The best garment steamer in NZ overall is the DS NA Portable Travel Vertical Steamer, a 1200W handheld that pushes out up to 18 grams of steam a minute from a 230ml tank, so it is powerful enough for everyday creases yet light enough to pack. This guide compares ten steamers available in New Zealand, covering budget and premium Philips, Russell Hobbs and Braun handhelds, two upright stand steamers with an integrated ironing board, and three compact picks for travel and everyday use, matching each to the shopper it suits best.
Garment steamers relax fabric fibres with hot vapour while a garment hangs, so wrinkles drop out without the pressing pressure of an iron. They are faster to set up, kinder to delicate fabrics, and double as a quick way to freshen and sanitise clothing. They will not stamp in the razor-sharp creases an iron gives dress shirts, which is the main trade-off to keep in mind.
Quick comparison
| Steamer | Best for | Power | Water tank | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips 3000 Series | Best budget handheld | 1000W | 100ml | Amazon |
| Philips 5000 Series | Best premium handheld | Up to 1400W | 120ml | Amazon |
| Philips 7000 Series | Best high-output handheld | 1500W | 100ml + 200ml | Amazon |
| Russell Hobbs RHC410 | Best with scent infuser | N/A | 200ml | Amazon |
| Braun QuickStyle 7 | Best dual-plate handheld | 1600W | 250ml | Amazon |
| Philips EasyTouch / 1000 Series | Best upright stand steamer | 1800W | 1.8L | Amazon |
| TechBear Stand Steamer | Best budget stand steamer with board | 2000W | 1.8L | Amazon |
| DS NA Portable Travel Vertical Steamer | Best overall | 1200W | 230ml | TSB Living |
| DS NA Garment Steamer 280ml | Big laundry days | 1000W | 280ml | TSB Living |
| DS NA Garment Steamer Mini | Compact pick | 1000W | 120ml | TSB Living |
1. Philips 3000 Series Handheld Steamer – Best Budget Handheld
The Philips 3000 Series is a 1000W handheld with a 100ml detachable tank that pushes up to 20g of continuous steam a minute through a plastic SmartFlow steam plate designed to press against any fabric without burning it.
It heats in about 30 seconds and folds down small for travel, with no ironing board needed, and Philips rates it to kill 99.9% of bacteria to freshen clothes between washes.
Independent reviews on The Good Guys sit at 4.1 out of 5 from 71 reviews. Owners praise how quickly it heats and how light it is to carry in a suitcase, with the main complaint being the small tank needing frequent refills.
Pros
- Fast 30-second heat-up
- No-burn steam plate safe on delicate fabrics
- Compact and foldable for travel
Cons
- Small 100ml tank needs refilling often
- Plastic rather than metal steam plate
Key specs: model STH3000/20, 1000W, up to 20g/min steam, 100ml tank, foldable.
2. Philips 5000 Series Handheld Steamer – Best Premium Handheld
Stepping up to the Philips 5000 Series brings more power: up to 1400W drives up to 24g of continuous steam a minute from a 120ml tank, with the Active Heated metal steam plate ready in about 35 seconds.
Eco and Max modes tailor the steam to lighter or tougher fabrics, and an adjustable head with a pointed tip helps reach collars and seams for a more precise finish than a fixed plate.
The Good Guys lists it at 4.8 out of 5 from 27 reviews, with owners calling it fast to heat, easy to use and genuinely portable for travel touch-ups.
Pros
- Strong 24g/min steam output
- Eco and Max modes for different fabric types
- Adjustable head with a precision tip
Cons
- Still a 120ml tank, not built for marathon sessions
- Costs more than the 3000 Series for a similar handheld form
Key specs: model STH5020/20, up to 1400W, up to 24g/min steam, 120ml tank, 35-second heat-up.
3. Philips 7000 Series Handheld Steamer – Best High-Output Handheld
The Philips 7000 Series is the strongest handheld in this guide, running a 1500W element for up to 28g of continuous steam a minute through OptimalTEMP technology that Philips guarantees will not burn any ironable fabric.
It ships with both a 100ml and a 200ml detachable tank so you can choose a quick session or a longer one, plus a protective glove and StyleMat, and it is rated to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria.
