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Quick answer: an iron gives crisper results: sharp creases, flat collars and smooth cotton and linen. A garment steamer is faster and gentler for hanging clothes, delicates (silk, chiffon, wool), suits, dresses and curtains, and needs no ironing board. Most households are best served by a good iron plus, optionally, a small handheld steamer. If you want one device, a 2-in-1 such as the Philips 7000 2-in-1 does both reasonably well.
Best iron
- Power: 3100W
- Continuous steam: 70g/min
- Steam shot: 210g/min
Best handheld steamer
- Power: 1400W
- Steam: 24g/min
- Tank: 120ml + 200ml
Best 2-in-1 steamer-iron
- Power: 1500W
- Steam: 28g/min
- Tank: 100ml + 200ml
| Iron | Garment steamer | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Heat + pressure + steam on a board | Hot steam relaxes fibres on hanging clothes |
| Best results on | Cotton shirts, linen, trousers, bedding | Delicates, suits, dresses, knits, curtains |
| Sharp creases | Yes | No |
| Speed per item | Slower (set up board) | Faster for quick refreshes |
| Risk of shine or scorch | Some (lower with no-burn tech) | Very low |
| Kills odours and bacteria | Partly | Yes, on hanging clothes |
| Storage | Iron plus board | Small; no board needed |
Our top pick of each
- Best iron Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630 (£). Check price
- Best handheld steamer Philips 5000 Series STH5030 (££). Check price
- Best 2-in-1 steamer-iron Philips 7000 Series 2-in-1 STH7060 (£££). Check price
- Best compact steamer Tefal Pure Pop (£). Check price
How we chose these picks
We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications, independent UK tests and reviews (including Which? and Mumsnet steamer and iron guides (2026), manufacturer specifications, Ofgem energy price cap unit rates for 1 October to 31 December 2026), and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We checked that every product was on sale in the UK when this page was last updated, and we re-check stock every month. We do not hands-on test products ourselves, and we say so on every review. Commission from retailer links never affects which products we pick. Read how we research.
Comparison table
| Model | Power | Tank | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630 | 3100W | 350ml | £ |
| Philips 5000 Series STH5030 | 1400W | 120ml + 200ml | ££ |
| Philips 7000 Series 2-in-1 STH7060 | 1500W | 100ml + 200ml | £££ |
| Tefal Pure Pop | 1300W | 70ml | £ |
Price tiers compare models within this guide: £ budget, ££ mid-range, £££ premium, ££££ top of the range. We do not list exact prices because they change daily. Tap “Check price” to see the current price on Amazon UK.
Recommended models
Best iron
Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630: Best iron
- Power: 3100W
- Continuous steam: 70g/min
- Steam shot: 210g/min
- Tank: 350ml
If you want crisp shirts and bedding, start with a good iron like this one.
Best handheld steamer
Philips 5000 Series STH5030: Best handheld steamer
- Power: 1400W
- Steam: 24g/min
- Tank: 120ml + 200ml
- Heat-up: 35s
The best all-round handheld if most of your wardrobe hangs rather than folds.
Full review, pros and cons in our best handheld clothes steamers guide
Best 2-in-1 steamer-iron
Philips 7000 Series 2-in-1 STH7060: Best 2-in-1 steamer-iron
- Power: 1500W
- Steam: 28g/min
- Tank: 100ml + 200ml
- Heat-up: 30s
The head tilts flat to press like an iron, so it is the closest thing to one device for both jobs.
Full review, pros and cons in our best handheld clothes steamers guide
Best compact steamer
Tefal Pure Pop: Best compact steamer
- Power: 1300W
- Steam: 20g/min
- Tank: 70ml
- Heat-up: 15s
Small enough for a drawer or a suitcase, and ready in 15 seconds.
Full review, pros and cons in our best handheld clothes steamers guide
Choose an iron if…
- You wear cotton shirts to work and want crisp collars and cuffs.
- You iron bedding, tablecloths or linen.
- You want sharp trouser creases.
See the best steam irons or, for big piles, steam generators.
Choose a steamer if…
- You mostly wear knitwear, jersey, blouses, dresses or suits.
- You want a 2-minute refresh before going out.
- You have little space for an ironing board, or you travel a lot.
See the best handheld clothes steamers.
Frequently asked questions
Is steaming better than ironing?
For delicate and hanging clothes, yes: it is quicker and gentler. For crisp cotton and sharp creases, ironing is better.
Can a steamer replace an iron?
For some wardrobes, yes, especially knits, dresses and suits. If you wear pressed cotton shirts, you will still want an iron or a 2-in-1.
Does steaming damage clothes?
Much less than ironing, because there is no direct pressure or high heat. Check care labels for leather, suede and waxed fabrics, which should not be steamed.
Is a steamer cheaper to run than an iron?
Per hour, yes. Handheld steamers are rated at about 1300–2000W against 2400–3100W for a steam iron, so at the Ofgem price cap rate for October to December 2026 (26.32p per kWh) a 1500W steamer running flat out costs about 39p an hour, a 2400W iron about 63p and a 3100W iron about 82p. An iron’s thermostat switches the element off once the soleplate is hot, while a steamer boils continuously, so the real gap is smaller than those figures suggest, and a few minutes of steaming or ironing a week costs pennies either way. See our guide to the cost of running an iron in the UK.
Related guides
- How much an iron costs to run
- Iron temperature settings guide
- Best handheld clothes steamers
- Best steam irons UK
- Steam generator vs steam iron
Sources: Which? and Mumsnet steamer and iron guides (2026); manufacturer specifications; Ofgem energy price cap unit rates for 1 October to 31 December 2026. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.
