8 Best CHI Steam Irons and Steamers (October 2026)
The best CHI steam irons and steamers include the CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord for everyday pressing, the CHI 1700W Steam Iron for dial controls, and the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer for hanging garments.
On this page (7 sections)
Best CHI Steam Irons and Steamers
The best CHI steam iron for regular clothes is the CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord, with 1700 watts, 400+ steam holes and electronic temperature control. For hanging garments, choose the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer; for board-free pressing, consider SteamPress.
A CHI steam iron is a good fit when you want to press shirts, trousers or other garments flat. CHI handheld steamers suit quick touch-ups on hanging clothes, while the mini iron is aimed at travel and small sewing projects.
If you need help choosing between pressing and steaming, start with our guide to steamer or iron for clothes. The best irons for clothes at home guide compares other brands and formats.
Our picks at a glance
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- 4
Best for distant outletsCheck it - 5
Check itCHI SteamPress 3-in-1 Steamer and Press Iron
Best for board-free pressing - 6
Check itCHI 1700W Steam Iron with Steam Burst
Best for long cord reach - 7
Best for travel and craftsCheck it - 8
Check itCHI Deluxe Digital 3-in-1 Steamer and Iron
Best for fabric presets
How to choose a CHI steam iron for your routine
Choose by the result you want, then narrow the options by controls, reach and storage. A full-size iron is the simplest match for flat pressing, while handheld tools are useful when a board is inconvenient or the garment is already hanging.
Is a CHI steam iron or steamer the right format?
A steam iron presses fabric against a stable surface, so it is the better choice for sharp creases, seams and broad shirt panels. Steamers relax wrinkles on hanging garments with less setup, but they don't press a crease into trousers.
Think about your most common job, not the one-off task. If you mostly iron work shirts and pants, choose an iron; if you mainly freshen dresses, suits or curtains, choose a handheld steamer.
For a fuller comparison, read steam iron vs dry iron.
Which CHI controls should you choose?
Electronic fabric controls make sense if you want to select a fabric and let the iron set its temperature. A dial is a better fit if you prefer direct, familiar adjustments and don't need illuminated electronic selection.
Steam control matters too. Adjustable steam lets you reduce output or turn it off, while burst functions give a short concentrated push for a stubborn area.
You still need to follow the garment care label, especially for synthetics and delicate fabrics.
Do cord length and storage matter for a CHI iron?
An 8 ft retractable cord is convenient when the iron lives in a cupboard or drawer and you want the cord to wind into its base. A 10 ft cord can be more useful when the outlet is farther from the pressing area, though it needs separate storage.
A longer cord only helps if it can reach without crossing a walkway or pulling the iron off the surface. Measure the distance from outlet to board before choosing between the retractable and XL cord models.
Which CHI option suits travel, crafts or no-board use?
The Mini Steam Iron is designed for travel, sewing and crafting, where a compact tool can reach seams and small sections with more precision. Its smaller size is a drawback for large garments, which need more passes than with a full-size soleplate.
SteamPress and the Deluxe Digital 3-in-1 combine several garment-care modes in handheld designs. They're useful when one tool needs to handle hanging touch-ups and flat or dry pressing, but the smaller tanks mean you should consider how many garments you normally handle at once.
How the CHI models compare
The full-size irons focus on flat pressing, while the handheld options add flexibility for hanging clothes and compact setups. Compare the format first, then check the controls, cord and tank that fit your routine.
| Product | Best for | Power | Cord | Soleplate | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord | everyday pressing | 1700 watts | 8 ft, retractable | Titanium-infused ceramic | 8.8 |
| CHI 1700W Steam Iron | dial controls | 1700 watts | 8 ft, retractable | Titanium-infused ceramic | 8.2 |
| CHI Handheld Garment Steamer | hanging garments | 7.9 | |||
| CHI Steam Iron with XL Cord | distant outlets | 1700 watts | 10 ft | Titanium-infused ceramic | 7.8 |
| CHI SteamPress 3-in-1 Steamer and Press Iron | board-free pressing | 7.7 | |||
| CHI 1700W Steam Iron with Steam Burst | long cord reach | 1700 watts | 10 ft | Titanium-infused ceramic | 7.2 |
| CHI Mini Steam Iron | travel and crafts | 1000 watts | 10 ft | 7.0 | |
| CHI Deluxe Digital 3-in-1 Steamer and Iron | fabric presets | 6.8 |
The best CHI steam irons and steamers by use
The best CHI choice depends on the garment and the setup you have. These eight options range from full-size irons to handheld steamers and a compact mini iron.
CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord: Best for everyday pressing
- 1700 watts
- 400+ steam holes
- 8 ft retractable cord
- Illuminated electronic temperature control
- 3-way auto shutoff
A full-size iron with electronic temperature control, adjustable steam and vertical steam burst. It suits regular shirt and trouser pressing with occasional touch-ups on hanging garments.
Pros
- Cord stores in the base
- 400+ steam holes
- Electronic temperature control
Cons
- Heavier than the mini iron
- Needs a flat pressing surface for crisp creases
The CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord is the best fit for regular household pressing. Its 1700 watts and 400+ steam holes pair with an adjustable steam lever, while illuminated electronic temperature control helps you select a fabric setting.
The 8 ft cord retracts into the base when you're done, keeping storage tidy. The titanium-infused ceramic soleplate and textured grip are designed for smooth gliding and controlled movement across a pressing session.
It also offers vertical steam burst for freshening hanging suits, drapes and delicate garments. For a crisp shirt or trouser crease, use it horizontally on a stable, heat-safe surface and follow the garment's care label.
Choose it if you want a full-size iron for regular clothes care and occasional vertical steaming. Our CHI steam iron review covers the retractable-cord model in more detail.
CHI 1700W Steam Iron: Best for dial controls
- 1700 watts
- 400+ steam holes
- Temperature dial
- Steam burst and vertical steam burst
- 3-way auto shutoff
This CHI iron pairs a temperature dial with adjustable steam and a retractable cord. Choose it if a physical dial feels more familiar for shirts, dress pants and hanging garments.
Pros
- Simple temperature dial
- Vertical steam burst
- Retractable cord
Cons
- Lacks illuminated electronic control
- Full-size iron needs a place to press
The CHI 1700W Steam Iron suits buyers who prefer a straightforward temperature dial. It has 1700 watts, 400+ steam holes and a steam burst, plus vertical steam for hanging garments.
Its 8 ft cord retracts into the base, much like the top pick. The main distinction is control: this model uses a large temperature dial, while the top choice has illuminated electronic temperature control.
The textured handle is designed to help you maintain control during longer ironing sessions. It's a sensible option for shirts and dress pants if a familiar dial feels easier than electronic fabric selection.
Pick this model when dial control is your priority. For a broader look at pressing methods, compare steam iron vs dry iron.
CHI Handheld Garment Steamer: Best for hanging garments
- 1600 watts
- 300 ml water tank
- Normal and MAX modes
- 10 ft cord
- Detachable fabric brush
A handheld option for steaming hanging clothes, curtains and suits. Its tank and two steam modes suit quick garment care without setting up an ironing board.
Pros
- Suitable for vertical steaming
- Two steam modes
- Detachable fabric brush
Cons
- Doesn't make a pressed crease
- Smaller tank than a full-size steamer
The CHI Handheld Garment Steamer is the better fit for hanging garments and quick touch-ups. It heats in 30 seconds and has Normal and MAX modes, a 300 ml tank and a detachable fabric brush.
CHI describes Normal mode as delivering 18 g/min and MAX as 26 g/min. The steamer is designed for vertical use on clothes, curtains and suits, and can also be tilted facedown for blankets and bed sheets.
This format releases wrinkles without a pressing board, but it won't give you the same flat, crisp result as an iron. For curtains, our guide to steaming curtains without taking them down covers a practical approach.
CHI Steam Iron with XL Cord: Best for distant outlets
- 1700 watts
- 300+ steam holes
- 10 ft cord
- Adjustable steam lever
- 3-way auto shutoff
The 10 ft cord gives this full-size iron extra reach around a room. It has adjustable steam and vertical steam burst for flat pressing and hanging garments.
Pros
- Long reach among the full-size irons here
- Adjustable steam
- Vertical steam burst
Cons
- Temperature is set with a dial
- Cord does not retract
The CHI Steam Iron with XL Cord suits a pressing space where the outlet sits farther from the ironing area. Its 10 ft cord gives it extra reach, and the 1700-watt iron has 300+ steam holes.
An adjustable steam lever moves from no steam to full power. The iron also offers steam burst, vertical steam burst and 3-way auto shutoff.
Unlike the retractable-cord models, this iron's cord doesn't store inside the base. The longer reach may help in a larger room, but plan for a little more cord storage afterward.
