For long, regular ironing sessions, a steam generator is worth considering if tackling stubborn creases and the comfort of a handheld iron matter more to you than the space taken up by the base. Choose a model you can refill while it’s in use if having to stop is your main concern; a steam iron is still a good choice if easy storage and simple set-up are more important. Either way, check the filling and maintenance instructions for the specific model.
If shirts, household linen, thick cotton or linen regularly end up in your laundry pile, crease removal and ease of use could guide your choice. UFC-Que Choisir presents a steam generator as a suitable option for ironing larger loads.
For a long ironing session, being able to refill the tank without waiting can matter just as much as its capacity. If limescale is a concern, check the water and cleaning instructions for the specific model too.
Even with a large pile of laundry, you’ll need somewhere to put the base while you iron and to store it afterwards. A steam iron may be more practical when space is limited; UFC-Que Choisir highlights how easy it is to use.
For a big pile of laundry, first choose between the convenience of a steam generator and the compact size of a steam iron. Then consider what might interrupt your ironing session.
Consider it if : you’d like a steam generator and are happy to take a break before refilling it, if needed.
Bear in mind : depending on the model’s instructions, you may need to wait for it to cool down before refilling.
Consider it if : being able to refill the tank while it’s in use would help you avoid an inconvenient break from your laundry pile.
Bear in mind : this feature doesn’t make the base any smaller or remove the need for maintenance.
Consider it if : saving space and getting started easily matter more than ironing for a long stretch without a break.
Bear in mind : the weight of the iron and the effort involved in tackling crease-prone fabrics may become more noticeable when you have a large pile of laundry.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Creases and fatigue | Look at the continuous steam output and how easy the iron is to handle, rather than focusing only on the steam boost. | When faced with linen or thick cotton, I want to tackle creases without the ironing becoming tiring; around 33 % of consumers prioritise crease removal and ease of use. |
| Keeping your session going | Check that you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use; its capacity alone won’t tell you this. | When I have a large pile, I’d rather carry on without waiting to refill the appliance. Avoiding this interruption is the main priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Space and set-up | Measure the space available for use and storage, then check how long the model you’re considering takes to heat up. | If my ironing board and cupboard are small, I want an appliance that’s easy to set up and put away, even for regular sessions; this is a priority for around 17 % of consumers. |
| Maintenance and limescale | Check the model’s instructions for the type of water you can use and how to descale it, including any cooling precautions. | If my local water is hard or the cleaning process is demanding, I want to be able to maintain the appliance regularly. For around 25 % of consumers, manageable maintenance is the most important factor. |
These figures alone don’t tell you how much continuous steam an appliance produces or how well it removes creases. UFC-Que Choisir notes that advertised steam-boost figures aren’t always comparable when there’s no standardised measurement method.
Also look at the continuous steam output and how easy the iron is to handle. If you’re comparing test results, check how the appliances were assessed.
In its steam generator testing, UFC-Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of breakdowns. A limescale collector or cleaning alert doesn’t remove the need to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
Before you buy, check the instructions for the exact model to find out what water you can use, how to drain it and what precautions to take before opening or cleaning the appliance.
A steam generator may suit the size of your laundry pile but still be awkward to set up on your ironing board or store away. UFC-Que Choisir points out that bulk is one of the trade-offs compared with a standard steam iron.
Measure the space you have in mind and check the model’s dimensions, cord length and storage features.
In France, the DGCCRF notes that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional. Any extended commercial warranty should be considered separately.
Read the terms to understand what it actually adds, without confusing it with your legal rights against the seller.
The Express and Pro Express ranges include steam generators reviewed by UFC-Que Choisir.
The brand offers several steam generator ranges, some with a removable tank or an Easy De-Calc system.
The CareStyle range includes steam generators with different maintenance and storage features, depending on the model.
These three models are options to consider if you’re looking for a steam generator for regular ironing at home. To compare them, check how each one is filled and what its maintenance instructions say; tank capacity alone doesn’t confirm that you can use a steam generator without stopping.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you want a steam generator for a variety of fabrics and need to keep storage space in mind. The product title lists a 1.3 L tank; check the instructions to see whether you can refill it while ironing.
Image unavailable
Consider this for regular ironing sessions if maintenance is one of your priorities. Before relying on it for an uninterrupted session, check the filling instructions for the PSG6022/20. Also consult the manual for guidance on water and descaling.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if tank capacity matters for your longer ironing sessions. The title lists a 2 L tank and 2400 W, but these figures don’t confirm that you can refill it while in use. Also check the maintenance instructions and the manufacturer listed for the IS3157BL model.
Follow the instructions for the model you choose, as guidance can vary depending on the appliance and water hardness. Don’t use a different type of water or a descaling product without checking that the manufacturer approves it for your model.
It depends on how often you use the appliance, your water and the system it uses. Philips recommends descaling every one to two months for steam generators covered by its procedure; for your model, follow the alerts and instructions in its manual.
Not until you’ve followed the cooling instructions for your model. For Philips steam generators with Easy De-Calc covered by its instructions, Philips says to unplug the appliance and leave it to cool for two hours if it’s hot.
As the DGCCRF explains, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. If your steam generator doesn’t conform, contact the seller; any commercial warranty is separate.