The 8 Best Clothes Steamers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Our winner is the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer
People / Henry Wortock
If you’ve got an affinity for linen or silk, chances are that wrinkled clothing is also your sworn enemy — especially when it comes to travel. Ironing works, but boards take up a lot of room and steam irons can oftentimes be a bit harsh on certain fabrics. That’s why clothes steamers are so popular. In fact, steamers can be even more effective than irons.
“I love steamers. They’re essential to have, lightweight, don’t take up much room, and are as effective as other options,” says stylist Diva Dhawan Sheth. “My go-to is the size of a blow dryer and super easy to pack for trips.” The best clothes steamers are efficient, easy to use, and work on a range of fabric types.
Our PEOPLE Tested team reviewed dozens of clothes steamers to narrow down which were the most efficient, easiest to use, most effective, and well-designed to get you the most bang for your buck.
These are the 8 best clothes steamers PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: CHI Handheld Garment Steamer
Pros
The fabric brush attachment that this came with made this especially easy to use.
Instructions were extremely intuitive and easy to follow.
Even as a handheld steamer, the tank was large enough that we didn’t have to refill it often.
Cons
We experienced a little bit of water sputtering at first that was noticeable on silk garments.
The button to adjust steam settings was located inconveniently, leading to unintentional pressing at times.
The CHI Handheld Garment Steamer was the best-performing machine in our tests. Even without the instruction manual, we found it quite intuitive and easy to use, but the operating instructions provided tips to make the garments we tried it on look even more smooth. Plus, the steamer comes with a fabric brush attachment that makes steaming clothes even more effective.
For those of you who tend to run low on time while getting ready, this heats up in just 20 seconds and took less than four minutes to steam all of the clothes we tested it on. For a handheld steamer, it has a good enough capacity that we didn’t need to refill it frequently, either. It also produced enough steam to work effectively.
Filling the tank was easy with a simple twist top, and water poured into it easily without any spilling. At full capacity, it was a bit uncomfortable to hold, but the 10-foot-long cord gave us freedom to move around easily while navigating different angles and directions. While the low and high steam settings help provide versatility, there’s also a lock function to keep the steam on or off, so you don’t have to keep your finger pressed down the whole time you’re using it.
The efficiency is where this CHI shines — it makes the experience of smoothing our wrinkles easy, quick, and convenient while providing top-notch results. At under $60, we found ourselves surprised by the low cost considering the value we felt it delivered. Since it’s handheld, it’ll work nicely for people with smaller spaces or those who like wrinkle-free clothes while traveling.
Tank Capacity: 300 ml | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Steam Settings: 2 | Attachments: Fabric Brush | Cord Length: 10 feet
Best Budget: Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Garment Steamer/Iron
Pros
This worked especially well on silk.
The handle is long and comfortable to hold for a prolonged period of time.
There were lots of features and functions that make this a good value for the price.
Cons
This doesn’t work the most effectively on linen.
The small tank meant we had to refill this frequently.
At $25, this no-frills device had one of the most comfortable handles on this list and even came with its own brush attachment that we found helped prevent burns on clothing. We especially liked using this on silk clothing, feeling it worked even better than a traditional iron. It took just one minute to heat up, which is less than some of the pricier options we tested out.
After testing this on multiple fabrics, we found it could steam a silk shirt in less than five minutes, and a cotton shirt in about 15 minutes. In fact, we felt it smoothed out silk right on contact. However, despite how intense the heat this gives off, it didn’t effectively smooth out wrinkles in linen so this is a better option for people who don’t wear much of that fabric.
The 10-foot cord allowed us to maneuver freely around the garment, and the long handle featured a single button that didn’t need to be held down the whole time the steamer was in use, making this ultra comfortable to use. And, don’t be fooled by the low price — this packs a serious punch with a lot of heat, so you’ll want to be careful about burning yourself or fabric you’re working with. To help with that, we like using the fabric brush attachment that acts as a one-inch separator between the head and fabric.
Overall, this is a great value for people who wear a lot of silk or cotton.
Tank Capacity: 120 ml | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Steam Settings: 1 | Attachments: Fabric Brush | Cord Length: 10 feet
Best for Travel: Brookline Handheld Garment Steamer
Pros
This was comfortable to use for long periods of time despite the basic design.
The large mouth made this easy to refill.
Even as a handheld steamer, the tank was large enough that we didn’t have to refill it often.
Cons
At two and a half minutes, this option takes longer to heat up than others.
We didn’t find that this worked effectively on cotton or linen.
