Review of 6 types of the best hand steamers: how to choose, which one to buy, pros and cons, characteristics, rating

Unlike conventional irons, hand-held steamers do not damage fabric. They cope with delicate textiles and are indispensable for clothes with frills, ruffles and rhinestones. Steamers iron curtains on curtain rods; synthetic and natural fabrics are easily processed by them. Lined clothing will not be ironed with a regular iron the way a steamer will.

How to choose the best handheld steamer

Steamers have gained popularity among consumers due to the fact that they work not only on horizontal surfaces, but also on suspended fabrics. This expands the scope of use of the devices, making them more convenient and practical compared to irons.

What are the differences between steamers?

The differences between the models are:

in power;
in the volume of the water tank;
in functionality;
in the material from which the surface of the evaporator is made;
in the method of steam supply;
in the created outlet pressure;
in price.

To choose a model, proceed from the cost and conditions of use of the steamer. For household needs, a medium-power device is suitable. It can cope with complex fabrics and process a large number of clothes.

Choose by power

Low-power devices are small in size and are hand-held options that work with a small amount of clothing. They are used in everyday life and taken on trips. The power of hand-held devices does not exceed 1600 W.

High power steamers have an indicator of more than 1700 W. These are floor-standing models with a large water tank. They are used in boutiques and stores, in production and at home. For convenience, some models have wheels at the bottom. They allow the device to be used at different distances from the power source.

Floor-standing models have a large water tank. This allows you to work continuously for 30-40 minutes.

Volume of the tank

An important indicator in choosing a device is the volume of the water tank. The larger the tank, the more clothes the device processes in one session. Manual models have a reservoir that holds 30-750 ml of liquid. This is enough for household needs. Professional floor-type models have containers with a capacity above 1 liter. Some samples provide the option of adding water during operation. Such devices are more expensive, they are used in boutiques and in production.

Functional

The more operations a device performs, the more expensive it is. Simple and cheap steamers operate in one mode - they steam clothes. To perform additional actions, the package includes:

additional nozzles;
boards;
brushes;
funnels;
extension cords

If there is no need for additional operations, you should not buy a steamer with unnecessary functionality. To quickly restore clothes, basic options are enough - steaming and lint removal. After treatment with the device, the fabric will acquire an ideal appearance.

Disinfection

Some companies claim that their devices destroy microorganisms and disinfect fabric. This result is achieved through the introduction of new technologies and the supply of high-temperature steam. How true such assurances are is for the consumer to judge. In any case, steaming at temperatures above 100˚ helps destroy microflora. But it should be taken into account that such a temperature negatively affects not only microbes, but also the fabric itself.

Vertical/horizontal steaming

Vertical steaming of textiles is convenient for tulle, curtains, and trousers. In this position, the product is processed with steam most completely.

What is the surface of the steamer made of?

There are devices on sale with metal, ceramic, and plastic work surfaces. Plastic devices are cheaper and weigh little. After working with such a device, your hand does not get tired. Metal and ceramic ones are more expensive, they are heavier than plastic ones, but they are more resistant to damage and thermal effects. Steamers with a metal or ceramic evaporator will last longer. In devices with elevated steam temperatures, metal working surfaces are installed.

Steam supply

The indicator is measured in g/min. The larger the declared value, the higher the density of the processed fabrics. The average is 20-30 g/min. Thick fabrics and lined items will require more steam power. Silk and cotton fabrics can be easily processed with steamers with a steam supply of up to 20 g/min.

Steam is supplied in 2 ways - by gravity and under pressure. In the first option, the coolant is supplied directly from the reservoir to the working surface. These are devices with low power.

In the second option, there is a valve between the water container and the iron. It creates a certain pressure in the device. Steamers with a valve work with complex and dense fabrics. Some samples provide adjustment of the steam supply to the iron. This allows you to process different types of fabrics. The disadvantage of such models is that they supply steam under pressure in a short period of time. After the valve is turned off, steam is supplied by gravity.

