Which Is Better? A Steamer Or an Iron?

If in the past you didn't really have many options for de-wrinkling your clothes, nowadays you have two great possibilities: either use a steam iron and an ironing board, or the more modern solution, a clothes steamer. Both the iron and the clothes steamer have their own advantages and disadvantages, so depending on your needs and style, you may find one to be more appropriate than the other.

Of course, irons have also evolved a lot and unlike the ancient cast-iron prototypes, now we have numerous models to choose from: with digital display, with or without a cord, steam or no steam and so on...the possibilities seem endless. Garment steamers also come in a pretty wide variety, with different shapes, sizes, portabilities and features. You can opt for professional steamers for greater firepower, travel steamers to carry around with you or hand-held steamers for more convenient maneuvering.

Garment Steamer

Nowadays, there are all sorts of irons that include steam production, retractable cord (except for the cordless ones, of course), drip-free steaming, digital displays, stainless steel bottoms or other advanced features. Steamers on the other hand, may be more convenient and practical, as well as more time-efficient. And if taking your steam iron with you on a trip may not be so convenient, if you have a small and lightweight portable steamer you can take it with you anywhere. And you won't need an ironing board either, with a portable steamer you can de-wrinkle your clothes right on the hanger.

Still, there are some situations when a steam iron will work better than a steamer. For example, if you've just returned from a trip and you have a shirt or a dress that has been stuffed in a suitcase for a couple of days or so, it will need pressing rather than steaming. And iron applies both steam and pressure, so for really wrinkled clothes it will provide better results than a hand held steamer. Also, one or the other may be more appropriate depending on how you want your clothes: an iron will press the fabric, thus conferring a crispy look, while a steamer will fluff the fibers and give a soft look.

Steamers do have one more advantage: they can be used with all types of fabrics, and are not limited to just clothing items. They can be used for draperies, all sorts of linens, upholstery, comforters or rugs. Irons won't have any effect on a rug, for example.

All in all, they are both very useful tools to have. And although a steamer may seem to provide more advantages, don't replace the iron with it. Keep them both, and use them according to the situation, fabric and need.

Which Is Better? A Steamer Or an Iron?

Steamers Aren't Just For Clothes

If you purchase an individual or a professional garment steamer, they aren't just for your clothes. The handheld steamers have a variety of uses that you should look into. If you're looking to purchase a garment steamer, there are many benefits beyond nicely pressed clothes. Find out how a handheld steamer can assist you with day to day errands and provide benefits to you.

The hand steamer, of course, was designed to make steaming your outfit easy. It can be used for a variety of other uses though. For example, the garment steamers are great for steaming your curtains. Your curtains always need to look great, and you can purchase them at the store, plug in the handheld steamer, and steam them up. When you hang them, they'll look fresh. This will also work if you want to steam a set you currently have up and add a little life to them.

Garment Steamer

The garment steamers are also great for removing dust mites off of certain fabrics. Generally, you'll find that a lot of dust mites will built up in your bed sheets. By using a mini steamer, you can remove the majority of these dust mites from your bed sheets. For people that have issues with allergies, this is a huge deal. Just by simply using a handheld steamer to steam your sheets, you'll reduce the allergens in your area. If you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies, you may be able to prevent a lot of the problem by using a garment steamer.

If you're in the market for a steamer, there are a lot of different uses. Your mini steamer can be used to clean and press curtains. A handheld steamer can also be used to get rid of allergens from your sheets. Whatever your needs are, you'll find a steamer that will work for you, and help you with the tasks you need created.

Steamers Aren't Just For Clothes