For quick touch-ups on hanging clothes, choose a garment steamer. If you iron regularly but don’t want an appliance that takes up too much space, opt for an iron. A steam generator is better suited to longer ironing sessions, especially if its filling system lets you top it up without waiting for it to cool down. Also compare the heat-up time, storage requirements and care instructions for the model you’re considering.
If you want to freshen up an outfit without setting up an ironing board, a handheld garment steamer is a good fit. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that it won’t create creases or give you the same finish as an iron.
If you iron small or medium-sized loads and want a traditional ironed finish, an iron takes up less space than a steam generator. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide mainly recommends steam generators for larger amounts of laundry.
If you work through shirts, sheets or difficult-to-iron fabrics in one go, a steam generator is worth considering, provided you have room for its base. The tank capacity and filling system matter just as much as the weight of the iron you’ll be handling.
Start by deciding what kind of finish you need, then check that the set-up, refilling and storage suit the way you usually iron.
Worth considering: for occasional touch-ups on hanging clothes, without an ironing board.
The trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t create creases like an iron.
Worth considering: for regular ironing and a traditional finish, while keeping storage needs to a minimum.
The trade-off: the built-in tank and weight in your hand can become more noticeable during a long session.
Worth considering: only if its operation suits planned ironing sessions.
The trade-off: the National Consumer Institute describes pressurised systems that need to cool down before they can be refilled; check the instructions for the current model.
Worth considering: for ironing large amounts of laundry without stopping to refill the water tank.
The trade-off: the base takes up space, and care instructions vary by model.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Touch-ups and storage | Heat-up time and storage dimensions; weight in your hand if you’ll be holding the appliance while using it. | I want to freshen up an outfit before going out, without setting up an ironing board or leaving the appliance out afterwards. Around 21% of consumers prioritise quick touch-ups and a compact design. |
| Compact, traditional ironing | Weight of the iron when filled and tank capacity; settings suited to the fabrics you iron. | For my small or medium-sized laundry loads, I want an ironed finish without having to store a separate base. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Long ironing sessions | Tank type and capacity; whether you can refill it while in use, and how much space the base needs. | When laundry piles up, I want to keep ironing without frequent stops to refill the water. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this uninterrupted use. |
| Care and handling | The model’s descaling process and any instructions to let it cool before draining or descaling. | I prefer a care routine I can follow without handling a steam generator that’s still hot. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
Quickly freshening up a hanging garment isn’t the same as creating a crease. UFC-Que Choisir clearly distinguishes steaming touch-ups from traditional ironing.
If you mainly need to press creases into trousers or get shirts looking crisp, choose an iron or steam generator rather than relying on a garment steamer alone.
A single advertised figure tells you nothing about preparation time, refilling or how much space the appliance takes up. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses several aspects of ironing and performance separately.
Before choosing, compare the tank type, heat-up time, how the iron feels to handle and the care requirements with the needs of your usual ironing sessions.
The process varies by appliance; some tasks require you to unplug the steam generator and let it cool down. Philips gives instructions like these for some procedures on its models.
Check the instructions for the exact model to find out what maintenance is needed and what precautions to take before draining it.
Some systems also need filters or other consumables, such as those listed in Laurastar’s care instructions.
The National Consumer Institute distinguishes continuous filling from older pressurised systems, which require you to wait before refilling.
Check the filling method in the instructions for your chosen model and follow its safety guidance. Don’t assume you can open the tank while the appliance is in use.
Several Calor steam generators, including Express models, feature in UFC-Que Choisir’s comparison.
Philips offers handheld garment steamers and steam generators. Its product information for the Series 3000 STH3000/20 garment steamer describes a foldable design with a 100 ml tank.
Braun’s CareStyle range includes steam generators in different sizes and capacities, depending on the model.
Laurastar offers portable Lift steam generators and ironing systems with an active ironing board.
This Joybuy selection includes a foldable garment steamer for touch-ups, as well as appliances with an iron and steam station for ironing. Start by choosing the finish you want and considering how much space you have, then check the specifications of the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering for touch-ups on hanging clothes when storage space matters. Its name describes its foldable design; if you need to create creases, keep a traditional ironing option to hand.
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Worth a look if you want to iron with a separate iron and base. Before making room for it, check its dimensions, heat-up time, filling method and care instructions.
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Worth considering for ironing sessions where tank capacity matters. The product name states 2 L; also check the dimensions, the weight of the iron on its own and whether you can refill it while in use.
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Worth a look if you want to iron with a separate iron and base to store away. The description for this model also mentions GC6840/20: confirm which model will be supplied and check its specifications, especially the capacity and filling method, before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want an ironed finish with a steam station. The 8 bar figure in the name alone isn’t enough to judge its ironing performance, so also check the heat-up time, storage requirements and filling method.
Not if you need to create creases or achieve a traditional ironed finish. UFC-Que Choisir recommends garment steamers mainly for touch-ups and light creases; for a more polished finish, consider an iron or steam generator.
Choose a capacity based on how many garments you plan to steam in one go. A small tank may be fine for the occasional touch-up; for several garments, compare larger capacities and check how the tank is refilled.
Follow the schedule in your model’s instructions, as the process depends on the appliance and the water you use. Philips recommends descaling every one to two months for steam generators covered by its support guide; this guidance doesn’t apply to all steam generators.
First check the instructions for the model in question, and don’t handle the draining system while it’s hot if the instructions say otherwise. For some Easy De-Calc procedures, Philips advises unplugging the appliance and leaving it to cool for two hours if it’s hot.