I don’t mind ironing, but anything that helps reduce the time spent doing chores is a win. Even with a good steam iron and a podcast on, it can still feel like a bit of a slog when there’s a full pile to get through.
That’s where the best clothes steamers come in. Designed to smooth out creases while garments are hanging, they’re a quicker, more convenient way to get clothes looking presentable without setting up an ironing board. They’re also gentle on delicate fabrics and useful for freshening up clothes between washes, with hot steam helping to kill bacteria and reduce odours.
If you’re wondering what clothes steamer to buy, celebrity and fashion stylist Lauren Paxton advises: “Always look at the water capacity of a steamer. The more water it can hold, the better the steam power is likely to be, and you’re more likely to get through a whole rail or basket of clothes in one go.”
You also need to look at how you’ll use the steamer. Professional fashion stylist Rebecca Kahane shares: “I also think about how I’ll be using the steamer. For travel, I opt for something lightweight, which usually means a smaller water capacity between refills. For everyday home use, a medium-sized option with a larger water tank is ideal so I can keep it filled and quickly steam pieces before wearing.”
Whatever your needs, look carefully at how the steamer is made. “I always pay close attention to the steamer head,” Kahane adds. “A metal face is key, as it heats up and works similarly to an iron when pressed lightly against a garment, giving quicker and more effective results than plastic”
To find out which ones can genuinely remove creases quickly, I tested a mix of budget and premium garment steamers to see which lived up to their claims.
Read more: 12 best steam irons for stubborn creases, tried and tested by an expert
The best clothes steamers for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Russell Hobbs steam genie vacusteam: £69.99, Argos.co.uk
- Best budget buy – George at Home garment steamer: £20, Asda.com
- Best for delicate fabrics – Fridja F10 clothes steamer: £79.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for deep creases – Propress mini garment steamer: £110, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for travel – Lakeland EasyFold steamer: £29.99, Lakeland.co.uk
Read more: Clothes steamers vs irons – industry experts reveal which one is best
Russell Hobbs steam genie vacusteam
Rating: 5/5
Best: clothes steamer overall
Why we love it
- Safe on delicate fabrics
- Fast heat up time
- Glides smoothly
- Long cord for flexibility
Take note
- Slightly heavier than basic models
Russell Hobbs’s steam genie vacusteam is the best clothes steamer I tested, delivering the most consistent results of all the models I tried, while also being comfortable to hold and ready to use in just 35 seconds. It handled a mix of fabrics well, from everyday cotton shirts to more delicate pieces, and I never felt like I had to work harder on certain loads.
The vacuum feature helps hold fabric taut as you steam, which in practice meant fewer passes and a smoother, more even finish. It produces a steady 24g/min level of steam that copes well with both light creases and more stubborn wrinkles, although it is slightly noisier than other models when in use. The long cord also comes in handy if you’re in a room that’s limited on plug sockets.
It’s not the cheapest clothes steamer, but the performance more than justifies the price. If you want something that delivers reliable, even results across your entire wardrobe, this is a solid pick.
Key specifications:
Buy now £69.99, Argos.co.uk
George at Home garment steamer
Rating: 4/5
Best: budget clothes steamer
Why we love it
- Very affordable
- Quick heat-up
- Lightweight
Take note
- Not the best at tackling deep creases
For the price, this George at Home garment steamer is surprisingly capable. It heats up in around 30 seconds and produces enough steam to handle everyday creases on T-shirts, shirts and lighter fabrics.
You can use it for 10 minutes before it needs refilling, but I found it worked better on lightly crumpled items rather than tackling deeper creases. The included garment brush is a nice addition, helping lift fibres on thicker fabrics.
It doesn’t have the power of pricier models like the Russell Hobbs or Fridja, but if you want something simple and affordable, it does the job.
Key specifications:
Buy now £20, Asda.com
Fridja F10 clothes steamer
Rating: 5/5
Best: clothes steamer for delicate fabrics
Why we love it
- Adjustable settings
- Powerful for a handheld steamer
- Excellent on delicate fabrics
- Useful accessories
- Decent run time
Take note
- Slightly bulkier than travel options
If you’re looking for the best clothes steamer that can handle a mix of different fabrics, the Fridja F10 stands out for its versatility. It has adjustable steam settings, so I was able to use a gentler setting on delicate items like silk without worrying about damage, while still having enough power to deal with stubborn creases on shirts and dresses.
It heats up in around 45 seconds and delivers a strong, consistent level of steam. At around 30g/min, it’s more powerful than most handheld models, which helps justify the higher price, and meant I could smooth out creases more quickly and with fewer passes.