The Good Guys lists it at 4.8 out of 5 from 73 reviews with 97% of buyers recommending it, and owners specifically call it the best clothes steamer they have used for fast wrinkle removal.
Pros
- Highest steam output of any handheld here at 28g/min
- Two swappable tank sizes for short or long sessions
- Strong 4.8/5 rating with 97% of buyers recommending it
Cons
- Priciest of the three Philips handhelds in this guide
- Still needs mains power, no cordless option
Key specs: model STH7060/80, 1500W, up to 28g/min steam, 100ml + 200ml tanks, includes glove and StyleMat.
4. Russell Hobbs Handheld Supreme Garment Steamer – Best with Scent Infuser
The Russell Hobbs Handheld Supreme stands out for one feature none of the other picks here have: a Scent Infuser attachment with five reusable scent tabs that lets the steam carry a fragrance as it works. A 200ml tank drives up to 30g of continuous steam and the unit is ready in 45 seconds.
A ceramic-coated anti-static pressing plate handles the actual de-wrinkling, and Russell Hobbs rates it to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria within 60 seconds. It also comes with delicates, upholstery and lint-brush attachments, backed by a 2-year warranty.
Independent reviews on productreview.com.au sit at 3.8 out of 5 from 14 reviews, with 65% positive. Owners like the fast heat-up and portability, though the small tank means it suits one or two garments before a refill.
Pros
- Unique scent-infusing attachment, not offered by any other pick here
- Comes with delicates, upholstery and lint-brush attachments
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- 200ml tank suits only one or two garments before a refill
- Reviewers treat it as a refresh tool rather than a full iron replacement
Key specs: model RHC410, 200ml tank, up to 30g continuous steam, 45-second heat-up, 2-year warranty.
5. Braun QuickStyle 7 Garment Steamer – Best Dual-Plate Handheld
The Braun QuickStyle 7 runs a 1600W element for up to 35g of continuous steam a minute, the highest of any handheld in this guide, from a 250ml tank that heats in about 35 seconds.
Its Dual Heated FreeGlide 3D Plate is curved and heated on both sides, so it glides around buttons and pockets in either direction rather than catching on them, and Smart iCare Technology keeps the temperature safe for fabric. A 3m cord, brush accessory and door hanger are included, with a 2-year warranty.
The Good Guys lists it at 4.6 out of 5 from 46 reviews, with 91% of buyers recommending it. Owners call out quick heat-up and light weight, though some note it struggles with heavy fabrics and deep creases.
Pros
- Strongest steam output of the handhelds here at 35g/min
- Dual-sided heated plate glides around buttons and pockets
- Strong 4.6/5 rating with 91% of buyers recommending it
Cons
- Owners note it struggles with heavy fabrics and deep creases
- 250ml tank is mid-pack rather than the largest here
Key specs: model GS7077BK, 1600W, up to 35g/min steam, 250ml tank, 2-year warranty.
6. Philips EasyTouch Stand Steamer Iron – Best Upright Stand Steamer
Sold in New Zealand and Australia as the 1000 Series Garment Steamer, this upright model steps away from the handheld format with a 1.8L tank, the largest in this guide, feeding up to 36g of continuous steam a minute across 3 steam settings.
An integrated ironing board (Philips calls it a Styleboard) means it can flat-press a garment as well as steam it on a hanger, and it comes with a heat-proof glove, fabric brush and hanger. Philips rates it to remove up to 99.9% of bacteria and dust mites.
The Good Guys lists it at 4.3 out of 5 from 36 reviews. Owners say it heats quickly and is easy to use, though one honest review notes not to expect it to replace a proper iron on thick fabric or sharp creases.
Pros
- Largest 1.8L tank here for long steaming sessions
- Integrated ironing board adds a flat-pressing option
- 4.3/5 rating from genuine owner reviews
Cons
- Bulkier to store than any handheld in this guide
- Owners note it will not fully replace an iron on thick fabric
Key specs: model STE1040/20, 1800W, up to 36g/min steam, 1.8L tank, integrated ironing board.
7. TechBear Stand Garment Steamer – Best Budget Stand Steamer with Board
The TechBear is the highest-output steamer in this whole guide on paper, rated for up to 40g of continuous steam a minute from a 2000W element and a 1.8L tank, and it includes its own 42 x 31cm ironing board rather than requiring a separate one.
