6 Best Clothes Steamers, Tested by Laundry Experts
Wrinkles are no match for these handheld and upright picks.
Tested by Jamie UedaContributing Writer and Analyst
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You may be surprised to hear that garment steamers may just edge out the clothing irons we once wielded for decades. Handheld or upright, clothes steamers are more versatile and don't require an ironing board that hogs precious closet space. They can de-wrinkle flowy and silky fabrics (even linen!) and formal suits without scorching, refresh garments between dry cleaning and smooth draperies and window treatments. Even Monopoly has phased out the original 1935 player token shaped like an iron — a sign of household trends to come?
A great clothes steamer is an excellent tool to have in your laundry arsenal, but there are a few things to consider before you pick one up like steam output, ease of use and whether it can operate at different angles without dripping. In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we test garment steamers on a range of fabrics, including natural and synthetic fibers, to measure heat-up time and gauge efficiency, ease of use and consider overall value too. In our latest round of testing, we evaluated 26 different clothes steamers to determine which are best. Our team has also tested hundreds of laundry-related items including irons (even the best cordless irons), ironing boards, washers, dryers and fabric shavers.
At the end of this article, you'll find more info on how we test steamers in our Lab and with consumer testers. We also answer when a billow of steam is better than ironing and outline helpful shopping pointers.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Steamed for 16 minutes and 45 seconds without refilling
- Earned the highest wrinkle removal score
Cons
- Does not come with any attachments
- Doesn't have a turbo steam or burst setting
The Conair ExtremeSteam is a Good Housekeeping Seal holder for a reason. It's one of the best wrinkle removers we've tested.
Two indicator lights on top tell you whether the steamer is still heating up or ready to go. When we tested this model in our Lab, it was ready to use in just 39 seconds. A trigger lock allows you the choice between a continuous release of steam or producing it on demand, but it doesn't have an additional burst or turbo setting. Unlike other steamers we've tested that only turn off when unplugged, this model also has a power button.
This Conair earned the highest wrinkle removal score out of all the models we tested. We were especially impressed with how well the ExtremeSteam straightened out wool and cotton/poly blends, earning perfect scores on both fabrics. It also steamed continuously for nearly 17 minutes before the water tank was empty. The 8-foot cord allowed us to maneuver freely around the garment. Unfortunately, this model doesn't have any attachments, so it is less flexible than some other steamers. However, we think its low price and high performance make it well worth the investment.
| Water tank capacity | 6.8 ounces |
| Auto shut-off | No |
| Steam settings | 1 |
| Attachments | None |
| Cord length | 8 feet |
Sunbeam Power Steam Handheld Steamer
Pros
- Can steam and iron fabrics
- Heats up very quickly
- Has a burst button to remove stubborn creases
Cons
- Water tank can be tricky to remove
- Made a faint clicking noise while steaming
The Sunbeam Power Steam is more than just a great handheld steamer. It has a metal faceplate that allows it to double as a clothing iron. You can use the trigger to release steam as needed, double-tap it for a powerful burst or use the trigger lock for nonstop steaming.
This model earned high scores for wrinkle removal when tested upright as a steamer, and it impressed us again when we tried it horizontally as an iron. We noticed it made a clicking noise while running, and we found the tank a little tough to remove when it was time to refill. Fortunately, it ran for 12 minutes straight before running out of water, and it was ready to use in less than 30 seconds when we plugged it in. We also appreciated the brush attachment, which is great for fluffing napped fabrics like wool.
| Water tank capacity | 8.5 ounces |
| Auto shut-off | No |
| Steam settings | 2 |
| Attachments | Brush attachment |
| Cord length | 8 feet |
Black + Decker Advanced Handheld Garment Steamer
Pros
- Long cord for ultimate reach
- Versatile attachments and usage
- Stands upright
Cons
- Cord is not retractable
You can beautify way more than clothing with the Black + Decker Advanced Garment Steamer. The extra-long cord (15 feet!) makes it simple to reach high-up places such as curtains and even bed skirts that are far from an outlet. We appreciate that the steamer stands upright and automatically shuts off after 15 minutes, a nice-to-have safety feature if you happen to walk away.
