FED UP with dragging out the ironing board every time your favourite blouse looks a bit crumpled? You’re not alone.
While some people might enjoy the methodical process of ironing, most of us find it a tedious chore that eats into our precious time.
Enter the best clothes steamers – the fuss-free alternative that’s revolutionising how we deal with wrinkled garments.
Simply switch them on and you’re ready to go – no board needed, no lengthy setup required.
Handheld steamers truly shine with everyday items that need just a quick once-over.
Though they might struggle with heavily creased fabrics (your linen trousers that have been scrunched in a drawer for months might still need traditional ironing), they’re perfect for refreshing clothes that need a light touch.
What makes steamers particularly brilliant for travel is their compact size.
Heading to a wedding or special event? Toss one in your luggage and say goodbye to hotel room wrinkle panic.
The benefits extend beyond just convenience, too.
Steaming effectively kills odour-causing bacteria and removes allergens that attract dust mites – making these devices a win for both your wardrobe and your wellbeing.
I’ve put several top models through their paces to help you find the perfect steamer for your needs.
Here’s our honest breakdown of the very best clothes steamers available in the UK right now.
Best clothes steamers at a glance:
1. Swan Pro Steam
Swan Pro Steam, £34.99
Pros: Dual-position usage, swivelling cable design, includes fabric brush
Cons: Small water tank, basic design
Rating: 5/5
The Swan Pro Steam truly impressed us for the price point – it’s an absolute winner.
What makes this model stand out is its clever design.
The swivelling cable paired with that curvy body means you can tackle creases from any angle without having to empty your entire wardrobe onto the bed first (we’ve all been there!).
It works brilliantly in both vertical and horizontal positions, so you can use the flat plate like a traditional iron when needed or hold it upright to quickly freshen clothes hanging on the rail.
The included fabric brush is a fantastic addition, especially for heavier materials like jackets or those hard-to-reach curtains that always seem to collect dust.
While the 300ml water tank isn’t the largest on the market, we found it perfectly adequate for most steaming sessions.
Better still, it detaches easily when you need to refill without any awkward manoeuvring.
For the price, the steamer is genuinely impressive for how versatile and effective it is.
If you’re dipping your toe into the world of clothes steamers for the first time, this is absolutely the model we’d recommend.
Ready to use in: 30 seconds, Tank capacity: 300ml, Running time/steam rate: 20g/min
2. Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Handheld Clothes Steamer
Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Handheld Clothes Steamer, £43.99
Pros: Fast heat-up time, powerful steam output, multiple useful attachments
Cons: Heavier than competitors, small water tank
Rating: 4.5/5
Russell Hobbs knows a thing or two about home appliances, so it’s hardly shocking that their Steam Genie has become one of the most sought-after handheld steamers on the market.
What immediately impressed us was the speed – it heats up in just 45 seconds, perfect for those mornings when you’re running late.
With a powerful 28g steam output, it makes light work of stubborn creases, though we’d recommend caution when using it on your more delicate fabrics.
The design is refreshingly straightforward.
There’s a button to lock the steam trigger for continuous use, but beyond that, it’s delightfully fuss-free – no complicated settings to navigate.
During testing, we found it tackled creases with impressive efficiency, making it ideal if you’re prepping for a special event or wedding.
We were particularly impressed with how it handled thicker materials – notoriously stubborn linen trousers and denim shirts surrendered their creases after just one or two passes.
The three included attachments are genuinely useful additions.
The upholstery attachment surprised us with how effectively it refreshed pillows and smoothed out sofa creases.
There’s also one specifically for delicate fabrics and a lint roller that works wonders for removing pet hair.
It’s worth noting that at 1.29kg, it’s not the lightest model we tested, and the water tank is on the smaller side.
If you’re planning a marathon steaming session, be prepared to refill more frequently.
For the price point, though, the Steam Genie delivers exceptional value.
The combination of quick heat-up, powerful steam, versatile attachments and solid performance makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking serious steaming power without breaking their budget.
Ready to use in: 45 seconds, Tank capacity: 200ml, Running time/steam rate: 28g/min
READ MORE:
3. Tefal Pure Tex Handheld Clothes Steamer
Tefal Pure Tex Handheld Clothes Steamer, £119.99
Pros: Sanitizing capability, works on soft toys, effective dust removal
Cons: Higher price point, limited attachments
Rating: 4.5/5
This clever four-in-one steamer doesn’t just tackle creases – it’s a proper little sanitising machine too, killing ‘99.9% of viruses, bacteria and germs’ lurking in your clothes.