Combined instruments

New devices perform several functions - steaming and steam cleaning. These are combined models in which hot air is supplied under stable pressure. The steam supply rate in such samples ranges from 70 g/min. This is a powerful and convenient home appliance. She will not only put clothes in order, but also clean furniture, tiles, and gas stove. To work with various fabrics, the package includes appropriate attachments. They can work not only on a certain area, but also on a targeted basis. The only drawback of such devices is their high cost.

Price

The cost of the device is influenced by various indicators:

brand;
power;
type – manual or floor;
tank design - models with a removable tank are more expensive;
presence of a water filter.

If everything is clear with the first two positions - the better the indicator, the higher the price, then the remaining points are worth understanding.

Manual or floor-mounted?

Manual models with greater functionality may cost more than classic floor-standing models. A combined steamer, which also works as a steam cleaner, is more profitable than a floor-standing model that only steams clothes.

Removable tank

The removable water tank is convenient to fill and wash. This is not the last indicator in caring for the device. The easier it is to maintain the device in proper condition, the longer it will last, the more time you can spend on other activities.

With or without filter?

The water filter is built into expensive branded appliances. This is convenient, since there is no need to specially purify the water or buy ready-made treated water. Such devices do not fail for a long time, and scale does not appear on the heating element. Naturally, you will have to pay extra for the filter.

What to look for when buying a handheld steamer

Power – the intensity of steam output depends on it, and therefore the speed at which the steaming process will take place. If the power of floor-standing steamers reaches 2,000 W or even more, then hand-held steamers rarely exceed 1,000 W. When choosing, you just need to try to take a more powerful model.

Tank volume - since hand-held steamers are usually purchased for a small number of things, small dimensions and weight are often prioritized so that they can be carried with you. Therefore, you should choose a model with a small tank, but still not too much - about 150-200 ml.

Maximum steam pressure - for most hand-held models, manufacturers do not indicate this characteristic at all; for others it is not important, since you should not count on high steam pressure in a portable mobile device.

Maximum steam supply - models with an indicator above 20 g/min are preferred. If the feed is less, then the efficiency and performance of the device is unlikely to satisfy you, and stains may remain after steaming.

The length of the power cord - the longer it is, the easier it is to use the device. 3-3.5 m is usually quite enough. In any case, extension cords have not been canceled.

Adjusting the steam supply - the optimal intensity depends on the material. If it is denser, then it should be increased, but if the material is delicate, it should be lowered. Accordingly, a steamer with the ability to do this will be more useful than one that only works in one or two modes without the ability to fine-tune.

Operating time is determined by the volume of the tank and water consumption. When the tank is empty, you have to stop to fill it and heat the water. For hand-held steamers, compactness is a priority, so they do not last long.

The best handheld clothes steamer

Philips GC320/25 Steam&Go device has a strong pump and works without interruption for a long time. Copes with folds and complex textiles. A special brush allows you to process thick fabrics and clean surfaces from lint. The water container is removable, which is convenient for filling with water and maintaining the device.

Manufacturers took care not only of steaming, but also of destroying harmful bacteria. New technology allows you to do double work in one session. The set includes a case for storing and transporting the steamer.

Characteristics

water heating time – less than a minute;
container volume – 60 ml;
cord length – 2 m;
power – 1,200 W;
weight – 660 grams.

pros

works with various fabrics thanks to special attachments;
You can use tap water;
there is vertical steaming;
handles folds well;
disinfects fabrics;
The water container is removable, which is convenient for cleaning and filling with water;
Lightweight, your hand doesn’t get tired during the process.

Minuses

big;
expensive.

Top 3 most powerful models of hand-held steamers for home use

A high-performance steamer is useful in everyday life for processing outerwear and suits made of thick fabric. Devices of this category supply steam with a powerful jet, but rarely leave wet streaks on the material.

Runzel VG-160 Plantag

A small home clothes steamer supports two modes. Equipped with a button with a lock, supplied in a set with a thermal mitten, a small board and a brush attachment. There is an “anti-drop” system - the device does not leave wet marks on clothes.

You can buy Runzel VG-160 from 4400 rubles

pros

solid power;
switches to operating mode in just 25 seconds;
good steam intensity.

