Best Garment Steamers in Australia: Our Top 10 Picks

1. Conair GS38

The most professional handheld steamer

The Conair GS38 is an exceptional handheld garment steamer that is perfect for those who need a professional device for frequent home use. It’s pricey, but we think it’s worth the investment. The steam power of the Conair GS38 is impressive and gets rid of most common wrinkles with ease. 

One of the most notable features of this steamer is its large head, which allows you to cover a big surface quickly and efficiently. However, it's important to note that the steamer gets very hot, especially at the highest setting, so it's important to be careful when using it. 

The steaming time is roughly 15 minutes before having to refill the small tank on the handle. The refill process can be a bit tricky, as the opening on top of the tank is small, but one can get used to it with practice. The power of the steamer can be regulated and it has five levels to choose from, and it heats up in just a few seconds.

The stand-up design is also one of the standout features of this steamer, as it makes it easy to use and store. However, it may not be the most convenient option for travel as it is one of the larger handheld steamers on the market.

Additionally, the various attachments and accessories that come with the steamer are incredibly useful. The creaser attachment is great for pleats and folds, the spacer is perfect for delicate fabrics, the bristle brush is ideal for loosening fibres, and the silicone band is perfect for pulling fabrics taut.

2. Philips Steam&Go

Horizontal and vertical steaming, ideal for travel

The best mid-tier garmet steamers for most users is the Steam&Go from Philips, offering both vertical and horizontal steaming capabilities. It is great for reaching hard-to-reach areas like cuffs and collars, or for quick vertical steaming while getting ready. It's also a great option for travel, as it comes with a heat-resistant storage bag, an accessory brush, and a protection glove.

The Philips Steam&Go heats up in less than a minute, with 1300W power and provides continuous steam for around 20 minutes, which is above average. Its smart flow technology on the plate heats up to an optimal temperature and automatically provides continuous steam, making it great for de-wrinkling even the most delicate silk fabrics.

The main disadvantage of the Steam&Go is its water tank of only 70 ml, which means frequent refills and reheating. However, this is relatively normal for its compact design. Despite this, the Steam&Go is a good value for money option and it doesn't take up much space wherever you decide to store it.

3. Tefal Access Steam Plus

The best below $100

Forget about your ironing board because the Tefal Access Steam Plus steamer will be your best friend for either ironing or sanitising. It is safe for any type of fabric and even the most delicate are effectively handled.

In addition to steaming garments, it effectively kills up to 99.99% bacteria, due to the combination of temperature and steam pressure. Therefore it is quite suitable for sanitising upholstery, curtains, bed linen or kid’s toys.

The Tefal Access Steam Plus has an exceptional aluminium heating soleplate with ceramic coating and ultra-fast heat-up time of just 40 seconds. Its power is 1600 Watts, which makes it one of the most powerful on this list (this spec is especially impressive for a handheld model).

It has a steam lock position, so you won’t waste any of that precious water in the 190 ml removable water tank. 

The cord length is 3m and there are four smart accessories in the set: fabric brush for heavy fabrics, steam bonnet for delicate fabrics, door hook for easily hanging your clothes and a tidy bag for storage.

4. Russell Hobbs 2-in-1 Steamer Supreme RHC470

An interesting solution from one of our favourite brands

The Russell Hobbs 2-in-1 Steamer Supreme is a versatile product that can be used as both a steamer and an iron, so it’s a bit different than your average garment steamer, making it perfect for those who want to travel with only one tool or for those who want something versatile at home without needing to switch between steamer and iron. The design is heavier than your average handheld steamer, but the versatility makes it worth it and unless you’re particular about this, we found that the average user doesn’t have any issue with it.

The tank, which holds 170ml of water, is smaller than its competitors, so be aware that steam time is not as high as other products (7 minutes, as per official spec sheet), but as it is also an iron, so you won’t activate the steaming function as often. The steamer heats up in 45 seconds, which is a good time. 

There is only one temperature setting, but it is the right temp most of the time and you don’t have to worry about adjusting it. The ironing function is also very good, and it has a ceramic soleplate that glides smoothly over fabrics.

It also comes with a variety of attachments and accessories (Delicate, Upholstery, Fabric Brush) which are useful for different fabrics and different types of wrinkles, plus a storage bag for travel. The power cord is 3m long, which is suitable for most garments, but you may want to use an extension cord for larger items like drapery.

