Rating of the best budget steamers 2021

Today, instead of the usual iron, you can easily and efficiently iron things using universal devices - steamers. They are used to care for clothes at home, in studios, and in production workshops. It does not have to be expensive; you can opt for an inexpensive budget hand-held device. As you may have guessed from the name, a “steamer” is a device that performs a wide range of functions, which is based on the strong effect of steam on the surface of textiles. The design has a water tank that heats up to high temperatures. As a result of boiling, a stream of steam enters a flat nozzle, with the help of which the fabric is processed. Due to strong pressure, the fibers of the material tend to “relax”, allowing the surface to smooth out. It is also worth saying that steamers have an advantage over conventional irons. With their help, you will not only iron the item, but also easily remove unpleasant odors and stains. With steamers, the process of ironing things is much faster and easier than with a household iron. A powerful jet of steam easily straightens creases and folds on clothes, and also copes well with complexly cut items. The ironing process occurs without contact of the heating element with the fabric, therefore eliminating the possibility of damage or the appearance of shiny stripes.

Criterias of choice

Globally, there are two types of devices:

Hand steamers are small, compact devices with a water tank, similar to a brush or electric kettle. They are convenient to take on the road, especially if it is possible to operate on a battery, they take up little space and also weigh little. But their water capacity is small, so such steamers are not designed for a long operating time and are not suitable for a large volume of things. As a rule, hand steamers have low power, so they are not suitable for working with heavy and dense fabrics - they simply will not have an effect.
Vertical or floor-standing models of steamers are more bulky - in addition to the iron, they come with a rack for things, a hose and a capacious boiler, which allows you to work for several hours without interruption. High power ensures intense steam formation and strong pressure, under which even strong creases on dense fabrics are straightened. The iron itself is light and does not tire your hands. The only thing you have to worry about is finding a place to store the device and all its components.

Often, in addition to the main function, steamers can perform several parallel ones, such as cleaning fabric sofas, armchairs, mattresses; disinfection of soft toys; if there are nozzles - washing various surfaces, for example, windows; removal of mold in tile joints, etc. The capabilities of the steamer will depend largely on its technical and operational characteristics:

Power is a double-edged sword. Devices that are too powerful consume a lot of electricity, while steamers with low energy consumption take longer to heat water, produce less steam and only work well with knitwear and delicate fabrics. Steaming jeans or a coat will be a problem for them. The optimal power indicator is 1700-1900 W.
Maximum steam supply is ensured by pressure. The greater the steam supply and the stronger the pressure, the more efficiently the device copes with complex tasks. The optimal pressure is 4-5 bar, and the steam supply is 40-50 g/min and higher.
The volume of the water tank is important for both manual and vertical models, and when choosing a device for your home you need to stick to the average values. If the tank volume of a hand-held steamer is too large, your hand will get tired. The oversized capacity of the floor-standing version makes the device oversized and inconvenient for storage. But you shouldn’t opt for a steamer with a small tank either, since the operating time directly depends on the volume. However, here you can focus on your personal data - if you need to steam a new shirt a couple of times a week, then a liter tank will be enough, but for a large family it is better to choose a capacity of at least 1.5 liters.
The sole material of the iron can be metal, ceramic or plastic. A plastic sole is a less reliable option. An additional heating element can be built into the metal sole, which will save you from condensation. It is worth paying attention to the number of holes: the more there are, and the thicker they are applied, the more uniform the steam supply and the better the result.
The number of modes affects the functionality of the device. Steamers with one mode are suitable for fabrics with similar characteristics. The more modes, the wider the choice of fabrics suitable for processing.
The length of the steam hose is a parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing a floor steamer. It affects the maneuverability of the device, but the longer the hose, the lower the outlet temperature, and if there is no additional heating element, a lot of condensation can form.
Water quality is a separate requirement for each model. If the steamer is not equipped with filters, then only distilled or purified water can be poured into it. If there is protection against scale, then you can pour water from the tap, but bottled water will extend the service life.

What parameters are best for choosing a steamer?

