Households with large loads to iron
If you often have long ironing sessions, consider the steam generator’s running time and the weight of the iron in your hand. Que Choisir says a steam generator is suitable for ironing large quantities of laundry.
Which option is right for you?
The amount of laundry isn’t the only factor: the fabrics you iron, the space you have and how often you need to make quick touch-ups all affect your choice.
People who iron thick or heavily creased fabrics
For linen, thick cotton or hard-to-smooth blends, compare results on the fabrics you usually iron. The stated pressure or steam output alone doesn’t tell you how well a particular model will perform.
Households short on space or mostly making quick touch-ups
An iron means you don’t need to store a separate base. If you mainly work on clothes while they’re hanging, a garment steamer may suit your needs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for ironing a whole load flat.
Which features should you compare?
Start by considering how long your ironing sessions are and what you iron. Then check the specifications of the exact model rather than basing your choice on a single steam figure.
| Feature | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Results on different fabrics | Compare tests carried out on the same fabrics. Distinguish continuous steam output from a short burst of steam: neither figure on its own tells the whole story. | I often iron linen or thick cotton, so results on these fabrics matter more to me than a pressure figure in bars. |
| Running time | For a steam generator, check the tank capacity, how it can be refilled and whether you’ll need to take any breaks. According to Joybuy France, “unlimited” running time generally means you can top up the water while the appliance is in use. Check that this applies to the model you’re considering. | When I have a large load to get through, I want to know whether I can top up the water without a lengthy interruption. |
| Storage and set-up | Check the dimensions of the base and how much room you’ll need to set it up. Also compare the warm-up times for the specific models: Que Choisir points out that getting a steam generator ready differs from preparing an iron. | If I have limited storage space or only take the appliance out for a few items, its size and how long it takes to heat up become important factors. |
| Maintenance | Check the instruction manual to find out what you need to do to prevent limescale build-up and how often. Que Choisir treats limescale build-up as a major cause of breakdowns in its steam generator testing protocol. | I want to be able to carry out the recommended maintenance without assuming that an anti-scale feature means I can ignore the instructions. |
| Quick touch-ups or ironing flat | Work out whether you mainly iron on a board or steam clothes while they’re hanging. For a handheld garment steamer, check its running time; Rowenta states that some appliances in its range can run for up to 10 minutes. | For the occasional touch-up on a hanger, I could consider a garment steamer. For a whole load to be ironed flat, I’d compare a steam generator with an iron instead. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the stated pressure or steam output
These specifications alone don’t tell you how well the appliance will smooth your fabrics. Que Choisir assesses steam output, results on several fabrics and limescale build-up separately.
Compare test results based on the same criteria, then check the specifications for the exact model you’re considering.
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Buying a steam generator for occasional touch-ups when space is limited
The base takes up space, and set-up time may influence your decision if you rarely have long ironing sessions.
Measure the space you have for storage and use. If you mainly iron small amounts, compare an iron or, for clothes on hangers, a garment steamer.
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Assuming an anti-scale system means no maintenance is needed
Limescale still needs attention: Que Choisir includes it in its endurance tests for steam generators.
Before buying, check the maintenance steps recommended for the model and whether you’ll need any accessories or consumables.
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Planning to iron a whole load with a handheld garment steamer
Consider how it works on clothes while they’re hanging and how long it runs in relation to the amount of laundry you have. Rowenta states that some models in its range offer up to 10 minutes of running time.
For touch-ups on a hanger, consider a garment steamer. For long sessions ironing clothes flat, compare a steam generator with an iron, taking your fabrics and available space into account.
Brands worth knowing
These examples of product ranges show some features you can compare. They don’t indicate how well every model performs or whether it’s included in the Joybuy selection below.
Calor
The brand offers steam generators and vertical garment steamers, among other products. These are two different formats to consider depending on whether you iron flat or steam clothes on hangers.
- Calor states that the Pro Style Care IT8470C0 vertical garment steamer has a 1,3 L tank.
- This capacity doesn’t mean it will give the same results as a steam generator when ironing a load of laundry flat.
Braun
The CareStyle range lets you compare a steam generator’s capacity, design and maintenance requirements, but make sure to check the specific model you’re considering.
- Braun Household France states that the CareStyle 3 IS3257BK has a continuous steam output of 130 g/min.
- Braun’s AutoClean system is featured on the CareStyle 9 range; it isn’t a feature of every Braun steam generator.
Philips
Some Philips steam generators combine a removable tank with a descaling reminder system. Check whether these features are available on the model you’re considering.
- Philips France states that the PerfectCare Elite Plus GC9690/86R1 has a removable 1,8 L tank and OptimalTEMP technology.
- These stated specifications don’t replace ironing performance and endurance tests for this specific model.
Rowenta
Its handheld garment steamers are worth considering if you mainly need to steam clothes on hangers or make quick touch-ups.
- Rowenta France states that some appliances in its range heat up in 25 seconds and can run for up to 10 minutes.
- Check the running time of the specific model before planning a long steaming session.
Steam generators and ironing appliances on Joybuy
These options are designed for ironing clothes flat. For longer sessions, check that the tank, refill method and maintenance suit your routine. This selection doesn’t include garment steamers.
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Philips PSG6022/20 PerfectCare 6000 Series
If you’re considering this steam generator for longer sessions, check whether you can refill the tank while it’s in use. Also check the warm-up time and care instructions before making your choice.
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Philips GC6842/30 PerfectCare Compact, 1,3 L
The 1,3 L tank stated in the model name is a useful starting point when considering longer sessions, but it doesn’t guarantee a particular running time. Check whether you can top up the water while ironing and make sure you have enough room for the base.
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Hkoenig V7, stated 8 bars
The product name lists a pressure of 8 bars, but this doesn’t predict how well it will work on your fabrics. For a large load, check the appliance’s design, refill method, warm-up time and maintenance requirements.
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Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 L, white/blue
The 2 L tank stated for this model is worth considering for longer sessions, but it doesn’t tell you how long the appliance will actually run. Check whether you can refill it while it’s in use, how long it takes to heat up, what maintenance it needs and how much room you’ll need to store the base.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam generator always much quicker than an iron?
No. While it can be a good option for large amounts of laundry, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll save time with every model. Que Choisir recommends considering how well it smooths fabrics. Compare warm-up times and results on the fabrics you iron before replacing your iron.
How can I avoid a long pause to refill a steam generator?
If you want to top up the water while ironing, consider a steam generator with unlimited running time, then check the instruction manual to confirm that you can do this with the model you’re considering. A steam generator with limited running time may also suit you if the breaks are manageable for the amount of laundry you need to iron.
Can a garment steamer replace an iron or steam generator for a whole load of laundry?
Not necessarily. It’s mainly designed for steaming clothes on hangers and making quick touch-ups. If you have a large load to iron flat, compare the results you expect, running time and how often you’ll need to refill it before replacing your usual appliance.
Does an anti-scale feature mean I don’t need to maintain the appliance?
No. Follow the steps and schedule in the instruction manual for your model. Que Choisir takes limescale build-up into account in its endurance tests for steam generators, so an anti-scale feature shouldn’t be taken to mean that no maintenance is needed.