The best travel steamers freshen up your clothes and make your outfits look more presentable, especially after hours of rolling or folding them in your suitcase. We scoured the market for the top-rated travel steamers and evaluated their performance, ease of use, portability, and value. We determined that the Electrolux Handheld Steamer is the best travel steamer overall because of its impressive tank capacity and powerful steam that removes stubborn creases and wrinkles.
While both travel steamers and irons remove wrinkles from clothing, steamers are a better choice for delicate or fine fabrics like silk, satin, cashmere, and velvet. A travel steamer should be lightweight, portable, and remove wrinkles without burning the fabric. From a steamer-iron hybrid to a versatile option that’s safe to use on a wide variety of fabrics, we’ve rounded up more of the best travel steamers of 2024 below.
Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 10 inches | Weight: 2 books | Reservoirability: 10 ounces | Cord length: 12 feet
Benefits :
Heats up quickly
Suitable for a variety of fabrics
Automatic shutdown function
Disadvantages:
Heavier than other options on our list
If you’re looking for a powerful, compact, and versatile steamer, the Electrolux Handheld Garment Steamer is a great choice. It weighs 2 pounds and measures 6 x 5 x 10 inches, so it’s easy to toss in a bag or suitcase when you’re on the go. The 10-ounce water tank is removable for easy refilling, and users can expect about 18 minutes of continuous use. Plus, you can steam clothes that are hung vertically Or horizontally without worrying about spills. While it's a bit heavier than other options on our list, reviewers give it high marks for its ability to remove creases and its precise controls.
For those who don’t want to spend more than $50, the OGHom steamer offers great value without sacrificing functionality. In addition to being compact and lightweight, it offers remarkable performance comparable to other steamers that cost twice as much. It heats up quickly, is safe for all fabrics, and the powerful steam makes quick work of removing wrinkles from wrinkled clothes. I’ve owned this steamer for several years and use it for long-haul trips and weekend getaways. It does a great job of removing wrinkles, and its small size doesn’t take up too much space in a backpack or gym bag. However, users should be wary of using this steamer at an angle, as the manufacturer recommends using it vertically only (using it horizontally will cause leaks).
Nori The Nori Press
Dimensions: 14 x 3.2 x 4.7 inches| Weight: 1.4 pounds | Reservoirability: 0.9 ounce | Cord length: 8 feet
Benefits :
Sleek and modern design
Six fabric settings
Dual voltage (120/220V-60Hz)
Disadvantages:
The cord length is shorter than most options on our list
Its dimensions make it more suitable for checked baggage.
If you prefer the crisp finish of an iron, The Nori Press mimics the experience (and results) of a traditional iron, but in a much smaller package that doesn't require an ironing board. Its design resembles that of a hair straightener, with two aluminum plates attached to elongated arms so you can reach wide garments. It has six fabric-specific settings and a small LED display to select the setting you want. While it doesn't weigh much, its shape can feel bulky, and its size (14 inches long) is better suited for checked luggage.
Cirrus 3 Steamer
Dimensions: 9.7 x 5.2 x 3.2inches| Weight: 1.9 pounds | Reservoirability: 3 ounces | Cord length: 7.5 feet
Benefits :
Attractive design
Automatic shutdown function
Comes with a portable ironing tool
Disadvantages:
Smaller tank capacity
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While irons and steamers do the same thing, they remove wrinkles in slightly different ways, and each has its own advantages. Irons provide crisp edges and are better at getting through tight areas like shirt collars, while steamers are better for delicate or fine fabrics like silk and satin. With the Steamery Cirrus 3, you can get the best of both worlds in one compact appliance. It heats up in less than 30 seconds, automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity, and features a heated ironing plate that gives clothes a more pressed look. It also comes with a handheld ironing tool, allowing you to safely steam hems or collars.
Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 13.6inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Reservoirability: 7.3 ounces | Cord length: Not listed
Benefits :
Ideal for thicker fabrics
Heats up quickly
Can be used horizontally or vertically
Disadvantages:
The heaviest option on our list
The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam is a machine to consider if you need a tool to effortlessly remove wrinkles and creases from thicker fabrics like denim. It features a larger steam area and higher power that allows for more surface area to be covered in a single pass. Five different settings accommodate different fabrics, and the tank provides approximately 20 minutes of continuous steaming. It can also be used vertically or horizontally, allowing for more flexibility when steaming.
Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.7 x 8.9 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Reservoirability: 2.4 ounces | Cord length: 6 feet
Benefits :
Adjustable head
Extremely light
Includes wall mount
Disadvantages:
One setting only
Small tank capacity
If you’re tight on space in your bag or carry-on, or are worried about luggage weight restrictions, the Nesugar steamer is a lightweight option that heats up quickly and delivers impressive results. Even though it weighs less than a pound, it produces a good amount of steam and doesn’t leak. It heats up in 15 seconds and can be used at an angle without leaking or splashing. It also comes with a wall-mount bracket and adhesive, making it easy to store and access the next time you need it. Keep in mind that this steamer has a smaller tank capacity, so if you need to steam multiple items (or a very wrinkled garment), you may need to refill the tank more than once.
Why trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team is made up of passionate travelers who love to share their luggage buying tips with readers. We've published dozens of in-depth roundups on travel productsincluding the best travel bags, best packing cubes and more.
This article was supervised by the travel editor and globetrotter Astrid Taranwho used steamships on countless voyages to over 35 countries.
Katherine LouieThe author of this article, is a lifestyle writer with extensive experience in covering travel and lifestyle topics. She is the owner of OGHom steamer and always takes it with her when she travels to make sure her clothes are wrinkle-free.
This story is regularly checked to ensure all prices and information are as current as possible.
How We Choose the Best Travel Steamers
To find the best travel steamers, we researched dozens of top-selling options, compared features, and asked our team of expert contributors for insights.
We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research, and our own personal experience to form our recommendations. Louie personally used one of the steamers on this list and spent over seven hours researching the best options on the market before making his final choices.
We analyzed several important features including dimensions, weight, tank capacity, and included accessories to help readers identify the best option for their needs.
The final products on this list reflect extensive research by our editor and careful review by the editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can take a travel steamer in your carry-on and checked baggage, but the liquid must be removed from the water tank. If you are concerned about baggage weight restrictions, the Nesugar steamerwhich weighs less than a pound, is a great option.
Is a travel iron or travel steamer better?
Travel irons and steamers are both great for traveling because they quickly and efficiently freshen up clothes. Keep in mind that irons and steamers are best suited for different fabrics. If you have delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or cashmere, a travel steamer (like our top pick, the Electrolux Handheld Steamer) might be a better choice. Steamers don't come into direct contact with the fabric like irons do, and the water vapor released is typically at a lower temperature that won't burn or scorch fine fabrics.
Is a portable steamer worth it?
A handheld steamer is a great investment because it can quickly remove wrinkles and creases from clothing, curtains, bed skirts, and other household items. If you’re traveling for business or a special occasion, like a wedding or graduation, it can be helpful to bring a steamer along to keep your clothes looking presentable. Even when you’re not traveling, handheld steamers are useful tools that can tackle a variety of everyday tasks, from freshening up curtains to removing labels from glass jars or windows.