Laundry

Is a garment steamer your next travel must-have?

Trust us, your favourite linen sets will thank you.

Hate the thought of packing your favourite linen set into your carry-on luggage because it’ll come out on the other side riddled with creases? We feel you. Oftentimes, our favourite pieces of clothing are those made from delicate materials such as linen or silk – which, while it feels luxurious on the skin, these materials are, unfortunately, very prone to creases. And, that’s why we’re here to introduce you to the wonders of a garment steamer.

So, if you’re ready to pack your favourite flowy linen pants for your next tropical vacation without worrying about them becoming a wrinkly mess as you touch down, let us introduce to you one of the fashion industry’s best-kept secrets – a handheld garment steamer. 

Whether you’re looking to invest in a garment steamer for your next holiday, or you’re looking to add this convenience device to your everyday laundry routine, below, we’ve rounded up the best garment steamers that will keep creases at bay.

2024’s TOP GARMENT STEAMERS

  1. Propress Mini handheld garment steamer in Idol Blue, $219.32, Amazon (here’s why)
  2. Philips Steam & Go handheld garment steamer, $139, Myer (here’s why)
  3. Sunbeam garment steamer, $79, The Good Guys (here’s why)

The best garment steamers in Australia 2024

01

Propress Mini handheld garment steamer in Idol Blue

$219.32, Amazon

Trusted by fashion designers for decades, Propress is the leader in commercial-grade steamers. Now, with their new portable garment steamer designed for consumers, you’ll know it’s jam-packed with high-quality features that will make your most prized clothing pieces and linens fresher than ever. 

Key features:

  • Trusted by fashion brands since 1980
  • 45 second heat up time
  • Comes with steam mitt and travel bag

Also available at:

  • $329 (with additional Belly Tank), Brosa
  • $349 (in Artic Grey), Kogan

02

Philips Steam & Go handheld garment steamer

$139, Myer

Bring your clothes back to life with the Steam & Go garment steamer by Philips. You can use it horizontally or vertically depending on what you need to de-wrinkle. Plus, its SmartFlow heated plate means you can press the fabric while you steam horizontally for even better results – the best of both worlds.

Key features:

  • Suitable for vertical or horizontal steaming
  • SmartFlow heated plate
  • Continuous steam
  • Brush accessory included for thicker fabrics

Also available at:

03

Sunbeam garment steamer

$79, The Good Guys

Ready to use in 40 seconds, this handheld garment steamer by Sunbeam is highly rated among consumers. With 4.5 stars on Productreview.com.au, it receives praise for its generous 300ml water tank that allows you to steam your clothes for 18 minutes without refilling continuously. 

Key features:

  • 40 seconds heat up time
  • 300ml water tank
  • 2 steam settings to adapt to different types of garments
  • Wide steam head

Also available at:

04

Russell Hobbs handheld Supreme steamer

$99, The Good Guys

Time is of the essence when it comes to getting ready while on vacation. Spending hours prepping your clothes instead of exploring a new city is something we most definitely don’t want any part of. That’s why a handheld steamer that heats up in no time is essential. The Supreme handheld steamer from Russell Hobbs heats up in just 45 seconds and is ready to tackle all the wrinkles your clothes may have acquired mid-air. Plus, it features a unique scent infuser attachment with five reusable tabs for lots of refreshing scent choices, along with attachments for delicates, upholstery and a lint brush.

Key features:

  • Metal press plate
  • 200ml water tank capacity
  • 45 seconds heat up time

Also available at:

05

Philips 3000 series handheld steamer

$49, Myer

It doesn’t get as compact as the Philips 3000 series handheld steamer. It’s lightweight and has a foldable neck so it takes up as little space as possible. This small but mighty handheld steamer is ready to use in just 30 seconds and is perfect for delicate clothing as the steam plate is designed to be safe to use right up against your favourite garments without the risk of burning. 

Key features:

  • Compact foldable design
  • 100ml detachable water tank
  • 30 seconds heat up time

Also available at:

06

Tefal Access Steam Force handheld garment steamer

$149, David Jones

The Tefal Access Steam Force handheld steamer is designed for both clothing and home textiles. This versatile appliance removes wrinkles and sanitises thanks to its intense power steam technology – plus, with its included microfibre brush, dusting and sanitising around the home (think mattresses, sofas, and more) is just at the touch of a button. 

Key features:

  • Multi-purpose use – suitable home textiles and garments
  • Microfibre brush included that removes dust and sanitises simultaneously
  • Comes with storage stand

Also available at:

What is a handheld garment steamer?

propress-mini
(Credit: Photography: Propress)

Unlike traditional steam irons, a garment steamer is generally handheld, compact, and portable. It works to remove wrinkles and freshen up clothes, but also upholstery and other fabrics, sans the need for a bulky ironing board or flat surface. Simply hang your clothes as you would on a clothes hanger and watch the magic happen (vertically) before your eyes. 

As they are smaller and more portable in size, these make for a great travel companion, especially if you’re travelling for a special event where your outfit needs to be looking fresh and crease-free as soon as you land. Plus, a handheld garment steamer is actually better for delicate fabrics as the temperature is not as high as a traditional iron.

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