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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Garment Steamers

Wrinkle-free clothes without the ironing boardβ€”steamers are faster for touch-ups and safer for delicates. We compared handheld and standing options.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer

Jiffy

J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer

4.7 (5,678 reviews)

The steamer that department stores use. Jiffy has been making these in the USA since 1940. Buy once, steam forever. This is the last steamer you'll ever buy.

Water Tank

3/4 gallon

Heat Time

2 minutes

Steam Output

Professional grade

Build

Steel construction

Pros

  • βœ“ Professional quality
  • βœ“ Powerful steam
  • βœ“ Made in USA

Cons

  • βœ— Expensive
  • βœ— Large and heavy
  • βœ— No travel portability

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer
J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer Best
Jiffy
4.7
$219 View
Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld
Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Value
Conair
4.4
$49 View
DR8080 X-Cel Steam Handheld
DR8080 X-Cel Steam Handheld
Rowenta
4.5
$79 View
Elite Garment Steamer
Elite Garment Steamer
PurSteam
4.3
$35 View
SF-407 Compact Fabric Steamer
SF-407 Compact Fabric Steamer
Steamfast
4.4
$29 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer

Jiffy

J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer

4.7 (5,678 reviews)

The steamer that department stores use. Jiffy has been making these in the USA since 1940. Buy once, steam forever. This is the last steamer you'll ever buy.

Water Tank

3/4 gallon

Heat Time

2 minutes

Steam Output

Professional grade

Build

Steel construction

Pros

  • βœ“ Professional quality
  • βœ“ Powerful steam
  • βœ“ Made in USA

Cons

  • βœ— Expensive
  • βœ— Large and heavy
  • βœ— No travel portability
Best Value
Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld

Conair

Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld

4.4 (23,456 reviews)

The handheld steamer that actually puts out useful steam. The turbo button gives extra punch for stubborn wrinkles. Great for daily touch-ups.

Water Tank

7.3 oz

Heat Time

75 seconds

Steam Duration

15 minutes

Features

Turbo steam, 3 attachments

Pros

  • βœ“ Turbo boost button
  • βœ“ Fast heat up
  • βœ“ Good steam output

Cons

  • βœ— Smaller tank
  • βœ— Gets hot
  • βœ— Not for heavy fabrics
Premium Pick
DR8080 X-Cel Steam Handheld

Rowenta

DR8080 X-Cel Steam Handheld

4.5 (8,765 reviews)

Rowenta brings iron expertise to steamers. The X-Cel heats in 45 seconds and puts out consistent, powerful steam. Premium handheld performance.

Power

1500W

Heat Time

45 seconds

Tank

6.7 oz

Steam Output

30 g/min

Pros

  • βœ“ 1500W power
  • βœ“ Fast and effective
  • βœ“ Kills bacteria

Cons

  • βœ— Heavier handheld
  • βœ— Premium price
  • βœ— Cord management
Budget Pick
Elite Garment Steamer

PurSteam

Elite Garment Steamer

4.3 (34,567 reviews)

Entry-level steaming at an entry-level price. PurSteam won't match the power of premium options, but it'll handle light touch-ups and travel needs.

Power

1000W

Heat Time

60 seconds

Tank

5 oz

Steam Duration

10 minutes

Pros

  • βœ“ Very affordable
  • βœ“ Quick heat up
  • βœ“ Decent steam

Cons

  • βœ— Weaker steam output
  • βœ— Small tank
  • βœ— Shorter lifespan
SF-407 Compact Fabric Steamer

Steamfast

SF-407 Compact Fabric Steamer

4.4 (15,678 reviews)

The travel steamer to throw in your suitcase. Dual voltage works internationally. Perfect for business trips and looking presentable after a red-eye.

Power

800W

Heat Time

90 seconds

Tank

3 oz

Voltage

120/240V

Pros

  • βœ“ Travel-friendly
  • βœ“ Budget price
  • βœ“ Simple operation

Cons

  • βœ— Basic steam output
  • βœ— Very small tank
  • βœ— Not for heavy use

Buying Guide: How to Choose Garment Steamers

Garment Steamers: Wrinkle-Free Without the Iron

Why Steam Instead of Iron?
  • Faster for quick touch-ups
    - Safer for delicate fabrics
    - No ironing board needed
    - Works on hanging clothes
    - Freshens without washing

    ### Handheld vs Standing
    Handheld:
    - Portable and compact
    - Quick heat-up
    - Limited water tank
    - Best for touch-ups

    Standing (Full-size):
    - More steam power
    - Larger water tank
    - Continuous steaming
    - Takes up space
    - Professional results

    ### What Steam Fixes
    - Wrinkles from storage or travel
    - Hanging garment refresh
    - Curtains and drapes
    - Upholstery (carefully)
    - Costume and delicate fabrics

    ### What Steam Can't Do
    - Sharp creases (need an iron)
    - Heavy cotton or linen (iron better)
    - Replace actual washing
    - Remove stains

    ### Pro Tips
    - Work top to bottom
    - Keep steamer moving
    - Slight tension on fabric helps
    - Let garment dry before wearing
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Garment Steamers

    Does a steamer replace an iron?

    For casual clothes and delicates, yes. For dress shirts that need crisp collars and creases, no. Many households use bothβ€”steamer for quick touch-ups, iron for formal clothes.

    Can I steam all fabrics?

    Most, but check labels. Steam is gentler than ironing but can damage silk, suede, and some synthetics. Test in hidden area first. Never steam leather or waxed fabric.

    Why is my steamer spitting water?

    Usually overfilled tank, not enough heat-up time, or tilting at wrong angle. Hold upright, wait for full heat, and don't overfill.

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