Photography: Brigid Arnott | Styling: Jodie Gibbons | Interiors: Cloth+Stone Designs
It’s been said that we are witnessing the death of ironing and, based purely on anecdotal evidence, we couldn’t agree more. It seems the days of a perfectly creased pant leg and, dare we say, impeccably ironed bed sheets, is something we’re happy leaving in the past. But as chic as the relaxed look can be, and as much as we hate to admit it, sometimes there is a need for crisp, pin-straight fabrics. With wedding season in full swing, and evenings and other soirees filling our diaries, we will be reaching for one appliance to help smooth out wrinkles and buff out creases for those times when we want to look our very best – minus the hassle of pulling out the ironing board from its laundry hiding spot. If you’re in the market too, read on: we’ve found the best handheld garment steamers to shop in 2026.
Related: These are the best steam irons to shop in 2026
Do people still iron their clothes?
Is it purely a matter of not having the time or enough mental bandwidth to add another task to our (already incredibly busy) lives? Or have we simply reevaluated what’s important to us, and the poor old laundry essential got the boot? From what we can tell, it’s definitely a change that’s being brought on by young people. In fact, research shows that 30% of 18- to 34-year-olds do not own an iron and “never iron their clothes”, saying that their clothes didn’t need ironing, that it was simply not important to them, or they didn’t like doing it. But, as we automate the rest of our household chores, it’s only a matter of time before this incredibly hands-on, time intensive task got streamlined, giving rise to ironing’s cooler younger sibling – garment steaming.
2026’s best garment steamers
- AeroSteam Handheld Garment Steamer, $249, Tefal (here’s why)
- Access Steam Force Handheld Garment Steamer, $109, Tefal (here’s why)
- Sunbeam Power Steam Hand Held Garment Steamer, $89.95, Myer (here’s why)
The best garment steamers to shop in 2026
AeroSteam handheld garment steamer
$249 at Tefal
Best for: speed and ease
As the newest machine in Tefal’s garment steamer stable, the AeroSteam – with its user-friendly design and professional-grade results – packs a powerful punch when it comes to de-wrinkling. Anyone who’s ever struggled with getting a strong enough steam to smooth out a linen shirt will know the pain of a subpar handheld situation, but as it turns out, Tefal’s clever new model isn’t messing around. The 11-blade propeller hugs all types of fabric, acting like a vacuum to suck and steam at the same time, while dissolving wrinkles with just one swipe. Plus, its generous tank allows you to steam up to three shirts before needing to refill – which has already cut my steaming time in half. To say this machine has changed my laundry days for the better, would be an understatement. The only downside? Its chunkier frame makes it a bit too heavy for on-the-go steaming, but there’s plenty of travel-sized versions to fill the gap.
Capacity/Volume: 100ml water tank
Key features:
- 30 second heat-up time
- Detachable 100ml tank for up to 3 shirts at a time
- Powerful vacuum for maximum suction when steaming
Also available at:
- $229 at JB HI-FI
Philips 1000 Series Stand Garment Steamer With Board in Blue
from $178 at Appliances Online
Best for: easy de-wrinkling
Widely recognised as a reliable mid-priced steamer, the Philips 1000 Series Stand Steamer is a convenient alternative to the typical handheld steamer, and offers a large water tank, strong steam output and quick heat-up.
Size: Steamplate: 55.67 cm. Ironing Mat: 32.7 x 60.8 cm. Fully Extended: 30.3 x 168.2 x 43.4 cm
Capacity/Volume: 1.8L Detachable
Key features:
- Continuous steam up to 36g/min
- Three steam settings
- 1.8L detachable water tank
- 45 seconds heat time
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria and dust mites
- 1800kW
- Adjustable double poles for various height settings
Also available at:
- $179at JB HI-FI
Access Steam Force Handheld Garment Steamer
from $109 at Tefal
Best for: professional results
The Tefal Access handheld steamer is a great value, high performance steamer, sitting between larger standing units and budget handheld options. A favourite on online retailers, reviewers say it is “powerful and [works] as described – can’t fault the product.”
Size: 33 x 16 x 22 cm
Capacity/Volume: 190mL water tank
Key features:
- 190mL water tank
- 30g/min continuous steam output
- 25-second start-up time
- Micro-fiber dust accessory
- The intense power of steam kills up to 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and germs
Also available at:
Sunbeam Power Steam Hand Held Garment Steamer SG1000
from $89.95 at Myer
Best for: an entry-level handheld steamer
For fast and easy wrinkle-free fabrics, the Sunbeam Garment Steamer is a great entry-level steamer to consider. Promising results (and delivering on those!), if you’re curious about garment steaming, this could be the product for you.
Size: 25.49 x 16.59 x 31.5cm
Capacity/Volume: 300mL water tank
Key features:
- Heats up in 40 seconds
- Two steam settings
- Trigger lock to provide a constant flow of steam
- Wide wrinkle remover bar
Anko Garment Steamer
from $55 at Target
Best for: the budget-friendly pick
Don’t want to spend a lot but are curious about steaming? You might want to check out this budget-friendly garment steamer by Anko. With a board, poles, hanging rack and fabric brush, this is the convenient option for a clothing steamer without spending hundreds.
Size: 37.6 x 161 x 27.6cm
Capacity/Volume: 1.65L detachable water tank
Key features:
- 50 minutes of continuous steam
- Detachable 1.65L water tank
- Includes steaming board, glove, fabric brush, press for pants, rack and telescopic pole
- 1500W
The best travel garment steamers
Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer
Myer, $89.95
Jack & Rose 2-in-1 Travel Steamer
Amazon, $93.50
Propress Mini Handheld Garment Steamer
JB Hi-FI, $349
QuickStyle 3 Pro Garment Steamer
Braun, $99
