Garment steamer or iron: what's the difference
An iron works through contact and pressure, while a garment steamer uses hot steam without touching the fabric. A steamer is ready to go faster, doesn't need…
The key difference
- Iron = contact + pressure
- Steamer = hot steam, no contact with the fabric
Speed
- An iron needs time to heat up and an ironing board
- A steamer is ready in 30–60 seconds
- 2–3 times faster for everyday clothes
Convenience
- An iron needs an ironing board
- A steamer works right on the hanger: clothes, curtains, coats — no prep needed
Refreshes clothes
- Removes odors
- Makes fabric feel “fresh”
- Suitable for frequent use
Safe for fabrics
- An iron can “scorch” delicate fabrics
- A steamer is gentle on silk, viscose, synthetics and tulle
HGS-8060 Garment Steamer
HGS-8070 Garment SteamerMore tips
5 things you should steam, not iron
Which items are safer and easier to treat with a garment steamer than with an iron: delicate fabrics, embellished pieces, outerwear, intricate cuts and chunky knits. Plus a quick hack for getting creases out faster.
What not to steam
A garment steamer is versatile, but not all-powerful: corduroy and velvet, items with grease stains, leather and suede all need a different approach. Cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, synthetics and knitwear, on the other hand, can always be steamed.
Garment steamer myths
We bust four common myths about garment steamers: how well they handle heavy fabrics, how safe they are for delicate materials, how fast they are and how easy they are to use.