If you regularly iron large loads of laundry, a steam generator is worth considering, especially if your basket often contains linen, thick cotton or certain hard-to-iron blended fabrics, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. Choose a model you can refill while it’s in use if you want to avoid breaks; a steam iron is another option if space and a quick start matter more. Whichever you choose, check how to descale the model.
If your ironing sessions are long and frequent, consider a steam generator: UFC-Que Choisir describes it as suitable for ironing large loads. Also check whether you can refill its tank without interrupting your session.
UFC-Que Choisir highlights the benefits of a steam generator for linen, thick cotton and certain hard-to-iron blended fabrics. However, compare results on the fabrics you actually iron rather than judging performance by a single steam figure.
A steam generator has a base to set up and store, as well as the iron itself. If the extra bulk makes it difficult to use regularly, compare its dimensions with those of a steam iron before choosing.
For large piles of laundry, start with the fabrics you need to iron and how long your sessions usually last. Then check the space available and the maintenance each model requires.
Consider this if: you want a steam generator for long sessions and don’t mind taking a break when the tank needs refilling.
Bear in mind: check how to refill the model and make room for its base.
Consider this if: your sessions are long and you want to add water without stopping ironing.
Keep in mind: being able to refill the tank while the appliance is in use doesn’t, on its own, tell you how well it removes creases or how resistant it is to limescale.
Consider this if: storage space is limited or you often get the appliance out for short sessions.
Compare: if you have large piles of difficult-to-iron fabrics, compare how well it removes creases and how comfortable it is to handle against a steam generator.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Crease removal | Compare crease-removal tests on the same types of fabric. Distinguish continuous steam output from the advertised steam boost: UFC-Que Choisir’s testing method assesses steam output and crease removal separately. | I often iron linen or thick cotton, so the results on these fabrics matter more to me than the stated pressure. |
| Refilling and getting started | Check whether the tank can be refilled while the appliance is in use, then look at its capacity and the warm-up time for the specific model. | My sessions are long, and I’d prefer to be able to add water without stopping. |
| Limescale maintenance | Read the descaling instructions and check which parts or consumables you’ll need. UFC-Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of faults in its endurance tests. | My water is hard, so I want to be able to follow the recommended maintenance steps for the appliance I choose. |
| Space and handling | Measure the surface where you’ll set it up and the space available for storage. For a steam generator, distinguish between the weight of the iron in your hand and the weight of the whole unit, including its base. | There’s limited space in my cupboard, and I also need to be able to set the appliance up easily on my ironing board. |
These figures alone don’t tell you about continuous steam output or how well the appliance removes creases from your laundry. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing method looks at these aspects separately.
If you mainly iron thick or blended fabrics, look for tests on those materials that compare appliances using the same method.
Its base needs a stable place while you’re ironing, and you’ll need to store it with the iron afterwards.
Measure your ironing board, the space where you’ll set it up and your cupboard; then compare the dimensions of the model you’re considering with those of a steam iron.
UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of limescale build-up in its endurance tests. Depending on the model, maintenance may involve emptying a collector or cleaning another component.
Check the manual before buying to find out what maintenance is required, what type of water is suitable and whether you’ll need any replacement parts.
Being able to add water while the appliance is in use addresses the need to stop for refills, not how well it removes creases or how resistant it is to limescale.
Choose this feature if interruptions bother you, then compare crease removal, warm-up time, dimensions and maintenance separately.
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models; the brand alone won’t determine whether an iron or steam generator is right for you.
The Ultimate Pure FV9838C0 steam iron is worth considering if you’d prefer an iron to a steam generator.
The PerfectCare range includes steam generators with tank and maintenance features that vary by model.
Braun describes its CareStyle 3 IS3257BK as a compact steam generator.
The V26 steam generator is worth considering if being able to refill it during a long session is a priority.
These four steam generators let you compare features for long sessions, tank capacity and setup. If you’re still deciding between a steam generator and a steam iron, compare the criteria above first: this product selection alone won’t tell you which type is right for you.
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Worth considering if tank capacity matters for your long sessions: the Joybuy listing for this model specifies a removable 1,8 L tank and a Smart Calc-Clean system. Check whether you can refill it while in use and whether its dimensions suit your storage space.
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Worth considering if you want to refill the tank without stopping a long session: H.Koenig says the V26 can be refilled while in use. Its product information mentions a limescale collector; follow the recommended maintenance instructions and check the dimensions before buying.
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For longer sessions, check this model’s tank capacity and how to refill it. The 8-bar pressure in its name isn’t enough to judge how well it removes creases; also check the descaling instructions and how much space you’ll need to set it up.
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If you’re looking for a 2 L tank, compare its capacity with how you usually iron: tank size alone won’t determine how long you can go between refills. Also check how to refill it, the limescale maintenance requirements and the dimensions of this IS3157BL model.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says the difference compared with a good iron isn’t always significant. A steam generator is particularly worth considering for large loads and difficult-to-iron fabrics, including linen, thick cotton and certain blended fabrics.
This refers to being able to add water while the appliance is in use, as H.Koenig states for the V26. Before choosing another model, check how it can be refilled; this feature doesn’t guarantee better crease removal or greater resistance to limescale.
Limescale build-up is an important factor in the faults studied by UFC-Que Choisir during its endurance tests. Check the model’s manual to find out how to descale it, what type of water to use and whether you’ll need any parts or consumables.
No. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing method measures steam output separately from how well the appliance removes creases from different fabrics. Compare results for the fabrics you iron, then also consider handling, refilling and maintenance.