Best Cloth Steamers | Upright & Handheld Garment Steamers, Steam Irons. 2022 Buyer’s Guide

In this guide, we will tell you about the different types of devices that make steaming an easy process. These are cloth steamers. They handle both heavy and delicate materials, quickly removing wrinkles, dust, and odor-causing bacteria. Unlike traditional irons, steamers do not flatten the fabric but rather relax it. This helps avoid scorching, prevents damaging your garments, and keeps them fresh for a longer time. Besides, steamers can be easily used on furnishings like bedding, curtains, and drapes. They get heated quicker and are more cost-effective than irons. On top of that, cloth steamers are good at killing germs and bacteria on fabrics.

Types of Cloth Steamers: Upright vs. Handheld Garment Steamers and Steam Irons

Floor-standing models are more versatile and more suitable for suits and long dresses. Handheld steamers are space-saving and ideal for travelers. If you are going to steam your clothes only occasionally, you may opt for an iron with a steamer function.

Apart from the size, cloth steamers vary in performance, water tank capacity, and ease of use. Some models come with useful accessories and features, such as an auto shut-off function, steam board, or built-in wheels. And finally, consider wattage. The more watts your appliance has, the faster it will heat up and the greater steam output it will have. Below, we will elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of these types of cloth steamers.

Upright Garment Steamers

Floor-standing cloth steamers, also referred to as standing or upright garment steamers, are equally good for commercial and at-home use. The base of the unit is designed to keep water, while a tube shoots out steam through a nozzle.

Note that appliances with larger reservoirs take longer to heat up, but you will need to refill them less frequently. The major advantage of this type is that it can steam large amounts of clothing within a short period of time.

Secondly, floor-standing garment steamers like Rowenta IS6520 are richer in features and more advanced. Generally, they come with multiple heat settings, extra heads, and other accessories. Some models are equipped with a rotating hanger while others have a telescopic pole with an adjustable height. That is why upright models are more versatile and recommended for fabrics of any type.

The third benefit, which may not be so obvious at a first glance, is that they are lightweight and easy to operate. The thing is that you do not need to carry the entire device, which is pretty convenient. There are some drawbacks, though. Floor-standing garment steamers are more expensive, lack portability, and take up more space for storing.

Handheld Clothes Steamers

The main advantage of a handheld garment steamer is that you can take it with you on a trip, in the office, or wherever else. Due to the compact size and small weight, it is portable and mobile. There are also travel clothes steamers that weigh less than one pound and can easily fit in a bag. At the same time, they have the lowest capacity, offering just 5 to 10 minutes of continuous use. Travelers take these steamers with them not only to take care of their clothes but also for other purposes, such as to kill bed bugs in their hotel rooms.

A standard handheld steamer is made with a wide end, a small water tank, and a cord. Unlike upright models, it does not include a tube. Due to lower water tank capacity, this type of device is not the best option for large jobs as you will need to refill it. More advanced top-notch handheld steamers can be used in both vertical and horizontal positions and quickly heat up to an optimal temperature.

Steam Irons

What sets this type apart from others is that it combines ironing and steaming in one unit. Made with a separate water tank, this appliance works by removing creases and relaxing the fabric. This makes a steam iron bulkier than a standard iron but more efficient in handling large laundry piles. But note that a good product should have a high steam shot output, somewhere between 340g and 430g per minute.

The water tank should be made from a durable and quality material to eliminate potential leaks. Its capacity typically ranges from 0.3 to 0.4 liters, while some models come with water tanks as large as 2.5 liters. Of course, the choice depends largely on the amount of clothing you are going to steam. However, the advantage of having a separate water tank lies in the fact that you can refill it while the iron is turned on. There are also cordless steam irons on the market, but they are not powerful enough and can only be beneficial for frequent travelers.

While there are various designs and sizes available on the market, all of them work approximately the same way. First, you fill a reservoir with water and then turn on the device. Once the water is heated, steam is produced and released through a nozzle. As a rule, steaming requires neither direct contact nor pressure, something that makes this process safer for all kinds of fabric. In most cases, steaming does not require a flat surface, which is another advantage.

Best-Selling Cloth Steamers | Comparison Table