Handheld steamers are versatile devices that can help you refresh your clothes, curtains, upholstery, and more. They are easy to use, portable, and effective at removing wrinkles and odors. In this article, we will review some of the best handheld steamers available on the market and compare their features, performance, and price. Whether you need a steamer for travel, home, or professional use, we have you covered.
Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer
Meet the Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer, your ultimate travel companion for wrinkle-free perfection on the go. This 700W powerhouse effortlessly generates gentle and long-lasting steam, ensuring your clothes stay impeccable wherever you are. The 9-foot power cord grants you flexibility, eliminating the need to be tethered closely, while the 240-ml water tank provides a generous 15 minutes of continuous steam, effortlessly banishing wrinkles from fabrics like chiffon, silk, wool, cotton, linen, and nylon.
Compact and lightweight, this portable steamer is designed to seamlessly slip into any suitcase or carry-on, making it a must-have for jet-setters and business travelers alike. The vibrant blue hue adds a touch of style to your travel essentials. Engineered for efficiency, the Hilife Garment Steamer boasts strong penetrating steam, ensuring a flawless finish on a diverse range of fabrics.
Please note that this steamer is tailored for 110–120V countries like the US, Canada, and Japan. Plugging it into a 220V-240V outlet may cause damage. With dimensions of 6.8 inches in length, 5.5 inches in width, and 7 inches in height, this handheld steamer is not just a tool; it’s your ticket to crisp, wrinkle-free style wherever life takes you. Say goodbye to creases and hello to hassle-free elegance with the Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer.
Pros:
- Powerful 700W steamer for long-lasting, gentle steam
- Portable and lightweight design, perfect for travel
- 240-ml water tank for 15 minutes of continuous steaming
- Suitable for a variety of fabrics
- The vibrant blue color adds a stylish touch
- 9-foot power cord for flexible operation
- Compact dimensions: 6.8″L x 5.5″W x 7″H
- Strong penetrating steam for a flawless finish
Cons:
- Limited to use in 110-120V countries (US, Canada, Japan)
- Potential product damage if plugged into 220V-240V outlet
Conair Turbo Extreme Steam Hand-Held Steamer
The Conair Turbo Extreme Steam Hand-Held Steamer effortlessly combines the finesse of an iron with the potency of steam, banishing wrinkles from garments and upholstery in an instant. Crafted with precision, this turbo handheld steamer not only guarantees a fresh-pressed look but also annihilates 99.9 percent of germs, dust mites, and bed bugs for a hygienic touch.
Designed for convenience, the freestanding steamer boasts a swift 40-second heat-up time and a capacious 7.3-ounce water tank, ensuring a continuous 15 minutes of steam. Its quilted aluminum steamer plate and built-in creaser mimic the effectiveness of an iron, guaranteeing impeccable results.
The 3-in-1 attachment arsenal includes a silicone band for fabric tension, a delicate fabric spacer to shield trims, and a bristle brush for optimal fiber penetration on heavy fabrics. In a pristine white/champagne hue, this steamer stands 13.6 inches tall with dimensions of 8 inches in length and 5.6 inches in width.
Conair, a pioneer in innovative garment care, offers a powerhouse solution for keeping garments, upholstery, curtains, and textiles flawlessly smooth and fresh. Unleash the power of steam with this handheld steamer, part of Conair’s comprehensive line of fabric care tools designed for users who demand nothing but the best.
Pros:
- Powerful performance combines iron-like results with steam efficiency
- Rapid 40-second heat-up for quick and convenient use
- 3-in-1 attachment for versatile and effective steaming
- Compact design with a 7.3-ounce water tank for portability
- Quilted aluminum steamer plate for a fresh-pressed look
- It kills 99.9% of germs, dust mites, and bed bugs for a hygienic touch
- Freestanding for ease of use
Cons:
- The corded design may limit mobility
- Limited water tank capacity for extended use
- Delicate fabric spacer may be prone to wear over time
Rowenta X-Cel Handheld Fabric Steamer
Experience the epitome of garment care with the Rowenta X-Cel Handheld Fabric Steamer. Boasting a formidable 1600 Watts of power, this steamer effortlessly delivers 26 grams per minute of steam, reviving your wardrobe in just 40 seconds. Its easy-to-fill 6.76-ounce tank accommodates tap water, granting 10 minutes of continuous steam for swift, everyday use.
