The best garment steamer for daily use combines enough steam (around 30 g/min), a tank of at least 300 ml and a low weight. The FLOWSTEAM Garment Steamer delivers 30 g/min with 1680 W, has a 370 ml tank for up to 25 minutes of steam, weighs 740 grams and costs €74.99. If you want a garment steamer with a suction function that pulls the fabric tight against the steam head, then the FLOWSTEAM Vacuum Edition (2100 W, up to 35 g/min, €89.99) is the alternative to the Tefal AeroSteam (1400 W, 20 g/min, €100).
Buying a garment steamer is the fastest way to get rid of creases without an ironing board. You simply steam your clothes on the hanger, in a few minutes. Steam relaxes the fibers and also kills bacteria and odors.
But which garment steamer is the best? We compared the FLOWSTEAM Garment Steamer and the FLOWSTEAM Vacuum Edition with three well-known alternatives: the Tefal AeroSteam (Best in Test from the Consumers' Association), the Tefal Access Steam Force DT8270 and the Philips 3000 Series. For each model, you can see the price, power, steam output, tank capacity, steaming time, weight and accessories.
FLOWSTEAM steamers have the largest tank (370 ml) and the longest steam time. Among the models with suction, the Vacuum Edition delivers more steam than the Tefal AeroSteam, with a tank almost four times as large and for less money.
| Model | Price (€) | Zuigfunctie | Vermogen | Stoom (g/min) | Opwarmtijd | Tank | Stoomtijd per tank | Gewicht | Snoer | Stoomstanden | Accessoires | Bijzonder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLOWSTEAM Kledingstomer | € 74,99was € 89,99 | Nee | 1680 W | 30 | ca. 25 sec | 370 ml | 15–25 min | 740 g | 1,65 m | 3 + droogstrijken | Hittebestendige handschoen, waterflesconnector, borstel, opbergzak | Horizontaal en verticaal, oververhittingsbeveiliging, 4 kleuren |
| FLOWSTEAM Vacuum Edition | € 89,99was € 99,99 | Ja, 4500 Pa | 2100 W | 32–35 | 25 sec | 370 ml | 10–20 min | 940 g | 2,5 m | 3 + droogstrijken | Hittebestendige handschoen, waterflesconnector, borstel, opbergzak | Zuigt stof tegen de stoomkop, horizontaal en verticaal, oververhittingsbeveiliging |
| Tefal AeroSteam DT9810 | ca. 100* | Ja (OptiFlow) | 1400 W | 20 | 30 sec | 100 ml | ca. 6 min | 1,4 kg | 2,6 m | 3 (turbo, zacht, alleen stoom) | Volgens specificaties o.a. stoomborstel, vouwmaker, mini-strijkplank, handschoen | Beste uit de Test Consumentenbond |
| Tefal Access Steam Force DT8270 | ca. 73–85* | Nee | 2000 W | 30 (stoot 90) | ca. 25 sec | 200 ml | ca. 10 min | 1,4 kg | 2,6 m | Regelaar op handgreep | Microvezelborstel, stoffenborstel, stoomkap, 3 microvezelhoezen | Verwarmde zoolplaat, automatische uitschakeling |
| Philips 3000 Series (STH3000) | ca. 36* | Nee | 1000 W | 20 | ca. 30 sec | 100–120 ml | – | 800 g | 2 m | – | Geen | Opvouwbaar, reisformaat |
Swipe horizontally to view all specifications.
| Brand | FLOWSTEAM | Tefal, Philips (via retailer) |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years (statutory/manufacturer warranty) |
| Verzending NL/BE | Free | Varies by retailer |
| Trial period / returns | 30 days, free returns | 14-day statutory cooling-off period (retailer may offer longer) |
| Delivery time | Order before 23:00, delivered tomorrow | Varies by retailer |
Price: €74.99 (normally €89.99) · Best for: shirts, dresses, suits and curtains at home and for travel
The FLOWSTEAM Garment Steamer is ready in approximately 25 seconds and delivers 30 grams of steam per minute at 1680 W. With the 370 ml tank, you can steam for 15 to 25 minutes continuously, depending on the setting. That is enough for a full wardrobe without refilling.
You can choose from 3 steam settings plus a dry ironing function, and steam both vertically on the hanger and horizontally. At 740 grams, it remains light in the hand. The box contains a heat-resistant glove, brush attachment, storage bag, and a connector for a water bottle, handy for travel. Choose from Matte Black, Snow White, Lavender, or Matte Gray.
Pros
Downsides
Price: €89.99 (normally €99.99) · Best for: quick, crisp results on shirts, blouses and curtains
The FLOWSTEAM Vacuum Edition steams and suctions at the same time. The 4500 Pa suction pulls the fabric against the steam head, so the steam penetrates deeper and more evenly into the fibres. You don't need to pull the fabric taut with your other hand.
