Even seasoned travelers know the frustration of opening their suitcase after a long journey to find clothes that look more crumpled than chic. While hotel irons are often available, wrestling with an ironing board in a cramped room can be a hassle, and some delicate fabrics just can’t take the heat. That’s where the Best Travel Steamer For Clothes comes in. But is packing a clothing steamer really worth the precious luggage space?
A few years ago, I embarked on a mission to find the best travel steamer, admittedly skeptical about adding another gadget to my carry-on. However, traveling frequently with a family of four, I quickly learned that hotel ironing setups often become cluttered surfaces, more of a nuisance than a help. Since testing numerous models, a travel steamer has become an indispensable part of my packing routine.
Through testing 13 different steamers, I’ve discovered a key feature that separates the good from the great: a metal soleplate. This allows for direct contact with the fabric, effectively smoothing out even stubborn wrinkles. Beyond wrinkle removal, steamers offer another significant benefit – they eliminate 99% of bacteria, keeping your clothes fresh and hygienic on your travels. While distilled water is often recommended to minimize sediment buildup, I conducted my tests using regular tap water, mirroring real-world travel conditions where distilled water isn’t always accessible.
This article has been updated with new information to reflect current top picks.
My Top Picks for Best Travel Steamers:
| Steamer | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 | Overall Value | Affordable & Effective |
| Nesugar Portable Handheld | Lightweight Travel | Compact & Adjustable |
| Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam | Long-Lasting Power | Powerful & Versatile |
| Seekclass Foldable Steamer | Foldable Convenience | Ultra-Packable |
| Conair Travel Smart | International Travel | Dual Voltage |
| Steamery Cirrus 3 | Leakproof Guarantee | No-Spill Design |
| The Nori Press | Two-in-One Function | Iron & Steamer Combo |
How We Tested the Best Travel Steamers:
To find the best travel steamer for clothes, we put 13 different models through rigorous testing on a variety of fabrics. Each steamer was evaluated on jeans, khakis, T-shirts, button-down shirts, linens, blouses, and jackets, based on the following criteria:
- Size and Packability: Does the steamer easily fit into a weekender bag or carry-on luggage without taking up excessive space?
- Power and Efficiency: Is the steamer as fast and effective as a hotel iron, or ideally, even better and more convenient?
- Water Capacity: How often does the water reservoir need refilling to steam a complete outfit? A larger capacity means less interruption.
- Leakproof Design: Does the steamer leak or spit water? A leakproof design prevents unwanted wet spots and delays.
- Durability and Longevity: Is the steamer built to last through numerous trips, making it a worthwhile investment?
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Steamers:
Can I bring a portable steamer on a plane?
Yes, you can travel with a portable steamer in your carry-on luggage. Travel steamers are generally TSA-compliant. Just ensure that the water reservoir is completely empty before going through airport security to avoid any delays or issues.
Are portable steamers worth buying?
Absolutely, especially if you’re attending a formal event during your travels or packing clothes prone to wrinkling. Investing in the best travel steamer for clothes can significantly improve your travel experience. Personally, I’ve found that having a steamer allows me to pack lighter. Knowing I can easily freshen up and de-wrinkle clothes, I can re-wear items and pack a more streamlined capsule wardrobe. For someone like me, who prefers to travel with just a carry-on, a steamer is a valuable tool for maximizing space and minimizing wrinkles. And if space is truly tight, a steamer is easy enough to remove to make room for other essentials.
Below, we delve into detailed reviews of the six best travel steamers to consider for your next trip, ensuring you always look your best, no matter where you are.
Best Overall Travel Steamer
Proctor Silex compact 2-in-1 steamer on a white surface
Proctor Silex Compact 2-in-1 Steamer
My new top pick for the best travel steamer for clothes is the Proctor Silex 2-in-1 compact garment steamer. While the Nesugar handheld steamer was previously my go-to, the Proctor Silex has taken the lead. It’s only slightly heavier than the Nesugar but boasts a longer continuous steam time of nearly 10 minutes without needing a refill. Impressively, it effectively de-wrinkles all fabric types, even tough denim. Hotel and Airbnb outlet availability can be unpredictable, so the Proctor Silex’s generous 10-foot cord is a major plus, providing freedom of movement. Surprisingly, it’s also the most budget-friendly option at around $20. For travelers who only occasionally need a steamer, this is a reliable and affordable choice.
Weight: 1.63 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 4 oz.
Pros: Affordable, effective on all fabrics, fast 45-second heat-up, useful brush attachment.
Cons: Water reservoir can be challenging to empty completely.
Best Lightweight Travel Steamer
Nesugar portable handheld steamer on a white background
Nesugar Portable Handheld Steamer
Having used the Nesugar portable steamer consistently for over a year, I greatly appreciate its thoughtful design. Weighing under a pound, this steamer delivers a surprisingly strong steam output. Despite its small water reservoir, it steamed continuously for nearly 10 minutes, enough to de-wrinkle about five garments (though it struggled with heavier fabrics like jeans). The convenient steam-on button eliminates the need to hold it down continuously. The metal soleplate also functions as a mini-iron, which proved useful for smoothing out jeans. Its adjustable head not only enhances portability but also allows for steaming at different angles. Initially, I was concerned that frequent head adjustments might loosen the mechanism, but it remains sturdy after extensive use. It even includes a wall mount for easy storage at home.
