Rowenta Pure Force 3-in-1 Steamer & Iron, Black and Copper (DR8855U1) review

The Rowenta Pure Force 3-in-1 Steamer & Iron in Black and Copper (DR8855U1) is a handheld garment-care combination rather than a simple steam wand. Rowenta documents vertical steaming, horizontal ironing and a reversible microfiber/lint-remover pad system. The attractive part of that mix is having more than one supported garment routine in a single 3.02-pound appliance; the tradeoff is that neither the product page nor its box list supplies a complete ironing-board setup. This assessment is based on the exact US model page and family instructions, not on operating a unit.

Resolve the exact copper configuration first

The copper listing identifies model DR8855U1, SKU 1830009073 and UPC 023108907309. Rowenta lists a black-and-copper finish, dimensions of 11.8 × 8.7 × 6.7 inches, and an in-box steamer plus a reversible-pad system. The page does not list the door hook that appears in the package contents for the separate black-and-pink DR8865U1. Nor does it list a horizontal ironing board. Confirm the model code and exact package on any seller offer; a product family name or matching photograph is not enough to establish which hook or pad kit is included.

This is not simply a finish-only twin of the DR8865U1. Rowenta gives the copper unit a different model, SKU and UPC, and its exact page's capacity table says 7 oz while its descriptive copy says 7.1 oz. The standard DR8865U1 page consistently lists 7.1 oz and adds a steaming hook to the box. The designs share many headline functions, but the specific identity, nominal tank listing and package should stay separate in a buying comparison.

Three functions, with different working arrangements

For a hanging garment, Rowenta describes vertical steaming without a full ironing setup. The head and tank are held in the hand, so the user still needs a secure hanger or other appropriate support; this copper package does not list a dedicated hook. The manual identifies the reversible pad's microfiber and lint-remover sides, and the product page describes the pads as a way to pick up lint and debris. That is a useful accessory distinction, not evidence of guaranteed fabric-cleaning or wrinkle-removal results.

The same page also describes horizontal ironing with a heated plate. Treat that as a separate arrangement from steaming a hanging garment: use a stable, suitable pressing surface and follow the manual rather than assuming the steamer itself includes a board. A heated plate and a high steam specification do not establish crisp-crease performance on every fabric, and the maker's description does not replace garment-care labels. The manual says not to direct steam at clothing while it is being worn, to keep clear of hot surfaces, and to unplug before filling the reservoir.

Read the output figures as manufacturer claims

Rowenta lists 1,875 W, five steam levels, a digital display, 35 g/min continuous steam output, a 90 g/min boost, a 15-second heat-up and up to 12 minutes of autonomy per fill. The stated values make the model easier to compare on paper with other handhelds, but they are not measurements from this review. In particular, “up to” does not promise twelve minutes at every steam level or on every garment. The exact page's 7 oz technical-table figure is the conservative capacity value used here because the marketing description says 7.1 oz; ask Rowenta or the seller to reconcile the discrepancy if a tenth of an ounce matters to your decision.

Storage and electrical limits

The listed body dimensions and 3.02-pound weight help set expectations, but they are not a packed-bag measurement. Rowenta lists an 8.5-foot cord; no travel bag appears in the copper model's box list. More importantly, the linked DR88xx/DT88xx manual covers this family as a 120 V appliance with a 60 Hz supply. That does not establish dual-voltage use. Do not treat the word “portable” as a travel-voltage claim, and check the rating on the exact appliance before using it away from a compatible outlet.

The manual also gives water-care and safety guidance that matters more than an advertised steam mode: it calls for untreated tap water, advises a mix for very hard water and warns against additives such as starch or fragrance. Keep the hot head away from people, pets and worn clothing, and let the unit cool before storage. Use the instructions supplied for the exact model if they differ from a generic family summary.

Who should compare it with the pink version?

The copper DR8855U1 is a reasonable paper-fit for someone who wants a handheld with documented hanging-garment steaming, a separate horizontal iron mode and the reversible pad system, and whose routine can work with a 7 oz technical-table capacity and the maker's twelve-minute ceiling. If a hanging hook is important, the published package difference matters: the DR8865U1 black-and-pink listing includes one. If you need verified dual voltage, a known longer duration, a supplied horizontal board or a tested result on a particular fabric, this page does not establish those things. Check the exact package and instructions, then compare the two model codes rather than choosing by copper color alone.

This is a source-based assessment of the US DR8855U1 configuration. No unit was purchased, owned, operated, weighed or independently tested for this article.

Primary references: Rowenta's exact copper-model page and the linked DR88xx/DT88xx instructions. The related DR8865U1 black-and-pink assessment covers its separate model and package.