Find the best clothes steamer: a quick laundry refresh hack for immaculate garments

Begone are the days of the ol’ clunky iron…

Various Clothes Steamers from Russell Hobbs to Morphy Richards

by Piper Huxley |
Updated on

If you’re looking for a new gadget to up your laundry game, our pick of the best clothes steamers will give your garments a new lease of life. Wrinkles and creases are the banes of our existence, which is why a cheeky steam or iron works wonders. Though irons can be effective, did you know that clothes steaming can be gentler for your fabrics? That’s not all we know…

Laundry will never be the same, in our opinion. Adding one of these snazzy toys to your beloved, but hectic laundry room will make your clothes feel the benefits. Yes, like irons, household clothes steamers can remove pesky wrinkles, but are especially gentle on materials such as silk, wool, velvet and corduroy.

Steaming can even help loosen fibres in soft furnishings, such as curtains and your sofa – for a quick and easy makeover - and some are pretty compact, making them a nifty tool for sprucing up an outfit on your holidays. The more you know, eh?

Closer's pick of the best clothes steamers, at a glance:

Though we try to buy the best laundry detergent to protect our garments, many of us underestimate how much care we should probably put into making our favourite pieces last. Luckily, steaming can freshen up your clothes, remove any allergens and preserve them, too.

And, not only is steaming quicker than ironing *sighs with relief*, but it's actually safer for your clothes and you. If the kids get their hands on a steamer, there’s no cause for concern, unlike a hot iron. What’s not to love? Saving you time, money and any nasty accidents, a steamer for your clothes may just be your missing gadget. And, we’ve found the best out there. Meet your wardrobe's new best friend.

SHOP: The best clothes steamer

Tested

Best clothes steamer overall

Philips 3000 Series Handheld SteamerCloser / Ellie Weaver
Price: £39.99

Compact, foldable and lightweight, the Philips 3000 Series Handheld Steamer is perfect for a quick touch-up, whether at home or on the go. It heats up in just 30 seconds - with its 120ml detachable water tank - and delivers up to 20 g/min of continuous steam. The 1000W steamer is amazing at removing wrinkles and refreshing garments, with no problems. Plus, it eliminates any nasty odours, thanks to its 99.9 per cent guarantee to get rid of bacteria and dust mites. Thanks to this safe steamer, any fabric can be looked after, with no damage. Let's not forget about the storage pouch, either.

Tried and Tested by Commercial Content Editor, Ellie Weaver:

"Firstly, there's no denying how cute this steamer looks, and the fact it folds up into a bag is super handy for both taking on the go (an easy addition to your carry-on) and storing in a drawer when not in use. This was my first time using a steamer and I was amazed at how easy this one was to use - simply top up with water, switch it on and you're good to go in a matter of seconds.

"It was effective at de-creasing dresses, shirts and skirts without having to faff with getting out
the iron and ironing board. The only thing worth flagging is that it does recommend using a mix of tap and distilled water (not something I had access to) and it takes a while to cool down - not ideal if you're using it on the go and were hoping to pack it up pretty swiftly.

"Though admittedly, I found it was quicker than the 60 minutes the instructions suggested."

Pros

  • Compact, foldable and easy-to-use steamer
  • Ready to use in as little as 30 seconds (!)
  • Refresh garments, remove odours and wash less

Cons

  • Takes a while to cool down
SizeH21.8 x W16.6 x D9.5cm
Weight1.01 kg
Power1000 W
Steam Output20 g / min
Capacity120 ml
Cable Length2 m
Guarantee2 years

Best budget clothes steamer

Dunelm Grey & White Garment SteamerDunelm

The Dunelm Grey and White Garment Steamer is your wardrobe's new best friend. A powerhouse at 1500W, this steamer makes easy work of wrinkle-free clothing. With its 230ml detachable water tank and 1.9-metre cord, you've got so much flexibility when you try steaming. Whether sturdy cotton or delicate silks, this Dunelm pick is a versatile and continuous gadget to help garments look great. Thanks to the steam release lock button and consistent steam rate, it helps with wrinkles in no time. And, we love that it comes equipped with a fabric brush and water cup - fresh and fabulous use!