Minuses

small tank;
works slowly with folds on thick items.

Tefal DT8100

This easy-to-use clothes steamer works equally well on thin and thick materials. There are intensive and economical modes, heating the liquid takes only 40 seconds. It turns off automatically as soon as the water in the tank runs out. The sole of the device is ceramic coated and is therefore very durable.

Tefal DT8100 price starts from 4,500 rubles

pros

good power for a manual model;
long power cord;
copes well with tight creases on clothes.

Minuses

holds only 190 ml of water;
works without a break for no longer than ten minutes.

Philips GC440/20

A powerful hand-held steamer with a special SmartFlow system does not leave wet spots on clothes and provides gentle care for delicate fabrics. Supports two working positions and is equipped with anti-scale protection. The steam intensity is 30 g per minute.

You can buy GC440 from 7200 rubles

pros

high power;
leaves no traces of drops;
long power cord;
Works with hard tap water.

Minuses

The set does not include a thermal mitten;
high price.

The best vertical handheld steamer

VLK Sorento 6450 model is small in size but has wide functionality. The device can process not only clothes, but also tulle. The device can easily handle complex fabrics - thick and heavy textiles, organza and other materials that a regular iron cannot handle. Thanks to special steam technology, microbes are destroyed during operation.

Characteristics

boiling water – after 3 minutes;
water container – 60 ml;
power 1,600 W;
there is a steam readiness indicator;
continuous operation time – 10 minutes;
steam flow – 35 g/min;
cord length – 3 m;
temperature – 103˚.

pros

high power;
high temperature of the steam, thanks to which microbes are destroyed;
you can iron tulle curtains while hanging;
good steam distribution;
there is an extension hose;
good equipment.

Minuses

The water takes a long time to heat up.

Philips GC351/20 Steam&Go

With the longest operating time

Among compact handheld steamers, it is worth the effort to buy a model that works for a long time. Depending on the volume of the tank, pressure, volume of steam released, the water boils one way or another and runs out in 10-20 minutes. After this, the steamer needs to be completely cooled, refilled with water and heated again.

It's clear that if it's time for you to go to a meeting, and your suit is still not ready, having to perform this ritual can really ruin your nerves. Philips solved the problem with the GC351/20 Steam&Go device. It has an ergonomic shape with a long handle that houses a removable 70ml water tank. The device is equipped with a function for adding water during operation.

When the water in the tank comes to an end (and the device generates about 20 grams of steam per minute), you can easily add water into it through the hole, as in a regular iron, without unplugging the device from the outlet, and continue steaming. Thus, the operating time of the device is extended as long as you need it - and there is no need for any “dancing with a tambourine”.

The best inexpensive handheld steamer

Grand Master GM -H 600 steamer has sufficient power and a large water tank. Operating the device is simple. High steam pressure allows you to quickly bring clothes to perfect condition. The sample works with thick textiles.

Characteristics

water boiling time – 2 minutes;
tank volume – 750 ml;
power 900 W;
steam pressure – 30 g/min.

pros

high steam pressure;
small sizes;
inexpensive;
there are 2 nozzles – spot and for textiles;
protection against water overheating – yes;
operating time – 16 minutes;
large tank;
weight – 1.1 kg;
compact.

Minuses

no power control function;
relatively little functionality (no brushes for cleaning clothes from lint).

The best powerful handheld steamer

The steamer of the Italian company MIE Assistente M has a power of 1,500 W, which is quite a lot for a hand-held device. The device works like an iron: the working surface is made of metal. The device steams products in a vertical position and on an ironing board. The package includes attachments for processing various parts of clothing. The protective mitten protects your hands from heating. The model is suitable for home use, shop or production.

Characteristics

heating time – 45 seconds;
power – 1,500 W;
water tank volume – 0.5 l;
cord length – 3.47 m;
There are additional attachments.

pros

high power;
metal work surface, which makes the device durable;
The set includes attachments for collars, textiles, and delicate fabrics;
a plastic board is provided;
there is a protective glove;
sold in a bag;
There is a strap for carrying the steamer.

