The Clothes Steamer Review Resource, Tobi, Jiffy, Steamfast and More

When it comes to ironing, it is a chore that no one likes to do but it remains entirely necessary. You can try going through life wearing wrinkled clothing on a daily basis, but don’t expect to get too far in the professional or social world. There’s something about a clean, crisp, and wrinkle-free piece of clothing that signifies that you care about your appearance. By now you’ve probably seen clothes steamers advertised on television, and you may even know one or two people who own one. The main selling point of something like a Jiffy or Tobi steamer is a faster and more effective way of removing wrinkles from your clothing. But of course, the main question is does it, and other brands of garment steamer work? When it comes to the world of the clothes steamer, there are several brands that offer a better alternative - but the good news is that steam itself is a great tool for getting rid of wrinkles.

After investigating garment steamers that come from Jiffy, Rowenta, Tobi, Conair, Steamfast, and more the top two have been determined below.

Steamfast makes a great priced garment steamer that will do the job nicely, and the affordable cost is one of the main reasons this is number one. This products works fast and can handle any size load with ease and proficiency. Click here to find the best price on the SteamFast SF-407 Clothes Steamer

Sturdy construction, convenient design, excellent performance. Sure there are cheaper options out there, but this is the perfect balance between cost and value. One Jiffy steamer will likely last you for years. Click here to find best price and excellent shipping options on the Jiffy Steamer J-2000.

There are certainly more than 2 picks when it comes options, but you'll find everything you need with either the Jiffy or Steamfast models.

Devices like the Tobi steamer and Jiffy steamer use the simple but powerful method of steam to get rid of wrinkles by loosening fabric with hot moist temperatures. The mechanics behind steam for wrinkle removal is sound, and you can see the results almost immediately. Using a steamer is relatively easy and the time it takes to get ready is comparable to the time an iron needs to warm up. All you have to do is fill up the water chamber to the appropriately marked level. Then you turn on the machine and very quickly you will hear it start a bubble. You will know that the garment steamer is ready for use when you see steam coming out of the main hose. Then all you have to do is hang your piece of clothing on the rack that is actually a part of the device itself, and start steaming your garment. In the commercials all it takes is a few swipes for you to get wrinkle-free clothing, and in real life those results are achievable as well. There are also hooks and wall fixtures designed specifically for use with a garment steamer that makes hanging your clothes much easier.

Does a Clothes Steamer Work Faster than an Iron?

It all depends on the type of material that you’re working with. When the Jiffy Steamer is working properly, it can really speed up the process. Unfortunately, there will be some materials where an iron is better suited for the job. If you want a nice clean crisp crease, then an iron will always be the way to go. [UPDATE: there is now an attachment that lets you make creases.] So the simple answer is that a clothes steamer won’t be faster every time, but if you happen to get on a roll with a bunch of items that are perfect for steaming, you can definitely save some time. The Jiffy steamer is also touted as a product that will make ironing more fun. It is true that the first few times you use your clothes steamer, you will probably fall under its spell. There is something quite intriguing about passing over a wrinkle and magically making it disappear. Just keep in mind that this is a novelty effect and once it wears off, ironing out your clothing will be no more fun than it was before.

We've taken a look at the good, now the not-so-good.

The Tobi Steamer is indeed initially an impressive product that produces great results at first.

Let’s get this straight: Steam power works. The Tobi steamer can make getting rid of wrinkles easier and faster. It seemingly does what it’s supposed to do as advertised in commercials. So what’s the problem?

The Structure – perhaps “flimsy” doesn’t describe the product as much as the word “unstable”. Because when it comes to the steam machine itself, it is pretty well constructed and that’s not where the primary problems lie. But you may soon find that the metal stand that is attached to the main base is not appropriate or strong enough to hold your clothing. You are supposed to hang your garment onto this pole, but a lot of the times your piece of clothing won’t stay in place. You can keep your clothes in place with your other hand but this of course puts yourself at risk of hurting yourself with the steam. This problem can be solved by hanging your clothing on another nearby rack.This is one area where the Jiffy steamer seems to get better reviews. You can also find a hand-held clothes steamer with portable structures and design.

Hot Hands – The Tobi steamer might not be more dangerous than a regular iron, but you certainly should be careful when using this product. After several minutes the handle can get quite hot and you might even need to wear a glove in order to hold it adequately. Thankfully, other parts of the machine remain cool but that hot handle is something you have to be aware of. You should also make sure that your children did not treat this machine as a toy. The steam that comes out of the main hose is definitely hot and can cause damage if you aren’t careful. The Jiffy steamer does a better job at keeping your hands cool.

The smell – this might be a minor point, but there is certainly a smell that is associated with using steam. If your Tobi Steamer is on, you will definitely know it as the smell can cover a large area in a short span. It’s not an entirely offensive odour, but it can be considered somewhat unpleasant for people in other areas of your house.

The Conclusion – the premise of a clothes steamer to iron clothing is sound and there are many choices besides the Tobi. The truth is there are other garments steamers on the market that can do the job just as effectively (if not more). The Jiffy Steamer or Steamfast Fabric Steamer are two other brands that have been praised for their reliabilty and effectiveness. The JIffy steamer has gotten better reviews because of a more solid contruction and better durability. In the end, the Tobi steamer has garnered much of the attention do to its high profile commercials, and it has introduced many people to the possibility of using steam to get rid of wrinkles. The good news is that they are relatively affordable so trying one out for yourself isn't going to cost you an arm and a leg. And if it happens to suit your needs, then you will have found something that is a nice alternative to the traditional iron.