by Janet Martinelli
It doesn't matter how nice your clothes are if they are visibly wrinkled. Instead of noticing your striking colors and sharp cuts, people's eyes are going to be instinctively drawn to the unkempt network of folds on your garments. It doesn't have to be that way.
Upright garment steamers use powerful steam to help you eliminate stubborn wrinkles in your clothing fast. They are ergonomically designed for you to work standing up, with no need to swing around the heavy components as you would with handheld models.
I've curated the best upright steamer brands and models for the job in this article, let's waste no time in finding your perfect fit.
BEST GARMENT STEAMER OVERALL
Rowenta Master Valet Steamer- Model IS6520 360
Reasons to buy:
- easy to use; just fill the tank, plug it and and start ironing
- heats up in about 45 seconds
- quick removal of wrinkles- around 2 to 4 minutes
- perfect for delicate fabrics, fancy dresses and kids clothes
- easily recommendable
- a great day-to-day steam iron
Reasons to avoid:
- takes more time on suits
- needs to be cleaned regularly especially if you have hard water
Our Picks for Best upright garment steamers:
Here's How We Did the Test:
Making this evaluation possible would require us a team of people who will check the pros and cons each product, a wide variety of models to test, and a specific number of hours to be utilized to assess all the units.
6 USERS
24 MODELS
35 HOURS
Top Upright Steamers for Home Use
1. Rowenta IS6520 360 Master Valet Steamer
Top Overall
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Power: 1500 W
- Tank: 2.5 Liter
- Heat-up time: 45 sec
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Features: Stay cool handle, Foot operated on/off
PROS
- Adjustable height for compact storage
- Fast heat time
- Extra Large Water Tank
- Tilt and Roll System
- Built-in hanger
- Large Steam Head
CONS
- Relatively high price
- Steam handle gets slightly hot
A professional quality garment steamer at an affordable price.
The Rowenta IS6520 can head up quickly as it clocks in at 1500 watts, more than enough to produce rich and effective steam to eliminate stubborn wrinkles in no time.
It comes equipped with a number of special features that make it incredibly convenient for steaming a variety of garments in your home. The Roll and Press vertical support makes it easy to work on non-clothing garments such as drapes and upholstery.
Of course, this full sized steamer is also designed for clothing sporting a built in hanger, hanger hook, and garment clips - perfect for working on a dress shirt or a pair of chinos.
The telescoping pole makes it easy to set a comfortable working height, and reduces the unit's size significantly for storage. At a bit over a half-gallon capacity, the removable and transparent water tank is easy to fill and monitor.
When you consider the numerous accessories that accompany this unit, you can see why it's one of the top choices.2. Jiffy J-2 garment steamer
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Power: 1300 W
- Tank: 128 ounce
- Heat-up time: 2 min
- Steam time: 2 hours
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Features: Die cast aluminum housing
PROS
- 5.5-foot hose
- Electrical Certifications: UL, cUL, TUV/GS, CE, NOM and ANCE
- Lightweight, flexible hose
- Five times faster than conventional ironing
CONS
- Hose heats up more than expected
Made in the USA with no sacrifice of quality.
Suitable for home use or even in mild commercial applications, the Jiffy Steamer J 2 comes equipped with a shatter-proof large water tank (1 gallon) that provides up to 2 hours of steaming.
This steamer comes with 4 interchangeable steam heads so that you can choose the right fit for any application to smooth wrinkles. In addition to heads you'd normally expect, the 12" wide carpet steam head makes it viable for handling over-sized garments.
The cast aluminum housing promotes a long life span for this steamer even under heavy use. Keep up with regular maintenance and this model should last for years to come.
A safety wiring feature will turn the steamer off when it runs out of water, which helps mitigate the risk of overheating.
While the aluminum construction may make for a bit heavier product, it does stand on four swiveling wheels to make it easier to maneuver.
