The Best Steam Press Reviews for 2020
Updated by Brandon F. on August 20, 2020
Ironing your clothes is one of the necessary tasks of being an adult these days. While a traditional flat iron will do, a steam press can significantly speed up the process. It is easy to become overwhelmed when looking at just how many steam press brands there are on the market. We are here to help with this issue and give you a list of the best steam presses to meet your needs. After spending dozens of hours testing steam presses as well as consulting various experts, we have compiled all of the information that you need. In this Ultimate Guide to Steam Press Reviews, we rank various steam presses based off of multiple metrics. These metrics include Performance, Features, Ease of Use, Cost, and Overall Rating. We also discuss what the difference is between a steam press, an iron, and a steamer. Below is a table of our top 5 steam presses. For full reviews and to see the rest of the list, how below!
Best Steam Press – Top 5 Picks
The Competition
With so many Steam Presses to choose from, it can be tough to pick a favorite. To make things easier, we break down each briefly below. For our full review, simply click on the link and it will take you to our informative review below!
Pyle
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Pyle sells many different items and seems to focus on music-related items. That is why we were a bit surprised to find out that they also have a steam press in their catalog. The only offering they have is their PSTMP90 Pure Clean Table Top Steam Press that comes with Stream Burst Fu technology. It comes in at a bit higher asking price than many other steam cleaners but does offer some larger capacity and unique features that Pyle feels will justify the cost.
Reliable
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Reliable is a brand with a more recognized name and focuses mostly on garment care, steam cleaning, and sewing. So as you can expect, they have quite a bit of experience in this industry and likely have some tricks up their sleeves to make products that can stand out. Their small but potent lineup of steam presses includes the Aria 100SP, Aria 200SP, Aria 350SP, and Verve 100SR. The Aria series is smaller, consumer-level steam presses while the enormous Verve is designed for commercial application and comes in a rotary design. We will be mostly focusing on the Aria models as they are more likely what a typical person would purchase for home use. Asking prices are slightly above average but you do get some unique features with the purchase.
Sienna
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Sienna has one of the larger and more diverse lineups of steam presses that we are reviewing. They currently have five different steam presses: The Elite, the Empressa, the Expresso, the Turbo, and the Turbo Max. Each product has its unique quirks and specifications but the general gist of what Sienna is trying to accomplish is to offer a quality steam press that cuts down on how much time you spend steam pressing while staying within most people’s budgets.
Singer
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Singer has a single steam press, their Magic Steam Press ESP2 model. Trying to combine reasonable costs with acceptable performance, the lone Singer Steam Press is one of the most popular steam presses online and well-respected across many channels. Many of the features that you expect to find are here and none of the extra fluff that can drive up the price and that most people aren’t interested in paying extra for.
Speedy Press
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Speedy Press has quite a presence in various online marketplaces. They have tried to make a name for themselves thanks to their relatively low costs combined with their “speedy” approach. They understand that not everybody wants to spend half the day laboring away over ironing so their intention is for their lineup of steam presses to cut that time down. Their selection includes a few different sizes that they have dubbed “compact”, “medium”, “large”, “x-large”, and “ultra xl”. They also have a few various kits that include a stand.
Steamfast
Buy on Amazon $299.99 and save 9%
Steamfast is one of the largest brands that we are reviewing and their entire focus is on using steam to make our lives easier. This includes steam cleaners, steam irons, steam presses, and even humidifiers. With such a wide and deep understanding of the power of steam, it is no surprise that they are one of the more popular companies in this industry. Their lineup of steam presses includes the SF-623, SP-660, and SF-680. All three come with their unique features and all happen to be very reasonably priced.
Rating Metrics
There are a lot of factors and considerations that go into determining the best steam press for you. To make things easier, we break down the most important metrics below.
Performance
Performance essentially means how well does a steam press does at its core functions. Believe it or not, there can be a lot of differences between a top-caliber steam press and a knock-off budget one. Some of the most important variables have to do with wattage, temperature range, steam settings, and the size of the application area. For wattage, we like to see a unit that has at least 1,400 Watts or more. This allows for the unit to heat up and stay heated much quicker. Having various additional temperature settings and modes is also a nice touch since each type of fabric needs a specific level of steam and temperature to work best with. Finally, the area of the steam press refers to the surface area that produces steam and pressure. Remember, the larger the surface area, the fewer additional passes you have to make to get a garment completely steamed!
