ConsFirst / Garment steamers

Rowenta

Rowenta PurePop Handheld Steamer: the downsides first

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

#6 of 8
$$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 months

    Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with several customers reporting it broke within three months. Reliability is its most-mentioned aspect.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Very short runtime

    Good Housekeeping measured just over three minutes of continuous steam from the 2.4 oz tank, enough for about one shirt.

    Source: Good Housekeeping
  • Not that compact

    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.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), Good Housekeeping

What owners love

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).
    Source: Amazon.com product page, 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.
    Source: Good Housekeeping
  • 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).
    Source: Good Housekeeping
  • Durability2.5
    Why 2.5?Amazon owners report several units breaking within three months; no long-term expert test.
    Source: Amazon.com product page

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.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked garment steamers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in garment steamersSteamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer

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.

Its catch: expensive#2 in garment steamersReliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer

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.

Its catch: pricey and bulky#3 in garment steamersConair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer

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.

Its catch: stops working or stops steaming

See all 8 garment steamers ranked →