Futuristic steam wardrobes, designed to refresh and de-crease clothing, are gaining traction in the UK market as a high-tech alternative to traditional garment care methods like ironing and dry cleaning. These appliances, which resemble refrigerators in size and design, plug into a wall socket and feature a rubber seal on the door. They are available at retailers such as John Lewis, with prices ranging from approximately £550 for basic models to several thousand pounds for top-of-the-range versions.
These steam closets, already popular in the U.S., offer to extend the time between washes by steaming and freshening garments. Some models also include gentle drying functions, capable of drying delicate fabrics like lace or satin after hand-washing, with proponents suggesting they could eventually eliminate the need for dry cleaning services. Brands such as LG, Haier, and Samsung are producing these clothing care systems.
While some users report positive experiences, praising the convenience and effectiveness in freshening jackets and trousers and removing odors, reviews are not universally glowing. The LG Styler S3BF Steam Clothing Care System, priced at £1,149, has received praise for its functionality, with one user calling it a "fantastic investment." However, other reviews point to potential drawbacks, including appliance malfunctions after a couple of years of use. A New York Times Wirecutter review of the same LG model noted that it took 90 minutes to dry damp shirts and did not entirely remove wrinkles.
Practical considerations include the significant space requirement, comparable to a refrigerator, and a limited capacity of about five items at a time. Furthermore, garments are not stored within the appliance but are added for refreshing when needed. Variations like "drying closets" are also available, designed to dry slightly damp clothes without the risk of shrinkage or fading associated with tumble dryers.
Home organization experts offer a measured perspective. Gemma Bray, known as The Organised Mum, suggests that while steam closets represent the future of garment care, their practicality must be weighed against the simplicity and space-saving advantages of a traditional iron. She advises consumers to consider their budget and available space before investing in these high-tech solutions.
Manufacturers highlight a growing consumer demand for modern solutions, including those incorporating artificial intelligence, for managing clothing care from washing to maintenance. Jodie Dowling, a Junior Product Manager for Haier and Hoover, notes that as consumers invest more in quality clothing, there is an increasing interest in technologies that help preserve these investments. She states that wardrobes are evolving beyond mere storage, with consumers seeking smarter ways to care for all types of garments. The development of AI in laundry appliances, such as the forthcoming Haier Vision 15 which uses AI Vision Sense to identify drum contents and prevent common laundry errors, indicates a broader trend towards smarter, more integrated home care solutions.