Features
Features can oftentimes have some overlap with other metrics as a feature can directly contribute to performance, ease of use, etc. However, it is worth being in its category since many shoppers will put the feature list towards the top in importance. Features common to steam presses and that we like to see include various operation modes, easy-to-read LED displays, support accessories (water bottle, wipe, etc.), safety features, built-in pressure clamp, etc. While some people may not want or need some of the more exotic features, just about everybody can appreciate the core features that make operation easier.
Ease of Use
Ease of Use refers to how easy the steam press is to operate as well as how reliable it is. Things such as ergonomic design, intuitive buttons, easy to read display, and comfortable grips all play a part in making a particular product easier to use. Also, having great build quality, using good materials, and having a competitive warranty also makes ownership “easier” overall. When you are spending what can amount to a decent chunk of change on a steam press, it is important to find one that is easy for you to use and reliable as well.
Cost
Cost is always a consideration and is one of the top metrics. Some of the higher-end steam presses out there can be quite expensive so finding the best “bang for your buck” is particularly important in this industry. That being said, just because a unit is cheaper than another doesn’t automatically mean that it will rank better here. Rather, we look at the “big picture” and see how that particular steam press compares to other competitors at that price point. If one model has a clear-cut edge over the other models in that price range, it might get a higher rating than another model that is cheaper but fares poorly against its peers.
Overall Rating
The Overall Rating is an overall view of the steam press. It considers all of the metrics discussed above and allows us to come to a final rating that gives a better idea of just how good or bad the product is. Typically, we consider anything that scores a 3.5 or above a good buy, anything that scores a 4 or above a great buy, and the rare few who score a 4.5 or 5 a must-have.
Full Reviews
Below are our full reviews on the various steam cleaners we tested. You can see our elaborate breakdown of each product related to its Performance, Features, Ease of Use, Cost, and Overall Rating.
Pyle Steam Press Review
Performance –
Pyle’s Table Top Steam Press comes in at nearly 9 times larger than the size of a traditional iron, so you can be sure that it will cover a lot of fabric area in a short period. The Burst Fu technology refers to its steam burst function, which sprays out a large and powerful burst of steam that will make quick work of any creases or wrinkles. That combination of the large surface area plus the large steam area allows Pyle to state that their unit will be 50% faster than traditional ironing. You can also adjust the spray settings and temperature. All of the performance attributes we are used to seeing are present here with the inclusion of their somewhat unique steam burst technology being the only notable exception. The straightforward design and large steam area mean that this unit should perform quite well.
Features – 
One of our gripes with the Pyle Steam Press is in its lack of features. We mentioned a few of the performance-related features above but beyond these, there isn’t a lot in the way of additional features or user controls. We do like the layout of the digital control knob which is where you will be able to alter the settings that are present. It is obvious that this unit is wanting to be simple and lets its reliable performance do the talking rather than wow the user with a plethora of features and customization options.
Ease of Use –
The benefit of being very simple and having few features is that it makes the Pyle Steam Press very easy to use. As we mentioned above, we like the intuitive user controls as well as the convenient location of it. The adjustable rotating handle is also quite well done and allows you to easily lift and lower the steam press without being in the way of the hot surface. It is worth mentioning that the temperature control knob is a separate component than the rest of the control interface. This is both good and bad. Being in a different area means that you will have to move your hand to access it but it also means that you won’t accidentally change the temperature while handling other functions. The overall design and size of the Pyle Steam Press is acceptable and, while on the larger side, is still easy for someone of any size to handle it comfortably.
Cost –
The asking price for this unit is above average. This is due to a combination of being a bit larger than your typical steam press as well as what we assume is a lower production run. At this asking price, there are several other options out there, many of which have more features. But we won’t deny that in terms of raw size, the Pyle PSTMP90 is quite formidable.
