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 is the difference 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 realign the fibres to smooth them out. Fashion shows and retail shops around the world use steamers instead of irons – they’re more versatile, kinder to fabrics, and pose almost no 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!
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 furniture like tablecloths and drapes/curtains. For me, a steamer fits into daily life more conveniently. Irons can easily damage fabrics, whereas clothes steamers are much more gentle.
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 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.
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 - like Vivienne Westwood said, ‘Buy less, choose well, make it last.'
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 a much longer time for me, I end up making creases by accident whilst ironing.
And fun fact: even Peter Jones once asked me whilst 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!
And if you want to see just how easy it is, check out 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!
If you have any questions - just pop it in the comments and I'll try to answer them.
Thanks, Ben.
