For long ironing sessions, a steam generator is worth considering, especially if your fabrics are difficult to smooth out. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it’s well suited to large loads of laundry, but its base takes up space and you’ll also need to factor in the time it takes to get started. A steam iron is easier to put away for less intensive sessions. A garment steamer is better suited to quick touch-ups on hanging clothes than to ironing whole piles of laundry.
The amount of laundry isn’t the only factor to consider: the type of fabric and the space you have available can also influence your decision.
You regularly work through shirts, bedding or full baskets of laundry and want to make these sessions easier. UFC-Que Choisir considers steam generators suitable for ironing large quantities, but make sure the set-up and storage work for your routine.
Linen, heavy cotton and badly creased areas need particular attention. Compare how well each appliance smooths these fabrics rather than choosing based solely on its advertised steam output.
If you need to take the appliance out and put it away after every session, measure the space needed for a steam generator’s base. Even a model described as compact has a separate base; a standard iron may be easier to fit into your storage space.
For large loads or difficult fabrics, start by thinking about what you actually iron, then weigh up the length of your sessions against the space you have available. A garment steamer serves a different purpose if you mainly need to do quick touch-ups.
Consider it: for large loads that can be completed within the capacity of its boiler.
Bear in mind: the pressurised boiler can’t be refilled while the appliance is in use; you’ll need to stop and let it cool before filling it again.
Consider it: for long, regular sessions, provided the model can actually be refilled while in use.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space to set up and store the base, and to carry out maintenance as instructed.
Consider it: if your sessions are less intensive and ease of set-up and storage is your priority.
Bear in mind: for difficult fabrics, compare how well it smooths them with the steam generators you’re considering.
Consider it: as a handy extra for light creases and hanging clothes.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t set creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Large piles of laundry | Heat-up time and whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use. | When sessions run long, I want to keep going without taking lots of breaks. Around 36% of consumers prioritise tackling large piles of laundry. |
| Difficult fabrics | How well it smooths the fabrics in question, rather than just its advertised steam output. | With linen or heavy cotton, I’m mainly looking for good results on stubborn creases. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Storage and ease of use | Space taken up by the base, weight when moving it and cord length. | If I put the appliance away after every use, its size may matter more to me than its features. Around 21% of consumers prioritise ease of use. |
| Quick touch-ups without an ironing board | Weight in your hand and tank capacity, depending on how many clothes you need to treat. | For a few hanging clothes, I’d rather not set up an ironing board, and I don’t expect sharply defined creases. Quick touch-ups are the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
An advertised steam output or shot of steam doesn’t, on its own, tell you how well an appliance will perform on your fabrics. UFC-Que Choisir measures steam output and crease-removal performance separately in its testing process.
To compare models, look for tests on the fabrics you iron, then consider heat-up time and ease of use.
The base can make it harder to set the appliance up on your ironing board, move it around and store it, even when a model is described as compact.
Measure your ironing board and storage space. Also check the weight, whether the iron locks into place and the length of the cords.
Maintenance requirements vary between models. Philips Assistance France notes that descaling certain steam generators can help prevent brown stains and leaks.
Before buying, check the maintenance instructions for the model you’ve chosen. Then follow the manual, including its instructions on unplugging and cooling the appliance.
A garment steamer is suitable for touch-ups on hanging clothes, but according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t give you the finish or defined creases of an iron or steam generator.
If you regularly iron large quantities of bedding, shirts and thick fabrics, compare a steam iron and a steam generator first.
These ranges give you a few options to compare, but the performance of each model will depend on your laundry.
The range includes steam irons and steam generators, which you can compare based on the length of your sessions and the space you have available.
Some PerfectCare steam generators combine a removable tank with temperature management that requires no manual adjustment. Check the features of the model you’re considering.
The CareStyle range includes models designed with storage in mind, as well as others with specific settings or maintenance features.
These two steam generators are options to consider if you need an appliance for long ironing sessions. To choose between them, check how long your sessions last, whether you can refill the tank during use and how much space you have. Neither is a standard iron or a garment steamer like the options mentioned above.
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A steam generator worth considering for large loads of laundry, provided you have enough room for its base.
If you want to avoid interruptions or often do shorter sessions, check the heat-up time and whether you can refill the PSG6022/20 while it’s in use.
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A steam generator to consider for regular ironing, provided it fits comfortably into your space.
For long sessions or difficult fabrics, check the heat-up time, run time and crease-removal performance of the exact model. Also confirm with the seller that the appliance is the IS7262GY model and that the stated manufacturer is correct.
No, not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for large quantities of laundry, but the difference compared with a good iron isn’t always significant. For your ironing sessions, also factor in the time it takes to heat up and to take the appliance out and put it away.
Check whether your chosen steam generator can be refilled while in use, as well as the type of tank and the instructions in its manual. A steam generator with a pressurised boiler and limited run time has to be switched off and cooled before you can refill it. Don’t assume it can be topped up during use based solely on its stated capacity.
Follow the schedule and method given for your model. Philips Assistance France recommends maintenance every one to two months for the steam generators concerned. The process varies by model and may require you to unplug the appliance and let it cool down. Don’t descale it while hot unless the manual specifically says to.
Not if you need to iron large piles of laundry regularly. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer is suitable for touch-ups on hanging clothes, but it won’t set creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator.
Yes, when a professional sells a second-hand steam generator to a private individual in France. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity also covers new and refurbished goods in these circumstances. Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller if the appliance doesn’t match its description or has a lack of conformity.