Shopping Writer Meghan has found a game-changing gadget for last-minute battles with creases in shirts and dresses, as she hails it ‘an absolute lifesaver’
Whether you don’t have space for a cumbersome ironing board or are seeking a quick fix to wrinkles in clothes just before you head out the door, a handheld steamer is a great choice. A must-have gadget for getting that professionally pressed look without slaving away or needing extra equipment, handheld steamers are all the rage right now.
I don’t have space for an ironing board in my home (and frankly, I hate ironing anyway), so I’ve been on the hunt for a cost-effective way to banish tumbledryer creases or last-minute outfit touches. That’s where this Philips Handheld Steamer has become my new best friend.
Whether you want to freshen up your date night look, get shirts crisp ahead of school or work, or fix folds and crinkles from time spent in the wardrobe, this handheld gadget is just the ticket. Plus, it’s on Amazon.
READ MORE: Shoppers rush to get a full-size 6ft Christmas tree for £4 with rare M&S offer
READ MORE: Beauty buffs rush to grab a ‘Shark-inspired’ LED face and neck mask worth £90 for under £30
Ideal for delicate items, stubborn creases or replacing a traditional iron, this steamer has been designed with ease and precision in mind. With an adjustable head, this gadget can simply be tilted to best suit the item you’re steaming, whether hanging up or lying flat.
Plus, its nifty folding design complements its already sleek and compact size, making it super easy to take on the go. If you’re heading to a work or formal event and don’t know how to fix your clothes from getting screwed up in your suitcase, this gadget simply and effectively solves those issues – so you can have a ‘just-pressed’ shirt wherever, whenever.
This device could not be simpler to use. It’s ready to steam when you need it, no matter what. All you have to do is plug it in, turn it on, wait as little as 35 seconds for it to heat up to the appropriate temperature, and away you go.
You can forget setting up a big old clunky ironing board, as this little whiz will help you get rid of pesky creases on anything in your wardrobe that’s ironable—no prep or set-up needed. It is armed with two heat settings: Eco, your ideal energy-saving default setting, and Max, which has a stronger steam rate and is great for tougher wrinkles and fabrics like cotton.
Living in a home with a tumble dryer, this steamer has been a godsend for getting rid of those stubborn creases that are caused in the drying process. From shirts to trousers and skirts, this handheld steamer has stepped up my wardrobe in a matter of minutes.
The shirt above had been set in the tumble dryer for several hours, and it took me less than 10 minutes to remove even the toughest wrinkles.
The steamer comes with two different-sized water containers, making it convenient for smaller or larger steaming jobs. It also comes with a heatproof glove, which is amazing for when you need to hold a sleeve or other part of clothing up but don’t fancy getting burnt.
The only two downsides I’ve found with this gadget are the fact that it’s wired, only because I have few plug sockets available and thus am limited on where and how I can use the device – the wire was a little bit of a nuisance while steaming, and I think I ultimately would prefer a wireless design for even more convenience.
The other gripe that is less a problem for me, but which I could imagine being an issue for some users, is that it is about 30cm long when bent, so larger than the average hand, and the steaming end can feel heavy after prolonged use, so if you struggle to hold heavier objects for long periods, this may be an issue.
My Philips Series 5000 Handheld Steamer is currently available for the reduced price of £59.99 on Amazon and at Currys.
The same model in its red and coral colourway is available from Argos for £60 or John Lewis for £49.99.
If you’re looking for an alternative model with a lower price or a lighter design, check out this Tefal Pure Pop Slim Handheld Clothes Steamer on Amazon, which is currently on sale for £39.