Clothes Steamers

Types of steamer

Whether you call it a steamer or garment steamer doesn’t matter, as both terms are completely correct and refer to the same product.

Steamers mainly come in three different types: a handheld version, a hybrid version that is both an iron and a steamer in one, and last but not least, a version that sits on a stand and has a larger water tank and motor.

Steamer on a stand

On a stand steamer, there are often wheels at the bottom to make it easy for you to transport it around the home.

In addition to the wheels, they often also have handles so you again have an easy way to move the steamer around.

Some steamer stands come with a hanger that can typically be attached to the stand of the steamer itself for easier steaming of your clothes.

The hanger rod itself is often adjustable in height, so you can set it to the height that suits you best or for example long dresses, to make it easier to steam your clothes.

In some cases, heat protection gloves are also included, providing extra safety to avoid burning your fingers.

When you steam the clothes, it may be necessary to pull a little on the fabric, and to avoid burning your fingers, you can wear the heat protection glove.

Steamers with clothing stands are often used in the fashion industry, for example in clothing stores, as it is a quick method to smooth clothes; however, it also works well at home.

Handheld steamer

The handheld steamer is a steamer without a stand and therefore also has a smaller water tank.

The water tank is thus built into the steamer and has a cord directly from the handle of the steamer, which needs to be plugged into a power outlet.

The handheld steamer is practical for regular private homes and for traveling as it is small and more compact due to its smaller water tank and no stand.

2 in 1 steamer and iron

A 2 in 1 steamer and iron is exactly as it sounds: a steamer and an iron in the same appliance.

They function among other ways so you can rotate the steamer head, allowing it to be used either as a steamer for steaming or as an iron.

It can also be used as an iron since it has a ceramic soleplate that heats up just like an iron.

Other models cannot be converted into an iron, but can instead be used as an iron, as they also have a soleplate on the steamer head so it can be used in two different ways.

So if you are faced with the choice between a steamer and an iron, you can choose a 2 in 1 so you don't have to compromise.

9 steamer functions and specifications you should know about

Below, you can get an overview of some of the functions and specifications you will find with steamers, helping you make a better decision about which one to choose.

#1 Weight

It can actually quickly become significant how much your steamer weighs, especially if you have a lot of clothes to steam.

The steamer needs to be held in hand, and sometimes you may also have to raise your arms, depending on how the clothes are hanging or if you are steaming curtains.

This can become hard over time, so it might be beneficial for you to choose one with a lightweight design.

#2 Capacity

The size of the water tank matters for how long you can use the steamer without needing to refill it.

The larger the water tank, the more you can steam on a charge.

However, you should also pay attention to the steamer head and how many holes it has for the steam to escape.

If it uses water quickly because it has a large steamer head with many holes, then the capacity obviously doesn’t mean that the steamer lasts longer than other models with a smaller water tank.

With most steamers, you can get a better understanding of how much water it uses per minute by checking how many grams of water it uses per minute, found in the product description.

#3 Heating

You won’t find many steam machines that take more than a minute to heat up; in fact, there are some that can heat up in just a few seconds.

The heating times you typically see range from about 10 seconds to approximately 45 seconds.

#4 Brush accessory

For some steamers, you get a corresponding brush accessory that can be attached to the steamer head.

The brush helps to smooth thicker types of fabric and more stubborn folds and creases in the material.

Therefore, the brush head is also not suitable for delicate fabrics, as you can easily pull threads out with the brush or wear out the fabric if it is too thin.

#5 Cord length

For most, the length of the cord does not matter, but if you need to use the steamer somewhere far from the nearest power outlet, it is worth considering the cord length.

Alternatively, you can of course use the steamer with an extension cord.

#6 Auto shut-off and overheating protection

Some steamers have auto shut-off or overheating protection to ensure that your steamer turns off by itself, so it does not burn out in any way.

The auto shut-off function also ensures that the steamer does not continue to steam, causing it to release a lot of moisture into the room.

#7 Measuring cup

With some steamers, you get a measuring cup so you don’t pour in more water than the steamer can handle.

Moreover, the measuring cup makes it easier for you to pour water into the water tank without spilling it, as the measuring cup typically always has a spout.

#8 Storage bag or case

If you are going to travel with the steamer, it might be beneficial to look for a steamer with a corresponding storage bag or case.

This way, you can also better keep track of the cord and it won’t drip on your other items if it hasn’t dried completely.

