If you regularly tackle large piles of laundry, especially fabrics that are tricky to smooth out, a steam generator is worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir recommends it for larger loads. A model with continuous filling is better suited to long ironing sessions without a break, while an iron is a good choice if space and simplicity matter more. A garment steamer is better for touch-ups than finishing an entire pile.
If your laundry often includes linen or thick cotton, a steam generator could be a good way to tackle larger loads. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for big piles; you’ll also need space for its base.
If stopping to refill the appliance interrupts your ironing sessions, look at steam generators with continuous filling. The Institut national de la consommation says their tanks can be refilled without switching the appliance off.
Even if you have laundry to iron regularly, a steam iron may suit you better if you need to take the appliance out and put it away after every session. Weigh up this convenience against your needs when smoothing out your trickiest items.
Choose one if: easy storage and quick set-up matter more to you than the extra help a steam generator offers with tricky fabrics.
Bear in mind: the iron’s weight and built-in tank can become more noticeable during a long session.
Choose one if: its boiler capacity usually lasts for your whole ironing session.
Bear in mind: if it runs out of water, the Institut national de la consommation says you’ll need to wait for it to cool before refilling it, then wait for it to heat up again.
Choose one if: you iron for long stretches and want to refill the tank without switching the appliance off.
Bear in mind: the base takes up space; also check how to descale the model you’re considering.
Choose one if: you want to touch up a few hanging clothes between ironing sessions.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t create creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Tricky fabrics | Compare how well the appliance smooths the fabrics you iron, rather than looking only at its stated steam output. | If linen or thick cotton makes up a large part of the pile, I want to spend less time going over stubborn creases. Around 36% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Long sessions | Check whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use and whether its run time suits your sessions. | When I do all the laundry in one session, I find it frustrating to stop and let the appliance cool before refilling it. Nearly 29% of consumers would prioritise being able to carry on without a break. |
| Storage and handling | Measure the space you have and compare how heavy the appliance is to move, as well as how long it takes to set up. | If I put the appliance away after every use, I’d rather be able to set it up and move it easily. Around 21% of consumers would put convenience first. |
| Touch-ups between sessions | Decide whether hanging items just need a quick steam or a proper ironed finish. | For a few clothes that need a quick refresh, I want to avoid setting up the ironing board without giving up the iron for the rest of the laundry. Around 14% of consumers would make these touch-ups their priority. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that steam output alone isn’t enough to identify a good iron. A high figure doesn’t, by itself, tell you how well it will perform on your fabrics.
Look for tests carried out on different fabrics and compare the features that are useful for your laundry.
According to the Institut national de la consommation, a pressurised boiler must cool down before it can be refilled once it runs out of water. This break matters if you’re tackling all your laundry in one go.
Check that its run time suits your usual session, or consider a model with continuous filling.
Instructions vary from one appliance to another. Philips and Calor, for example, require you to unplug and let the relevant steam generators cool down before certain descaling procedures.
Read the instructions for the model you’ve chosen before handling it, and check which accessories you’ll need.
UFC-Que Choisir describes it as useful for touch-ups, but says it won’t create creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator.
If you regularly have a large pile to finish, choose your main ironing appliance first; think of a garment steamer as an extra.
The range includes steam generators designed for longer sessions. Check the specific model rather than assuming every appliance in the range can be refilled in the same way.
PerfectCare steam generators come with different tank configurations and descaling systems, depending on the model.
Astoria offers a range of ironing products, including steam generators, irons, ironing boards and accessories.
These three steam generators are options to consider as your main appliance for regular ironing sessions. If you want to avoid stopping to refill the tank, check whether each model allows this before you choose.
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Worth considering if you regularly iron large piles of laundry. If your sessions are long, check the PSG6022/20 manual to see whether you can refill its tank while the appliance is in use and which descaling instructions apply.
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Worth considering if you want a steam generator for regular sessions but need to keep an eye on how much space it takes up. Its tank is listed as 1,3 L; check whether its run time suits your laundry and how this model can be refilled.
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Worth considering if tank capacity matters for your longer sessions. The model is listed as 2 L and 2400 W; these figures don’t tell you how long it will run or how well it will handle your fabrics. Check whether you can refill it while it’s in use and how to descale it.
Choose a model with continuous filling if avoiding interruptions is your priority. The Institut national de la consommation says this technology lets you refill the tank without switching the appliance off; check that the model you’re considering has this feature.
Yes, if it lasts for your whole session or you don’t mind taking a break. According to the Institut national de la consommation, once the water runs out, a pressurised boiler must cool down before it can be refilled, then heat up again.
Follow the instructions and alerts for your model. Philips recommends descaling some of its steam generators every one to two months, but the process and frequency vary between models.
It depends on the system used by the steam generator you choose. Philips describes the Smart Calc Clean system on the PerfectCare 6000 PSG6026/20 as reusable and cartridge-free; check the manual for any other model before buying maintenance accessories.
Not if you expect a fully ironed finish or sharp creases. UFC-Que Choisir sees it as better suited to light creases and touch-ups on hanging clothes.