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Tobi Steamer

by Chris H.
(Westfield, NJ, USA)

A few months ago, I purchased a Tobi Steamer from a wholesale retailer, believing that it would be easy to use, and in the words of the website, "even fun!" It wasn't. I got the device home and spent the next four hours trying to figure out how to remove the darned thing from its box and assemble it. The directions were unclear and in some cases even wrong. The bar to hold the clothes wasn't sturdy and took me nearly an hour to set up.


Once I had finally figured out how it was put together, I was left with a large pile of trash packaging, including plastic bags and twist ties of all shapes and sizes. There was so much trash packaging that I felt bad for the environment just looking at it all.

I took the water container and filled it, figuring I would test out the steamer with a wrinkled shirt of mine. Of course, the directions didn't help out and so I ended up spilling some water on my carpet when I tried to connect it all together. Once I had finished connecting it to the unit, I powered it up and waited for it to preheat. It took about ten minutes until steam started coming out of the unit, and even then, it wasn't very powerful. I was disappointed, but tried it on a shirt.

The steam didn't seem to have much of an effect (aside from burning me whenever I got too close). I spent about 20 minutes trying to properly steam the shirt, but to no avail. After burning myself particularly badly, I gave up and got out my old iron.

In short, the device is flimsy and doesn't even function well. I spent too long setting the darn thing up to have it fail so badly, and it was taken back to the store the next day. I didn't even repackage it - the manager at the store understood when I showed him my burned hands and just took it back, no questions asked.




Comments for Tobi Steamer

Average Rating starstarstarstar

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Oct 13, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tobi steamer do not let steam out? NEW
by: Louis

If you open the Tobi, there is a thermostat/clixsen.It goes faulty (open circuit). Replace it and your Tobi will work/steam again.

Oct 13, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tobi steamer do not let steam out? NEW
by: Louis

If you open the Tobi, there is a thermostat/clixsen.It goes faulty (open circuit). Replace it and your Tobi will work/steam again.

Feb 25, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Tobi steamer
by: Anonymous

Help my steamer did not come with a manual
Can someone tell me4 where the filter goes.
I dint see anywhere it can go. Thanks

Jan 22, 2013
Rating
star
DONT BUY THIS CRAP
by: Anonymous

THIS IS JUST CRAP.

THE NETERLANDS HAVE MADE TESTS WITH THIS CRAP AND IT DONT WORK. IT LEAKS STEAM OUT OF THE '''''TOBY''''

SOME PEOPLE HAVE BURN THEIR HANDS ON THOSE STUPID THINGS.

I AM NOT SAYING THIS SITE IS BAD BUT THE TOBY OR WHATEVER THEY CALLED THAT THING THAT DON;T WORK

Oct 17, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Love it but steam head snapped off
by: Anonymous

I loved my Tobi. But the steam head snapped off. I wihc I could find a real replacement parts site where I could get a new steam head.

Jun 29, 2012
Rating
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tobi water tank
by: susan420@easy.com

any one got a water tank for sale for tobi steamer not the platinum the model before that

Mar 02, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Replacement parts
by: Anonymous

I am looking for replacements parts for my tobi steamer.Can anyone help.

Sep 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
HAHAH
by: Anonymous

it took me just abou 2 min to set it up....

Sep 17, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar
A question regarding the Tobi Steamer carry strap.
by: Anonymous

Can anyone tell me how to release my carry strap from my Tobi Steamer? There doesn't appear to be a release button on mine. Thanks.

Aug 31, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
It's amazing!
by: Anonymous

love my tobi! easy to set up and was working withing 10 seconds of me turning it on! Some people are not appliance friendly!

Aug 03, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar
Love my Tobi
by: Mike

It's a great device once you get a hang of it.

I wish the stand was a bit higher so you could easily steam while standing up.

I would give it a 5 star if it had a longer cord and if the stand was higher.

Toronto, Canada

Jul 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
how to unblock your Tobi Steamer
by: Lance Hickling

When I was away on a cruise my steamer blocked up.What I did was... let the Steamer cool down,take out the water tank, then disconnect the hose and blow through the outlet pipe on the steamer, and you will see the dirt coming out of the opening where the water goes in from the tank.If this does not work you can use a air compressor to flush the dirt out.Hope this is helpful to you.Regards Lance

Jul 05, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar
replacement parts
by: Anonymous

My steamer worked great....until my dog ran off with the cap to the water tank. I contacted Thane in the US and Canada and they could not send me a replacement cap or tank. Anyone else know where I can get a part?