What really impressed us during testing was how versatile it is.
We discovered it works brilliantly on soft toys, which was a genuine game-changer.
If you’ve ever tried washing your child’s beloved teddy, you’ll know the drama that unfolds – both from the washing machine potentially mangling it and from the child who doesn’t want to part with their furry friend for even an hour.
This steamer solved both problems beautifully.
The special brush attachment for removing dust and hairs deserves a special mention.
Our tester found it surprisingly effective on curtains and sofas – areas that typically collect hair and dust but are awkward to clean properly.
Yes, this steamer sits at a higher price point than some others we’ve tested, but the multiple functions genuinely justify the investment.
It tackles several household jobs in one compact device.
Speaking of compact, despite its multifunctional capabilities, it doesn’t hog precious storage space – always a win in our book.
Ready to use in: 25 seconds, Tank capacity: 200ml, Running time/steam rate: 30g/min
4. Philips 5000 Series Handheld Steamer
Philips 5000 Series Handheld Steamer, £59.99
Pros: Stylish design, intuitive controls, lightweight to handle
Cons: Short power cord, struggles with stubborn wrinkles
Rating: 4.5/5
Let’s talk looks first – this Philips steamer is genuinely stylish.
Available in five attractive colourways, it’s the sort of appliance you wouldn’t mind leaving out on display.
The build quality impressed us too – it feels solid and well-made, not flimsy like some budget options.
What our tester particularly loved was how user-friendly it is.
The design is so intuitive that you could probably figure out how to use it without even glancing at the instructions (though we’d still recommend reading them!).
It works both vertically and horizontally, though our reviewer found it performs slightly better when used in the vertical position.
At just 720g, it’s wonderfully lightweight and comfortable to hold, even during longer steaming sessions.
The water tank might be on the smaller side, but it was surprising how long it lasted when using eco-mode.
Refilling is straightforward too – no awkward manoeuvring required.
The trigger mechanism is smooth and responsive, and one of our favourite features is how quickly clothes are ready to wear after steaming – there’s virtually no dampness left behind, unlike some steamers we’ve tested.
It handles light and medium creases beautifully, though we should warn you it does struggle a bit with those really stubborn wrinkles, particularly on thicker fabrics.
The short power cord is definitely its biggest drawback – we found this particularly frustrating when trying to steam curtains or bedding, as we couldn’t reach from my nearest plug socket.
For everyday steaming needs, this Philips model is excellent, but if you’re after something for heavy-duty tasks or need more reach, you might want to look elsewhere.
Ready to use in: 35 seconds, Tank capacity: 120ml and 200ml, Running time/steam rate: 24g/min
5. Tower Ceraglide Portable/Travel Garment Steamer
Tower Ceraglide Portable/Travel Garment Steamer, £29.99
Pros: Minimal dripping, effective on all fabrics, excellent value
Cons: Heavier than competitors, requires frequent refills
Rating: 4/5
The Tower Housewares steamer was a bit weightier than the other models we tested, but don’t let that put you off – it tackled creases across all fabric types with impressive efficiency.
One standout feature was the lack of dripping, which can be a real nuisance with some cheaper models.
This steamer kept things clean and dry throughout use.
While it claims to deliver 15 minutes of continuous steam, our reviewer found myself needing to refill it more frequently than advertised.
Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting if you’re planning longer steaming sessions.
What genuinely surprised us was the price tag – coming in at under £30, this steamer performs like a much more expensive model.
After putting it through its paces, we would have expected it to cost significantly more.
For this reason alone, it offers exceptional value for money.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance, this Tower steamer is well worth considering.
Ready to use in: 35 seconds, Tank capacity: 200ml, Running time: 15 minutes
6. Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series
Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series, £49.99
Pros: Ultra-compact design, fast heat-up, safe on delicate fabrics
Cons: Struggles with heavy fabrics, small water tank
Rating: 3.5/5
If you’re after a travel-friendly steamer, the Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series is absolutely our top pick.
