Households with large piles of laundry
You regularly iron several clothes or sheets in one session and want to minimise interruptions. UFC-Que Choisir says a steam generator is well suited to ironing large quantities of laundry.
Who is this choice for?
People who iron difficult fabrics
Linen, thick cotton or certain blended fabrics often feature in your laundry pile. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the benefits of a steam generator for smoothing these fabrics, although results will vary by model.
Households short on space
You’ll need space for the base while ironing, then somewhere to store it with the iron and cords. If that’s a concern, check how much room you have before ruling out the compactness of a standard iron.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
For regular sessions involving lots of laundry or difficult fabrics, start with the need that matters most to you. A steam generator with limited running time requires you to pause before refilling its pressurised tank; a model that can be refilled while in use suits a different ironing routine. A standard iron has the practical advantage of not needing a separate base, while a garment steamer can be useful for quick touch-ups but won’t replace ironing large piles of laundry.
| Criterion | What to check | Which shoppers is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Finishing difficult fabrics | Compare the continuous steam output and test results for the specific model on the fabrics you need to iron. Don’t rely on the advertised pressure alone. | If linen or thick cotton often features in my laundry pile, I want to know whether the appliance makes it easier to smooth out stubborn creases; around 36% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Keeping your ironing session going | Check whether the tank can be refilled while the appliance is in use and how long it takes to heat up. | When I have lots of items to iron in one go, breaks to refill or restart the appliance are frustrating; this is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and handling | Measure how much room the base needs next to the ironing board and in storage; check how the iron locks into place. | I have to move the appliance after every session and store it in a small space; for around 21% of consumers, ease of handling and storage comes first. |
| Maintenance | Check the instructions for guidance on water and how to maintain the limescale prevention system. | If I iron often, I want to be able to carry out the recommended maintenance without being unsure what to do; around 14% of consumers make this their main criterion. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the advertised bar rating
A burst of steam alone won’t tell you how an appliance performs over a long ironing session. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing also looks at the use, maintenance and durability of the steam generators it tests.
Compare continuous steam output, running time and ease of refilling, as well as test results for the exact model, if available.
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Forgetting how much space the base needs
A steam generator takes up more room than a standard iron: its base needs to sit securely while you’re using it, and you’ll need somewhere to store it afterwards.
Measure both spaces and check how the iron locks into place and how the cords can be stored, especially if you move the appliance often.
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Assuming limescale maintenance will be straightforward
The process varies by model. Reviews posted on Darty for some Calor steam generators mention that access to the system and the clarity of the instructions can affect day-to-day use; these comments don’t apply to every model.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering to find out what maintenance is required and what guidance it gives on water.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your statutory rights
Any commercial guarantee offered does not replace the statutory guarantee of conformity that applies in France to relevant purchases from a professional seller, as the French Ministry of the Economy points out.
Check the terms of any commercial guarantee separately, and keep your proof of purchase and the product description.
Steam generator brands to consider
Calor
The Express and Pro Express ranges include several models worth comparing for regular ironing.
- Reviews posted on Darty for the SV8022C0 mention its manoeuvrability and how quickly it heats up.
- These comments relate to specific models, so check the tank, limescale prevention system and storage requirements for the model you’re interested in.
Philips
The PerfectCare range is designed in part for people who switch between different fabrics in the same laundry pile.
- Philips highlights OptimalTEMP and motion-sensing steam on the PerfectCare Elite Plus GC9682/80.
- Features advertised for this model don’t tell you how quickly another PerfectCare model irons or how well it smooths fabrics.
Braun
The CareStyle range includes steam generators with settings and handling features worth considering for longer sessions.
- Braun highlights an open handle on the CareStyle 7 Pro and 9, as well as an AutoClean system on the CareStyle 9.
- Check the features of the model you’re considering rather than assuming that functions found on one model are available across the whole range.
Laurastar
The Lift range may appeal to households that also want to use their steam generator vertically around the home.
- Laurastar describes its Lift models as having a removable tank and being suitable for both horizontal and vertical use.
- For large piles of laundry, consider the space needed and the ergonomics of your chosen model before prioritising its vertical steaming function.
Steam generators available on Joybuy
These steam generators are options to consider if you regularly iron several items in one session. To compare them, check the features that matter to your household for each model, particularly whether you can refill the tank while it’s in use, how long it takes to heat up and how much space it needs.
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Philips PSG6022/20 PerfectCare 6000 Series steam generator
Worth considering if you regularly iron a pile of laundry containing different fabrics and want to compare the settings available on this model.
If you often iron for long stretches, check whether you can refill the tank while it’s in use and how long it takes to heat up before making your decision.
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Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7262GY grey steam generator
Worth considering if you iron several clothes in a row and want to explore the available settings for different fabrics.
Before choosing it for a long session, check that you can refill it while it’s in use. If you need to move the steam generator, also check the iron’s weight and how much storage space it needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam generator better than an iron for linen and thick cotton?
A steam generator is worth considering if you often iron these fabrics: UFC-Que Choisir highlights its benefits for linen, thick cotton and some blended fabrics. That doesn’t guarantee that a particular steam generator will deliver better results than a particular iron; compare test results for the models you’re interested in.
Can you use tap water in a steam generator?
Often, yes, according to UFC-Que Choisir, but follow the instructions for your model. They’ll explain which water to use and, where applicable, how to care for the cartridge or carry out limescale maintenance.
Can you add water without stopping your ironing?
Yes, if your steam generator is designed to be refilled while in use, but not if it has a pressurised tank with limited running time. In that case, you’ll need to stop ironing and let the tank cool before opening it. Check how the model you’ve chosen works.
What should you do if a steam generator bought in France is faulty or doesn’t match its description?
For a purchase from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to eligible goods, whether they’re new, second-hand or refurbished, as the French Ministry of the Economy points out. Keep your proof of purchase and the product description, then contact the seller to explain the fault or discrepancy.