The accessories feel genuinely useful rather than throw-ins. It comes with a fold-up hanger for when you don’t have one to hand, plus a collar insert that helps create a sharper finish on shirts.
The only real drawback is that the tank drains fairly quickly on the higher setting, so I did need to refill when working through a larger load.
Key specifications:
Buy now £79.99, Amazon.co.uk
Tefal aerosteam handheld clothes steamer
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: clothes steamer for power
Why we love it
- Strong steam output
- Excellent on deep creases
- Metal soleplate glides well
- Long cord for flexibility
Take note
- Pricey
- Small tank
- Short run time
Tefa’sl aerosteam handheld clothes steamer is one of the most powerful handheld steamers I tested, and you can feel that straight away. It produces a strong, concentrated burst of steam that handles deeper creases better than most, particularly on thicker fabrics.
It heats up quickly and the long cord makes it easier to manoeuvre, especially when steaming larger items. I also like that it has a metal soleplate, which glided effortlessly across fabric. That said, the small tank limits how long you can use it before refilling, which feels like a compromise at this price.
It’s noticeably more effective than budget options, but less practical for longer sessions than larger models. It’s also quite noisy, which is something to bear in mind if you share a space with someone who works from home.
Key specifications:
Buy now £139.99, Amazon.co.uk
Lakeland easyfold steamer
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: clothes steamer for travel
Why we love it
- Compact
- Foldable
- Heats up quickly
- Good power for a small steamer
Take note
- Short run time
- Small tank
- Not suited to large loads
Designed with portability in mind, the foldable handle makes Lakeland’s easyfold steamer easy to pack. It’s lightweight enough to carry in a handbag or suitcase without weighing you down, and the best travel clothes steamer I tested.
It heats up in just 25 seconds, making this one of the most convenient steamers to use when in a hurry. I was also impressed by the power given its small size. It offers 25g/min of continuous steam, which is not much less than a standard iron (usually 40g/min) and I’d say it was effective at tackling deep creases.
The downside for me is run time. If the water tank was bigger and it could run for longer, I’d have given it a full five stars. However if you’re only using it on the odd occasion while travelling, it’s an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
Key specifications:
Buy now £29.99, Lakeland.co.uk
Morphy Richards vibe garment steamer
Rating: 4/5
Best: stylish clothes steamer
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- LED indicator useful in low light
- Heats up quickly
Take note
- Short run time
- Small water tank
- Not the most powerful
Morphy Richards’s vibe garment steamer is one of the better-looking steamers I tested, but it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s lightweight, heats up quickly and is easy to use, making it a good option for quick, everyday steaming.
I was impressed to see that it has an LED light in the soleplate so you can use it in low light, which may come in handy if you want to steam something without waking a sleeping partner. The metal soleplate glides more easily across fabrics than plastic ones, which are most common at this price point.
Overall, I thought it handled lighter fabrics well and was ideal for freshening up outfits, though it wasn’t as effective on deeper creases as a more powerful steamer like the Tefal express airglide. Another downside is that it can only run for four minutes, so it’s better suited to one or two items at a time.
Key specifications:
Buy now £29.99, Amazon.co.uk
Breville compactsteam
Rating: 4/5
Best: foldable clothes steamer
Why we love it
- Foldable and compact
- Heats up quickly
- Long cord for flexibility
- Good run time for size
Take note
- Slower on thicker fabrics
For anyone living in a small house or trying to de-clutter, Breville’s compactsteam is the best foldable clothes steamer I tested. The foldable design means it fits neatly into a suitcase or drawer, and it’s light enough that I wouldn’t worry about it tipping me over my suitcase weight limit if I took it on holiday. It comes with a storage bag to keep it safe while you’re travelling, which is an extra I didn’t expect at this price point.
It heats up in just 26 seconds, which is on the faster side of all the steamers I tested. Delivering around 20g/min of continuous steam, it's not quite as powerful as the Lakeland foldable steamer but still enough to smooth out light to moderate creases without much effort. As it has a 200ml tank, it lasts longer than other travel steamers, with up to 15 minutes of run time, which you might appreciate if you have a lot of items that need steaming.
The three-metre cord is a real plus, giving me the freedom to steam pillows, cushions or anything awkward to reach. It’s not as powerful as larger models, but for travel and convenience, it’s a very practical choice.
Key specifications:
Buy now £37, Amazon.co.uk
Tower digital handheld steamer
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: easy-to-use clothes steamer
Why we love it
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Intuitive controls
- Heats up quickly
- Smooth ceramic soleplate
Take note
- Shorter power lead than most
- Not the most powerful
If you’re new to steaming, Tower’s digital handheld model is the best easy-to-use steamer for beginners. The digital LED display clearly shows when it’s ready and which setting you’re on, making it feel far more intuitive than simpler models with basic on/off switches.
