through garments like no others, and the Jiffy ESTEAM performed just as well in the handheld class. Get anything Jiffy and your clothes will look like new. You want steam power, a simple, no hassle experience and quality, that’s what Jiffy will give you.

In general, with a few exceptions, most of the steamers we tested worked. You’ll want to hold off on buying from Conair and Shark, but the others will do the job if you’re not picky. Still, we recommend Jiffy for the best of the best.

Standing steamers are your go-to for big projects and lots of work. They’re not stored as easily as handheld steamers, so keep that in mind when deciding. If you are looking to save some space, then look to handhelds.

While ironing is definitely a chore, steaming actually was strangely entertaining in a way. So if you’re looking for an alternative to ironing, give one of these a try; you won’t be disappointed.

Top Standing Model: Jiffy - J-2000

Great build quality and a large 3/4-gallon tank provided the most steam time of all units we tested.

Top Handheld Model: BEAUTURAL

This steamer produces gushes of steam for such a lightweight unit. With features other handhelds don't have, the portable BEAUTURAL gets the job done.

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Bryan Vu , Editor

Bryan is our cooking and kitchen expert, with more than 15 years of experience of cooking and testing kitchen products. When outside of the kitchen, he enjoys woodworking, photography, videography and figuring out how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. He thoroughly enjoys discovering the best, whether it’s ingredients or equipment, and finding products that can stand the rigors of daily use.

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Playful & Fun: Tefal’s New Pure Pop Garment Steamer

Steaming clothes is nothing new. In fact, it has been around for a few years now. And with their innovative design, Tefal have unveiled a new range of garment steamers, called the Pure Pop Garment Steamer. Effortlessly tend to your clothes without the need for the ironing board, and with 4x bright colours to choose from, taking care of your laundry just got a whole lot more fun! There’s two words we never thought would go together in the same sentence: laundry and fun. Check out below all the functions and features of the Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer:

Saves Time & Effort

Dreading the time it takes to straighten out your clothes? Featuring a quick 15 second heat up time, work faster and quicker without the need for the ironing board. The Pure Pop Garment Steamer take up less space to use, simply hang your garment from a clothes hanger and steam away!

Caters to all Garments

Great for delicate non-iron items like woollens and silk shirts, the Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer is perfect for all your garments, from coats, t-shirts, to business pants and dresses.

Other household linen like curtains can also be tended to with Tefal’s Pure Pop.

Removes Lint

A 2-in-1 reversible pad system takes care of lint. Use the lint remover side to easily detach lint and hair from garments like coats and jackets while the velvet side is designed for safely steaming all kinds of fabric without damage.

Straightens, Refreshes & More

While you can’t conquer everything all at once, thankfully, with the Tefal Pure Pop, you can manage all laundry issues. Aside from reducing creases and wrinkles, the Pure Pop also refreshes, reduces odours, and sanitises your clothes, all from its compact handheld design.

Compact & Travel Friendly

The Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer is compact, taking up less space when stored compared to an iron and ironing board. Plus, since it’s sleek in size, the Pure Pop can be taken with you when travelling, just pack it into your suitcase.

4 Fun Colours to Choose From

Available in 4 colours to suit your personal style and vibe, the Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer adds a pop of fun to your garment care routine. Choose from: Teal, Watermelon, Marine Blue and Sunshine Yellow. Check them all out below!

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Tefal - Pure Pop Hand Held Garment Steamer - Watermelon - DT2022

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Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy fryer review: a 3-in-1 air fryer that grills and steams too

Cook a wide array of tasty food in this mini oven and you’ll not only eat better but maybe save a little on your rising energy bills too

If you’re worried about your energy costs as much as your waistline the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy fryer is a sound investment. This kitchen appliance allows you to bypass your regular oven, ditch the need to fry anything and lets you do everything inside one mini oven. There are preset programs that make it a doddle to use while it gets the job done super efficiently. Cleaning the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy fryer is similarly easy and there’s a supporting app that guides you every step of the way if you’re stuck for inspiration. If you can find one discounted it’s even better value.

Very convenient

Easy to clean

Good supporting app

Quite large footprint

Basic instruction manual

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy fryer review in a sentence: a fantastic air fryer, grill and steamer with a generous capacity and 7 different programs to choose from.

I’ve been a long-time fan of the Tefal Actifry Genius XL 2in1 and still continue to use it on a regular basis, which is why it’s still in our best air fryers buying guide too. However, Tefal recently took the covers off this, the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy, which is a little different but no less good. There’s no revolving paddle-in-a-bowl arrangement that made the other model so innovative, but there’s still plenty to get excited about.

And, with everyone concerned about skyrocketing energy costs, being able to bypass a conventional oven and do everything in a little box of tricks like the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam might help shave a little off your bills too. I haven’t been using the appliance long enough to tell so far, but it is quick and efficient, so I’m hoping to trim a little bit of fat off my bloated electric bill over time.

A big alternative with more modes: Tefal Actifry Genius XL 2in1 review

Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy: price and availability

The Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy is available now and has a RRP of £189.99 although it can already be had from Amazon for a discounted £149.99 currently. Unsurprisingly, the money off incentive combined with the features and functions on offer have already made it a current 'best seller' choice.

Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy: what is it?

The Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam is, in essence, a mini oven that lets you cook lots of different ingredients and complete dishes in one handy appliance. While it’s been designed to offer a healthier way to eat, the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam should also help you cut back on your energy usage as the Tefal boffins have engineered it to be super-efficient.

Inside the appliance there’s a heating element and a fan, which when used via any one of the 7 programs allows you to cook food, or just raw ingredients like vegetables and fruit to suit your taste. It’s versatile too, offering three ways to cook: fry, grill or steam and also combine the different processes to deliver more interesting and diverse dishes.

The Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam has a large slide out cooking container on the front of the unit. Above that there is a digital display panel, which gives you access to all of the programs as well as the complete array of features and functions. There’s a mains electric plug cable around the back and a slatted grill tray comes inside the box too, along with basic instructions.

An accompanying Tefal app gives you the lowdown on lots of dishes you can cook, along with instructions on how to get the job done.

Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy: is it any good?

Although most folks seem to enthuse about the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam, you should bear in mind that it is quite big. This appears to be the main grumble from people who’ve already bought it. I have to admit, it is quite sizeable, especially compared to the Tefal Actifry Genius XL 2in1 and I thought that was quite big.

The difference though is the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam has an angular shape, compared to the round style of the Genius. In that respect it is actually easier to slot into a corner of your worktop or slide into a cupboard once it has cooled down and been cleaned. The Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy fryer boasts a 6.2 litre capacity meaning it can handle around 8 portions, measures 40 by 32 by 40 centimetres and weighs 7.9 kilograms.

Power-wise, the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy fryer is 1700Watts while the one-touch presets let you tackle fries, nuggets, roast chicken, fish and more. Cooking functions include Air Fry, Grill, Steam, Rotisserie, Dehydrate and there’s a Manual setting too.

Everything can be controlled using the digital display on the front of the appliance, which is above the removable cooking dish. This can be easily removed to take out cooked food and for cleaning. This container and the included grill trays have non-stick finishes.

Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy: performance

Some basic air fryer models are very good for doing things like chips, spring rolls and what not, especially those batter-covered foodstuffs or meats like sausages and chops. Well, they’re great for more things than I can think of actually, but many lack additional functionality. That’s the real bonus with the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy fryer, because it’s a 3-in-1.

The machine offers a great experience on the grilling front and can be turned all the way up to 200 degrees if you really like to sear your steaks. I love a fish dish from time to time too and the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam is ideally suited to this task. If you prefer a seared fillet say, the appliance works a treat. I’ve been trying to steam fish though, just to keep the calories down and this machine handles that job beautifully. There’s a container on the top that holds the water for steaming duties, which isn’t something I’ve seen on a comparable product.

As you’d expect though, the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam is great at doing all the usual air fryer staples too. There’s not too much news on that front really. You’ll need to have a few dry runs in order to fine-tune the chip cooking process, much like any other air fryer. Once you’ve got into your stride though I’ve found it’s excellent at turning out the French fries. The cooking container holds plenty, Tefal reckons about 8 portions, so it’s certainly more than enough for a couple of people and fine for a family of four too.

Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam healthy: verdict

The Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam does that little bit more than most average air fryer models, which is perhaps its biggest selling point. You can cook individual ingredients or make a whole meal using the one appliance. That means you can effectively bypass your oven, and in some cases the hob too. And what that does is it streamlines your cooking time.

I’ve not been using the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam long enough to see if it makes any real difference in reducing my electric bills, but the signs already appear to be positive. When I think of the time I have the oven on for, say, roasting potatoes, a meat joint and also using the hob for sundry vegetables, it’s quite a long period. Cooking the same things in the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam does seem quicker, and I’d like to think it is therefore more efficient.

Added to that is the way the Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam cooks your food. Average air fryer appliances can be quite brutal with the way the heat is dispensed, often resulting in scorched food. The Tefal EasyFry Grill & Steam is no different if you don’t keep close tabs on it during use – and that’s really the key here. The different presets are brilliant, but you’ll want to keep an eye on progress.

However, the best bits by far are the grilling and steaming options. Anyone, or indeed any air fryer can cook chips. Now though you can cook more varied meals that are enhanced by the machine's functionality and by not using too much heat to get the job done. And it can all be done inside one machine. That is progress.

Rob Clymo has been a tech journalist for more years than he can actually remember, having started out in the wacky world of print magazines before discovering the power of the internet. Since he's been all-digital, he has run the Innovation channel for a few years at Microsoft, as well as turning out regular news, reviews, features and other content for the likes of Stuff, TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Tom's Guide, Fit&Well, Gizmodo, Shortlist, Automotive Interiors World, Automotive Testing Technology International, Future of Transportation and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. In the rare moments he's not working, he's usually out and about on one of the numerous e-bikes in his collection.

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Moscow Travel Guide

Guide to Russia
Russian Destination Guide

Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

Top Sights in Moscow

St. Basil’s

Novodevichy Convent

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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Day 6 - Explore the Golden Ring. Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a "theme route" devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

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