Households with large piles of laundry
You regularly iron lots of clothes, sheets or shirts in one session. A steam generator is worth comparing with your iron, provided its filling and storage arrangements suit your routine.
Who is this choice for?
People who iron challenging fabrics
Linen, heavyweight cotton or certain mixed fabrics often end up in your laundry pile. Compare how well the appliance removes creases from these materials instead of relying solely on the advertised steam figures.
Households with limited space
You want to tackle a lot of laundry, but also need an appliance that’s easy to take out, move and put away. The base’s dimensions, the appliance’s total weight and its heat-up time could all tip the decision towards an iron or a steam generator that suits your space.
What should you prioritise?
To choose between an iron and a steam generator, start with the laundry you iron most often. Then consider whether the interruptions and storage space required by the appliance are manageable in your home.
Steam generator that can be refilled during use
Consider this: for long, frequent sessions, if the model you choose can actually be refilled while in use.
Bear in mind: the base takes up space, even if being able to refill it means fewer interruptions.
Steam generator that needs to be switched off before refilling
Consider this: if its water capacity suits the usual length of your ironing sessions.
Bear in mind: you may need to refill it or wait during a very large ironing session. Follow the procedure specified for your model.
Standard steam iron
Consider this: if big ironing sessions are occasional and you want an appliance that’s easy to take out and put away.
Bear in mind: holding the iron and stopping to refill it may become more of a drawback during a long session.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Crease removal across a large pile | Look for tests on the fabrics you iron and check the tank’s capacity and how it can be refilled. | If linen, heavyweight cotton or a large pile of laundry needs too many passes, I mainly want to keep up a good ironing pace. Around 42% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Storage space and getting started | Measure your storage space and check the model’s full dimensions, carrying weight and heat-up time. | When space is limited, I want to be able to take the appliance out and put it away without it becoming a chore. This would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and lifespan | Read the descaling instructions for the model and find out about spare parts and after-sales service. | For frequent sessions, I want maintenance I can keep up with, and a solution if a part needs replacing. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Choosing based only on pressure or steam boost
According to UFC-Que Choisir, manufacturers’ advertised steam figures are not always comparable across brands. A high figure alone therefore doesn’t tell you how well the appliance will remove creases from your laundry.
As well as checking the advertised specifications, look at crease-removal tests across different fabrics and consider how easy the appliance is to handle.
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Forgetting how much space the base takes up
A steam generator has a separate tank and iron, but the complete unit takes up more room to set up and store than a standard iron. Heat-up times also vary between models.
Before choosing, compare the appliance’s full dimensions with your ironing board and cupboard, then check how it locks away and how long it takes to get started.
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Confusing an anti-scale system with no maintenance
UFC-Que Choisir looks at limescale build-up in its endurance tests of steam generators. Having a limescale collector doesn’t mean you can skip the care instructions for your appliance.
Check that the manual sets out maintenance steps you can follow, and find out whether the relevant parts are available.
Brands to know when comparing ranges
Calor
The Express and Pro Express ranges include several steam generators worth comparing for big ironing sessions.
- Calor lists a limescale collector for the Pro Express Vision GV9810C0.
- Check the specifications and maintenance requirements for the model you’re considering. Its advertised pressure alone doesn’t demonstrate how well it removes creases.
Braun
The CareStyle range includes steam generators to consider if size, handling and tank capacity are important to you.
- Braun describes the CareStyle 3 IS3257BK as a compact model.
- This description applies to the IS3257BK: compare the dimensions and weight of the model you intend to buy.
Philips
Depending on the model, some PerfectCare steam generators combine a removable tank with ironing that requires no manual temperature setting.
- Philips lists a removable 1,8 L tank and the ability to refill without switching the appliance off for the PerfectCare Elite GC9620/20R1.
- Don’t assume these features apply to other PerfectCare models, and follow the care labels on your fabrics.
Laurastar
Lift steam generators and systems with an active ironing board suit different ironing setups.
- Laurastar lists a removable tank and secure storage space on some Lift models.
- Check the exact setup, size and storage arrangements of the model you’re considering.
Steam generators available on Joybuy
These steam generator models give you options to consider for long ironing sessions. Choose between a steam generator and an iron based on your laundry, the space available and the conditions of use for each model.
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Philips PerfectCare Compact GC6842/30, 1,3 L
For long sessions, consider whether its 1,3 L tank suits how often you’re willing to refill it. The title and specifications list GC6842/30, while the product description’s introduction mentions GC6840/20. Confirm the model number before relying on the advertised specifications.
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Philips PSG6022/20 PerfectCare 6000 Series
If you’re considering this model for long sessions, compare its refilling requirements with the usual length of your ironing sessions. Also check its heat-up time and the care instructions for the PSG6022/20.
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Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 L, white and blue
For a large pile of laundry, consider whether the stated 2 L tank capacity suits your session. If you store the appliance in a small space, check its actual dimensions, heat-up time and the descaling instructions for the IS3157BL.
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H.Koenig V7, 8 bars
If you’re choosing this steam generator for longer sessions, don’t rely on the 8 bars in its name alone: look for crease-removal tests on fabrics like yours. Also check its dimensions, heat-up time and maintenance instructions.
Frequently asked questions
When should you choose a steam generator over an iron?
Consider a steam generator if you often iron large amounts of laundry or challenging fabrics such as linen and heavyweight cotton. For occasional sessions, an iron may be easier to take out and put away. Weigh up this trade-off against the space you have available.
Can pressure and steam boost figures help you compare two models?
No, these figures aren’t enough to compare how well each model removes creases. UFC-Que Choisir points out that manufacturers’ figures aren’t always based on comparable measurement methods, so it’s better to look at tests covering several types of fabric.
Does the CE marking guarantee that a steam generator irons better?
No. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that the CE marking isn’t a certification mark, so it can’t be used to compare the ironing performance of appliances. For this purpose, compare crease-removal results and practical conditions of use.
What should you do with your old iron or steam generator in France?
Take the electrical appliance to a suitable collection scheme rather than putting it in your ordinary household rubbish. When buying a new appliance, ask about having an old one of the same type taken away. Other take-back options depend, among other things, on the terms that apply at the collection point.