It heats up in less than 30 seconds and produces around 14g/min of steam. While that’s not the most powerful here, I found it was enough to smooth out everyday creases on shirts and lighter fabrics without much effort. The ceramic soleplate also helps distribute heat evenly, so it glides more smoothly than some cheaper plastic alternatives.
It’s not really designed for travel, as it’s heavier than options like Lakeland and Breville. However, for home use, the slightly larger build and clear controls make it easy to use across different fabrics without much thought.
Key specifications:
Buy now £39.99, Amazon.co.uk
Propress mini garment steamer
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: clothes steamer for deep creases
Why we love it
- Strong, continuous steam
- Excellent on thicker fabrics
- Optional larger tank available
Take note
- Pricey
- Small standard tank
With “the iron age is over” stamped across the box, my expectations were high, and this Propress mini garment steamer largely delivered. It’s one of the most powerful handheld models I tested, particularly when tackling more stubborn creases. It heats up quickly and produces a steady, continuous flow of steam that copes well with thicker fabrics, smoothing out shirts and heavier items without needing to go over the same area repeatedly.
The continuous steam function is genuinely useful, as there’s no need to keep pressing a trigger, which makes it easier to work through a full load. I love that it came with a heatproof glove, which gave me more control when working close to the fabric, especially if I was steaming from the inside out.
Compared the Tefal aerosteam, another powerful clothes steamer I tested, it’s less bulky and easier to manoeuvre, while still delivering similarly strong results on tougher creases. There’s also the option to upgrade to a larger “big belly” tank for longer sessions, which I think is worthwhile if you steam regularly.
Key specifications:
Buy now £110, Amazon.co.uk
Russell Hobbs steam genie maestro ll
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: hybrid clothes steamer
Why we love it
- Large water tank
- Long running time
- Can be used vertically and horizontally
Take note
- Heavy
- Not travel-friendly
With a massive 750ml water tank, Russell Hobbs’s steam genie maestro ll is not suitable for travel but what it lacks in portability it makes up for in power. It can steam around 10 shirts in one go and it has a long power cable, which means you can move around without getting tangled up in cords.
If you’re on the lookout for a new iron, the steamer really comes into its own as it can also be used vertically as a traditional iron. I found that it wasn’t as powerful as other irons when used vertically, but it did provide crisper lines when used flat compared to vertical steaming on other models. I was also impressed that it came with two attachments for different types of fabric, with the delicate one a dream to use on clothing like satin skirts.
It’s more expensive than the likes of Swan and George at Home but it is designed to last, with an auto-clean mode to keep limescale at bay.
Key specifications:
Buy now £79.99, Argos.co.uk
Beldray 1700W handheld garment steamer
Rating: 4/5
Best: clothes steamer for run time
Why we love it
- Long run time
- Large tank
- Smooth soleplate
- Versatile for clothes and upholstery
Take note
- Less powerful on deep creases
- Slightly heavy
If you want a steamer that can handle more than just a quick touch-up, this is a solid budget option from Beldray. The standout feature is the run time. With up to 18 minutes of continuous steam from the 360ml tank, I was able to get through multiple items in one go without stopping to refill, which isn’t always the case with compact models.
I like that it heated up in around 30 seconds and that the stainless steel soleplate glided more smoothly than plastic alternatives. It also delivers a steady level of steam that works well on everyday fabrics.
However, it’s not as powerful as the Propress or Tefal aerosteam on deeper wrinkles, so it’s not something I’d use to replace an iron. It’s more suited to items that need a gentle refresh or as an alternative to washing.
Key specifications:
Buy now £24.99, Amazon.co.uk
Swan handheld garment steamer
Rating: 4/5
Best: lightweight clothes steamer
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to hold
Take note
- Less powerful
- Shorter run time than others
Lightweight and easy to grip, Swan’s handheld garment steamer was one of the simplest models to get going with straight out of the box. It felt comfortable to hold and manoeuvre, which made a noticeable difference when working through several items, especially compared with heavier models.
With a 250ml tank, the run time is fairly limited, but the upside is that it never felt tiring to use. I could get through a few shirts or dresses without feeling like my arm needed a break.
At 1100W, it’s not the most powerful, and that showed on thicker fabrics like denim and trousers, where it needed more time. However, it handled lighter items like school shirts and dresses well, making it a good option for quick, everyday steaming.
If you want something lightweight and easy to handle, this is a solid choice, but for tougher creases, you’ll need something more powerful like the Propress.
