If you regularly iron large loads of laundry, a steam generator is worth considering: Que Choisir considers it suitable for this kind of use. A steam iron is still an option if you value simplicity and easier storage. For longer ironing sessions, also check whether you can top up the water while the generator is in use and what maintenance it requires.
The amount of laundry matters, but how long you iron for, the fabrics you tackle and the space you have can all influence your choice.
If piles of laundry build up every week, it’s worth comparing a steam generator with your current iron. Que Choisir describes it as suitable for ironing large quantities of laundry. Also consider the weight of the hand-held iron and how the water tank is filled.
For shirts, jeans or household linens that need several passes, look for results on the fabrics you iron rather than relying on a single steam figure. Que Choisir points out that steam output alone isn’t enough to assess an iron.
A separate base needs space beside your ironing board and somewhere to store it afterwards. If limescale is also a concern, check the maintenance instructions for the model you’re considering and make sure the right parts are available.
Start by thinking about how long you usually iron for, then check what each appliance requires during use and when it’s put away.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort and fabrics | Compare the weight of the hand-held iron, how easy it is to manoeuvre and the results on the fabrics you iron. Don’t rely on the stated steam output as your only criterion: Que Choisir says it isn’t enough to assess an iron. | If I iron for a long time or some fabrics need several passes, the iron’s comfort and how well it handles those fabrics matter more than a single figure. |
| Filling | Check the tank capacity, how easy it is to see the water level and the filling instructions for the exact model. If you want to add water during a session, confirm that the model allows this. | For a big load of laundry, I want to know whether I’ll need to stop ironing to refill the appliance and how the tank is handled. |
| Limescale and maintenance | Read the descaling instructions in the manual. Check how easy it is to access the collector or cap, if there is one, and make sure the relevant parts or consumables are available for that model. | I’d prefer a maintenance routine I can keep up with regularly, especially if limescale is a concern in my home. |
| Space and simplicity | Measure the space needed to use and store the iron, the steam generator and its base, or an ironing system. According to Que Choisir, an ironing system combines a steam generator with an active ironing board that may have suction, blowing and/or heating functions. | If space is limited, I might prefer a steam iron that’s simpler to set up. An integrated active board is only useful to me if I have room to use it. |
These figures alone don’t tell you how well the appliance will perform on your fabrics or how easy it is to handle. Que Choisir also considers performance in use and ease of use in its testing protocols.
Where possible, compare tests of the model you’re considering that were carried out under similar conditions. Then look at manoeuvrability, heat-up time and maintenance.
An indicator light or collector doesn’t replace the maintenance routine specified for the appliance. Philips says that, on some models, steam production stops until descaling is complete.
Check the manual for the exact model to see what you need to do and make sure the parts that require maintenance are easy to access.
A steam generator has a base separate from the iron. An ironing system also includes an active board, as Que Choisir explains, so you’ll need room to set up and store the whole unit.
Measure your storage space and the area around your ironing board before choosing a format.
Maintenance instructions and compatible parts can vary by model. A general commitment to repairability doesn’t necessarily apply to every appliance.
Make a note of the full product code and check the manual and available parts for that specific model.
These examples can help you explore the ranges and their maintenance requirements. A feature listed for one model won’t necessarily apply to every appliance from that brand.
Calor offers steam generators with anti-limescale features that vary by model.
The PerfectCare range includes steam generators with descaling procedures that vary by model.
Laurastar offers ironing systems that combine an iron, a steam generator and an active board.
These three iron-based appliances are options to consider if you’re looking for equipment for longer ironing sessions. Compare their designs and check the manual for the filling and maintenance requirements that matter for the way you use them.
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For longer sessions, check the manual for this model to see whether you can add water while ironing and how to descale it.
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If you iron large loads, check how to fill and maintain this model before choosing it. The 8 bar figure appears in its name, but that alone doesn’t tell you how it will perform on different fabrics.
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The 2 L tank is worth comparing for longer sessions, but don’t assume it will determine how long you can iron for. Also check the weight of the iron on its own, the anti-limescale procedure and the storage space required.
Yes, it’s worth considering if you regularly iron large quantities of laundry: Que Choisir describes it as suitable for this kind of use. However, compare its manoeuvrability, maintenance and storage requirements with those of a steam iron.
This design is useful if you want to add water during a long session. If you don’t mind stopping to refill the appliance, a steam generator with a limited running time is still worth considering. Check the filling instructions for the exact model.
Follow the descaling instructions in your model’s manual, even if it has an anti-limescale feature. Philips says that some of its steam generators stop producing steam until the required descaling is complete.
Consider one if you’d like an integrated active ironing board and have enough space to set up and store it. Que Choisir describes an ironing system as a steam generator combined with an ironing board with suction, blowing and/or heating functions.
If you want to dispose of an electrical appliance, the French ministries responsible for ecological transition list options including collection points, recycling centres, retailers and social and solidarity economy organisations. Retailers offer a ‘one-for-one’ take-back service when you buy an appliance of the same type.