Black Friday falls on 27 November this year, and clothes steamers are one of the appliances that turn up in almost every sale. A big percentage off looks tempting, but a cheap steamer that spits water, runs dry after five minutes or struggles with a wool coat is not a bargain. This guide walks you through what to check before you buy, so the deal you pick is one you will still be happy with next winter.
Start with what you actually steam
Before you look at a single offer, spend two minutes thinking about your week. The right steamer depends far more on your clothes and your home than on the discount.
- A few shirts and tops before work: a handheld steamer is usually enough, and it stores in a drawer.
- A family wardrobe, school uniforms, curtains and coats: an upright steamer with a large tank saves you refilling and waiting.
- Lots of travel: look for something light that packs into a weekend bag.
- A shop, salon or studio: you need a steamer built for long sessions and heavy garments, not a home model pushed to its limit.
If you are torn between the two main types, our handheld vs upright steamer comparison goes through the trade-offs in more detail.
Seven checks that matter more than the discount
1. Steam power and steady output
Wattage gives you a rough idea of how quickly a steamer turns water into steam. Upright models around 2200W can keep up with thick cotton, linen and coats. What matters just as much is steady, continuous steam. A steamer that surges and then sputters leaves damp patches and makes you go over the same area again.
2. Heat-up time
On a busy morning, waiting a few minutes for steam is the difference between using a steamer and leaving it in the cupboard. Look for a stated heat-up time on the product page. Good handheld and upright steamers are ready in well under a minute.
3. Tank size and steam time
Tank size tells you how long you can steam before stopping to refill. A small handheld tank is fine for one or two garments. For a rail of shirts or a pair of curtains, a larger tank on an upright is far less frustrating. Check the steam time per tank rather than guessing from the litres alone.
4. Handheld or upright
Handheld steamers are light, quick and easy to store. Upright steamers have a base, a pole and a hanger, so the garment hangs at the right height while you work, and the bigger tank lets you steam for longer. Many homes end up with one of each: a handheld for quick touch-ups and an upright for the weekly session.
5. Accessories you will actually use
Bundled extras can add real value, or they can pad out a box. The ones that earn their place are a heatproof glove, a fabric brush for coats and upholstery, a hanger that holds garments straight, and something firm to press collars and cuffs against. Descaling crystals are useful too, as scale is the most common reason a steamer loses power.
6. Weight, storage and cord length
Think about where the steamer will live. A handheld under 1kg is easy on the wrist. An upright on wheels is much easier to move between rooms. Check the cord length against where your sockets are, especially if you plan to steam curtains.
7. Warranty, spare parts and servicing
This is where many cheap deals fall down. A steamer is a heated appliance that works hard, so check the warranty, whether spare parts such as hoses, heads and tanks are sold, and whether the brand offers repairs. A slightly higher price for a steamer you can keep running for years is better value than a cheaper one you replace.
Signs of a poor-value deal
- A discount on a price nobody paid. Compare against what the steamer has sold for over the past few weeks, not just the crossed-out figure.
- No stated heat-up time, tank size or steam time. If the basics are missing, assume they are not impressive.
- No spare parts or service. One broken hose and the whole steamer ends up in the bin.
- Bundles full of things you will not use. Judge the steamer on its own first, then decide if the extras are worth it.
- The wrong type for your home. A great price on a steamer that does not suit your clothes is still a poor buy.
Matching a Fridja steamer to your home
If you are looking at Fridja steamers during the sales, here is how the range fits different needs. All the details below are taken from the product pages.
- f10 Handheld Clothes Steamer: a Which? Best Buy for quick touch-ups and travel. It is ready in 35 seconds, gives up to 14 minutes of steam from its 260ml tank, and comes with a collar press, fabric guard, folding hanger, water bottle adaptor and carry case.
- f20 Handheld Clothes Steamer Pro with Suction: suction draws the fabric onto a plate that reaches up to 160°C, so you get a pressed finish on the hanger. It heats up in about 30 seconds, steams for up to 8 minutes per tank, has a dry iron mode and weighs under 1kg.
- f1200 Clothes Steamer Pro: a 2200W upright with continuous steam, ready in 35 seconds. The 3 litre tank gives up to 100 minutes of steam, and it comes with a pegged hanger, flexible ironing board, heatproof glove, fabric brush and descaling crystals.
- f1600 Commercial Clothes Steamer: built for businesses and busy households, with a 2200W copper heater, a 45 second heat-up, a 4 litre tank and a pole that holds up to 10kg of coats and formalwear.
You can compare them side by side in our clothes steamer range, and our garment steamer buying guide covers the features in more depth.
Is refurbished a good Black Friday alternative?
Refurbished steamers are worth a look if you want a well-known model for less. Fridja lists each one by condition, from Like New (Grade A) to Good Condition (Grade B). Stock changes often, so browse the refurbished collection and read the condition notes on each listing before you buy.
A simple plan for deal week
- Decide on the type first. Handheld, upright or both, based on what you steam each week.
- Write down three numbers. Heat-up time, tank size and steam time per tank for each steamer on your list.
- Note the normal price now. That way you can tell if a Black Friday price is a real saving.
- Check warranty and parts. Make sure hoses, heads and tanks can be replaced.
- Plan the first fill. Read our guide to the best water to use in a clothes steamer and keep your new steamer working well with regular cleaning and descaling.
Frequently asked questions
Is Black Friday a good time to buy a clothes steamer?
It can be, as many brands reduce their steamers in late November. The saving only counts if the steamer suits your clothes, so decide on handheld or upright first, then compare heat-up time, tank size, steam time and warranty. Note the normal price a few weeks before so you can spot a genuine reduction.
What wattage should a clothes steamer have?
For an upright steamer that copes with coats, curtains and thick cotton, look for around 2000W to 2200W with continuous steam. Handheld steamers use less power but are designed for quicker jobs. Steady output matters as much as the number, because surging steam leaves damp patches and slows you down.
Should I buy a handheld or an upright steamer?
Choose a handheld if you mostly freshen a few shirts, dresses or tops, travel often or have little storage space. Choose an upright if you steam for a household, tackle curtains and coats, or want to work through a full rail without refilling. Plenty of homes find that one of each covers every job.
How can I tell if a steamer deal is genuine?
Check the price the steamer has actually sold for over recent weeks rather than trusting a crossed-out figure. Make sure the product page lists the heat-up time, tank size and steam time, and that spare parts and repairs are available. A real deal is a good steamer at a lower price, not a lower price on a weak one.