The 13 best travel steamers that will keep your clothes wrinkle-free on the road
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Civilization has yet to devise a foolproof method for keeping suitcase-bound clothes crisp after a long journey. Despite meticulous efforts when folding and packing, luggage leaves garments looking as if they’ve been sitting at the bottom of the hamper. And nothing is worse than meeting your boss or colleagues — or, heaven forbid, a romantic interest — in slovenly attire.
For years, I shelled out to professionally press dress shirts and slacks after arriving at my destination. When professional services were unavailable, I struggled with those unwieldy hotel-room ironing boards. Fortunately, there’s a more affordable and convenient solution: portable travel steamers.
Lightweight and compact enough to fit into even a carry-on, travel steamers are worth their weight in gold for frequent travelers. Sure, you can hang clothes in a hot shower for a few minutes in a pinch, but this impromptu fix only smooths out small wrinkles. A good travel steamer, on the other hand, leaves your outfit crisp and fresh.
Below, we have rounded up a selection of our favorite travel steamers. These range from steamers under $20 to high-end gadgets with dual-voltage capability that can be used abroad. Regardless, these devices will keep you looking dapper wherever your travels may take you.
Conair ExtremeSteam Power Steam Handheld Garment Steamer
The compact steamer features dual voltage, so you can use it anywhere in the world. The well-engineered device also won’t leak in your suitcase like lesser steamers. The model comes in eye-catching green, blue and hot pink colorways, so you won’t forget to grab it from the charger when you’re checking out of a hotel.
Jack and Rose Dual-Voltage Travel Steamer
The Jack and Rose Steamer’s sleek black design makes it look like a luxury travel accessory. With an LED panel, users can adjust the strength and heat of the steam, which comes in handy when different types of fabrics need touch-ups. The lowest setting is ideal for steaming delicate clothes like dresses or neckties, while the higher settings are ideal for steaming jeans or jackets. Better yet, it’s dual-voltage, so it will work abroad with a standard travel power adapter.
Nori Press Steamer and Iron
The Cadillac of travel steamers, the dual-voltage Nori Press has six settings for different fabric types. If steaming expensive or delicate clothes, the extra precision is worth the extra money. You can adjust the settings to smooth out, say, a cashmere sweater, worsted wool suit or a silk necktie. Plus, its gentlest setting ensures that you won’t damage even gossamer-thin fabrics.
Chi Handheld Garment Steamer
We featured this steamer from Chi in our roundup of the best clothes steamers — and it's a good bet for road warriors too. It weighs just 1.1-pounds, looks slick and includes a travel bag. We like its stick design, but at its price point, we don’t like that it doesn’t have dual-voltage capabilities for travel abroad.
Nesmar G5 Turbo Extreme Steam
At $80, the Nesmar steamer is one of the more expensive picks on our list, but the device is worth the extra investment. With dual-functionality for steaming and ironing, the Nesmar is lightweight and ergonomically designed. The steam comes out in a concentrated jet lasting about 10 minutes per session. That said, it is not dual-voltage, which is disappointing at this price.
The PurSteam Travel Garment Steamer
Weighing only 1.1 pounds, lighter than a laptop, the PurSteam fits easily into suitcases, travel backpacks or large briefcases. Once plugged in, the PurSteam heats up in about a minute — a boon when you need to rush out the door. The PurSteam releases steam for approximately seven minutes before needing a refill, which is more than enough time to steam an outfit. The 9-foot power cord comes in handy in hotel rooms with fewer power outlets, and the PurSteam comes with a travel bag for extra protection.
From $19 at Amazon
From $20 at Walmart
Nesugar Travel Steamer
Roughly the same shape and size as a curling iron, the Nesugar Steamer boasts dual functions for ironing and steaming. The clean design and excellent manufacturing keep water safely in the reservoir, even during bumpy journeys. Nesugar promises a 365-day warranty with each device, but it is not dual-voltage.
Beautural Steamer
Boasting hundreds of high reviews on Amazon, the Beautural Steamer is affordable, reliable and user-friendly. Slightly larger than other travel steamers on this list, the Beautural Steamer has extra reservoir space for longer periods of steaming without refilling. If you need to steam a large quantity of clothes as efficiently as possible, the Beautural is your best bet. And at under $30, this steamer is a bargain.
Bear Travel Steamer
The Bear Travel Steamer is the most budget-friendly device on our list. The Bear does not come with any frills; however, it gets the job done, heating up quickly and ejecting a wrinkle-banishing jet. An excellent option for travelers who want to test out a travel steamer before making a larger investment, the Bear also comes with a 30-day warranty.
Polardo Steamer Iron
With a turbo-charged heater, the Polardo Steamer Iron turns water into steam in less than 30 seconds. About as large as an electric razor, the Polardo allows for steaming both clothes on flat surfaces and the hanger. While the Polardo does not have precision settings like more expensive steamers, the default settings work well for most garments.
Kebnor Portable Travel Steamer
With an airtight reservoir to protect against leaks, the Kebnor steamer is aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, and reliable. The thin design makes it easy to stash even in a purse. Amazon customers note how the Kebnor does not leave any unsightly water marks on garments. Just note that it’s only designed for voltages of 110 to 120.
Houscly Mini Travel Steamer
If you’re tight on luggage space or want a steamer to stash in your handbag, the Houscly travel steamer is for you. The mini steamer’s small reservoir only allows for a couple of minutes of steaming, but this is the most portable steamer we have found. At $17, this steamer is also the most economical on our list. It’s only designed for 110-volt outlets, but at this price, it’s worthwhile for domestic trips.
MagicPro Portable Garment Steamer
The MagicPro steamer is cordless, so you can steam anywhere as long as the device has a charge. The cordless capability comes in handy when you’re staying somewhere like a hostel where power outlets are in high demand or inconveniently located. The steamer is medium-sized, offering a good balance between portability and reservoir size.
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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