Looking sharp while traveling can be challenging, but a Travel Garment Steamer is your secret weapon for maintaining a polished appearance. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend adventure or a crucial business trip, a top-notch travel steamer is essential for quickly refreshing your clothes. Forget bulky irons and ironing boards; travel steamers offer a swift and effortless way to eliminate wrinkles, making them indispensable for today’s traveler. I personally rely on the Conair Handheld Garment Steamer and can attest to its transformative effect on travel wardrobes.
The Travel + Leisure team rigorously tested numerous travel steamers to evaluate their usability, effectiveness, portability, durability, and overall value. Our comprehensive testing process involved assessing heating times, wrinkle removal across various fabrics, cord lengths, and ease of packing. (More details about our testing methodology are provided below). We are committed to long-term evaluation and will continue testing these top contenders for another six months to ensure their ongoing reliability and durability. This article will be updated with any changes as we proceed. Keep scrolling to discover the perfect travel steamer to ensure you always present your best self, no matter where your travels take you.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
SALE
Electrolux Garment Steamer at Amazon $80 $56
Best Lightweight:
SALE
Nesugar Steamer for Clothes at Amazon $59 $50
Most Compact:
Polardo Hand Held Portable Travel Garment Steamer at Amazon $46
Best Heavy-duty:
SALE
Conair ExtremeSteam Fabric Steamer at Amazon $70 $56
Best Iron/Steamer Combo:
Nori The Nori Press at Amazon $119
Best for Thick Fabrics:
SALE
Hilife Steamer at Amazon $46 $30
Best Budget:
Bear Travel Steamer at Amazon $15
Compare Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Electrolux Garment Steamer
PHOTO: Amazon
$80 $56 at Amazon $56 at Target $80 at Nordstrom
Why We Love It: This travel garment steamer boasts the largest water capacity among our top picks, a significant advantage when you need to steam multiple garments consecutively.
What to Consider: Its non-folding head might present a packing challenge in very tight luggage spaces.
The Electrolux Handheld Steamer hits the sweet spot, earning our “Best Overall” title. It perfectly balances convenience and performance, offering a generous water tank, an 8-foot cord, and adjustable steam settings. Through rigorous testing, including two separate evaluations, it consistently impressed us with its lightweight design, potent steam output, and a broad steam plate that efficiently covers a large garment surface. While it heats up quickly, allowing a five-minute warm-up period optimizes performance. The fixed steam trigger provides continuous steam effortlessly, eliminating the need to hold it down constantly. We tested it on a variety of fabrics, from formal tuxedos and slacks to casual linen and button-down shirts, and it consistently delivered fresh, crisp results. In our final lab tests, we successfully steamed four entire clothing items, including a heavily wrinkled blazer, without needing to refill the water tank. The ergonomic handle was a standout feature, preventing hand fatigue even during prolonged use.
The Details: 1 pound | 8 x 3 x 3.5 inches | 10-ounce tank | 8-foot cord | 2 steam settings | 18-minute steam time per fill
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Close-up showcasing the powerful steam output of the Electrolux travel garment steamer, highlighting its wrinkle-removing capability.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Demonstrating the ergonomic design of the Electrolux travel garment steamer, showing its comfortable grip and handheld size.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Highlighting the user-friendly controls of the Electrolux travel garment steamer, focusing on the easily accessible power button.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Before-and-after demonstration: a wrinkled shirt sleeve held up before steaming with the Electrolux travel garment steamer.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Action shot of the Electrolux travel garment steamer in use, effectively removing wrinkles from a shirt.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
After steaming: a smooth, wrinkle-free shirt sleeve, showcasing the effectiveness of the Electrolux travel garment steamer.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Portability demonstration: the Electrolux travel garment steamer being easily packed into a suitcase, emphasizing its travel-friendly size.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Easy maintenance: showing the removable water tank of the Electrolux travel garment steamer for convenient refilling and cleaning.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Refilling the water tank: a clear view of someone easily pouring water into the Electrolux travel garment steamer’s reservoir.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Product showcase: a detailed close-up of the Electrolux LX-15002 Garment Steamer, highlighting its design and features.
Best Lightweight
Nesugar Steamer for Clothes
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Weighing under a pound, this travel garment steamer is incredibly light. Its adjustable head offers both vertical and horizontal steaming options for added convenience.
What to Consider: When filled to capacity, the tank may occasionally spit water upon startup.
