Households with a lot of ironing
If you work through clothes and household linens in one session, check the tank capacity and how it can be refilled. Que Choisir considers a steam generator suitable for ironing large quantities.
Which option is right for you?
Anyone mindful of maintenance
If limescale is a concern, choose a descaling process you can follow regularly. Check whether the model uses a collector, an alert or compatible cartridges.
Households short on space
Compare the space taken up by the base and hose on your ironing board and in your cupboard with that of a steam iron. A steam generator that suits the size of your laundry pile should also be easy to get out and put away.
What should you compare?
Steam generator that can be refilled while in use
Consider this if: you have long ironing sessions and want to top up the water without waiting until you have finished.
Bear in mind: you will still need to make room for the base and hose, and factor in the descaling process.
Pressurised steam generator
Consider this if: the model’s capacity is enough for your usual session and its refilling method suits you.
Check: the manual should explain when and how to refill the tank.
Standard steam iron
Consider this if: you iron only a few items at a time and want to keep the space taken up by your appliance to a minimum.
Bear in mind: its built-in tank may need refilling more often during a big ironing session.
| Feature | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Steam output and crease removal | Compare continuous steam output on a like-for-like basis, without confusing it with the steam boost. If available, look for tests on the fabrics you need to iron. | I often iron linen or thick cotton: I want to know how each appliance handles these items, not just read its maximum pressure. |
| Run time | Check the tank capacity, whether it is removable and whether it can be refilled while the appliance is in use. Follow the instructions in the model’s manual. | When I have several baskets of laundry waiting, being able to top up at the right time matters more than it would for just a few items. |
| Limescale maintenance | Check the descaling process, any alerts and which consumables are compatible. Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of faults in its testing protocol for steam generators. | I prefer maintenance with clear steps that I can carry out as often as the manual recommends. |
| Size | Check the dimensions of the base and how much room you will need for the hose and cord. Make sure your ironing board is stable and that you have somewhere to store the whole appliance. | My cupboard and ironing board need to fit the appliance without making every ironing session more complicated. |
What should you look out for?
-
Choosing based only on the stated pressure
Pressure alone does not tell you how much steam will be available throughout a session or how well the appliance will handle your fabrics.
Compare continuous steam output too and, if possible, look for crease-removal tests carried out under similar conditions.
-
Underestimating how much space you need
A steam generator’s base and hose take up room on your ironing board and in storage, even if the iron itself may be lighter.
Measure the space you have and check the base dimensions, as well as how the cord and hose can be stored.
-
Assuming all limescale systems are maintained in the same way
Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of faults. So, having an anti-limescale system does not mean you can skip the model’s maintenance process.
Check the manual for the steps involved, any alerts and compatible cartridges, if applicable.
If the model uses cartridges, you will also need to find the right replacement.
-
Buying a steam generator for the occasional quick touch-up
If you only have a few items to iron, getting a steam generator out, setting it up and putting it away again may matter more to your decision than its run time.
First compare the space and set-up involved with those of a steam iron suited to shorter sessions.
A guide to the brands
Calor
Limescale collection systems vary between Calor models.
- Calor describes a limescale collector on the Power Zone GV7461C0.
- Check whether the model you are considering has a collector and how it needs to be maintained.
Philips
Tank designs and anti-limescale systems differ across the PerfectCare range.
- Philips France lists a removable 1,8 l tank for the PerfectCare 6000 PSG6026/20.
- Philips also offers a cartridge for the PerfectCare Pure range: check the system used by the exact model before choosing accessories.
Braun
Braun’s CareStyle steam generators are designed to be refilled while in use, but specifications vary by model.
- Braun Household France lists a 2 l tank and a fast descaling system for the CareStyle 3 IS3132WH.
- Do not assume a CareStyle model has the same capacity or maintenance process as another model in the range.
Steam generators available on Joybuy
These steam generators are worth considering if you regularly iron several items at a time. Compare their tank capacity, maintenance requirements and storage needs with your set-up. If you only have a small amount to iron, also compare them with a steam iron.
Image unavailable
Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6022/20
For long ironing sessions, check this steam generator’s tank capacity, the instructions for refilling it while in use and how much storage space you will need.
Image unavailable
Philips PerfectCare Compact GC6842/30, 1,3 l
Its 1,3 l tank is worth comparing with the length of your ironing sessions. Check the manual to see whether you can refill it while in use, and measure the space you have for the steam generator.
Image unavailable
Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 l
If you have a large pile of laundry, compare its 2 l tank with your needs for refilling; tank capacity alone does not tell you how long it will run. Also check the anti-limescale process, whether it can be refilled during a session and the dimensions of this model.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam generator better than an iron for a large pile of laundry?
A steam generator is worth considering if you regularly iron large quantities: this is the use case highlighted by Que Choisir. If you usually iron just a few items at a time, compare it with a steam iron too, which is easier to store when space is limited.
What does ‘unlimited run time’ mean on a steam generator?
On models that offer this feature, it means you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use; it does not mean the appliance runs without water. Check the model’s manual for its capacity and the approved refilling method.
How can I compare the steam output of two steam generators?
Look at continuous steam output separately from the steam boost, and compare measurements taken under similar conditions. Maximum pressure in bars, on its own, does not tell you how well the appliance will remove creases throughout a session.
Does an anti-limescale system mean I won’t need to descale the appliance?
No. Follow the maintenance instructions for the model you choose, whether it uses a collector, an alert or cartridges. Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of faults in its testing protocol for steam generators.