5. Sunbeam Power Shot

The best we could find around the $50 mark

The Sunbeam Power Shot is a good option for those looking for a value handheld steamer around $50. This steamer is praised for its ease of use and long lasting steam time (for the price), with an official spec of 14 minutes, before needing to be refilled.

One of the standout features of the Power Shot is its "shot" of steam option, which allows for more targeted wrinkle removal instead of continuous steam. It heats up in 60 seconds, which is a bit longer than some other models, but still manageable. The water tank has a capacity of 240ml, which in real-world use provides over 10 minutes of steam time.

The stand-up design of the Power Shot is also a plus, and the tank can be easily detached without affecting the balance of the steamer. The cord is 2.5m long, which is suitable for dresses and clothing, but for larger items such as drapery, an extension cord will be necessary. The steamer head is decently wide, but not as wide as some other models, so it may take slightly longer to steam larger surfaces.

Overall, the Sunbeam Power Shot is a great value option for those looking for a handheld steamer for home use. Its ease of use and long lasting steam time make it a great choice for those on a budget.

6. WiredLux SteamSmart S200 PRO

Good quality and versatile affordable steamer

The WiredLux SteamSmart S200 PRO combines elegant design with cutting-edge technology into a portable de-wrinkler and odour eliminator, around the $60 price point, and it's the one we recommend for travellers who need a quick and easy device (it's ready to use in only 25 seconds!). 

Made of high-quality material, this steamer is also recommended for busy families. It is safe for even the most delicate and un-ironable fabrics, silk, wool, linen, tulle, jeans, embroidery or lace. It comes with some accessories, such as a folding hanger, fabric brush and a carry bag.

The SteamSmart S200 Pro can be used in both flat and vertical position and it is 100% leak-proof, leaving absolutely no wet trails on the garments. The design is very lightweight, only 0.6 kg, super convenient for holidays or business trips, as it does not need an ironing board.

Though it offers some excellent steaming results compared to its price, it has a quite small water tank of only 100ml and you will be able to have effective, continuous steam for just around 10 minutes. It has a power of 900W which is below average for this type of product. All in all, it is excellent for quick handling of garments, traveling, refreshing or removing dust with the brush.

7. Kambrook SwiftSteam

Portable and powerful garment steamer, perfect for last minute jobs

The Kambrook SwiftSteam is an affordable portable garment steamer ideal for final touch ups on school/work uniforms before you leave home. It has no need for an ironing board and fits in a small space.

With its fully detachable 250 ml water tank and 1100W power, the SwiftSteam one of the best and most powerful portable steamers in the market. Its 360° swivel cord, plus its lightweight and ergonomic design, enable easy manoeuvrability, and weighing in at around 1 kg, it is highly praised for its practicality.

Though offering some excellent steam pressure, it still does not provide the same result as an iron. Nevertheless, it is a great little product for on-the-go or quick use at home, or a perfect gift for a student who hasn’t mastered the art of ironing yet. We especially like that it heats up quite quickly, and that it is suitable for delicate materials.

8. Tefal Ixeo QT1020

Extremely efficient ironing and steaming

The best upright garment steamer in our list is the Tefal Ixeo QT1020, this professional device can really make anyone fall in love with ironing clothes. We recommend this model especially if you're gonna use it on a daily basis, for smooth ironing results with no wrinkles (or bacteria).

Not only for clothes though. Once detached from the main unit, it offers the option of steaming and sanitising your upholstery, curtains, bed linen, toys and more. 

The Tefal Ixeo best features are the built-in patented three-position board and the ergonomic upright design. On a 30° angle you get high-quality ironing and steaming.

It does have some additional accessories in the kit, such as a fabric brush for thick garments. The unit's power is 1600W and the water heats up fast, in just 45 seconds.

Looking at online reviews, among other steam stations, users seem to be extremely satisfied with the Tefal Ixeo garment steamer, and enjoy their ironing sessions far more than using a regular iron.

Bear in mind this garment steamer does require some practice, so at the beginning you may have challenges adjusting the steam and the pressure to the board, but once you get the hang of it, the final result is almost always perfection.

We also like that it has an adjustable height, and that it is lightweight and convenient to move around the house, thanks to its small wheels.

9. Philips ComfortTouch

Powerful up-rigth garmet steamer

The Philips ComfortTouch garment steamer is ideal for dress and shirt lovers. It is made for all ironable fabrics and garments, as well as for silk or other delicate materials, without any risk of burning.

It features a fabric brush for deeper steam penetration, ideal for thicker garments or upholstery, as well as a garment hanger, protective glove and adjustable double pole.

