If you only have a few garments to iron at a time, consider an iron for its ease of storage and use. For larger loads of laundry, compare steam generators and factor in the space they need. A garment steamer is best suited to touch-ups on hanging clothes: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it cannot replace an iron or steam generator when you need to create sharp creases.
If you iron just a few garments at a time, a steam iron is worth considering for its ease of storage and handling. Be sure to check its weight and water tank capacity, though. UFC-Que Choisir points out that steam output alone is not enough to judge an iron.
If you regularly work through shirts, trousers or household linen, a steam generator is worth comparing. UFC-Que Choisir recommends it for larger loads, but remember to allow space for the base, both while you’re using it and when storing it.
If you want to smooth light creases from a hanging garment without setting up an ironing board, consider a garment steamer. However, according to UFC-Que Choisir, it cannot create sharp creases or achieve the finish of an iron or steam generator.
Start with how many garments you need to tackle and the finish you’re looking for. Then check how long the appliance takes to heat up, how much space you have and what maintenance it requires.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Short sessions and easy storage | The iron’s weight and how much storage space it needs. | I only iron a few items and want an appliance that’s easy to get out and put away; around 33% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Large loads of laundry | Heat-up time and tank capacity, as well as space for the base. | When clothes pile up, I’d rather get through them in one session than choose a compact appliance; handling large loads is the priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Touch-ups without an ironing board | A handheld or upright design, depending on how many garments you need to tackle; the care label on your clothes. | Before heading out, I want to smooth light creases from a hanging garment without creating sharp creases; this kind of touch-up comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
A steam generator takes up more space than an iron, both on the ironing board and in the cupboard. This bulk can matter just as much as its suitability for longer ironing sessions.
Measure your storage space and check where the base will sit while you’re ironing before making your choice.
An advertised steam output or steam boost is not enough to tell two appliances apart. UFC-Que Choisir notes that figures are not necessarily comparable unless they’ve been measured using the same method.
Also consider the weight, ease of handling, heat-up time and maintenance. Where possible, look at comparable independent tests.
A garment steamer is designed for touch-ups on hanging clothes. However, according to UFC-Que Choisir, it cannot create creases like an iron or steam generator.
If your clothes need a more structured finish, use a garment steamer as a handy extra rather than your only ironing appliance.
The process varies by model. Philips says that regularly descaling some of its steam generators can help prevent brown stains and leaks; this guidance should not be applied to every appliance.
Check the manual for your chosen model to find out which method to use, how often to descale and what precautions to take.
This selection includes steam generators for ironing with an iron, and garment steamers for touch-ups on hanging clothes. Start by choosing the finish you’re looking for, then check the space you have and the features of the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you iron several garments in one session and have room for a steam generator with an iron.
Before choosing, check the heat-up time, the space needed for the base and the descaling procedure for this model.
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Worth considering for longer ironing sessions, if you have room for a steam generator with an iron.
The model name lists 2400 W and a 2 L tank. Check its actual dimensions and heat-up time to make sure they suit your needs.
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Worth considering for touch-ups on several hanging garments, rather than for creating sharp creases.
The product name lists 2300 W, 50 g/min and a 2 L tank. Check how much space you’ll need to store this upright appliance.
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The handheld design is suited to occasional touch-ups on hanging clothes, but it won’t replace an iron if you want to create sharp creases.
The product name lists 2000 W, 30 g/min and a 400 ml tank. If storage space is limited, check the appliance’s dimensions.
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Worth considering for touch-ups on several hanging garments, if you have enough room for an upright model.
The product name lists 2000 W, 42 g/min and a 1.8 L tank. Check the appliance’s dimensions and the care instructions for this model.
Start by following the symbol on the care label, then check the appliance manual. GINETEX explains the ironing symbols in its care labelling system. The fabric you think you recognise is not, on its own, enough to determine the right setting.
Yes, if the manual for your model says it does. Follow the recommended method and schedule. For some of its steam generators, Philips recommends descaling every one to two months to help prevent brown stains and leaks. Check the instructions for your specific model before you start.
No. Steam output or steam boost figures alone don’t tell you how well an appliance irons. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the limitations of comparing advertised figures when they haven’t been measured using the same method. Also consider ease of handling, heat-up time, maintenance and the space required.
For an appliance covered by the relevant European requirements, the CE marking shows that the manufacturer declares it complies with those requirements; the DGCCRF explains that it is not a certification mark. Keep your proof of purchase: the DGCCRF distinguishes the statutory legal guarantee of conformity from any commercial guarantees offered by the retailer or manufacturer.