Everyone loves well-ironed, wrinkle-free clothes. However, no one likes to stand around and iron their clothes. Luckily, clothes steamers provide a quick and easy alternative to the traditional clothing iron. Many of these systems work for all sorts of garments, including more delicate items like dresses and flowing shirts. If you find yourself with tons of clothes to iron, these nifty devices can make your life a lot easier.
We reviewed dozens of clothes steamers to identify the best of the best. We considered each product’s price, water capacity, power, uses, weight, run time, and customer reviews when ranking each one.
After much review, it became clear that the Hilife Steamer was the best option for most customers. It can run for up to 15 minutes continuously, allowing plenty of time for steaming most clothes. It also has multiple uses beyond just steaming suits – all for a very affordable price.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Clothes Steamers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hilife Steamer | 4.5 |
| Best Travel Clothes Steamer | Handheld Iron Steamer for Clothes by Polardo | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Buy | SOGHom Steamer for Clothes | 4.6 |
| Best Professional Clothes Steamer | PurSteam Full-Sized Garment Steamer | 4.5 |
| Best Cordless Clothes Steamer | MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Clothes Steamer Overall: Hilife Steamer
The Hilife Steamer is a wonderful choice for nearly any buyer. It can hold up to 240ml of water at a time, which is enough to spray for 15 minutes straight. It has 700 watts of power, producing a powerful stream that quickly gets rid of wrinkles and freshens clothes. You can also steam other household items with it as well, including your bed and other pieces of furniture. Plus, it is also helpful for different cleaning tasks, like removing sticky fingerprints from walls. It has a 9-foot cord, so you can reach large pieces of furniture without having to move them closer to the outlet.
This machine is also designed to be portable and easy to transport, allowing you to easily take it with you on your business trips and smooth out your clothes after they have been shoved in your suitcase. The system is straightforward to use – just point and pull the trigger.
Customers didn’t have many bad things to say about this steamer. Many reported that it worked better than they expected and was extremely straightforward to use. Some reported getting malfunctioning products. However, the company advertises that they will replace any models that do not work correctly.
Hilife Steamer Key Features:
- 240ml water capacity
- Portable
- 9-foot cord
- Multi-purpose
- 700-watts
Best Travel Clothes Steamer: Handheld Iron Steamer for Clothes by Polardo
Anytime to pack clothes into a suitcase, they’re going to get wrinkly. Luckily, the Handheld Iron Steamer for Clothes by Polardo is extremely small and compact, making it easy to pack into your suitcase. It features advanced aluminum heating elements and a NANO water filter, which allows you to use tap water straight from the sink at your hotel. This filter protects the inner components from calcification, which improves the lifespan of the machine. The whole outside of the steamer stays cool, and it automatically shuts down when not in use.
You can hold the steamer at any angle, and it will not spill. Steam is delivered evenly at every angle, and you don’t have to worry about getting hot water on your hands or carpet. The whole tank heats up in less than 25 seconds and provides 10 minutes of continuous steam. Despite all these features, the steamer is exceptionally light and won’t add much weight to your luggage. It even comes with a travel bag for trips.
The only real negative about this product is the price. It is somewhat more expensive than other models, but that is due to all its extra features. If you want a premium clothes steamer with all the bells and whistles, this is a wonderful option to consider.
Handheld Iron Steamer for Clothes by Polardo Key Features:
- Water heats up in 25 seconds
- Runs for 10 minutes
- NANO filter
- 360-degree anti-spill technology
- Very lightweight
Best Budget Clothes Steamer: OGHom Steamer for Clothes
With a 240ml capacity, the OGHom Steamer for Clothes can run for 15 minutes of continuous steam. Despite this large capacity, the steamer is quite lightweight and is a small size. Due to these features, it is easy to pack into your suitcase and take with you on vacation or a business trip. It is made with a stainless-steel heating panel, which ensures that it won’t rust or oxidize due to the water and steam. It has a longer lifespan than products made with aluminum in most cases. This steamer also comes with a 9ft cord, allowing you to use it on most pieces of furniture.