Overall Rating –
The Pyle Pure Clean Table Top Steam Press is an acceptable offering by Pyle but by no means blew us away. The size of the sheer capacity of the press is quite nice and we like the large steam area that it produces, but there simply aren’t enough additional features to impress us. Also, the asking price may be a bit higher than many people are looking to pay. It is a rather ergonomic unit and very intuitive to use but we just want to see a few more features at this price point.
Reliable Steam Press Review
Performance –
We are impressed with the performance of all four of Reliable’s steam presses. The smaller units, the Aria 100SP, Aria 200SP, and 350SP, come with a 1600-watt heating element with a maximum temperature of 410 degrees Fahrenheit. The main difference between the three is in their pressing surface. The 100SP has a 28 x 11-inch pressing surface with the 200SP bumping things up to 35” x 11” and the 350SP having a 32” x 11” area. We found it interesting that the 200SP has a larger pressing surface than the 350SP but noticed that it is no longer listed on Reliable’s website. Our only assumption is that it has been discontinued and replaced with the 350SP or is perhaps in the process of undergoing a facelift/update. The monster Verve 100SR is a rotary-style press which means that you essentially roll your fabrics through it. This makes it able to handle enormous amounts of fabric in little time.
From a size standpoint, all of these are impressive and more than capable of handling typical consumer-level demands. But what we like with the Reliable Steam Presses is their efficiency. The steam output is consistent and at a level that allows for adequate steam levels without tapping out the water tank too quickly. And speaking of water tanks, the Reliable units have quite large ones! Starting from 350ml and going up to 500ml. Another cool performance feature is in the 350SP model which has an automatic steam option which makes steam automatically come out whenever the handle is pulled down.
Features –
There are plenty of great features that make Reliable Stream Presses one of the most trusted brands in the industry. We went over a few performance features above but there are many more features to add to that list. The non-stick soleplate that is included in all sizes is great and manages to not stick, no matter which temperature and fabric you are working with. We also really like the anti-scale water filter that helps to reduce calcium build-up. On the 100SP, you will also enjoy steam extraction technology. As the name suggests, these features pull steam outside of the air thanks to a vacuum motor. By removing moisture from fabric, it helps to preserve the clean and crisp finish that we all love.
Some other cool features have been added to the new 350SP and that we hope to see on the other Reliable units upon their updates. These include a wider opening for fabrics, the automatic steam feature (discussed earlier), and an overall of the digital LED display that is easy to calibrate and is also extremely accurate.
While we won’t go into huge detail about the Reliable Steam Press, it has a host of features that make it great for commercial or industrial applications. These include a full steam control with 3 optional steam settings, pre-set temperature modes for certain fabrics, and more.
Ease of Use –
Reliable has done an excellent job of making steam presses that are easy to use and also safe. No matter which size you go with, you can look forward to a very large amount of space in a relatively small package. This means that the unit itself is more lightweight and easy to handle while still having the capacity you need. The steam volume controls are also very easy to understand and are extremely accurate. You won’t find yourself having to constantly adjust and monitor the controls like you do in lower-end stem presses. These pre-configured settings typically are spot-on and you will find that no matter which fabric you are using, the results are always good.
Now for the negatives. There have been several complaints that the units may actually struggle to reach the maximum 400+ degree temperatures. Because of this, certain fabrics that need these higher temperatures to be properly flatted or creased out may struggle. In addition, there is no clamp down system which means that you will be forced to manually push down the lid to ensure a good amount of contact pressure. This is an added annoyance and something that Reliable should focus on correcting.
Cost –
These units certainly aren’t cheap and will typically fall in the mid to upper price range. This is particularly true for the larger models. From a performance and feature standpoint, these prices are fair. The sheer capacity of the Reliable Steam Presses is much higher than the cheaper competition and for those people looking to spend less time dealing with steaming, it should be a no-brainer. However, for those on a tight budget, you could technically get away with something more lower-end but it will come at the cost of additional operating time.
Overall Rating –
Overall, we are happy with what Reliable has brought to the table. The product choices are diverse enough to meet the needs of someone who occasionally needs to iron a shirt all the way up to a business that needs to iron hundreds of shirts per day. We really like the unique features that are included and are particularly impressed with the new features and modes that the Reliable 350SP Steam Press offers. Steam output and efficiency are very good as well. That being said, we do have some issues with a couple items related to usability. These products really need to have a lock-down clamp while using and Reliable also needs to make sure that all of their products are capable of going to the maximum temperature rating. If Reliable can sort these minor problems out, these will all be home-run choices.
