Fast, convenient and wrinkle-free: how to buy a steamer that suits your needs

When it comes to clothing care, a steamer is one of the most useful investments you can make. My steamer is a godsend when I'm in a hurry and the outfit I want to wear needs a freshen up. It's really as simple as taking it out of my closet and running the steamer over it while it's still on the hanger.

I use it often in place of washing or dry cleaning, since steam can help remove water marks left by spot cleaning and odors left by cooking or smoking. When I travel, I even find that the process of unpacking and ironing out each item of clothing is a good cure for jet lag.

I have an Estteam steamer from Jiffy. I've had it for about 10 months and its only problem is calcium buildup inside the water tank, which requires a relatively simple cleaning process to fix.

It's small and light, making it easy to slip into a bag, but its size means it can only steam a few clothes at a time. This usually works for me (I'm single, don't have kids, and travel a lot), but I'm often tempted to buy a self-contained steamer with more power and different settings too. Here, experts discuss the pros and cons of steam irons.

Steam irons and irons

If you're used to ironing, chances are you'll find a steamer a bit of a revelation. .

Steamers are easier to use than irons, more versatile and can be especially useful when you need to leave the house quickly, says Chris Wilson of the Grand David Jones store. They are also best suited for delicate fabrics like silk and wool.

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The benefits go beyond convenience, says Kim Gilmour of consumer testing and advocacy group Choice. “Steam can banish bacteria and odors without using harsh chemical cleaners if you continually hold it against the fabric for long enough.” And a steamer can be used throughout your home, on things like upholstery, curtains, and rugs.

But if you need to wrinkle fabrics thicker like denim and drill cotton or stiffer materials like linen and organza, Gilmour says an iron will give you better results.

Freestanding or portable?

Generally, steamers can be divided into two categories: freestanding models with large tanks and portable steamers that keep their water reservoir in the handle.

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