The head adjusts between 0 and 90 degrees and the body has 4 height settings, so it works for hanging garments or flat on the included board, and it shuts off automatically if the water runs low or the unit overheats.
No independent brand website, retailer listing or review could be found anywhere outside this Amazon listing itself, so treat the brand as effectively unverified beyond the retailer’s own product page.
Pros
- Highest rated steam output of any pick in this guide at 40g/min
- Includes its own ironing board plus 4 height settings
- Auto shut-off safety on low water or overheating
Cons
- No independent owner reviews or brand presence found outside this listing
- Unproven brand compared with the Philips, Braun and Russell Hobbs picks above
Key specs: model GTJ-F20P2, 2000W, up to 40g/min steam, 1.8L tank, 42 x 31cm ironing board included.
8. DS NA Portable Travel Vertical Steamer – Best Overall
Best for one steamer that travels well and still handles daily creases at home; it is the most versatile all-rounder in this lineup. Testers rate it the best overall garment steamer in NZ because its 1200W turbojet heating produces a genuinely strong jet of steam for the size.
The body is a slim handheld unit built to double as a travel companion, light enough to drop into a suitcase and shaped to be held vertically against hanging clothes. The moulded plastic shell keeps the weight down rather than feeling premium, which is the usual compromise on a packable steamer. An internal turbine design heats and pressurises the water to drive the steam, and the 230ml tank feeds a continuous output rather than short bursts.
In use it runs as a five-in-one tool, covering ironing, steaming, humidifying, dusting and sanitising, and owners use it on curtains, lounge upholstery, bedding and even children’s toys as well as clothes. Performance lands at up to 18 grams of steam per minute, which is enough to drop wrinkles out of shirts and dresses in a few passes.
The trade-offs: the 230ml tank is smaller than the 280ml model below, so heavy sessions need a refill, and like every handheld it will not press a crisp seam the way an iron does. It is a dropship item shipped from Australia, so allow roughly 15 working days for delivery.
Key specs: 1200W; 230ml tank; up to 18 g/min steam; five functions; handheld vertical; model PR13763.
Pros
- Strongest power rating here at 1200W for faster wrinkle release
- Five-in-one use across clothes, curtains, upholstery and bedding
- Light and packable for travel
Cons
- 230ml tank needs refilling on bigger loads
- Dropship delivery from Australia takes about 15 working days
9. DS NA Garment Steamer 280ml – Best for Big Laundry Days
Best for households that steam several garments in one go, this 280ml model holds the largest tank in the guide and is built for the longest continuous run between refills. The verdict: it is the pick when you want to straighten the whole family’s clothes in a single session.
It keeps the same upright handheld shape as the travel model but devotes more of its body to that oversized 280ml reservoir, so it sits a little heavier in the hand once filled. A useful design touch owners mention is that the tank is engineered so the water will not spray or leak during operation, which makes it more forgiving when you tip the head at awkward angles to reach collars and hems.
Day to day it is a flexible sanitising tool as well as a steamer: it handles clothing, upholstery and drapery, and is marketed for disinfecting mattresses and sterilising baby clothes and toys. The 1000W element heats the larger tank steadily for sustained steaming rather than quick bursts.
The trade-offs: at 1000W it is a touch less punchy than the 1200W travel model on thick cotton, and the bigger tank makes it bulkier to hold once full. It is also a dropship item from Australia, so plan for around 15 working days.
Key specs: 1000W; 280ml tank; anti-leak operation; handheld vertical; model PR13762.
Pros
- Largest 280ml tank here for the longest steaming between refills
- Anti-leak tank that will not spray during use
- Doubles as a sanitiser for mattresses, upholstery and baby items
Cons
- 1000W is slightly less powerful than the 1200W travel pick
- Heavier in the hand once the big tank is full
10. DS NA Garment Steamer Mini – Best Compact Pick
Best for quick touch-ups, tight cupboards and packing light, the mini is the smallest steamer in this guide and the one to grab when you only need to freshen an outfit before heading out. The verdict: it trades capacity for genuine pocket-sized portability.
The standout design feature is the 120ml detachable water tank, which clips off for quick filling and emptying, and the whole unit is sized to slip into a bag. It reaches steaming temperature in about 30 seconds, so there is almost no waiting around for a single shirt.
