This overall score is made up of performance (70%) and ease of use (30%).

We assess how effective the garment steamers are at removing creases. We use synthetic organza, silk, wool, a cotton shirt, denim jeans, a poly-cotton shirt, dresses and curtains for the test. The performance score accounts for 70% of the overall score. Linen doesn't typically work well with garment steamers, so although we test this, we don't factor the result into the performance score.

We check how easy it is to fill the water tank, how comfortable the iron is to hold, the convenience of the hose, the functionality of the hanger and how easy the controls are to use. The ease of use score accounts for 30% of the overall score.

We test how well the garment steamer smooths out creases from organza. 

We test how well the garment steamer smooths out creases from silk.

We test how well the garment steamer smooths out creases from cotton.

How well the steamer works on denim. We don't incorporate this into the overall score.

The linen score doesn't factor in to the performance score, because garment steamers don't typically work well with linen. This means results can't be directly compared with steam irons and steam stations.

We see how well the steamer removes creases from a cotton curtain.

We recommend currently-available garment steamers that score at least 80% overall. 

Discontinued models are no longer readily available but may be sold second-hand or as clearance items.

Manufacturer's recommended retail price.

How much water the tank can hold. Handheld steamers have a far smaller capacity and will need refilling more often.

How many steam settings the appliance has.

Handy to collapse down for storage.

A coat hanger usually comes with clips and helps you keep the garment in place while steaming.