10 tips for what to look for when buying a garment steamer

Using a garment steamer is an efficient and convenient way to get rid of wrinkles in your clothes. Whether you hate ironing or are simply looking for a faster solution, a garment steamer can be a valuable addition to your household. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the perfect garment steamer to meet all your needs? In this blog post, we share some essential tips to help you make the right choice.

1. Steam output and steam power

When choosing a garment steamer, it is important to consider its steam output and steam direction. Higher steam output makes the appliance more powerful, making it better suited to thicker fabrics. Also, make sure to choose a garment steamer that can be used both horizontally and vertically (360-degree technology), so you can easily treat different garments and surfaces.

Steam output is the amount of steam released by an iron or garment steamer. The higher the steam output, the more powerful the appliance. A garment steamer with high steam output is therefore better suited to thick fabrics, and its steam is extra powerful and strong. This makes it easier to remove wrinkles from textiles. To remove light wrinkles, we recommend a continuous steam output of at least  25 grams per minute. This is also perfectly effective, especially for quickly steaming a few garments and for travel! For larger/professional garment steamers for home use, 35 g/min is the minimum steam power, while 50 g/min is the maximum and ideal steam power.

2. Wattage and power

Not all garment steamers are equally powerful, so keep this in mind when buying one. A handheld steamer should have a minimum wattage of 1000 watts and 220-250V / 60 70Hz. For a larger/more professional garment steamer, the minimum wattage is 1900 watts and 220V/50HZ. A steam pressure of 3 bar is powerful, but the very best standing garment steamers on the market offer 4+ bar. More than 5 bar is not possible; this is the most powerful steam setting. 

3. Water tank capacity and water use

The size of the water tank is an important consideration. A compact (handheld) garment steamer usually has a smaller water tank, while larger models offer more capacity. Think about how many garments you want to steam in a row before having to refill the water tank. For a handheld steamer, 100 to 200 ml is ideal for steaming 2 to 3 garments. A water tank that is too large is inconvenient in a handheld steamer if you also want to take it with you when traveling. For a larger steamer with a stand, a 2-liter water tank is common, but in this case, the bigger the tank, the better. It is also useful to know whether you need to use distilled water or whether tap water is suitable.

4. Safety and ease of use:

Safety is a priority when choosing a garment steamer. Choose one made by a company that specializes in garment steamers. These appliances may be a little more expensive, but they are guaranteed to be high quality and equipped with the appropriate safety certifications and automatic temperature control. Safe for you and your favorite textiles. Ease of use is also important. Check whether the garment steamer has a comfortable handle, an easy-fill system and easy-to-use buttons without unnecessary frills. 

For the best steaming experience, always choose a garment steamer with a wide, large steam head, and especially a wide stainless-steel steam plate that is more than 10 centimeters wide. Many higher-end garment steamers have a specially designed steam plate that lifts the fabric and helps the fibers expand more easily. This can make steaming significantly easier.

5. Quality and durability

Invest in a good-quality garment steamer that will last. If you go for a cheap, low-quality plastic appliance, you will most likely regret it. Check the materials the appliance is made from and read reviews from other users to get an idea of the product's durability and reliability. A reliable warranty (at least 1 year) can also be an indication of the garment steamer's quality.

6. Extra features and accessories

Some garment steamers offer a range of extra features and accessories that make them easier to use. Consider which of these features are important to you and look for a garment steamer that meets your needs. Some common extra features include:

• Attachments: Check whether the garment steamer comes with various attachments, such as a brush attachment, lint brush, steam hook, storage bag or steam glove. These attachments can make it easier to treat specific garments or surfaces. However, various steam tests and evaluations have shown that an attachment on a garment steamer often does not add much and provides little extra value to the steaming process. The results were almost always better without brush attachments. Of course, opinions may differ.

• Adjustable steam intensity: Some models (especially standing garment steamers with a stand) have adjustable steam intensity, allowing you to adapt the steam power to the type of fabric or how stubborn the wrinkles are. This is especially useful if you want to treat a wide range of garments.

• Portability and ease of storage: If you plan to take the garment steamer with you when traveling, pay attention to its weight and dimensions. A compact, lightweight model is more convenient on the go. Also check whether the garment steamer is easy to store when not in use. Garment steamers can always be taken on trips (including flights) and are allowed through customs.

6. Cord length and plug

Of course, it depends on what you will mainly use the garment steamer for. For home use, a cord that is at least 1 meter long is fine, and you can also use an extension cord. But when you're on vacation, it can be nice to have a garment steamer with a longer cord. Our tests have shown that a cord measuring 2 meters or longer is ideal and gives you enough freedom of movement. 

When traveling outside the EU, it's a good idea to bring a travel adapter, since many garment steamers have a European plug. 

7. Handheld steamer or standing steamer with a stand?

You won't remove stubborn wrinkles with a handheld steamer because its steam output is too low. However, it easily freshens fabrics such as linen and cotton. Its short heat-up time lets you quickly smooth out light wrinkles. You can even steam your shirt just before you leave the house. Handheld steamers are easy to take along when traveling because of their small size. You can also use them to freshen up cushions or the sofa.

To steam several garments in a row, use a garment steamer with a stand. These have a large water tank that you don't need to refill often. They also have higher steam output, making them better suited to thick fabrics. Standing garment steamers often have specific steam settings for fabrics such as silk and wool. This also makes them very suitable for professional use.

8. Maintenance and cleaning

Pay attention to the maintenance and cleaning requirements of the garment steamer. Some models have a self-cleaning function, while others require regular descaling or cleaning. Make sure you are prepared to carry out the necessary maintenance to preserve the lifespan and performance of your garment steamer.

9. Fast heat-up time

Pay attention to the garment steamer's heat-up time. A fast heat-up time means you can get started sooner and don't have to waste valuable time. High-quality garment steamers always heat up in under 50 seconds. 20 seconds is the fastest possible heat-up time.

10. Price and budget

Set your budget before you start looking for a garment steamer. Prices vary depending on the brand, features and quality of the appliance. Balance your needs against your available budget to find a garment steamer that meets your requirements without putting too much strain on your wallet.