The last thing you want to worry about while traveling is wrinkled clothes. For those of you who are frequently on-the-go, the Brookline Steamer is worth considering, especially given its fairly low price tag. The no-frills device made for a seamless steaming experience, with one simple on/off toggle switch and a tank that filled easily.
Made to be portable, this clothes steamer is super compact and easy to tote around for quick touch-ups on lightly wrinkled cotton or linen items, though it worked most effectively on silk. In fact, despite its tiny size, this still features a 9-foot-long cord for easy maneuverability, and we found the device to be even more effective at smoothing out wrinkles than some larger steamers we tried. Those who wear a lot of silk, have a small amount of space for storage, or who travel a lot will seriously appreciate this easy-to-use steamer.
Tank Capacity: 180 ml | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Steam Settings: 1 | Attachments: None | Cord Length: 9 feet
Related: The 9 Best Weekender Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Creases: Conair GS38R Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes Turbo ExtremeSteam
Pros
There’s a bit of a learning curve in figuring out the best way to fill the water tank.
The instruction manual was easy to follow, and clearly dictates which settings to use for certain fabrics.
This came with a creasing tool that was easy to use, leaving a nice crease on shirts.
Cons
It takes about 10 minutes to steam one garment, which is longer than most devices we tested.
The steam wasn’t as powerful as we’d like it to be at times.
In the debate of steamers versus irons, one point often goes to irons for giving shirts a crisp, clean crease. Fear not, because creases are actually where Conair’s Handheld Garment Steamer thrives. In addition to that creaser, it comes with three more attachments: a silicone band, bristle brush, and delicate fabric spacer.
One of the most versatile options on this list, it’s especially helpful to use with dress shirts to achieve that perfect line along the side of a shirt or collar. Then, be sure to use the delicate fabric spacer to protect trims and more fine fabrics. While a more powerful steam would have helped us smooth out wrinkles more quickly, it was still able to work effectively on any fabric type in about 10 minutes, and we didn’t have to replace the water tank often.
At $60, this was about the average price of the steamers we tested, but it also came with more attachments and additions than most, making it a great value — especially if you’re using it to help preserve and show off your most precious dressy garments.
Tank Capacity: 215 ml | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Steam Settings: 2 | Attachment: Silicone Band, Delicate Fabric Spacer, Bristle Brush | Cord Length: 9.3 feet
Best Handheld: Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Hand-Held Fabric Steamer
Pros
This creased shirts effectively.
We appreciated that this heated up quickly (under 40 seconds).
The five different steam settings offered us more versatility than most devices.
Cons
This took a bit longer to work on cotton than other fabrics, though it was still effective.
We experienced a bit of water spitting on the highest turbo setting.
The steamer needs to be held in a particular way to avoid water dripping out of the bottom.
The Conair Turbo Extreme Steam Handheld Fabric Steamer (try saying that five times fast) is a worthwhile investment for those who have a lot of clothing that wrinkles easily, because it works on any fabric. Similar to the Conair Handheld Garment Steamer above, it comes with three attachments to pull fabric taut, protect finer fabrics, and loosen fibers for faster steam penetration. But, what makes this special is the five different steam settings that make this steamer ultra versatile.
Our tips to make this even more convenient? We used a funnel to make filling the water tank a lot easier and experienced less water dripping when we held the steamer perpendicular. While it took us a bit of time to get the hang of the creaser, we found it worked pretty well once we figured it out. To add to the unique features this one packs in, you’ll want to take advantage of the handy clamp feature to help stabilize the garment you’re steaming for more control over hanging garments.
Tank Capacity: 215 ml | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Steam Settings: 5 | Attachments: Silicone Band, Delicate Fabric Spacer, Bristle Brush | Cord Length: 9.3 feet
Best Multipurpose: Electrolux LX-15002 Garment Steamer
Pros
This heated up and produced steam immediately.
The locking feature provides a continuous steam to help avoid hand cramping.
We found this to work quickly and effectively on all fabric types.
Cons
The instruction manual didn’t give much guidance on how to use the steam settings or read the indicators on the device.
We experienced a bit of water discharge in the first few moments after use.
The tank has a small opening, making it a bit difficult to fill.
The Electrolux Garment Steamer offers a lot of bang for your buck with its portability, attachments, and efficacy. The do-it-all device has one of the largest capacities on this list with 300 milliliters of tank space, but it still comes with a heat-protective carrying case for easy portability.