Minuses

Expensive.

Rating of excellent manual models

RUNZEL VAG-160 Plantag

Rating:5.0

Power: 1500 W
Maximum steam pressure: 3.5 bar
Maximum steam output: 40 g/min
Working time: 12 min
Additional information: three tilt modes; Drip-Stopper anti-drip function; Auto-Off function; LOCK&WORK function – locking button for constant steam supply; can be used in any position; mitten included;

Average price: RUB 4,990

The handheld steamer for the home has a sleek design and is capable of generating steam with a maximum steam pressure of 3.5 bar. After plugging in, the device is ready for use in 20-30 seconds. During operation, it can be held in three positions - horizontal, vertical and at an angle. This solution is very convenient when you need to steam clothes with a complex cut. Continuous operating cycle of the device with a 360 ml tank. is about 12 minutes. The steamer reservoir is easily removable, making it very convenient to fill with water and wash.

Peculiarities:

long power cord;
Drip-Stopper function;
Auto-Off protective shutdown.

This model has received many good reviews from users. It has excellent equipment, you don’t even need to buy anything additional. Using special attachments, it will not only steam, but also remove small hairs and fluff from clothes. Working with this steamer for a long time will lead to hand fatigue. But the device does not pretend to be a professional one.

Kitfort KT-973

Rating:4.9

Power: 1630 W
Maximum steam pressure: 25 g/min
Steam temperature: 98 °C
Water heating time: 30 s
Additional information: 2 steam levels

Average price: RUB 2,490

The tank capacity of the Kitfort hand steamer is 230 ml. One refill is enough to efficiently steam a couple of blouses or coats. Depending on the fabric of the product, you can choose the intensity of the steam supply - strong or weak. The light indication indicates that the device is ready for operation. The water is heated to produce steam within 3 seconds. Users note a fairly powerful and hot stream of steam and warn that they must be careful not to get burned.

Peculiarities:

ergonomic shape of the holder handle;
two levels of steam supply;
the button is fixed, so less effort is spent during operation;
Scale does not form on the plastic sole of the nozzle.

You can steam with this device only in a vertical position. This multifunctional device will help clean clothes and sofas from dust and dirt, disinfect surfaces and remove unpleasant odors.

Polaris PGS 1570CA

Rating:4.8

Power: 2000 W
Water tank volume: 0.25 l
Maximum steam output: 42 g/min
Water heating time: 25 s
Additional information: power cord length is 2 m, there is a removable water tank

Average price: RUB 6,599

A beautiful compact steamer will quickly iron your clothes without using an ironing board. It is much more convenient to take such a device with you on the road instead of a regular iron. For a compact model, it has a fairly large power of 2 kW and produces steam with an intensity of 42 grams in 60 seconds.

Thanks to three steaming modes, the device can steam both delicate and very tough fabrics, if you choose the right mode. An additional brush attachment will allow you to perfectly clean lint from your clothes.

Peculiarities:

very high power steam flow;
automatic shutdown when overloaded;
stainless steel nozzle.

This device will help you instantly get rid of moths in your closet and restore a presentable appearance to ladies’ hats. To fill the tank, it is recommended to use distilled, boiled or water passed through an aquafilter.

Kitfort KT-954

Rating:4.7

Power: 1500 W
Water heating time: 40 s
Maximum steam output: 20 g/min
Power cord length: 1.8 m
Additional information: dry ironing mode

Average price: RUB 2,290

Another rating model has good power - 1500 W. The device can be used in vertical and horizontal positions. The tank contains 300 ml of water, which heats up to working condition in 40 seconds. This volume is enough to steam 2-3 products. According to the characteristics of the jet pressure, the device is close to floor-mounted steamers. Dry ironing of clothes without wet spots is ensured by the heated surface of the iron.

Peculiarities:

separate power button and steam supply,
informative indicator that changes color when ready for work;
spacious water tank.

The compact and lightweight device will be an indispensable assistant in situations where you need to quickly bring your clothes into proper shape. By replacing the attachment with a lint brush, you can remove animal hair and at the same time treat fabric upholstery with hot steam.

