Product Review: Phillips Handheld Garment Steamer 7000 Series

As a South African mama now living in Australia, something we don’t always think through when immigrating is how much extra help we leave behind. Whether it’s family pitching in or just the convenience and access to other affordable services. That kind of support isn’t as easy to come by here. Manual labour in Australia is crazy expensive! So, like many other families before us and those still to come, we’ve had to find many little ways to make a crazy busy life a little less chaotic.

As a big family of five, ironing remains one of those endless tasks. I’d go through a full basket at least twice a week - like being stuck in a revolving door. And honestly, I don't particularly enjoy the process of ironing. Some people find it cathartic. I don't. But I am obsessed with the feel of warm, freshly pressed clothes on my skin - instead of looking like I just got dressed straight from the laundry basket.

So I continued to push on with my ironing until someone (a young person) commented in horror:

“Wow, I haven’t seen one of those in ages!” Wait… does no one iron their clothes anymore? Am I stuck in a bygone era? Needless to say, my old ironing board and iron are now officially retired after I (reluctantly) made the switch to the more contemporary, cool, and convenient handheld steamer.

Why I Made the Switch

I must admit I was skeptical about handheld steamers for a long time. I just didn't think they were up to the task, but I decided to give it a try anyway if it meant averting funny stares from my kids' friends. After a quick Google search, I settled on the Philips 7000 series, closed my eyes, and pushed "Order". To tell you I was shocked at how quick these little dynamos are, will be an understatement. With three teens and a mountain of weekly laundry, I needed something that could save time without sacrificing results.

First Impressions

I actually enjoy ironing (or steaming, rather) for the first time in forever! The Philips 7000 is compact, lightweight, and easy to handle. It heats up quickly and, to my surprise, handled even the toughest creases on shirts and trousers with ease. The steam flow is powerful, which is the thing I’d been most skeptical about before trying it.

The Water Tank

One of the most common complaints I’ve heard about handheld steamers is the small water tank. But the 7000 Series actually has a slightly larger tank than many other models, which means I can get through quite a few items before needing to refill.

Everyday Use

For me, the biggest win has been time. What used to take me hours with the iron and board now takes a fraction of that. It's also perfect for everyday use and travel. I love that I can freshen up a shirt or dress in a couple of minutes, without hauling out the whole ironing setup. It also came with a convenient heat-proof travel bag, so I just leave it hanging on the clothes rack for easy use. And the best part? My old ironing board and iron are officially packed away. They’re still there “just in case,” but honestly, I haven’t touched them since getting the steamer.

Final Thoughts

The Philips Handheld Steamer 7000 Series. Game. Changer. If you’re juggling a busy family schedule and still want your clothes to look neat and polished, the Philips Handheld Steamer 7000 Series is a game-changer. It’s small but mighty, easy to use, and saves me so much time.