Handheld Steamer Vs. Standing Steamer: Which one is Better?

Choosing between a handheld steamer and a standing steamer depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. The right choice can make your garment care routine more efficient and enjoyable.

A handheld steamer is a compact, portable device, ideal for those who travel frequently or have limited storage space. It’s perfect for quick touch-ups and can handle most fabrics, making it a versatile tool in your wardrobe maintenance arsenal. The handheld steamer vs upright debate often leans towards the handheld for its convenience and ease of use.

On the other hand, a standing steamer, also known as a stand-up steamer, offers more power and capacity. It’s excellent for heavy-duty steaming tasks, such as drapes, upholstery, and a large volume of clothes. It’s a staple in many professional settings, like fashion studios and theatres, due to its robust performance and durability.

Your choice between a handheld steamer and a standing steamer should be guided by your lifestyle, space availability, and the types of fabrics you frequently deal with. Both have their strengths and are designed to make your life easier, so choose the one that best fits your requirements.

Read More: Best-in-Class Standing Clothes Steamer: Top 5 Picks

Handheld Steamer vs Standing Steamer: The Key Features Comparison

Portability

Handheld steamers, due to their compact size, are highly portable. They can be easily packed in a suitcase or bag, making them ideal for travelers who need to keep their clothes wrinkle-free on the go.

Standing steamers, on the contrary, are larger and bulkier. They are not designed for travel and are best suited for home or professional use where they can be stationed in one place.

Ease of Use

Handheld steamers are generally easier to use. Their lightweight design and simple functionality make them a convenient choice for quick steaming tasks.

Standing steamers, while not as straightforward to use, offer more features and controls. They may require a bit more time to set up and operate, but they provide a more thorough and professional steaming experience.

Steam Production and Heat-Up Time

Handheld steamers typically heat up faster due to their smaller water tanks. This means they can start producing steam in less time, which can be a significant advantage for those in a hurry.

Standing steamers, with their larger water tanks, take longer to heat up. Yet, once heated, they can produce steam for a longer duration, making them suitable for steaming multiple garments or larger items like curtains or upholstery.

Capacity

Handheld steamers have smaller water tanks, which means they need to be refilled more often. This can be a disadvantage if you have a lot of clothes to steam.

Standing steamers, with their larger water tanks, can steam for a longer period without needing a refill. This makes them more efficient for larger steaming tasks.

Versatility

Handheld steamers are versatile in the sense that they can be used on a variety of fabrics and are also effective for quick touch-ups.

Standing steamers, with their adjustable steam settings, are capable of handling a wider range of fabrics and tasks. They can handle delicate fabrics as well as heavy materials, making them more versatile in a different way.

Conair Handheld Garment Steamer Review

The Conair Handheld Garment Steamer is a powerful, portable solution for all your fabric care needs. This turbocharged steamer combines the precision of an iron with the deep-cleaning power of steam, smoothing out wrinkles and killing 99.9% of germs, dust mites, and bed bugs.

Its freestanding design heats up in just 40 seconds, and the 7.3-ounce water tank provides up to 15 minutes of continuous steam. The 3-in-1 attachment includes a silicone band, a delicate fabric spacer, and a bristle brush, ensuring perfect results on all types of fabric.

Conair’s innovative garment care technology keeps your clothes and home textiles looking fresh and professionally pressed.

Check on Amazon

Highlighted Features

• Turbocharged steam power
• 40-second heat-up time
• 3-in-1 fabric care attachment
• 15 minutes of continuous steam
• Kills 99.9% of germs and pests

Compatible For

• Clothing of all fabrics
• Upholstery and curtains
• Delicate fabrics and trims

Where Need to Improve

• Water tank capacity
• Durability of plastic material

Pure Enrichment® PureSteam™ XL Standing Steamer Review

The Pure Enrichment® PureSteam™ XL Standing Steamer is a superior garment care solution. With up to 1500 watts of safe power, it can soften, refresh, and de-wrinkle a wide range of fabrics.

The steamer heats up in just 45 seconds, providing quick and powerful steaming. The removable ½ gallon water tank allows for up to 60 minutes of continuous steaming per fill, making it convenient and mess-free.

The package includes a fabric brush and garment hanger and comes with a guaranteed 2-Year Warranty from Pure Enrichment, a brand you can trust.

Check on Amazon

Highlighted Features

• 1500 watts of safe power
• Heats in 45 seconds
• 60 minutes of continuous steaming
• Removable ½ gallon water tank
• 2-Year Warranty

Compatible For

• Clothing and delicates
• Bedding and curtains
• Upholstered furniture

Where Need to Improve

• Stability of the unit
• Effectiveness on heavy fabrics

Handheld Steamer vs Standing Steamer: The Choosing Factors

In the world of fabric care, the debate between handheld steamers and standing steamers is a common one. Each type has its unique advantages and considerations.

1. Size and portability are key factors. Handheld steamers are compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for travel or small living spaces.

2. On the other hand, standing steamers, with their larger water tanks and robust steam production, are perfect for heavy-duty tasks and larger garments.

3. Ease of use is another consideration. Handheld steamers are typically simpler to operate, with minimal setup required. Standing steamers, while offering more features, may require a bit more time to set up and use.

4. The type of fabric you frequently deal with can also influence your choice. Delicate fabrics may benefit from the gentler touch of a handheld steamer, while thicker materials might require the power of a standing steamer.

Handheld Steamer vs Standing Steamer: Using Tips

1. For handheld steamers, it’s crucial to hold the steamer at the right distance from the fabric. Too close, and you risk water spots; too far, and the steam may not effectively remove wrinkles.

2. Standing steamers often come with a variety of attachments. Utilizing these can help you achieve the best results, especially on tricky items like pleats or ruffles.

3. Regardless of the type of steamer, always check the garment’s care label before steaming. Some fabrics may not be suitable for this method of wrinkle removal.

4. Regularly cleaning your steamer, whether handheld or standing, can prolong its lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

Why the Handheld Steamer is the Best Decision for You

Handheld steamers are a fantastic choice for those who value convenience and portability. Their compact size makes them easy to store and transport, making them a favorite for frequent travelers or those with limited storage space.

They’re also typically easier to use, with a straightforward operation that doesn’t require much setup or a learning curve.

For those who primarily need a steamer for light tasks or delicate fabrics, a handheld steamer can be a perfect fit.

Why the Standing Steamer is the Best Decision for You

Standing steamers are the workhorses of the fabric care world. Their larger water tanks allow for longer steaming sessions, making them ideal for those with heavy-duty steaming needs or larger garments.

They often come with a variety of attachments, allowing for more versatility in their use. If you frequently deal with thicker fabrics or larger items like curtains or bedding, a standing steamer can be an invaluable tool.

Handheld Steamer vs Standing Steamer: Disadvantages

Handheld Steamer

1. Handheld steamers, due to their smaller size, often have a shorter run time and may not be as effective on thicker fabrics.

2. They also tend to produce less steam, which can make wrinkle removal a slower process.

Standing Steamer

1. Standing steamers, while powerful, are bulkier and require more storage space. They also take longer to heat up and can be more complicated to use, especially for beginners.

2. The cost can also be a disadvantage, as standing steamers are typically more expensive than their handheld counterparts.