The best travel steamers refresh your clothing and make your outfits look more presentable—especially after hours of being rolled up or folded in your suitcase. We scoured the market for the highest-rated travel steamers and assessed their performance, ease of use, portability and value. We determined that the Electrolux Portable Garment Steamer is the best travel steamer overall due to its impressive tank capacity and powerful steam that cuts through stubborn wrinkles and creases.
While travel steamers and irons both remove wrinkles from clothing, steamers are a better choice for delicate or thin fabrics such as silk, satin, cashmere and velvet. A travel steamer should be lightweight, portable and remove wrinkles without scorching the fabric. From a steamer-iron hybrid to a versatile option that can safely be used on a large 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 pounds | Tankcapacity: 10 ounces | Cord length: 12 feet
Pros:
Heats up quickly
Suitable for a variety of fabrics
Automatic shut-off feature
Cons:
Heavier than other options on our list
If you’re looking for a powerful, compact and versatile steamer, the Electrolux Portable Garment Steamer is an excellent choice. It weighs 2 pounds and measures 6 x 5 x 10 inches, so it’s easy to throw in a bag or suitcase when you’re on the go. The 10-ounce water tank is detachable for easy filling, and users can expect about 18 minutes of continuous use. What’s more, you can steam garments hanging vertically or horizontally without worrying about spills. Although it’s a bit heavier than other options on our list, reviewers give it high marks for its ability to remove wrinkles and precise controls.
For those who don’t want to spend more than $50, the OGHom Steamer offers great value without sacrificing functionality. Along with being compact and lightweight, it provides noteworthy performance comparable to other steamers twice its price. It heats up quickly, is safe on all fabrics and the powerful steam makes quick work of wrinkled garments. I’ve owned this steamer for several years and reach for it on long-haul trips and weekend getaways. It does a great job of removing wrinkles, and its petite size doesn’t take up too much room in a backpack or duffle bag. However, users should be wary of using this steamer at an angle, as the manufacturer recommends only using it vertically (using it horizontally will cause leaking).
Best Travel Steam Iron
Sleek And Well-Designed
Nori The Nori Press
Dimensions: 14 x 3.2 x 4.7 inches| Weight: 1.4 pounds | Tankcapacity: 0.9 ounces | Cord length: 8 feet
Pros:
Sleek, modern design
Six fabric settings
Dual voltage (120/220V-60Hz)
Cons:
Cord length is shorter than most options on our list
Its dimensions make it better suited for checked bags
If you prefer the sharp finish of an iron, The Nori Press simulates the experience (and results) of a traditional iron—but in a much smaller package that doesn’t require an ironing board. Its design resembles a hair straightener, with two aluminum plates attached to elongated arms so you can reach across wide garments. There are six fabric-specific settings and a tiny LED screen for selecting your desired setting. Although it doesn’t weigh much, its shape can feel bulky, and the size (14 inches long) is better suited for checked bags.
Best Travel Steamer And Iron
Two Options In One
Steamery Cirrus 3 Steamer
Dimensions: 9.7 x 5.2 x 3.2inches| Weight: 1.9 pounds | Tankcapacity: 3 ounces | Cord length: 7.5 feet
Pros:
Attractive design
Auto shutoff feature
Comes with a wearable ironing tool
Cons:
Smaller tank capacity
Expensive
Although irons and steamers have the same function, they remove wrinkles in slightly different ways, and each has its own benefits. Irons provide crisp edges and can better navigate tight areas like shirt collars, while steamers are better on delicate or thin fabrics like silk and satin. With the Steamery Cirrus 3, you can enjoy the best of both in one compact device. It heats up in under 30 seconds, automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity and has a heated ironing plate that gives garments more of a pressed look. It also comes with a wearable ironing tool, allowing you to safely steam hems or collars.
Most Versatile Travel Steamer
Tackles A Wide Variety Of Fabrics
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Garment Steamer
Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 13.6inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Tankcapacity: 7.3 ounces | Cord length: Not listed
Pros:
Great for thicker fabrics
Heats up quickly
Can be used horizontally or vertically
Cons:
The heaviest option on our list
The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam is worth considering if you need a tool to effortlessly remove wrinkles and creases from thicker fabrics like denim. It features a larger steam area and higher wattage that makes it easy to cover more ground with one pass. Five different settings cater to different fabrics, and the tank provides roughly 20 minutes of continuous steaming. It can also be used vertically or horizontally, allowing greater flexibility when steaming.
Best Lightweight Travel Steamer
Ultra Lightweight And Easy To Pack
Nesugar Steamer
Dimensions: 3.1 x 1.7 x 8.9 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Tankcapacity: 2.4 ounces | Cord length: 6 feet
Pros:
Adjustable head
Extremely lightweight
Includes a wall mount
Cons:
Only one setting
Small tank capacity
If you have limited space in your bag or carry-on or are worried about baggage weight restrictions, the Nesugar Steamer is a lightweight option that heats up quickly and delivers impressive results. Even though this 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 sputtering. It also comes with a wall mount bracket and adhesive, so it can be stored easily and accessible the next time you need it. Keep in mind that this steamer has a smaller tank capacity, so if you have to steam multiple items (or one very wrinkly article of clothing), you might have to refill the tank more than once.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team consists of avid travelers who are passionate about sharing their luggage shopping tips with readers. We’ve published dozens of in-depth roundups on travel products, including the best travel totes, best packing cubes and more.
This article was overseen by senior travel editor and globetrotter Astrid Taran, who has used travel steamers on countless trips to more than 35 countries.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. She owns the OGHom Steamer and always brings it with her when traveling to ensure her clothing is wrinkle-free.
This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible.
How We Chose The Best Travel Steamers
To find the best travel steamers, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features and asked our team of experienced staffers for insights.
We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to make our recommendations. Louie personally used one of the steamers on this list and spent more than seven hours researching the best options on the market before making her final selections.
We analyzed several important features, including dimensions, weight, tank capacity and included attachments to help readers pinpoint the best option for their needs.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does TSA Allow Steamers?
You can bring a travel steamer in your carry-on luggage and checked bags, but the liquid must be removed from the water tank. If you’re worried about baggage weight restrictions, the Nesugar Steamer, which weighs less than one pound, is a great option.
Is A Travel Iron Or Travel Steamer Better?
Both travel irons and steamers are excellent for travel because they quickly and effectively refresh garments. Keep in mind that irons and steamers are better suited for different fabrics. If you own delicate fabrics such as silk, satin or cashmere, a travel steamer (like our top pick, the Electrolux Portable Garment Steamer) might be a better choice. Steamers don’t come into direct contact with the fabric like irons, and the water vapor released is usually at a lower temperature that won’t burn or scorch thin textiles.
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