The 6 Best Facial Steamers, Tested for the Best DIY Facial

Best Overall

Panasonic Nano Ionic Facial Steamer

$105 at Amazon

Features: Ionic steam particles | Wireless: No

Tester Thoughts: We liked how simple this steamer was to set up—filling the reservoir, plugging it in, and waiting for the steam to form only took about two minutes. While we had to move our faces around slightly to get full steam coverage, we appreciated that the moist air flowed out consistently and felt warm against our skin. It boasts ultrafine "nanoparticles" of steam for better penetration, and our skin was notably softer after a single session.

Product Notes: After blasting our faces with 14 different steamers, the Panasonic Nano Ionic was a clear winner. The machine’s beginner-friendly design made it a breeze to use. Plus, with its sleek appearance and fun fuchsia accents, it’s pretty enough to set out on a counter. Measuring under 9 inches tall and just over 4 inches wide, it's compact, too.

Best Budget

Plum Beauty Spa Facial Steamer

$30 at Amazon View on Myplumbeauty.com $28 at CVS

Features: Carrying handle | Wireless: No

Tester Thoughts: We appreciated this device’s simple instructions—all you have to do is open the lid, fill the reservoir with water, put the lid back on, and press the power button. Within a few seconds, it provided a steady flow of warm steam across. We found that when you position yourself about 5 inches away from the machine, the steam will make contact with your entire face. We also felt that it did an effective job at steaming, as we loved how soft our faces felt after a session.

Product Notes: This straightforward steamer provides a skin-softening steam with an appealing price tag—you can currently score it for less than $30. It’s also compact and has a carrying handle for easy transport, making it an excellent choice for traveling. 

Best Splurge

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer

$159 at Amazon $159 at Sephora $159 at Nordstrom

Features: Carrying handle, auto-shutoff | Wireless: No

Tester Thoughts: If you're willing to shell out the big bucks for high-end at-home treatments, Dr. Dennis Gross is pretty much always a safe bet. The Pro Facial Steamer was a hit during testing as it’s incredibly easy to use and created a steady stream of mist within 30 seconds of turning it on. After using it for only four minutes, our skin felt noticeably softer, and (bonus!) it even helped clear a stuffy nose. 

Product Notes: While this dermatologist-developed steamer works quickly, we wouldn't mind sitting in front of it for a while—that’s how relaxing it is. The compact design, carrying handle, and 5-foot power cord make it conveniently portable, too. It has a safety shutoff feature that automatically turns off the steamer 15 seconds after the steam stops emitting, providing peace of mind for users.

Most Precise

Conair Facial Sauna System

$33 at Amazon $33 at Target $33 at Walmart

Features: Cradle cone, seven timer settings, auto-shutoff, cleansing brush | Wireless: Yes

Tester Thoughts: Conair makes the best drugstore facial steamer. It was exceptionally easy to set up, and though it took about four minutes to start teaming, it generated a wide flow that covered our entire face. Its unique cradle design also allows you to seal your face in for more concentrated results. We particularly loved its mildly retro design, which is reminiscent of early '90s beauty devices.

Product Notes: This gadget is conveniently cordless and runs on two AA batteries (not included). However, it’s not rechargeable, so if you’re planning on using it frequently, it’s a good idea to have another set of batteries stashed nearby. It also takes a little bit longer to heat up than some of the other steamers we tested. Beyond the reasonable price point, another bonus is that it comes with a facial cleansing brush with two attachment heads for deeper exfoliation.

Best Design

Vanity Planet Aira Ionic Facial Steamer

$69 at Amazon View on Vanityplanet.com $50 at Best Buy

Features: Ionic misting, adjustable nozzle, essential oil baskets | Wireless: No

Tester Thoughts: Vanity Planet's facial steamer was a hit with both our at-home reviewer and lab testers. While getting the hidden water tank out was a little tricky initially, the Aria was very straightforward. And the sleek, compact design is definitely part of the appeal. We found it created a strong stream of steam and loved how soft, plush, and elastic our skin felt after using it.

Product Notes: This steaming device comes with a few essential oil baskets, elevating your at-home spa experience with a dose of aromatherapy. It calls for distilled water because the brand says tap will cause a limescale buildup, shortening its lifespan. A full tank provides enough steam for a 15-minute steaming session.

Best Value

Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer

$40 at Amazon $50 at Target View on Puredailycare.com

Features: Ionic misting, three modes, stainless steel tools | Wireless: No

Tester Thoughts: Overall, we found the NanoSteamer to be easy to use, quick to set up, and effective, though it took about four minutes to start producing steam. We had to move our face around a bit to get a full-coverage misting experience, but our skin felt notably softer after a single session.

Product Notes: This steamer has a quick setup and creates a consistent stream of “negatively charged ionic particles” for up to 30 minutes. According to the brand, this allows for deeper penetration into your pores. Just a heads-up—this device says to only use distilled water and warns that anything other than the purified variety could cause it to malfunction. While it’s the same price as some of the other steamers on our list, the NanoSteamer also features a towel-warming chamber and an auto-shutoff sensor and can serve as a humidifier for your home—providing impressive value.