Ironing clothes is arguably one of the worst household chores. Even though we love crisp white shirts and beautifully pleated linen pants just as much as the next person, they are very prone to wrinkles. But one of the best ways to deal with this is a garment steamer.
While the task of getting out the ironing board and iron to smooth out those creases just doesn’t fit into our busy routines anymore, a garment steamer can be more portable and easy to use.
So, if you want to get crease-free garments without being a slave to the ironing board for hours, here’s what to know about steamers. Plus, our pick of the best garment steamers you can buy in Australia.
What are garment steamers?
Garment or clothing steamers are light, portable, easy to use devices that help keep your wardrobe staples looking fresh. They’re not exactly new, but have rightfully earned their place in many Australian households over the past few years.
A garment steamer smooths out creases in your clothes by blowing hot steam via a water tank. Unlike traditional irons, a garment steamer does not touch your clothes directly. Instead, you simply hang your clothes on a hanger and run the steamer parallel to it.
Is a handheld garment steamer worth buying?
If portability isn’t enough to convince you to invest in a garment steamer, then it’s important to note that a garment steamer is time-saving, can be used on a wider range of fabrics (i.e. curtains), and can also be used to remove odours and bacteria from your clothes.
So, if you’re ready to venture into the world of garment steamers but don’t know where to start, then you’re at the right place. Here, we’ve rounded up the best garment steamers that you can buy in Australia with quality, ease of use, and affordability in mind.
The best garment steamers to buy in Australia
1. Sunbeam power steam SG1000, $74 (usually $89.95), Amazon
Ready to use in 40 seconds, the Sunbeam SG1000 garment steamer is highly rated amongst consumers. With 4.3 stars on Productreview.com.au, it receives praise for its generous 300ml water tank that allows you to continuously steam your clothes for 18 minutes without refilling.
Key features:
- 40-second heat up time
- Up to 18 minutes of continuous steaming
- Includes 4 accessories for different fabrics
- 2-year warranty
2. Philips 3000 Series handheld garment steamer, $79.95, Myer
One of the most compact options for handheld garment steamers out there is this one by Philips. It’s foldable, light and ready to use in 30 seconds, making it perfect to pack in your suitcase for a weekend away.
Key features:
- 30-second heat up time
- Foldable design for compact storage
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
3. Propress MINI handheld steamer, $214.28, Amazon
If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality garment steamer, then you can’t go past the Propress MINI. Propress is a trusted brand among fashion professionals and has been in the industry for over 40 years. It’s the first choice for fashion designers, fabric care companies and high street fashion stores.
This portable steamer for consumers is robust and lightweight – you’ll have decades of steaming expertise at your fingertips. It has at a higher price point than many other steamers, but that could be worth it if you have a lot of clothing that needs steaming.
Key features:
- 45-second heat up time
- Up to 7 minutes of continuous steaming
- Includes steaming mitt and travel bag
4. Philips Steam and Go handheld garment steamer, $98 (usually $139), Amazon
Bring your clothes back to life with the Steam and 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 steaming results.
Key features:
- 45-second heat up time
- Lightweight with 70ml water tank ideal for steaming 1 piece of clothing
- Includes brush, glove and storage bag
5. Anko garment steamer, from $33, Catch.com.au
Looking for an affordable option to dip your toes into the garment steaming world? This one by Anko will do just the trick. For only $33 you can effortlessly remove stubborn creases and wrinkles with ease. With a 90-second heat up time, durable and compact design, your neglected blouses will thank you.
Key features:
- 90-second heat up time
- 160ml water tank
- 1 year manufacturer’s warranty
6. Kambrook Swiftsteam garment steamer, $64 (usually $74.95), Amazon
Another affordable garment steamer is the Swiftsteam by Kambrook. With 4.5 stars on Productreview.com.au, consumers are most impressed with its ease of use. And, if saving space is high on your agenda, this garment steamer won’t take up a huge footprint in your wardrobe, laundry, or storage cupboard.
Key features:
- Lightweight design
- 250ml water tank
- 360° swivel cord for manoeuvrability
7. Xiao Mi MIJIA handheld steamer, $69, Amazon
If you’re looking for a handheld steamer with a sleek profile, then it’s worth considering the Xiao Mi MIJIA handheld steamer. It’s small, but is perfect for quickly freshening up your shirt before work. Its built-in base also allows the steamer to stand on its own after use.
Key features:
- 30-second warm up time
- 160ml water tank
- Includes handheld steam brush, woollen clothes cleaning brush and glove
You may also like:
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Lead photo: Getty
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