What useful garment steamer features should I look out for?

If you’re in the market for a garment steamer, look out for these features which will make ironing with a garment steamer easier:

Weight - if you’re aiming to take it on your travels (for example to a wedding or meeting abroad), or you find regular irons too heavy, look for a lightweight model.

Continuous steam - having to press your finger down constantly on the steam button can be uncomfortable. Look for one that steams continuously.

Steam settings - some garment steamers allow you to vary the steam flow – handy if you need to steam delicate items as well as bulkier ones.

Fast heat-up time - essential if you’re hoping your garment steamer will be a time-saver.

Water tank - none of the handheld steamers we tried had enormous water tanks, but you don’t want one so tiny that you’re constantly topping up.

Suitable for all fabrics - some manufacturers state that their models are suitable for all fabrics, including silk. If you’re buying a garment steamer specifically for delicate clothing, make sure you check this first.