If you regularly iron several shirts, particularly those made from heavyweight cotton or linen, a steam generator is worth considering, provided you have room to store its base and are happy to maintain it to prevent limescale build-up. For a moderate ironing load and limited space, a steam iron is easier to store. A garment steamer is best for quick touch-ups, but it won’t give a shirt the crisp finish you get from ironing it flat.
If you iron several garments one after another, the weight of the iron in your hand, the water capacity and the continuous steam output matter more than compactness alone. UFC-Que Choisir recommends steam generators for ironing large quantities of laundry.
If you need to fit your appliance into a small cupboard, compare the space taken up by a steam generator’s base with that of a standard iron. Remember to allow room to take out and set up the appliance, too.
A garment steamer can be handy for easing light creases from a hanging shirt without setting up an ironing board. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that it won’t create sharp creases or deliver the same finish as an iron.
Consider it: for regular sessions ironing several shirts, especially if some fabrics are difficult to smooth out.
Bear in mind: you’ll need somewhere to store the base and to follow the model’s instructions for preventing limescale build-up.
Consider it: for a moderate number of shirts when easy storage is a priority.
Bear in mind: the integrated water tank adds weight to the iron in your hand and limits its water capacity.
Consider it: for an occasional touch-up on a lightly creased garment hanging up.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t replace an iron for creating sharp creases or achieving a crisp finish.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ironing several shirts in a row | Compare the continuous steam output in g/min, the tank capacity and, if stated, the weight of the iron itself. | When I have several shirts waiting, I mainly want to reduce refills and the effort of holding the iron; around 36 % of consumers would prioritise this kind of ironing session. |
| Storage and set-up | Check the appliance’s dimensions when stored and the stated heat-up time for the model you’re considering. | If I have a narrow cupboard or only a short ironing session planned, I want to be able to get the appliance out easily; compact size and quick set-up would be priorities for around 21 % of consumers. |
| Maintenance and care | Read the descaling instructions in the manual and look for accessories compatible with the full model number. | If I plan to use the appliance often, I want to know how to maintain it without guessing; around 29 % of consumers would put maintenance first. |
| Touch-ups without an ironing board | Check the heat-up time and the fabrics the appliance is designed for; for sharp creases, keep a flat-ironing option. | Before heading out, I mainly want to smooth a few creases from a shirt on a hanger; this kind of touch-up would be the priority for around 14 % of consumers. |
The pressure figure or steam boost function alone won’t tell you how comfortable the appliance will be to use for a session ironing several shirts. Water capacity, continuous steam output and handling all matter, too.
Compare these features, the heat-up time and the dimensions on the product pages for the specific models you’re interested in.
A separate tank means you don’t have to carry all the water in the iron, but the base still takes up room on your table and in storage.
Measure the space you have available and check the dimensions, as well as whether the cable can be stored neatly and the iron locked in place, if these features are offered.
UFC-Que Choisir says a garment steamer won’t create sharp creases or give you the same finish as an iron. This is particularly important for shirts that need a crisp collar, cuffs or creases.
Use it for light touch-ups and keep an iron or steam generator for ironing garments flat.
Whether it uses a collector, an integrated cycle or another method, maintenance varies by model. You’ll also need to find out which accessories are compatible with your appliance.
Before ordering, read the manual and search for the full model number in the manufacturer’s support, spare parts and repairs sections.
A brand may offer several types of ironing appliance. Compare individual models and their maintenance requirements rather than assuming the same features apply across an entire range.
Several Calor steam generators feature in UFC-Que Choisir’s comparison of tested products.
Philips offers steam generators, steam irons and garment steamers, so you can compare all three types of appliance.
The CareStyle range includes steam generators, with tank and descaling system details that vary by series.
These two steam generators are worth considering if you regularly iron several shirts flat. When choosing between them, pay particular attention to the space you have available, how comfortable each is to handle and the care instructions for each model.
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A steam generator to consider if you iron several shirts flat and want to check the water capacity and maintenance requirements before making your choice.
Check the PSG6022/20 manual for descaling instructions and the operating conditions that matter for your ironing sessions.
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A steam generator to consider for ironing everyday clothes flat; the “8 Bar” in its name alone isn’t enough to tell you how comfortable it will be to use for several shirts.
If quick set-up or storage will determine your choice, check the heat-up time, the weight of the iron and the dimensions. Also consult the manual for descaling instructions.
A steam generator is most worth considering if you iron several shirts in a row or need to tackle fabrics that are difficult to smooth out. UFC-Que Choisir recommends steam generators for large quantities; if you have a moderate ironing load, weigh up this benefit against the space needed for the base and the maintenance involved.
Compare the continuous steam output in g/min, tank capacity, heat-up time and, if stated, the weight of the iron itself. Check the descaling process, too: maximum pressure and the steam boost function alone don’t tell you how comfortable an appliance will be to use.
Not if you want crisp collars, cuffs or creases. UFC-Que Choisir says a garment steamer is suitable for light touch-ups, but it won’t create sharp creases or give you the same finish as an iron.
Find the manual for the full model number to check the descaling process, then look for compatible accessories and repair options. An anti-limescale feature advertised for a range doesn’t mean every model in it is maintained in the same way.