Weight: 12.8 oz.
Pros: Ultra-lightweight and packable, adjustable head for versatility, includes a wall mount.
Cons: Best suited for lighter fabrics, not as powerful on heavy wrinkles.
Best Long-Lasting Travel Steamer
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam steamer on a white surface
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam
While pricier than some, the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam excels in power and functionality. It can refresh a T-shirt to like-new condition in under a minute. It tackles wrinkles on heavy jackets with ease, but also has a lower setting for delicates – the only model tested with adjustable steam settings. It even includes a built-in creaser for those who prefer sharp creases. Being more powerful, it consumes water faster, requiring refills after a few garments, depending on fabric and wrinkle severity. The Conair Turbo would have claimed the top spot if it were more travel-friendly in size (13″ x 8″ x 6″). However, if you frequently use an iron at home, this steamer could be your best all-around investment.
Weight: 3.2 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 6.6 oz.
Pros: Powerful wrinkle removal on all fabrics, adjustable steam settings, quick heating.
Cons: Small water tank opening makes refilling slightly difficult, bulkier for travel.
Best Foldable Travel Steamer
Seekclass foldable steamer in a hand
Seekclass Foldable Steamer
The Seekclass foldable steamer is undoubtedly the most visually appealing of the steamers tested and comes in a close second for packability. With a quick 30-second heat-up and continuous steam (no trigger needed), it started strong. However, steaming one pair of pants took four minutes, requiring the use of the metal soleplate for effective wrinkle removal. The tiny reservoir also needed refilling before finishing the pants. The small refill hole makes it difficult to empty any remaining water before packing. Given this, it’s advisable to let it air dry as soon as possible to prevent mineral buildup.
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Water tank capacity: 3.5 oz.
Pros: Foldable handle ideal for travel, metal soleplate for ironing, rapid heat-up.
Cons: Prone to leaking when tilted, small and difficult-to-fill reservoir, heavier fabrics may require refilling.
Best Travel Steamer for International Trips
Conair Travel Smart steamer with different plug adapters
Conair Travel Smart Steamer
For globetrotters, the Conair Travel Smart steamer is a standout choice thanks to its automatic dual voltage compatibility. While it heats up quickly in about 20 seconds, the reservoir casing gets extremely hot, so handle it carefully by the handle only. The high reservoir temperature also necessitates a short cool-down period between refills, but a single tank steams approximately three garments. A key advantage is its automatic steam feature, eliminating the finger fatigue of holding down a steam trigger. Its international voltage compatibility secures its place as the best travel steamer for clothes for frequent international travelers.
Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 3.4 oz.
Pros: Dual voltage for international use, collapsible handle for compact travel, automatic steam (no trigger), fast heat-up.
Cons: Reservoir gets very hot, preventing immediate refills.
Most Leakproof Travel Steamer
Steamery Cirrus 3 steamer close-up on the nozzle
Steamery Cirrus 3 Steamer
I often prefer hybrid steamers that double as irons, and the Steamery Cirrus 3 is a prime example. Its large iron plate is nearly as effective as a full-size iron, although it only steams about three garments per water tank. The standout feature is its exceptional leakproof design. For travelers with busy schedules, a leakproof steamer is invaluable, eliminating the need to wait for wet spots to dry. Even a vigorous shake test proved it spill-free. The only significant drawback is its higher price point.
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 3 oz.
Pros: Large iron plate for dual functionality, completely leakproof design, quick heat-up time.
Cons: Higher price, smaller reservoir capacity steams fewer garments per fill.
Best Two-in-One Travel Steamer
The Nori Press being used to steam clothes
The Nori Press
Concluding our roundup of the best travel steamers for clothes is The Nori Press, a highly recommended hybrid steamer and iron praised by senior editor Megan Spurrell. “The Nori steamer appealed to me because of its sleek design—two-in-one devices are perfect for travel, and the idea of skipping the ironing board was definitely a plus,” Spurrell notes. “I tested it thoroughly on my destination wedding trip, using it on both my dress and my husband’s linen suit. It performed admirably, effectively steaming and ironing as needed.”
This unique, compact device features dual aluminum plates that iron both sides of a garment simultaneously, halving the steaming/ironing time. It also offers six fabric settings—polyester, silk, wool, cotton, denim, and linen—ensuring wrinkle-free results and fabric protection for any item you pack.
Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Water tank capacity: 1 oz.
Pros: Double plates for fast steaming/ironing, dual voltage compatibility, automatic shut-off after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Cons: Very small reservoir best suited for smaller steaming jobs, can be slightly tiring to hold when steaming heavily wrinkled garments.
