Abstract: A steamer (10) is provided having a tubular upper portion (11), a base (12) and a stanchion (13) extending between the upper portion and the base. The upper portion has a tubular upper bar (18), a tubular middle bar (17) and a lower bar (16), each having a series of steam ports (24) therein. The base has a heating element (28) which heats water within the base to produce steam which is conveyed through the stanchion to the upper portion where it is then expelled through the steam ports. The steamer is configurable between a working configuration and a compact, stowed configuration.