A reliable clothing steamer can swiftly have your outfits looking neat and free of wrinkles in just a few minutes. It’s often a more convenient choice than bringing out the iron, and because a steamer smooths without scorching, it’s a superior tool for delicate fabrics like silk and wool.
We have evaluated numerous steamers since 2016, and our current favorite for regular home use is the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer. Its robust bursts of steam, comfortable grip, and intelligent features make it the one we reach for consistently. We also suggest a cost-effective compact steamer perfect for travel, along with a heavy-duty steamer with a larger water tank for individuals who frequently tackle more significant tasks.
Our choice
This steamer eliminated wrinkles without splashing water on our fabrics—a rarity among the models we tested. It’s also easy to hold and boasts standout features, such as an aluminum steamer plate and dual steam settings.
Similar to most midsize handheld steamers we tested, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer (GS38R) generated ample steam for the task and was simpler to handle and better designed than its competitors. It was also one of the few handheld steamers that didn’t leave wet spots on test fabrics. Weighing just under 2.75 pounds with a full water tank (other midsize steamers we tested ranged from 2.5 to 5 pounds), the Conair Turbo steamer is among the lightest and most maneuverable. The aluminum steamer plate heats up efficiently, gliding over fabric to smooth out wrinkles nearly as effectively as a traditional iron. It also includes various accessories, such as a silicone band attachment for stretching fabrics, a mesh bonnet for safeguarding delicate items, and a bristle brush for enhancing steam penetration. Additionally, the Conair Turbo steamer stood out as one of the few models we tested with two settings, enabling us to regulate the heat and steam intensity: we used the “steam” setting for delicate silks and the more potent “turbo” setting for heavier cotton shirts. It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Economical choice
This compact, affordable steamer is ideal for travel and occasional home use. It may leave some wet spots on fabrics, but it’s sturdily built and more effective than other portable steamers we tested.
If you need a steamer handy to occasionally freshen a garment or pack in your luggage, you likely don’t need anything more elaborate than the Conair CompleteSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer (GS2X). It’s roughly half the price of the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer, and it outperformed any other steamer in its price range in wrinkle-smoothing effectiveness (most others were inferior). It was also one of the only steamers of this size (often referred to as “portable” or “travel” steamers) we tried that didn’t leak water from the spout when tipped over. The water tank is relatively small (5 ounces; the portables we tested ranged from 5 to 8 ounces) and it did release some water during use, but left fewer wet spots on clothes compared to the other portable models we tested. If you anticipate frequent steaming needs, investing in the well-crafted Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam is advisable. However, if you only need to smooth out a wrinkle now and then—at home or while traveling—the Conair CompleteSteam fabric steamer is a dependable option. It has a one-year limited warranty, which is standard for small, affordable steamers.
Premium selection
For dedicated steamers, this pricy, oversized floor-standing model will greatly enhance productivity. Its steam head provides unmatched comfort during extended use, and it boasts the highest water capacity—although caution is advised when moving it across the floor with a full tank, as it can cause splashing.
If you engage in frequent steaming or find handheld steamers too cumbersome or uncomfortable, the Reliable Vivio 500 GC Professional Garment Steamer offers a pleasurable experience and may be worth the substantial investment. Standing almost 6 feet tall with a base resembling a canister vacuum, despite its bulky nature, it was our preferred steamer during testing. With a gallon water tank capacity (the largest among those we tested), rapid heating, and a steam head that is noticeably more comfortable for extended usage compared to the handheld models, this steamer stands out. However, caution is advised when relocating the Vivio with a full tank as it tends to splash water. This steamer includes a three-year limited warranty, which is average among the models we tested.