The Philips ComfortTouch Garment Steamer has an easy rinse descaling function which ensures long and effective usage. Also, the automatic switch to standby mode (when the water tank is empty) is a life saver.

Its power is 2000W, which makes it the most powerful on our list, and has up to 5 steam settings. The detachable water tank has a capacity of 1800 ml, heats the water in less than a minute and provides 40 minutes of continuous steam.

People find it an extremely useful tool in their homes, and the only comment from users refers to the cord length, which is a tad short at 1.6 metres. Nevertheless, it is a highly praised garment steamer with some innovative and improved features, especially in relation to the flexibility of the head and the steam plate.

10. Tefal Pro Style IT3440

Easy to use and highly effective upright garment steamer

The Tefal Pro Style IT3440 steamer is excellent for any types of fabrics. It perfectly irons and sanitises even the most delicate ones. With an exclusive vertical support and adjustable steam output, in addition to garment ironing, it is also suitable for sanitising upholstery, curtains or bed linen.

The best feature of the Tefal Pro Style is its versatility for either intensive steaming sessions or simple last minute, quick ironing. It heats up in 45 seconds and it has a power of 1800W. The patented press and steam system, as well as the large metal steam head provide effective steaming results and deep diffusion through the fabric fibres.

Some people find it hard and heavy to move around the house, so it might not be the best option for steaming curtains and upholstery, especially for multi-storey homes. That said, the majority of the reviewers enjoy its ironing functions and describe it as the most effective iron they've ever had.

At 8 kg, it's true that this unit is not lightliweight, but the very compact design and removable water tank make it a compelling solution nonetheless.

Think of the type of clothes on which you are going to use it, and whether you plan to steam other items in your home with the same appliance. Plan if you need it for home use or travelling purposes and whether you will use it on a regular basis or just occasionally. There are many types of garment steamers on the market including: standing, handheld or travel steamers.

• Upright steamer. These steamers are for home use and are the most expensive ones, they are more bulky which means will take up more space. They do have good size water tanks and you can steam much longer than the other models, as they provide the best steaming result. The models with wheels are better for transportation around the house.
• Handheld steamer. The handheld ones are in the mid-size range and they are very convenient for ironing and steaming as they heat up quite quickly and provide continuous steam for around 20 min. They are also portable for traveling and have sufficient power to get you the desired result.
• Travel steamer. The travel steamers are the least expensive and highly portable items as they are extremely lightweight (under 1 kg). Hoewer, you can steam only for a limited time (around 10-15 min.) since their water tanks are attached to the device and are quite small. They are a perfect choice for holidays and business trips since they are compact enough to fit in any luggage.

Key features to look for

Depending on your preferences, budget and needs, look for the following features when choosing a garment steamer.

• Variable steam. There are some steamers that offer various setting types and options regarding the steam power. In this way you can adjust the power according to the fabric or else. Look for the wattage of the device so that you know how powerful they are, since usually they are not as powerful as an iron, but the steaming process offers the same effect.
• Water tank size and heating time. The water tanks are typically small sized ones, and usually they provide continuous steam for around 15 minutes. When selecting a garment steamer, look whether the water tank is detachable and compare their sizes. Also, the heating time is optimal, but in most devices it is under a minute.
• Accessories. Nozzles, brushes and other items for handling more delicate fabrics are always useful to have. They are extremely handy if you have a pet at home and use the steam power to remove them quickly and effortlessly. Some designs feature a hanger which creates a perfect ironing set and it is very convenient for ironing. The more bulky ones also have wheels and this helps you transport them easily from one place to another. However, they do take much more space in your home.
• Warranty and Price. Garment steamers usually have one to two years warranty, some even more. It is always good to know that, as you get the idea of the producer’s confidence in its product. The portable traveling steamers are around $30, and the standard models’ price is in the range from $50 to $400.

Is a garment steamer worth it?

If you are a frequent traveller, want to take care of your garments cautiously, don’t like ironing, and want to save time, a clothing steamer will suit you.

For some delicate fabrics, or tailored garments, like accessorised jackets, wool sweaters, silk blouses or dresses, suits etc., garment steamers are an even better choice than an iron.

The fact that you won’t press them on the board and leave sharp creases, rather simply let the heat gently go through the material and naturally de-wrinkle it is far more desirable.

They are an excellent alternative to ironing or pressing clothes. Not only are they much faster, but they are also more budget friendly than irons. We simply love that they save us time and that it takes just seconds to do the job in an effective manner.