Power . The higher it is, the faster the heating. It is advisable to consider hand steamers from 1000 W and above, floor-standing ones - from 1500 W;
Intensity (performance) of steam supply . Directly affects the smoothing efficiency. Measured in grams per minute. More is better;
Water tank volume. The duration of continuous operation will depend on this parameter;
Iron sole material. The best option is metal. It is stronger and more durable than plastic, although somewhat heavier;
Steam hose length. The larger it is, the more convenient it is, but then the iron must have a heater. Otherwise, dignity will become disadvantage;
Number of steam supply modes . Some models have adjustments for different types of fabric. In fact, it is quite possible to get by with a single mode;
Availability of scale protection . You can use distilled water or choose a model with a special softening filter and use simple tap water. Only people living in regions where water hardness is “off scale” should not rely entirely on such a system.

The best manufacturers of clothing steamers

To avoid disappointment in steamers, buy devices from well-known brands that value their reputation. Such technological devices will serve you for years and delight you with the quality of steaming.

Philips is a company founded in the Netherlands that produces steamers in the mid-price segment and features. Their devices cannot boast of wide functionality, but everyone praises their reliability. Moreover, home steamers from Phillips cope with their tasks one hundred percent.
MIE – Italian professional equipment. Production facilities are located in Italy, each household appliance undergoes thorough quality control. Mie equipment is distinguished by its power and ease of use; it is often used in dry cleaners and workshops where a large volume of work needs to be handled.
Kitfort is a Russian manufacturer that produces a large number of various household appliances, including steamers. Buyers will be pleased with the price against the backdrop of optimal functions, availability in most stores, including chain stores, and the number of service centers with available spare parts.
ENDEVER is part of a Russian group of companies, but the brand is actually Swedish. Everyone is familiar with the reliability, simplicity and convenience of the Swedes, and in the production of household appliances they are true to themselves. ENDEVER produce a wide range of steamers, both vertical and manual, at an affordable price.
Tefal is a French company whose name is synonymous with quality. Their appliances and utensils are distributed all over the world and are in great demand, and steamers are no exception. Simplicity combined with a signature recognizable design, wide functionality and long service life attracts many buyers. True, the price of their steamers is higher than the market average, but people are willing to pay for a combination of technical and external properties.

Steamers and steam generators: what's the difference?

Steamers and steam generators
Many users mistakenly equate a steamer with a steam generator. But in fact, these devices, although they create a jet of steam, are completely different in their design and purpose.

So, let's figure it out together. Steamers are devices that use a jet of steam to smooth fabric items. They can process a variety of materials and are suitable even for complex clothing - ruffles, fur inserts, folds, and so on.

Steam generators produce a more powerful jet that heats up to a temperature of 260 degrees. It is designed to disinfect and clean not only fabrics, but also various surfaces - ceramic tiles, laminate, linoleum, glass and more.

Best Budget Handheld Steamers

RUNZEL VAG-160 Plantag

The manufacturer positions it as a device that is convenient to take with you on a business trip.
A powerful heating element is capable of ensuring quick readiness for work: according to the manufacturer, you can straighten wrinkles on clothes and refresh textiles within twenty-five seconds after switching on. At the same time, the device creates a steam pressure of 3.5 bar, which corresponds to mid-level steam cleaners. The manual model is capable of working non-stop for up to twelve minutes, while the tank, which holds 360 ml of water, will have to be filled more often, since the steam supply power is 40 g per minute. Other features of the device include an anti-drip system, locking the trigger in constant supply mode, as well as the presence of a safety system, which is represented by overheating protection and automatically turns off if there is no water in it. Specifications:

Type: manual;

Steamer power: 1500 W;

Tank volume: 0.36 l;

Heating time: 25s;

Uptime: 12 min;

Advantages

Convenient to use
Not heavy
Large tank volume

Flaws

Gets very hot around the handle area
Weak stream of steam

RUNZEL VAG-150 Jatten

A handheld compact steamer with a power of 1500 W generates steam at a temperature of 100°C and a pressure of 3.5 bar. Steam consumption – 40 ml/min. The container holds 360 ml of water. The device is controlled mechanically, with a single steam button. Works in any position: horizontal and vertical. The homeland of the brand is Sweden, the warranty is one year (25 months when registering on the official website).

