Imagine you could get fresh, wrinkle-free clothes quickly and easily. Well, you can. Handheld garment steamers are the tool for you!
These nifty products will soon become one of your most beloved items in the house. You can use them for clothes, curtains and even furniture. We’ll share the best handheld steamers on the market so you can find the right one for you.
- Fast and powerful
- Steam it all
- Leak free
- Heats up fast
- Steams it all
- Safety first
- Great design
- Perfect for any item
- Powerful
- Fast and efficient
- Leak proof design
- Extra attachments
- No leaking
- 7-in-1 steamer
- Compact
- 360-degree portability
- Advanced
- Super useful
- Portable
- Smooths and freshens
- Steam anything
What Is a Handheld Garment Steamer?
Portable garment steamers are simple devices. You fill them with water, turn them on, aim them at your clothes. Then steam comes out in a steady flow to de-wrinkle and even sanitize your laundry! They come in a variety of designs, shapes and sizes but they all essentially function the same.
You can get upright garment steamers, but handheld ones are much lighter. They are also easier to travel with because you can pop them into your suitcase or bag.
Are Handheld Garment Steamers Any Good?
We absolutely think so! They eliminate wrinkles without much effort. Plus, they’re easy to use. Compared to upright steamers, they are much lighter, easier to maneuver and more affordable.
The main difference, though, is the steam time. Upright garment steamers have bigger water tanks, so their steam time is longer, averaging at around an hour. Handheld garment steamers average at around 10 minutes of steam before the tank needs refilling.
On the other hand, you might be wondering if handheld garment steamers are any good compared to steam irons.
You can get a clothes steamer as an alternative to an iron. They have similar purposes. However, an iron will give you crisper results. You can’t get set creases or eliminate 100% of wrinkles with a handheld garment steamer. They’re not as powerful as steam irons.
Best of Both Worlds?
How to Choose the Best Handheld Garment Steamers?
When shopping for the best portable garment steamer, you should take some factors into consideration.
Portability
You’re probably going for a handheld version over a standing version because of portability. So check out how easy the garment steamer is to transport.
We recommend considering the size and weight to make sure it’ll fit nicely into your bag. It’s also worth checking out the design. You’ll want one with a comfortable and practical handle — make sure it’s easy to use and maneuver.
Capacity
Take note of how big the water tank is. This will determine how long you can use the garment steamer before refilling the tank. The smaller the capacity, the less practical the steamer is for bigger loads of laundry or steaming tasks. But for the odd item here and there, a small water tank is fine!
Ease of Use
How easy is your portable clothes steamer going to be to use? Have a look at the settings on the steamer. Some have very basic settings, while others might require trial and error before really getting the hang of the steamer.
Also, check if the handheld steamer can be used vertically, horizontally and upside down without leaking. If you’re anything like us, you’ll want one that can be used at all angles for hard-to-reach places, furniture and even carpets.
Lastly, check how spill-proof the handheld garment steamer is. It’s never a good idea to mix clumsiness with a leaky product! This will make it much harder to use and you’ll be more prone to water stains on your clothes.
Cost
Have a think about how much you want to spend on your garment steamer. These come in at a wide range of prices, typically starting at $20. We promise — you can find a quality garment steamer within your budget!
Ease of Cleaning
Remember, when you choose any new product, that it’ll need cleaning from time to time. When buying a product that takes water, think about how easy it’s going to be to clean.
If you live in a hard water area, you’ll be familiar with mineral build-up in your iron, kettle and other products. Some handheld garment steamers have a self-cleaning and anti-calc system. If this grabs your attention, look out for this perk when shopping.
Time to Steam
Arguably one of the most important details of a portable garment steamer is the time to steam. If you have a large load of laundry that needs steaming, you’ll want one with a longer steam time. Handheld garment steamers tend not to exceed more than 20 minutes of steam time. Keep that in mind when choosing your product!
Safety
We don’t recommend leaving your portable steamer out around your kids and pets. But if you do have babies (and fur babies) in the house, you should consider safety. Make sure the steamer you choose doesn’t tend to bubble, spill or leak. Some also might have auto shut-off times which is great for forgetful people.
The Best Handheld Garment Steamers of 2020
After studying advice from the experts and true customer experience, we’ve compiled a list of the best handheld garment steamers. We’re sure that one of these seven amazing steamers will grab your attention (and de-wrinkle your clothes)!
1. Manvi Travel Garment Steamer
Just because you’re a free spirit, always on the move, doesn’t mean you don’t want to look your best. Thankfully, the Manvi travel garment steamer is the perfect option for de-wrinkling your clothes on the go!
