ConsFirst / Garment steamers
Garment steamers: the downsides, first
Water that spits, drips or leaks comes up for five of the eight steamers we compared, and several handhelds stop steaming within months. Two of the uprights we checked draw about 30% 1–2 star Amazon ratings, though from small samples. Here are the most popular garment steamers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared12 sources readUpdated October 2026
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
All 8 garment steamers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Steamery
$$$HandheldScore 4.0/5
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Small sample: 224 ratings on the beige listing; other colors (e.g. pink B0DHVVYGJL, black B09QXZL8FC) have separate listings.A stylish premium steamer that heats in 20-25 seconds, never sputtered for Real Simple, and doubles as an iron with its heated plate. The tank is tiny, it costs about $180, and some Amazon owners say it stopped steaming after one use.
Top complaints
- ExpensiveVery common
The Spruce notes it has the highest price on its list; Amazon's review summary says customers consider it not worth the premium price.
- Small water tankVery common
The Spruce calls the 2 oz reservoir the smallest on its list; Real Simple lists 2.9 oz and says the small opening makes spills easy. Amazon owners also note the small reservoir.
- Some stop steamingMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability is disputed, with some owners reporting it completely stops producing steam after a single use.
What owners love
- Fast and effective
Heated in 20 seconds for The Spruce and 25 for Real Simple; Real Simple says it cleared cotton shirts in about 30 seconds.
- No sputtering or clogging
Real Simple says it never clogged, sputtered or lost effectiveness during testing.
- Premium feel, doubles as an iron
The Spruce praises its premium look and one-button simplicity; Real Simple likes the large heated plate and included pad for pressing.
Skip it if…- You steam lots of garments at once
- You're price-sensitive
- You want a long track record of reliability
Good for- Design-focused homes
- Fast morning touch-ups
- Pressing with a heated plate
Scores (tap for why)
- Steam power4.0
Why 4.0?
Real Simple: all wrinkles out of cotton shirts in about 30 seconds; The Spruce: wrinkles fall out smoothly. - Heat-up time5.0
Why 5.0?
20 seconds (The Spruce) and 25 seconds (Real Simple). - No spitting or leaks4.5
Why 4.5?
Real Simple saw no sputtering or clogging throughout testing. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
One-button operation and a comfortable grip, but the tiny tank and small opening mean frequent, spill-prone refills. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Six months of use without issue for The Spruce, but some Amazon owners say it stopped steaming after one use, and 14% rate it 1 star.
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best design after six months of personal use: fast and effective, but it has the smallest tank and highest price on the list.
- Real Simple: Best iron steamer: cleared cotton shirts in about 30 seconds and never sputtered; the fill opening is small and it doesn't fold.
#2
Reliable
$$$UprightScore 4.1/5
30%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Very small sample: 66 ratings. The listing (reached via Wirecutter's link) is titled 'Reliable Vivo Pro Garment Steamer w/PVC Head' and offers PVC-head and metal-head versions, so ratings may pool the 500GC and 550GC.The pro-style upright both Wirecutter and Good Housekeeping pick: a 1-gallon tank with about two hours of steam, a featherweight head, and no spitting in Wirecutter's test. It is pricey, bulky, needs assembly, and doesn't steer well.
Top complaints
- Pricey and bulkyVery common
Wirecutter says it costs nearly four times as much as its Conair pick, stands nearly 6 feet tall, and is harder to store.
- Assembly and awkward rollingMentioned often
Wirecutter needed about 10 minutes and a screwdriver to assemble it. Good Housekeeping says it doesn't maneuver easily around corners and lacks a cord reel.
- Brush warped; no heated plateOccasional
Wirecutter's bristle attachment curled and warped after about a year, and the PVC head doesn't press like a metal plate.
What owners love
- Huge tank, hours of steam
The 1-gallon tank ran about two hours for Wirecutter and 2 hours 20 minutes for Good Housekeeping, and is easy to refill.