After adding water, the steamer heats up in only 2 minutes. It is suitable for many different kinds of fabrics and can effectively remove wrinkles from a variety of surfaces. It comes equipped with a temperature control system to keep the steam at the perfect temperature for your clothes. Plus, it also comes with an overheating protection system, preventing accidental burns and elongating the life of the steamer.
The outside of the steamer is made with high-impact plastic that is also flame-retardant. The nozzle is also heat resistant to protect you and the steamer from the heat of the steam it produces.
OGHom Steamer for Clothes Key Features:
- 240ml capacity
- Stainless steel heating pad
- 9ft cord
- Heats up in 2 minutes
- Small size
Best Professional Clothes Steamer: PurSteam Full-Size Garment Steamer
For customers who are looking to use a steamer very often at home, the PurSteam Full-Sized Garment Steamer is the one to get. This steamer is quite large, which makes it inappropriate for travel. However, it is the perfect option for steaming lots of clothes at home. It comes with four different steam level adjustments, allowing you to choose the best option depending on the clothes you’re steaming. On every level, it provides continuous, powerful steam at the perfect temperature. It has a sizeable 2.5-liter tank, allowing it to steam for 60 minutes at a time.
To prevent burns, the machine’s cap locks when the water tank is hot. This safety feature can prevent scalding in both adults and children. The company offers a money-back guarantee so that you can try the steamer for a limited-time risk-free. It comes with job-specific accessories and tools, allowing you to steam a variety of different materials and fabrics. It also has an adjustable and collapsible hanger for getting those wrinkles out of your wide-shouldered shirts. Plus, unlike most steamers, it also has a crease attachment to provide your clothes with a finished look.
PurSteam Full-Sized Garment Steamer Key Features:
- Runs for 60 minutes on a full tank
- Many accessories included
- Four steam levels
- Money-back guarantee
- Large
Best Cordless Clothes Steamer: MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer
For those who value portability above all else, you should consider selecting a cordless steamer. Out of all the cordless steamers we reviewed, the MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer was the best. This steamer heats up in just 25 seconds, and you can use it on most fabrics. It can also be used to sanitize your toys and pieces of furniture, like your couch or your mattress. An electric pump prevents the steamer from spilling water, even when used horizontally.
It also comes with a sew of safety features. If the steamer gets too hot or the water level gets too low, the machine automatically shuts off. This prevents accidents and extends the life of the steamer. It is also certified by Electrical Testing Laboratories to comply with North American safety standards. The company provides various warranties and refund opportunities for customers as well.
This machine is quite large, which doesn’t make it suitable for travel. If you need a steamer for travel purposes, we recommend choosing one of our other picks. Some customers did have difficulties with the durability of this machine. There were many claims that it stopped working after about a month. However, these reviews are not very common.
MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer Key Features:
- Holds 300ml of water
- Heats up in 25 seconds
- Electric pump prevents spillage
- Certified by the ETL
- Quite big
Who Should Buy a Clothes Steamer
Clothes steamers do the same job as an iron. However, they don’t require an ironing board and are often much easier to use than an iron. When using a steamer, there is little risk that you’ll accidentally burn your clothes. Clothes steamers are also somewhat portable, especially when compared to an iron. If you choose a steamer designed for portability, they often are very lightweight and take up little room in your suitcase. Furthermore, steamers can be used on more fabric types than an iron, allowing you to remove wrinkles throughout your wardrobe.
We recommend a steamer to anyone who travels often has to go for business due to their portability. A steamer might also be helpful to anyone who spends a lot of time ironing clothes, thanks to their versatility. If you’re in an industry that requires you to iron your clothes, a steamer is an excellent addition to your household.
Important Features to Consider
A clothes steamer should have a few crucial features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a clothes steamer for your house or suitcase:
- Run time. Steamers only have a certain amount of water in their tank, so they can only run for a limited amount of time. The smaller the steamer, the less water capacity it has. Preferably, you want a steamer that runs for as long as possible. Otherwise, you’re going to have to stop repeatedly to refill the tank and the wait for it to heat back up.
