Xiaomi has ventured into various product categories, and while not all make it to India, the Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer is one that has. Priced at Rs. 2,299, this compact tool aims to tackle the common problem of wrinkled clothes, especially for those who are always on the go or need a quick fix.
Combining portability with decent efficiency, it presents itself as a convenient option for maintaining a neat appearance. But at this price, is it good enough to replace your trusty iron? We put the Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer to the test to see what it delivers for its price. Here’s our review.
Design
The Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer comes with a sleek and practical design. It features a foldable structure, which is a definite plus for travelers or those with limited storage space. When unfolded, it resembles a compact dryer and can be used in both horizontal and vertical positions.
The steamer is relatively lightweight, adding to its overall convenience. The handle has a button that releases steam when pressed, making the operation straightforward.
Before using the steamer, it must be plugged into a power source with a standard 5 amp plug. The power cable is thick and durable, with a length of 1.9 meters, offering plenty of flexibility to steam your clothes even when the device is connected to a power socket. The design is user-friendly, making it straightforward to use in both horizontal and vertical ironing positions.
Performance
This steamer offers dual functionality, allowing both dry and wet ironing. Filling the water tank is straightforward, and with 1300 watts of power, the steamer heats up quickly, producing a good amount of steam. However, the wet ironing mode isn’t without its flaws—there’s a chance of water spattering onto your clothes, which can be a bit annoying. The ceramic plate on the front heats up considerably when used as a traditional iron, which is good but also demands caution.
While the Xiaomi steamer doesn’t quite match up to a professional iron’s precision, it does a fairly decent job across a range of fabrics, from cotton to denim. The operation is simple—plug it in, fill the translucent water tank with distilled water, and wait for the indicator light to signal that it’s ready. Press and hold the button to release steam, then glide it over your clothes to remove wrinkles.
The steamer heats up quickly, taking about 26 seconds, and offers a steam rate of 16-24g/min. It’s gentle on fabrics, and the horizontal mode allows you to reshape dry clothes or dry damp garments using the ceramic soleplate without steam. The 160ml tank is enough for about six to eight garments before needing a refill.
Portability and Storage
The Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer is designed with portability in mind, making it an excellent choice for travelers. Its foldable design allows it to fit easily into most luggage or travel bags.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s no carrying case included, which could have added an extra layer of convenience and protection. Despite this, the steamer is still compact and lightweight enough to be a good travel companion, ensuring your clothes remain wrinkle-free on the go.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer is priced at Rs. 2,299 in India, making it an affordable option for those in need of a portable ironing solution.
It is available for purchase through multiple channels, including Xiaomi’s official India store, mi.com, as well as popular e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon.in.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Handheld Garment Steamer is a decent option for those who travel frequently or need a portable solution for quick touch-ups. It’s efficient, heats up quickly, and works well on most fabrics. However, it may not entirely replace a traditional iron for those who prefer a perfectly pressed finish.
The steamer is practical and easy to use, making it a handy addition to your travel bag or for quick fixes at home, but it stops short of being exceptional. If you’re looking for something that offers convenience without being too heavy on the pocket, this steamer is worth considering—but don’t expect it to perform miracles.