The Nesugar Steamer for Clothes proved its worth both on trips and at home, efficiently handling everything from delicate cotton shirts and dresses to stubborn wrinkles in Roman blinds. Its standout feature is its incredibly lightweight design. You’ll barely notice it in your bag, making it ideal for tossing into a tote bag or carry-on suitcase. This steamer heats up in under 20 seconds and boasts a versatile 90-degree rotating head, allowing for both vertical and horizontal use. Operation is straightforward with two buttons. While the cord length is somewhat limiting, and initial water spitting from a full tank is a minor issue, its compact size and rapid heating make it an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize minimizing luggage weight.
The Details: 12.8 ounces | 3.1 x 1.65 x 8.9 inches | 6-foot cord | 1 steam setting | 10-minute steam time per fill
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith
Steaming performance: the Nesugar travel garment steamer effectively removing wrinkles from a shirt, demonstrating its wrinkle-fighting capability.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith
Versatility in action: the Nesugar travel garment steamer steaming a delicate dress, showcasing its suitability for various fabrics.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith
Compact design: the Nesugar travel garment steamer neatly placed on a bathroom counter, emphasizing its small footprint.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith
Lightweight and handheld: a person easily holding the Nesugar travel garment steamer, highlighting its portability and ease of handling.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith
Space-saving design: the Nesugar travel garment steamer standing upright on the floor, showcasing its slim and compact profile.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Madelaine Jerousek-Smith
Travel-ready: the Nesugar travel garment steamer easily fitting inside a travel bag, highlighting its packability for travelers.
Most Compact
Polardo Hand Held Portable Travel Garment Steamer
PHOTO: Amazon
$46 $40 at Amazon View on Polardo.com
Why We Love It: This travel garment steamer’s remarkably compact size, rapid heat-up time, and impressive wrinkle-removing power make it a top choice for travel.
What to Consider: This model is designed for 120V outlets and is not compatible with international voltage standards without a converter.
The Polardo Hand Held Portable Travel Garment Steamer truly lives up to the moniker “little steamer that could.” Despite its diminutive size, it delivers impressive performance, heating up in a mere 25 seconds and effectively smoothing wrinkles from various fabrics like cotton, linen, and blends. Its lightweight build, just over a pound, and compact dimensions make packing effortless, fitting comfortably in a weekender bag or carry-on. The detachable, magnetic water tank makes refilling easy, and the steamer’s consistent steam output efficiently tackles wrinkles on multiple garments. With a cord exceeding 7 feet, it provides good flexibility, though placement near outlets in some hotels may require adjustments. Note that this model is designed for domestic use and is not suitable for international travel without a voltage converter.
The Details: 1.2 pounds | 3.54 x 2.36 x 7.87 inches | 7-foot-7-inch cord | 4-ounce tank | 1 steam setting | 10-minute steam time per fill
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Braet
Wrinkle removal on dresses: the Polardo travel garment steamer effectively steaming a dress, highlighting its ability to handle delicate garments.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Braet
Steaming various fabrics: the Polardo travel garment steamer in action on another dress, showcasing its versatility across different materials.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Braet
Effective wrinkle removal: demonstrating the Polardo travel garment steamer smoothing out wrinkles on a piece of cloth, highlighting its efficiency.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Braet
Easy water refilling: a person refilling the detachable water tank of the Polardo travel garment steamer, emphasizing user convenience.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Braet
Compact and stable design: the Polardo travel garment steamer standing steadily on a table, illustrating its space-saving and practical design.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kathryn Braet
Detailed product view: a close-up of the Polardo Hand Held Portable Travel Garment Steamer, showcasing its build and compact form factor.
The Best Wrinkle-release Sprays
Best Heavy-duty
Conair ExtremeSteam Fabric Steamer
PHOTO: Amazon
$70 $56 at Amazon $56 at Target $55 at Walmart
Why We Love It: This travel garment steamer stands out with more steam settings and a longer continuous use time compared to most tested models. Its robust durability is another significant advantage.
What to Consider: It is the heaviest and bulkiest of all the steamers featured in our guide, which may be a concern for some travelers.