What makes it perfect for holidays is how incredibly compact it is – it folds down to roughly the size of a travel hairdryer and weighs next to nothing in your suitcase.
For those hectic mornings when you’re rushing to make breakfast before a day of sightseeing, it’s brilliant – no faffing about with the hotel’s rickety ironing board.
Just plug in, wait 30 seconds, and you’re ready to go.
We should mention it doesn’t quite have the muscle to tackle heavyweight fabrics like denim jeans, but for most holiday clothing, it performed excellently.
One feature we particularly appreciated was Philips’ promise that the steam plate ‘can be safely pressed against any clothing with no risk of burning’ – a genuine relief when you’re steaming that expensive silk dress for dinner.
The last thing you need on holiday is a wardrobe disaster!
Operation couldn’t be simpler, and the quick 30-second heat-up time means you’ll spend less time on chores and more time enjoying your trip.
For frequent travellers, this compact little powerhouse is well worth the investment.
Ready to use in: 30 seconds, Tank capacity: 120ml, Running time/steam rate: 20g/min
7. Philips Steam&Go Handheld Clothes Steamer
Philips Steam&Go Handheld Clothes Steamer, £65
Pros: Quick heat-up time, powerful wrinkle removal, no dampness after use
Cons: Awkward for intricate areas, no trigger lock
Rating: 4/5
The Philips Steam & Go impressed us with its quick heat-up time of less than 30 seconds, making it perfect for those mornings when you’re already running late.
Its wide head tackles creases efficiently across most fabrics.
The powerful steam jets are a standout feature – they blast through wrinkles quickly without leaving your clothes damp, which means you can wear them immediately after steaming.
It does have a couple of drawbacks worth mentioning.
We found it somewhat cumbersome when trying to reach smaller, more intricate areas of clothing.
Plus, the trigger switch can’t be locked, which means you’ll need to keep it pressed down throughout your entire steaming session – a bit of an arm workout for larger loads!
On the plus side, it works both vertically and horizontally, giving you flexibility depending on what you’re steaming.
While the water tank appears quite small, we were pleasantly surprised by how long it lasted before needing a refill.
The accessories are minimal, but the protective glove that comes with it proved genuinely useful during testing.
At £75, this steamer is certainly an investment – but with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 on Argos reviews, plenty of shoppers seem to think it’s worth the money.
If you’re after a reliable, effective steamer that will last, this is a solid choice.
Ready to use in: 30 seconds, Tank capacity: 70ml, Running time/steam rate: 24g/min
8. Beldray Handheld Garment Steamer
Beldray Handheld Garment Steamer, £27.99
Pros: Multiple settings, budget-friendly price, quick heat-up
Cons: Leaves clothes damp, requires multiple passes
Rating: 4/5
If you’re watching the pennies but still want effective wrinkle-busting power, the Beldray Multi Steam Pro seriously impressed us during testing.
Ready to use in just 30 seconds, this compact and lightweight steamer is brilliantly versatile – perfect for both travel and everyday home use.
The two different settings plus brush attachment for finer fabrics give you flexibility across your wardrobe.
When put to the test, it made quick work of creases across all fabric types, though occasionally we did need to go over stubborn areas a second time for perfect results.
We found the water tank easy to fill and the trigger mechanism straightforward to use – no fiddly controls or complicated settings to navigate.
One small drawback worth mentioning: like many steamers, it sometimes left garments slightly damp after use.
This isn’t unusual for steamers in this price bracket, but worth keeping in mind – you’ll want to steam your outfit a little while before you plan to wear it.
For under £30 though, this steamer delivers exceptional performance.
It’s a fantastic budget option that punches well above its weight in terms of effectiveness and versatility.
Ready to use in: 30 seconds, Tank capacity: 260ml, Running time: 15 minutes
9. Hilife Clothes Steamer
Hilife Clothes Steamer, £25.99
Pros: Long power cord, good continuous steam time, easy to use
Cons: Vertical use only, slow heat-up time
Rating: 3/5
Let’s start with an important heads-up – the Hilife Clothes Steamer can only be used vertically.
Try to use it horizontally and you’ll end up with water everywhere and possibly a nasty burn on your hand.
This limitation was definitely a drawback for us – we much preferred the versatility of steamers that work in both positions.
That said, it’s not a terrible option if you’re specifically after something for travel or overnight stays.
