The £20 secret that means you’ll never have to iron again

GETTING back to real life post-lockdown has meant peeling off our lounge-wear and putting on something a little less comfortable – and for many of us that means blouses, shirts and trousers.

To meet our demand for smarter clobber, sales of irons are up 47 per cent at John Lewis, but let’s be honest – none of us want to spend our evenings and weekends slumped over an ironing board.

David CummingsSales of irons are up 47 per cent at John Lewis. But I can honestly say that I NEVER use an iron – instead, I head straight for the humble steamer[/caption]

Luckily, we don’t have to. I’m a fashion stylist as well as a writer, and I can honestly say that I NEVER use an iron – instead, I head straight for the humble steamer.

Steamers are nestled between stacks of clothes in every stylist’s suitcase, assisting us at fashion shows and busy photoshoots – they’re quick, convenient and cheap, too.

SIOBHAN O’CONNOR tests out a range of steamers from the high street – from £20 to £100 – to find out which one removes creases from clothes the best, and give each a rating out of five.

PHILIPS, £45, ARGOS

Rating 3/5

AESTHETICALLY, this looks great – with a mint green colour and easy-to-hold gun-like shape.

What I liked was that you had to press the button for the steam to come out, instead of giving a continuous steam like the others.

Not known, clear with picture deskPhilips Series 3000 STH3010 compact steamer is more environmentally friendly[/caption]

This makes it more environmentally friendly as you are not wasting water.
But compared to the power of the others, the level of steam took longer to iron out the wrinkles on my trousers.

Though it’s ready to use in 30 seconds, it only gives 10 minutes of steaming time.

Philips Series 3000 STH3010 compact steamer, Argos and philips.co.uk

HOMEASY, £29.99, AMAZON

Rating 2/5

WITH a 25-second heat up, this steamer is fast and efficient – perfect for getting ready in a rush.

Claiming to be a five-in-one multifunctional steamer, it can also be used on carpets, curtains, bedding, sofas and kids’ toys – though I’m sure most steamers would work on these fabrics.

Not known, clear with picture deskThe Homeasy steamer, 1500W is fast and efficient – perfect for getting ready in a rush[/caption]

The device does automatically switch off when the tank is empty, giving it that extra safety element.

Though it dropped the creases out of my smart trousers, it wasn’t as powerful as some of the others and needed going over a few times.

Homeasy steamer, 1500W, white, small, from amazon.co.uk

BREVILLE, £99.99, CURRYS

Rating 1/5

AT the pricier end was the Breville Elite Temp handheld garment steamer in dark grey and copper.

This is a bit heavier with a 35-second heat up time – still quicker than an iron.

Not known, clear with picture deskThe Breville Elite Diamond ceramic steamer is rather pricey, so you have to be willing to splurge[/caption]

Its luxe-looking design would look nice on a shelf and comes with a 240ml detachable water tank for longer-lasting jobs – giving you up to 16 minutes non-stop steam.

It works on tough fabrics as well as delicates and comes with a two-in-one attachment, filling cup and heat-resistant travel bag.

But it is rather pricey, so you have to be willing to splurge – which I’m not.

Breville Elite Diamond ceramic steamer, currys.co.uk

ASDA OWN £20

Rating 4/5

THIS was better than expected.

For just £20, the continuous steam smartened up my blazer in no time – and the garment brush allows you to sweep off any hairs.

Not known, clear with picture deskThe Asda own steamer is just £20 and has a relatively large tank for a portable steamer[/caption]

It did take a little longer than the others to heat up, but definitely no longer than a minute – making it still a much quicker option than the iron.

Plus, it doesn’t melt your clothes!

With 250ml water capacity, it has a relatively large tank for a portable steamer.

RUSSELL HOBBS, £60, ARGOS

Rating 4/5

NOT only does this blitz wrinkles, it kills germs, too.

The Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Aroma 28040 Garment Steamer is ready to use in 45 seconds but then only has six minutes of steaming time – that’s its only downfall.

Not known, clear with picture deskRussell Hobbs Steam Genie Aroma doesn’t blitz wrinkles, it kills germs, too[/caption]

But unlike the others, this one includes a scent infuser which lets you freshen up fabrics with personalised scents and kill up to 99 per cent of bacteria in just 60 seconds.

It also comes with an upholstery attachment and lint brush – it can be used on decorative details like beads and sequins, too.

Plus, it has a three-year guarantee.

MUKYNNY, £20.99, AMAZON

Rating 5/5

THE compact, foldable design takes just 20 seconds to heat up – blowing out a thick, hot wave of steam that works on linen, denim, silk, wool, cotton and even plush fabrics.

With leakage and overheat protection, you steam clothes on a hanger or lying flat without worrying about spillage.

Not known, clear with picture deskThe Mukynny steamer is the perfect travel companion, as it’s both lightweight and small[/caption]

It’s the perfect travel companion, too, as it’s both lightweight and small.

It’s also not a bad dupe of the pricier Philips version.

Mukynny steamer with foldable design, amazon.co.uk.