Advantages

Fixed press and hold function
Anti-drop function
Steel heater
Removable water tank
Automatic shutdown when not in use (Auto-AllOff) and protective shutdown when there is no water
Compactness
Heating to working condition – 25 seconds

Flaws

No steam adjustment
Short continuous operation time – 15 minutes
Use only distilled, soft water
Adding water only when the device is completely disconnected from the network
Cleaning the device from scale, according to the instructions, is possible only at a service center

Polaris PGS 1518CA

A device that will help you easily steam clothes from any type of fabric in a matter of seconds.
A steamer with a brush attachment included for cleaning clothes from wool, lint and other contaminants. A stable steam flow is achieved thanks to high power, which means you can get rid of wrinkles in less than a minute. The device is able to eliminate wrinkles in vertical steam mode, so the owner can forget about a bulky ironing board and a regular iron. Specifications:

Power: 1500 W;

Maximum steam supply: 26 g/min;

Tank volume: 0.26 l;

Water heating time: 35 s;

Working time: 8 min.

Advantages

a unique system that prevents the appearance of plaque
hot steam supply adjustment
Convenient filling of the tank with liquid
ergonomic handle
device for using bottled water

Flaws

small water tank
slight heating of the handle
need to wind the cord manually

Xiaomi GT-301W

The handheld steamer has a dual heating panel, intelligent steam supply and is suitable for fabrics such as silk, cotton and wool.
The portable device is compact in size and equipped with a long cord, allowing you to use it when you hang clothes on a hanger or lay them on the ironing board, and at the same time you can move freely. The steam device is equipped with a plastic water container with a capacity of 150 ml. Thanks to the transparent design of the tank, you can control the water level in the model. Despite its light weight, the steam iron has a power of 1200 W for faster ironing. At the moment of ironing the clothes, steam is sprayed in a straight line and penetrates the fibers of the fabric, smoothing out absolutely any wrinkles. The peculiarity of the iron is that it automatically switches off when its temperature rises above one hundred and forty degrees or when high voltage is supplied to the network. Such thoughtful protection allows you to avoid damage to products and electrical systems in your apartment. Specifications:

Type: hand steamer;

Steamer power: 1200 W;

Tank volume: 0.15 l;

Steam intensity: 22 g/min.

Advantages

Adequate cost
Heats up quickly
Works with a button

Flaws

Small water tank
No gloves included

Philips GC351/20 Steam&Go

A handheld steamer is an indispensable device when traveling and at home.
With a power of 1000 W, the device provides a constant automatic steam supply of 20 ml/min. Under the influence of high temperature, all things are smoothed, unpleasant odors and more than 90 percent of bacteria are removed. The removable water tank measures 0.7 liters, which is enough to easily steam several items. The model perfectly smoothes all types of fabrics and is indispensable for complexly cut items with a lot of decor, and for dense fabrics it comes with a brush. The manual model is small in size, which allows it to be used for trips and travel. The cord, three meters long, allows you to expand the range of action and does not need to use an extension cord. The rich blue color and stylish design will not leave anyone indifferent. For safety of use, a protective mitten is included with the model. Specifications:

Type: hand steamer;

Steamer power: 1000 W;

Ready: 60 sec;

Tank volume: 0.07 l;

Number of modes: 1.

Advantages

Comfortable in using
Compact dimensions
Decent appearance

Flaws

Low power
Small water container

Kelli KL-317

A stylish and functional steamer for quickly removing wrinkles from clothes made of any fabric.
Can only be used in a vertical position. This is one of the highest quality models for 2021. For convenience, a light indication is provided during operation. The device not only eliminates wrinkles, but also destroys germs and unpleasant odors. Automatic shutdown when inactive makes the model as safe as possible. The volume of water is enough to work for 23 minutes. Specifications:

Power: 1500 W;

Steam supply: 30 g/min;

Tank volume: 0.35 l;

Water heating: 60 s.

Advantages

compactness
bright color
gentle smoothing of delicate fabrics
rapid boiling of water

Flaws

not suitable for thick fabrics
water splashes when boiling

The best budget vertical steamers

ENDEVER Odyssey Q-9

A steamer that captivates with its high technical characteristics and ease of use.
A universal model that combines two devices: a steam cleaner and a steamer. A special feature of the electrical appliance is the intensive supply of hot steam, which allows you to remove not only hard folds, but also cope with pathogens, thoroughly cleaning and refreshing clothes. The user can also use the device to steam curtains, mattresses or blankets - with a long handle this will be as convenient as possible. Specifications:

Power: 2500 W;

Maximum steam supply: 90 g/min;

Tank volume: 2.3 l;

Water heating time: 120 s;

Working time: 40 min.