Sienna Steam Press Review
Performance –
The specific performance will vary depending on which Sienna Steam Press you are going for. We will briefly go over the general idea of each. In terms of raw power, wattage ranges from 1350 watts on the Sienna, Empressa, and Expresso and is bumped up to 1600 on the Turbo and Turbo Max. And, as you might expect, the Turbo and Turbo Max also happen to be the most capable of the Sienna Steam Presses in terms of capabilities.
Steam press area also varies but is plenty large for most consumer needs in every size. The smallest size comes in the Expresso, which has a 22” x 9” pressing surface. This is bumped up slightly to 25” x 10” in the Elite and then up to 34” x 12” in the rather large Empressa. The more powerful Turbo units come in at 32” x 11” and an impressive 39” x 11” in the Turbo Max. We are very impressed with how Sienna has maximized press area while not making the unit overly bulky.
There are also some really neat specifications that help to maximize stem efficiency. The steam is very well controlled and there are multiple pre-configured settings that are optimized for a specific fabric. In the case of the Sienna Turbo series, there is also a turbo steam vacuum suction which draws steam through the garment. These increase how deep the steam impacts and results in a very professional result.
We have heard a couple of minor complaints with some of the smaller units taking a bit longer than desired to reheat to the necessary temperature in between uses but we personally didn’t find any issue with this. If you wanted to play it safe, you could go with the more powerful Turbo units and not have to worry about this problem at all.
Features –
Another area where Sienna Steam Presses really shine is in their features. Both the smaller units as well as the larger units have plenty of helpful features that make it a very capable and versatile product. There are auto shut-off features present in every model as well as an attractive digital display that shows the temperature reading to great accuracy. There is also a lock feature which means that you don’t have to worry about manually pressing down during use.
We also really appreciate that included an accessory kit that has a spray bottle pressing cushion, and water fill cup.
In the Turbo Series, the list of features continues. You will enjoy an LED light above the pressing area that notifies you when it is ready, a touchscreen display, adjustable steam output controls and more.
Ease of Use –
Sienna Steam Presses are among the easiest to use in the industry. We have discussed some of the features that play a role in this above, but there is even more. The very even steam application means that you don’t have to worry about constantly going back over a particular garment to get it how you want. Also, the settings allow all of these steam presses to be used on just about any fabric you may have including wool, cotton, linen, nylon, rayon, silk, and more. For those times when you do find yourself dealing with a stubborn wrinkle, simply activate the steam burst options to make quick work of it.
As for ergonomics, the size and shape of these units are very comfortable to use and handle. The overhead opening handle provides excellent grip and support and is not overly heavy. There is also an optional adjustable stream press stand that means that you don’t have to lay it on a table or other flat surface. For readings, the LED display is very clear and easy to follow and making fine adjustments to temperature or steam level is very straightforward.
The Sienna Turbo Series also has an impressive 80-degree opening angle which helps to reduce the chance of you accidentally coming in contact with the hot surface. This is in combination with the other safety features including self-locking, automatic safety shut-off, and more.
Cost –
Asking prices vary quite a bit from model to model but seem to fall in the mid-price range compared to other stream presses on the market. For the level of performance, features, and safety that you enjoy with these, we feel that it is a bargain. For someone who is looking for bare-bones and small at a more affordable price, the Expresso and Elite will be just what you are looking for while people with deeper pockets and more demands will find that the Empressa and Turbo Series fit the bill.
Overall Rating –
The competitive lineup of Sienna Steam Presses is among our favorites in the industry. Not only are they easy to use, safe, and loaded with features but they perform extremely well. This is particularly true in the larger models with their massive 1600 Watt power capabilities. The prices are more than fair considering what you will enjoy and Sienna is easy to work with if there do happen to be any problems. No matter what size or price point you are looking at, we highly encourage adding Sienna Steam Presses to your shortlist.