With 2100 W it delivers 32 to 35 grams of steam per minute: the most continuous steam in this comparison. The 370 ml tank provides 10 to 20 minutes of steam. It is ready in 25 seconds, has a 2.5-metre cable and comes with a glove, brush, water bottle connector and storage bag.
Pros
Downsides
Price: approx. €100 · Best for: anyone looking for a well-known brand with a test award
Like the Vacuum Edition, the Tefal AeroSteam (DT9810) is a garment steamer with a suction function. Tefal calls this OptiFlow: steam and suction pull the fabric taut. The Dutch Consumers' Association named it Best in Test.
It has 1400 W, delivers 20 g/min of steam and is ready in 30 seconds. You can choose from three settings: turbo, gentle and steam only. With a 100 ml tank, you can steam for about 6 minutes before you need to refill.
Pros
Downsides
Price: approx. €73–85 · Best for: thick fabrics such as coats and curtains
The Tefal Access Steam Force DT8270 has 2000 W and a steam burst of up to 90 g/min. The heated soleplate keeps clothing less damp. It is ready in around 25 seconds and switches off automatically.
Pros
Downsides
Price: approx. €36 · Best for: freshening up a shirt now and then or travelling
The Philips 3000 Series (STH3000) is compact and foldable. With 1000 W and 20 g/min, it is suitable for light creases. The 100–120 ml tank is small, so for multiple garments you will need to refill more often.
Pros
Downsides
When buying a garment steamer, pay attention to six points: steam output, tank capacity, heat-up time, weight, steam settings and accessories.
Steam output in grams per minute says more than the wattage. For cotton and linen, you want around 30 g/min. A steam boost helps with thick fabrics and stubborn wrinkles. Below 20 g/min, a steamer is mainly suitable for light creases.
A tank of 300 ml or more provides 15 to 25 minutes of steam: enough for several shirts or a set of curtains. Small tanks of 100–200 ml are lighter, but you will need to refill them more often.
Most handheld steamers are ready within 25 to 30 seconds. That makes a garment steamer faster than an iron and ironing board.
You hold a handheld steamer up while steaming. Under 1 kg remains comfortable, even during a long session. Also pay attention to the cable length if you want to steam tall curtains.
With multiple steam settings, you steam silk and viscose on low and cotton, linen or wool on high. A dry ironing function or soleplate helps with collars and cuffs.
A heat-resistant glove protects your hand. A brush opens up thick fabrics and removes lint. For travel, a storage bag and a water bottle connector come in handy.
For most people, the FLOWSTEAM Garment Steamer is the best choice. It delivers 30 g/min of steam, has a 370 ml tank for up to 25 minutes of steaming, weighs 740 grams and costs €74.99 including glove, brush and storage bag.
For most garments, yes. A garment steamer removes creases without pressure and high soleplate temperature, so fibres wear less. You don't need an ironing board and can steam directly on the hanger. For sharp creases in trousers, an iron remains handy.
Cotton, linen, polyester, nylon, silk, viscose, wool, velvet and most blends. Use the lowest setting for delicate fabrics. Do not steam leather or suede.
Around 30 g/min is ideal for daily use. That lets you remove creases from cotton and linen. For thick coats and curtains, a steam burst helps.
A garment steamer with a suction function pulls the fabric against the steam head. This way you don't have to stretch the fabric taut with your other hand and the steam penetrates deeper. Examples are the FLOWSTEAM Vacuum Edition (4500 Pa, €89.99) and the Tefal AeroSteam (approx. €100).
The FLOWSTEAM Vacuum Edition also has a suction function, but delivers more steam (up to 35 g/min versus 20 g/min) and has a much larger tank (370 ml versus 100 ml). It costs €89.99 instead of around €100.
Yes. Hot steam kills up to 99% of bacteria and removes odours. That way you refresh clothing that doesn't need washing yet.
Yes. Choose a lightweight model with a storage bag. The FLOWSTEAM Garment Steamer weighs 740 grams and has a connector for a water bottle, so you can steam right away in your hotel room.
Yes, with soft water. If you live in an area with hard water, preferably use demineralised water or a mix. That prevents limescale and extends the lifespan.
At FLOWSTEAM you buy directly from the specialist. You get free shipping in the Netherlands and Belgium, next-day delivery for orders placed before 23:00, a 30-day trial period and a 2-year warranty.
Buy the FLOWSTEAM Clothes Steamer if you want a lightweight, complete handheld steamer with a large tank and long steaming time for a sharp price. If you want a clothes steamer with suction function, choose the FLOWSTEAM Vacuum Edition: more steam and a larger tank than the Tefal AeroSteam, for less money. If you value a Consumentenbond test label, then the Tefal AeroSteam is the choice, although you refill it more often. The Philips 3000 Series is only recommended if you occasionally refresh a shirt and want to spend as little as possible.
30-day trial period · 2-year warranty · 4.6 on Trustpilot
