ConsFirst / Garment steamers / Compare
Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer vs Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on no spitting or leaks, ease of use, durability. Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer wins on steam power, heat-up time.
The biggest complaint about the Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer is pricey and bulky; for the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer it's stops working or stops steaming. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer | Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in garment steamers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Upright | Handheld |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 30% | 13% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.8 |
| Steam power | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Heat-up time | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| No spitting or leaks | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Durability | 4.0 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–120 · $$$ over $120. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer
- Pricey and bulky
Wirecutter says it costs nearly four times as much as its Conair pick, stands nearly 6 feet tall, and is harder to store.
Source: Wirecutter - Assembly and awkward rolling
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.
Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping - Brush warped; no heated plate
Wirecutter's bristle attachment curled and warped after about a year, and the PVC head doesn't press like a metal plate.
Source: Wirecutter
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer
- Stops working or stops steaming
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 hole
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 tilted
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.
Who should pick which
Pick the Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer if
Marathon steaming sessions
Households with lots of garments or linens
People who find handheld steamers too heavy
Skip it if: You're short on storage space; You want an iron-like heated plate (see the 550GC); You only steam occasionally
Pick the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer if
Everyday home steaming of most fabrics
Five steam levels from silk to denim
Using it like a small iron on stubborn creases
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)
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