Bort Compact

Rating:4.6

Power: 1200 W
Water heating time: 25 s
Maximum steam output: 25 g/min
Working time: 13 min
Additional information: steam temperature 115 °C, manual winding of the power cord, water tank volume 0.32 l

Average price: RUB 1,878

Another compact device is worthy of attention when choosing a hand steamer. The steam supply speed is 25 g/min. The device's power of 1.2 kW is enough to steam one or two products for 10-12 minutes. If at the end of the work there is still water in the tank, it must be drained so that the salts do not settle on the walls and clog the nozzle. It is advisable to take a short break between long treatments.

Peculiarities:

Overheating protection extends the life of the device;
ergonomic shape and light weight add comfort to work;
convenient lever for locking the steam on/off button.

This is an excellent alternative to an iron when you need to not only smooth things out, but also disinfect them. Using hot steam at a temperature of +115℃, bacteria and dust mites are destroyed.

The best handheld brush steamer

Tefal DR8085E1 model of the famous brand is recognized as the best hand steamer. The device has a convenient shape that follows the curve of the palm - it fits well in the hand. The brush does not get tired when processing clothes. The water heats up in 45 seconds, which is not enough for a device of this type. Universal brush – cleans wool and lint from textiles. Suitable for travel, families of 2-3 people.

Characteristics

water heating – 45 sec;
power – 1,500 W;
water tank volume – 200 ml;
auto shutdown – yes;
cord length – 3 m;
steam supply adjustment – yes;
heating indication – yes.

pros

works with various types of fabrics - there is a special attachment for delicate fibers;
regulation of power and steam supply is provided;
there is protection against steam shock;
built-in sprinkler;
The shape of the device follows the shape of the hand.

Minuses

Expensive, but you have to pay for quality.

VLK Sorento 6400

The most compact and multifunctional

This hand-held steamer, shaped like a small teapot, is the most compact of those included in our top. Its dimensions are only 17.5 x 10.5 x 15.6 cm (excluding the removable brush attachment).

At the same time, it has a fairly large tank (400 ml), good steam supply (35 g/min), power (1250 W) and operating time (20 minutes). It is also equipped with a steam control function, which allows you to deal with creases of any complexity.

But most importantly, thanks to its compactness, it is simply a multitool for travelers. It can be used as a steam generator, humidifier, wet cleaning brush, sterilizer, egg boiler and, indeed, as a travel electric kettle. If you are going on a business trip from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok by train, this small device in your suitcase will make life in your compartment a little more comfortable.

The best handheld mini steamer

Polaris PGS 1502CA has miniature dimensions and enhanced power. The model is not suitable for processing large quantities of clothing. This is a device for express steaming 1-2 items. If you need to quickly put your trousers or other thing in order, this is what you need. The included brushes remove lint and stains.

Characteristics

steam supply – after 30 seconds;
tank volume – 90 ml;
power – 1,500 W;
weight – 1.05 kg;
cord length – 2 m.

pros

cheap;
thoughtful equipment;
easy;
interesting design;
Auto shut-off is provided.

Family A8

With the largest tank and power

Domestic manufacturers do everything on a grand scale. Family A8 device not only has the largest water tank in our selection (1 liter), but at the same time it is the most powerful hand-held clothing steamer. Its power is 1700 W, it works for 20 minutes without topping up, and during this time it generates 40 grams of steam per minute.

Thanks to the volumetric tank, the device can be used to simply boil water on the road - after all, a whole liter is enough for several people. Such “electric kettle” steamers are very popular in China, and there are a lot of them on AliExpress - so we were surprised to come across a similar Russian-made device, and with such solid characteristics.

Of course, the size of the tank increases the dimensions of the device somewhat. But on the other hand, you can take this thing on a business trip with a whole group of colleagues - for example, to get yourself in order before a conference, and then drink tea in a hotel. Hypothetically, it would be possible to cook “doshirak” in a steamer, but, unfortunately, the steam iron is not removable - use one of the following models in our selection for this purpose.