For quick touch-ups on a hanging garment, choose a garment steamer; for sharp creases and more versatile use, opt for an iron. If you regularly iron large amounts of laundry, a steam generator may suit you better, provided you have space for it and are prepared to maintain it. In every case, follow the garment care label and the appliance instructions when choosing your settings.
You want to freshen up an outfit straight from the wardrobe or suitcase without setting up an ironing board. According to UFC-Que Choisir, garment steamers are best suited to occasional touch-ups and fabrics that are easy to steam; they do not deliver the finish of a full ironing session.
You iron shirts or large amounts of laundry. An iron lets you work directly on creases, while UFC-Que Choisir recommends steam generators for larger ironing sessions.
You handle fabrics that need extra care and want to follow their care labels. Check the model’s settings and descaling instructions: choosing the right appliance does not remove the need to adapt how you use it for each garment.
Consider it: for occasional touch-ups on a hanger, especially after travelling, without having to set up an ironing board.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it is best suited to light creases and cannot replace an iron for creating sharp creases.
Consider it: if you want one appliance for everyday laundry and a finish that requires direct contact with the fabric.
Bear in mind: results also depend on the fabric and settings. UFC-Que Choisir points out that steam output alone is not enough to judge an iron.
Consider it: for frequent sessions with lots of laundry, a use UFC-Que Choisir associates with this type of appliance.
Bear in mind: the whole unit takes up more space than an iron alone, so make sure you have room to set it up and store it.
| Priority | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Touch-ups and travel | Format, weight in your hand and the stated heat-up time for the specific model. | When an outfit is slightly creased just before I go out, I want to touch it up without setting up an ironing board. Around 31% of consumers prioritise these quick touch-ups. |
| Volume and finish | Available space, tank capacity and the finish you want, particularly for sharp creases. | For a regular pile of laundry, I want to be able to iron clothes until they have the finish I’m after. Around 31% of consumers put this need for capacity and a good finish first. |
| Versatility and storage | Appliance dimensions, storage space and ease of handling. | If I often get the appliance out for everyday laundry, I want a model that’s easy to store without giving up on ironing. Around 23% of consumers rank this balance as their top priority. |
| Delicate fabrics and maintenance | Garment care label, available settings, and the model’s instructions for water and descaling. | With delicate fabrics in my wardrobe, I want to match the appliance to the fabric and be able to maintain its steam system. Around 15% of consumers prioritise these precautions. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, garment steamers are best for touch-ups and do not deliver the structured finish of an iron or steam generator.
If collars, cuffs and sharp creases are part of your routine, choose an ironing appliance first and keep a garment steamer for touch-ups.
UFC-Que Choisir says that steam output alone is not enough to identify an iron that will suit you. The stated figure also does not tell you about all the settings that may be useful for your fabrics.
Check the temperature settings, weight and grip. If you are comparing performance, look for test results that explain the testing method.
Limescale can disrupt steam flow or leave marks. Approved products and procedures vary by appliance; Philips, for example, advises against using certain cleaning products on the garment steamers covered by its guidance.
Before using vinegar, scented water or a descaler, read your model’s instructions and follow its guidance on water and cooling.
A steam generator has a base and an iron. This format can make short ironing sessions less convenient if setting it up or putting it away is awkward.
Check its dimensions and where you plan to set it up and store it before choosing this format for your ironing sessions.
Worth considering for handheld garment steamers and steam generators. Choose the right model for how you plan to use it.
A brand to consider if you are looking for an iron or steam generator and want to compare models feature by feature.
Worth considering if you are looking for a steam generator that can also be used on hanging garments.
These models include steam generators for ironing on a board and handheld garment steamers for touch-ups. Compare their size with the amount of laundry you have and the finish you want. A handheld garment steamer does not do the same job as an iron when it comes to creating sharp creases.
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Worth considering for regular ironing sessions on a board rather than quick touch-ups on the go. Check its dimensions, heat-up time and the PSG6022/20’s specific maintenance instructions to make sure it suits the space and time you have available.
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Consider it for ironing on a board if you are looking for a steam station. The 8 bar figure appears in its product name, but should not be taken on its own as a measure of how well it will perform on your clothes. Check how much space it needs and the settings described in the instructions.
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Compare this model if you regularly iron on a board and want a steam generator with a 2 L tank. Its 2400 W power rating alone does not tell you what kind of finish to expect. Check the instructions for suitable settings for your fabrics and descaling guidance.
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Its foldable design suits occasional touch-ups and makes it easier to store or take with you. The lint-removing feature is mentioned in the product name; check the instructions before using it on delicate fabrics. For sharp creases, you’ll be better off with an iron or steam generator.
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Worth considering for touch-ups if you want a handheld garment steamer with a stated tank capacity of 300 ml. Its 1500 W power rating does not guarantee a complete ironing finish. Check the soleplate material of the version supplied and the instructions for the fabrics you plan to use it on.
Not if you need sharp creases or a complete ironing finish. According to UFC-Que Choisir, garment steamers are best suited to light creases and occasional touch-ups. For a more structured finish, consider an iron or steam generator.
Start by following the garment’s care label, then check that your appliance has the right setting. UFC-Que Choisir recommends lowering the temperature for synthetics and using a low setting for delicate fibres such as silk or Lycra, subject to the garment’s care instructions.
Follow the instructions for your model and take the hardness of your water into account rather than assuming one rule applies to every appliance. UFC-Que Choisir says that most steam generators are designed for tap water, but recommends checking the instructions for each appliance.
It depends on the model, how often you use it and the hardness of your water. Philips recommends descaling some of its garment steamers about once a month when used regularly, and more often if your water is very hard. Follow the procedure in your appliance’s instructions.