In testing, we found this clothes steamer heated up immediately, with steam being produced as soon as we turned the device on. It then steamed all the garments we tested it on in just around eight minutes, or under. While it wasn’t the fastest at steaming, this didn’t pose much of a problem for us as the grip was quite comfortable to hold. The lock feature stimulates ongoing steam, so there’s no need to hold a button down the whole time.
Though there are only two settings on the unit, it’s extremely versatile and multifunctional thanks to the additional lint remover and fabric brush attachments. Plus, we found this much faster and easier to use than an iron. It even has one of the longest cord lengths on this list, so it’s easy to maneuver around big spaces if you even decide to use this on curtains or furniture.
Tank Capacity: 300 ml | Weight: 4 pounds | Steam Settings: 2 | Attachment: Lint Remover, Fabric Brush | Cord Length: 12 feet
Best Splurge: Jiffy J-2000 Floor Standing Fabric Steamer
Pros
This was particularly fast and effective on silk. (It steamed a shirt in just three minutes!)
The large tank doesn’t need to be filled or refilled often.
The four wheels make this stable and easy to move.
Cons
There are no settings, so it’s not as versatile as other steamers on the list.
We experienced a bit of water spitting when we first turned this on.
The larger size makes this a bit more difficult to store.
Ultra easy to use with the press of just one button, simply prop your garment up on the included hook, and then use the large opening on the device to steam your clothes. The priciest item on this list at $229, it’s a great investment for people who find themselves spending far too much money on dry cleaning.
The standing format is a joy to use with an ultra large tank that doesn’t need to be refilled often, and it had the ability to smooth out wrinkles on every fabric we tested, so if you have a range of items to steam, this makes this steamer a huge draw. There were a few little drops of water spitting out at the beginning, and though that didn’t leave any stains, we suggest leaving the device on for an extra minute or two after it has heated up to err on the safe side.
The Jiffy J-2000 Floor Standing Fabric Steamer proved it’s worthy of the high price tag in how easy it was to use. The tank had a large mouth that was easy to fill, and the large spout provided a wider range of heat distribution, making it work quickly. It also sits on rotating wheels that glide with control, making it easy to move around the garment with stability. The large tank that’ll steam clothes for over an hour straight, combined with the comfortable handle makes it a great splurge for anyone who has a lot of items that wrinkle easily — it’ll be a laundry room essential.
Tank Capacity: 2.8 liters | Weight: 15.8 pounds | Steam Settings: 1 | Attachments: None| Cord Length: 6.5 feet
Related: The 16 Best Laundry Hampers of 2024 That Go Beyond Basic
Best Standing: Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro Upright Clothes Steamer
Pros
This worked effectively on every fabric we tested it on.
The tank is detachable, making it extremely easy to fill.
We appreciated that the adjustable heat allowed us to work with a variety of fabrics.
Cons
After a temperature change, it takes a moment for water to stop spitting.
The device isn’t as mobile as we’d like for it to be.
There is no indicator to signal when the steamer is ready after it’s been turned on.
Some standing steamers get a bad rep for taking up too much room, but luckily Pure Enrichment’s PureSteam Pro Upright Clothes Steamer features a slim design that can easily be wheeled into a closet. If you’ve traditionally found yourself hunched over a board ironing for a long amount of time, a standing option may be much better for you (and your wardrobe).
Despite how it may look, the tank has a large capacity at two liters, and it has more of an ability to adjust temperature than pricier options we tested, thanks to an easy twist knob. There’s even a convenient hands-free foot power pedal, so you never have to bend over to turn the device on or off.
The machine produced consistently good results during testing, responding well to heat adjustments so long as we gave it time for water to spit a bit after we made a temperature change. The device isn’t as mobile as we think it could be if it had four wheels instead of just two in the back, but overall, we found the convenience and ease of operation to be a great experience.
Tank Capacity: 2 Liters | Weight: 9.6 pounds | Steam Settings: Rotating Knob | Attachment: Fabric Brush | Cord Length: 6.5 feet
Other Clothes Steamers We Tried
Polardo Handheld Portable Garment Steamer: Although this $65 clothes steamer worked well on all fabrics (including linen, which is notoriously hard to get wrinkles out of), and it was ready to use in just 20 seconds, we had to be ultra careful to avoid damaging delicate fabrics like silk. The small tank had to be refilled frequently and we experienced water dripping out of the steamer when the tank would run low.
MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer: While we appreciated the way this $30 device reduced wrinkles on silk, cotton, and linen, it would not completely remove deep-set wrinkles. There was frequent water sputtering and it would have been helpful to have more opportunities to adjust steam settings for different fabrics. The heavy handle got uncomfortable to hold when the tank was full, too.