Singer Steam Press Review
Performance –
The power rating of the Singer Steam Press is by no means industry-leading but it does have more than enough wattage to meet most people’s needs. The large steaming surface and adequate temperature range results in what Singer states in half the time spent using a traditional iron. We found that it was particularly good at handling nylon, linen, and cotton.
Part of the secret comes from the impressive pressure that it pushes down when locked. You can expect around 100 pounds of force which really makes the most of the high-temperature steam. In addition, if you need an extra burst of steam to take care of a trouble spot, simply activate the button on the handle a large but controlled cloud of steam will shoot out.
We have found that the amount of time it takes to heat back up after using is about average. In other words, expect a few seconds delay to up to around a minute to get it back fully heated up if you are being really aggressive on multiple garments.
Features –
There are a few notable features included on the Singer Steam Press. Leading the charge is the attractive and functional fabric temperature setting gauge located at the base. It makes it a breeze to adjust the temperature for nylon, silk, wool, cotton, and then linen. In addition, there are lights that indicate when the steamer is up to temperature and ready to be used and when you need to wait a little bit longer for it to continue heating up.
The 300mL water tank is easily seen and a breeze to fill up. Also, the auto shut-off and alarm means that your safety is maximized while using. Other great features include the rotating handle lock, the push-button steam sprayer, and the included spray bottle, measuring cup, and pressing cushion.
While there are some more exotic features missing from this unit, not including a lot of additional accessories and features means that Singer has an easier time keeping the cost down.
Ease of Use –
We found that this steam press is a breeze to use. It is large enough to handle most garments but not so large to the point that it is difficult to move and operate. The handle is very easy to grip and safely out of harm’s way. Speaking of the handle, we love the shape and design of it as well as the location of the steam spray button.
All of the buttons and features are placed in very easy to understand spots and, as we mentioned above, the water tank is easily accessed as well. Singer really did have your comfort in mind when designing it.
We did have a minor complaint, however. There have been some reports of a grease-like residue forming on the base of the unit after extended use. This will require cleaning the surface so as to potentially avoid staining your garments. In addition, there have been some issues with reaching out to Singer customer service in the event of a malfunction or warranty request. But outside of these concerns, this unit is great to use.
Cost –
One of the largest selling points (pun intended) of this product is its great selling price. It is very affordable considering the size and performance and will be one of the most budget-friendly steam presses that come with all of the features you are looking for. Sure, there are more powerful units on the market that have loads more features but they will end up costing substantially higher to enjoy.
Overall Rating –
The Singer Magic Steam Press ESP2 is a great budget-friendly steam press that is able to meet most people’s requirements while maintaining a very attractive price point. The wattage and spray area are plenty capable and most of the features we like to see are present. Being a simple model, it is easy for just about anybody to pick up and use without issue. We do wish that customer support was a little bit better but considering the attractive asking price, we can’t be too picky.
Speedy Press Steam Press Review
Performance –
The smaller units (the small and medium) will come with a 1,400-watt power supply while the larger sizes (large, x-large, and ultra XL) come with 1,800 watts. Outside of the power source, the primary differences between the various sizes are, as you might expect, the flattening surface area. The compact starts things off with a 22” width and 8.5” depth and things slowly ramp up all the way to the Ultra XL which has nearly 3 feet of ironing width at a foot of depth.
No matter which size you go with, the power output is more than acceptable. While you may have to wait a short period of time for it to heat back up in between uses, it is typically only for a few seconds. The real benefit of the larger sizes is the ability to lay an entire garment on the surface. This allows you to iron it all at once and save even more time compared to a traditional flat iron.
There are also multiple steam options as well as a manual quick burst feature that will shoot out a large area of steam to help fight those extra stubborn wrinkles. Another nice benefit of the larger sizes is their increase in surface pressure. You can expect around 100 pounds of downward force thanks to the locking mechanism. This, combined with the nice power output, means that you should make quick work of most wrinkles.
Features –
Most of the desired features can be found on these products. As mentioned above, you have options of both automatic and manual steam functions. With the auto, steam is sprayed around 3” above the bed while with manual, you have control over when and how much steam is exhausted. Also, the Speedy Press Steam Presses come with variable temperature controls. This is essential for handling various types of fabric from nylon to wool and even silk.
