5 Best Clothes Steamers You Need For Easy Wrinkle Removal
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Living a life free of wrinkled clothes has been a priority for centuries in many civilizations. According to Old & interesting, the tools used to eliminate wrinkles have included items with names such as screw presses, mangle boards, slickstones, battledores, and something called an asbestos sad iron. These devices sound like medieval torture devices; indeed, some of these terms derive from the Middle Ages. Even today, filling a hot pan with burning coals is still used in some parts of the world to smooth wrinkles out of a piece of fabric. Looking back at these various ironing methods, the clothes steamer's invention seems pretty extraordinary.
There are different options to consider when choosing a clothes steamer, such as water tank capacity, adjustable heat settings, and a handheld or upright unit. Using any steam cleaner will carry the additional benefits of saving money on dry cleaning, and it can even be used to freshen and sanitize fabric, including upholstery. Thank goodness it's no longer required to sandpaper a hot metal surface and grease it with beeswax to remove wrinkles from an outfit. Instead, consider one of these five clothes steamers and see how easy it's to live wrinkle-free.
1. Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Hand-Held Steamer
The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Hand-Held Fabric Steamer is one of the best-selling clothes steamers on the market. It's garnered over 14,000 reviews, and they are overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate how it heats up in 40 seconds and provides 15 to 20 minutes of steady steam from a 7.3-ounce water tank. Its distinguishing features include the five steam settings for different types of fabric, a wide nozzle for even steam distribution, and its many components. These include a bristle brush, a fabric spacer for delicate fabric, and a built-in creaser, which is very popular with users.
However, several reviewers were unhappy with the lack of an automatic shutoff feature. Many of these users were concerned when they discovered they had accidentally left their steamer on all day, and some also felt that the 9 feet power cord was not long enough. In addition, a number of reviews mentioned that the steamer was spraying hot water instead of steam. But one reviewer gave helpful instructions about cleaning the steamer once a month with vinegar and distilled water to remove calcifications, which helped the product operate again.
2. Electrolux Handheld Garment Steamer
The Electrolux Handheld Garment Steamer has several advantages over competing handheld steamers. It holds 10 ounces of water in its tank, which is larger than many comparable products. A bigger tank means it's unnecessary to pause the steaming process often to refill the water reservoir. It claims to heat up in only 30 seconds and offers 18 minutes of continuous steam. It has over 3,000 reviews, the majority of which are positive. Reviewers repeatedly mention that they appreciate the auto shut-off feature, which many other products don't offer. They also point out how much they like the extra long 12-foot power cord, which makes it easy to apply steam to full-length garments as well as floor-to-ceiling drapery. The fabric brush and lint brush are accessories that are included as well.
This steamer can be used vertically or horizontally, and it's priced similarly to other best-selling products on the market. Other reviews appreciate that it feels lightweight and uses the water tank efficiently. There are also negative reviews based on defective products that stop working after initial use. However, these instances are in the minority, as the overwhelming consensus is that this is a great product that excels over its competition.
3. HomeTop Professional Handheld Steam Iron
The HOMETOP Professional Handheld Steam Iron is a cross between a conventional flat iron and a clothes steamer. Heating up in just 40 seconds, it gives you the ability to steam clothes with 15 minutes of continuous steam from its 5-ounce water tank. Its non-stick ceramic soleplate is broad and allows you to use it as a traditional iron, with or without steam. Moving the iron across a hanging garment that is held taut can take the place of using an ironing board, an option many reviewers appreciate. It's smaller than a regular iron, which makes it easy to travel with and store out of sight at home.
However, some reviewers provide caution to keep in mind when using this product. It does not have settings for different fabrics but can only be turned on and off, which means that care must be taken when using it on delicate fabrics. It also does not have an auto shutoff function. Several users also mention that it does not stand upright and must be laid on a heat-proof mat when in use.
4. Conair CompleteSteam Garment Steamer
In addition to a handheld steamer, Conair also makes the CompleteSteam 1500 Watt Full Size Garment Steamer. Weighing 10.4 pounds, this standing garment steamer makes it easy to remove wrinkles from a pair of pants by attaching them to the hanger clips located on the top and the bottom of the unit, which swivel 360 degrees. The steamer heats up in only 45 seconds, producing an impressive 70 minutes of continuous steam. The water tank holds 80 ounces of water and is easy to refill. It's set on rollers so that it can be moved easily throughout the house, and its telescoping pole makes it convenient to store.
With over 2,000 reviews, this upright steamer seems to work well for most users. They appreciate the volume of steam that is consistently produced, and they love the built-in hangers. The large capacity of the water tank is also appreciated, lessening the need to stop and refill it often. However, many users mention how the hose is stiff and sometimes has kinks, interfering with the steam flow. They also say that the rollers on the bottom often don't work very well, making it necessary to pick up the unit and carry it from room to room.
5. PurSteam Upright Garment Steamer
The PurSteam Garment Steamer is a heavy-duty upright steamer with a water tank that holds a generous 85 ounces that provides over an hour of continuous steam. It offers four levels of steam output, which is helpful when adjusting the amount of moisture for different types of fabric. The safety cap on the water tank is locked when there is hot water or steam inside, which prevents scalding or burning when using the device. It also has a telescoping pole that makes storage easy. It has a hanger at the top, and several attachments are included, such as a fabric brush and a pant press.
Reviews mention that the product works as well as a higher-priced industrial steamer, producing wrinkle-free clothes in no time. They appreciate the different settings and note that it's sturdy and not prone to tip over while in use. Other reviews mention that the rollers were not useful and the unit was awkward to carry without a handle. Several consumers also say how much water leaks onto the floor when their unit is in use, and it's hard to pinpoint what may be the cause of the leak in so many units. Fortunately, many also mention that the company's customer service department is helpful when they call to address any issues.