Even seasoned globetrotters know the struggle of unpacking wrinkled clothes after a long journey. While hotel irons are often available, setting up the ironing board and meticulously pressing each garment can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Plus, delicate fabrics might not withstand harsh heat. This begs the question: is traveling with a clothing steamer a more efficient solution?
After extensive testing over several years, I initially hesitated about dedicating precious carry-on space to such a practical device. However, as a frequent traveler with a family of four, the ironing board setup often becomes a cluttered surface, more of a hindrance than a help. Since incorporating travel steamers into my packing routine, I rarely leave home without one.
Among the 13 steamers I’ve personally tested, the top-performing models share a crucial feature: a metal soleplate. This allows for direct contact with the fabric, effectively smoothing out stubborn wrinkles. Beyond wrinkle removal, steamers also boast the benefit of killing 99 percent of bacteria, adding a hygienic touch to your travel wardrobe. While distilled water is generally recommended to prevent sediment buildup, my tests were conducted using regular tap water, reflecting real-world travel conditions where distilled water isn’t always accessible.
This article has been updated with new recommendations for the best rated travel steamers.
My Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Steamer
- Best Lightweight: Nesugar Portable Handheld Steamer
- Best Long-Lasting: Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam
- Best Foldable: Seekclass Foldable Steamer
- Best for International Travel: Conair Travel Smart Steamer
- Most Leakproof: Steamery Cirrus 3 Steamer
- Best Two-in-One: The Nori Press
How We Tested the Best Rated Travel Steamers:
To determine the Best Rated Travel Steamer options, each model underwent rigorous testing across various fabric types, including jeans, khakis, T-shirts, button-down shirts, linens, blouses, and jackets. The evaluation was based on the following key criteria:
- Size/Packability: Does the steamer fit comfortably in a weekender bag or carry-on luggage?
- Power/Efficiency: Is it quicker and easier to use than a hotel iron, or at least equally effective?
- Water Capacity: How often does the water reservoir need refilling to steam a complete outfit?
- Leakproof Performance: Does it prevent leaks and water spots on clothing during use?
- Durability/Longevity: Is the build quality robust enough to withstand frequent travel and justify the purchase?
FAQ: Traveling with a Portable Steamer
Can I bring a portable steamer on a plane?
Yes, most travel steamers are carry-on friendly and TSA-compliant. The key is to ensure the water reservoir is completely empty before heading to the airport.
Is a portable steamer worth packing?
Absolutely, especially if you’re attending a formal event or packing wrinkle-prone clothing. A significant advantage I’ve discovered is that owning a travel steamer actually encourages packing lighter. Knowing I can easily freshen up and re-wear items allows me to pack fewer clothes overall, making a capsule wardrobe approach more feasible. As someone who prioritizes carry-on travel, the steamer proves to be a valuable yet easily removable item if space becomes limited. Below are my detailed reviews of the six best rated travel steamers for your next adventure.
Best Overall Travel Steamer
Best rated travel steamer: Proctor Silex compact 2-in-1 model.
Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Steamer
The Proctor Silex 2-in-1 compact garment steamer has become my new top pick, surpassing even the previously favored Nesugar model. Only seven ounces heavier than the Nesugar, it offers continuous steaming for nearly 10 minutes on a single fill, efficiently tackling wrinkles on all fabric types, including stubborn denim. The generous 10-foot cord is a welcome feature, providing flexibility in hotel rooms or Airbnbs where outlet placement can be unpredictable. Surprisingly, this steamer is also the most budget-friendly option at around $20. For travelers seeking a reliable steamer for occasional use, the Proctor Silex is an excellent and safe choice.
Weight: 1.63 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 4 oz.
What I like most: Affordable price, effective on all fabrics, 45-second heat-up time, useful brush attachment.
Where there’s room for improvement: Reservoir can be challenging to empty completely.
Best Lightweight Travel Steamer
Lightweight and portable best rated travel steamer: Nesugar handheld.
Nesugar Portable Handheld Steamer
Having used the Nesugar portable steamer consistently for over a year, I appreciate its intelligent design. Weighing under a pound, this steamer delivers a surprisingly robust steam output. Despite its small reservoir, it steams for nearly 10 minutes, sufficient for de-wrinkling about five garments (though jeans required some extra effort). The convenient steam-on button eliminates the need to hold it down continuously. Its metal soleplate doubles as a mini-iron, which proved useful for tackling stubborn wrinkles on jeans. The adjustable head enhances its compact design and allows for steaming at different angles. While initially I was concerned about the adjustable head’s durability, it remains sturdy even after countless trips. A bonus feature is the included wall mount for easy storage at home.
Weight: 12.8 oz.