Reviewers love Dunelm's steamer - with an average 4.7 review rating, which is impressive. Many reviews love that it heats up quickly and how easy it is to use. One customer commented that it's their first steamer - and chose this model because they didn't want to spend too much money. Not only is it the cheapest steamer we have seen, but it's said to be great value for money - quick and effective. Reviewers love how well it works - and adore their crease-free results. It takes the burden out of ironing, for sure. However, one customer says the water evaporates too quickly from the reservoir.

Pros

  • A powerful appliance with a detachable water tank
  • Features a generous 1.9-meter cord for easy use
  • Comes with a fabric brush and water cup for efficiency

Cons

  • One customer says the water evaporates too quickly from the reservoir
SizeH11cm x W25.8cm x D14.6 cm
Weight1 kg
Power1500 W
Steam Output25 g / min
Capacity230 ml
Cable Length1.9 m
GuaranteeUnspecified.

Best ergonomic clothes steamer

Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Handheld Clothes SteamerRussell Hobbs
Price: £32.48 (was £43.99)

Talk about peace of mind. The Russell Hobbs Steam Genie is hassle-free and delivers up to 28g of steam per minute - impressive, we know. With a 45-second heat-up, the Steam Genie is ideal for touch-ups for those fashion emergencies or if you want to give the curtains a freshen-up. With a 200ml removal water tank, you're offered seven whole minutes of steam time - just enough time to tackle your favourite garment, upholstery and soft furnishing with ease. Plus, it kills 99% of bacteria - winner. No more nasties, and no time passing, we've got to get down with that.

From over 1,000 customer reviews, Amazon customers have awarded this steamer an average of 4.2/5 stars, which is super respectable. Many reviews agree that the quality and ease of use are its main advantages. Not only is it great value, but said to be "a fantastic addition to [their] household" - heating up quickly and a game changer - begone are the days of the dreaded ironing board. Not only is it said to be lightweight and easy to handle, but the Steam Genie is perfect for quick touch-ups. However, some customers said the steamer runs out quickly and is too heavy for some.

Pros

  • Kills 99.9% of bacteria in 60 seconds
  • Fast 45-second heat-up time for ease
  • Convenient seven-minute steam time

Cons

  • Customers differ on how heavy it is
Size‎12.2 x 13.7 x 27.3 cm
Weight1.29 kg
Power1800 W
Steam Output28g / min
Capacity200 ml
Cable Length3 m
Guarantee2 years

Best lightweight clothes steamer

Tefal Pure Pop Slim Handheld Clothes SteamerTefal
Price: £39 (was £49.99)

No ironing board? No problem. No more wrinkles? We love to see it. The Tefal Pure Pop Slim Handheld Clothes Steamer is a lightweight but powerful steamer, perfect for a wrinkle-free look on the go. Available in several colourways, this compact steamer heats up quickly (15 seconds, to be precise) and delivers a respectable 20 g / min steam output to get rid of all of those nasty creases - fast. How handy. Lightweight and ultra-compact, you can take the Pure Pop with you anywhere - just pp it in our suitcase to help your holiday fits recover from a case of the Suitcase Wrinkles (™ !). Plus, the reversible pad helps look after delicate fabrics and eliminates pet hair, too. Versatile - and stylish.

Customers like this Tefal Pure Pop, with a review average of 4.3/5 stars. From over 1,200 reviews, Amazon customers love how lightweight this pick is, how easy it is to use and the overall quality. One customer says it's "great for travel" and "sorts out the creases", ideal for one or two garments in a rush. Another adds that they got many compliments on their new gadget, which "heats up quickly, works fast and results last". We love to hear it. Any negatives? Some customers have found it tricky to use - using it with limited movement for the best performance and more refilling than expected.

Pros

  • Sanitise as you steam and save time with this speedy gadget
  • Look sharp on the go, thanks to the travel-friendly design
  • Versatile - tackle delicates or dog hair with the reversible pad

Cons

  • Some customers have found it tricky to use
SizeH31.8 x L14.1 x W5.7 cm
Weight1 kg
Power1300 W
Steam Output20 g / min
Capacity70 ml
Cable Length2 m
GuaranteeUnspecified.