- Water capacity. This plays directly into the run time. The more water a machine has, the more steam it is going to be able to make. Of course, steamers with a large capacity are also large, which makes them less portable.
- Portability. If you plan on using your steamer for travel purposes, portability is essential to keep in mind. The last thing you want is a large steamer that can’t fit in your bag. Preferably, you want a decently small steamer. Steamers that come apart for secure storage are also available, though they are less common. Getting a cordless model can also be helpful since you won’t have to fit their cords into your bag.
- Heat time. How long a steamer takes to heat up is essential. The longer a steamer takes to start producing steam, the more time you’ll have to sit around and wait. If the steamer has a short run time and a prolonged heat time, you may be spending more time waiting than actually steaming your clothes.
- Durability. You don’t want to have to replace your steamer after only a few uses, so its strength is essential. Each unit’s durability depends on a few different factors, including what the steamer is made out of and how rust resistant the inner parts are. The steamer is going to be exposed to water, so many tend to rust on the inside and wear down.
- Leakage. Many steamers will leak if you tilt them. Others have electric pumps or other mechanisms that prevent leakage and allow the unit to work when tilted. You want to select a unit that leaks as little as possible, as hot water spilling can be a safety hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a clothes steamer, and how does it work?
A clothes steamer is a machine that produces steam and is designed to take wrinkles out of clothes. It is similar to an iron, but doesn’t require an ironing board and is usually used while the clothes are on a hanger. Most steamers simply work by boiling water to produce steam. However, some have electrical pumps and other mechanisms to deliver the steam through the nozzle.
Is it better to iron or steam clothes?
In many cases, it doesn’t matter. Steam can be used on a wide variety of fabrics, but usually doesn’t create creases unless you use a unique accessory. They also don’t require an ironing board and are therefore often more comfortable to use on the go. They also take less effort and time in most cases. Plus, you can also use a steamer to freshen and sanitize clothes and furniture.
Does steaming clothes clean them?
Steaming clothes can kill some bacteria, which can cause odors. However, a steamer won’t remove dirt and debris that you can see. For that, you’ll have to wash them.
Can you steam dry clean only clothes?
If your clothes aren’t super dirty, you can steam them. This will remove odors and bacteria without damaging the fabric. However, for particularly dirty clothes, you will need to head to the dry cleaners.
Other Clothes Steamers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other clothes steamers. Even though they didn’t make our five best steamers for clothes list, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Travel Clothes Steamers
AEVO 2-in-1 Portable Steam Iron for Clothes
This steamer both produces steam and works as a dry iron. It is leak-proof and has an automatic turn-off feature to prevent overheating.
Key Features:
- 40 seconds to heat up
- Runs for 9 minutes
- Suits most fabrics
Cost: $46
This luxury steamer comes in a wide variety of different colors and is designed to handle a variety of fabrics. It features innovative, anti-leak technology that allows it to work at any angle.
Key Features:
- American and European version available
- Nano-polymer filter
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $34
This steamer is inexpensive compared to most other models and only takes 60 seconds to heat up. It can hold a total of 150ml of water, which allows it to run for about 7 to 10 minutes.
Key Features:
- Automatic turn off feature
- Lightweight
- Efficient nozzle design
Cost: $17
Lemontec Portable Travel Garment Steamer
With a 180ml capacity, this steamer can run for up to 9 minutes and takes just 70 seconds to heat up. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to fit into your bag.
Key Features:
- Long cable
- 180ml capacity
- Automatic turn of function
Cost: $19
M-Master Portable Travel Steamer for Clothes
With anti-drop technology, you don’t have to worry about this steamer spilling boiling water. It can work on any angle and runs for up to 10 minutes.
Key Features:
- 30 seconds to heat up
- 10 minutes of run time
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $26
This steamer is made with heat-resistant PC, which prevents the steamer from breaking even when you drop it. It heats up in 120 seconds and can provide steam for 10 minutes.