This is a super compact device. It’ll easily fit into your luggage, no matter if you travel light or bring a lot of stuff! Plus, it works on all fabrics. You can rock smooth, crease-free clothes whether you’re wearing cotton or silk.
Why We Love It
Fast and Powerful
The compact size of the Manvi steamer doesn’t compromise its power. This handheld garment steamer heats up in only 25 seconds. The 900 watts of power gives you 10 minutes of good steam. You can get wrinkles out of your clothes quickly with this product.
Steam It All
No matter what you choose to wear, the Manvi steamer can be used. Cotton, silk, linen? Yes. Polyester, wool, velvet? Sure thing! Plus, many more fabrics work with this steamer.
You can also steam curtains and bedding, since this steamer works vertically, too. The brush attachment helps to keep clothes in good condition. It removes dust and lint, protecting the fabrics even more. It even comes with a clothes hanger!
Leak Free
No one likes a leaky product. Thankfully, the Manvi steamer is leak free. You can use this at a 360 degrees angle — horizontal, vertical, upside down — for versatile steaming.
Keep In Mind
Needs Distilled Water
This steamer does not have a self-clean or anti-calc system, so make sure to use distilled water to minimise mineral build-up. This will prolong the lifespan of your steamer.
The steamer comes with one year customer support, so you can ask the manufacturer any questions.
Additional Specs
| Tank Capacity | 100ml |
| Steam Time | 10 minutes |
| Weight | 1.78 pounds |
| Compatible Fabrics | All |
| Ease of Use | 360° steaming, leak-proof |
2. PurSteam Handheld Steamer for Clothes
You don’t need to break the bank when buying a handheld garment steamer. The PurSteam handheld steamer is affordable and one of the best steamers on the market.
This is an extremely practical and easy-to-use garment steamer. It heats up fast and will eliminate wrinkles in seconds. In fact, customers claim this to be their ideal alternative to ironing — it’s just that good!
Why We Love It
Heats up Fast
The PurSteam handheld steamer heats up in 25 quick seconds! The InfaTherm system allows it to get to great heat in great time. From then, you’ll get 10 minutes of continuous steam, making this an awesome product.
Steams It All
This steamer works with anything. Any fabric, even delicates. It also is ideal for curtains and some furniture. Just be sure not to tilt the steamer, or water will pour from it!
Safety First
Safety was a priority during the design process of this steamer. When the water tank is empty, the steamer automatically shuts off. This stops the unit from overheating.
We also love that this handheld steamer comes with a long power cord. It allows you to move freely while steaming.
Keep In Mind
Water Leaks
The main drawback to this unit is that it leaks water when tilted. You have to be alert while using this steamer, because even tilting at a 10 degree angle can cause water to spit and spurt out. This is definitely not convenient.
Additional Specs
| Tank Capacity | 130ml |
| Steam Time | 10 minutes |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Compatible Fabrics | All |
| Ease of Use | Auto shut-off when empty, vertical steaming only |
3. Conair CNRGS59 Turbo ExtremeSteam
If you do laundry professionally, then invest in the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam. This is our top choice for a professional handheld garment steamer, for a few reasons.
First, it kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. Your customers will be so thankful that their clothes are both smooth and clean! It can also eradicate bedbugs and dust mites.
This product provides extreme steam. You’ll get better and faster results with this steamer than other steamers.
Lastly, this is a professional choice because it can steam for up to 20 minutes. When working, time is money. Less trips to the tap with the Conair steamer!
Why We Love It
Great Design
With this handheld steamer, you get more steam and hotter steam. The dual slotted ceramic soleplate gives you a smoother glide for faster results. It also has a built-in creaser for pleats and folds.
With five heat settings, 1875 watts of power and 40 second heat up time, this is a pro choice.
Perfect for Any Item
The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam works for any fabric. It comes with three removable attachments. A silicone band pulls fabric taut for better results. The bristle brush gets rid of dust and lint so the steam can penetrate the fabric deeper. Finally, the delicate fabric spacer protects fragile items and trims.
Powerful
This hand-held steamer is mighty and powerful! Customers rave about it de-wrinkling anything from curtains to work clothes in just a few passes. Within seconds, you’ll have professional results with this choice.
Keep In Mind
Requires Distilled Water
This steamer doesn’t have an anti-calc system, so use distilled water. Otherwise, it will get clogged or dirty and start sputtering unpleasant minerals onto your clothes.