Owners note the 1000W element delivers a concentrated steam that comes out as a fine water mist rather than dripping water droplets, so clothes are less likely to end up damp, and the steam still has enough penetration to relax everyday creases. It is happiest doing small, fast jobs rather than marathon ironing piles.
The trade-offs: that 120ml tank is the smallest here and will need topping up often if you push past a couple of garments, and it is not the tool for steaming curtains or a full wardrobe. As with the other TSB Living picks, it ships from Australia, so allow about 15 working days.
Key specs: 1000W; 120ml detachable tank; 30-second heat-up; fine-mist output; handheld mini.
Pros
- Heats up in about 30 seconds for single-garment jobs
- Detachable 120ml tank is easy to fill and empty
- Fine mist output means less dampness on clothes
Cons
- Smallest tank here, so frequent refills on bigger sessions
- Not suited to curtains or whole-wardrobe steaming
How to choose a garment steamer
Power and steam rate: Higher wattage and a higher grams-per-minute figure relax fibres faster, especially on cotton. The 1200W and 1400W picks here clear wrinkles in fewer passes than the 1000W models.
Tank size versus refills: A bigger tank steams longer but adds weight. A 120ml tank suits a shirt or two; 240ml to 280ml suits steaming several garments before a refill.
Heat-up time: Most handhelds are ready in 30 to 60 seconds, so this matters most if you only steam one item at a time.
Handheld versus full-size: Handhelds win on storage, travel and delicates. If you need pressed, structured finishes you may still want an iron alongside one.
Fabrics and safety: Steamers suit silk, wool, synthetics and most everyday fabrics; avoid suede, waxed coatings and anything plastic. A no-burns plate, like the Philips, adds peace of mind on delicates.
Water and upkeep: Distilled water is gentler than hard tap water and reduces the mineral build-up that makes steamers spit over time. Empty the tank after each use. While you are sorting laundry gear, the guides to tumble dryers, top-loader washing machines and sewing machines round out the rest of the wardrobe-care kit.
Planning the rest of the laundry at the same time? The guide to steam irons covers what pairs with this.
Verdict
For most New Zealand shoppers the DS NA Portable Travel Vertical Steamer remains the best all-round choice, pairing a strong 1200W output with a packable body. Big households should size up to the 280ml DS NA model, and light packers will love the 30-second mini. Among the newer additions, the Philips 7000 Series is the strongest handheld for tackling everyday wrinkles fast, the Russell Hobbs Handheld Supreme is worth it for the scent-infusing attachment, and the Philips EasyTouch or TechBear stand steamers suit anyone who wants an integrated ironing board for flat pressing as well as hanging garments.
FAQs
Do garment steamers work as well as an iron?
Steamers remove wrinkles effectively by relaxing fibres with hot vapour, and they are gentler on delicate fabrics. They are quicker to set up than an iron, but they will not create the sharp, pressed creases an iron gives shirts and structured garments, so heavy cotton can take longer.
Can you use tap water in a garment steamer?
You can use tap water, but distilled water is recommended. Minerals in hard tap water cause calcium build-up inside the steamer over time, which makes it spit, produce less steam and wear out faster. Empty the tank after each use, as even distilled water can harbour bacteria.
Do garment steamers kill bacteria?
Yes. The hot steam from a garment steamer can kill up to 99.9% of common bacteria and dust mites on fabrics when used correctly, which is why many models are marketed for sanitising clothing, bedding, mattresses and soft toys as well as removing wrinkles.
What fabrics can you steam, and which should you avoid?
Steamers suit most fabrics and are especially good for delicates like silk, wool, chiffon, velvet and corduroy that an iron can crush or scorch. Avoid steaming suede, waxed jackets and anything plastic, as the heat and moisture can damage or melt these materials.
Are handheld garment steamers worth it?
For most shoppers, yes. Handheld steamers are compact, travel-friendly and ideal for quick refreshes, delicates and clothes that do not need a pressed finish. The main limits are smaller water tanks that need frequent refills and less crispness than an iron on structured cotton garments.
How do you use a handheld garment steamer?
Fill the tank, let it heat up, then hang the garment and run the steamer head down the fabric from top to bottom, keeping it close but not soaking the cloth. Pull the fabric taut with your free hand, and use a pointed tip or attachment for collars and cuffs.