The control interface is very straightforward as well. The LED display shows temperature, steam setting, and a few other metrics. Right below this screen are the necessary buttons and above the screen is that manual steam operator.
Another thing that we like about Speedy Press is that all of their steam presses in every size come with optional tables that are designed to fit snugly underneath them. These adjustable tables can oftentimes be much easier to use than simply laying the press on a normal table that you have at home. Finally, the water fill tank is snugly located underneath and can be slid out to fill with water.
Ease of Use –
When these units operate correctly, they are very easy to use and quite efficient. The buttons are intuitive and the steam is easy control. However, notice how we said “when” they operate correctly. There have been several complaints about Speedy Press Steam Presses having quality issues and malfunctioning relatively early on. This can be tied to issues with steam no longer coming out, buttons not properly working, or the unit simply not turning on all together.
In addition, many people have commented that customer support can be difficult to reach for warranty issues. We hope that these flaws can be sorted out soon because someone spending this kind of money on a steam press wants something that will operate correctly for many years.
Cost –
Since there is such a large size range, prices do fluctuate. However, for a given size, the asking price is very competitive and will typically be among some of the more affordable options out there. Speedy Press has apparently found an efficient way to produce their product across all sizes and this established manufacturing approach equals lower costs for you. There are some notable quality issues that we have mentioned above, however, which may be the “price” you pay for more affordable products.
Overall Rating –
The lineup of Speedy Press Steam Presses live up to their name and provide fast and efficient steam pressing across all sizes. Their diverse offerings range from small, portable units up to robust giants that provide nearly 3 feet of steam contact area width. And all sizes come with adequate power sources to produce good heat and plenty of steam. Finally, the asking price is very reasonable considering the features and performance you receive. However, there are some notable quality issues that revolve around units sometimes malfunctioning early on. Once Speedy Press is able to sort out these quality issues, these will be fantastic buys.
Steamfast Steam Press Review
Performance –
Your raw steam performance will depend on which model you go with. The lowest end model, the SP-660, comes with a 1300 Watt power supply. This is bumped up to 1250 Watts in the SF-680 and 1500 Watts in the SF-623. Compared to the industry standard, this is about average for power output. What this means is that you will enjoy acceptable heating levels but may have to wait short periods of time in between heavy use for the temperature to rise back up to acceptable levels.
As for application area, the smallest area comes in at 20” x 8” in the SF-623. Next are the SP-660 at 22” x 8.7” and finally the SF-680 with 25” x 10.5”. The first thing you may notice is that these surface areas are a bit on the small side compared to other brand’s offerings. While they are still plenty big to be serviceable, for those wanting an enormous steam press that allows you to do an entire garment in one press, you may be underwhelmed.
Also, it is worth noting that the smallest size, the SF-623, actually has the largest wattage. This seemed a bit backward to us and makes the SF-623 the clear winner for those after the maximum temperature and steam performance (as long as you can deal with its relatively small surface area).
Features –
Most of the features we like to see are here. However, being a budget unit, you won’t find some of the more exotic (and expensive) features that higher-end models have. Included in the features are your typical things such as automatic shut off, adjustable temperature settings (up to 5 in total), and a removable 10oz water tank that taps into the “steam burst” mode. There are also multiple dry settings in the SF-623 thanks to the 2 steam burst buttons. Included in the kit are also a measuring cup, spray bottle, and pressing cushion. The user interface is a bit underwhelming, however. While many models will have LED displays, Steamfast has decided to keep it simple and stick to printed labels and simple light up buttons rather than a display screen. And the fact that you need a pressing cushion should tell you that it doesn’t come with an auto-press locking feature.
Ease of Use –
These are a relatively small and lightweight lineup of steam presses and, as such, are very easy to control. The handle is long enough to allow for safe access away from the steam and the buttons, while very simple, are easy to pick up and understand. We do have an issue with there not being an auto-press feature, however. This means that you will be forced to manually push down to get the application pressure you desire. In regards to steam output, it is about average in consistency. We found that the steam and temperature control on the SF-623 is by far the best.
Also, there have been many reports of the unit going out after a year or so. Thankfully, Steamfast has semi-recently overhauled their product lineup and they also offer a 2-year warranty. We feel that this is a good indication that their product quality has improved and should last for much longer.
