Irons and garment steamers in our range cover steam irons and steamers for removing creases from shirts, trousers, curtains and delicate fabrics at home, from small travel-size units to models with larger tanks. Brands include Philips, Tefal, Sencor and BaByliss.
How to choose an iron or garment steamer
Iron or steamer. An iron presses fabric flat with a heated soleplate and gives sharp creases on cotton shirts and trousers. A garment steamer relaxes wrinkles with steam, works on hanging clothes and curtains, and is gentler on delicate fabrics. If you can only buy one, choose by the fabrics you wear most.
Steam output. Continuous steam in our range runs from about 20 g/min up to 380 g/min, and steam boost from 30 to 240 g/min. Higher continuous output deals with thick fabrics such as denim and heavy cotton faster, while lower figures are enough for light shirts and travel use.
Water tank size. Tank capacities in our range go from 0.1 L to 1.7 L. A tank of a few hundred millilitres suits a quick touch-up before leaving the house, whereas a litre or more lets you work through a full basket of laundry without refilling.
Heating time. Some models in our range are ready in about 30 seconds, others take around 2 minutes. A short wait matters most if you steam one item in the morning rather than a whole load.
Cord length and steam control. Cords in our range measure from 1.9 m to 2.6 m, and a longer one helps when the socket is far from your ironing board or wardrobe. Variable steam, which several models offer, lets you reduce steam for silk and synthetics and raise it for linen and cotton.
Brands we carry
- Philips: a long-established household appliance maker with a strong presence in steam irons and garment steamers, and the brand with the most models in this category in our range.
- Tefal: a French brand best known for steam irons and steam generator ironing systems.
- BaByliss: best known for hair styling tools, with one product in this category in our range.
Also in our range: Sencor.
Frequently asked questions about irons and garment steamers
Is a garment steamer better than an iron?
Neither is better in every situation. A steamer is quicker for hanging clothes, curtains and delicate fabrics, because you do not need a board. An iron is the better tool for crisp collars, pleats and flat creases in cotton.
How much steam do I need?
It depends on the fabric and how much you press at once. Steam output in our range runs from 20 g/min to 380 g/min, and higher figures generally relax thick fabrics faster. For occasional use on light shirts, a lower output is usually enough.
Can I steam clothes without an ironing board?
Yes, most garment steamers are designed to be used on clothes hanging from a hanger or rail. A steam iron needs a flat, heat-safe surface, so it is normally used with an ironing board.
What water should I put in an iron or steamer?
Follow the instructions in the manual for your model. In hard water areas, many manufacturers recommend demineralised or distilled water, or a mix with tap water, to slow limescale build-up. Using the wrong water can shorten the life of the appliance and leave deposits on clothes.