The water tank was easy to fill and the product left fabrics looking smooth and finished. This model comes with attachments for upholstery, delicate fabrics and lint removal, and we found that the continuous steam feature was especially helpful for large swaths like draperies, mattresses and furniture. Our only wish? That the long cord retracted for tidy storage.
| Water tank capacity | 7.4 oz. |
| Auto shut-off | Yes |
| Steam settings | 2 |
| Attachments | Delicate fabrics, upholstery, lint remover |
| Cord length | 15 feet |
Reliable Vivio 500GC Garment Steamer
Pros
- Water tank is very easy to fill
- Runs for 2 hours and 20 minutes without refilling
- Includes a rack for hanging garments while steaming
Cons
- Does not have a reel for wrapping the power cord
- Can be difficult to wheel around
When it comes to larger dewrinkling jobs, an upright steamer can be a lifesaver. The Reliable Vivio 550GC has a one gallon water tank that allows it to run for 2 hours and 20 minutes before stopping to refill.
Aside from its long runtime, our Lab tests also revealed that this machine pumps out an impressive 25 grams of steam per minute. We appreciated the 4-foot pole and hanger for holding clothes while you steam. Its water tank was exceptionally easy to remove and fill too. It doesn't maneuver as easily as some other upright units we've tested, but it isn't too hard to move except when you're turning corners. We wish this unit had a reel to wrap the power cord around when not in use. Its wrinkle removal ability is on par with other professional units we tested, but it comes at a price that simply can't be beat.
| Water tank capacity | 1 gallon |
| Auto shut-off | Yes |
| Steam settings | 1 |
| Attachments | Brush attachment |
| Cord length | 6 feet |
Laurastar IZZI Plus Garment and Hard Surfaces Steamer
Pros
- Great for clothing, furniture and household surfaces
- Has a sleek design and high quality feel
- Easy to carry or maneuver on wheels
Cons
- Expensive
- Heats up slowly
When we tested the Laurastar IZZI Plus Garment Steamer in our Lab, not only did it earn a perfect score for wrinkle removal on wool and silk and do well removing wrinkles from tougher fabrics like linen, but we think it's more beautifully and thoughtfully designed than any other steamer we've tested. The nozzle has two separate guards: one for refreshing textiles and upholstery and the other for cleaning household surfaces. It also comes with a glove to protect your free hand while steaming. The 33-ounce water tank makes it great for handling larger jobs without being too heavy to tote around. In our tests, it was able to steam for 31 minutes before needing a refill.
We also tested the steam cart which is sold separately and well worth the investment. The cart isn't essential for using the steamer, but it allows you to wheel it around like a dream. We found it to be stable, and it made the steamer even easier to maneuver. We also appreciated all of its extra features. It folds up to save space when not in use, has a holster for the nozzle and has an adjustable garment rack for hanging clothes while you steam them. Brilliant!
| Water tank capacity | 33 ounces |
| Auto shut-off | Yes |
| Steam settings | 1 |
| Attachments | Textile guard and surface guard |
CHI Steam Handheld Garment Steamer
Pros
- Slim and comfortable to hold
- Comes with drawstring travel pouch
- Steams in any direction without dripping
Cons
- Needs refilling more often
This Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award winner is a Lab favorite. The slim steamer is comfortable to hold and about the size of a flat iron, making it easy to tuck into your suitcase — even a small carry-on, weekender or backpack. It's ideal when you don't know what kind of in-room amenities your lodging will offer but still want to look neat and put together, not crumpled and rumpled, after a flight or road trip.
Despite its small size, we saw solid performance. Filling the tank is easy, it revs up quickly and it's simple to use. It pumps out five minutes of steam, so it will need to be refilled more often than other steamers. In our tests, we got pro results even on the front placket of a cotton shirt. We love that it works in any direction without dripping and comes with a travel pouch.
| Water tank capacity | ~ 2 oz. |
| Auto shut-off | No |
| Steam settings | 1 |
| Attachments | None |
| Cord length | 6 feet |
How we test clothes steamers
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we know what matters to people who run households, and we are committed to reporting the pros and cons of products, so you get your money's worth.