Cost –
The biggest selling point for the Steamfast Steam Presses is in their asking price. These units are extremely affordable and among the best options out there for those on a tight budget. You do make some sacrifices in features and build quality but given the great asking price, we can’t be too picky.
Overall Rating –
No matter which Steamfast Steam Press you go with, you are sure to have a proven product that is very affordable. It doesn’t do anything groundbreaking but manages to do what it is supposed to while keeping the cost way down. For those of you who are after more capable units with loads of features, an LED display, and larger surface area, then you will have to shop elsewhere (and pay much more). But for everyone else, this unit is more than adequate. We particularly recommend checking out the SF-623 as it leads the pack in terms of performance.
Steam Press vs. Iron vs. Steamer
A common topic is on what exactly the differences are between a steam press, iron, and a steamer. We briefly go over each below and help you choose which will best meet your needs.
Steam Press
As you probably have gathered by reading this huge steam press review, a steam press operates quite differently than an iron and a steamer. A steam press is essentially two large, flat plates that are heated up and, with the help of steam and pressure, flatten wrinkles out of your clothes. A steam press operates by staying in one place and having the garment be what is moved across it. When a new area of fabric is under the steam press’s surface, the user closes the steam press and initiates the high-temperature steam.
A steam press is effective in that it typically allows you to cover a much larger area than traditional iron. Because of this, the time you spend ironing is cut in half, if not more. Also, since you aren’t required to physically move the steam press around, the result is much more consistent. Steam presses also typically have a host of various modes and steam settings that are designed to work with a specific type of fabric. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of ironing. Furthermore, many steam presses have built-in pressure locks that provide up to 100 pounds of application pressure without you having to physically do it yourself. Finally, steam presses typically have many safety features that minimize the chance of you accidentally burning yourself while using it.
That being said, steam presses do have some limitations. First, if you are trying to focus on a specific spot in the middle of a shirt or pants, a steam press will have much difficulty as the sheer application area will likely engulf most of the shirt/pants. Also, steam presses are bulkier and heavier which means you will have to have larger storage space for it as well as operating area. Finally, steam presses typically cost multiple factors more than a traditional iron which may be a big turnoff for those on a tight budget.
Iron
An iron, in theory, works in a way similar to steam press. However, the specifics are a lot different. An iron has a hot metallic surface with small pores in it that allow heated water through. This, combined with application pressure, helps to remove wrinkles from various fabrics.
An iron has some fundamental benefits that steam presses and steamers won’t have. First, irons are much more mobile. This makes them great for spot-checking a shirt or pants or other fine-comb work. It also gives the user more control over application pressure. Finally, irons are typically much more affordable than steam presses and even steamers.
However, irons do come with some major cons. The added level of user control means that there is also more variance. Someone who is not skilled with an iron may find that their results are all over the place. Also, since they are smaller, it takes longer to do a job compared to a steam press. And the job not only takes longer but it also more laborious, as you are required to manually move the iron around from place to place as well as apply downward pressure. Finally, many of the safety features on steam presses are not present in irons, making them much more dangerous to use.
Steamer
As the name suggests, a steamer utilizes steam for its operation. However, it does so without a notable aspect that is in both steam presses and irons: application pressure. A steamer essentially heats the fabric of a garment using heat and moisture which helps to remove wrinkles and creases.
A steamer is great for very fragile fabrics that may become damaged from a steam press or an iron. This is common in suits and dresses that oftentimes have very thin or exotic fabrics. Also, a steamer is good for removing small wrinkles without using the aggressive tactics of a steam press or iron. This is also helpful in that if you accidentally go over an area that you didn’t intend to, the results are less significant. A steamer is also easy to use and doesn’t require you to have to push down on a table as you do with an iron. Finally, steamers typically are reasonably priced and can be had for a similar price as an iron.
Steamers do suffer from some flaws, however. First, they are not good for aggressive wrinkles. For some wrinkles, having some strong force applied is essential in helping to remove stubborn wrinkles. Also, they are slower to operate and results can take much longer periods. Finally, you are dealing with fully exposed steam coming out of a nozzle so there is always the risk of accidentally burning yourself.
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