Jan 27, 2011
Rating
starstarstar
Works until....
by: Anonymous

Works great...until the connector to the water tank broke...replacement parts ? Of no use now.

Where is the fantom manufacturer in Canada???

Jan 03, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
You're not doing it right
by: Anonymous

I read this post right before trying to use it for the first time. I prepared myself for disappointment as I figured out how to put in the water and turn it on. Within seconds, steam was coming out of the head and I was literally wowed at how well it worked. I had to be careful to avoid kinking the hose, but otherwise it was very easy to iron a shirt. All I can say about your experience is either your product is defective or lol you are a noob.

Jan 02, 2011
Rating
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other uses
by: Anonymous

I wrote a while ago to say I was going to try other uses -- which are NOT recommended by the manufacturer, but which seemed logical to me.

I recently decided to clean an expensive wool Persian carpet. The commercial cleaning company was going to charge $400. I borrowed a home carpet washer and it did a moderately good job -- it looked clean -- but the smell wasn't clean enough. I have two dogs and clean up after their "accidents", but it just wasn't enough. So... I sat down on the carpet with my Toby and steamed the whole thing, about a square metre at a time, following the pattern to make sure I had done all of it. I worked slowly and remembered to lift up the hose fairly frequently because of the way the steam can condense and block it, especially when it's close to the floor. It took me about 20 minutes to do a thorough job. Every bit of the carpet was exposed to hot steam; some bad smells came off it now and then (probably the "accident" spots) and I could also smell the previously-used spot cleaner products that I had used. The steam killed off ALL of the smells.

The results were amazing. I now have no problem with allowing the neighbours' kids to sit on the carpet to play. I saved $400 plus tax and now I know that I can always keep that carpet in top condition.

I sound like I own shares in the company! This is not a perfect product but it is an excellent addition to my household nonetheless.

Jan 02, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
TOBI STEAMER
by: Riana

My husband bought me a Toby steamer.I am happy. Those ones that don't understand the steamer. Go and ask your school fees back. Maybe you can't read. I would'nt change my steamer for a ironing board or a ironing machine.

Nov 22, 2010
Rating
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love it
by: Anonymous

very easy to use ( once you figure out how to hold it and how close to hold it ) It realy does work as good as it claims to... I have not took my iron out of the closet since I purchased tobi.

Nov 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar
Easy to assemble and use
by: Anonymous

I have read a few negative comments about assembly, but mine came with a both a printed manual and a DVD, both showing how to put it together and how to use it. The way it fits together is completely logical, but if you're not good at that kind of thing, the DVD makes it foolproof. If you had trouble, either your didn't use the instructions or you are unusually inept.

I first did two cotton shirts, which were very wrinkled after going from the dryer to the laundry basket where they lay squished for two weeks. The first one was slow as I developed my technique. For the second one I remembered not to bend over, but to just pull the garment out from the bottom.

Just like with ironing, the results depend on how much time you want to put into it as well as how wrinkled your garments are. When I finished there were still some faint wrinkles, which disappeared after I wore one of the shirts for a while. Yet it was far faster to steam a shirt than to iron one, even the very first time.

As for burning yourself, DUH! You can also burn yourself on an iron or on your stove. Steam is the same temperature as boiling water. When you get to the end of a sleeve or whatever, you can move your fingers to one side and then the other as you finish it off. Or you can just hold the sleeve from higher up and steam the cuff, then pull it immediately.

Practice makes perfect. And although they don't say so as a product claim, you can use your steamer to sterilize things like your mattress (remember those mattress mites?), pillows, etc., and to loosen stains. I had a spot on my carpet where my dog had vomited, and it was dried before I found it. I cleaned up with a paper towel and then steamed the area and sponged it clean. I'll be trying other applications before I consider buying a separate steam cleaner for these jobs.
Toronto

Nov 05, 2010
Rating
starstar
IT NEVER WORK AS SHOW ON TV
by: Anonymous

I have a tobi steamer but I don't have luck when I used. One of the problem is that it wet my cloths and I don't know why. Aslo when I uses in the bed to steamed make my bed wet. Too much water come out. From the moment i bough Tobi I have this problem but I never have the chance to call and complain. Will you tell me what I am doing wrong or I have bad limon.

Aug 21, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Love It!!
by: Anonymous

I bought the Tobi Steamer for myself and one for my daughter. We've had them at least two years and LOVE them. The only problem, is, the pole is fairly flimsy and there doesn't seem to be a way to replace it. Other than that I LOVE the steamer.

