Top 5 Best Clothes Steamers Canada

Important Features | Best Garment and Clothes Steamers

Type of Clothes Steamer – There are two main types of clothes steamer. A full-size clothes steamer features a stand for hanging garments and comprises a steam-generating unit at its base, attached to the steam head via a hose. In handheld steamers, the steam generator and steam head are all contained in the same unit.

Power – As a general rule, the higher the power rating in Watts, the faster and longer a clothes steamer will work, for example, a 1550W machine will be more efficient than a 1100W model. The best garment steamers heat up in as little as 40 seconds and provide continuous steam for 90 minutes.

Steam Output – Steam output is the mass of steam released by the machine in a given amount of time, usually given in g/min. So, a clothes steamer with an output of 35 g/min releases more steam in one minute than a model with an output of 22 g/min.

Steam Boost – Steam boost is a function found on some handheld steamers. This extra burst of steam is useful for removing more stubborn creases or for heavier fabrics.

Variable Steam Settings – Some of the best clothes steamers allow the steam output to be changed, to best suit the fabric being treated. Variable steam settings can be in the form of a sliding switch, going from high to low steam output, or as fabric-specific settings, for example, nylon/silk, wool, and cotton/linen.

Water Tank – A removable water tank allows you to take the tank to the tap, rather than messing about filling a measuring jug and then trying to pour it in, without spilling it all over the steamer.

Because of how they are designed, portable steamers can only carry a small volume of water (around 7 ounces). However, full-size garment steamer tanks can go up to nearly 90 ounces, meaning that they don’t need to be refilled so often.

Hose Length – Full-size garment steamers rely on a hose to deliver the steam to the head. Hose length can vary from around 4 ft up to 5 ft. A longer hose is particularly beneficial if you want to steam fabrics away from the stand, such as curtains or upholstery.

Attachments and Accessories

• Telescopic Poles – A telescopic pole enables the stand to be adjusted to a comfortable height for working and is ideal for steaming longer dresses. When adjusted down to the minimum height, a telescopic pole makes storage much easier.
• Fabric Brush/Crease Tool – Fabric brushes are really useful attachments, for the effective removal of hairs, lint and loose threads, while crease tools gently clamp the fabric as you steam to achieve the perfect finish on pants. Some handheld models feature a built-in crease tool that flips up above the steam head, while others have a 3-in1 attachment with silicone band (pulls fabric taut), bristle brush (for heavier fabrics) and delicate fabric spacer (keeps the steam a safe distance away for those really fragile fabrics).
• Clothes Hanger – The best clothes steamers feature a hanger to make steaming easy and more effective. For added convenience, a rotating hanger allows the garment to be moved and some hangers even have a dual clip system for pressing pants. If storage is important, opt for a steamer with a collapsible hanger.
• Integrated Cord Wrap – An integrated cord wrap neatly houses the cord when the steamer is not on use, reducing the risk of tripping and making storage easier.

On-Board Storage – Built-in holders allow you to have your accessories for steaming close to hand. They also keep attachments organised and safe, when storing.

Mobility – Weighing just over 1kg, compared with their full-sized equivalents which can come in at 7kg, the handheld models have got to be the most portable steamers.

However, if you want a full-size machine with the convenience of being able to move it around easily, the best garment steamers to look for are those with wheels, not feet. Some models have two wheels, allowing you to tip and roll, while others feature four wheels, so that they can be moved in an upright position.