- Strong, splutter-free steam
It was the only floor-standing steamer Wirecutter tested that didn't spit water; Good Housekeeping measured 25 g of steam per minute and says it matches professional models.
- Light head for long sessions
The steam head weighs under half a pound, so it's far more comfortable than a handheld for long sessions; Wirecutter uses it at its headquarters.
Skip it if…- You're short on storage space
- You want an iron-like heated plate (see the 550GC)
- You only steam occasionally
Good for- Marathon steaming sessions
- Households with lots of garments or linens
- People who find handheld steamers too heavy
Scores (tap for why)
- Steam power4.5
Why 4.5?
As quick and effective as the Conair pick on most wrinkles (Wirecutter); 25 g/min, matching professional models (Good Housekeeping). Steam isn't adjustable. - Heat-up time3.0
Why 3.0?
About 90 seconds (Wirecutter), slower than handhelds. - No spitting or leaks5.0
Why 5.0?
The only floor-standing model in Wirecutter's test that didn't spit, vertically or horizontally. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Very light head, garment hanger and easy refills, offset by assembly, storage space and clumsy rolling around corners. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Brass heating element and a 3-year warranty, the longest of Wirecutter's picks, and in regular use at Wirecutter's office; its brush warped after about a year.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best floor-standing steamer for high-volume steaming: strong, splutter-free steam, two hours per tank and a 3-year warranty; it's pricey, large and needs assembly.
- Good Housekeeping: Best value upright: 25 g/min of steam and 2 hr 20 min of runtime, but no cord reel and hard to turn corners.
#3
Conair
$$HandheldScore 3.8/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Amazon shows the same 25,685-rating count on several color listings (e.g. B0FMLDB3ZQ, B0CDJQTW4X), so ratings are pooled across colors. The listing title doesn't print 'GS59X', but its specs (1875W, 7.3 oz, 5 settings) match.The consensus favorite: Wirecutter, The Spruce and Real Simple all name it their best overall for powerful, adjustable steam and a 40-second heat-up. Testers disagree on spitting, the fill hole is tiny, and Amazon owners report units that stop working within a year.
Top complaints
- Stops working or stops steamingVery common
Amazon's review summary says functionality and steam output are mixed: some owners report it doesn't work or produce steam at all, or stops working after one use or within a year. Wirecutter notes its 1-year warranty is the shortest of its picks.
- Tiny fill holeVery common
Wirecutter says the M&M-sized opening makes it hard to fill from a gallon jug. The Spruce and Real Simple both say you'll probably want a funnel.
- Heavy, and drips if tiltedMentioned often
Real Simple found it leaked or sputtered unless held straight up and down and needed a break after 10-15 minutes. The Spruce saw some spitting and minor leaking on first use that stopped once it heated properly. Amazon owners call it heavy and bulky.
What owners love
- Most powerful midsize steamer Wirecutter tested
At 1875 watts it is the fastest, most powerful midsize model Wirecutter has tried; it smoothed a silk dress in under a minute. Real Simple says it removed every wrinkle from every fabric.
- Quick heat-up and five settings
Heats in about 38-40 seconds (Wirecutter, The Spruce, Real Simple), with five steam levels for different fabrics. Amazon owners praise the heating speed.
- Holds up in months of home use
The Spruce used it for six months and says it fully replaced an iron. Real Simple used it weekly for six months and says it's still going strong.
Skip it if…- You steam for long sessions (arm fatigue)
- You fill from a gallon jug without a funnel
- You want a long warranty (1 year)
Good for- Everyday home steaming of most fabrics
- Five steam levels from silk to denim
- Using it like a small iron on stubborn creases
Scores (tap for why)
- Steam power5.0
Why 5.0?
Most powerful midsize steamer Wirecutter has tested (1875 W); Real Simple says it removed every wrinkle from all fabrics. - Heat-up time4.0
Why 4.0?
