For ironing large amounts of laundry in one go, a steam generator is a suitable option, according to Que Choisir, although it takes up more space than a standard steam iron. If you iron for long stretches without a break, check how the specific model is filled. If storage and manoeuvrability matter more, compare its dimensions and the weight of the iron before replacing your current appliance.
The amount of laundry matters, but the space you have and the way you iron can also influence whether you choose a steam generator or a standard steam iron.
If you iron a large pile of laundry in one session, a steam generator is worth considering: Que Choisir describes it as suitable for ironing large amounts. However, make sure you have room for its base near your ironing board and in your storage space.
For jeans or stubborn creases, compare the continuous steam output, steam boost and how comfortable the iron is to handle. The stated pressure alone is not enough to predict how it will perform on your fabrics.
Before replacing a compact iron, measure the space for the base and check how easy it is to access the water tank. Descaling instructions vary by model: Philips Support recommends identifying your model first so you can follow the right method.
Start with the length of your ironing sessions, then compare filling, size and maintenance with the way you actually use your appliance.
Worth considering: if you regularly iron a large amount of laundry, a use for which Que Choisir considers it suitable.
Bear in mind: its separate base takes up more space than a standard iron, and you’ll need to check the filling method and maintenance requirements for the specific model.
Keep your current one: if your piles of laundry are manageable or a single-unit appliance is easier for you to get out and put away.
Consider: for long sessions or thicker fabrics, compare how comfortable it is to use with a steam generator rather than assuming you need to replace it.
| Criteria | What to check | How I use it |
|---|---|---|
| Steam and fabrics | Compare the continuous steam output and steam boost for the exact model. Don’t assume you can predict how it will tackle creases from a single pressure rating in bar. | I often iron a large pile of laundry, sometimes including jeans or thicker fabrics. |
| Run time and start-up | Check the tank capacity, heat-up time and whether you can add water during a session. “Removable tank” alone doesn’t tell you whether you can refill it while the appliance is in use. | I want to know whether I can finish a long session without waiting, or whether quick start-up matters more for my shorter sessions. |
| Handling and storage | Check the weight of the iron on its own, then the base dimensions and the space needed for the cord and hose. If you move the appliance, check its locking system too. | The iron needs to feel easy to handle, and the whole appliance needs to fit where I store it. |
| Water and descaling | Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out what type of water to use and how to descale it. Philips Support notes that the process varies by model. | I’d rather know what maintenance involves before making a steam generator part of my regular ironing routine. |
These figures don’t tell you how easy the iron is to handle, how long it takes to heat up or what maintenance it needs. Que Choisir’s testing protocol looks at factors such as ease of use and durability, not just one specification.
Compare models using the same criteria: continuous steam output, tank, iron weight, dimensions and descaling method.
The separate base can make your appliance harder to set up and store, even if the iron itself seems easy to handle.
Measure the space available near your ironing board and where you plan to store it, then compare these measurements with the dimensions of the model you’re considering.
Instructions vary between steam generators. Philips Support gives different descaling instructions for different models and, for its appliances, advises against using scented water, vinegar and other chemical agents.
Identify the exact model and follow its instructions for the water to use and approved maintenance steps.
In France, an optional commercial guarantee does not replace the statutory guarantee of conformity that applies, subject to its conditions, to purchases from a professional seller.
Keep your proof of purchase and the appliance’s model number. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity for a new product can be claimed from the seller for two years from the date it is delivered.
These ranges offer useful points of comparison, but you should check the specifications and maintenance instructions for each model individually.
Que Choisir includes several Calor Express and Pro Express steam generators among the models in its comparison.
The range includes the PerfectCare Series 7000 PSG7200/20, for which Philips publishes steam and tank specifications.
The CareStyle 3 range includes steam generators which, depending on the model, have a removable tank and Braun’s Easy CalcClean system.
These three steam generators are worth considering if you iron large piles of laundry. Compare their exact model numbers, filling methods and dimensions before choosing. This selection doesn’t include standard steam irons.
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A steam generator to consider for ironing several loads in one go. If you alternate between large piles of laundry and shorter sessions, check the filling method, heat-up time and maintenance instructions for the PSG6022/20.
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The product title for this model lists 2400 W and a 2 L tank. To assess how well it suits longer sessions, check whether you can refill the tank while it’s in use. Also measure the base and check the weight of the iron on its own. Don’t confuse the IS3157BL with the IS3257BK.
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This steam generator is listed with a pressure of 8 bar, but that figure alone isn’t enough to tell you how it will perform on a large pile of laundry. Check how long you can iron per tank, how it’s filled, its dimensions and the V7’s descaling instructions.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir describes steam generators as suitable for ironing large amounts of laundry, while noting that they take up more space than standard irons. If space is limited or you rarely iron large piles, weigh these drawbacks against how you use your iron before replacing it.
This term refers to being able to continue ironing by adding water, depending on how the model works. Darty uses it for the Braun IS3257BK; don’t assume it applies to another CareStyle 3 or to every appliance with a removable tank. Check the instructions to find out when and how to refill it.
Check the width, height and depth of the model you’re considering, then measure the space near your ironing board and where you plan to store it, including room for the cord and hose. As an example for this model only, Darty lists dimensions of 36.2 × 18.4 × 27.8 cm for the Braun IS3257BK.
Follow the instructions for your specific model rather than using a method that assumes all steam generators are the same. For its appliances, Philips recommends using distilled or demineralised water, or a 50% mix with tap water in hard-water areas. Philips Support notes that the descaling process varies by model.
For a new product bought from a professional seller in France, you can make a claim against the seller under the statutory guarantee of conformity, subject to the conditions set out by law. The French Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF state that the claim period is two years from the date the product is delivered. This statutory guarantee is separate from any optional commercial guarantee.