Black & Decker Advanced handheld garment fabric steamer with 3 attachments

Why I reached for this steamer

A steamer has one job in my home: make clothes and fabrics look presentable, fast, without dragging out the ironing board. The Black+Decker handheld steamer fits that slot well. It heats quickly, pushes a solid amount of steam, and the long cord makes it easier to work where I actually hang garments. It’s not a full-on replacement for an iron, and it’s not featherweight, but as a daily driver for touch-ups and fabric refreshes, it’s been reliable.

Setup and design

Out of the box, setup is straightforward: fill the removable tank, click it into place, plug in, and press power. The unit is rated at 1400 watts and is up to temperature in under a minute in my testing. The trigger can be locked for continuous steam or tapped for short bursts. That choice matters: I use bursts for precise areas like plackets and cuffs, continuous for drapes and T‑shirts.

At 3.6 pounds before water, the steamer isn’t the lightest in the category. The weight is balanced toward the handle, and the grip is comfortable, but you’ll feel it during long sessions. The upside is stability and a sturdier, less “toy-like” feel. The 15-foot cord is genuinely useful. I can leave the steamer on a side table and still reach hanging garments and even tall curtains without extension cords.

Build quality is decent for the price: plastics are solid, the tank seals cleanly, and the trigger mechanism has a crisp action. There’s an auto shutoff after 15 minutes of inactivity that’s saved me once already when I got distracted.

Heat-up and steam performance

The heat-up claim (under a minute) is accurate; I measured about 45–55 seconds to ready. Once hot, steam output is strong and consistent. Black+Decker cites 45% more steam than a competing Conair model based on a third‑party test; I can’t verify the exact figure, but the output is robust enough that I don’t feel like I’m waiting on steam between passes. With the trigger locked, it maintains a steady plume without sputtering, provided the tank isn’t run completely dry.

I used it on a week’s worth of cotton poplin shirts, several T‑shirts, a rayon blend dress, and a pair of linen tops. For most everyday fabrics, it takes 1–2 slow passes to relax wrinkles. The trick, as always with steaming, is technique: pull the fabric taut with one hand and move the head slowly from top to bottom. If you rush or wave it around, the results vary.

On different fabrics

• Cotton and cotton blends: Good results. Collars and plackets still benefit from a quick touch with an iron if you want sharp structure, but for overall wrinkle release, the steamer works quickly.
• Synthetics (poly, rayon, modal): Very good. These loosen up fast and don’t hold deep creases, so they’re ideal steamer territory.
• Linen: Manage your expectations. It softens the worst rumpling but won’t give you a crisp finish or erase set-in fold lines. For special-occasion linen or structured looks, an iron wins every time.
• Denim and heavy twill: Useful for refreshing and de-wrinkling thighs and knee areas, not for creating creases.

Beyond garments, it does a nice job on drapes and shower curtains where an iron isn’t practical. The long cord pays off here, and the continuous steam option keeps you from hand-cramping.

Attachments: useful but not flawless

Three clip-on heads are included: a lint remover, an upholstery brush, and a delicate fabric spacer. The lint attachment works—especially on knitwear and pet hair—but don’t expect it to replace a dedicated lint roller. The upholstery brush helps agitate fibers on cushions and car seats so steam can penetrate a bit deeper and lift surface dust.

The delicate spacer is helpful with silk and fine synthetics, adding a little distance to avoid wet spots. That said, all three attachments share a quirk I noticed: condensation can collect inside their lips during longer sessions and drip if you’re holding the head at certain angles. It’s easily managed by keeping the head more upright, pausing to tap off droplets, or wiping the rim with a towel. On upholstery or water-spot-prone fabrics, I start with test passes in an inconspicuous area.

If you plan to steam a lot with attachments, allow the head to reheat for a few seconds after clipping one on, as the accessory plastic will briefly pull heat from the faceplate.

Ergonomics and usability

The handle is comfortable and the trigger is well placed, with a handy lock slider for continuous steam. The weight is the biggest ergonomic trade-off. For a couple of shirts, it’s fine; for a long batch across a closet, I felt it in my forearm. If you frequently steam large loads, you may want to rest the unit between garments or consider a lighter steamer.

The removable water tank is easy to fill from a sink and snaps in securely. There’s no awkward funnel, and the seal didn’t leak on me. I wouldn’t mind a larger tank for marathon sessions, but the current size strikes a decent balance with overall weight. If your tap water is hard, using distilled or filtered water will reduce mineral buildup and keep the steam jets clear.

Noise is a soft whoosh with an occasional hiss—quiet enough for early-morning use without waking the house.

Cleaning and non-fabric uses

Steam isn’t just for fabric. I put it to work on a bathroom wall under a hand towel where water streaks had built up. With the upholstery brush, a few passes loosened the spots without chemicals; a microfiber cloth finished the job. The manufacturer notes it can be used on heat- and moisture-tolerant hard surfaces for light cleaning and deodorizing, and that’s consistent with my results. It’s not a substitute for a dedicated steam cleaner for grout or heavy grime, but it’s handy for quick refreshes.

Safety and maintenance

The 15-minute auto shutoff affords peace of mind. The base sits flat and stable when you need to set it down, and the cord length lets you place it on a safe surface rather than dangling from a wall outlet. After each session, I let it run for a few seconds to clear residual water from the head, then power it off and let it cool before removing the tank. Periodic descaling will extend its life if you’re using mineral-rich water.

One travel caveat: it’s a 120-volt unit. If you travel internationally, you’ll want a dual-voltage steamer instead. And at 11 inches tall and 3.6 pounds, it’s not the most suitcase-friendly option.

What it does—and doesn’t—replace

A good steamer is a complement to, not a replacement for, an iron. If you demand crisp pleats, sharp collars, or to press heavy linens flat, an iron remains the tool of choice. The steamer’s strengths are speed, convenience, and fabric friendliness—especially on synthetics and garments that don’t tolerate high soleplate heat. For day-to-day touch-ups, it’s faster than setting up an ironing board and kinder to delicate fibers.

Pros

• Heats quickly and produces strong, consistent steam
• Continuous and burst modes with a locking trigger
• Long 15-foot cord gives real-world reach
• Removable tank is easy to fill and doesn’t drip
• Useful for garments, drapes, and light surface refreshing
• Auto shutoff after 15 minutes adds safety

Cons

• On the heavier side for a handheld, tiring in long sessions
• Attachments can accumulate condensation and drip if you’re not careful
• Not dual voltage; not ideal for international travel
• Won’t replace an iron for crisp, structured finishes or stubborn linen creases

Recommendation

I recommend the Black+Decker handheld steamer for anyone who wants a fast, reliable way to de-wrinkle everyday clothes, freshen fabrics, and handle occasional upholstery or curtain touch-ups. It heats quickly, pushes ample steam, and the long cord makes it more practical than many compact competitors. Be aware of its weight, mind the attachment condensation, and keep an iron on hand for crisp finishes. If you need a travel steamer or plan to steam for extended periods every day, look for something lighter or with a larger tank. For most home users, though, this strikes a smart balance of power, convenience, and price.