Designed for versatility, this steamer transcends clothing, revitalizing curtains and furniture with ease. The heated metal faceplate ensures stubborn wrinkles succumb effortlessly. Unleash its power on any fabric—be it delicate, large, or thick—with tailored steaming modes. From cotton to wool, poly to silk, linen to nylon, and even suits or jackets, every fabric meets its match.
Weighing a mere 3 pounds, this handheld steamer is a portable powerhouse, allowing you to steam effortlessly on the go. The white exterior complements its sleek dimensions of 8 inches in length, 6 inches in width, and 11 inches in height. Embrace efficiency and elegance with the Rowenta X-Cel, where power meets precision in the pursuit of wrinkle-free perfection.
Pros:
- Powerful 1600 watts for fast and effective steaming.
- Quick 40-second heat-up time.
- Versatile steaming for various fabrics and household items.
- Easy to use with regular tap water; no need for distilled water.
- Lightweight and portable design for convenience.
- The heated metal faceplate tackles stubborn wrinkles effortlessly.
Cons:
- Limited 10-minute continuous steaming time per fill.
- Requires refilling for extended steaming sessions.
- The handheld design may not be suitable for large-scale streaming.
- The white color may show wear and tear over time.
- The 6.76-oz tank may need frequent refills for intensive use.
Jiffy Garment Steamer With Metal Steam Head
Elevate your garment care routine with the Jiffy Garment Steamer with Metal Steam Head in Pink. Designed for efficiency and durability, this steamer boasts a high-impact engineered polymer outer housing that ensures long-lasting performance. With a generous water capacity of 2.84 liters, you can tackle multiple garments without the hassle of frequent refills.
The metal steam head heats up quickly, ready to steam in just 1 minute, while the 5.5-foot flexible rubber hose provides ample reach for convenient maneuverability. Equipped with color-coded high-temperature wiring and a “no-spill” check valve cap, safety and ease of use are paramount.
Featuring a fusible link with automatic shut-off, this steamer prioritizes safety, giving you peace of mind during use. Plus, with 360-degree swivel casters and a 7-foot power cord with a molded storage clip, mobility and storage are effortless.
Say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to crisp, refreshed garments with the Jiffy Garment Steamer. With its powerful 1300 watts of wattage and 120 volts of voltage, achieving professional-quality results has never been easier. Upgrade your garment care arsenal today and experience the difference with Jiffy.
Pros:
- Rapid 1-minute heating time
- High water capacity of 2.84 liters
- Durable, high-impact engineered polymer housing
- Safety features: color-coded wiring, “No-spill” check valve cap, fusible link with automatic shut-off
- 360-degree swivel casters for easy mobility
- Stylish Pink Metal Steam Head
- 1300 watts of power for effective wrinkle removal
Cons:
- Relatively heavy at 10 pounds
- Limited cord length at 7 feet
- Metal steam heads may get hot during extended use
Pure Enrichment Steamer
Elevate your garment care routine with the Pure Enrichment Steamer. Standing tall at 54 inches, this sleek white steamer packs a powerful punch, heating up in just 45 seconds to deliver a whopping 1500 watts of thermostat-controlled steam at 208°F. Say goodbye to stubborn wrinkles with four adjustable steam levels, catering to various fabric types from delicate silk to sturdy denim.
Refresh and sanitize a wide range of fabrics effortlessly, including clothing, bedding, curtains, and upholstered furniture. No cumbersome steam buttons here; simply use the pedal at the base for easy on-and-off control. With its portable design and adjustable pole height, you can take this steamer wherever wrinkles dare to appear.
The 2-liter transparent water tank lets you see when it’s time for a refill, while the included garment hanger and fabric brush attachments enhance your streaming experience. Backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty and caring customer support, trust in Pure Enrichment to deliver quality and convenience for all your streaming needs.
Pros:
- Powerful 1500 watts for fast, efficient steaming
- Adjustable steaming levels tackle various fabric types
- The 2L tank provides a full hour of continuous steaming
- Portable design with pedal-powered on/off functionality
- Adjustable pole and easy-rolling wheels for mobility
- Transparent tank for easy water level monitoring
- Additional garment hanger and fabric brush attachments included
- Trusted brand with an industry-leading 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Limited color option (only available in white)
- Steamer weight is 9.56 pounds
Best Handheld Steamer Buying Guide
A handheld steamer is a convenient and versatile alternative to an iron for removing wrinkles from fabrics. When choosing a handheld steamer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the best model for your needs.
