Your questions about the best clothes steamers answeredWhat is the best clothes steamer?If you want one steamer that performs well across a full wardrobe, the Russell Hobbs steam genie vacusteam is the best all-rounder. It heats up quickly and is powerful to use so you can get each garment done with fewer strokes. For travel, I’d recommend the Lakeland foldable clothes steamer, which is surprisingly powerful for its size. For home use or larger loads, the Fridja F10 was impressive, with different settings to quickly steam a variety of fabrics.How I tested clothes steamersHaving crease-free clothing is paramount to me, so I took great pride in testing a broad range of different steamers to find the best options. When testing, I considered the following: Effectiveness: To gauge effectiveness, I put each steamer to the test against a range of common fabrics, from cotton shirts to linen trousers and delicate silks. I paid close attention to how well they tackled both deep-set, laundry-basket wrinkles and lighter, everyday creases.Efficiency: I timed everything from initial heat-up speed to how long a full water tank lasted during continuous use. I also considered the ergonomics of each model – how comfortable it felt to hold and manoeuvre over garments for extended periods.Results: Beyond simply banishing wrinkles, I paid close attention to the final finish. Did clothes look crisp and box-fresh, or were they left feeling slightly damp? I also checked for any spitting or water marks on the fabric, and how well the steam worked to refresh items and remove any lingering odours from wear.Iron vs clothes steamer: which is better?Having tested both irons and clothes steamers extensively, I’d say your best tool for removing creases depends on what you actually need day to day.Steam irons are more powerful, especially steam generator models. When I was tackling big loads like school uniforms or bedding, an iron was far more effective. It presses fabric flat, gives a crisp finish and deals with deep creases much faster. You also can’t use a clothes steamer on bedsheets or large items in the same way.Clothes steamers, on the other hand, are much more convenient. I found them quicker for everyday use. You can leave clothes on a hanger and smooth out creases in minutes, without setting up an ironing board. They’re also gentler on delicate fabrics and great for freshening up clothes between washes.In short: if you want precision and power, go for an iron. If you want speed and convenience, a steamer is the better choice.How to use a clothes steamer?According to the experts, it all starts with what you put into tank. Stylist Lauren Paxton explains: “I love M&S ironing mists and waters, which help reduce creases. But it’s very important to empty the tank after each clean, so there’s no stagnant water damaging your clothes.” Celebrity stylist Rebecca Kahane agrees and says: “For the best results, use distilled water. It helps prolong the life of the steamer and ensures a cleaner, more consistent steam. I don’t always have it on hand, but I try to avoid tap water when possible.”The pros also suggest different steaming techniques to simply hanging up the garment and working vertically. Kahane adds: “For stubborn wrinkles, I start by steaming the inside of the garment first, then move to the outside. If the fabric becomes too damp, I let it dry slightly before going back in to finish. A stylist trick I love is placing a thin sock over the steamer head to prevent water spots, especially while it’s heating up and may spit a bit.” What type of clothes steamer should I go for?Typically, garment steamers come in two types: upright and handheld. While both designs are able to tackle creases effectively, there are a few key differences between them:Upright steamers – These models are generally far more powerful than handheld steamers and, as such, are better suited to larger or heavy-duty jobs. They also have sizeable water tanks, so you can steam for longer without refilling, and often feature built-in hangers, too. However, it’s worth considering that upright steamers tend to be more expensive and bigger in size, which makes them less portable.Handheld steamers – These models are far lighter and more compact than their upright counterparts, which makes them ideal if you’re looking for one to take with you on holiday. They’re also more affordable but tend to have smaller water tanks.What fabrics should not be steamed?While some steamers are suitable for use on all fabrics, others shouldn’t be used on extremely delicate materials, so it’s always best to check with the manufacturer before you get started. According to clothes steamer brand Fridja, these gadgets are typically very versatile and capable of removing creases on a wide range of fabrics, including natural fibres such as linen, silk, cotton and even wool. If you’re still unsure, the brand recommends using a delicate fabric guard to help prevent damage. Meanwhile, synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and acrylic are typically very easy to steam using all clothes steamers. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Zoe Griffin has been testing and reviewing products for IndyBest since 2021. For her product roundups, Zoe takes a thorough approach to testing. She’s an expert when it comes to all things laundry, and her testing experience has seen her review the best best fabric conditioners, stain removers and laundry detergents. She’s also tested many other home products including corded vacuum cleaners and dishwasher tablets. To select the best clothes steamers, she conducted hands-on tests with each model in this guide, similarly to how you would be using them at home. Get your laundry dry in double-quick time, with our pick of the best heated clothes airers