I personally endorse the Conair ExtremeSteam Fabric Steamer as my trusted companion for both travel and home use. Its resilience is proven by years of service and numerous trips, surviving countless bag checks. Heating up in just 40 seconds, it features an easy-grip handle, helpful attachments, and adjustable steam settings for precise wrinkle removal. Although its 3.5-pound weight might be a drawback for weight-conscious travelers, its exceptional durability and performance justify including it if space and weight allowances permit. The L-shaped design and detachable tank enhance its packability. This Conair option represents a worthwhile investment, particularly for those seeking a dependable steamer equally effective at home and on the road.
“[…] I mostly steamed some of my cotton button-up shirts, which are notoriously prone to wrinkles and usually better tackled with a traditional iron,” notes T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant. “I was impressed with how effective this steamer got the wrinkles out. I used the attached creaser on the hood of the steamer to get those tough to steam areas like the collar and sleeves, which helped me press those areas down flat. Genius feature!”
The Details: 3.6 pounds | 8 x 5.6 x 13.6 inches | 7.3-ounce tank | 5 steam settings | 20-minute steam time per fill
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jasmine Grant
Powerful steaming action: the Conair travel garment steamer effectively steaming a shirt, illustrating its strong wrinkle-removing capability.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jasmine Grant
Targeted wrinkle removal: using the Conair travel garment steamer on a shirt collar, showcasing its precision and effectiveness on detailed areas.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure/Jasmine Grant
Professional results: the Conair travel garment steamer delivering crisp, wrinkle-free results on a button-down shirt, resembling professionally ironed garments.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jasmine Grant
Travel readiness: the Conair travel garment steamer packed in a travel bag, showcasing its design for portability despite its heavy-duty features.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jasmine Grant
Durable construction: a close-up of the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Hand-Held Fabric Steamer, emphasizing its robust build and quality.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jasmine Grant
Home and travel use: the Conair travel garment steamer placed on a desk, indicating its suitability for both travel and everyday home use.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jasmine Grant
Protective packaging: the Conair travel garment steamer shown in its packaging, highlighting its care in product delivery.
Best Iron/Steamer Combo
Nori The Nori Press
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PHOTO: Amazon
$119 at Amazon $120 at Nordstrom View on Nori.co
Why We Love It: The innovative design of this travel garment steamer, resembling a hair straightener, simplifies use and significantly reduces steaming time.
What to Consider: The water tank capacity is small, requiring frequent refills if using the steam function extensively (though it can be used effectively as a dry iron as well).
The Nori The Nori Press, tested across linen, cotton, and denim, emerges as a top performer in the iron/steamer combo category. It heats up rapidly, in under a minute, and features intuitive fabric settings, much like a sophisticated hair straightener for clothing. Its compact and lightweight design, at just 1.4 pounds, is ideal for travel, easily fitting into suitcases or weekender bags. It effectively combines the benefits of both an iron and a steamer, quickly removing wrinkles from both sides of garments simultaneously as you press. While the small tank necessitates frequent refills for steaming, its six versatile fabric settings compensate for this. Our only minor drawback is its slight difficulty in fully steaming larger items like maxi dresses or jackets.
“I found the design easier to use than other travel steamers I’ve tried, maybe because I’ve been using hair tools with a similar design my whole life,” remarks T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco. “I also love how you can switch between fabric settings so easily, and it will tell you to use it for poly, silk, wool, cotton, denim, or linen, so you don’t have to guess.”
The Details: 1.4 pounds | 15.5 x 4 x 4 inches long | 0.98-ounce tank | 8-foot cord | 6 steam settings | 10-minute steam time per fill
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco
Iron and steamer combo: the Nori Press travel garment steamer being used to press a shirt, showcasing its dual functionality.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco
Hair straightener design inspiration: a close-up of the Nori Press travel garment steamer, highlighting its unique and ergonomic shape.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco
Efficient pressing action: the Nori Press travel garment steamer pressing a shirt, demonstrating its quick and effective wrinkle removal.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco
Fabric-friendly design: the Nori Press travel garment steamer gently placed on a shirt, showcasing its safe application on clothing.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco
Slim profile for storage: the Nori Press travel garment steamer standing upright on the floor, highlighting its sleek and space-efficient form.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco
High-quality build: a detailed close-up of the Nori Press travel garment steamer, showcasing its premium materials and construction.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco
Fabric setting interface: a close-up view of the Nori Press travel garment steamer’s settings, highlighting its user-friendly fabric selection.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco
Travel-friendly size: the Nori Press travel garment steamer easily packed into a travel bag, emphasizing its portability for on-the-go use.
