For last-minute touch-ups
If you want to freshen up hanging clothes without setting up an ironing board, a garment steamer can help with light creases. UFC-Que Choisir points out that it won’t create sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron.
Which appliance suits each need?
For regular piles of laundry
If you iron several garments or household linens in one go, a steam generator is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir recommends it in particular for large amounts of laundry. You’ll also need space for its base and a stable ironing board.
For an ironing-board finish with minimal storage
If some garments need a soleplate and a crisp finish, but a steam generator base would take up too much room, consider an iron. Compare how heavy it feels in your hand and the size of its water tank, based on how long you usually spend ironing.
What should you look for before choosing?
For regular garment care at home, start by working out what you need most: quick touch-ups on a hanger, long ironing sessions or a classic iron that’s easy to store.
Iron
Choose one if: you want to smooth clothes or create creases on an ironing board without having to store a separate steam generator base.
Bear in mind: its built-in water tank may need refilling during a long ironing session.
Steam generator
Choose one if: you regularly work through large piles of laundry and have a stable ironing board and enough storage space.
Bear in mind: the base and its water tank take up more room than an iron on its own.
Garment steamer
Choose one if: you mainly want to smooth light creases from hanging clothes.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t replace ironing-board finishing when you need to create sharp creases.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch-ups without an ironing board | Advertised time until the steam is ready and whether the model is designed for vertical steaming. | If a hanging outfit has a few creases before you head out, avoiding the need to set up an ironing board may matter more than creating a sharp crease. Around 40% of consumers prioritise these quick touch-ups. |
| Long ironing sessions | Water tank capacity and whether you can refill it while the appliance is in use. | When you’re working through a pile of laundry, stopping to refill the water can be a nuisance. Long sessions are the main requirement for around 30% of consumers. |
| Storage and finish | Iron weight, storage space required and settings to suit the garment’s care label. | When space is limited but some clothes need an ironing-board finish, keeping an iron is the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a garment steamer always replaces an iron
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between touch-ups on hanging clothes and the finish achieved on an ironing board: a garment steamer won’t create sharp creases.
If your shirts or trousers regularly need sharp creases, plan to use an iron or steam generator as your main appliance or as a complement to your steamer.
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Choosing based on a single steam figure
Pressure, a steam boost or water tank capacity don’t tell you on their own how well an appliance will perform on clothes. UFC-Que Choisir tests steam output and the effect on different fabrics separately.
Compare figures measured in the same way, then also consider refilling, weight, how much space the appliance takes up and its care instructions.
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Ignoring the garment label and instruction manual
GINETEX explains that the dots in the ironing symbol indicate the maximum temperature to use. Fibre composition alone isn’t enough to choose the right setting.
Check the care label before treating a garment, then follow the appliance instructions for water and descaling.
Brands to consider
Calor
Calor offers steam generators for ironing-board use.
- If you regularly tackle a pile of laundry, compare models in the range based on refilling, iron weight and maintenance.
- The brand name alone doesn’t tell you how long each model runs for or how easy it is to maintain.
Philips
Philips offers steam generators for ironing-board sessions and handheld garment steamers for touch-ups.
- Having both types of appliance makes it easy to compare different routines within the same brand.
- Features advertised for a specific model don’t automatically apply to other Philips models.
SteamOne
SteamOne offers handheld and vertical garment steamers.
- If you’re treating several garments in one go, check the water tank and the model’s advertised running time.
- These figures vary by model and don’t guarantee the same finish as ironing on a board.
Appliances for these needs
These appliances suit two different needs: steam generators for ironing-board use and a handheld garment steamer for touch-ups on hanging clothes. Start by deciding how you want to care for your laundry, then check the specifications of the model you’re interested in.
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Philips PSG6022/20 PerfectCare 6000 Series
This steam generator is designed for people who prefer ironing-board sessions. If you’ll be getting it out regularly, check how long it takes to heat up and how much room you’ll need to store the base.
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BRAUN CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 L
This steam generator is suited to ironing-board use if tank capacity is an important factor for you. Its product name specifies 2 L and 2400 W, but these figures alone don’t determine how long a session will last or how it will perform on fabrics. Check its dimensions before deciding where to store it.
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Hkoenig V7, 8 bar
This model is an option for steam ironing on a board. Its product name specifies a pressure of 8 bar, but that alone isn’t enough to predict how well it will iron. Also compare its heat-up time and size with your routine.
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Princess 332890, foldable garment steamer with lint-removal attachment
This handheld garment steamer is for touch-ups on hanging clothes rather than creating creases on an ironing board. Its foldable design is highlighted in the product name. Check that its running time suits the number of garments you’ll be treating in one go.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set my iron based only on the garment’s fibre composition?
No. Always check the ironing symbol on the care label first. GINETEX explains that the dots indicate the maximum temperature you can use. A label stating “100% polyester”, for example, isn’t a substitute for this guidance.
Can a garment steamer be my only clothes-care appliance?
Yes, if you mainly need to smooth light creases from hanging clothes and don’t need to create sharp creases. If you regularly need a crisp finish on an ironing board, UFC-Que Choisir says a garment steamer won’t replace an iron or steam generator for this purpose.
How should I compare heat-up time and running time?
Compare the time from switching the appliance on to having steam ready, using the same definition for each model. Then check how it’s refilled to understand whether you might need to stop during use. Water tank capacity or an advertised maximum steam output aren’t enough on their own to compare how long different appliances can be used for.
What water should I use in an iron, steam generator or garment steamer?
Use the type of water specified in your model’s instructions and follow the descaling guidance. ecosystem also points out that you should only use demineralised water on its own if the manufacturer recommends it.