My culinary career and that small steamer that has been with me for many years
I've spent my life in kitchens, and it often feels like a nonstop battlefield. Flames leap, smoke rises, ingredients pile up and knives keep ringing—every shift is a race against the clock. My hands grew callused from years of chopping, and my white chef’s jacket carries the stains and stories of countless shifts. No matter how hectic service got, I made a point of keeping myself and my uniform tidy. To me, a clean look shows respect for guests and preserves the pride I take in this craft.
That brings me to a small but indispensable tool in my kit: a small steamer. A lot of people assume these steamers are just for travel touch-ups. In my experience, they do far more than that. It helps me stay presentable in the kitchen and on the road, and it has bailed me out of more small emergencies than I can count. The one that's stuck with me the longest is Nesugar's small steamer.
Why does a chef need a small steamer?
Anyone who works in restaurants knows a chef’s jacket attracts trouble. Oil splatters, sauce spills and stubborn wrinkles—those are daily realities.
Sometimes a launch is set for three in the afternoon while I'm still knee-deep in prep at noon. By the time I needed to head out, my white jacket looked like it had been shoved into a bag. Going to a dry cleaner wasn't an option. That's when the small steamer becomes a lifesaver. Plug it in, wait a few seconds, and the steam smooths the fabric back out.
I remember a food festival in New York when the media were shooting that day. The hotel iron had broken the night before. Luckily, I had my Nesugar small steamer packed. In minutes, my chef’s jacket looked presentable again. I could step in front of the camera with confidence. At that moment I realized how much a small tool like this protects the dignity of the job.
The "hidden function" of small steamers in the kitchen
Most people don't realize small steamers have a few unexpected uses in the kitchen:
Quick refresh
After a long service, a few minutes of steaming can smooth creases and make you feel a lot fresher—especially before stepping onstage or greeting guests.
Table linens
Tablecloths, napkins and curtains crease in transport or storage—one quick pass with the small steamer makes them sit right and instantly lifts the room.
Comfort
Steam relaxes fibers, making uniforms and cotton shirts feel softer and less stiff so I can move naturally.
My Story with Nesugar's Small Steamer
There are plenty of small steamers out there—what made me stick with Nesugar is that it's compact, simple to use, and tough.
Heats fast: it produces steady steam in 15 seconds, so you don't waste time.
Portable: it slips into my bag or suitcase without taking up much room.
Multi-use: beyond uniforms, it smooths tablecloths and backdrops; I even use a short burst to ease dry hotel air.
Safety features: auto shutoff gives me peace of mind when I'm rushing.
I've used mine for years and it’s never let me down. Co-workers used to joke when I pulled it out, but most quietly borrowed it later. They didn't see that keeping presentable is part of how I respect the craft.
The essential companion during a business trip
As chefs, many of us are on the road a lot. And the more I travel, the more important it becomes to look put together.
Once, at a San Francisco food event, my luggage got mashed during the flight. My uniform came out a mess, and I was scrambling. Luckily, my Nesugar small steamer was in my bag. In about ten minutes, I'd smoothed my jacket and stepped out feeling sharp. That was the moment I knew this little tool was my secret weapon.
A few tips for fellow chefs
If you work in kitchens and deal with guests, consider carrying a small steamer. Here are a few tips I've learned from using it:
•Don't overfill the tank — leave some headspace to avoid leaks.
•Keep the nozzle close but don't press; let the steam do the work.
•Start with the visible spots — collar, cuffs and shoulders — then work the rest.
•Empty leftover water and let it cool fully before stashing it.
These little habits help you stay professional and confident during hectic shifts.
Conclusion
Skills matter most—no question—but in a world that notices details, presentation is part of the job too. Behind it all has been my Nesugar small steamer—small, but tied to my pride and daily routine. So whether you're a chef, traveler, or frequent traveler, don't underestimate a small steamer. Often it gives you more than pressed clothes—it's a small dose of calm and confidence.