Best for Thick Fabrics
Hilife Steamer
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PHOTO: Amazon
$46 $30 at Amazon $60 $30 at Walmart
Why We Love It: The generous water tank capacity of this travel garment steamer allows for 20-25 minutes of continuous steaming, making it highly efficient for handling multiple garments before needing a refill.
What to Consider: Its bulkier design makes it less ideal for travelers aiming for extremely compact packing.
The Hilife Steamer, tested on fabrics ranging from delicate silk pajamas to sturdy linen pants and work shirts, delivers consistent performance with its simple “on” setting. We particularly appreciate its extra-long cord, the longest among all steamers tested, providing enhanced flexibility and eliminating the need to constantly switch outlets. It takes approximately four to five minutes to heat up and begin producing steam, which is visibly indicated through a window on the device. Despite its straightforward design, featuring an easy-to-fill water tank and a basic plastic handle, this steamer efficiently tackles wrinkles, offering up to 20-25 minutes of continuous steam per fill. While it feels somewhat bulkier compared to other travel steamers and might not be the best fit for tightly packed suitcases, it operates reliably without leaks or malfunctions. A key point to note is the water fill line located mid-tank; overfilling can lead to hot water spurting, so adhering to the fill instructions is essential.
The Details: 1.7 pounds | 6.8 x 5.5 x 7 inches | 8.1-ounce tank | 9.2-foot cord | 1 steam setting | 15-minute steam time per fill
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Steaming performance on shirts: the Hilife travel garment steamer effectively removing wrinkles from a shirt, highlighting its steaming power.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Wrinkle removal process: a person using the Hilife travel garment steamer to smooth out wrinkles on a shirt, demonstrating ease of use.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Steam output detail: a close-up of the steam nozzle of the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer, showcasing its steam dispensing design.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Handheld comfort: a person holding the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer, showing its size and grip for comfortable use.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Stable handling: two hands securely holding the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer, demonstrating its balance during operation.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Water tank refilling: a person adding water to the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer’s tank, highlighting the ease of refilling process.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Detachable components: hand removing the top part of the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer, demonstrating its modular design.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Simple operation: a thumb pressing the power switch on the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer, emphasizing its easy-to-use controls.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Before steaming: a wrinkled button-down shirt held up before steaming with the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
After steaming: a smooth, wrinkle-free shirt hanging after being steamed with the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Suitcase compatibility: a person packing the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer into a suitcase, showing its travel-friendly design.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kaylene Konigsmark
Component overview: the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer dismantled and displayed on a table, showing all parts included.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kaylene Konigsmark
Packed for travel: the Hilife Portable Garment Steamer neatly packed in a bag, highlighting its portability for travelers.
The Best Wrinkle-resistant Clothing Pieces for Travel
Best Budget
Bear Travel Steamer
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PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: For travelers seeking an affordable yet effective portable steamer, this price point is unbeatable.
What to Consider: This travel garment steamer lacks a steam lock feature, requiring continuous button press for operation.
Despite offering only a single setting, the Bear Travel Steamer effectively removes wrinkles in just a few passes, even on delicate fabrics, although its power is less pronounced compared to some higher-end models in our lineup. It boasts a rapid heat-up time of just 10-15 seconds, and its consistent steam output ensures efficient wrinkle removal without sputtering. The lightweight and compact design makes it an easy fit even in an already full weekender bag. A notable advantage is its ability to steam clothing laid flat on a surface without any water spillage. While its small water tank necessitates frequent refills, the steamer’s portability and performance at a $20 price point offer exceptional value. The absence of a continuous steam setting, requiring users to hold the button down, is a minor trade-off given its impressive price, results, and convenience.
