Good Housekeeping distinguishes between the finish created by a garment steamer and the pressure available from an iron. A steamer can be convenient for a quick refresh of soft, casual clothing and awkwardly shaped garments. It may struggle when the goal is a firm crease or the removal of stubborn wrinkles.

Choose Pressing or Steaming for the Finish You Need

An iron offers a broad soleplate, adjustable heat and pressure against a flat surface, making it useful for shirts, linens and batch pressing. It also requires a suitable surface and careful temperature changes between fabrics. Match the tool to the garment and the result you want, rather than expecting either appliance to handle every task equally well.