3. PurSteam Elite Garment Steamer
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Temperatures up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit
- 61 ounce water tank capacity
- Heats up in under 60 seconds
- Steams for 60 minutes between refills Expandable from 15 to 19 inches
PROS
- Strong and consistent steam
- Compact design fits in small spaces
- Removes wrinkles from clothes quickly
- Tube does not get too hot
- Customer service is top-notch
CONS
- Included garment clips are weak
- Requires intermittent reheating
When it comes to customer service, it seems there's no beating the team at PurSteam. Users rave about their attentiveness and willingness to help whenever a problem arises, no matter how small it may be. That's a lot to be said for a product that's lower in the price range.
The steamer itself has a lot going for it as well. Built from high-quality components such as the cast aluminum heating element, this model certainly won't feel cheap in your hands. The company stands behind it with a full 5 year warranty, which is almost unheard of in this product landscape.
The 61 oz tank allows for a full 60 minutes of steam cleaning without the need to stop and refill, which is plenty to take care of most household tasks. It may not be the absolute best garment steamer I've reviewed thus far, but it's certainly a decent product available at a fair price
4. SALAV GS18-DJ/120 white performance series garment steamer
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Power: 1500 W
- Tank: 60 ounces
- Heat-up time: 45 sec
- Steam time: 60 min
- Weight: 9.04 pounds
- Features: Adjustable hanger, ergonomic nozzle
PROS
- Patented folding adjustable hanger
- 4.6 ft. double insulated hose
- Telescopic aluminum pole
- Compact storage
- 6.5 ft. cord length
CONS
- Relatively high price
If you're looking for a light-duty garment steamer in particular, you're likely to come across the GS18-DJ/120 Performance Series from SALAV. As with the Conair Home, this unit is primarily designed for removing wrinkles from clothes.
What it lacks in power and robustness, the Performance Series makes up for in convenience. It heats up from a cold start in as little as 45 seconds, and the water tank, while small, provides enough capacity for over 60 seconds of fabric steaming.
The built-in clothes hanger on this model is very convenient for storage purposes, and when you reduce the telescoping pole in length completely the unit becomes quite small.
What puts me off most about this steamer is the number of reports of failure. Whether or not they arise at the fault of the user aside, this is just something I haven't seen as much with other models.
The price of the SALAV Performance Series is truly hard to beat though, and if your budget is tight it will still get the job done.
Professional Grade Upright Steamers
1. PurSteam Full Size Garment Fabric Steamer Professional
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- 2.6 liter water tank capacity
- Ready to use in 45 seconds
- 60+ minutes of continuous steam time
- 1500 watts of power
- Weighs just under 14 pounds
PROS
- Simple and easy to use
- Heats up very fast
- Adjustable to your working height
- Requires little storage space
- Works on the toughest wrinkles
CONS
- Steam hose is a bit stiff
- Assembly instructions aren't particularly helpful
Easy to use and great for all types of clothing.
The PurSteam is an attractive option because it has a lot to offer when working with your clothes. In addition to the standard steam head, it comes with a crease attachment so that you can create a more perfected look for your pleats, collars, and cuffs. Other included attachments make it easy to take care of all the detail work.
What I like most about this model is the level of performance you get for the price. It stands up to some higher end models out there, while remaining one of the most affordable options.
If you are looking for something to steam heavy duty garments like rugs and thick drapes then you may want to look for another product that is specifically designed for these purposes. For clothes however, the included hanger and clips help make this steamer a great fit.
2. Jiffy J-2000 Garment Steamer
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Power: 1300 W
- Tank: 96 ounce
- Heat-up time: 2 min
- Steam time: 1.5 hours
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Features: Solid brass heating element , for home or light commercial use
PROS
- 6 inch Wide Plastic Steam Head
- High-impact plastic outer housing
- 5.5 foot flexible hose
- Electrical Certifications: UL, cUL, TUV/GS, CE, NOM and ANCE
CONS
- Relatively high price
For when all you need are the essentials.