Choose it if reach matters more than retractable storage. If a board isn't always available, our guide to ironing without an ironing board explains alternatives.
CHI SteamPress 3-in-1 Steamer and Press Iron: Best for board-free pressing
- Vertical steam, flat iron and dry press modes
- 1500 watts
- 200 ml tank
- 25-second heat-up
- 10 ft cord
SteamPress combines vertical steaming, flat pressing and dry pressing in one handheld tool. It suits someone who wants a pressing option without setting up a separate ironing board.
Pros
- Three garment-care modes
- Titanium-infused ceramic soleplates
- Can clamp both sides of a garment
Cons
- Up to 9 minutes of continuous steam
- Smaller tank than the CHI handheld steamer
CHI SteamPress combines vertical steaming, flat ironing and dry pressing in a handheld shape. The three modes and 25-second heat-up make it useful when you want a pressing option without setting up a full-size board.
Its 1500 watts power titanium-infused ceramic soleplates, and the 200 ml tank provides up to 9 minutes of continuous steam. The tool can clamp both sides of a garment at once, which may help with heavier fabrics such as cotton, denim and linen.
The smaller tank can mean refilling during a longer session. For a few garments, travel or a quick press, its multiple modes may be more useful than a separate iron and steamer.
Pick SteamPress when board-free pressing matters more than a long steam session. Follow garment care instructions, especially when choosing dry press for delicate fabrics.
CHI 1700W Steam Iron with Steam Burst: Best for long cord reach
- 1700 watts
- 300+ steam holes
- 10 ft cord
- Adjustable steam lever
- 3-way auto shutoff
This full-size CHI iron combines a long cord with adjustable steam and steam burst. Its features are close to the XL Cord model, so compare the exact model and cord details.
Pros
- 10 ft cord
- Adjustable steam
- Vertical steam burst
Cons
- Cord does not retract
- 300+ steam holes
This CHI 1700W iron adds a 10 ft cord, adjustable steam and a vertical steam burst. It suits buyers who want a full-size iron with steam control and room to move around the pressing area.
Its 300+ steam holes and 3-way auto shutoff give it a broad feature set, similar to the XL Cord model. Both have titanium-infused ceramic soleplates, so check the model and cord details to avoid confusing the two.
Its temperature dial offers a familiar way to select heat, while the steam lever adjusts output from no steam to full power. The description also specifies a spray burst setting for deep-set wrinkles.
Choose it if its steam burst and long cord fit your routine. If easy storage is your priority, a retractable-cord model is a better match.
CHI Mini Steam Iron: Best for travel and crafts
- 1000 watts
- Compact, lightweight design
- Electronic temperature control
- Adjustable steam lever
- 10 ft cord
This compact iron is designed for travel, sewing and crafting. Electronic temperature control and a steam blast button give you control for small projects and targeted touch-ups.
Pros
- Compact for a suitcase or craft bag
- Electronic temperature control
- Steam blast button
Cons
- Lower wattage than full-size irons
- Small size is less suited to large garments
The CHI Mini Steam Iron is designed for travel, sewing and crafting. At 1.4 lb, it's the lightest iron in this roundup, and its compact shape fits a suitcase or craft bag.
Its 1000 watts, electronic temperature control and adjustable steam lever give you control over small pressing jobs. A blast button sends steam toward a targeted area, which can help on a seam or stubborn spot.
The smaller soleplate means more passes on a shirt or other large garment. Choose it for portability and detail work, then use a full-size iron for larger loads.
CHI Deluxe Digital 3-in-1 Steamer and Iron: Best for fabric presets
- 1725 watts
- 9 automatic fabric modes
- Vertical steam, horizontal ironing and dry ironing
- 220 ml removable tank
- 30-second heat-up
This 3-in-1 handheld steamer and iron adds nine automatic fabric modes and three ways to treat garments. Consider it if you want multiple functions in one tool and will use its added controls.
Pros
- Nine fabric modes
- Three garment-care modes
- Removable tank
Cons
- 220 ml tank
- More specialized than a simple iron
The CHI Deluxe Digital 3-in-1 combines vertical steaming, horizontal ironing and dry ironing. It stands out for its nine automatic fabric modes, which set steam and temperature based on the selected fabric.
The removable 220 ml tank provides up to 20 minutes of steaming, and the tool heats in 30 seconds. It also has BLAST, MAX and LOW modes for quick steaming without choosing a fabric setting.
