This week we received an email from Daisy Lester at The Independent asking us to help contribute towards an article she was writing about the difference between clothes steamers and traditional irons. We had so much fun replying, we thought we'd share our thoughts in a blog post for you! So if you've ever wondered what the difference is between a clothes steamer and an iron, you're in the right place.
This was an interview with Ben Fridja.
The Difference Between a Clothes Steamer and an Iron
The first time I saw a clothes steamer in action, it felt like magic. I used clothes steamers for the first time when I worked in a large clothes shop on Oxford Circus as a student, but I remember seeing them being used when I was really young whilst shopping with my mother. They really did seem magical and effortless. Ironing was something much more domestic, and perhaps, boring.
Unlike traditional irons, which press fabrics together under heat and pressure, steamers gently relax the fibres to smooth them out. Fashion shows and retail shops around the world use steamers instead of irons because they're more versatile and kinder to fabrics, with far less risk of damage. Just hang the garment, steam it while it's upright, and you're done. No ironing board needed, and no fear of shiny marks or burnt patches.
I never fancied ironing, but clothes steamers looked fun to use. That's another key difference between using an iron and a clothes steamer!
5 Key Differences at a Glance
- How they work. An iron presses fabric flat with a hot plate on a board. A steamer sends steam through the fabric while it hangs, so creases relax and drop out.
- Finish. An iron gives the sharpest finish, ideal for knife-edge trouser creases and crisp collars. A steamer gives a softer, natural finish that suits most everyday clothes.
- Fabric care. Direct heat and pressure can cause shine marks or scorching on delicate fabrics. Steam is gentler on silk, wool, knitwear and anything with a texture or sheen.
- Speed and set-up. No board to set up and no flipping the garment over. For a quick refresh before you leave the house, a steamer is usually quicker.
- Versatility. A steamer also works on things you can't easily lay on a board, such as curtains, coats, dresses, veils and upholstery.
What Is Better, An Iron Or A Clothes Steamer?
They both have their place. For formal events, an iron can give you that crisp, pressed look, especially for shirt collars and cuffs. However, a clothes steamer is fantastic for a wide variety of garments: suits, dresses, jackets, and even things like veils and soft furnishings such as tablecloths and curtains. For me, a steamer fits into daily life more conveniently. Irons can easily damage fabrics, whereas clothes steamers are much more gentle.
If you're wondering how close a steamer gets to an ironed finish, we tested that question in can clothes steamers remove wrinkles as well as ironing?
When To Use A Clothes Steamer, When To Use An Iron?
A steamer is perfect for everyday clothes, delicate fabrics and quick refreshes, while an iron shines for more formal times when you want a super crisp finish. It really depends on the situation and the fabric. Personally, I've used an iron a handful of times in the last decade, but I use a clothes steamer almost daily.
Not sure whether a fabric can take steam? Our guide to what fabrics can be steamed covers the common ones, and the 3 most common steaming mistakes will help you get a better result first time.
What to Look for When Buying a Steamer
Build quality and steam output are crucial. For full-sized steamers, a sturdy pole and a large water tank mean less refilling and more efficiency. For travel steamers, like our f10 Handheld Clothes Steamer, having a water bottle adapter is super handy. And of course, always go for a reputable brand that stands behind its products. As Vivienne Westwood said, 'Buy less, choose well, make it last.'
If you'd like the crisp finish of an iron without the board, the f20 Handheld Clothes Steamer Pro with Suction draws the garment onto a hot 160°C plate while you steam. You can compare every model in our clothes steamer collection.
Is a Steamer Better Than an Iron?
I wouldn't say one is better than the other across the board, but personally, I find a steamer fits more conveniently into my life. I always have one in my room and take it when I travel because it's gentle on clothes, easy to use, and I never have to worry about burning fabrics. Plus, if you've ever borrowed a hotel iron, you know there's a risk: it might be old, and you might stain or burn your clothing, and that's the last thing you want before a big meeting! If it's a busy hotel, the hotel might have even loaned the iron to someone else, so it's always handy to travel with a clothes steamer.
What Is Faster, A Clothes Steamer Or An Iron?
In terms of overall convenience, a steamer is quicker. By the time you set up an ironing board and wait for the iron to heat up, you could already have steamed your clothes. Plus, steaming is intuitive and natural since the clothes are hanging as you'd wear them. I know ironing takes me much longer, and I end up making creases by accident whilst ironing.
And a fun fact: even Peter Jones once asked me on Dragons' Den why someone wouldn't just use an iron instead of a steamer, so it's a question even the experts are curious about!
If you want to see just how easy it is, have a look at our YouTube channel, where we have top tips on using a steamer and a video on steaming a shirt, both with over a million views! For a written version, see how to steam a shirt properly in five minutes.
If you have any questions, just pop them in the comments and I'll try to answer them.
Thanks, Ben.
Frequently asked questions
Is a clothes steamer better than an iron?
Neither is better for everything. A steamer is quicker for everyday clothes, gentler on delicate fabrics and works on curtains, coats and dresses while they hang. An iron still gives the sharpest finish for formal shirts and trouser creases. Many people use a steamer day to day and keep an iron for occasional crisp pressing.
Can a steamer replace an iron completely?
For many households, yes, most of the time. A steamer handles shirts, dresses, knitwear, suits and soft furnishings well. Where it falls short is a knife-edge crease or a very crisp collar. A steamer with a pressing plate, or an ironing board accessory, closes much of that gap.
Is steaming or ironing faster?
For a quick refresh, steaming is usually faster because there is no board to set up and no need to lay the garment flat and turn it over. For a large basket of cotton shirts that all need a crisp finish, an experienced ironer may be just as quick, so it depends on the job.
Does a steamer damage clothes?
Used correctly, a steamer is gentler than an iron because the hot plate does not press directly on the fabric. Check the care label first, test delicate fabrics on a hidden seam, keep the head moving and avoid steaming leather or suede. Holding it too close to silk or satin can leave water marks.
