A steam generator is worth considering if you regularly iron large piles of laundry or difficult fabrics, such as linen and thick cotton. These are the situations in which UFC-Que Choisir’s guide considers one particularly suitable. If you want to refill the tank without interrupting a long session, check that the model allows this. If easy storage and a quick start matter more, a standard iron is another option to compare. In either case, check the dimensions and descaling requirements of the specific model.
You regularly iron a lot of laundry, including linen or thick cotton, and want to reduce the number of passes and the effort involved. UFC-Que Choisir lists the amount of laundry as one reason to consider a steam generator.
You want to finish a long session without stopping the appliance to add water. In that case, the refill method matters more than the tank’s capacity alone. For example, Philips says its GC9620/20R1 can be refilled without stopping; check whether other models offer the same feature.
You take the appliance out and put it away after every use, and are unsure about making room for a separate base. Compare the dimensions of a steam generator with those of a standard iron before choosing.
Consider it: if you iron for a long time but are happy to plan for a refill and, depending on the model, a break.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to set up and store a base, and shouldn’t assume the tank can be refilled while the appliance is running.
Choose it: if being able to add water without stopping the appliance is essential for getting through a large pile of laundry.
Bear in mind: the base takes up space, and you’ll need to follow the maintenance instructions. A large tank alone doesn’t confirm that you can refill it while the appliance is running.
Choose it: if your sessions tend to be short and it’s most important that the appliance is easy to take out and put away.
Bear in mind: for large amounts of laundry or certain difficult fabrics, UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering a steam generator.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Time and effort | Compare the weight of the iron itself and how well it removes creases from different fabrics, rather than relying on a single steam figure. | When I have a large pile to get through, I want to make fewer passes and feel less tired as the session goes on. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Difficult fabrics | Identify the fabrics in your laundry and check the settings available on the model. A claimed pressing effect doesn’t tell you its continuous steam output. | With linen, thick cotton or a variety of fabrics, I want to tackle creases without having to adjust lots of settings every time I change fabric. This would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Keeping your session going | Check whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is running, then look at its capacity and how easy it is to handle. | If my laundry needs a long session, I’d rather be able to add water without waiting for the appliance to stop. Around 25% of consumers would put this first. |
| Storage and maintenance | Measure the space available and check the start-up time and descaling procedure in the instructions. | I put the appliance away after use, so it needs to be easy to take out, store and maintain. This would be the main consideration for around 19% of consumers. |
A figure quoted for a model isn’t enough to judge how well it removes creases, how easy it is to handle or how well it performs over time. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol looks at factors including measured steam output, several fabric types and limescale build-up.
Compare the features that matter for your laundry, then look for an independent review if one is available.
Tank design and refill methods vary between steam generators. Capacity alone doesn’t guarantee that you can keep ironing while adding water.
If you need to iron without interruption, look for explicit confirmation in the model’s instructions that you can refill it while it’s running.
UFC-Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of steam generator breakdowns. A collector or warning light doesn’t mean you can skip the maintenance instructions.
Check what maintenance is required, and follow the instructions for unplugging and letting the appliance cool down.
A steam generator may suit a large amount of laundry, but be less practical if its base is difficult to set up, move or store.
Measure your ironing board and storage space, then consider how using it would compare with a standard iron.
The Express Vision, Express Protect and Pro Express Ultimate ranges are among those featured in UFC-Que Choisir’s comparison.
Some PerfectCare steam generators offer simplified fabric settings. Philips says the GC9620/20R1 has a removable 1,8 L tank that can be refilled without stopping the appliance.
Braun describes the CareStyle 3 IS3255GY as featuring a ComfortPro handle and a FreeGlide 3D soleplate.
Rowenta says the Silence Steam Pro DG9226F0 has a removable 1,3 L tank and a limescale collector.
The Lift range combines ironing with vertical steaming. Laurastar describes these steam generators as having a removable tank.
These steam generators are options to consider for long ironing sessions. Compare their size and maintenance requirements, and above all check how they’re refilled before choosing a model for uninterrupted ironing. If easy storage is your priority, a standard iron is still worth considering.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a steam generator for long sessions and iron a variety of fabrics.
Before counting on an uninterrupted session, check whether this model can be refilled while it’s running. Also check its dimensions and descaling procedure.
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A steam generator to compare if you want to save space while tackling piles of laundry.
The product name specifies a 1,3 L tank. Check the actual dimensions and whether you can refill the appliance while it’s running if these factors will influence your choice.
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Worth considering if the iron’s ease of handling and dealing with different fabrics matter during your sessions.
To compare this model against your priorities, check the weight of the iron itself, its continuous steam output and how long it runs between refills. Separately, confirm whether the tank can be refilled while the appliance is running.
Yes, for many models, but always follow the instructions for your steam generator. UFC-Que Choisir says most are designed for tap water, but recommendations can vary depending on the appliance and how hard your water is.
Follow the warning and procedure in the instructions, as maintenance depends on how often you use the appliance, your water and the model. Philips suggests descaling some of its appliances every one to two months, but this schedule doesn’t automatically apply to other steam generators.
Yes. Measure your storage space and the area available on your ironing board. A steam generator has a separate base, so even if it suits your ironing needs, its dimensions may make it awkward to take out and put away.
The legal guarantee of conformity may apply to a new, second-hand or refurbished appliance sold by a retailer to an individual in France. The Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control says that claims must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods. Any commercial warranty does not replace this legal guarantee.