Steamers vs. Irons: How to Choose the Right One for You
Thinking about the steamers vs irons debate? This guide is going to iron out all of the kinks.
Two of the most common appliances for getting rid of wrinkles are steamers and irons. This guide will go over what a steamer is, what an iron is, and what the benefits are for each tool. With this guide you’ll learn about steamers vs. irons and decide which is better for you.
Steamers vs. Irons: Which Is Better?
Looking for wrinkle-free ease? See how these two handheld devices stack up against each other.
What Is a Steamer?
A steamer is a device that uses hot steam to take the wrinkles out of clothing. There are two main components to a steamer: a container and a warmer. The container stores water and the warmer boils the water so that it comes out as hot steam. To learn more about steamers check out our guide What Is a Steamer?
Benefits of Steamers
- No Technique Required: Steaming is very fast and easy, and requires no special technique. Simply glide the steamer over the part of your clothing that is wrinkled. Irons require a bit more setup, so steamers are ideal if you want a quick solution for wrinkled clothes.
- Sanitizes: Because of the steam's extremely high temperature, steamers naturally sanitize your clothing by using heat and water to kill germs. This is an amazing feature if you’re looking for a deeper clean for your clothing.
- Can Be Done Anywhere: Steaming comes in handy if you don’t own or have the space for an ironing board. Some steamers are even made for traveling, which allows you to get rid of wrinkles on the go – something more difficult to do with an iron.
- Delicate: Steam is strong enough to tackle tough wrinkles, yet delicate enough to preserve sensitive fabrics. If you have clothing made of silk, satin, or cashmere, steamers are a better choice compared to irons.
What Is an Iron?
An iron is a small appliance that has a metal plate on one side of it. This metal plate is heated when turned on and used to press wrinkles out of fabrics. Irons are typically used with ironing boards, which are special boards designed to withstand the heat generated by the iron. To learn more about irons, check out our guide What Is an Iron?
Benefits of Irons
- Adjustable Temperature: Different fabrics have specific temperatures needed to release wrinkles – too low and the wrinkles will stay, too high and you risk damaging your clothes. Irons with adjustable temperature settings offer more control than steamers, making them ideal if you own many different fabrics.
- Strong: Irons work beautifully with tough fabrics like linen, wool, or denim. If you have clothes that are hard to get wrinkles out of, opt for an iron over a steamer.
- Precision: Irons allow you more control over what you want to iron and how. If you like to maintain certain pleats, creases, and folds, an iron is a better choice than a steamer.
