Five stars from The Independent
As of 2026, the Fridja f10 Handheld Clothes Steamer holds five stars and the title of Best clothes steamer for delicate fabrics from The Independent's IndyBest team. The Independent is one of the UK's most established news titles, and IndyBest reviews products on test rather than on reputation, so the result is worth sharing: you can see the verdict on The Independent's clothes steamer round-up.
It is a fitting category for the f10. Delicate materials are where many steamers struggle, so a result here points to something practical: steady, controllable steam that refreshes finer fabrics without the risks that come with a hot iron plate. Below is a closer look at what the f10 does and where it fits.
What the f10 is built to do
The f10 Handheld Clothes Steamer is a compact, handheld unit designed for quick garment care without an ironing board. It runs at 1500W, heats up in under a minute and holds enough water in its tank for a stretch of continuous steaming, so you can work through several items before refilling.
The aim is simple. Hang a shirt, dress or pair of trousers, then run the head down the fabric while the steam relaxes the creases. It is a gentler process than ironing, which helps preserve the shape and finish of a garment over time.
Why it suits delicate fabrics
The award category reflects how the f10 handles finer materials such as silk. The included delicate fabric guard regulates the flow over those fabrics and keeps the hot element away from the surface, which reduces the chance of water marks and shine. The collar press helps with collars and cuffs, and a folding hanger, carry bag and water bottle adaptor are also in the box. It still works across everyday materials too, including cotton, wool and polyester.
Where it works well
This is a steamer suited to refreshing and touch-ups rather than heavy pressing. It is a sensible choice for getting ready in the morning, freshening clothes between washes, or smoothing a jacket before a meeting. It also handles curtains, cushion covers and other soft furnishings around the home.
Steaming alongside ironing
A handheld steamer does not have to replace an iron. Many people use both - the iron for sharp creases on cotton shirts, and the steamer for speed, delicate fabrics and items that are awkward to lay flat. If you tend to reach for the iron only occasionally, the f10 may cover most of what you need day to day with far less setup.
If you want a full-size option for larger loads, the f1200 Clothes Steamer Pro is the standing alternative, while the f10 stays the more portable pick.
Rounding out your garment care
Steaming keeps clothes looking fresh, but it does not deal with bobbling and pilling. For that, the f40 Fabric Shaver removes the small fibres that build up on knitwear and jersey, which helps older garments look tidier for longer. The two cover different jobs, so they work well together. If you are setting up from scratch, the garment care duo with the f10 and f40 pairs them in one go.
You can see the wider range in the garment care collection if you want to compare models before deciding.
The takeaway
A five-star result and a Best for Delicate Fabrics nod from The Independent is a useful external marker, but the practical case for the f10 is the same as it was before: it is quick to heat, easy to handle and effective across a broad range of fabrics, including the more delicate ones. For everyday garment care without the ironing board, it does the job with very little fuss.