Key Features:
- 10-day satisfaction guarantee
- Automatic reset fuse
- Small and portable
Cost: $16
Naturalife Foldable Travel Steamer for Clothes
This steamer is designed to be foldable, so you can easily store it inside your suitcase. It heats up in only 40 seconds and can hold 100ml of water.
Key Features:
- Works with a variety of fabrics
- Automatic shut-off
- Heats up in 40 seconds
Cost: $30
Professional Clothes Steamers
Aicok Elite Steamer for Clothes
This compact machine can produce steam for 70 minutes on the high setting, and even longer on the lower settings. It features a sleek, black design and a detachable tank for storage.
Key Features:
- Produces steam in 45 seconds
- Runs for 70 minutes
- Reaches a temperature of 269 degrees
Cost: $50
Cirago LS-609C Professional Clothes Steamer
This steamer by Cirago is huge and designed to handle lots of clothes at once. It reaches a high temperature to ensure maximum wrinkle remover.
Key Features:
- 2L water tank
- Heats up in 45 seconds
- Comes with lots of accessories
Cost: $70
This unique steamer is shaped like an iron, but produces steam instead of applying direct heat. It heats up in 45 seconds and produces steam for 6 minutes per tank.
Key Features:
- Functions as a steamer and a dry iron
- Small enough for travel
- Two colors available
Cost: $40
With a high-impact plastic cover, this steamer is designed for the long haul. It can run for an hour and a half with each tank filling.
Key Features:
- Various head options available
- Durable
- 1300-watt heating element
Cost: $172
This powerful steamer has 1500 watts of power and is thermostat-controlled, ensuring it is always the perfect temperature. It heats up in only 45 seconds and has a 2-liter tank.
Key Features:
- Couple of different accessories included
- Transparent water tank
- Works with many different fabrics
Cost: $90
This steamer is very powerful and large. It can hold half a tank of water and heats up in only 45 seconds.
Key Features:
- 60 minutes of steam per tank
- Heats up in 45 seconds
- 1500 watts of power
Cost: $60
Rowenta Master Valet IS6300 Professional Grade
Featuring a water tank capacity of 2.4 liters, this professional-grade steamer can practically steam your whole closet. It comes with lots of accessories and has a built-in hanger.
Key Features:
- 1 hour of continuous steam
- Heats up in 60 seconds
- Compact storage
Cost: $110
Cordless Clothes Steamers
With three different attachments, this steamer is designed to handle most fabrics. It preheats in 30 seconds and can run for 15 minutes continuously.
Key Features:
- Three attachments included
- Holds 260ml of water
- 30 seconds to preheat
Cost: $30
Comlife Portable Garment Steamer
Anti-leak technology prevents spills at any angle, and 950 watts of power allow the steamer to heat up in only 90 seconds.
Key Features:
- Works on practically all fabric
- Automatic shut-off
- 10-minutes of continuous steam
Cost: $26
With eight separate holes in the nozzle, this steamer provides lots of steam at one time. It has a large tank capacity to allow for 10 minutes of continuous steam.
Key Features:
- 800 watts of power
- Eight steam nozzle holes
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cost: $19
PurSteam Handheld Steamer for Clothes
This small steamer produces steam for 10 minutes and heats up in only 25 seconds. It is small enough to take on a business trip and can work with a variety of fabrics.
Key Features:
- 10-minute run time
- Holds 130ml of water
- Automatic shut off feature
Cost: $21
Secura Garment Steamer for Clothes
This steamer is mobile enough to carry around but heats up in only 15 seconds. It can also run for 15 minutes continuously.
Key Features:
- Two colors available
- Automatic shut-off feature
- Holds 8 ounces of water
Cost: $24
Uomeod Portable Steamer for Clothes
This steamer heats up in only 70 seconds and can hold 240ml at a time. It features an automatic shut-off feature to protect you and the machine.
Key Features:
- Usable for many different tasks
- Three colors available
- 15 minutes of continuous steam
Cost: $21
