If you regularly iron a full load of laundry, a steam generator is better suited to the job. For quickly smoothing light creases from a hanging garment, choose a garment steamer, in line with UFC-Que Choisir’s advice. A steam iron is a good choice for a smaller pile of laundry when you also want to press in creases. Compare its weight, water tank and how comfortable it is to use, rather than relying on the advertised steam output alone.
If your ironing sessions are long, start by looking at a steam generator’s capacity and how it can be refilled. UFC-Que Choisir recommends this type for larger loads of laundry; also check how much space its base will take up.
A steam iron lets you tackle everyday laundry and press in creases with a single appliance. When choosing a model, consider how comfortable it is to use and how it performs on the fabrics you care about, rather than looking at its advertised steam output alone.
If you want to smooth light creases from a hanging garment without setting up an ironing board, a garment steamer is a good fit for the use described by UFC-Que Choisir. However, it won’t give you the same finish as an iron.
Start by choosing an appliance for the task you do most often, then consider whether it can also suit your other ironing needs.
Worth considering : if you regularly iron large loads of laundry, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir.
The trade-off : its base takes up more space than an iron. If you have long ironing sessions, also check how it can be refilled.
Worth considering : for smaller loads and finishing jobs that call for sharply pressed creases.
The trade-off : according to UFC-Que Choisir, advertised steam output alone isn’t enough to judge an iron’s quality. Its weight and how comfortable it is to use matter too.
Worth considering : for occasional touch-ups on a hanging garment, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
The trade-off : it mainly smooths light creases and won’t replace an iron for a traditional finish.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| How long you can iron for | With a steam generator, check whether you can refill it while it’s in use and how much water the tank holds. The Institut national de la consommation notes that continuous refilling avoids interruptions while the boiler cools down. | I iron several garments in a row and want to keep breaks to a minimum during a long session. |
| Quick touch-ups | Compare the advertised heat-up time and whether the appliance is portable or designed for vertical steaming. For a handheld model, also check its weight with a full water tank. | A garment taken from the wardrobe or a suitcase has a few creases, and I’d rather not set up an ironing board. |
| Finish | If you need to press in creases, look at how an iron or steam generator performs on the fabrics you’ll be using it on. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a garment steamer is mainly for touch-ups, and that high steam output alone isn’t enough to judge an iron. | I want to be able to iron shirts or trousers, not just smooth light creases. |
| Space and ease of use | Measure the space available for storage and while the appliance is in use. Compare the weight of the part you’ll be handling, and how easy it is to set up and put away. | If the appliance is awkward to set up or store, I may keep putting off those touch-ups. |
| Care and maintenance | Check the model’s instructions for the type of water to use, its anti-scale system and how to clean it. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using hot water or reclaimed water in a steam generator. | I want to know what maintenance is involved before choosing an appliance I’ll use regularly. |
The advertised steam output doesn’t tell you everything about how well it will perform on your clothes. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering the model’s results, how comfortable it is to use and how resistant it is to limescale.
Compare tests of the exact models you’re interested in, then check their tank capacity and how they can be refilled.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer is best for occasional touch-ups and fabrics that are easy to steam. It won’t press in creases like an iron.
If you also need to iron a full load of laundry or press in creases, keep that in mind when choosing your main appliance.
A steam generator has a base that needs to be stored. A vertical garment steamer also needs space while you’re using it and when you put it away.
Before choosing a type, measure the space available near your ironing board or hanging garments, as well as your storage space.
Maintenance depends on the appliance’s system. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using hot water or reclaimed water to fill a steam generator.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out which water to use and how to empty it and clean its anti-scale system.
These brands offer different types of appliance. Compare the features of the model you’re considering rather than drawing conclusions about an entire range.
Some Calor steam generators feature among the models assessed by UFC-Que Choisir.
Braun’s CareStyle steam generator range includes different tank and maintenance set-ups, depending on the model.
Philips offers irons, steam generators and garment steamers, as well as a support section with maintenance advice.
SteamOne offers handheld and vertical garment steamers.
This handheld garment steamer is suited to touch-ups on hanging garments. If you also iron a full load of laundry, choose your main ironing appliance based on how long you need to use it for and the finish you want.
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A handheld garment steamer to consider for touch-ups on hanging garments. If you plan to use it on several items in a row, check how long it can run between refills. For pressing in creases, you’ll need an iron or steam generator.
Not if you need to press in creases or achieve a traditional finish. UFC-Que Choisir describes garment steamers as best suited to occasional touch-ups and fabrics that are easy to steam. Choose an iron or steam generator for tasks that need a finish made by pressing the fabric.
Start with the care labels on your clothes, then check the settings and instructions for the model you’re considering. For garments where the finish matters, compare iron or steam generator test results for the fabrics in question. According to UFC-Que Choisir, garment steamers are best suited to fabrics that are easy to steam.
Follow your model’s instructions for filling and descaling. UFC-Que Choisir says that most steam generators are designed for tap water, but advises against using hot water or reclaimed water.