Additional Specs
| Tank Capacity | 200ml |
| Steam Time | 20 minutes |
| Weight | 3.17 pounds |
| Compatible Fabrics | All |
| Ease of Use | Doesn’t leak, vertical and horizontal steaming |
4. BEAUTURAL Steamer for Clothes
Sometimes we avoid buying new products because we don’t want to learn a new skill. Thankfully, the Beautural steamer is easy to use!
First, it’s easy to set up. The water tank is removable. Fill it with water at the tap before connecting it to the steamer. Then simply plug it in and turn it on.
You don’t have to do any guesswork with this steamer because it’s safe for any fabric! It’s also easy to use horizontally or vertically without any spills.
Why We Love It
Fast and Efficient
This steamer heats up in a quick 30 seconds. From there, it vanishes wrinkles quickly and easily. Just glide the device over any fabric to de-wrinkle and smooth out your clothes.
Leak Proof Design
The Beautural steamer was designed to be leak proof. The pump steam technology means you can use it vertically or horizontally without leaks or spills.
Extra Attachments
A big perk to this handheld steamer is that it comes with three extra attachments. The lint brush clicks onto the soleplate to remove lint and dust. The creaser helps to create pleats and folds on your shirts or dress pants. Finally, the fabric brush gets out visible dust from deep within the fabric, giving you fresh and clean results.
Keep In Mind
Not as Effective on Thick Garments
While this steamer is safe to use on all garments, it’s not as effective on thick garments like jumpers, dress pants or scarves. You shouldn’t use this steamer to replace your iron, but as an aid for touch ups and thinner fabrics.
Additional Specs
| Tank Capacity | 260ml |
| Steam Time | 15 minutes |
| Weight | 2.09 pounds |
| Compatible Fabrics | All |
| Ease of Use | Leak proof, vertical steaming, removable attachments |
5. Busypiggy Handheld Steamer
The Busypiggy handheld steamer has one of the largest water tanks on the market for handheld garment steamers. At 250ml, you can get 15 minutes of continuous steaming from this product.
The water tank is detachable, too. This makes it super easy to refill between uses. You can also set a desired temperature depending on the fabric and stubbornness of creases.
Why We Love It
No Leaking
Hate steamers that leak? Then choose the Busypiggy steamer! The 360 degrees leak-proof technology uses an electronic pump system to stop water from spitting out. So you can steam vertically or horizontally — or upside down.
7-in-1 Steamer
This steamer has seven functions. It’s a steamer, but it also cleans, sterilizes, treats, refreshes, humidifies, and defrosts. It also has three power levels: light, moderate and strong. You can change this depending on the fabrics.
Compact
Just because this has a large water tank doesn’t mean you can’t take it travelling. The water tank is detachable. Then the steamer can be folded in on itself to take up less room in your luggage!
Keep In Mind
Not Suitable for All Garments
Busypiggy suggests that you look at the care label before steaming to check if the item can be ironed. Fabrics like velvet and leather cannot be ironed, so they recommend not using the steamer on such garments.
Additional Specs
| Tank Capacity | 250ml |
| Steam Time | 15 minutes |
| Weight | 2.46 pounds |
| Compatible Fabrics | Most (not fabrics that can’t be ironed) |
| Ease of Use | 360° Leak-Proof Technology |
6. iSteam Steamer for Clothes
If safety is your top priority, consider the iSteam clothes steamer. This portable steamer has an easy on/off switch and light indicator so you know when it’s definitely turned on. It also has a removable water tank so you won’t burn yourself when handling the hot steamer.
In terms of safety, the iSteam has spill-proof technology so you won’t get squirts and sputters of hot water on you. It also automatically shuts off when the device is too hot or low on water.
Why We Love It
360-Degree Portability
The iSteam has a super amazing 360-degree portability function so you can use this steamer at all angles. Even upside down! This ensures easy and flexible steaming. But also — no spills!
Unlike some other steamers, this one won’t spill when tilted. If you have kids or pets nearby, this one is a good choice to use in the house. (Just don’t let them use it, obviously).
Advanced
This handheld steamer is a luxurious and advanced bit of kit! It heats up in 25 quick seconds to provide 10 seconds of steam. Not only is it useful, but it’s also glamorous. This is definitely one of the best looking steamers on the market.
However, what makes it even better is that it comes with a three year warranty so you can be sure this will last a while.
Super Useful
The iSteam claims to be better than conventional irons. It’s much more gentle on fabrics. It relaxes and treats the fibers which is great for all types of clothing. Plus, it sanitizes and deodorizes clothes.