About 38-40 seconds in three tests; quick, though some travel and premium models heat in 20-30 seconds. - No spitting or leaks3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter saw no spitting in any position, but Real Simple found it leaked unless held vertical and The Spruce saw spitting on first use. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Intuitive controls, a 9-foot cord and a standby button, but the fill hole is tiny and the 2.75-4 lb weight tires your arm. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Six months of weekly use without trouble (The Spruce, Real Simple), but the warranty is 1 year and Amazon owners report failures after one use or within a year.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best handheld steamer for everyday: the most powerful midsize model it has tested, with no spitting, a 40-second heat-up and 15-20 minutes of steam; the cons are a hard-to-fill tank and a 1-year warranty.
- The Spruce: Best overall after six months at home; some spitting and minor leaking on first use, and a funnel helps with filling.
- Real Simple: Best overall: removed all wrinkles from all fabrics, but leaked when not held vertically and felt heavy (almost 4 lb).
#4
Jiffy
$$$UprightScore 3.4/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)2,719 ratings. The listing is the plastic-steam-head version; older reviews refer to a J-2000M variant, so ratings may be pooled.A classic US-made upright with strong steam and a 3-year warranty that Amazon owners love for its build. Wirecutter dropped it as a pick after water poured out of the base onto the cord and plug when rolled.
Top complaints
- Water poured out of the base when rolledOccasional
Wirecutter says its stiff wheels made rolling hard, and when it tried, water poured out of the base and doused the cord and plug, which led it to drop the former pick.
- ExpensiveMentioned often
Jiffy lists the J-2000 at $289 before add-ons.
What owners love
- Strong steam, simple to use
Wirecutter says its simple design is intuitive and it emitted strong steam. Amazon owners say it delivers substantial steam within a minute.
- Sturdy build and long warranty
Amazon owners praise its substantial build and large-diameter hose; Jiffy says it is made in the USA and backs it with a 3-year limited warranty.
- Pays for itself
Amazon owners say it pays for itself in saved dry-cleaning bills, assembles in about three minutes, and works on everything from work clothes to silk and curtains.
Skip it if…- You need to roll it around while it's full
- You want a compact steamer
- You're on a budget
Good for- Owners who want a US-made, repairable workhorse
- Curtains, drapes and full wardrobes
- A long warranty
Scores (tap for why)
- Steam power4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter says it emitted strong steam; Amazon owners report substantial steam within a minute. - Heat-up time3.5
Why 3.5?
Jiffy says it produces steam in 1 minute; Amazon owners say it heats quickly. - No spitting or leaks2.0
Why 2.0?
Water poured out of the base onto the cord and plug when Wirecutter rolled it. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Simple and intuitive (Wirecutter) and quick to assemble (Amazon), but the wheels are stiff. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Amazon owners praise its substantial build; made in the USA with a 3-year limited warranty (Jiffy).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Former floor-standing pick, now dismissed: intuitive with strong steam, but water poured out of the base onto the cord and plug when the stiff wheels were rolled.
#5
BEAUTURAL
$HandheldScore 3.5/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Listing reached via Wirecutter's Amazon link; it may pool color variants.A cheap, foldable 1.5 lb travel steamer that Wirecutter and Real Simple both pick for portability. It is weaker than full-size models, and testers disagree on whether it drips; Amazon owners report units that stop steaming.
Top complaints
- Some units stop steamingVery common
Amazon's review summary says performance and steam output are mixed, with some owners saying it never worked again or doesn't produce steam at all. Reliability is the most-mentioned aspect.
- Weaker steam; needs several passesVery common
Wirecutter says the steam isn't as hot or targeted as larger picks and is slower on set-in wrinkles. Real Simple had to go over areas several times and still saw a few soft wrinkles on cotton.
- Sputtering in one test; 120 V onlyMentioned often
Real Simple saw sputtering that left quarter-size drops on shirts (Wirecutter saw none). Wirecutter notes it isn't dual-voltage, a drawback for a travel steamer.
