I'll be the first to admit, I'm guilty of going out in clothes that are a little creased. More often than not, looking slightly dishevelled is more appealing to me than wrestling with my iron for what will no doubt be a painstaking battle to press a shirt without burning it — or worse, myself. Recently, however, my attitude has shifted, and it's thanks to one very nifty purchase: a garment steamer. Lightweight, fast-working, and portable, this handheld device has transformed my getting-ready process.

On top of its effectiveness, a steamer is gentler on fabrics, meaning you can vanish creases without damaging lightweight or precious pieces. They're also available in a range of sizes. Some larger models are complete with a coat hanger and stand, so you can hang the clothing in question and easily get steaming. Others are smaller and portable — compact enough to fit in your carry on suitcase and become your best friend on holiday, no matter where you are in the world. So how can you decipher which steamer is best for your needs? Below, we're breaking down the best garment steamers in Australia, highlighting their

Philips GC362-80 Steam&Go Handheld Garment Steamer

Price: $127

Best for: Compact and portable

For a steamer that's guaranteed to work anywhere, look no further. This small design makes steaming on-the-go easy. It also comes equipped with a 2.5m cord, so you can approach clothes from any angle, and detachable 70mL water tank. Even better, you can feel confident that your clothes will go undamaged thanks to SmartFlow technology, which means the steam plate is heated up to an optimal temperature that's safe for all fabrics, and prevents wet spots.

Tefal IXEO Plus All in One Solution Garment Steamer QT1510

Price: $466

Best for: steaming and ironing

Not quite ready to let go of your iron? We've found the solution. This clever device functions as both a steamer and a traditional iron—all without any need of an ironing board. The built-in Smart Board can be positioned upright, horizontal and at 30°, and enables you to lay your clothing flat as you get to work.

Russell Hobbs Handheld Supreme Garment Steamer, RHC410

Price: $99

Best for: great-smelling clothes

They've thought of everything with this savvy machine. It comes equipped with a scent enhancer attachment, so you can freshen up your clothes by fusing the steam with your own personalised fragrance. What's more, you'll get five seperate fragrances to choose from, so you can switch them up as often (or as little) as you like.

Philips STE3170/80 3000 Series Standing Garment Steamer

Price: $249

Best for: long-lasting water tank

If the thought of repeatedly filling up your steamer's water tank has you rolling your eyes, this one's for you. Equipped with a 200mL water tank, this handheld device means you can tackle creases on multiple pieces without needing to run back to the tap. While it's too big to pack in your suitcase, for a reliable steamer, this one is a great addition to your laundry.

Sunbeam Power Steam Hand Held Garment Steamer SG1000

Price: $71.96

Best for: extra-fast steam

When you're short on time, there's nothing more frustrating than a slow appliance. Luckily, this steamer heats up and is ready-to-use in 40 seconds, every time. The 300mL water tank allows for 18 minutes of continuous steam, while two steam settings mean you can get to work without damaging different kinds of fabrics. There's also a trigger lock, which allows you to set a constant flow of steam in motion, without holding down a button.

Feature image via Pinterest.