How to choose the right handheld steamer

Pressed or natural look

Let’s begin with the most significant difference between these three steamers. As revealed in its name, Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer is a unique hybrid tool that combines aspects of a steamer and an iron. It’s equipped with a hot ironing plate that heats up to the equivalent of the first heat level on a traditional iron.

Thanks to the heated ironing plate, Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer is especially helpful if you want to achieve that pressed effect on your collars and cuffs to create a more defined, professional look. So, if you are looking for a powerful and versatile steamer, Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer offers a unique two-in-one solution.

Cirrus 2 Handheld Steamer and Cirrus X Handheld Steamer are equipped with stainless-steel front plates, although these surfaces are not heated and will not achieve that same ironing effect. That said, Cirrus 2 Handheld Steamer and Cirrus X Handheld Steamer are powerful steamers that will make your clothes fresh and wrinkle-free using hot steam.

Steaming efficiency

When it comes to power and performance, Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer and Cirrus X Handheld Steamer are more energy efficient as they run on only 1200W, while Cirrus 2 Handheld Steamer runs on 1500W. As for steam output, Cirrus X Handheld Steamer produces the most steam per minute (20 g/min) compared to Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer (18 g/min) and Cirrus 2 Handheld Steamer (15 g/min).

With most steamers, clothes tend to get a little damp when steaming, but the heated ironing plate on Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer actually helps dry the fabric faster, which is particularly helpful when you’re in a rush.

Safety features

Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer has received some significant upgrades in the safety department. For instance, it will shut off automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity, so that you never have to worry about accidentally leaving it on. Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer and Cirrus X Handheld Steamer also have on/off switches, which means they can always stay plugged in.

In contrast, Cirrus 2 Handheld Steamer does not have an on/off switch and must be unplugged immediately after use. It must also be held or placed on a heat-safe surface while hot and therefore requires more attention, while Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer can stand upright on its own, and Cirrus X Handheld Steamer is equipped with a hanging loop, which allows more freedom to move while steaming.

Accessories

In terms of accessories, Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer and Cirrus X Handheld Steamer include a Steaming Pad that can be worn like a glove or a mitten. The Steaming Pad is a helpful tool to use when creating those defined pressed details. Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer also comes with a silicone mouthpiece cover that makes it possible to pack the steamer before it has completely cooled down.

Cirrus 2 Handheld Steamer includes a Heat Protection Bag that can be used as a wearable steaming tool and also doubles as a heat-proof storage bag that is perfect to use while traveling. This bag can also be purchased separately.

Design aspect

All three steamers are designed with a Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic, but there are some obvious differences in their visual profiles. Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer can stand in an upright position; a conscious design choice that contributes to an easier user experience and that gives the steamer a unique silhouette.

Cirrus X Handheld Steamer shares this silhouette but can instead be hung on a hook with the help of a silicone hanging loop and has been equipped with a translucent water tank with a visible water line. Cirrus 2 Handheld Steamer has a different silhouette but shares its distinct matte finish with the other steamers.

All in the details

Now that we have stated the most obvious differences, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details that separate these three steamers. Here’s is a side-by-side comparison of their specifications:

	Cirrus 2   Handheld Steamer	Cirrus X   Handheld Steamer	Cirrus 3   Iron Steamer
Weight	0.75-0.78 kg	0.75 kg	0.86 kg
Water tank	90 ml	85 ml	90 ml
Cord length	1.9 m	2 m	2.3 m
Dimensions	33 x 15 x 9.5 cm	31.1 x 14 x 9.1 cm	24.65 x 14 x 8 cm
Power	1500 W	1200 W	1200 W
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year
On/Off switch	No	Yes	Yes
Auto shutdown	No	No	Yes
Iron plate	No	No	Yes
Mouthpiece cover	No	No	Yes
Steaming pad	No	Yes	Yes
Heat protection bag	Yes	No	No

Choosing the right steamer

In summary, Cirrus 2 Handheld Steamer is a user-friendly and powerful handheld steamer, while Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer offers more in terms of its unique design and ironing ability. Cirrus X Handheld Steamer offers a nice midway point if you are looking for a classic handheld steamer with an elevated design.

All steamers in the Cirrus family were designed to be lightweight, portable, and easy to pack in your weekend bag or carry-on luggage. It’s worth noting that if you want to steam larger quantities of clothes in one session, our standing steamers Stratus Professional Steamer or Cumulus Home Steamer may be a better fit for you.

Hopefully, this comparison provides you with some clarity to help you make a decision. If you have any questions about our steamers, you’re welcome to visit our FAQ page.