Last updated:
As an Amazon Associate, IronsExpert earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects which products we recommend. Disclosure.
Quick answer: if you mostly steam clothes on the hanger, a 2-in-1 steamer-iron like the Rowenta Pure Force DR8855U1 works better than a normal iron held upright. If you mainly iron on a board but want vertical steam too, the Rowenta Steam Force DW9440 has the strongest boost.
- Type: Handheld steamer-iron
- Power: 1875W
- Heat-up: not published
- Type: Handheld steamer-iron
- Power: 1875W
- Heat-up: 10 sec
- Power: 1800W
- Steam boost: 210 g/min
- Continuous steam: 35 g/min
Many irons have a “vertical steam” button that releases a shot of steam when you hold the iron upright. 2-in-1 steamer-irons go further, giving continuous steam on the hanger and a soleplate for ironing. We compared current models sold at Amazon.com.
Which vertical steam iron is best in 2026?
- Best 2-in-1 Rowenta Pure Force 3-in-1 DR8855U1 ($$$). Check price
- Best value 2-in-1 Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 GS108L ($$). Check price
- Best iron with vertical boost Rowenta Steam Force DW9440 ($$$). Check price
- Best vertical burst on a budget iron CHI 13101 Steam Iron ($$). Check price
How we chose these picks
We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications and the Amazon.com listing for each model (sources: Manufacturer product pages and Amazon.com listings for each model (checked October 2026)). Where a maker does not publish a figure, we say “not published” rather than guess. We checked that every product was on sale in the US when this page was last updated, and we re-check stock every month. We do not hands-on test products ourselves, and we say so on every review. Commission from retailer links never affects which products we pick. Read how we research.
Comparison table
| Model | Type | Power | Heat-up | Tank | Steam time | Auto-off | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowenta Pure Force 3-in-1 DR8855U1 | Handheld steamer-iron | 1875W | not published | 0.21 L | Continuous mode | Yes | $$$ |
| Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 GS108L | Handheld steamer-iron | 1875W | 10 sec | 8.5 oz | Up to 10 min | Smart sensor stops steam when set down | $$ |
| Rowenta Steam Force DW9440 | not published | 1800W | not published | not published | not published | not published | $$$ |
| CHI 13101 Steam Iron | not published | 1700W | not published | not published | not published | not published | $$ |
Specifications are manufacturer or Amazon listing figures. Price tiers compare models within this guide: $ budget, $$ mid-range, $$$ premium, $$$$ top of the range. We do not list exact prices because they change daily. Tap “Check price” to see the current price on Amazon.
The best picks, reviewed
Best 2-in-1
Rowenta Pure Force 3-in-1 DR8855U1: Best 2-in-1
- Type: Handheld steamer-iron
- Power: 1875W
- Heat-up: not published
- Tank: 0.21 L
Continuous steam on the hanger plus an XL soleplate for ironing.
Full review, pros and cons in our best clothes steamers guide
Best value 2-in-1
Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 GS108L: Best value 2-in-1
- Type: Handheld steamer-iron
- Power: 1875W
- Heat-up: 10 sec
- Tank: 8.5 oz
Ready in 10 seconds; use upright as a steamer or flat as an iron.
Full review, pros and cons in our best clothes steamers guide
Best iron with vertical boost
Rowenta Steam Force DW9440: Best iron with vertical boost
- Power: 1800W
- Steam boost: 210 g/min
- Continuous steam: 35 g/min
- Soleplate: Stainless steel, 400 holes
Its 210 g/min boost works vertically for quick refreshes.
Best vertical burst on a budget iron
CHI 13101 Steam Iron: Best vertical burst on a budget iron
- Power: 1700W
- Steam boost: Yes, plus vertical burst
- Continuous steam: not published
- Soleplate: Titanium-infused ceramic, 300+ holes
A vertical steam burst and 10 ft cord on a mid-price iron.
Frequently asked questions
What is vertical steam on an iron?
A button that releases a burst of steam when the iron is held upright, for refreshing hanging clothes and curtains. It is short bursts, not continuous steam like a steamer.
Is a 2-in-1 steamer-iron as good as an iron?
For collars and light pressing, yes. For crisp creases on shirts and trousers, a full-size iron on a board is still better.
Related guides
Sources: Manufacturer product pages and Amazon.com listings for each model (checked October 2026). Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.