Aug 15, 2010
Rating
starstar
Cannot find parts service on the internet
by: Anonymous

I tried to find the company on the internet. The site I found is the lousiest excuse for an internet site I have ever seen. Customer service on the site is nonexistent. Contact numbers are nonexistent. I need a plug for the water drain port. There seems to be no help at least on the internet. Very disappointing in this day and age.

Jun 27, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Fast and easy to use steamer! :)
by: Anonymous

I used it once, and I just had to assemble it (easy) and then put in tap water, and turn it on (after I connected the cord) and then I had to wait for about 15-20 sec for the steam to come out :) it was fast and I had TONS of wrinkled shirts and t-shirts and dress pants etc. So it was pretty easy for me to get nice creases and wrinkles out of my clean clothes :) I think it's so much better than using the iron!

The bad thing is that if you get your fingers too close to the hot steam, you can burn yourself :) good thing that never happened to me :) (YET)

May 19, 2010
Rating
starstar
No Steam
by: Steamed in Montreal

I totally agree with 'No Steam' below. Our Tobi worked well strarting out but now, about a year or so into it, it cannot steam. I also have tried vinegar - lots of it - and have run water through the hoses to see if there is a blockage all to no avail. I'm now in the market for a non-Tobi replacement.

Dec 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
You need to do it right/
by: Cleaveland steamer

I love this steamer but there are a couple of things you need to do:
1. the steamer needs to very close even touch the surface of what your steaming. anything less and it wont work.
2. the steamer head needs to face upwards at all times other wise water runs out of the head. I actually have to lift up the clothes to steam the bottom.

Nov 17, 2009
Rating
star
NIGHTMARE
by: KD

I am burned.
It is broken.
Run-around from the company.
It's a long, drawn-out story that I am too beaten to repeat after spending another hour on the phone with Tobi's "Customer Service." The bottom line is, they will replace my lemon of a unit; however, since it has now been over a year (I have been trying to get my money back from month 1 to no avail and then as a new tactic, at least, to get the dang thing replaced) they will only do it if I PAY THEM ANOTHER $24 to purchase a 1 year limited warranty! Of course, I do not recommend giving them another penny much less $24! So, I did some investigating and discovered they are a "Proud Platinum Member of the Electronic Retailers Association (ERA)." The VP of the ERA's Membership Division is Robin Greenspan and her phone number is (703) 908-1036 and her e-mail is rgreenspan@retailing.org. So armed with that knowledge, I suggest anyone who is having difficulty with the product/company should get in touch with Robin, I did.

Oct 19, 2009
Rating
starstar
no steam
by: Anonymous

I have had this steamer for about a year now and I get no more steam from it. I tried running vinigar through it but that worked for about 2 weeks now I am back to no steam again. Now I have to spend the money on buying a new one. Any suggestions? I will pay for a good one.

Sep 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar
Wrinkle free clothing in minutes.
by: Anonymous

Pros
- easy to use
- fast results

Cons
- price
- short cord

You'll never need to use your iron again if you purchase this steamer. It's so convenient to use. You just leave your clothing on the hanger. You no longer need to get out the ironing board to have wrinkle free clothes. The steam removes wrinkles much more quickly than ironing and you don't have to keep going over the wrinkled area.

The Tobi steamer is much more economical than taking your entire wardrobe to the dry cleaners. And it saves time because it only takes a couple of minutes of your time to steam a garment. You can store your steamer almost anywhere. And easily bring it out as needed. You'll have professional results in minutes.

You can also use this steamer to steam your curtains to remove wrinkles or to freshen them. You can just leave them hanging on the curtain rod and steam them. It doesn't get much easier than that. It's also nice to remove wrinkles on bedding. Ironing is no longer a hassle since I have my Tobi steamer.

I no longer lose my patience trying to iron my clothes. I just use my steamer and finish the job in no time. And I'm saving lots of money in the process. Removing wrinkles from my clothing no longer consists of running to and from the cleaners or spending hours ironing my clothes myself. I can now have wrinkle free clothing in minutes.

And it's no longer a hassle; it's now actually an enjoyable process.

Aug 12, 2009
Rating
star
Waste of money
by: Anonymous

I wanted the freedom of not using an ironing board to steam clothes. I bought this product on sale ($85). I read instructions on how to set up. The instructions were a waste of time reading them. I ended up figuring it out for myself (20 min to set-up). Garment pole was flimsy, I couldn't get it to be as tight as I wanted it. I hung a suit jacket and skirt to test out the steamer. Took some time for steamer to be ready. Then trying to steam jacket was unsuccessful - once I got the wrinkles out of one area and move onto the next area, the would be wrinkles in the area I just finished (I'm getting more and more frustrated as I continued to use this product). I didn't even try to steam the skirt. I would have taken it back to the store had I not waited beyond the 30 days to test product. Spend a few extra dollars and get a quality steamer like Jiffy or Rowenta. I'm back to using the Rowenta that uses an iron board. Not the best combination when trying to steam suitjackets but it works 100 times better than the Tobi.

