Garment Steamers can be the best way to quickly remove creases and freshen up garments without having to use bulky ironing equipment or a steam press.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the product that is right for you.
In this article we break down everything from steamer safety, and the ability to remove creases effectively, to help you find the Garment Steamer that best meets your specific needs.
1. Phillips Smartflow Handheld Garment Steamer (Top Pick)
Ready to use in just 45 seconds and able to steam one item of clothing in just one fill, the steamer is convenient for the speedy de-wrinkling of garments. Customers have no need for an ironing board so not only is it easy to store, but the product can be used both vertically and horizontally.
The Phillips Smartflow Handheld Garment Steamer also uses Smartflow heated plate technology which not only kills nearly 100% of bacteria, but also claims to remove odour and wrinkles more effectively than other product designs.
What We Like:
- Safe for use on all fabrics
- Ready to use in 45 seconds
- Kills up to 99.9% of bacteria
- Can be used both horizontally and vertically
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as powerful as products with larger water tanks
- Some users report the design can cause the tank to leak water in some cases
2. Sunbeam sG3000 Butler Turbo Garment Steamer
This product heats up in just 40 seconds and is steam time ready quicker than many similar steamers on the market. With 5 steam settings, telescopic twin support poles and a rotating 3-in-1 hanger, customers can enjoy the convenience and flexibility in how they use the steamer.
The Sunbeam SG3000 Butler Turbo Garment Steamer also has advanced safety features of a hand steam guard and a standby auto-off, providing plenty of peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Advanced safety features
- Ready to go in just 40 seconds
- Support poles and hanger for easy use
- 5 steam settings and 2 accessories, for additional user control
What We Don’t Like:
- May perform as well as expected on heavy creases
- Leakage of the water tank could be an issue for some customers
3. Laurastar LIFT White Steam Station
From one of the most respected names in the world of irons and steam generators, comes this beautiful and impressive unit. Often praised for drastically cutting down the time required to iron clothes and other items, it is also a pleasure to use.
No corners have been cut on this machine. The system includes a professional-level iron, which diffuses a powerful, ultra-fine mist into your garments. It also includes a unique ironing board with a heat resistant mat.
A key feature is the vertical steaming function, which provides users with the ability to steam hanging garments.
If you’re looking to make an investment in your iron and steaming experience, be sure check out the Laurastar LIFT.
What We Like:
- Significantly cuts down ironing time
- Replaces traditional iron & ironing board
- Vertical steaming
- Heats up in just 3 minutes
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Bulkier than other options
4. Kambrook KSS120GRN Swiftsteam Garment Steamer
This fabric steamer is portable and lightweight, and has a 45 degree swivel power cord for optimum maneuverability and convenience during use. With an easy trigger control and continuous steam, garments can be smoothened and freshened with ease.
The Kambrook Swiftsteam Garment Steamer also has a completely detachable 250ml water tank, for additional refill convenience between uses.
What We Like:
- Portable and lightweight
- Detachable water tank
- Easy to use
- Good value for money
What We Don’t Like:
- Only vertical use
- May not be as powerfule as heavy duty products
5. Sunbeam SG1000 Power Steam Handheld Garment Steamer
This clothing steamer has a 300 ml water tank capacity and 18 minutes steaming power between refills, giving you the freedom to freshen garments continuously without hassle. It is also ready to use in just 40 seconds, so it’s great for steaming clothes in a hurry.
The Sunbeam SG1000 Power Steam Handheld Garment Steamer also works both horizontally and vertically without any need for an ironing board and also comes with 4 handy accessories, including a fabric brush for quick lint removal, providing you the freedom to use it in a way that works best for your needs.
What We Like:
- Extra large water tank
- Ready to use quickly
- Handy accessories
- Vertical and horizontal use
What We Don’t Like:
- May struggle with deeper creases
- A little heavier than alternative products
Garment Steamer Buyer’s Guide
Buying a garment steamer can be tricky because many products can appear to be offering similar benefits. The reality is that there’s a lot of minor differences that can impact on the quality of use for you as a consumer. Understanding what to look for in a garment steamer is the first step to buying a great product that provides you with the best user experience for your money.
Safety Features
Products without the ability for standing or to be hung without using extra hangers may cause you to be at risk of burning your hands during use. Tank changing that involves the steaming component may also place you at risk of scalding from the hot water, or hot sections of the device.
Products that include special safety guards, auto-off features and the ability to safely be hung or stood will help you use the product with the least likelihood of injury.
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Longevity Of Use
Being able to use the product quickly is useful, but if it only steams for a short time before needing to be refilled, the convenience factor drops. Look for a balance between the product being lightweight, but also powerful and large enough in the tank to enable you to steam at least one item between refills.
Power
In compromising on size and opting for a more portable product, the steam power might be less effective. Although, some smaller and cheaper products can effectively remove creases from clothes.
Looking for a product with a focus on effectively removing wrinkles from clothes, including garments made from tricky fabrics like cotton, ensures that any additional features do not occur to the detriment of priority features.
Manoeuvrability
Swivel cords, long cords, and the ability to use the product both horizontally and vertically all factor into its maneuverability, and overall ease of use.
Choosing a product that offers you the most flexibility in how you use it, ensures the easiest steaming experience when you’re freshening garments.
Warranty
Protecting yourself by purchasing a steamer with a warranty means that you can easily return it if it doesn’t suit your needs for any reason. You can find out more information about warranties from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commision.
Lots of features doesn’t always guarantee a good steaming product, although some additional features can add to the usability and safety of the steamer. Effectiveness holds a lot of importance because it is the main purpose of the product. In addition to following our handy tips, if you look for a good mix of easy refills and having enough time to steam at least one garment between refills, means that you’re able to utilise your steamer regularly.
Garment Steamer Kmart
At the time of publishing Kmart stock one handheld garment steamer and one upright steamer, both from their home brand.
Both of these products get fairly mixed reviews, however they are very reasonably priced so certainly worth a look if you’re in the market for a budget steamer.
Garment Steamer Big W
Big W can be a great option for home appliances thanks to their handy locations in city centers. They currently have a floor standing garment steamer from Prinetti that features 30 minutes of continuous steam and multiple steam settings.
They also stock our #5 pick, the Kambrook Swift Steam Garment Steamer.
Garment Steamer Target
Target are a good option if you’re in the market for an affordable garment steamer as they stock a solid range of wallet-friendly products.
In addition to our #3 pick the Phillips Smartflow, Target also stock other products under their home brand as well as Sunbeam.
Garment Steamer FAQs
Do garment steamers work better than irons?
The main advantages of a garment steamer include the fact that it can be used without an ironing board and that it is less likely to damage soft and delicate fabrics. On the other hand, if you need to get rid of deep-set creases or attain that crisp, fresh look, then you’ll need a good steam iron. Irons are also the preferred option for thicker materials such as cotton.
The process for using your garment steamer will depend on its individual design. With simple, hand-held garment steamers, hang your item on a clothing hanger somewhere that allows you space to work. Run the steamer slowly up and down the garment one section at a time, allowing 1-2 minutes per section to allow time for the fibers to relax and the wrinkles to work themselves out.
When you take your clothes to a dry cleaner, they use a chemical solvent to clean the fibers of the garment. This process can remove odours and stains without the use of moisture or liquid. Steaming, on the other hand, involves the application of steam to the fabric, and uses moisture to remove odors and wrinkles.