The Jiffy J-2000 doesn't come with a built-in hanger like many of the other models do, but I actually like that in this case. Not only does it make it easier to store, but it frees up the manufacturer to focus on the features that make this a superior garment steamer.
You'll notice that it's a bit higher priced than some of the alternative products out there, but it's worth it to get an American made steamer with a 1300 watt solid brass heating element.
This steamer is geared a bit more towards clothing and smaller garments, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's built to withstand use in commercial settings.
Featuring a 3/4 gallon water tank the Jiffy J-2000 will have you steaming for up to 1.5 hours per fill, and it comes equipped with an automatic shut off for safety purposes.
3. SALAV GS45-DJ Professional Series Dual Bar Garment Steamer
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Power: 1500 W
- Tank: 60 ounce
- Heat-up time: 60 sec
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Features: Foot pedal, dual bar support, dual insulated hose
PROS
- Power and Setting Foot Pedals
- Dual Bar Support
- Double Insulated Hose
- More accessories included
CONS
- Not ideal for cuffs and bottom of sleeves
- Can sometimes have drips
A sleek product that delivers on performance.
I like that this steamer was designed with the end user in mind. The power and the steam setting switches are ergonomically located at the base of the unit for hands-free operation with your feet.
The steam hose features two layers of insulation and extends over 4.5 feet in length, making sure your steam stays hot while still allowing you plenty of room to work.
The patented hanger design accommodates a multitude of garment shapes, and it resides on dual telescoping bars for extra support and convenience.
As mentioned in many of these upright steamer reviews, this product also comes with an assortment of attachments so you can choose the perfect one for the job.
With a 1.8 liter water tank capacity you'll be covered for up to 60 minutes of steaming, and this SALAV model will be up to operating temperature in as little as 45 seconds.
Commercial Grade Upright Steamers
1. Jiffy J-4000 Garment Steamer
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Power: 1500 W
- Tank: 128 ounce
- Heat-up time: 1 min
- Steam time: 2 hours
- Weight: 24.6 lbs
- Features: Corrosion-proof stainless steel boiler tank
PROS
- Fusible link
- Preheat and Steam Settings
- 5.5-foot hose
- Dual thermostats
- Electrical Certifications: UL, cUL, TUV/GS, CE, NOM and ANCE
CONS
- Heavier unit compared to other models
- Heavier steam head
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Like its younger sibling the J-2000, the Jiffy J-4000 doesn't feature built-in clothes hangers, garment clips, or other features commonly found in home fabric steamers. Instead the team at Jiffy have decided to deliver where it matters - a quality build construction.
In fact, the J-4000 is designed specifically for use in a commercial setting. It's cast-aluminum housing and stainless-steel boiler tank make this a heavy duty and rugged unit that will withstand prolonged and aggressive use.
You'll note that this is quite a bit heavier than many of the alternatives, so moving it around will take more effort. It also takes quite a bit of time to achieve full operating temperature, with the preheat cycle taking about 15 minutes and full steam temperature being achieved after an additional 5 minutes. Once it's up and running though, you can expect reliably full and continuous steam from the J-4000.
Clearly this steamer is made for professionals, so if you need something a step up from the home models its worth looking into further. If you are looking for more flexibility with 4 interchangeable attachments check out the Jiffy Steamer J4000i.
2. Rowenta IS9100 Precision Valet Commercial Full Size Garment Steamer
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Dimension: 7 x 62 x 12 inches
- Power: 1600 watts
- Tank: 128 oz
- Heating Time: 60 sec
- Steam Time: 2.5 hours
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Features: Foot operated on/off, removable tank
PROS
- Commercial steamer
- Telescopic pole for easy storage
- Auto off safety feature
- Cool touch handles
- Variable Steam Control
- Good for upholstery and fabric
CONS
- Can be too much for someone who needs it for occasional home use
In contrast with the Master Valet, the Precision Valet was specifically designed to meet the demands of commercial use.
