The best clothes steamers can get even the worst creases out of clothes and other garments quickly and easily. With very little effort your clothes will look like they’ve just come off the shelf.
After a great deal of research, here are our top 5 steamers on the UK market in 2022.
Please scroll down for reviews of each one.
The Best Clothes Steamers of 2022
Last update on 2023-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Clothes Steamer of 2022
If you're not on a budget, we'd have to say the Tefal Master Precision lays real claim to the title
"Best Clothes Steamer of 2022".
We like the extra-large water-tank, the extra-long 2M cord and it's from a trusted name in household appliances. The 2-year warranty gives additional peace-of-mind too.
- This garment/clothes Steamer has a 360° rotating hanger helps you remove creases and refresh clothes efficiently – no ironing board needed
- The IT6540 master precision delivers a precision shot of concentrated steam removes stubborn creases in hard-to-reach areas with ease
- The master precision has a fast heat-up time – ready to use in 45 seconds, it’s ideal for a last-minute garment press or refresh. Extra large...
Last update on 2023-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We have to make special mention of the Quest Upright Garment Steamer, which is a great budget pick.
This a great choice if you're going on a business trip and want a travel steamer with you.
If you're looking for a handheld steamer click here!
Why You Need a Clothes Steamer
While your steam iron may be a trusty and time-served tool, it can only do so much. A clothes steamer can handle hard-to-iron clothes quickly, and is really good for furnishings like sofas, curtains and upholstery.
Heard of the old trick of hanging clothes in the bathroom while the hot water is running, to get the creases out? That’s essentially what these steamers do, but with far greater efficiency.
They work by creating steam by heating up water from the water tank. They usually have a small base unit, which houses the tank and workings. On top of this sits a retractable stand where you can hang clothes and fabrics.
Some of these steamers come with brushes and hoses so you use can use it as a vertical iron. The helps you get crease-free clothes in no time at all.
Other benefits? You don't need an ironing board and your steamer takes up far less space. It can also be up and running in a under a minute.
This makes them ideal if your in a rush for work or late getting ready for a night out.
Features To Look Out For
There are a number of features you should consider when choosing a steamer,and here is a quick list of the key points.
Capacity – the bigger the water tank, the longer you have steam before refills, and the more you can do uninterrupted.
Some of these have much bigger tanks than others, so take the time to check them out.
Power and Output – you want a machine that has enough power to pump out a constant steam level, so check the specifications for more information.
Accessories – some feature more bits and pieces than others, and we advise that you check with the specs before deciding on your purchase.
Look for the brush, clips and a protective glove to begin with, although the latter can also be bought very cheaply as a separate item.
Time to Heat – if you are in a hurry you want to be up and running quickly.
All of the models we have reviewed are good to go in under a minute and one takes just 30 seconds!
Portability – light weight, compact size and a retractable hanging pole are all important factors, and differ between each model so check them out carefully.
There are also a couple of other things you need to remember when using a garment steamer.
As there is a lot of steam make sure you use it in a ventilated area. They also get quite hot, so take care and keep pets and children away when they are in use.
Clothes Steamer Reviews
If you're looking for a garment steamer that's safe, quick to use and has a large capacity, the Aicock 1500W ticks all the boxes.
This Aicock steam cleaner has 4 adjustable heights and a generous 1.5m hose, so it's perfect whether you want to steam shirts, jackets or long flowing dresses.
What we like about this particular model is it does more than steam and remove creases. There are also settings for dust removal and sterilisation, too.
This one also comes with an automatic shut-off safety feature which activates when the temperature is too hot or it's out of water.
In the negative column, there isn't a protective glove / mitt included with this model.
However, it's available at a low price and comes with a 2-year manufacturers guarantee.
Pros
Cons
Brand names always make us stand up and take notice, and this one – Tefal – is a well-known name in UK household appliances.
This upright garment steamer comes with many interesting features, not least the fact it can rotate through 360 degrees. This makes removing creases and dealing with kinds of clothing a lot easier.
This steamer heats up in just 45 seconds and it's extra-large 2.5 liter water tank gives it 80 minutes of steaming power. That's pretty impressive.
This Tefal steamer also has a few neat features that other comparable models don't have.