Advantages

stable telescopic stand
effective elimination of unpleasant odors
steam iron with temperature control
simple controls
stylish design

Flaws

manual cord winding
long water heating
size

Monster MB-10035

The steamer with a power of 1500 W is positioned by the instructions as a device for “successful people” and even for “VIP hotels and restaurants.” The tank capacity is 1.5 liters. The device is equipped with a one-legged telescopic stand and hanger, a trouser holder, a brush attachment, and a mitten. Manufactured in China, warranty period is one year.

Advantages

Steamer with mechanical steam regulator
Quick readiness of the unit - 45 seconds from turning on the mode to the start of steam supply
Mobile wheelbase
Funny intuitive instructions in the spirit of “Aliexpress”: “Screw the lock ring into the socket pipe”
Nice "homey" appearance

Flaws

The only telescopic stand is not very stable
According to customer reviews, the plastic is rather flimsy, the steam generated is insufficient

Endever Odyssey Q-5

An optimal device that combines the advantage of low cost with power that can cope even with thick and dense fabric. For this price range, 2200 W is a rare find. The reservoir holds 1.8 liters of water. The maximum temperature for heating the steam jet is 95 degrees. The device supplies steam at a volumetric rate of up to 50 g/min. The disadvantages include fairly noisy operation (50 dB). The unit is equipped with a telescopic tube, a durable stand, and is also equipped with protection against overheating and power surges.

Advantages

different nozzles
protection against overheating and voltage surges
spacious capacity
power

Flaws

Quite noisy operation

Philips GC514/40 EasyTouch Plus

The 1600 W floor steamer generates steam at 32 g/min, with three steam generation modes depending on the type of fabric being steamed. The device kit includes: an adjustable single stand, a clothes hanger, and a special mitten for steam protection. Ready for work – a minute after switching on. The homeland of the brand is the Netherlands, the manufacturer is China, the warranty is 2 years.

Advantages

Can use hard tap water
Removable transparent tank
Adding water during operation
Descaling (Easy de-calc)
Cord length – 2 m, hose length – 1.5 m
Height-adjustable stand
Cord compartment

Flaws

A rather “flimsy” stand on one leg (according to customer reviews)
Inconvenient instructions

ENDEVER Odyssey Q-6

A good powerful steamer (2200 W) heats up in 35 seconds, and thanks to a large 1.8 liter tank, it can work for 55 minutes, which is enough to iron a mountain of clothes, because the maximum steam output of this device is 50 g/min. It is difficult to achieve perfectly ironed clothes with its help, but it is excellent for daily work. A convenient hanger on a double stand securely holds the item in one position. The device has several steaming modes for different fabrics, and even copes with linen and cotton items. One of the disadvantages is the easily bent hose, which in this position stops transmitting steam, so you need to keep it straight. The quality of the plastic from which the steamer is made is average, but quite consistent with the price.

Advantages

Power
Fast heating
Long working time
Spacious capacity
Convenient stand
Different steaming modes
Price

Flaws

Plastic quality

MARTA MT-1171

Steam steamer MARTA MT-1171 is a multifunctional device for comprehensive care of items made of any type of fabric.
Its features are truly impressive. With it, you can easily steam clothes and linen, restore fabric or any other coating, carry out routine care of any fur products, or perform deep disinfection, which is important for the health of children. You no longer need an iron, you will save time and electricity, since the station irons several times faster than this device. With it, you can easily steam clothes of any type, restore their appearance, shape, and even disinfect children's toys. You can do all this easily and comfortably due to the large set of accessories that are included with the station. Steam heated in the device kills viruses, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Steam can easily penetrate into folds and destroy pathogens along with dust. Specifications:

Type: steamer;

Capacity volume: 1.5 liters;

Continuous operation time: 40 minutes;

Heating time: 35 s.