This steamer comes with a generously sized 1 gallon water tank that is removable for easy filling. This allows you up to 2.5 hours of garment steaming, far more than many household models can provide.
The design of the Precision Valet's base and handle make it easy to move around while remaining plenty stable during use. The foot-operated switches keep your hands free to work when turning the unit on and off. Once you're ready to go, you'll only have to wait through the 60 second warm up period before you can start working.
Some users find that the wheels don't spin as freely as they should on this unit, and that the handle could be more appropriately placed. Both of these are valid arguments, but overall I still think this is a high quality garment steamer worth considering.
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Final Verdict: Best Upright Fabric Steamer for Your Money
We've explored a ton of upright garment steamers in this article. While there are a number of viable contenders for our top choice, of course there can only be only be one. I'll go ahead and spill the beans, I've chosen the Rowenta IS6520 360 Master Valet as my #1 recommendation for the best upright garment steamer.
The Master Valet has plenty of power. At 1500 watts this model continuously pumps out full and relatively dry steam for the extent of your wrinkle-removing session. The upright Roll and Press really saves the day when it comes to working with larger garments that need a little bit of extra treatment, and the included accessories give you everything you'll need to treat whatever garment may need to be rid of wrinkles.
I can't say that the decision is quite so straightforward though, and you could make a good case for choosing the Conair ExtremeSteam. It pumps out some particularly hot steam for rapid and deep wrinkle removal. Also noteworthy is the SALAV GS45-DJ, it's a sturdy and sleek design that will easily work through even your toughest garments.
Depending on your budget and your particular desires, one of these three models should suit your needs perfectly.
How To Choose The Correct Upright Garment Steamer for Your Needs?
Before we dive in, let's quickly define the most important aspects to consider when choosing the best upright clothes steamer for your needs.
Size
A majority of the upright garment steamers that I'll discuss in just a bit are telescoping, so they can be adjusted to fit your height and the clothes you're working on. Make sure the model you choose is tall enough for you.
Keep in mind that while most of these products can be compacted via the telescoping feature, they will still have a footprint.
Pay attention to the size of the water tank too, as it will impact the extent of steam production between refills. I'd recommend a model that provides at least an hour of continuous steam, or at least about a 1/2 gallon tank.
Heat
So many of these upright garment steamers pride themselves on how quickly they come to operating temperature, often in 2 minutes or less. The less time it takes to heat up the better, as all too often we're in a rush when we need our clothes steamed to perfection.
You may be inclined to compromise here, but remember this: The sooner the unit heats up, the sooner you'll be on your way to wrinkle-free clothes.
Power
These units typically fall somewhere in the range of 1300-1800 watts of power. When it comes to producing continuous thick and powerful steam, higher wattage is generally better.
Steam exists in excess of 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and if there is not enough power to maintain temperature the device may spit water. Higher wattage garment steamers tend to produce more effective steam.
Budget
While fabric steamers tend to have a bit higher price tag than irons, you may be surprised to learn that they aren't tremendously expensive. You should be able to find a suitable model in the low-hundred dollar range, and even if you are looking for something high end the prices generally aren't overwhelmingly steep.
As with all purchases, make sure to establish what you're willing to spend from the outset. Even if your budget changes slightly during the buying process, it will help guide your decision making.
Special Features
At first glance it might seem like all garment steamers are made equal, but my research has demonstrated definitively that this is simply not the case.
Sure, they all function similarly at the core. However, many of the models boast special features that will make your life easier in unexpected ways.
Stay on the lookout for built-in clothes hangers, built-in fabric brushes, and high-quality steam heads. Special features of this kind are not "must-haves", but they can certainly take your experience with the product from ordinary to extraordinary.
Still with me? I'm glad to hear. The following upright garment steamer reviews will help you close this case in no time.
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Recap of the Top Products Reviews
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Last Updated on November 9, 2023