The first is it can shoot precision jets of steam. This places the steam exactly where you want it to go and prevents your home from turning into a sauna.
There is also an on / off pedal which is great as it means you don't need to keep bending down to start or stop it. An extra-generous 2 meter cord gives you greater reach, too.
And lastly, there are three attachments to help you steam different fabrics and clothing. There is a crease attachment for trousers and shirts, a fabric brush for thicker garments and a bonnet to prevent water marks.
The one drawback with this particular garment steamer is the price. However, you are paying for Tefal's excellent build quality and and a two-year manufacturers guarantee.
Pros
Cons
Blusmart isn't a household name but this model has a number of excellent features for a great price,
Despite a relatively low power-consumption of 1450w, it's still pretty powerful. The steam is maintained at 100 C, the perfect temperature for removing creases, odours and bacteria.
Another great thing about this Bluesmart steamer is it's "Nano" steam head - which is basically the same as a power shower. There are 11 holes with a 30 degree coverage, which helps you direct the steam to where it's needed the most.
It also has an effective range of 1.5 meters, which will help you stay out of the steam, too!
In common with the best clothes steamers, this one is really fast to start up at just 45 seconds. There is also a foot switch for easy operation and a brush and pants-clip included.
Size wise, it's about as big as a shoe-box on wheels! So it's perfect to wheel around and out of the way when not in use.
The bog drawback (for us) is the manufacturers guarantee is only 1-year, which is the bare minimum with electrical items.
Still, it is priced in the mid-range and has received some excellent reviews for its work on heavier fabrics and textiles like curtains, and for people who want to steam suits in a hurry.
Pros
Cons
If you're looking for a cheap clothes steamer from a reputable brand, this one from Quest Benross is great value.
Many users say this vertical steamer is excellent for shirts, blouses and dresses with pleats which are really hard to iron.
It's also quick to get going, taking just 45 seconds to produce steam, and it comes with a number of freebies including a heat-proof glove, a clasp for trousers and a brush for shirts.
Unfortunately, the lower-price means that it lacks quite a few features.
The first is the auto power-off when the 1.8L water tank is empty. However, the lack of steam will be a good indicator you need a refill (it would be nice to know ahead of time though!).
Perhaps the biggest negative is there aren't different steam settings for various fabrics and clothes.
If you can live without the extra features, this Quest Benross steamer makes a great entry-level model.
Pros
Cons
We round out our list with another budget pick - a very portable clothes steamer from Easy Steam.
Unlike the previously reviewed model from Quest Benross, this has 2-levels of steam, one at 50% power for more delicate items like silk and chiffon.
2 is better than 1, but some of the other picks on our list have as much as 6 settings. Still, like it says on the tin it is "Easy Steam", so you can expect it to be quick and easy to operate.
The 1.6 meter pole is telescopic and has three components. This allows it to fit into a suitcase so you can use this when traveling.
There are some freebies like a heat-proof mitten, collar steaming plate and a brush.
However, there isn't a hanger included like others on our list. There is a clamp which you can attach a hanger to.
This isn't a bad option, as quite a few people report the hangers that come with these products to be on the small size, so you find one to suit.
If you're looking for a travel steamer at a great price, the Easy Steam makes a great pick.
Pros
Cons
Clothes Steamers FAQs
Do clothing steamers really work?
Clothing steamers are great for removing creases and wrinkles from delicate fabrics like silk, polyester, and satin. They're safer as they don't actually touch the garments and can be a lot quicker than irnoning.
Is a steamer or an iron better for clothes?
A clothes steamer can be better for curtains, upholstery, and delicate fabrics that you can hang while steaming. It doesn't press the garments, so if your aim is to remove creases and wrinkles from clothes like shirts,blouses and trousers, an iron is going to be better.
What fabrics should not be steamed?
In general, anything that you wouldn't ordinarily iron should also not be steamed. This includes suede, wax jackets, and any garment that might melt. It's always advised to check the label to be 100% sure.
Does steaming clothes get rid of smell?
Steaming clothes can help clothes smell better because it can kill bugs and bacteria that cause a lot of common odours.
Will steaming a couch remove odours?
Yes, steaming a couch can help remove musty smells or odours caused by pets and children. It's recommended you steam your couch once-a-year unless the manufacturer states otherwise.