If you regularly iron lots of clothes or household laundry, a steam generator with continuous refill is usually the first option to consider. It lets you top up the water without waiting for the tank to cool, as explained by the National Consumer Institute. An iron takes up less space if you tend to iron in shorter sessions. A garment steamer is mainly for quick touch-ups on hanging clothes and may not give you the crisp finish you want for sharp creases, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
If you work through several baskets of clothes or household laundry, check how the tank is refilled and how much space the appliance takes up. The National Consumer Institute distinguishes between steam generators with continuous refill and those that need to cool down before they can be refilled.
If getting the appliance out and putting it away is already a hassle, compare its size, weight and heat-up time with the actual length of your ironing sessions. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a steam generator generally takes up more space than an iron.
If you only need to freshen up a few garments without setting up an ironing board, a garment steamer is worth considering. However, UFC-Que Choisir notes that it generally cannot create creases or achieve the finish of an iron or steam generator.
For longer sessions, first compare appliances by whether you can refill the tank while they’re in use. Continuous steam output, the finish you want and the space available will help narrow down your choice.
Consider it if: you want an appliance that’s easy to get out and put away, especially for shorter sessions.
Bear in mind: a smaller water tank may mean more frequent refills when you have a big pile of laundry.
Consider it if: you don’t mind stopping when the tank runs out.
Bear in mind: according to the National Consumer Institute, the tank needs to cool down before you can refill it, and the appliance then needs to heat up again.
Consider it if: you regularly iron large loads and want to top up the water without waiting for the tank to cool down.
Bear in mind: a steam generator generally takes up more space than an iron. Check its dimensions and maintenance requirements before choosing.
Consider it if: you mainly want to touch up hanging clothes without setting up an ironing board.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it generally won’t give you the finish needed for sharp creases. A handheld model may also need frequent refills.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Uninterrupted ironing | Check whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use, as well as its capacity and heat-up time. | When I have several baskets waiting, I want to keep going without having to stop to refill. Around 33% of consumers prioritise uninterrupted ironing. |
| Crease removal | Compare the continuous steam output in g/min separately from the occasional steam boost in g, then follow the care instructions for your fabrics. | For household laundry or fabrics that are difficult to smooth out, I care most about the results on sharp creases. Around 27% of consumers put this finish first. |
| Storage and getting started | Check the dimensions, weight and heat-up time of the model you’re considering. | If I have to get the appliance out and put it away every time, its size and how long it takes to heat up matter more. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this practical side. |
| Touch-ups on hanging clothes | Check whether it’s a handheld or standing model, the tank capacity and the support provided for the garment. | When I’m freshening up a few hanging clothes, I’d rather not set up an ironing board, even if the finish is less crisp. This is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
The steam boost is a short burst, not the steam available throughout an ironing session. In its tests of steam generators, UFC-Que Choisir measures the continuous steam output separately.
For a big pile of laundry, also check the continuous steam output in g/min, the tank capacity and how the appliance is refilled.
The National Consumer Institute distinguishes between models with limited run time, whose tanks need to cool down before they can be refilled, and steam generators with continuous refill.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering. The tank capacity alone doesn’t tell you whether you can refill it while the appliance is in use.
A garment steamer makes it easy to touch up clothes on hangers, but UFC-Que Choisir says it generally won’t create creases like an iron or steam generator.
If you also iron household laundry or want a crisp finish, keep both irons and steam generators in the mix when comparing your options.
The process varies from one appliance to another. Philips notes that limescale build-up in its steam generators can lead to issues such as stains or leaks.
Before you choose, check the instructions for the exact model to find out how to maintain it and what water to use.
Calor offers irons, steam generators and garment steamers. Compare the features of individual models rather than choosing on brand name alone.
Philips offers irons, steam generators and garment steamers, with different formats to compare depending on how long you iron for.
Laurastar offers Lift steam generators as well as ironing systems with an integrated board, designed for different setups.
This Joybuy steam generator is for anyone looking for a large water tank for longer sessions. Before choosing it for uninterrupted ironing, check the instructions to see whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use.
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Worth considering for longer sessions if you’re looking for a steam generator with a 2 L tank. The model name indicates a power rating of 2400 W. Before buying, check the instructions for details on refilling while in use, the appliance’s dimensions and limescale maintenance.
A steam generator with continuous refill is the best choice if avoiding breaks to refill is your priority. The National Consumer Institute says its tank can be topped up while the appliance is in use. Also check how much space you have and the features of the model you’re considering.
No. Continuous steam output, measured in g/min, refers to the steam produced while you’re ironing. Steam boost, measured in g, is a short burst. So, for longer sessions, don’t judge an appliance on its steam boost alone. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses steam output in its tests.
A garment steamer is mainly for touching up clothes on hangers, and may not give you the finish you want for a big pile of laundry. UFC-Que Choisir notes that it generally can’t create creases or achieve the finish of an iron or steam generator.
Follow the instructions for your model, as the process and frequency vary between steam generators. Philips recommends descaling its appliances every one to two months, partly to help prevent limescale-related issues. This guidance doesn’t automatically apply to other brands.
No. Manufacturers’ guidance applies to fabrics that can be ironed, not to every fabric without distinction. Check the garment’s care label before using a hot soleplate or steam, even if the appliance adjusts its temperature automatically.