Best clothes steamer for ease of use

Swan Portable Garment SteamerSwan
Price: £25.99 (was £34.99)

With 1500W of power, the Swan Portable Garment Steamer heats up quickly and delivers a steady 25g/min steam rate - making it perfect for fresh, wrinkle-free garms on the go or at home. If you're in a rush to get the kid's trousers ready for school come Monday morning, this steamer is a breeze to use. With a 300ml detachable water tank, you're guaranteed two garments steamed before a refill. Plus, it sanitises as it steams, zapping away any nasties and smells. School uniform? Conquered. Safe for delicate fabrics, the steamer panel will refresh silk and velvet, too - in its lightweight design.

Customers, from over 8,000 reviews, enjoy the versatility and performance of this Swan Steamer. With a review average of 4.2/5 stars, this cheeky steamer is handy for things that need a little refresh. One customer calls it a "game changer" because they hate ironing so much (we can relate). Not only is said to be convenient but performs well and is small enough to travel with. They add that it's powerful, for everyday use - heating up super fast, too. Another adds that it makes life easier in the morning. That being said, opinions are mixed on performance, and how well it gets the wrinkles out.

Pros

  • Easy to use with a 30-second heat-up time
  • Kills 99.99% of bacteria and removes odours
  • Lightweight and travel-friendly design

Cons

  • Smaller water tank may need refilling
SizeH27 x L16 x W11.5 cm
Weight1.07 kg
Power1500 W
Steam Output25 g / min
Capacity300 ml
Cable LengthUnspecified.
GuaranteeUnspecified.

Best clothes steamer for style

nesmar G5 Extreme 2-in-1 Clothes Steamernesmar / Amazon
Price: £55.25 (was £65)

Combining luxury design with practicality for a top-notch steaming experience, the Nesmar G5 Extreme 2-in-1 Clothes Steamer is lightweight but powerful. Delivering 10 minutes of continuous steam for effortless wrinkle removal, your beloved garments will be kept dry and refreshed. With 1200W of power, your new best friend will heat up in just 18 seconds for 10 minutes worth of top-ups. Featuring a rotating head for ease, you can steam in any orientation - on an ironing board, if you must. With a long cord and compact design, it's fabulous on all fabrics for home and on the go.

Reviewers rave about the Nesmar G5 Extreme 2-in-1 Clothes Steamer for its sleek, slender and lightweight design. Not only that but it's said to be easy to handle, whether at home or travelling. One customer commented that it has been designed amazingly - and it's a great size, complete with a handy and "cute" carrier bag. Hassle-free, super fast and it gets rid of creases. Customers love how easy it is to use. Compact, powerful and convenient - the design is super sleek.

But, one review claims that it may not be good for lefties...

Pros

  • Versatile use - with no water spots left behind
  • Very lightweight and portable design for travel
  • Fast heating up in just 18 seconds - impressive

Cons

  • One review claims that it may not be good for lefties
SizeL24 x W5.8 x H6.8 cm
Weight860 g
Power1200 W
Steam Output10 minutes of continuous steaming
Capacity90 ml
Cable Length6 ft
GuaranteeUnspecified.

Best clothes steamer for functionality

Morphy Richards Express Handheld Garment SteamerMorphy Richards
Price: £29 (was £49.99)

Say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to a refreshed, polished look with the Morphy Richards Express Handheld Garment Steamer. Designed to tackle wrinkles, odours and bacteria, this pick is compact and powerful - for fresh and flawless garments. Thanks to the super quick 35-second heat-up time and generous 260ml tank, you'll be equipped to handle multiple fits in one go. Ergonomic, sleek and smooth, it'll glide over your fabrics and will make easy work of de-wrinkling. With two settings - Eco for lighter fabrics and Turbo for stubborn creases - so, you're covered for any eventuality.

With a solid average 4.2/5 star rating from over 450 reviews on Amazon, this Morphy Richards gadget is good quality and easy to use. One customer says it's great and powerful. Many love the appearance - but we don't think it's anything special, besides being sleek. One customer says it's perfect for a few items without any faff of an ironing board - and great for delicate items and between washes. However, opinions are mixed on creases and speed. A customer commented that you shouldn't expect the crispest iron finish and it may not be the sleekest for travelling.