Key specifications:
Buy now £22.99, Amazon.co.uk
Philips 5000 series garment steamer
Rating: 4.5/5
Best: clothes steamer for freshening clothes
Why we love it
- Eco-mode for delicate fabrics
- Fast heat up time
- Can be used vertical or horizontal
Take note
- Small water tanks
If you want a steamer that does more than just tackle creases, the Philips 5000 series is the best for freshening clothes. Steam helps loosen odour-causing particles trapped in fibres, and heat can kill bacteria, so clothes feel cleaner without needing a full wash every time. It has a continuous steam output of 24g/min, which is relatively high for a handheld steamer, so it can sanitize better than less powerful models. Philips claims it removes 99.9 per cent of bacteria and, while I couldn’t test that scientifically at home, fabrics definitely smelled fresher after steaming.
I also really liked the included glove, which made it easier to pull fabric taut while steaming, especially on shirts and dresses. It’s a surprisingly helpful addition for beginners who are still getting used to handheld steamers. The pink and blue design felt premium, and the ergonomic handle is easy to grip.
It comes with both 120ml and 200ml tank options, which gives some flexibility depending on how much steaming you’re doing and whether you’re using it at home or while travelling. That said, it still doesn’t offer the same run time as larger-capacity models like the Fridja F10 or Beldray.
Key specifications:
Buy now £70, Argos.co.uk
Your questions about the best clothes steamers answered
What is the best clothes steamer?
If you want one steamer that performs well across a full wardrobe, the Russell Hobbs steam genie vacusteam is the best all-rounder. It heats up quickly and is powerful to use so you can get each garment done with fewer strokes. For travel, I’d recommend the Lakeland foldable clothes steamer, which is surprisingly powerful for its size. For home use or larger loads, the Fridja F10 was impressive, with different settings to quickly steam a variety of fabrics.
How I tested clothes steamers
Having crease-free clothing is paramount to me, so I took great pride in testing a broad range of different steamers to find the best options. When testing, I considered the following:
Iron vs clothes steamer: which is better?
Having tested both irons and clothes steamers extensively, I’d say your best tool for removing creases depends on what you actually need day to day.
Steam irons are more powerful, especially steam generator models. When I was tackling big loads like school uniforms or bedding, an iron was far more effective. It presses fabric flat, gives a crisp finish and deals with deep creases much faster. You also can’t use a clothes steamer on bedsheets or large items in the same way.
Clothes steamers, on the other hand, are much more convenient. I found them quicker for everyday use. You can leave clothes on a hanger and smooth out creases in minutes, without setting up an ironing board. They’re also gentler on delicate fabrics and great for freshening up clothes between washes.
In short: if you want precision and power, go for an iron. If you want speed and convenience, a steamer is the better choice.
How to use a clothes steamer?
According to the experts, it all starts with what you put into tank. Stylist Lauren Paxton explains: “I love M&S ironing mists and waters, which help reduce creases. But it’s very important to empty the tank after each clean, so there’s no stagnant water damaging your clothes.”
Celebrity stylist Rebecca Kahane agrees and says: “For the best results, use distilled water. It helps prolong the life of the steamer and ensures a cleaner, more consistent steam. I don’t always have it on hand, but I try to avoid tap water when possible.”
The pros also suggest different steaming techniques to simply hanging up the garment and working vertically. Kahane adds: “For stubborn wrinkles, I start by steaming the inside of the garment first, then move to the outside. If the fabric becomes too damp, I let it dry slightly before going back in to finish. A stylist trick I love is placing a thin sock over the steamer head to prevent water spots, especially while it’s heating up and may spit a bit.”
What type of clothes steamer should I go for?
Typically, garment steamers come in two types: upright and handheld. While both designs are able to tackle creases effectively, there are a few key differences between them:
What fabrics should not be steamed?
While some steamers are suitable for use on all fabrics, others shouldn’t be used on extremely delicate materials, so it’s always best to check with the manufacturer before you get started. According to clothes steamer brand Fridja, these gadgets are typically very versatile and capable of removing creases on a wide range of fabrics, including natural fibres such as linen, silk, cotton and even wool.
If you’re still unsure, the brand recommends using a delicate fabric guard to help prevent damage. Meanwhile, synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and acrylic are typically very easy to steam using all clothes steamers.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Zoe Griffin has been testing and reviewing products for IndyBest since 2021. For her product roundups, Zoe takes a thorough approach to testing. She’s an expert when it comes to all things laundry, and her testing experience has seen her review the best best fabric conditioners, stain removers and laundry detergents. She’s also tested many other home products including corded vacuum cleaners and dishwasher tablets. To select the best clothes steamers, she conducted hands-on tests with each model in this guide, similarly to how you would be using them at home.
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