Households that iron several loads at a time
Que Choisir says a steam generator is suited to ironing large quantities of laundry. For a long session, pay particular attention to the tank capacity and whether you can refill it without stopping.
Who is each option for?
People who iron thick or easily creased fabrics
Que Choisir highlights the benefits of steam generators for linen, thick cotton and some mixed fabrics. When comparing models, look for tests on the fabrics you use rather than relying on the stated pressure alone.
Households short on space
According to Que Choisir, a steam generator takes up more room than an iron, both on the ironing board and in a cupboard. If you put your appliance away after every session, measure both spaces before giving up the convenience of a steam iron.
What should you check before choosing?
Steam generator you can refill while it’s in use
Best for : households with long ironing sessions who want to top up the water as they go.
Bear in mind : you’ll need space for the base and must follow the descaling instructions in the manual.
Steam generator with limited run time
Best for : households drawn to a steam generator for large piles of laundry, whose ironing sessions can work around the model’s refill requirements.
Bear in mind : you may need to stop to add water, depending on the instructions, and you’ll need space for the base.
Steam iron
Best for : households with a moderate amount of ironing or anyone who has to get the appliance out and put it away every time.
Worth considering : Que Choisir notes that steam generators are particularly useful for linen, thick cotton and some mixed fabrics.
Once you’ve chosen the type of appliance, compare its features with the length of your ironing sessions, the fabrics you use and the space you actually have.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Crease removal | Compare results on fabrics similar to yours. Distinguish between continuous steam output, the steam boost function and maximum pressure: Que Choisir’s testing process assesses steam output and crease removal separately. | I often iron linen or thick cotton: what matters is how the appliance performs on these fabrics, not a pressure figure in isolation. |
| Refilling | Check the tank capacity, whether it can be removed and the instructions for refilling during use. The stated capacity doesn’t translate into a set running time for every type of use. | During a long session, I want to know when and how I can top up the water. |
| Storage | Measure the base and the space available for it on your ironing board and in your cupboard. If you often iron small loads, also check how long the model takes to heat up. | I need to be able to get the appliance out and put it away without making every quick ironing session more complicated. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for the exact model: limescale system, alerts, cooling time and any steps required to drain it. Philips says limescale builds up more quickly when you have hard water. | If I have hard water, I want to be able to carry out the required maintenance and follow the descaling procedure properly. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on maximum pressure alone
This figure doesn’t tell you everything about continuous steam output or how well the appliance removes creases from your clothes. Que Choisir measures steam output and crease removal separately across different fabrics.
When comparing two steam generators, prioritise measurements taken using the same method and tests on the fabrics you iron.
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Forgetting how much space the base needs
According to Que Choisir, a steam generator takes up more space than an iron, both on the ironing board and in storage. This is particularly important if you get it out for short sessions.
Measure your ironing board and storage space, then check the dimensions of the model you’re considering.
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Assuming an anti-limescale system means no maintenance
Philips says that harder water causes limescale to build up more quickly in its steam generators. The maintenance procedure varies by model.
Read the manual for the model you’re considering before you buy, then follow its instructions for cooling and draining.
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Looking only at the stated running time
Being able to refill a steam generator during a session meets a specific need, but doesn’t tell you how much space it takes up or how well it removes creases.
If you iron for a long stretch, check the refill requirements, then also compare the space it needs and how it performs on your fabrics.
Which brands should you know?
These examples give you an idea of specific ranges and features, but they’re no substitute for checking the manual and the exact model you’re planning to buy.
Calor
Calor is among the steam generator brands tested by Que Choisir.
- Calor highlights the repairability of its products on its own website.
- This information doesn’t tell you about the maintenance requirements or durability of each steam generator. Check the manual and the compatible spare parts for the model you choose.
Braun
The CareStyle range includes models such as the IS3257BK and IS7298CP, featured by Braun Household France.
- For the CareStyle 3 IS3257BK, Braun states a continuous steam output of 130 g/min and a steam boost of 500 g/min.
- These figures apply to the IS3257BK, not every CareStyle model. Compare the dimensions and crease-removal results for the exact model you’re considering.
Philips
Philips offers several steam generator ranges, including the PerfectCare 7000 Series.
- Philips states that the PSG7200/20 has a removable 1,5 l tank and offers up to an hour of ironing.
- This stated running time and the descaling instructions don’t apply to other models. Check their individual product details and manuals.
Astoria
Astoria includes steam generators among its ironing appliances for home use.
- For a specific model, compare its refill and descaling requirements, as well as its weight and dimensions.
Steam generators available on Joybuy
These three steam generators are suited to longer ironing sessions. For each one, compare the tank, the space it needs and the maintenance instructions with the way you’ll use it. This selection doesn’t include a steam iron.
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Philips PerfectCare Compact GC6842/30, 1,3 l
For longer sessions, check whether you can refill the 1,3 l tank mentioned in the product name while the appliance is in use. Also consult the manual for this model to find out about its descaling procedure.
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Philips PerfectCare 6000 Series PSG6022/20
If you iron several loads in a row, check the PSG6022/20 documentation for the tank capacity and refill requirements. The manual will also help you plan for descaling and maintenance.
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Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 l
The IS3157BL product name specifies a power rating of 2400 W and a 2 l tank. To decide whether it’s right for your longer sessions, check the refill requirements, storage dimensions and maintenance instructions for this model. Power alone doesn’t tell you how well it removes creases.
Frequently asked questions
Does a steam generator save time on all clothes ?
Don’t assume you’ll save time on every type of clothing. Que Choisir mainly highlights the benefits of a steam generator for large amounts of laundry and fabrics that are difficult to smooth, particularly linen, thick cotton and some mixed fabrics. Compare the results on the fabrics you usually iron.
How can I tell if a steam generator will fit in my storage space ?
Measure the space in your cupboard and on your ironing board, then compare it with the dimensions of the steam generator you’ve chosen. According to Que Choisir, a steam generator’s base needs more room than an iron. Also consider how often you’ll need to get it out and put it away.
How often should I descale a steam generator ?
Follow the schedule in the manual for your model, taking the hardness of your water into account. Philips recommends descaling every one to two months for the steam generators covered by its instructions, and notes that harder water causes limescale to build up more quickly. This guidance doesn’t automatically apply to every steam generator.