It makes quick work of de-creasing clothes and is genuinely simple to operate.
The 9-foot power cord is actually a really useful feature, particularly in hotels or rental properties where plug sockets always seem to be in the most inconvenient locations.
With a 240ml capacity providing up to 15 minutes of continuous steaming, you can get through several garments on one fill.
However, when comparing overall performance and features to other models we tested, we found that several alternatives offered better value for money.
Worth considering if cord length is a priority for you, but otherwise there are more impressive options available.
Ready to use in: 130 seconds, Tank capacity: 240ml, Running time: 15 minutes
10. homeasy Clothes Steamer
homeasy Clothes Steamer, £29.99
Pros: Quick heat-up time, lightweight design, easy-fill water tank
Cons: Struggles with stubborn wrinkles, aggressive initial steam output
Rating: 3/5
The homeasy Clothes Steamer caught our attention with its fast 25-second heat-up time – perfect for those mornings when you’ve hit snooze one too many times and need to de-crease something quickly.
Its compact design makes it genuinely portable, and at just 280ml, the detachable water tank is easy to fill – no awkward bathroom sink manoeuvres required.
During testing, we found it handled light creases well enough, but for more stubborn wrinkles, you’ll definitely need multiple passes.
The steam output is decent but not as powerful as some of the pricier models we tried.
One feature we did appreciate was how lightweight it is – no arm ache even when steaming multiple garments.
The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, though the steam button placement could be better.
It claims to be suitable for all fabrics, but we’d be cautious with very delicate materials – the steam can sometimes come out a bit aggressively at first.
Once it settles into a rhythm though, it’s fairly consistent.
For the price point (around £25-30), it’s a reasonable option if you’re after something simple for occasional use or travel.
However, if you’re planning on frequent steaming sessions or tackling heavier fabrics, you might want to consider investing in something more robust.
Ready to use in: 25 seconds, Tank capacity: 280ml, Running time: 10 minutes
Where to buy clothes steamers in the UK?
If you’re shopping for a clothes steamer, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re readily available online from several retailers – as well as directly from the manufacturers themselves.
We’ve listed some places below that carry a good stock selection and have reliable delivery and customer service:
How much do clothes steamers cost?
Prices do vary for clothes steamers, depending on the brand, but overall you can pick up some really good value models without having to break the bank.
We’d say, you can expect to spend between £20 – £80 on a clothes steamer, with most falling around the £30 – £40 mark.
Out of the models we tested, the Tower Clothes Steamer was the cheapest at under £25, while the Tefal Pure Tex Handheld Garment Steamer was the priciest at £79.99 from John Lewis.
Our top pick, the Swan Pro Steam, came out somewhere in the middle at a very reasonable £29.99.
How to use a clothes steamer?
Once you turn the steamer on, you’ll want to wait a bit until you can physically see the steam.
Then, stretch the garment out with your free hand and run the steamer down the clothes with your other one – it’s that simple!
Our top tip is that you want to make sure that your steamer is touching your clothes to get all of the creases properly out. We recommend steaming horizontally to get the best results.
Which garment steamer is the best?
There are different garment steamers suited to different needs – the one that’s best for you will depend on your requirements.
Generally, handheld steamers are less powerful than upright designs, but if you need a garment steamer for travel, then you may choose a handheld version from a respected brand like Philips.
Do steamers work on clothes?
If you need to get the creases out of delicate fabrics or spruce up your workwear shirts while travelling, then steamers can be a very good solution.
They don’t touch the clothing like an iron does – but that doesn’t diminish their efficacy. Steamers can be used for all types of garments, from suits to wedding dresses – without damaging them.
Is it better to iron or steam clothes?
If you’ve got time and a lot of laundry to get through, then ironing is probably a better option when it comes to getting clothes completely crisp and wrinkle-free.
Steamers typically take up less room and are easier to use too, so they’re good for giving a garment a quick refresh. For travel purposes, a steamer can be indispensable.
How to clean clothes steamer tanks
Many people clean their clothes steamers by filling the reservoir with a white vinegar and water solution, then allowing it to steam until it’s entirely gone.
They then proceed to do the same with plain water to allow it to be rinsed. However, not all steamers are the same so you can also follow the instructions given in their manual – usually by rinsing out the water tank and ensuring it’s filled with clean water.
