Travellers can pack portable clothes steamers in both carry-on and checked hold luggage, according to recent testing by Traveller editors. For those opting to take a steamer in their hand luggage, it is essential that the water reservoir is completely empty before passing through airport security checkpoints.
The Nesugar steamer has been identified as the lightest model among those tested, weighing under 363 grams. This makes it lighter than competitors such as the Steamery Cirrus 2, which weighs 750 grams, and the Conair Turbo, at 900 grams.
Beyond wrinkle removal, travel steamers are noted for their ability to eliminate odours and kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria in fabric, which can help refresh clothes on longer trips. A key feature for effective performance in travel steamers is a heated metal soleplate, which allows for direct pressing against fabric to smooth stubborn wrinkles.