BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Jennifer has a decade-plus of experience testing the best products on the market, leading her neighbors to ask if she ever stops vacuuming.
Quickly creates long-lasting curls and has an impressive number of curling and safety features.
Quickly creates long-lasting curls and has an impressive number of curling and safety features.
Creates long-lasting curls in a snap. Lots of options for different types of curls and a tank that holds enough water for many uses. We love the safety feature that stops the motor and automatically reverses if too much hair is inserted.
There is a learning curve, as with any auto curler — and this is one of the priciest on the market.
A great iron for the price that allows you to both curl and straighten your hair with the gentle heat of steam.
A great iron for the price that allows you to both curl and straighten your hair with the gentle heat of steam.
Less damaging than typical straighteners thanks to the use of steam, you can use this iron both as a straightener and a curler. Also heats up quickly and has a 60-minute auto shutoff.
Fewer curl options than the automatic steam curlers and takes more time to curl an entire head of hair.
This game-changing budget steam curler creates spiral curls in minutes. Just be careful not to put in too much hair in a single pass.
This game-changing budget steam curler creates spiral curls in minutes. Just be careful not to put in too much hair in a single pass.
Tourmaline ceramic model. 3 heat levels with maximum temperature of 450 degrees. 4 timer settings. Curls quickly. Beeps when up to temperature and when it's time to release your curl.
Instructions could be more helpful. Some concerns about trouble releasing hair - don't try to curl thick strands at once.
A worthwhile steam auto-curler with almost all the features of pricier models. But be prepared to look online for details about how to use it.
A worthwhile steam auto-curler with almost all the features of pricier models. But be prepared to look online for details about how to use it.
Features right, left, and auto direction settings along with three different timer settings and multiple temperature options. This means lots of options for natural-looking curls. Also has a 60-minute automatic shut-off for safety.
Like other less expensive models, this one doesn't come with instructions and the steam chamber can be difficult to fill.
Quality iron that features the benefits of gentle steam curling in an easy-to-use traditional curling iron. Be prepared to use this without instructions.
Quality iron that features the benefits of gentle steam curling in an easy-to-use traditional curling iron. Be prepared to use this without instructions.
Gentle enough for fine hair while still producing great curls. Heats up quickly and has a lock feature you can turn on to avoid accidentally shutting it off or switching the temperature while in use.
Does not come with a bottle to fill the water tank and some buyers complained of not getting instructions in English.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Steam hair curlers are relatively new to the market – instead of simply using heat to curl hair, these appliances combine steam and heat to make curls that have more shine and less damage. Many steam hair curlers have a large chamber at the end where you place a strand of hair then simply pull it through – it does all the work for you. Others work just like normal curlers and others still can be used both as a flat iron and a curler. However, if you primarily curl your hair then we suggest getting a dedicated curler. If you have a brand of hair-styling tools that you like already then we recommend trying to find their steam curler.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.