Jun 10, 2009
Rating
star
Buy a Jiffy Steamer Made in USA
by: Anonymous

Made in China :( After a week of use I threw the Tobi away and purchased a JIFFY STEAMER Made in USA :)

Mar 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Wrinkles fall out with ease
by: Andrew B.

I've been in the market for a clothes steamer for a while now. I detest ironing my garments the traditional way. When I came across the Tobi Professional Portable Wrinkle Removing Machine one night on a late night infomercial, I was intrigued, but I had to take a pass as the unit was well over $100. About a month later I ran across the same unit for sale online at a substantially lower cost, $84.95, at sterlingtime.com. I'd never heard of the retailer, but a couple of solid reviews on the retailer comforted me enough to pull the trigger.

The unit arrived in about four working days, not bad considering it was a large package and I paid for standard shipping. I had an interview the next day and my suit was a bit wrinkly so I was relieved to receive the Tobi in time. I opened the unit and it seemed to be secured in the package sufficiently, so I wasn’t too worried about the unit being damaged. Included in the package were the main body of the unit the hose, and a pole to hang garments on.

It was basically preassembled so I was ready to fire the sucker up. I filled the Tobi up with distilled water (not required, but I wanted to make sure the minerals in my well water didn’t destroy my cotton suit) and plugged it in. The Tobi started producing steam within a couple of minutes, which was quicker than I imagined, so I ran to get my suit out of the dirty clothes hamper. Once I had my suit jacket hung up, I held the bottom taught and started with a side to side motion from the bottom up, but unfortunately I forgot to move my hand once the steamer got close to it and I burned a couple of my knuckles.

After I returned from my shop with a protective welding glove, I continued on the jacket. The results were amazing; the wrinkles fell out of the coat rapidly with ease. I continued with the pants, but I wasn’t successful at maintaining the crease that was present initially, a small price to pay for saving $15 dollars to get a suit dry cleaned. The suit was my grandfathers, so he would be proud that I restored it to it’s original condition.

The suit was wrinkle free and ready to don within 5 minutes. I had a little time to spare, so I thought I would surprise my grandmother and steam her curtains, once again the steam accomplished what it advertised and released the wrinkles swiftly while also releasing a musty odor that had been present for years. She was so excited when she arrived to find her curtains looking and smelling new again, and she even mistakenly thought I was Grandpa when she walked in the door, maybe because I was wearing his suit and smoking his pipe in his favorite chair?

I would highly recommend this unit for expensive dry cleaning garments such as suits and irregular shirts, but not so much for men’s dress shirts, those are around a dollar to dry clean, so you won’t lose much here…Happy steam ironing.

Feb 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Saves much time
by: Anonymous

Tobi Steamers make use of the similar technology as any other dry cleaning industries to fast and efficiently get rid of creases. They tend to be a bit high priced but one can get one at 60% off. The Tobi steamer is a professionally solid feel built, compact and easy to use and adapt to.

I love ironing and the Tobi steamer has really played a major role in saving a lot of my ironing time. It is efficient in:

* Removing creases from all your clothes
* Gliding over the buttons, pockets, prints and sequins.
* Eliminating unlikable odors making the clothes to have a laundry fresh smell
* Preventing the clothes from burning or scorching.
* Beautifully working on all fabrics - with no ripping or tearing.

The Tobi Steamer is portable as it can be carried from one room to another; it is durable and runs on standard AC current so it does not require batteries. The Tobi steamer has been expected to perform so much that people want it to replace the ironing all at once.

Customers' initial problems with the Tobi are the same that they would have with any other steamer. One has to get a chance to use it so as to get adapted to it as moving from the iron to the steamer can be cumbersome to most people.

I have tried steaming a t-shirt, polo neck shirt, and I felt impressed. These types of garments have given me the most dreaded ironing moments as they are more trouble than they are worth but with the Tobi steamer I enjoyed working all the way which I see was worth it. It was fast and effective and also with the be

st results. It only took me 10 minutes to be done with the steaming! The thing is that the steam is not going to get in place of the iron as for a crispy finish; iron is the way to go while for the shirts and pants Tobi is the way to go. Blissful Steaming!



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