Households with large piles of laundry
If you regularly iron shirts, sheets or family clothes in one session, ease of filling and comfortable handling matter just as much as the stated steam output.
Which option is right for you?
Households that iron difficult fabrics
For thick cotton, linen or creased mixed fabrics, look at the continuous steam output and how the appliance performs on different fabrics, rather than relying on wattage alone.
Households with limited space
If your ironing board or cupboard is small, measure the space needed for the base and check how easy the appliance is to move. A standard iron remains an option if you only iron a few items at a time.
What should you check before choosing?
Steam generator with unlimited run time
Consider this: for long sessions, if the manual confirms that you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space to set up and store the base, and maintenance requirements will vary by model.
Steam generator with limited run time
Consider this: if you’re happy to iron in sessions limited by the tank’s capacity.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir notes that pressurised boilers may take longer to preheat and have a run time limited by the tank’s capacity. Check the cooling instructions before refilling.
Standard iron
Consider this: for a few items at a time, especially if storage space is limited.
Bear in mind: if you have a large pile of laundry, check whether the tank capacity and refilling requirements suit you.
Once you’ve chosen a type, compare the specifications of the specific model with the demands of a typical ironing session.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Crease removal | Compare continuous steam output under similar conditions, the steam boost function for stubborn creases and how easy the soleplate is to manoeuvre. Que Choisir also assesses crease removal on different fabrics. | I often have linen or thick cotton in my laundry pile, so I want to look beyond the wattage. |
| Uninterrupted ironing | Check the manual to confirm whether you can refill the appliance while it’s in use, then check how easy it is to access the tank and how long it takes to heat up. Tank capacity alone doesn’t guarantee unlimited run time. | I get through a lot of laundry and want to avoid waiting for the appliance to cool down before adding water. |
| Maintenance | Find out what anti-scale system the model uses, how to maintain it and how often the manual recommends doing so. Check how easy it is to access the parts that need cleaning, too. | I want to know how to maintain the steam generator before I buy it. |
| Space and handling | Measure the space available for the base on your ironing board and in your cupboard. Check how heavy it is to move, whether the iron locks into place and the storage instructions after use. | Space is limited at home, or I need to take the appliance out and put it away after every session. |
What should you watch out for when buying?
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Choosing based on wattage or maximum pressure
These figures don’t tell you everything about crease removal. In its tests, Que Choisir assesses steam output, results on different fabrics, ease of use and maintenance separately.
Compare continuous steam output and, where possible, test results based on the same criteria for the fabrics you iron.
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Assuming a pressurised boiler can be refilled without stopping
Que Choisir says that this type of steam generator has a run time limited by the tank’s capacity, so a large pile of laundry may take several sessions.
Check the manual to find out when and how you can refill the tank. If you want to add water while the appliance is in use, make sure this is a specific requirement when choosing a model.
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Assuming an anti-scale system means no maintenance
An anti-scale system doesn’t mean you can ignore the manufacturer’s instructions. Philips, for example, recommends regular descaling for its steam generators, depending on the series.
Before buying, find out how to maintain the model you’re considering, then follow its manual.
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Underestimating how much space you’ll need
You’ll need somewhere to put the steam generator’s base on your ironing board while you iron, and somewhere to store it afterwards.
Measure both spaces and check how heavy it is to move, whether the iron locks into place and the model’s cooling instructions.
Which brands should you consider?
Calor
When comparing Calor steam generators, start with the exact model number rather than the range name alone. Que Choisir tests assess crease removal, durability, ease of use and maintenance separately.
- Check whether the model you’re considering has an anti-scale collector, a removable tank and a locking system. Don’t assume these features are available across the whole range.
Philips
For the PerfectCare 8000 Series PSG8200/80, Philips states a steam output of up to 215 g/min, a 1.4 L tank said to provide an hour of ironing, and an Easy De-Calc system. These are specifications stated for this model, not independent comparative test results.
- The PSG8200/80 product details list the Easy De-Calc system, which is worth considering if ease of maintenance matters to you.
- Philips says that descaling is still required; the procedure varies by series.
Braun
Braun describes its CareStyle 3 range as compact and states that some versions have a removable 1.8 L tank and the Easy CalcClean system.
- The removable tank specified for some CareStyle 3 versions is worth considering if you refill your appliance often.
- Check the specifications for the exact model, as they differ across the CareStyle 3 range.
A steam generator to consider on Joybuy
This steam generator is worth considering for longer ironing sessions. However, its tank capacity alone doesn’t tell you whether you can refill it while it’s in use.
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Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 L, white and blue
For a large pile of laundry, its stated 2 L tank capacity is worth considering, but don’t assume you can refill it while the appliance is in use. The Steam Boost function is designed for stubborn creases. If you want to minimise interruptions, check the IS3157BL manual for refilling and descaling instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Will a steam generator always save you time compared with an iron?
No, it won’t necessarily save you time. Que Choisir considers steam generators suitable for large loads. If you only have a few items to iron, take set-up and storage into account before replacing your iron.
How can you tell if a steam generator has unlimited run time?
Check that the product details or manual explicitly say you can refill the appliance while it’s in use. Tank capacity in litres isn’t enough: Que Choisir says that the run time of a pressurised boiler with limited run time depends on the tank’s capacity.
What figures should you look at when ironing linen or thick cotton?
Look at the continuous steam output and, if you have access to comparable tests, the crease-removal results on these fabrics. Que Choisir measures steam output and performance on different fabrics separately, so wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well an appliance will perform.
How often should you descale a steam generator?
Follow the instructions for your model. Philips says that descaling its steam generators every one to two months can help prevent brown stains, brown water and leaks; the procedure varies by series.