Keep In Mind
Takes a While
Keep in mind that this steamer takes a while to de-wrinkle clothes. Many users state that they can only steam one garment per fill with this steamer. It’s slow, and also, not as hot as desired.
Additional Specs
| Tank Capacity | 120ml |
| Steam Time | 10 minutes |
| Weight | 1.59 pounds |
| Compatible Fabrics | All |
| Ease of Use | 360°, and auto shut-off |
7. Pure Clean Pyle Portable Handheld Steamer
Handheld garment steamers are all quite light. But if you need something extra light, the Pure Clean Pyle portable handheld steamer is our top recommendation! It only weighs 9.8 ounces before being filled with water. With the tank full, it weighs about 14.2 ounces — super light!
Even though it’s light, it still has a good steam time. You can get eight minutes of continuous vapor with this product. You can see through the transparent window how much water is left in the tank, too.
Why We Love It
It’s Portable
This is another steamer that is useful for travellers. It’s only eight inches tall and 3.2 inches wide, so you can slot it into your luggage, no problem. Plus, it’s easy to use which is perfect when you’re away on holiday and needing a break from domestic life!
Smooths and Freshens
No one likes wrinkly and smelly clothes. This steamer can eliminate both these issues! With this product, you can get rid of wrinkles, germs and bad odors. The steam freshens up any garment in one touch.
Steam Anything
This portable garment steamer can be used on any fabric. This includes silk, cotton, polyester, wool, plush and ramie. Super useful, especially for things that can’t be ironed like stuffed animals and curtains!
Keep In Mind
Water Spews Out
Some customers complain of the water boiling so much that it starts bubbling out the top. Be careful when using this product. It needs to be used vertically only. So do not tilt this to steam furniture, car seats and other items.
Additional Specs
| Tank Capacity | 130ml |
| Steam Time | 8 minutes |
| Weight | 9.8 ounces |
| Compatible Fabrics | All |
| Ease of Use | Vertical steaming only, easy settings |
| Product | Best | Tank Capacity | Steam Time | Weight | Compatible Fabrics |
| Manvi Travel Garment Steamer | Travel | 100ml | 10 min | 1.78 lbs | All |
| PurSteam Handheld Clothes Steamer | Budget Pick | 130ml | 10 min | 1.5 lbs | All |
| Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam | Professional | 200ml | 20 min | 3.17 lbs | All |
| BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer | Easiest to Use | 260ml | 15 min | 2.09 lbs | All |
| Busypiggy Handheld Steamer | Large-Capacity | 250ml | 15 min | 2.46 lbs | Most |
| iSteam Clothes Steamer | Safest | 120ml | 10 min | 1.59 lbs | All |
| Pure Clean Pyle Handheld Steamer | Lightweight | 130ml | 8 min | 9.8 oz | All |
Tips for Using a Handheld Garment Steamer
If you are about to be the proud owner of a brand new garment steamer, we should probably give you a few tips on how to use the device.
- Pull the clothes tight: You should pull the garment taut and tight to smooth out any wrinkles before using your steamer. In one hand, hold the clothes. In the other, pass the steamer over the clothes to zap out wrinkles.
- Take your time: Go slowly and don’t rush when you’re steaming. Some creases are stubborn. Don’t expect instant results right away. Keep going until the wrinkles are gone.
- Keep your clothes on hangers: Hang your clothes up for the best results. The gravity will help pull out wrinkles. Keep your clothes on the hanger as they dry to prevent the fabric from wrinkling again.
- Steam the right way: The best way to steam your clothes is to travel in small short strokes over the garment. Don’t hold the steamer over one area for too long as this could ruin the fabric.
- Clean your steamer: Your steamer might have an anti-calc or self-clean system. But if it doesn’t, you should clean your steamer regularly! To do this, unplug the steamer, let it cool and empty the water tank. Refill with one part water and one part distilled white vinegar. Allow the steamer to get hot and leave for one minute. Unplug and let it cool down before washing out the water tank with fresh water. Repeat as necessary.
Hello Steamer, Goodbye Wrinkles
The best handheld garment steamers can help you get out wrinkles and creases. These are easy to use products. While they don’t necessarily replace irons, they’re handy things to have in the house. Especially the ones that can be used on all fabrics!
When shopping for a steamer, make sure to look at the water tank capacity, steam time, weight and how easy the steamer is to use. Once your little steamer has arrived, you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t get one sooner!
