For anyone who gets through piles of laundry
If you iron often, compare the steam generator’s run time, heat-up time and space requirements. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide says this type of appliance can be suitable for larger loads.
Who is each type of appliance for ?
For anyone who wants a smart finish
If your clothes need sharp creases or a precise finish, distinguish between ironing on a board and a quick steam touch-up. UFC-Que Choisir’s guides cover these different uses.
For anyone in a hurry who needs to freshen up an outfit
A garment steamer can be a good option for smoothing light creases on hanging clothes without setting up an ironing board. However, UFC-Que Choisir says it won’t give you the same finish as an iron.
What should you compare before buying ?
If you’ll be using it often, start by considering how much laundry you have and the finish you want. Then check the appliance’s size and maintenance requirements. UFC-Que Choisir’s guides distinguish between the uses of an iron, steam generator and garment steamer.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this most relevant to ? |
|---|---|---|
| Getting through several garments | Tank capacity and refilling; heat-up time and available space. | If I iron several garments in a row, I want to minimise interruptions without cluttering the ironing board or cupboard. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise handling larger loads. |
| Quickly freshening up an outfit | Heat-up time, weight in your hand and tank capacity. | If I want to steam a hanging garment before wearing it, I check whether the touch-up will give me the finish I want. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise quick touch-ups. |
| Getting a precise finish | Garments that need sharp creases; ease of handling and fabric settings. | If collars, seams or creases need careful attention, I choose an appliance designed for ironing on a board. Around 19 % of consumers prioritise a precise finish. |
| Saving space | Appliance dimensions and the space available for setting it up and storing it. | If space is limited, I check where I’ll use and store the appliance before choosing a model with a separate base. Around 19 % of consumers prioritise a compact design. |
| Making maintenance easier | Instructions for water and descaling; access to parts that need cleaning. | If I use the appliance regularly, I want to be able to follow the right maintenance steps easily. Around 12 % of consumers prioritise easy maintenance. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Assuming a garment steamer can replace any iron
Steaming clothes on a hanger won’t give you the same result as ironing on a board. UFC-Que Choisir says a garment steamer won’t create sharp creases or give you the same finish as an iron or steam generator.
Before choosing, decide whether your clothes just need a quick touch-up or also need a precise finish.
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Relying only on the stated steam output
A steam output figure isn’t enough to compare irons. UFC-Que Choisir points out that manufacturers’ stated figures aren’t necessarily comparable, and that ease of handling matters too.
Look at tests covering the features you care about and how comfortable the appliance is to use. Don’t judge performance by the stated figure alone.
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Forgetting about maintenance and the space a steam generator needs
A steam generator takes up more space than an iron, and limescale can affect the steam system. Maintenance requirements vary by appliance.
Check how much space you have and read the instructions for the exact model before buying, especially for advice on water and descaling.
Brands to consider by appliance type
Calor
The Easygliss Plus steam irons are worth considering if you’re looking for an iron for a few garments.
- For the FV5750C0, Calor states a continuous steam output of 50 g/min. This is a manufacturer’s specification, not an independent comparative measurement.
- For longer ironing sessions, compare how easy an iron is to handle with a steam generator’s run time, and check the model’s instructions.
Rowenta
The Perfect Steam Pro DG8626F0 steam generator is worth considering if you have room for a separate base.
- Rowenta lists a removable 1,1 L tank and a transport lock for this model.
- These features don’t prove that it irons faster than another model. Make room for the base and check the maintenance and safety instructions.
Philips
Compare the Series 7000 irons with the Series 3000 handheld garment steamers, depending on the job you need them to do.
- Philips lists a 300 ml tank and a Quick Calc Release system for the DST7040/80 iron.
- The STH3010/30R1 is listed as refurbished and foldable. Don’t confuse this version with another Series 3000 model or assume its features apply to the whole range.
Braun
The CareStyle 3 steam generators, including the IS3257BK, are worth considering if you’d prefer a steam generator to an iron with a built-in tank.
- The IS3257BK is listed on the manufacturer’s product page and among the steam generators recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
- This does not amount to a ranking or endorsement. Check the features, dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
SteamOne
Compare handheld and vertical garment steamers, depending on whether you need to freshen up one outfit or steam several hanging garments.
- The brand’s range includes both handheld and vertical models.
- The manufacturer’s claims about performance are no substitute for independent testing. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a garment steamer won’t give you the same finish as an iron.
Irons and garment steamers on Joybuy
This selection includes vertical and handheld garment steamers, as well as a steam generator and an iron, for everything from quick touch-ups on hanging clothes to ironing on a board.
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HOMCOM vertical garment steamer, 1950 W, 2 L
For steaming several hanging garments; a garment steamer won’t replace an iron for creating sharp creases.
2 L tank; 45 min stated run time; 32 g/min steam output; ready in 38 s; 11 adjustable temperature settings; ironing board and hanger included.
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HOMCOM vertical garment steamer, 1,4 L, pink and black
For steaming hanging garments; check that this type of finish meets your needs.
1,4 L tank; 1950 W; 32 g/min steam output; telescopic handle.
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SteamOne STRAVEL EUTAC140B handheld garment steamer, black
For freshening up hanging clothes without setting up an ironing board; it won’t create sharp creases like an iron.
1400 W; 24 g/min steam output; 260 ml tank.
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Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL steam generator, 2 L
Worth comparing for longer ironing sessions; remember to allow space for setting up and storing a steam generator.
2400 W; 2 L tank; white and blue.
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Braun TexStyle 3 SI3030PU steam iron, purple
Worth considering if you iron on a board and want to create sharp creases with an iron.
Frequently asked questions
Can a garment steamer replace my iron for shirts and sharp creases ?
Not if you want to create sharp creases or get the finish you’d achieve by ironing on a board. UFC-Que Choisir says garment steamers are better suited to quickly smoothing light creases on hanging clothes.
What water should I use, and how can I prevent limescale ?
Check the instructions for the exact model before filling or descaling the appliance, as procedures vary between models. UFC-Que Choisir points out that limescale can affect the steam system, while Philips support gives different guidance for different garment steamer ranges.
What should I check before setting up and storing a steam generator ?
Check the dimensions and the space available on your ironing board and in your cupboard. Rowenta lists a transport lock for the DG8626F0, but this feature isn’t available on every steam generator. Read the instructions for your chosen model before using or storing it.