What owners love
- Very packable and light
Folds to 8.5 x 3 x 5 inches and weighs 1.5 lb full (Wirecutter); Real Simple compares it to a travel hair dryer.
- Fast heat-up, removable tank
Ready in about 30 seconds in both tests; the removable tank is easy to refill under a faucet (Real Simple) and was unique among travel models Wirecutter tested.
- The only travel steamer that didn't leak for Wirecutter
Wirecutter says every other travel steamer it tested sputtered or spilled, while this one didn't leak at any angle.
Skip it if…- You need to travel overseas (120 V only)
- You tackle heavy cotton or big jobs
- You dislike holding a steam button down
Good for- Packing in a suitcase (folds up)
- Quick touch-ups on light fabrics
- A tight budget
Scores (tap for why)
- Steam power2.5
Why 2.5?
Handles light and mid-weight fabrics but is less powerful and slower on set-in wrinkles than full-size picks (Wirecutter, Real Simple). - Heat-up time4.5
Why 4.5?
About 30 seconds in both Wirecutter's and Real Simple's tests. - No spitting or leaks3.5
Why 3.5?
No leaks at any angle for Wirecutter, but Real Simple saw sputtering that left quarter-size drops. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Light, comfortable grip and an easy-fill removable tank; you must hold the steam button and the tank lasts about nine minutes (Wirecutter). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
2-year warranty (Wirecutter), but reliability is the most-mentioned Amazon aspect, with some units that stop steaming.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best portable steamer for travel: light, foldable and leak-free at any angle, but less powerful, only about nine minutes per tank, 120 V only, and the steam button must be held down.
- Real Simple: Best portable: easy to use and fill, but it left a few wrinkles and sputtered drops onto shirts.
#6
Rowenta
$$HandheldScore 3.5/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Small sample: 693 ratings. Another color listing (B0BXQYNMWC) also exists.The fastest heater Good Housekeeping tested (17 seconds), slim and foldable for quick touch-ups. The tank lasts only about three minutes, and Amazon owners report units breaking within three months.
Top complaints
- Breaks within monthsVery common
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with several customers reporting it broke within three months. Reliability is its most-mentioned aspect.
- Very short runtimeVery common
Good Housekeeping measured just over three minutes of continuous steam from the 2.4 oz tank, enough for about one shirt.
- Not that compactMentioned often
Amazon owners are mixed on size, with some saying it isn't compact enough for travel. Good Housekeeping says it's not light enough to beat the CHI as a travel pick.
What owners love
- Heats in 17 seconds
Good Housekeeping timed 17 seconds to heat up; Amazon owners praise the quick heat-up.
- Intuitive controls, foldable head
Fill, switch on and hold the trigger; the head folds for storage (Good Housekeeping).
- Effective steam for its size
Amazon owners find it effective at removing wrinkles and creases, with powerful steam output.
Skip it if…- You steam several garments at once
- You want proven long-term reliability
- You need a truly travel-size steamer
Good for- Last-minute touch-ups before work
- Small closets and suitcases
- Simple one-trigger controls
Scores (tap for why)
- Steam power3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners call the steam powerful, but no tester published wrinkle scores and the tiny tank limits each session (Good Housekeeping). - Heat-up time5.0
Why 5.0?
17 seconds in Good Housekeeping's lab, the fastest time reported in any source used here. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Straightforward controls and a foldable head, but about three minutes of steam per fill means frequent refills (Good Housekeeping). - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon owners report several units breaking within three months; no long-term expert test.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best for quick touch-ups: heats in 17 seconds with intuitive controls and a foldable head, but runs just over three minutes per fill.
#7
Pure Enrichment
$$UprightScore 3.4/5
33%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Small sample: 320 ratings.The best-value upright for The Spruce and Real Simple: a half-gallon tank, about an hour of steam, four levels and a foot pedal. It can sputter a little, has no 'ready' light, and Amazon's 1-2 star share is high.
