Jojo, the GM of Food52, asked me to test out the new Steamery Cirrus X Handheld Steamer. If you don't already know Steamery, they make high-quality laundering products. Their odor-control detergent for workout clothes has become so essential in our house that my husband goes into panic mode when the container dips below half full.
I grew up in the age of irons and ironing boards, and had a mother who ironed not only sheets but even jeans. She also vacuumed in straight lines, but that's for another newsletter. Her influence on me lingers: I no longer iron my clothing or sheets, but I still often yearn for a shirt that doesn't look like it's been rolled into a ball. Also, I've now been around photography sets enough to be tuned into the value of a steamer to take wrinkles out of table linens and aprons. So I was primed for the travel steamer challenge and dutifully got to work on some challenging items in my closet.
The steamer has a water receptacle that's held into place with a magnet, which makes it easy to remove for refills. There's also a hook to hang it up. Smart details, noted. In less than a minute you can get the steamer filled, heated, and be on your way! You hold the steamer up to your clothing, press the button and glide it across the fabric. Had I known how easy and (yes!) fun steaming could be, I would have purchased one years ago.
The steamer's portability is subjective—it's the size of an immersion blender. But I don't pack a hairdryer when I travel, either. Bulky items just have to make way for more shoes. For those who care more about pressed clothing than an eighth pair of shoes, fine, have it your way! What I will say is that the steamer is a perfect size for apartment living. I'm going to order one and get rid of both my iron and my ironing board.
Nobody Cares Kick-off
