Households with lots of laundry to iron
If clothes, sheets and shirts regularly pile up, the number of interruptions and your comfort during a long session matter just as much as the result on each item.
Who is this choice right for?
People who iron difficult fabrics
A steam generator may be worth considering for linen or thick cotton that creases easily. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this benefit, but results are not guaranteed to be the same for every appliance or fabric.
Households short on space
If you need to take the appliance out and put it away after every session, the steam generator’s size could influence your decision. A conventional steam iron means you won’t need to store a separate base unit.
Which features should you compare?
Start with how long your ironing sessions usually last and which fabrics you need to iron. Then check what’s involved in setting up, filling, storing and maintaining the appliance.
| Feature | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Crease removal | Look for tests carried out on a range of fabrics, and check the testing method. The stated steam output alone won’t predict the results: UFC-Que Choisir assesses steam and crease removal separately. | I often iron linen or thick cotton, so results on these fabrics matter more to me than a single quoted steam-shot figure. |
| Run time | For a steam generator, check the tank capacity, how it is filled and whether you can top it up while the appliance is in use. A model with limited run time may mean you need to plan your breaks differently. | My sessions are long and I’d rather be able to add water without waiting for the appliance to cool down. I’ll check that this is possible on the exact model. |
| Getting started | Compare the stated heating time for each model, as well as the time needed to set up the ironing board and base unit. According to UFC-Que Choisir, start-up times vary from one steam generator to another. | If I only iron a few items at a time, how easy the appliance is to get out may matter more than the run time of a steam generator. |
| Storage | Measure the space you have available and check the appliance’s dimensions, how the iron locks onto its base, and where the cable or hose can be stored. | I need to move and put the appliance away after use, so the space a steam generator takes up may lead me to stick with a conventional iron. |
| Maintenance | Check the model’s descaling process, access to the limescale collector and whether it uses any cartridges. UFC-Que Choisir includes limescale build-up in its steam generator tests. | With hard water and frequent ironing sessions, I want a maintenance routine I can keep up with regularly. |
| Cordless iron | Check how often it needs recharging, how stable the base is and whether it locks in place. Don’t assume a cordless iron is suited to the same long sessions as a steam generator. | For short sessions, I might like having no cord to get in the way. For a large pile of laundry, I’ll check the recharging requirements first. |
Which pitfalls should you avoid?
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Choosing based on the steam figure alone
A stated steam output or steam-shot figure on its own doesn’t tell you how well the appliance will smooth out a creased garment. UFC-Que Choisir measures steam and assesses crease removal on different fabrics as two separate aspects.
To compare models, look for tests that specify the fabrics used and the testing method.
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Forgetting about heating time and the space it needs
A steam generator needs to be set up and stored with its base unit, and the time it takes to get ready varies by model. These steps matter particularly if you iron in short sessions.
Before buying, measure your space and check the dimensions, heating time and storage system of the model you’re considering.
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Overlooking the descaling system
Limescale build-up is one of the things covered in UFC-Que Choisir’s steam generator testing. Maintenance procedures vary between appliances.
Check the model’s instructions to find out what you need to do and which parts, if any, need replacing.
A system that uses cartridges means you’ll need to factor in replacements while you own the appliance.
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Assuming a cordless iron is the same as a steam generator for long sessions
A cordless iron needs to be returned to its base to recharge. How often and for how long you need to pause can affect how your ironing session goes.
Before choosing one for large piles of laundry, check the recharging requirements and how stable the base is on the model you’re considering.
Which brands should you consider?
Calor
Calor is among the steam generator brands tested by UFC-Que Choisir, including with the Express Vision SV8156C0.
- UFC-Que Choisir’s test of the older GV7480C0 model mentions a transport lock and a limescale collector.
- These features noted on the GV7480C0 may not be found on other Calor models, so check the specific model you’re interested in.
Braun
The CareStyle range includes steam generators worth considering if the size of the base unit and how the tank is filled are important to you.
- For the CareStyle 3 IS3257BK, Braun states a continuous steam output of 130 g/min and a steam-shot output of 500 g/min.
- These figures from Braun don’t establish how well the appliance removes creases or allow you to compare it directly with models tested using different methods.
Philips
The PerfectCare range includes steam generators whose tank and descaling process are worth checking for each specific model.
- Philips states that the PerfectCare 6000 PSG6026/20 has a removable 1,8 l tank and a Smart Calc Clean system that doesn’t use a cartridge.
- These features apply to the PSG6026/20. Don’t assume they’re found on another PerfectCare model without checking its exact model number.
Steam generators available on Joybuy
These three steam generators are options to consider if you’re looking for an appliance for long ironing sessions. To compare them, check how they can be refilled during use, their maintenance requirements and the crease-removal results for the specific model. This list does not compare conventional irons.
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Philips PerfectCare Compact GC6842/30, 1,3 l
This steam generator is worth considering if you’re looking for a 1,3 l tank for longer sessions. Before choosing a model based on its run time, check how you can refill it during use and look up the crease-removal results for the GC6842/30.
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Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6022/20
This steam generator is worth considering for substantial ironing sessions. To see whether it suits your routine, check the heating time, whether you can refill it during a session and the crease-removal results for the PSG6022/20. Features of other PerfectCare models won’t necessarily apply.
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Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 l
The stated 2 l tank capacity may appeal to households with lots of laundry to iron, but it doesn’t tell you how long a session will last on its own. Check how to refill the IS3157BL, its descaling system and how much storage space it needs.
Frequently asked questions
Will a steam generator always save time compared with an iron?
No, it depends on the session and the model. UFC-Que Choisir considers steam generators suitable for large quantities of laundry and useful for difficult fabrics. Before expecting a shorter session, also compare heating time, refilling and crease-removal results.
Which fabrics might make a steam generator a better choice?
Linen and thick cotton that crease easily may make a steam generator worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir notes that it can be useful for fabrics that are difficult to smooth out. Always follow the garment care label and set the temperature to suit the fibres, particularly synthetic ones.
How should I compare maintenance for an iron and a steam generator?
For each model, check the descaling process, which parts need cleaning or replacing, and how easy it is to access the tank. UFC-Que Choisir looks at limescale build-up in its testing: a simple “anti-scale” label doesn’t tell you what maintenance you’ll need to do at home.
What should I do with my old appliance when replacing it in France?
Depending on the condition of your appliance, you can look into repair, donation or drop-off options listed by ADEME. If you buy a replacement appliance of the same type, the French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the “one-for-one” take-back scheme applies to household electrical appliances.