Hand steamer: what is it worth? Our readers tested 4 models: Femme Actuelle Le MAG

In recent years, steamers have appeared on the market. Equipped with a handle and a water tank, they project steam. Sold in addition to an iron, they are also intended for those in a hurry who want to remove wrinkles from their belongings without having to use a table and a steam generator and to those who have little storage space. Some, super compact or even folding, fit easily into a suitcase. Brands are also playing the hygiene card, highlighting the ability of steam to eliminate germs and bacteria embedded in textiles. Steamers preserve fragile fabrics and refresh certain garments, saving them from going through the machine and thus extending their lifespan.

“A good complement”

I have already been using a steamer for several years, practical for fragile or synthetic textiles or to refine the appearance of certain clothes. I have a steam generator that I take out less and less frequently.

Use : very easy to use, it has a good grip, but it is a little tiring in the long run to hold it vertically. I didn’t need to read the instructions except for the glove recommended for removing wrinkles from the collar and cuffs.

Most : in addition to its very pretty look, it has the advantage of being functional in seconds only. You can see the water level in the tank. Easy to store in a cabinet with a hanging loop.

The lessers : the reservoir hole is a little too small to pour the water. Its autonomy is a little tight for me about 6 minutes and I find the power cord a bit short.

My opinion : I recommend it to people who don’t want to unfold an ironing board or take out a steam generator to quickly remove wrinkles from blouses or small items. It’s a little pricey, but if it had a stand, I’d probably consider buying it.

Christine, 63 years old, Fegersheim (67)

© Cirrus X Handheld Steamer, €130

“Super easy to use”

I was very curious to test this type of product, I tried to buy one, but I never took the time to study all the offers.

Use : I read the instructions as I always do before using a new device, but I could have done without it so much operation is simple and intuitive. It’s child’s play, very practical, no adjustments to make and very effective for rapid ironing. It cannot replace the iron, but it is a good complement. I’m thinking of using it to remove wrinkles from clothing before wearing it, because I like to have impeccable clothes.

Most : its look, its color, very stylish, its compact size and its lightnessconvenient to take with you when traveling.

The least: there low tank capacity which means you have to refill it often if you have several pieces to steam.

My opinion : with its excellent quality/price ratio, I recommend it without reservation for everyone, including beginners and people who iron little.

Mireille, 68 years old, Bondy (93)

Pure Pop steamer, €49.99
Pure Pop steamer, €49.99© Calor

“Perfect if you’re in a hurry”

I am one of the diligent ironers who appreciates that clothes and household linen are particularly well ironed; I also have a steam generator combined with a blower table. I was planning to buy a steamer.

Use : I was pleasantly surprised by its small size. It is very easy to handle, its very simple operation, there are two controls: “on/off” and “steam”, no need to read the instructions. I obtained good results on laundry that had dried on a hanger, but when the textile is more marked, the task is much more tedious. I use it in my dressing room to remove wrinkles from blouses and blouses, or remove marks from sweaters or t-shirts piled up on the shelves.

Most : compact and easy to use device, easy to handle rapid heating time.

The lessers : The device is a little heavy and its tank is a little too small.

My opinion : I recommend it to anyone who is put off by ironing or who doesn’t have time to devote to it, to people who lack space to store an ironing board, as well as to travelers who can slip it into a suitcase.

Nathalie, 57 years old, Bretteville-sur-Odon (14)

Foldable garment steamer.  3000 series, €42.99.
Foldable garment steamer. 3000 series, €42.99.© Philips.

“I like the cleansing side”

I had never tested this type of product, because I already have an iron at home. I don’t iron all the laundry, just the main pieces.

Use : it is very easy to use, I smoothed a jacket, pants and a shirt, I found the result very satisfactory and it saved me from having to take out my table and my iron. It is faster, provided that the laundry has been well hung before, on a hanger for example. If my iron broke, I think I would just use this.

Most : Very good value for money.

The lessers : It’s not not suitable for large parts.

My opinion : I was convinced! I really like the steam side, which sanitizes the laundry, practical for freshen up a little before putting an item of clothing back on. I also recommend it for families who have small clothes to iron.

Elisabeth, 63 years old, Nantes (44)

Steamer, Karl X, €109.
Steamer, Karl X, €109.© Steam One.

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