Tackling a mountain of laundry can feel like a relentless chore. Even when you’ve taken out creases with the best steam irons or you’ve used the best laundry detergents, pressing out stubborn wrinkles on an traditional ironing board remains a time-consuming slog.

Step in, the best clothes steamers come in. Boasting a faster, highly convenient solution by smoothing out hanging garments in seconds, they are also gentle on delicate materials and can freshen up fabrics between washes by using intense heat to eliminate odours and bacteria.

When selecting an optimal model, professional fashion stylist Lauren Paxton advises prioritising water capacity: “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.”

The second aspect to consider is how you’ll actually 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.”

To pick out the best clothes steamers, I put a mix of budget and luxury models through their paces. Here’s which ones came out on top.

Read more: 12 best steam irons, tested

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–

Read more: Clothes steamers vs irons – industry experts reveal which one is best

  • Bestclothes 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:

  • Tank capacity:200ml
  • Weight:1.3kg
  • Heat-up time:35 seconds
  • Cord length:3m
  • Running time:7 minutes

  • Accessories included:Cleaning brush

  • Bestbudget 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:

  • Tank capacity:250ml
  • Weight:900g
  • Heat-up time:30 seconds
  • Cord length:1.9m
  • Running time:10 minutes

  • Accessories included:Garment brush

  • Bestclothes 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:

  • Tank capacity:260ml
  • Weight:900g
  • Heat-up time:55 seconds
  • Cord length:2m
  • Running time:14 minutes

  • Accessories included:Water bottle adaptor, delicate fabric guard, portable hanger, collar press

  • Bestclothes 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

Tefal’s 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:

  • Tank capacity:100ml
  • Weight:1.6kg
  • Heat-up time:30 seconds
  • Cord length:2.6m
  • Running time:6 minutes

  • Accessories included:None

  • Bestclothes 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:

  • Tank capacity:160ml
  • Weight:900g
  • Heat-up time:25 seconds
  • Cord length:1.9m
  • Running time:6 minutes

  • Accessories included:None

  • Beststylish 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:

  • Tank capacity:70ml
  • Weight:700g
  • Heat-up time:30 seconds
  • Cord length:2m
  • Running time:4 minutes

  • Accessories included:Storage bag, lint brush

  • Bestfoldable 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:

  • Tank capacity:200ml
  • Weight:840g
  • Heat-up time:26 seconds
  • Cord length:3m
  • Running time:15 minutes

  • Accessories included:Fabric brush, storage bag, fill cup

  • Besteasy-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:

  • Tank capacity:80ml
  • Weight:1.1kg
  • Heat-up time:30 seconds
  • Cord length:1.8m
  • Running time:12 minutes

  • Accessories included:Garment brush

  • Bestclothes 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:

  • Tank capacity:130ml (230ml upgrade available)
  • Weight:1kg
  • Heat-up time:45 seconds
  • Cord length:3m
  • Running time:7-13 minutes

  • Accessories included:Heatproof glove

  • Besthybrid 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:

  • Tank capacity:750ml
  • Weight:3.8kg
  • Heat-up time:1 minute
  • Cord length:3m
  • Running time:30 minutes

  • Accessories included:Upholstery attachment

  • Bestclothes 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:

  • Tank capacity:360ml
  • Weight:1kg
  • Heat-up time:30 seconds
  • Cord length:1.9m
  • Running time:18 minutes

  • Accessories included:Fabric and lint brush

  • Bestlightweight clothes steamer

  • Why we love it- Lightweight
  • Easy to use

  • Comfortable to hold

  • Take note- Not as powerful as 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:

  • Tank capacity:250ml
  • Weight:800g
  • Heat-up time:30 seconds
  • Cord length:1.9m
  • Running time:18 minutes

  • Accessories included:Fabric brush

  • Bestclothes 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:

  • Tank capacity:120ml and 200ml
  • Weight:720g
  • Heat-up time:35 seconds
  • Cord length:2m
  • Running time:7 minutes
  • Accessories included:Glove and mat