What I like most: Extremely lightweight and packable, adjustable head, includes a wall mount.
Where there’s room for improvement: Performs best on lighter fabrics.
Best Long-Lasting Travel Steamer
Powerful and long-lasting best rated travel steamer: Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam.
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam
While one of the pricier models tested, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam is the clear winner in terms of power and versatility. It can refresh a T-shirt in under a minute and effectively de-wrinkle heavier items like jackets. It also features adjustable settings for delicate fabrics, making it the only steamer in the test group with variable steam levels. A built-in creaser adds another layer of functionality. Due to its higher power output, it consumes more water, requiring refills after steaming a few items, depending on fabric type and wrinkle severity. The Conair Turbo would have been the top overall pick if it were more travel-friendly. Its dimensions (13″ x 8″ x 6″) make it a bit bulky for carry-ons. However, if you frequently use an iron at home, this steamer could be a worthwhile investment.
Weight: 3.2 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 6.6 oz.
What I like most: Exceptional de-wrinkling power, adjustable steam settings, rapid heat-up.
Where there’s room for improvement: Small water tank opening makes refilling difficult, larger size for travel.
Best Foldable Travel Steamer
Foldable and compact best rated travel steamer: Seekclass model.
Seekclass Foldable Steamer
The Seekclass foldable steamer stands out as the most aesthetically pleasing model tested and secures the second spot for packability. With a rapid 30-second heat-up and automatic steam function (no trigger to hold), it starts strong. However, steaming a pair of pants took four minutes, requiring the use of the metal soleplate for optimal results. The small reservoir necessitated a refill to complete the pants. The refill hole is also quite small, making it challenging to empty residual water before packing. Therefore, allowing it to dry thoroughly at the earliest opportunity is advisable to prevent mineral buildup.
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Water tank capacity: 3.5 oz.
What I like most: Foldable handle ideal for travel, metal soleplate, quick heating.
Where there’s room for improvement: Prone to leaks when placed on its side, small and difficult-to-fill reservoir, heavier fabrics often require refilling.
Best Travel Steamer for International Travel
Best rated travel steamer for international use: Conair Travel Smart with dual voltage.
Conair Travel Smart Steamer
The Conair Travel Smart steamer is a boon for international travelers thanks to its automatic dual voltage capability. While it heats up quickly in about 20 seconds, the reservoir becomes very hot during use – ensure you only hold it by the handle. The high reservoir temperature also necessitates a cooling period between refills. However, a single tank is sufficient for steaming around three garments. A standout feature is the automatic steam activation, eliminating the need to constantly press a trigger button, a welcome relief for your fingers. Its primary appeal lies in its suitability for frequent international travel.
Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 3.4 oz.
What I like most: Dual voltage compatibility, collapsible handle for travel, automatic heat-up, trigger-free steam release.
Where there’s room for improvement: Reservoir gets excessively hot, preventing immediate refills.
Most Leakproof Travel Steamer
Leakproof best rated travel steamer: Steamery Cirrus 3 for worry-free travel.
Steamery Cirrus 3 Steamer
I often lean towards hybrid steamers that double as irons. The Steamery Cirrus 3, with its large iron plate, approaches the efficiency of a full-size iron, although it steams only about three garments per tank. Its standout feature is exceptional leak resistance. This is a critical factor for me, as busy travel itineraries often mean quick steaming sessions, and dealing with water spots is the last thing I need. Even a shake test proved it to be completely leak-proof. The primary drawback is its higher price point.
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 3 oz.
What I like most: Large iron plate, completely leakproof design, fast heat-up.
Where there’s room for improvement: Premium price, reservoir empties after steaming approximately three garments.
Best Two-in-One Travel Steamer
Best rated 2-in-1 travel steamer and iron: The Nori Press.
The Nori Press
Concluding our roundup of the best rated travel steamers is The Nori Press, a hybrid steamer and iron highly recommended by senior editor Megan Spurrell. “The Nori steamer appealed to me with its sleek design—two-in-one devices are always ideal for travel, and the absence of an ironing board requirement was a major plus,” Spurrell notes. “I tested it thoroughly on my destination wedding day, using it on both my dress and my husband’s linen suit. It effectively performed both steaming and ironing functions.”
This unique, compact steamer features dual aluminum plates that iron both sides of a garment simultaneously, halving the steaming time. It also offers six fabric settings – polyester, silk, wool, cotton, denim, and linen – ensuring wrinkle-free results without fabric damage, regardless of your wardrobe choices.
Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 1 oz.
What I like most: Double heating plates, dual voltage, automatic shut-off after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Where there’s room for improvement: Small reservoir best suited for smaller tasks, can be tiring to hold when smoothing heavily wrinkled garments.
