A "creasing crisis" during my trip was the turning point when I began to take portable steam irons seriously.
That morning I stood in front of the hotel mirror, looking at the shirt I was about to wear for the meeting — it was wrinkled like a cat had done yoga on it all night. I once thought the iron in the hotel would be my savior, only to find that the power cord was broken and the water tank was leaking. So I blew on my shirt vigorously with a hair dryer, praying while blowing. Picture a grown adult in a hotel bathroom, blow-drying their shirt like it's going to magically turn into a suit. From that moment on, I decided that no matter how light I went, I would carry a portable steamer for clothes with me.
Is a portable steam ironing machine really a necessity for travelers?
The answer is affirmative. In the past, I also thought that "just throw on a wrinkled tee and call it a day", but the reality is that even if you stay in a five-star hotel, your clothes will still be crushed beyond recognition in your suitcase. Sometimes, a sharp outfit can earn you instant credibility in a room full of strangers.
After that “crumpled crisis,” I started seriously comparing portable clothes steamers
I don't need overly complex functions. I only require three things: First, light; Second, fast; Third, no dripping water.
You probably wouldn't expect that after I tried several mainstream brands, what really satisfied me was a lightweight steam steamer that I accidentally used at a friend's house — later I learned that it was a small travel steam engine called Nesugar G6.
Real Usage Experience: What kind of steam ironing machine can be considered "reliable"?
As someone who frequently flies, stays in Airbnb and attends meetings, I have extremely strict requirements for the equipment. The G6 impressed me deeply when I tried it for the first time — it only takes 15 seconds to heat up and is truly "ready to roll the second you plug it in". I don't need to wait for another three or five minutes, nor do I have to worry about the water leaking all over the floor before it gets hot.
Its design is also very ingenious. Although the water tank is small, it can support the entire ironing process of a shirt without adding water in the middle. It's just right for someone like me who "steams one outfit and bolts out the door".
What impressed me even more was its ability to steam clothes vertically without needing an ironing board
I once tried to iron a shirt hanging on a hanger with a traditional travel iron in a small hotel in Italy — of course, it failed. But the G6 made me feel for the first time that clothes could be ironed as neatly like it just came off a dry cleaner’s hanger without an ironing board.
It’s the little travel-friendly details that really make a difference — but only once you notice them
For example, the weight of the body. The G6 weighs only about 0.7 pounds and is not a burden to take on the plane. For example, the steam angle is designed so you’re not getting blasted in the face while ironing. For instance, in terms of its storage method, there are no extra accessories at the bottom, and it won't snag your sweaters in your suitcase.
These details mean a lot to someone like me who is often on business trips for five days and three places. It’s not just a gadget — it’s your trusty sidekick on the road.
Don't underestimate its "portability". Its actual performance is very stable
To be honest, at the very beginning, I also had a bit of prejudice against the word "portable". I always feel that small devices have somewhat sacrificed their functions. However, the performance of the G6 has changed my mind: not only does it have sufficient steam output, but the metal nozzle holds up way better than those flimsy plastic ones that warp or clog after just a few uses.
It delivers the kind of consistency I usually only expect from full-sized steamers — the steam is continuous, the hand feel is balanced, and it won't suddenly "stop working" when you are halfway through ironing.
At the end: I'm finally no longer embarrassed by the wrinkled clothes
This little thing accompanied me through exhibitions in Shanghai, conferences in London, friends' weddings in Tokyo, and even TEDx, the first time I gave a speech in my life. Every time I open it in the hotel, I have a feeling of "I'm ready".
It won’t change your life, but it might just save your big moments from going sideways.
If you’re in the market for a travel steamer, ask yourself this: Are you just looking to flatten wrinkles, or are you trying to show up looking put-together when it really counts? If it's the latter, then a portable, stable and reliable little guy like the G6 is worth your serious consideration.