Top complaints
- Some water spittingMentioned often
The Spruce lists minor water sputtering as a con. Amazon's review summary says some owners report no leaks while others mention water spitting onto clothes.
- No 'ready' indicatorMentioned often
Both The Spruce and Real Simple wished it signaled when it's ready to steam; there's only a power light.
- Awkward to move; takes up spaceOccasional
The Spruce says only one set of wheels sits at the back, so you tip it to roll it, and it's best for a walk-in closet or laundry room.
What owners love
- An hour of steam
The detachable half-gallon tank gives about 60 minutes of steam and is easy to remove and fill (The Spruce, Real Simple).
- Fast on whole garments
The Spruce got garments wrinkle-free in under five minutes each, one of the fastest it tested; Real Simple says it removed all wrinkles from all fabrics.
- Hands-free foot pedal and hanger
A foot pedal turns it on and off, and the pole has a hanger and clips (The Spruce, Real Simple). Amazon owners also like the foot pedal and quick heating.
Skip it if…- You lack closet or laundry-room space
- You need guaranteed drip-free steam on silk
- You want a ready indicator
Good for- Weekly steaming of whole loads
- Bedding and curtains
- An upright for under about $100
Scores (tap for why)
- Steam power4.0
Why 4.0?
Garments wrinkle-free in under five minutes, one of the fastest The Spruce tested; four steam levels. - Heat-up time3.0
Why 3.0?
The Spruce measured about 2 minutes; Real Simple lists 45 seconds. - No spitting or leaks3.0
Why 3.0?
Minor sputtering in The Spruce's test; Amazon owners are split between no leaks and water spitting. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Foot pedal, garment pole and an easy-fill detachable tank; no ready indicator and limited wheels. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Six months of weekly use without issue at Real Simple (The Spruce also uses it weekly), and Amazon owners rate its quality well, but 33% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars (small sample).
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best standing: used weekly on everything, with 60 minutes of steam; minor sputtering, a 2-minute heat-up and some design quirks.
- Real Simple: Best upright after six months of weekly use: adjustable steam and a sturdy design; it lacks a ready indicator.
#8
HiLIFE
$HandheldScore 2.9/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)131,266 ratings; HiLIFE sells several similar steamers (including a 1100W model), and Wirecutter doesn't name the exact model it tested.Amazon's mass-market favorite (over 130,000 ratings) and Real Simple's most user-friendly pick. Wirecutter found it leaked even when held upright, and Amazon owners say it often spits water onto clothes.
Top complaints
- Spits water onto clothesVery common
Amazon's review summary says owners report it spits out more water than steam and gets water all over their clothes. Wirecutter found it leaked when used vertically.
- Not designed for horizontal useMentioned often
Wirecutter notes it isn't designed for horizontal use, so you can't steam garments laid flat.
What owners love
- Easy and intuitive
Real Simple calls it intuitive and easy to use thanks to simple settings; Amazon owners say it is much easier than ironing.
- Removes wrinkles well for owners
Amazon's review summary says customers find it highly effective at removing wrinkles.
- Quick and compact
Amazon owners say it heats up quickly and is compact enough to travel with and store away.
Skip it if…- You steam silk or anything that water-spots
- You want to steam garments laid flat
- You need strong steam for heavy fabrics
Good for- The cheapest way to try a steamer
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Light touch-ups and travel
Scores (tap for why)
- Steam power2.5
Why 2.5?
Only 700 W per the listing; Amazon owners find it effective on wrinkles, but no tester measured its steam and Wirecutter dismissed it. - Heat-up time3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners say it heats up quickly; no tester timed it. - No spitting or leaks2.0
Why 2.0?
Leaked vertically in Wirecutter's test, and spitting water is the main Amazon complaint. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Real Simple calls it the most user-friendly, but it can't be used horizontally (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Real Simple: Listed as most user-friendly ('researched and vetted', not in its tested reviews): affordable and intuitive.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed: the 'HiLife Steamer for Clothes' isn't designed for horizontal use and leaked even when used vertically.