Advantages

Good power
Low cost
Adjusting the steam supply

Flaws

Short cord
Heavy

The best budget vertical/horizontal steamers 2in1

Universal steamers that can work both vertically and horizontally are great for home use.

Kitfort KT-919

One of the most popular floor steamers on the market. It quickly heats water in a tank (decent in size), is compact and economical. In most cases, it can replace an iron, since it steams almost any fabric, and much faster. Well suited for delicate fabrics: corduroy, silk, linen, etc. However, it is also quite applicable for thick fabrics - users iron bed linen directly on the bed. The included hanger allows you to start working with the device immediately. The price of the steamer is quite reasonable - it is worth the money and even more.

Advantages

excellent steaming quality
efficiency
ideal for delicate fabrics
fairly large water tank (1.5 liters)
quick start of work
serious design
clear instructions

Flaws

If you have no experience with such equipment, it will take some time to get used to using it.
The handle gets hot

Scarlett SC-GS130S09

The Scarlett SC-GS130S09 model is a convenient device that allows you to put any clothes in perfect order.
This device allows you to care for things at a professional level right at home: the set includes a brush designed for delicate and woolen items and a protective mitt. Due to the stepwise adjustment of steam strength, you can choose the appropriate mode with maximum ease. Using the device, it is possible to smooth out ruffles and frills, jackets and coats that cannot be smoothed with an iron. In addition, you can eliminate unpleasant odors, disinfect clothes and work with complex types of fabrics such as velvet, corduroy, various laces and silk. A large tank with a volume of two liters does not require frequent topping up of water. In addition, you will be pleased with the included ironing board, which can be installed in a vertical or horizontal position. The model has eleven steaming modes and a stable telescopic stand on two supports. Specifications:

Type: steamer;

Steamer power: 1900 W;

Tank volume: 2 l;

Heating time: 45 s.

Advantages

Smoothes things out well
Excellent price/quality ratio
Stable double stand

Flaws

No normal adjustment
There is no switch on the handle

MIE Piccolo

The MIE Piccolo hand steamer is a small, universal 2-in-1 device designed for both vertical steaming of various types of fabrics and for simple boiling of water for household needs. In fact, this is a nice electric mini-kettle of bright orange color with a volume of 0.5 l with a powerful 1200 W heating element. And the use of the device in one capacity or another depends on the installed attachment. The black top element with a steam iron allows you to use the steamer mode. It becomes possible to effectively deal with wrinkles and wrinkles on clothes, refresh things, and neutralize odors. As additional accessories, the kit includes: a fluffy brush, a heat-resistant board for steaming hard-to-reach places (collars, cuffs, pockets, various ruffles and frills), a special mitten with Teflon coating to protect against burns. Continuous operation time – 15 minutes. A simple transformation into a compact and convenient kettle consists of installing a transparent lid with a “spout” for pouring water into the cup instead of the steamer nozzle.

Advantages

Steam output – 40 g/min
Overheat protection, auto shut off without water
Affordable price

Flaws

Short power cord
Fast water consumption

Types of steamers

Types
Any choice is preceded by a study of the features of the device. When it comes to steamers, first of all you need to decide on their classification.

Manual

Handheld Steamers
Best Selling Garment Steamer. It is compact and lightweight. The water tank is also very limited in volume, so the steam power and operating time leave much to be desired.

But the device is convenient for travel and can completely replace an iron at home. With its help, you can simply freshen up your clothes before leaving the house.

Important! Handmade models are worth choosing if clothes made from thin, delicate fabrics prevail in your wardrobe. This type of steamer may not be able to handle thicker materials.

Vertical (floor)

Vertical
Traditionally a powerful device with a spacious water container to which wheels are attached. The design also includes a long hose and an iron, through which a stream of steam passes.

Using the device you can steam almost all types of fabrics. It is effective and comes with a good set of attachments. But a short hose does not always provide comfortable operation.

Hybrid 2 in 1

Hybrid 2 in 1 models
There are few user reviews about clothing steamers of this type. And the reason for this is their lack of prevalence. Although in fact they are convenient, as they combine the advantages of both types.

Hybrid models are structurally identical to vertical ones. But if desired, the iron itself can be disconnected from the hose and used independently.