looks like ill be sticking with the jiffy..

I have been using the Hoffman/New Yorker. Great steamer with no problems. Added a 17' stainless braided hose with a high heat hose cover ( from industrial supply) The hose doesn't break and the added length helps to use for steaming convertible installations.

I also prefer the Hoffmans. I have 2 that are still going strong after 15 years of constant use. If I remember correctly, they cost around $1500 but they are definitely worth the investment.

I use the Jiffy 4000. Its great for big jobs I just have to anticipate the day or time I'm going to use, that way I already have it preheated. Use an Esteam for small jobs that I just need a quick steam on. Steams within a minute but has the downfall of not being able to hold horizontallly.

Oh! Interesting thread. We dont use a steamer until now. For years we use the heat gun (leather/vinyl) or a Iron with a wet towel (cloth). The steamers are not that common over here - but its on my shopping list. In january is a trade fair where i wantcheck up some models. But I am glad for suggestions or links ;)

I've just bought a jiffy j2 but as I haven't used steamer before I'm a little wary of causing damage and knowing how to use it sucessfully.

I have an "old" Steamaster HPJ 2 gal one that I bought about 30 years ago. I don't think I even plugged it in for over 20 years. Ha,ha. I see that they are still making the same one but the price sure went up (about $1900 now) Once in a great while I will use some old plastic hand held steamer that I bought at a garage sale for $5.00. Just because it heats up quickly and only need it for small jobs. I find that as I get older, I've gotten slower. But the good thing is, I'm a little more accurate in my patterning and therefore don't need to steam the final project very often. A little heat gun application is usually all it takes. I still love them for convertible top plastic windows though. I used them a lot for those. Just lay a topper pad on the window and steam between the topper and plastic. Works great to take out stubborn wrinkles.

Yea they definitely help a lot on convertible tops.

I don't have a Jiffy but I can give you some useful tips I have for using my Hoffman steamer. Always be moving the wand. Don't leave it in the same place too for more than a couple seconds. On seat covers, insert the wand behind the cover. Don't steam it from the face. On Convertible tops/windows do what Jack said. I throw a piece of vinyl over the area and insert the wand between the vinyl and the convertible top. Never press the wand directly on the top though because you can easily scratch it.

Any ideas on a good steamer available over here in the UK?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Professional-clothes-garment-steamer/292552191110?hash=item441d782c86:g:KkQAAOSwlMRa7eZa

Thanks Chris :-)

I use a steamer mostly for bringing foam back to life. Works great to soften up headrest foam that has stiffened.

I've used Jiffy Steamers for years, they work well and last a very long time.