Households with large loads
You iron for long stretches and want to avoid stopping to add water.
Who is this choice for ?
Households with demanding fabrics
You regularly iron linen, thick cotton or other difficult fabrics, and prioritise the results.
Households mindful of space and time
You iron regularly, but setting up and putting away the appliance, as well as its cost, may make a steam generator less appealing for your household.
What to compare
For a household in France that regularly irons large loads, the choice mainly comes down to uninterrupted ironing, results on different fabrics, available space and maintenance.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who is most concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Uninterrupted longer sessions | Check whether the model allows continuous refilling, and look at the tank capacity and how easy it is to access. | I want to iron a large load without stopping to refill, even if the base takes up more space. This is a priority for around 31 % of consumers who iron large loads. |
| Results on difficult fabrics | Compare how well it smooths linen and thick cotton, and distinguish between continuous steam and a temporary steam boost. UFC-Que Choisir points out that figures given by different manufacturers aren’t always comparable. | When I iron linen or thick cotton, I judge the results on those fabrics first, rather than focusing on a steam figure. Around 31 % of consumers in this situation prioritise these results. |
| Setting up and storage | Compare the model’s heat-up time and dimensions, and the weight you’ll need to move, with the space available on your ironing board and in your cupboard. | If I have to get the appliance out and put it away after every session, I prioritise a simple, compact set-up. This is a priority for around 19 % of consumers in this situation. |
| Cost and maintenance | Compare the model with the iron you’d actually use, and check the descaling instructions for the exact model number. | I want to keep costs under control and be able to follow the maintenance instructions for my appliance. Around 19 % of consumers in this situation prioritise cost and maintenance. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing “unlimited use” with never needing to refill
The term means you can top up the water during a session, not that the appliance has an endless supply. In its 2016 article, the National Consumer Institute distinguishes continuous-refill models from pressurised boilers that need to be left to cool before refilling once the water has run out.
For the model you’re considering, check the continuous-refill feature, tank capacity and access to the tank separately in the instructions.
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Choosing based on a pressure or steam-boost figure alone
A figure quoted by the manufacturer isn’t enough on its own to predict how well the appliance will handle your linen or thick cotton. UFC-Que Choisir says a steam generator doesn’t always have a clear advantage over a good iron, and that quoted figures aren’t necessarily comparable.
Look for results on the fabrics you care about, and distinguish the continuous steam output from a temporary steam boost.
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Underestimating set-up and storage
Heat-up times vary between models, and a steam generator’s base needs space both when you’re using it and when you’re storing it. Les Numériques includes heat-up time and ease of use among the factors in its steam generator reviews.
Measure your available space and compare the dimensions, weight and heat-up time of the model you’re considering before ruling out a steam iron.
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Using the same descaling method for every steam generator
Instructions vary between product ranges. For the 7000 Series, Philips Support says to unplug the appliance and let it cool for two hours before descaling.
Check the instructions for your exact model and follow its safety guidance before carrying out any maintenance.
The time needed for maintenance depends on the anti-scale system and the procedure for the particular model.
Brands to consider when comparing steam generators and steam irons
Astoria
Astoria’s product information features both steam generators with limited run times and continuous-refill models. Compare the two types according to how long you iron for.
- Astoria lists different heat-up times and features for the appliances in its range.
- Before buying, check the full model number, how refilling works and the instructions for the appliance you’ve chosen.
Philips
The PerfectCare 7000 Series PSG7030/20 is an example of a steam generator with a removable tank; the Azur 8000 Series also includes steam irons.
- Philips lists a removable 1.8 l tank for the PSG7030/20.
- Philips publishes maintenance instructions specific to each series. The results claimed by the brand alone don’t guarantee better results on your fabrics.
Braun
The CareStyle 3 IS3257BK is an example of a steam generator worth considering if manoeuvrability and storage matter to you.
- Braun lists a continuous steam output of 130 g/min and a steam boost of 500 g/min for this model.
- The comparison with Braun irons comes from the brand’s own internal test. It doesn’t demonstrate superiority over other steam generators or guarantee results on your laundry.
Polti
The Vaporella XT120C is an example of a boiler steam generator with continuous refill, worth considering for longer sessions.
- Polti lists a removable 1.5 l tank and continuous refill for this model.
- The efficiency claims come from the manufacturer. Check the appliance’s size and maintenance procedure against your needs.
Related Joybuy products
This selection includes steam generators and standard steam irons, so you can compare refill requirements and formats for regular ironing sessions.
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Philips PerfectCare Compact GC6842/30, 1.3 l
Worth comparing for regular ironing sessions if you’re considering a steam generator rather than a steam iron.
The product name lists a 1.3 l tank.
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Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2 l, white and blue
Worth comparing with a steam iron if you regularly iron large loads and are considering a steam generator.
The product name lists a 2 l tank and a power rating of 2,400 W.
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Philips PerfectCare 6000 Series PSG6022/20
Worth considering if you’re comparing a steam generator with an iron for regular ironing sessions.
The product name identifies it as a PerfectCare 6000 Series steam generator.
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2,600 W steam iron with ceramic soleplate
Worth comparing with a steam generator if you want to see whether a traditional iron is right for your ironing sessions.
The product name lists a ceramic soleplate, a steam output of 70 g/min, a steam boost of 120 g and a 300 ml tank. Keep this capacity in mind for longer sessions.
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2,400 W steam iron with non-stick soleplate
Worth comparing with a steam generator if you prefer the format of a traditional steam iron.
The product name lists a power rating of 2,400 W and a non-stick soleplate. The stated 350 ml tank capacity is worth bearing in mind for longer sessions.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare the time saved with my iron ?
Consider taking the appliance out and setting it up, how long it takes to heat up, how it handles the fabrics you usually iron, how often you need to refill it and how easy it is to put away. UFC-Que Choisir says a steam generator doesn’t always have a clear advantage over a good iron, while noting that it can be useful for difficult fabrics. Any time saved therefore depends on your laundry and the model.
Can you refill a steam generator while it’s running ?
It depends on the design. In its 2016 article, the National Consumer Institute distinguishes pressurised boilers, which need to cool before they can be refilled once the water has run out, from continuous-refill models, which can be topped up during a session. Follow the instructions for your model.
What limescale maintenance should I expect ?
The procedure depends on the model and series. For the relevant Philips 7000 Series models, Philips Support says to unplug the steam generator and let it cool for two hours before descaling. Check your appliance’s instructions for the guidance that applies to your model.