For long ironing sessions with several hard-to-press shirts, a steam generator is worth considering. If you only iron a few items at a time and space is limited, a steam iron is easier to store. According to UFC-Que Choisir, however, a good iron is not always noticeably slower on easy-care fabrics. A garment steamer is mainly useful for quick touch-ups on hanging clothes; it won’t give you the same finish as an iron on a thick shirt.
You regularly iron a pile of shirts and everyday laundry, sometimes made from thick cotton or linen. A separate base may suit you if you have room for it by the ironing board and in your storage space. UFC-Que Choisir mainly recommends steam generators for large loads of laundry.
You get the appliance out for a few shirts and want to put it away without having to store a separate base. The weight of the iron when filled and how quickly it’s ready to use matter just as much as its steam features.
You want to freshen up a hanging garment or delicate fabric before wearing it. A garment steamer can handle this occasional task, but Philips distinguishes this use from fully ironing a thick shirt.
Worth considering if: you iron lots of shirts in one go, especially fabrics that are hard to press.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space to set up and store the base. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the benefits are less clear for a short session or easy-care fabric.
Worth considering if: you iron a few items at a time and would rather not get out a separate base.
Bear in mind: you’ll hold the water tank as you iron, and may need to refill it during a long session.
Worth considering if: you mainly want to steam lightly creased clothes while they’re hanging.
Bear in mind: for shirt collars, cuffs and crisp creases in thick fabric, keep an appliance with a soleplate.
Once you’ve chosen the type of appliance, check the model’s instructions against your electrical setup and the maintenance you’re prepared to carry out.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Long sessions and stubborn creases | Compare how each model is filled and look for test results on the fabrics you iron, where available. A quoted steam output alone doesn’t prove that you’ll save time. | When thick shirts pile up, I want to get through them without stopping often; around 50% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Storage and short sessions | Measure the space on your ironing board and in your cupboard, then check the dimensions of the complete appliance and how long it takes to heat up. | When I have two shirts to iron, I’d rather have an appliance that’s easy to get out and put away; this would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Vertical touch-ups | Check that vertical steaming is permitted and that the appliance is suitable for your fabrics. For a crisp finish, you’ll need an appliance with a soleplate. | If my clothes are only slightly creased before I head out, I want to freshen them up on a hanger; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this use. |
The base takes up space on your ironing board and in your cupboard. Les Numériques describes steam generators as bulky appliances. If yours is a nuisance to get out, you may find it less useful day to day.
Measure your available space before buying, and compare the dimensions and weight of the complete appliance, as well as its locking mechanism for transport.
A quick steam on a hanger won’t necessarily create a crisp crease or give the same results on thick cotton or linen. Philips distinguishes garment steamers from irons.
If your shirts need a structured finish, keep an iron or steam generator for a full ironing session.
A garment steamer can therefore complement an appliance with a soleplate rather than replace it.
The process depends on the model. Philips notes, for example, that some steam generators must cool down before you descale them; hard water can also increase limescale build-up.
Read the instructions for the exact model and make sure you can follow its cooling and maintenance procedures safely.
RappelConso has issued a targeted recall in France of certain Philips PerfectCare steam generators made in 2024. It affects specific models and serial numbers due to a burn risk.
Check the model and serial number against the RappelConso notice before buying or using the appliance. If it matches an affected unit, don’t use it and follow the official instructions.
The brand offers irons, PerfectCare steam generators and garment steamers for different needs.
The CareStyle range includes steam generators with different configurations.
The brand presents its Lift steam generators as suitable for both ironing and vertical steaming.
These models illustrate three different uses: steam generators for ironing several shirts in a row, steam irons for shorter sessions and garment steamers for vertical touch-ups. Choose the use that suits you first, then check the features and instructions for the model you have in mind.
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Worth considering if you iron several shirts in a row and would prefer a steam generator to an iron on its own. Before deciding, check how the IS7262GY is filled, how much space it takes up and its maintenance procedure.
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The 2 L tank is worth considering for sessions involving several garments, but you’ll still need to check how much room the base takes up. The model is listed at 2400 W. Check its actual dimensions and the electrical information in the instructions before buying.
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This steam iron is worth considering if you only iron a few shirts at a time and don’t want a separate base. For longer sessions, check the tank capacity and the weight of the iron when filled. Also check the model’s electrical information.
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This upright garment steamer is worth considering for freshening up several hanging clothes, not for creating crisp creases in thick shirts. Its listing states 2300 W and 50 g/min; check the storage dimensions and maintenance procedure for this model.
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This handheld model is designed for touch-ups on hanging clothes rather than fully ironing a pile of shirts. Its listing states 2000 W and 30 g/min. With a 400 ml tank, consider whether the run time suits you and check the model’s maintenance instructions.
No, especially if you only iron a few shirts per session. UFC-Que Choisir associates steam generators with large loads of laundry, but notes that they don’t always offer a clear advantage over a good iron on easy-care fabrics. You should also consider how much space you have.
On models designed for this, you can refill the tank during a long session without waiting for the boiler to cool down. If you only iron a few items, compare the size and start-up time first. Check the instructions to see how refilling works on the model you’ve chosen.
Yes, because the process depends on the model, and cooling precautions can vary. For some of its steam generators, Philips recommends descaling every one to two months. Always follow the instructions for the appliance you choose.
Not if you want the same finish as an iron. Philips presents a garment steamer as different from an iron, so it’s better suited to touch-ups on a hanger. Use an appliance with a soleplate for crisp creases or difficult fabrics.
Check its model and serial number before using it. RappelConso has issued a recall in France covering certain PerfectCare models made in 2024, including PSG8040/60, PSG8050/30, PSG8130/80, PSG8140/80, PSG8160/30, PSG9030/20 and several GC96xx models with serial numbers 2421, 2422 or 2423. If the appliance matches the recall notice, don’t use it and follow the official instructions.