Steam Power
One of the most important factors is steam power. More steam power means the steamer will heat up faster and generate a more powerful jet of steam to smooth out tough wrinkles. Look for steamers with at least 1200 watts of power. Higher-end models may have 1500 watts or more of steam power.
More powerful steam requires a larger water reservoir, so the steamer doesn’t run out of water too quickly. Look for steamers that hold at least 8 ounces of water. Some larger capacity models hold as much as 1 liter of water.
Steam Time
Steam time refers to how long the steamer can run before needing to refill the water reservoir. Longer steam times allow you to steam garments for longer before having to stop and refill. Look for steamers with at least 10 minutes of steam time, with some high-end models offering 15 minutes or more.
Steam Distribution
You want a handheld steamer that distributes steam evenly across the garment surface. Steamers with wider steam heads and more steam vents cover more area for faster smoothing. Look for steam heads around 2 inches wide or larger. Multiple steam vents are better than a single outlet.
Attachments
Handheld steamer attachments allow you to direct steam to specific areas and creases. A concentrator nozzle focuses the steam into a small area for precision steaming. A brush attachment helps lift a nap on fabrics like velvet. An attachment package adds versatility to your steamer.
Portability
If you’ll use your steamer for traveling, be sure to get a lightweight, compact model. Look for steamers under 2 pounds that can easily fit in a suitcase or tote bag. A travel pouch helps protect the steamer. An extra-long power cord gives you flexibility in hotels and other spaces.
Safety Features
Since steam can cause burns, look for safety features like cool-touch exterior surfaces, an automatic shut-off if tipped over, and a child safety lock. Models with wider, more stable bases are less prone to tipping.
Price
Expect to spend $30 to $100 for a decent handheld steamer. Higher prices get you more power, longer run times, more attachments, and better construction. Consider how often you’ll steam when deciding if a pricier model is worthwhile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, key factors to evaluate when choosing a handheld steamer include steam power and distribution, steam time, versatility of attachments, portability if needed, and helpful safety features. Take your time comparing different models to get the best handheld steamer for your budget and needs. With a quality steamer, you’ll enjoy quick, easy wrinkle removal at home or when traveling.
Frequently Asked Question
How does a handheld steamer differ from a traditional iron?
A handheld steamer is a compact, portable device that emits steam to remove wrinkles from clothes, upholstery, and other fabrics. Unlike traditional irons, which require an ironing board and can be cumbersome to use, handheld steamers offer convenience and ease of use. They are also gentler on delicate fabrics and can be used vertically, making them suitable for curtains and hanging garments.
Can a handheld steamer be used on all types of fabrics?
Most handheld steamers are designed to be safe for use on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, wool, silk, polyester, and more. However, it’s always recommended to check the manufacturer’s instructions and test the steamer on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before steaming larger areas, especially with delicate or sensitive fabrics.
How long does it take for a handheld steamer to heat up?
Heating times can vary depending on the model and brand of the handheld steamer. Generally, handheld steamers heat up relatively quickly, usually within 1 to 3 minutes. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding heating times to ensure optimal performance.
Is it safe to use a handheld steamer on clothes with embellishments or delicate details?
Handheld steamers are generally safe to use on clothes with embellishments and delicate details such as beads, sequins, and lace. However, it’s essential to use caution and avoid directing the steam directly onto these areas for an extended period to prevent damage. Additionally, it’s advisable to use a pressing cloth or garment steaming glove to protect delicate fabrics from direct contact with the steamer’s hot plate.
Can a handheld steamer be used to remove odors and sanitize fabrics?
Yes, handheld steamers can effectively remove odors and sanitize fabrics by killing bacteria and germs with the power of steam. The high temperature of the steam helps to neutralize odors and eliminate bacteria, making it an excellent choice for refreshing and sanitizing garments, upholstery, curtains, and other fabrics. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the steamer to emit steam continuously for a sufficient amount of time to achieve optimal sanitization results.
Ross Walters, an Electrical supplies and Water Appliances specialist, shares his extensive expertise on top platforms. With a focus on empowering professionals and enthusiasts, Ross delivers up-to-date insights and practical advice. His commitment to staying abreast of industry trends establishes him as a trusted source for navigating the complexities of electrical systems and water appliances.