ConsFirst / Garment steamers / Compare
Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer vs Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on heat-up time. Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer wins on steam power, no spitting or leaks, ease of use, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer is expensive; for the Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer it's pricey and bulky. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer | Reliable Vivio 500GC Professional Garment Steamer | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in garment steamers | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Handheld | Upright |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 18% | 30% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| Steam power | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Heat-up time | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| No spitting or leaks | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 4.0 |
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
Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer
- Expensive
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 tank
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 steaming
Amazon's review summary says reliability is disputed, with some owners reporting it completely stops producing steam after a single use.
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
Who should pick which
Pick the Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld Clothes Steamer if
Design-focused homes
Fast morning touch-ups
Pressing with a heated plate
Skip it if: You steam lots of garments at once; You're price-sensitive; You want a long track record of reliability
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
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.