We put all garment steamers through a consistent battery of tests, to check heat-up time, handling, performance and other pressing issues. We consider design, balance, a comfortable hold and overall footprint. We look at the size of each water tank and time how long it can run between refills. We want to be able to fill and empty it without struggles or spills.
We never lay the clothing flat to steam it, and neither should you. We test steamers vertically, on hanging garments. The drier the steam, the better. Wet steam or spits and sputters can leave fabrics wet and damaged with water spots.
We want to know how hard each steam machine works. We consider how many grams of steam it pumps out per minute (the higher the number, the faster it works). Then we test each model on linen (always a true challenge), delicate silk, cotton, wool and synthetic fabric swatches and garments we've balled up and wrinkled overnight. That includes light, heavyweight and woven fabrics, knits, blouses, tops, pants and jackets. We especially track steamer performance on tough-to-smooth fabrics and fibers, like linen and heavy cotton.
We score each fabric using an industry-standard protocol borrowed from our GH Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab. We also note any spitting or sputtering and test any steamer attachments.
What to look for when shopping for a clothes steamer
✔️ Large water tank. If you expect to steam often, look for a large water tank, long cord and a button to lock in continuous steam. If you will use the steamer occasionally or just for travel, consider a slim model that's nice and lightweight.
✔️ Long run time. Do you plan to do a batch of items at once (uniforms for the week, for example)? Select a model with a longer run time.
✔️ Compact design. Don't get a large pro steamer — the kind that stylists use — if you don't have the space. It could turn into a clothes hanger but not in the way you intended.
✔️ Water type. Check the product's use and care guide on the brand website for details on using distilled water and cleaning mineral residue, which can clog a steamer. Most use regular tap water, but some brands recommend distilled, especially if your tap water is extremely hard.
✔️ Safety features. Let a steamer cool off in a place away from kids and pets, then empty the water tank before storing. Steamers with auto shut-off help protect you and your family.
Does a clothes steamer really work?
Should you trade up from your trusty iron to a more modern clothes steamer? Good steamers do come through, erasing wrinkles without having to lug out an ironing board and heavy iron.
A steamer can freshen garments on the go, in a hotel room or before a job interview or party. It's convenient since most clothing can be steamed right on a hanger. It also simplifies tasks like smoothing curtains or drapes, since you don't take them off the rods.
A steamer is more compact, with no cumbersome board to store. And you can save money and time by giving clothes a quick steam to refresh them in between dry cleaning drop-offs.
Clothes steamers are even your secret weapon to kill bacteria and dust mites near the surface and help remove odors from difficult-to-clean mattresses, throw pillows, stuffed toys and upholstery. And a steamer is, hands down, the simplest way to de-wrinkle sheer, delicate and embellished fabrics and garments without scorching or damaging them.
Are steamers better than irons?
For some — but not all — de-wrinkling jobs, a steamer works better than a steam iron. Garment steamers pump out soft billows of hot air that pass through fabrics and delicate fibers to allow wrinkles to fall out as you gently tug on the bottom of the shirt or blouse. Irons, on the other hand, use moisture, heat, steam and pressure to smooth and flatten fabrics and remove wrinkles as you press against the board.
Ironing takes more muscle but is better suited to setting pleats or sharp creases or when you want a crisp finish, like on a dress shirt.
Steamers are also better suited for items trimmed with sequins and beads, and tailored garments, like jackets, that are hard to lay flat. And a clothes steamer is better when you don't want a pressed look or sharp creases, like for knit sweaters or dresses.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Noah Pinsonnault works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. To update this article with our newest steamer recommendations, he pored over recent testing data and even tried several models himself.
Jamie Ueda conducted the most recent round of steamer testing. She is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. For this article, she evaluated 26 different steamers.
Noah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
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