Not everyone enjoys ironing. We get it. You probably don’t want to stand at an ironing board for ages but you do want clothes that look fresh, wrinkle free and ready to wear. That's one of the reasons handheld steamers have become so popular. They offer a quicker, fuss-free way to remove creases from clothes (without the bother of setting up your ironing board first) we, obviously, agree they're both pretty fantastic. But do you need an iron and a handheld steamer? Which one is right for you, your routine, your fabrics and your wardrobe? And what are the pros and cons of both? If you're weighing up your wrinkle removal options, we've got you covered with the full guide. So let's dive right in.

 

What Is the Difference Between a Handheld Clothes Steamer and a Steam Iron?

The main difference comes down to how they remove creases.

A steam iron uses heat, steam and pressure to press fabric flat. This makes it ideal for crisp, structured results, especially on shirts, trousers and heavier fabrics.

A handheld clothes steamer uses a steady flow of steam to relax fabric fibres. It helps creases fall away without direct pressure, making it a great choice for delicate fabrics, quick touch-ups and refreshing clothes between washes.

 

The Key Differences Between a Handheld Steamer and an Iron

Here are the main differences between handheld steamers and steam irons.

 

If speed and convenience matter most, a handheld clothes steamer is a practical everyday choice. If you want sharp lines and a polished finish, a steam iron is still the tool for the job 

 

When is it best to use a steam iron?

The iron is the traditional crease fighting heavyweight for good reason. It combines heat, moisture and pressure to physically flatten the fabric. If you want your laundry to look like it has just come back from the dry cleaners, the iron is the tool for the job helping clothes look crisp and well finished.

 

Choose a steamiron if you need:

 

• A crisp professional finish. If you wanta clean line down your suit trousers or a smart finish  on shirt collars or cuffs then you’ll need a steamiron. A handheld steamer can smooth out those creases but can’t create the same sharp, pressed finish.

 

• Results on heavier fabrics. Thicker fabrics such as denim, heavy cottons and linen typically respond better to the direct heat and pressure combination

 

• Efficient ironing for bigger loads. For one or two  items it can feel like a bit of a faff to set up  an ironing board before even getting the job started. But if you’re going to be tackling a larger laundry pile it’s worth the time to get the board out and the iron will often prove more efficient for a big batch session.

• Everyday care for family laundry

From school shirts and work clothes to weekend outfits, a steam iron is a dependable all-rounder for keeping everyday clothes looking ready to wear.

 

 

When is a handheld steamer a better choice?

Where the steam iron wins on precision and sharpness, the handheld steamer is the  victor when it comes to speed, convenience and gentle fabric care. Instead of pressing the fabric, a steamer relaxes the fibres with a constant flow of steam. Because there is no need to press a hot soleplate directly onto the material , it can be a gentler option for more delicate items. 

The handheld steamer is your best friend for:

Quick results with minimal set-up

No board, no fuss. Simply hang your garment, steam and get on with your day. It is ideal for those moments when you spot a crease just before leaving the house.

• Gentle care for delicate fabrics. Fabrics such as silk, chiffon and cashmere can be tricky to iron. Embellished clothes, ruffles and sequins can also be difficult to press safely. A handheld clothes steamer helps smooth creases without the same risk of shine, scorch marks or flattening delicate details. 

• A travel friendly solution. Handheld steamers are lightweight and compact, taking up very little room in a suitcase.They are perfect for smoothing out clothes that have been folded in a bag during travel and just need a bit of a refresh once you arrive.l

• Refreshing clothes between washes. Steam does more than remove creases. It also helps neutralise odours and kill bacteria as well. So, aside from wrinkle removal, it is also a brilliant way to freshen up a couple of clothing items so you can get another wear out of them before they need a full wash

Is a Handheld Clothes Steamer Better Than an Iron?

It depends on what you need it for.

A handheld steamer is better for quick refreshes, delicate fabrics, travel and everyday convenience. A steam iron is better for crisp lines, structured garments, heavier materials and a more traditional pressed finish.

One does not necessarily replace the other. They solve different problems. Think of a handheld steamer as your quick refresh tool, and a steam iron as your go-to for sharp, polished results.

Do you need both a steam iron and a handheld steamer?

Yes. In an ideal world one of each is something of a dream team for killing creases! 

A steam iron is your Sunday night staple, when you are prepping school shirts and work clothes for the week. Then you can keep your handheld steamer at the ready for those last minute moments ,like a Tuesday morning when you realise the top you wanted to wear is looking a little more wrinkled than you’d like.

Having both gives you more flexibility, it means you’re covered for every scenario, from a black-tie event to a quick dash to the shops. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a handheld steamer replace an iron?

A handheld steamer can handle everyday creases and is especially useful for delicate fabrics, quick touch-ups and refreshing clothes. However, it won’t give you crisp lines or a pressed finish in the same way as a steam iron.

 

Is steaming clothes gentler than ironing?

Yes. Steaming does not rely on direct pressure against the fabric, so it can be a gentler option for delicate materials, embellished garments and items that are difficult to iron.

 

Are handheld  steamers good for everyday use?

Yes. Handheld steamers are ideal for everyday touch-ups, refreshing lightly worn clothes and smoothing light creases quickly.

 

Which is better for shirts, a clothes steamer or an iron?

For a crisp shirt with sharp collars and cuffs, a steam iron is usually the better choice. For a quick refresh or light creases, a handheld clothes steamer can be a convenient option.

 

Which is better for travel, a handheld steamer or an iron?

A handheld steamer is usually better for travel because it is compact, easy to store and does not need an ironing board.

 

Which is better for delicate fabrics?

A handheld steamer is often better for delicate fabrics because it uses steam to relax fibres without pressing directly onto the fabric.

Ready to choose the right tool?

Whether you want crisp, pressed results or quick, convenient touch-ups, Russell Hobbs makes it easier to care for your clothes in a way that suits your routine.

Explore the Russell Hobbs range of steam irons and handheld steamers to find the option that fits your wardrobe, your home and your pace of life.

Looking to upgrade your de-wrinkling routine? Shop our range of irons and clothes steamers online.