Do you have a steamer and would you recommend one?

[MoneyBall1]

I am back in the office full time now and need to get back to doing more ironing. I’ve never had a steamer but people keep mentioning how good they are.

I googled some recommendations but there is a lot of conflicting advice. I have v weak arms and wrists (long Covid seems to have killed my strength in my arms) so they can’t be too heavy. I like the idea of the ones with a hanger/board where I can put the clothes on and just steam them.

are they better than irons? Worth the money? I tend to iron as little as possible but do have suit shirts that I can’t avoid!

They are a thousand times better than ironing! I have had both a stand steamer and a little hand held one, neither was heavy, but the stand one was better imo.

Thanks - I also think the stand ones look better for me. Do you know what brand the stand one was? There are so many and so many conflicting reviews of what is good or not.

Hmm, I think Tefal but it was a 3 to 4 years ago when I had that one!

Thanks! Dp was browsing reviews and liked the look of a Tefal one so I’ll look tonight when I’m back from work.

I think they're only good on delicate fabrics that are too flimsy for physical contact with an iron. They're no where near as good for creating a crisp finish on a thicker shirt or dress.

Yes, I have a handheld steamer. They’re pretty good and quick. You don’t have to get ironing board out which is why I liked it. Mine is light and by Tefal.

But now I prefer my ‘compact’ steam generator iron. This is quite light too and I just keep the ironing board (it’s ne that folds in at both ends so doesn’t take up much room when not in use but I can still
leave it standing upright if that makes sense) out in spare room all the time so it’s easy. So fast to do and as someone who does not like ironing, it’s pretty satisfying to use. I iron a lot more now! I bought a refurbished one from Amazon as didn’t want to pay full price and it’s been great. £70.

If you have to do five shirts a week, I think a compact steam generator iron could be better. If it’s just the odd shirt, maybe go with the handheld steamer.

Thanks - yes it’s definitely the 5 shirts a week plus ironing trousers so I will look at that.

I have a handheld one, it's fine for school uniforms etc but for smart shirts not a patch on my steam generator iron
Mine is morphy richards/teal maybe, it's great for last minute panics in thr morning too