The Details: 1.45 pounds | 8.4 x 6 x 3 inches | 4.05-ounce tank | 6-foot cord | 1 steam setting | 10-15-minute steam time per fill
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Budget-friendly steaming: the Bear travel garment steamer effectively steaming a shirt, highlighting its performance despite the low price.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Versatile garment steaming: a person using the Bear travel garment steamer on a jacket sleeve, demonstrating its capability across different clothing items.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Easy shirt steaming: a person using the Bear travel garment steamer on a shirt, showcasing its user-friendliness for everyday clothing.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Dress steaming capability: using the Bear travel garment steamer on the hem of a dress, highlighting its ability to handle longer garments.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Wrinkle-free dress: a dress hanging smoothly after steaming with the Bear travel garment steamer, showcasing effective wrinkle removal.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Before steaming suit pants: wrinkled suit pants laid out before steaming with the Bear travel garment steamer.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
After steaming suit pants: smooth, wrinkle-free suit pants hanging after being steamed with the Bear travel garment steamer.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Steam nozzle design: a detailed close-up of the steam nozzle of the Bear Travel Steamer, showing its steam distribution mechanism.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Fabric steaming action: a hand using the Bear travel garment steamer on a fabric, demonstrating its application and ease of use.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Water reservoir access: hand opening the water reservoir of the Bear Travel Steamer, showing the refilling access point.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Refilling water tank: a person adding water to the tank of the Bear Travel Steamer, illustrating the water filling process.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Detachable water tank: a hand holding the removable water tank of the Bear Travel Steamer, showcasing its easy-to-detach feature.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Operation button detail: a thumb pressing the operation button on the Bear Travel Steamer, highlighting its simple control.
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Packability for travel: a hand placing the Bear Travel Steamer into a travel bag, demonstrating its compact size for easy packing.
Other Travel Steamers We Liked
Two additional travel steamers underwent our testing process but didn’t quite make it to our top picks due to minor drawbacks. However, they possess notable features that might still appeal to some travelers.
Rowenta Steamer: Despite its appearance, this steamer is surprisingly heavy. While it fits into a carry-on, its size, reminiscent of a vintage hair dryer, makes it better suited for checked luggage or larger carry-ons. On the positive side, it heats up exceptionally fast and effectively removes wrinkles. However, its very small water tank limits steaming to approximately one garment at a time.
Nesugar G3 Steamer: We were particularly impressed by the incredibly small and lightweight nature of this steamer – roughly the size of a curling iron. This makes it exceptionally easy to pack in a carry-on or weekender bag. However, the absence of an on/off button, limited effectiveness on tougher fabrics like heavy linen, and a small water tank kept this mini steamer off our main list. It does come with its own drawstring pouch, a thoughtful addition.
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Travel + Leisure
Testing other options: a person using the Rowenta PurePop Steamer on fabric, showcasing additional travel garment steamer models tested.
Our Testing Process
The Travel + Leisure team conducted hands-on testing of multiple travel steamers in realistic, everyday scenarios to thoroughly evaluate portability, ease of use, performance, durability, and value. Portability was judged by assessing each steamer’s weight and how well it fit into various travel bags, ranging from personal items to checked suitcases. Ease of use was determined by the simplicity of filling the water tank, maneuvering the steamer, and adjusting any available settings.
Performance evaluations focused on heating speed, wrinkle removal effectiveness, and the steam duration provided by a single water tank. We also noted any occurrences of sputtering or leaking during operation. Durability was assessed by examining the material quality and observing any signs of wear after extensive testing. Finally, we evaluated the value proposition of each steamer, comparing its price against its performance and build quality to determine if the cost was justified.
We re-evaluated four steamers (from Electrolux, HiLife, Rowenta, and Bear) in our New York City lab to directly compare them and refine their category placements. For these lab tests, we pre-wrinkled a selection of clothing overnight to maximize creasing, including a blazer, trousers, a button-down shirt, and a long dress. Each steamer was used to address a different set of these wrinkled garments to identify its unique strengths and weaknesses compared to the others.
Our ongoing assessment includes six months of further testing to monitor long-term performance and durability. We will continue to track portability, practicality, and overall reliability, updating our recommendations as needed.
Tips for Buying a Travel Steamer
Prioritize portability
For carry-on or personal item travel, a compact steamer is ideal. However, remember that smaller models often mean smaller water tanks, potentially requiring more frequent refills. Finding the right balance between portability and functionality is crucial for a seamless travel experience. Ensure the steamer fits comfortably within your preferred travel bags, whether it’s a carry-on, weekender, or checked suitcase. A lightweight steamer will be easier to handle and pack, making it a more convenient choice for frequent travelers.
Think about types of garments you typically steam
If you frequently steam heavier fabrics like blazers or coats, prioritize steamers with higher power output or steam volume. For those who pack a variety of fabrics, including silk, cotton, linen, and denim, a steamer with multiple steam settings provides the versatility to handle different materials effectively and safely.
