STACK #256 February 2026

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Can a garment steamer replace an iron? Yes – most of the time. Garment steamers handle everyday wrinkles, light creases, and wardrobe refreshes easily. They’re perfect for dresses, blouses, knitwear, jackets, and casual shirts. Irons are all about precision – sharp creases, crisp collars or perfectly pressed hems. You can use a steamer for day-to-day wear and also keep an iron on hand for the occasional detail-heavy press, or opt for a hybrid steamer/iron.

Are they easy to use? Yes. There’s no complicated setup or learning curve, which makes steamers very appealing for anyone who dislikes ironing. Most heat up in under a minute, with some ready to go in seconds. Just fill the tank, switch it on, and steam garments while they’re hanging. They’re also easier to use one-handed, freeing the other to smooth fabric as you go.

Garment steamers work best when clothes can hang freely, so a sturdy hanger or hook nearby helps. Use filtered or demineralised water to reduce scale build-up and keep performance consistent. Emptying the tank after use and wiping the steam head can keep things running smoothly.

How do they save you time? Steamers cut out almost

every step that makes ironing feel like a chore. There’s no board to set up, no waiting for precise temperatures and no flipping garments back and forth. Clothes can be steamed straight from the wardrobe, on the back of a door or on a hanger. Larger water tanks and consistent steam output mean you can refresh multiple outfits quickly, making steamers a genuine time-saver on busy mornings.

Are they suitable for all fabrics? Garment steamers are safe for most common fabrics, including cotton, linen, wool, silk, and synthetic blends. Steam is gentler than direct heat, making steamers generally better suited to delicate or textured materials. Heavier fabrics like denim or thick cotton may need a slower pass or stronger steam output, while lightweight fabrics benefit from quick, light strokes. Steamers are generally very forgiving, however it pays to always read the garment’s care tag first.

Key features to look out for Steam power is one of the most important things to consider, as consistent, strong steam tackles wrinkles faster.

Water tank size affects how long you can steam before refilling, and heat-up time can increase convenience, especially for quick touch-ups.

Adjustable steam settings are useful if you regularly switch between delicate and heavier fabrics, while practical extras like anti-drip design, easy-fill tanks, and ergonomic handles also make the process easier.

Philips OneTurn Hybrid 2-in-1 Garment Steamer & Iron

Tefal Pure Force 3-in-1 Handheld Garment Steamer

This hybrid is ideal for those who want iron-level results without iron level effort, combining vertical steaming and horizontal ironing in one lightweight, compact appliance. Modes can be quickly

when fabric swapping.

Designed to do more than just de-wrinkle, this compact handheld steamer tackles steaming, light ironing, and lint removal, and features multiple steam settings for different fabric types. This versatile appliance can switch between vertical steaming for delicate garments and horizontal ironing, while the reversible pad adds flexibility – one side for gentle fabrics and the other for lifting lint and pet hair. The clear, removable water tank delivers enough steam for several outfits in one session, while practical

touches like a stable upright base, long power cord and auto shut-off make it easy to use at home or between wears, especially if time is tight.

The rotating diamond-shaped soleplate lets you choose precision for tricky areas or wider coverage for faster results. It heats up fast,

works at any angle, and includes a handy mat to steam or iron almost

switched with a simple turn of the rotating head. Powerful, consistent steam removes creases from delicate silks and structured cottons, while one universal temperature cuts guesswork

anywhere. With a detachable water tank, auto shut-off and strong steam boost for stubborn creases, it’s built for everyday garment care.

38 FEBRUARY 2026

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