This is the most feature-packed handheld option here, but its extra modes may be more than you need for a quick touch-up. Its lower score reflects a more specialized fit compared with the simpler full-size irons and handheld steamer.
Choose it if you want several garment-care modes in one tool and will use the fabric presets. For basic vertical steaming, the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer has a larger tank and simpler controls.
How do you set up and use a CHI steam iron?
Set up a CHI iron by checking the garment label, filling the water tank as directed, choosing the fabric setting and letting the iron reach temperature. Keep the soleplate moving and use steam only where the fabric and garment instructions allow it.
For flat pressing, place the garment on a stable ironing board or other heat-safe pressing surface. Smooth the fabric first, then use steady strokes rather than holding the hot soleplate in one spot.
For hanging touch-ups, use the vertical steam burst on a suitable garment while keeping the soleplate clear of the fabric. The handheld steamer is designed for hanging clothes, while SteamPress offers a dedicated vertical mode.
What common CHI steam iron mistakes should you avoid?
The most common mistake is choosing heat by guesswork instead of reading the care label. Start with the fabric control or a lower suitable setting, then adjust only when the garment instructions permit it.
Avoid filling or handling the iron while it is hot, and don't leave it resting face-down on fabric. Use the auto shutoff as an added safeguard, not a reason to leave a hot iron unattended.
Don't expect vertical steam to create a sharp crease, or a handheld steamer to press a large shirt as quickly as a broad soleplate. Match the tool to the result and avoid rushing over folds that need to be smoothed first.
How should you care for a CHI steam iron?
Let the iron cool before storing it, empty water according to the model's instructions and keep the soleplate clean. Avoid scraping the ceramic surface with hard tools, which can mark it and affect how smoothly it glides.
Mineral buildup can interfere with steam output over time, depending on your water and use. Follow the care instructions for the specific model, and see our guide on how to clean and descale a steam iron for general care steps.
Water choice also varies by iron and local water conditions. Our guide to distilled water in a steam iron explains when it may be useful.
Which CHI steam iron should you choose?
Choose the CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord for regular pressing and tidy storage, or the 1700W Steam Iron if you prefer a dial. Pick the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer for hanging clothes, SteamPress for board-free pressing, and the Mini Steam Iron for travel or sewing work.
Skip the full-size iron if you rarely press flat and mainly want to freshen garments on hangers. Skip the compact mini or small-tank multi-mode tools if you regularly press a large laundry load and want a broad soleplate and longer sessions.
If you're still choosing between an iron and steamer, our guide to the best irons for clothes at home compares formats and common uses. Choose the tool that matches the finish you need most often, then use its fabric controls and care instructions to guide each garment.
Related guides
- Best handheld garment steamers
- How to use a steam iron
- How to iron a dress shirt
- How to clean and descale a steam iron
About this guide: We compared CHI steam irons and steamers by their stated features and fit for common garment-care tasks.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Which CHI steam iron is best for most clothes?
The CHI Steam Iron with Retractable Cord is the strongest all-purpose pick here. Its 1700 watts, 400+ steam holes, electronic temperature control and vertical steam burst suit regular pressing and occasional hanging-garment touch-ups.
Choose a handheld steamer if you mostly freshen hanging clothes, or SteamPress if you want board-free pressing.
Is a CHI handheld steamer better than a steam iron?
A handheld steamer is better suited to quick touch-ups on hanging garments, curtains and suits. A steam iron is the better fit when you want to press fabric flat or create a crease.
See our steamer versus iron guide to match the tool to your routine.
Can the CHI SteamPress replace an ironing board?
CHI SteamPress offers vertical steaming, flat ironing and dry pressing in a handheld form, and it can press without an ironing board. Its 200 ml tank supports up to 9 minutes of continuous steam.
For large loads or long pressing sessions, a board and full-size iron may be more practical.
Do CHI steam irons work on delicate fabrics?
The CHI irons in this guide have adjustable temperatures or fabric controls, and their stated fabric range includes silk and synthetics. Follow the garment care label and choose a suitable setting before pressing.
For fabric-specific guidance, see our iron temperature guide.
What should I choose for travel or sewing?
The CHI Mini Steam Iron is the most compact iron in this group and is intended for travel, sewing and crafting. Its 1.4 lb weight and electronic temperature control suit small jobs.
For hanging clothes away from home, the CHI Handheld Garment Steamer is another option.