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Travel + Leisure
Fabric considerations: a person steaming a dress with the Bear travel garment steamer, illustrating the importance of considering fabric types when choosing a steamer.
Look for extra features and attachments
While not all steamers include them, some come with beneficial extras like fabric brushes, crease attachments, or lint removers. These additional features can enhance the steamer’s versatility and functionality, helping you effectively manage a wider range of fabrics and garment types. Always verify what attachments and features are included with your chosen steamer before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do you use a travel steamer?
Begin by filling the steamer’s water tank, which usually involves a removable tank or a small filling opening on most travel steamers. Plug in the steamer and turn it on, allowing it to heat up—typically just a minute or two. Some models have indicator lights or sounds to signal readiness.
Hold the steamer upright and press the steam button to initiate steam flow. Gently move the steamer head over the wrinkled areas of your garment, either holding the fabric taut or steaming while it hangs. Some models are also designed for steaming garments laid flat on a surface.
After use, turn off and unplug the steamer. Empty any remaining water from the tank and allow it to cool completely before storing.
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What’s the difference between a steamer and an iron?
The fundamental difference lies in their wrinkle removal methods. A steamer uses hot steam to relax fabric fibers and smooth out wrinkles without direct contact. Conversely, an iron uses direct heat and pressure to press wrinkles out. This requires physical contact with the fabric, which can sometimes cause scorching or shiny spots if not used cautiously. While irons can achieve a sharply pressed appearance, steamers are generally faster, gentler, and suitable for a broader spectrum of fabrics, particularly delicate materials and items best steamed while hanging.
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Can I bring a travel steamer on an airplane or cruise ship?
Yes, generally travel steamers are permitted on both airplanes and cruise ships, but there are a few points to consider. For air travel, most airlines allow travel-size steamers in both carry-on and checked luggage. It’s important to ensure the water tank is completely empty to avoid issues during security checks. On cruise ships, steamers are usually allowed in cabins. However, it’s always advisable to verify directly with the cruise line before your trip, as some ships may have specific policies or restrictions on electrical appliances. Even for air travel, confirming with your airline is always a good practice.
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How do I know if my steamer will work on international trips?
Always check the voltage specifications of your travel steamer before international travel. Consider purchasing a universal adapter and voltage converter if necessary to ensure compatibility and safe operation abroad. Most travel steamers, including all models listed here, operate on 110/120V, which is standard in the U.S. and several other countries. If traveling to a country with a different voltage standard, such as 220/240V, a voltage converter is essential to use your steamer safely and effectively.
You May Also Want
Wrinkled clothing is a common travel frustration, but there are smart solutions to keep your clothes looking fresh and smooth on the go. Here are some of our preferred travel products to help prevent and resolve those pesky creases:
Bounce Rapid Touch-up 3 in 1 Wrinkle Releaser Clothing Spray: This TSA-approved, multi-functional spray comes in a convenient pack of three for under $10. It effectively smooths wrinkles, eliminates static cling, and imparts a clean, fresh scent with just a few spritzes.
Untuckit Wrinkle-free Performance Shirt With Pocket: Even when packed tightly in luggage, this button-down shirt reliably emerges wrinkle-free and ready for any occasion. As a bonus, it’s also moisture-wicking, adding to its travel practicality.
Quince Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress: This dress from Quince is primarily made from Tencel lyocell, an exceptionally soft fiber derived from wood pulp known for its inherent wrinkle resistance. The addition of spandex provides a comfortable, medium-weight stretch that drapes beautifully and resists wrinkles naturally.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Maddie Michalik, a shopping trends expert and frequent traveler, has been professionally reviewing products for a decade. She brings firsthand experience with travel steamers, having personally used a Conair Handheld Garment Steamer for four years and consistently relying on its benefits. The travel steamers featured in this guide were rigorously tested and highly rated in both real-world travel scenarios and controlled laboratory conditions by the Travel + Leisure team.
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Edited by Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco is a testing editor at Travel + Leisure, where she designs product testing plans and writes/edits travel-related product reviews based on thorough testing. Her background includes working as a travel agent, a journalism degree, and over eight years of experience covering product reviews and gift guides. She has also made over 100 television appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends.
Updated by Asia London Palomba
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Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual Italian writer based in Boston, originally from Rome. Her writing focuses on food, travel, and history, with coverage ranging from essential travel products for India trips to medieval judicial duels.