People / Henry Wortock
Polardo Handheld Travel SteamerThings to Consider Before Buying a Clothes Steamer
Tank Capacity
When shopping around for a clothes steamer, pay attention to the tank size. Ranging from 120 milliliters to 2.8 liters, the amount of water it can hold will affect how often you have to refill the device.
For example, the budget-friendly Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Garment Steamer-Iron is ultra affordable, but you’ll need to refill it after steaming one or two garments. A 2.8-liter tank will last you almost an hour and a half, as is the case with the Jiffy J-2000 Floor Standing Fabric Steamer, which makes great sense for people with a heavier load of items that wrinkle easily.
Steam Settings
The amount of steam settings matter, too. That will effect the temperature and/or power of steam that comes out of the device. More steam settings typically result in the ability for the device to work with a larger range of fabrics, as is the case with the Pure Enrichment PureSteam Pro Upright Clothes Steamer that has an adjustable temperature knob. If, however, you only like to steam a few of your favorite silk items, check out a no-frills option like Brookline’s Steamer for Clothes which features one easy button.
Weight
Since she often finds herself on-the-go, Diva swears by a portable and lightweight steamer. When picking the right clothes steamer for you, you’ll want to consider how much you travel, because that may mean choosing a lighter device. If you have wrist pain, that’s another reason to choose a lighter device like the Brookline Steamer for Clothes.
People / Henry Wortock
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric SteamerHow We Tested
Our editors searched for the most popular and top-rated clothes steamers on the market, then selected 28 to try firsthand. We graded them on the following criteria:
Heat Up Time: After unboxing the steamers and filling their tanks with water, we timed how long it took each to heat up and be ready for use. If the steamer had multiple settings, we timed how long it took to get to the highest one.
Performance On Different Fabrics: We observed the performance on a silk shirt, men’s dress shirt, and linen pants, timing how long it took to steam wrinkles out of each garment, utilizing different fabric or temperature settings when applicable. If we reached eight minutes and there were still wrinkles in the fabric, we stopped.
Comfort: While testing the three different garments we were steaming, we paid attention to how our arms and wrists felt as we held the device. We held each device both parallel and vertically to the garment, and noted whether or not the steam button had to be pressed down the whole time or if it could be locked down to free up our thumbs for more comfort.
Water Dripping or Spitting: Though it doesn’t always result in long-term damage to a garment, water spitting also doesn’t result in the smoothest steaming process. We considered how consistently steam came out, noting if it spit out water rather than creating a continuous stream of steam.
People / Henry Wortock
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to use a steamer?
Seamstress Eleanor Lofte recommends using distilled water for your steamer, as tap water can leave deposits that sit and gunk up your machine. To be extra careful, you may also want to wait a minute or two after your device starts producing steam to make sure there won’t be any water sputtering on your garment. Once it’s ready, you simply run the steamer up and down a hanging garment, making sure to keep fingers and arms out of the steam’s way.
What should I look for when buying a clothes steamer?
As a professional stylist, Diva swears by a portable steamer that is lightweight and easy to travel with. Look for one that doesn’t weigh too much and has an ergonomic handle if you travel often. If you’re not concerned about traveling with your steamer, a standing steamer may work for you, but you’ll want to decide how much you’re willing to invest, as these types of clothes steamers are usually more expensive.
Are clothes steamers good or bad?
Lofte and Diva are huge fans of steamers. In fact, they both say they’re even a better choice than irons, oftentimes. If you’re working with fragile or delicate garments that could easily melt or if you don’t have a good surface to iron on, steamers can be highly beneficial.
People/Henry Wortock
Brookline Travel SteamerWhy Trust PEOPLE?
Neha Tandon has been a writer and editor since 2017, with experience in beauty, style, and commerce. She has researched and written about those topics and more in magazines like Women’s Health, Glamour, and Forbes. For this piece, she analyzed the insights of our testers who tried nearly 30 clothes steamers on a variety of fabrics. She also interviewed model and stylist Diva Dhawan Sheth and seamstress Eleanor Lofte.
Meet Our Expert
Diva Dhawan Sheth is a model and stylist who is no stranger to travel steamers. For this piece, she commented on what to look for in a great small steamer.
Eleanor Lofte is a seamstress whose expertise is featured in several digital outlets, including Better Homes and Gardens. For this piece, Lofte commented on steaming particular fabrics and how to best utilize a clothes steamer for the utmost efficacy.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
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