Conair Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes, ExtremeSteam 1200W, Portable Handheld Design,White/Light Green

The Conair ExtremeSteam 1200W is a mid-priced handheld steamer whose main selling point is a heat switch. It costs about $47 and has a 4.3-star average from roughly 15,100 Amazon ratings. In our best handheld clothes steamer roundup it's the dual-heat pick.

The specs, in plain terms

It runs at 1200W. A slide switch sets low or high heat, and a trigger releases steam, either in bursts or locked on for continuous steam. Conair rates a full reservoir at up to 15 minutes, enough for a few shirts or a pair of curtains, and the reservoir comes off so you can fill it at the sink. The listing also mentions an energy-saving steam pause.

Three attachments come in the box: a fabric brush for thick cloth, a creaser for collars, cuffs and pleats, and a soft cushion brush.

The weak point is heat-up. The listing quotes 75 seconds, so it's the slowest steamer in our roundup.

Why the two heat settings matter

Most handheld steamers in this price range have one temperature. That's fine if your wardrobe is all cotton tees. If you steam a satin blouse and a wool blazer in the same week, low heat on the delicate piece and high heat on the heavy one is a real advantage. Our clothes steamer guide covers which fabrics are safe to steam and which need care.

Who it's for

• Mixed wardrobes with delicates and heavier fabrics
• People who want a creaser attachment without paying for a heated plate
• Anyone who'd rather buy a model with a large review base than gamble on a new listing

Who should skip it

If you need something hot the second you pick it up, look elsewhere. The Rowenta Pure Pop heats in about 15 seconds. For the most power on thick cotton, Conair's own Turbo ExtremeSteam 1875W is the stronger choice and adds a heated plate. If you just want the cheapest steamer that works, the HiLIFE 700W costs about half as much.

It's also built for US outlets (the listing says 110V), so it isn't one for trips abroad.

Getting the most from it

Fill it, switch it on and wait for it to heat fully before pulling the trigger, or the first burst may come out wet. Hang the garment, pull the fabric taut and work from top to bottom. The how to use a handheld clothes steamer guide walks through it, including descaling. If you're still deciding whether a steamer can replace your iron, read the steamer vs iron comparison first.