#9 Control light

On most steamers, there is a control light, which in some cases is integrated into the on and off button.

The control light is used to indicate whether the steamer is on or off, so you are never in doubt whether you have turned it off.

Which steamer should you choose?

The stand steamer is typically large and takes up a lot of space, often both in floor space and height.

Therefore, you should be prepared for it to take up space in your home, and that’s why it may not be suitable for you if you live small.

The handheld steamer is small and can easily be stored in a drawer or cupboard, and is often a good travel companion.

However, the handheld steamer doesn’t have a very large water tank and is therefore best suited for steaming a few pieces of clothing at a time.

Steamer vs. iron

If you are deciding between a steamer and an iron, you can get an overview here of the differences as well as the advantages and disadvantages of both.

We do recommend, however, that you consider choosing one of each to have the iron for the tougher wrinkles and the steamer for when it needs to go quickly or for light fabrics.

You can also benefit from choosing a 2 in 1 steamer and iron so you get the best of both worlds in the same appliance.

Advantages of steamers:

• Easy "ironing", but quick heating
• Can refresh used clothing so it feels clean and fresh
• Is good for removing bad odors
• You don't need an ironing board
• Works well with most types of fabrics, even the more delicate ones
• Handheld ones are great for travel

Disadvantages of steamers:

• Can struggle to smooth deep folds and wrinkles/creases in thicker fabrics
• Releases a lot of moisture into the room, which can damage materials over time (with heavy use)
• Most models are more expensive than irons (But for irons, you also need an ironing board on top)
• If used too long, your clothes can end up getting wet

Advantages of irons:

• Works better with heavier fabrics like denim.
• Easier to get collars, the edges of shirt sleeves, and hems to smooth out
• Good for when you need to iron a lot of clothes at once

Disadvantages of irons:

• You can more easily damage your clothing with too high temperatures
• An iron can start a fire if you forget it on top of fabric
• You need an ironing board, which can take up a lot of space

Important - What you need to know before using your steamer

You need to watch out that you do not steam your clothes against materials that cannot tolerate moisture and steam.

For example, if you hang your clothes on a door and start steaming the clothes against the door, some materials may begin to crack or get lumps due to too much moisture.

You should also be aware of what fabric you are dealing with and whether it can tolerate steam.

With some steamers, you can easily see in the instructions which types of fabric you may use the steamer with.

It is important that you follow the instructions for both the steamer and the clothing so you do not damage anything by doing it wrong.

Additionally, of course, you should also be careful with the hot steam when using a steamer, as you can easily burn yourself if you do not keep your hands away from the steam's "beam".

Do not use the steamer before you have read the instructions so you can use it safely and as intended.

Steamer for clothes and furniture

A steamer is not necessarily only for wrinkles in clothing but can also work on some types of furniture, for example if you have a sofa with loose upholstery or curtains that need to be smoothed out.

For things like curtains, the steamer is super good as you do not need to take the curtains down to steam them.

Not only can the steamer eliminate wrinkles, folds, and creases in fabric, but it can also help to refresh furniture and carpets.

This can, among other things, be the case if something has spilled or if there are bad odors stuck in the fabric.

It can be very difficult to wash the upholstery on a piece of furniture or a larger carpet, and here a steamer can either fully or partially help with the problem.

At avXperten, you will also find a wide array of other household products, including a steam station, window cleaner, vacuum sealers, and hot water dispenser.

Frequently asked questions about steamers

What is a steamer?

A steamer is a tool that can be used to remove wrinkles and folds in clothing and textiles using steam.

It therefore has the same function as an iron, but instead of smoothing the clothes with pressure and heat, steam is used to loosen wrinkles in the fabric.

What is a steamer used for?

A steamer is primarily used to smooth out folds and wrinkles in clothing, but it actually works on most fabrics, so it can also be used for curtains and some furniture.

Additionally, steam is considered to reduce bacteria, and some people use them for disinfecting items and surfaces.

How do you use a steamer?

1. First, fill the steamer with water (preferably low-calcium water).
2. Now turn on the steamer. It may take a few seconds up to a minute before it is warm.
3. Then you can use the steamer on your fabric where you need to eliminate wrinkles and ensure it is hung so you can easily see and smooth out the wrinkles.
4. Once you have steamed your clothing, remember to turn off and empty the steamer of any remaining water.