If you regularly iron a large amount of laundry and have room for the base, a steam generator is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for this kind of use, while noting that it takes up more space than an iron. For longer sessions, choosing a model that can be topped up while in use means you won’t have to wait for the tank to cool, as you would with some pressurised models. If ease of use and storage matter most, a steam iron is still a sensible option.
How long you iron for and how much space you have are better guides to choosing than any single steam figure.
If you work through clothes, bedding or thicker fabrics, consider a steam generator, which UFC-Que Choisir considers suitable for ironing large quantities. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need space for the base, both during use and for storage.
For a long ironing session, look for steam generators whose instructions explicitly allow you to add water while the appliance is in use. Electroguide distinguishes this type from pressurised tanks that must be switched off before refilling.
If you’d struggle to find somewhere to set down or store a separate base, start by comparing traditional steam irons. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how easy they are to use, but make sure the iron you choose suits the length of your ironing sessions.
Worth considering: if you have a lot of ironing to do but can stop to refill the water tank.
What to bear in mind: with this type of pressurised tank, you have to stop and wait for it to cool before refilling, according to Electroguide.
Worth considering: if your sessions are long and you want to add water without waiting for the tank to cool.
What to bear in mind: you’ll still need to check the tank capacity, maintenance requirements and how much space the base needs.
Worth considering: if you want an appliance that’s easy to use and store, even if you iron regularly.
What to bear in mind: for a very large load, compare how often you’ll need to refill and how comfortable each appliance is to use.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Uninterrupted use | Check whether the instructions allow you to refill the appliance while it’s in use. With a pressurised tank that has limited run time, allow for the shutdown and cooling period specified by Electroguide. | I’d rather finish a large load without having to stop to refill. |
| Tank and steam | Compare the stated capacity, how easy the tank is to fill and the steam specifications for each model. A high steam output alone doesn’t tell you how easy an appliance is to use. | My sessions are long and include fabrics with stubborn creases; I also want to know when and how to top up the water. |
| Maintenance | Check the descaling instructions for the exact model. Look for a reusable collector or replaceable cartridges; maintenance procedures vary between models. | I iron often and want to know what maintenance is involved and which consumables I’ll need. |
| Space and handling | Check the dimensions of the complete appliance, where it will sit, its weight and how the iron is stored on its base. | The base needs to fit where I iron and be easy to put away after each session. |
These figures alone aren’t enough to judge how easy an appliance is to handle, maintain or use for longer sessions. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses these factors in its steam generator tests.
As well as the steam specifications, compare how to refill and descale the model you’re considering, how much room it needs and how easy it is to move.
If the tank has to cool before you can refill it, a large load of laundry could take longer than expected, as Electroguide explains for this type of tank.
If uninterrupted ironing matters to you, check the instructions to make sure the model can be refilled while in use, and follow the stated method.
Anti-scale systems don’t all work in the same way. For example, UFC-Que Choisir notes that one tested model has cartridges that need replacing regularly.
Read the instructions for the exact model and check whether it uses cartridges or a reusable system.
A steam generator has a base separate from the iron. It can be awkward to store if the space you have is narrow or needs to be cleared after each session.
Measure the space available, then compare it with the dimensions of the complete appliance and how it needs to be stored.
These brand examples can help you identify features to check on each model; they aren’t a ranking.
Several Calor steam generators feature in UFC-Que Choisir’s comparison. A range appearing in the comparison doesn’t indicate how a particular model performs.
The PerfectCare range includes anti-scale systems and tank configurations that vary by model.
Tank and maintenance features vary between models in the CareStyle range.
These steam generators and stations are suited to the needs of households that regularly iron large loads. To compare them, check whether they can be refilled while in use, their maintenance requirements and the space each model needs.
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Worth considering for regular ironing if a steam generator with a 1,3 L tank suits your needs. If you want to avoid breaks, check the instructions to see whether you can refill it while in use. Also check the dimensions of the complete appliance and the descaling procedure for the GC6842/30.
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Worth comparing for longer ironing sessions. Before choosing it for uninterrupted ironing, check the PSG6022/20 instructions to see whether the tank can be refilled while the appliance is in use. Also check its dimensions and descaling method.
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Its stated 2 L tank capacity is worth considering for a large load, but that alone doesn’t determine how long you can iron for. Check the IS3157BL instructions for refilling options and descaling, then make sure you have room for the station.
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This steam station with an iron is worth comparing with other steam generators for regular ironing; its stated 8 bar pressure alone doesn’t tell you how comfortable it is to use. Check the V7 instructions for refilling during a session and descaling, as well as the space needed for storage.
UFC-Que Choisir considers steam generators suitable for ironing large quantities, but doesn’t set a universal threshold for the number of garments or hours. Think about how often and how long you iron, then check that you have enough room to set down and store the base.
Yes, with a steam generator designed to be refilled while in use, but not all tanks allow this. Electroguide says that a pressurised tank with limited run time must be switched off and allowed to cool before refilling. Check the instructions for the exact model to confirm how to do it.
Yes. Follow the maintenance instructions for the specific model. Philips Assistance France advises identifying the model before following its descaling instructions. An integrated system doesn’t mean that every steam generator is maintained in the same way.
Before choosing, check whether the model uses replaceable cartridges or a reusable descaling system, then read the instructions. UFC-Que Choisir mentions regular cartridge replacement for one tested model, but this may not apply to other steam generators.