Fast straightening and refreshing: TOP 5 great portable steamers

The Zelmer brand handheld steamer refers to solutions at the junction of the entry-level and mid-price segments. At the same time, the model is equipped with a powerful heater (1700 W), which will “cook” steam 25 seconds after being plugged into the network. First, you just need to fill the 220 ml tank with water, which received a removable structure for greater convenience.

Zelmer ZGS 1700 Perform is characterized by well-thought-out ergonomics, received a moderately long 2-meter power cord. And the package includes a brush that allows you to combine wrinkle removal with delicate mechanical cleaning. This accessory is recommended for use with thick fabrics, including jackets.

The model without refueling can work up to 20 minutes, and the intensity of steam supply can reach 30 g / min. In addition, 2 levels of power adjustment are provided: they change by successively pressing the power button. By default, the maximum steam setting is active, suitable for most steam tasks (including removing wrinkles on blouses, shirts and dresses), but less intense steam is also available - for processing delicate fabrics.

Of the additional options, it is worth highlighting automatic shutdown when idle, a clear indication of steam readiness and the selected mode (multi-coloured illumination of the power button). Among the shortcomings, some users note difficulties with installing a water tank: the latch is very rigid and strong pressure is required for the necessary “click”.

Otherwise, the Zelmer ZGS 1700 Perform is an interesting portable steamer with fast heating and an adequate price tag.

In the Tefal branded line, the handheld steamer is one of the junior solutions and is positioned as the lightest model. Even with a filled tank, the device weighs about 900 grams, so there will be no particular fatigue during long-term work “on weight”.

Tefal Access Steam First DT 6130 fits well in the hand (largely due to the elongated shape of the water tank) and does not require much space for storage and transportation (in a backpack or suitcase). And there is also a long 2.6-meter cord, which provides a good range from a single outlet (by the standards of portable solutions).

The 1300 W heater will not make you wait for steam for a long time: only 15 seconds. The performance of steam generation is stated at a modest level of 20 g / min. But, according to users, the model well eliminates wrinkles, refreshes and disinfects various clothes, ranging from light T-shirts to tighter shirts, trousers or school uniforms.

The situation is worse with curtains or jackets, but judging by some reviews, the Tefal Access Steam First DT 6130 also performs well with them.

The ceramic-metal soleplate with 7 steam outlets is designed to provide safe care for even the most delicate fabrics, including silk. And for effective smoothing of fleecy fabrics and deeper penetration of hot air, there is a special brush in the kit.

The disadvantages of the steamer include a small water tank. 70 ml is enough for one adult or two children's clothes, after which you need to refill. But still, Tefal Access Steam First DT 6130 looks like a solid choice for quickly refreshing small portions of clothes and / or a worthy replacement for a travel iron.

For garment steaming, Xiaomi's Lexiu sub-brand offers two devices: the stationary Lexiu GS1 and the portable GS2, which received the prestigious Reddot Award 2019 design award.

The handheld steamer is made in a laconic snow-white design. And the main feature of the design can be considered the fact that the elongated removable water tank simultaneously acts as the handle of the model.

As a result, when disassembled, the device takes up a minimum of space. Also on business trips and other trips, the light weight (750 grams) will be very useful, which makes Xiaomi Lexiu GS2 one of the lightest handheld steamers on the market. Plus, it comes with a carrying case for transport or storage.

The steamer provides a multi-level security system. It automatically turns off when there is no water or overheating, and the body is made of fireproof materials. To protect against burns, users are offered a protective glove. And the manufacturer also claims the possibility of using the model with different types of fabric, including silk, wool or other delicate textiles.

The built-in 850-watt heater will allow you to start working half a minute after switching on. True, initially you need to take into account that the 1.85-meter power cord is “crowned” with a Chinese plug, which is a shortcoming of the device.

A metal sole 2.5 mm thick should also warm up evenly. And this will protect against unwanted splashes of water and stains on clothes.

The productivity of the steamer does not exceed 15 g/min. Such a supply of steam is only enough to eliminate wrinkles on T-shirts, sundresses and other not very tight clothes. But with multilayer fabrics, you will have to spend more time and sometimes even refill the tank, working with one naughty product, because its capacity is modest - only 100 ml. But if you need an ergonomic travel solution for steaming above all, then Xiaomi Lexiu GS2 is a worthwhile choice, attracting with its design, lightness and compactness.

Debuting in 2021, Electrolux's handheld steamer is notable for its smooth shapes and strict dark purple coloring. The working surface has a rounded trapezoidal shape with three rows of holes of different diameters for steam supply. And the ceramic material of the sole - Glissium - is borrowed from branded irons such as E7SI1-4WB.

Pleasant design Electrolux Refine 700 E7HS1-4MN complements ergonomics. The device is compact and not heavy (830 grams). Also available is a 3m long cord with a 360 degree swivel to prevent twisting of the cord. And there is also a clear indication of operation, a blocking of the steam supply lever (for its constant output) and a loop for hanging.

A 1400-watt heating element is responsible for turning water into steam, which does not take much time to “build up”. After preheating the liquid, hot air is supplied at a rate of up to 22 g/min. This, as noted by the owners, is enough to smooth out wrinkles, refresh, as well as high-quality disinfection of clothes from different materials. Only the process of steaming things from non-pliable fabrics, such as linen or cotton, will become a little more laborious.

The Electrolux Refine 700 E7HS1-4MN package includes an original protective glove that doubles as a fabric bag for storing the device. Plus, for processing dense fabrics and various decor on clothes (sequins, rhinestones, etc.), a brush attachment is offered.

The water tank is located on the inside of the handle. It is transparent, which makes it easier to control the remaining liquid, and removable, so filling it is easy. But its capacity leaves much to be desired - only 100 ml, which means that almost after one steamed thing, you will have to draw water again. If this is not a critical moment for you, then the Electrolux Refine 700 E7HS1-4MN is ready to compete with products from other trusted manufacturers.

The Philips GC 800 is the flagship in the Philips portable steamer hierarchy. There is a 1600-watt heater and a fairly large 230 ml removable water tank. You can start using the Philips GC 800 within 60 seconds after refueling and switching on, and without replenishing the liquid, up to 5 items of clothing can be processed.

Thanks to the “drop-stop” system, condensation should not form on the surface of the sole, both in vertical steaming mode and in traditional horizontal ironing. Also, support for OptimalTemp technology is announced, that is, the work surface will not burn through even delicate things, for example, silk.

The steamer supports 2 levels of steam power, which are set by a separate button. So, the eco mode is recommended for less dense fabrics and will allow you to spend less water and electricity, and the maximum mode is optimal for quick care and eliminating wrinkles on naughty things. In the latter mode, the performance reaches 32 g / min, and this is usually enough for many everyday household tasks, not to mention business trips.

It is permissible to fill in Philips GC 800 with ordinary tap water, since the De-Calc descaling system is implemented here with a container for collecting and then easily removing deposits. Like most analogues, the steamer is also protected from overheating.

Other features include a good range (thanks to a 2.5-meter power cord) and the presence of a brush in the package.

The disadvantage of the model is the high cost. But the flagships of other trusted manufacturers, like the Tefal Access Steam Care DT 9130, have a comparable price tag. Therefore, if you want a functional handheld steamer from a well-known brand, then Philips GC 800 should not be deprived of attention.