Pros

  • Rapid 35-second heat-up is perfect for quick touch-ups
  • Versatile steam settings from Eco and Turbo for all fabrics
  • Kills 99.9% of bacteria - keeps clothes fresh and hygienic

Cons

  • Opinions are mixed on portability and creases
SizeL16 x H13 x W32 cm
Weight1.21kg
Power1750 W
Steam Output25 g / min
Capacity260 ml
Cable Length3 m
Guarantee2 Year Warranty + 1 Year Extra with Registration

Best clothes steamer FAQs

Is a clothes steamer worth it?

Perhaps, you’re wondering: what’s wrong with a good old iron? Well, we’ve popped together a guide to compare the clothes steamer and iron, good and bad.

Steamers

Pros: Best for delicate, thin fabrics, requires very little set up, much faster than ironing, kills bacteria and removes odours, environmentally friendly alternative.

Cons: Harder to create sharp creases, water tanks are generally small, and trickier to store to prevent leaks.

Ironing

Pros: Effective at eliminating wrinkles, can be used on cotton and linen, creates a crisp finish on tough fabrics, and allows you to regulate the temperature.

Cons: Heat and weight can compress fibres, which can cause irreversible damage over time.

How do I make my clothes last longer?

Extending the life of our beloved garments is good for both the planet and our budgets. Unless you’re an expert with a needle and thread, it’s very unlikely that you’re repairing any clothes. As a society, we may have become a little wasteful, says Russell Hobbs. But, by taking care of our clothes, we can cut down on fast fashion habits and promote a waste-free wardrobe.

With a little care, our favourite outfits can last a little longer. Thanks to Fern Taylor, Fabric Care Product Manager at Russell Hobbs, we have five simple hacks to make your fits last longer:

Wash your clothes less frequently and steam between washes says Russell Hobbs. Yes – we may want our clothes to smell fresh, but too much washing can wear out fabrics and cause colours to fade. Washing clothes a little less will prolong the life of garments and save on bills. Steaming your clothes between washes is a great way to keep them clean, they add. Worried about the smell? Some steamers feature a scent infuser, for the best-smelling garments.

Handheld steamer rests on crumpled purple and white fabrics, ideal for quickly removing wrinkles
©IMAGO / Panthermedia

Follow label instructions to avoid any damage, says Russell Hobbs. Always check the labels on your clothes. Though we may all love to throw our clothes in the same cycle for ease, it can make a difference by checking first. Every label will tell you how you should care for it.

Store your clothes properly, believe it or not, can affect your clothes’ lifespan. By storing them correctly, their appearance is looked after. Russell Hobbs recommends storing your garments in a cool, dry place – and avoid any overcrowding to avoid wrinkles and damage. Not only that, but the hanger you choose may cause your favourite clothes to stretch. Fern suggests investing in wooden or padded hangers, which will help maintain structure, especially for blazers.

Invest in quality garment care appliances to truly extend the life of your wardrobe. Though a quality iron with adjustable temperature settings will help you look after different fabric types, but, handheld clothes steamers are, by far, the most convenient option. Perfect for quick touch-ups on the go, they are also gentle on fabrics and can be used on most materials. So versatile.

Repair and upcycle your clothes, says Russell Hobbs. By doing regular wardrobe maintenance, you’ll keep your clothes in tip-top shape. Some basic clothing repairs won’t go amiss, such as like darning, stitching, and sewing on a button. Simple sewing skills can go a long way. Loose threads, small holes and de-bobbling your jumper are small, easy tasks.

How to use a clothes steamer

A clothes steamer works by changing water into steam, which is then directed onto your clothes. This way, you can penetrate the fabric and relax the fibres - removing the wrinkles without any heat damage. Simply turn it on, wait for it to heat up (which isn't long), and behold the power of steam.

Thanks to Currys, we have a small guide on how to use a handheld clothes steamer.

Always use distilled water to stop any clogging - for a long-lasting gadget.

Make sure the water's fully heated for the best results.

Hang the clothes you want to steam for 360-degree access.

Always hold the steamer nozzle tight which will prevent any spills.

Lightly brush fabrics with the nozzle to penetrate the material better.

Piper Huxley is a Homes Product Writer for Closer, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.

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