If you regularly have big laundry loads to iron, a steam generator iron is worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for ironing large quantities. A standard iron is still a good choice if you don’t have room for a separate base. For longer ironing sessions, also check how the generator is filled and maintained.
If clothes and household linen pile up each week, it’s worth comparing a steam generator iron with your current iron. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for ironing large quantities, but you’ll need space for its base.
For jeans, thick cotton or bed linen, look for results on the fabrics you need to iron. A model’s stated steam pressure or output alone won’t tell you how well it performs.
For a long ironing session, consider the weight of the iron in your hand, how easy it is to fill and how much space the base takes up. Check the descaling instructions for the exact model, too.
Start by considering how long you usually iron for and how much space you have. Then compare how well the models remove creases, how easy they are to handle and how much maintenance they need.
Worth considering: if you want to be able to add water during a long session. Check that the model you’re considering supports this.
Bear in mind: being able to refill the iron while you use it doesn’t remove the need to descale it as instructed.
Worth considering: if the model’s capacity usually lasts for your session, or you don’t mind taking a break to refill it.
Bear in mind: check what to do when the tank is empty before you interrupt a session.
Worth considering: if you have less laundry to iron or don’t have room for a steam generator’s base.
Also consider: if you regularly have big laundry loads, compare how comfortable the iron is to hold and how well it removes creases.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Crease removal | Look for tests on the fabrics you iron, and distinguish the results from the stated steam figures. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol for irons assesses performance and ease of use, among other things. | I often iron thick cotton or heavily creased items, so results on these fabrics matter more to me than a pressure figure. |
| Filling | Check the tank’s capacity and access, and whether the specific model can genuinely be topped up while in use. | If I iron several piles of laundry in one go, I’d like to know when and how I can add more water. |
| Handling and space | Check the weight of the iron in your hand, the dimensions of the base, how stable it is on your ironing surface and how much storage space you’ll need. | I want to be able to set up the iron for a long session without taking up too much of my storage space permanently. |
| Descaling | Read the instructions for the exact model, including details of its anti-scale system, any alerts, emptying and cooling requirements. Philips notes that the method varies between models. | Maintenance I can fit into my routine matters just as much as a stated anti-scale feature. |
| Getting started | Compare the stated heat-up time for each model and the steps needed before you begin. Don’t assume this alone determines how long the whole ironing session will take. | When I’m only ironing a few items, I want to factor in the time it takes to get the iron out and set it up. |
These figures alone don’t tell you how well the iron removes creases or how easy it is to use. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses iron performance and usability in its testing protocol.
For the models you’re considering, look for tests covering the fabrics you need to iron and how easy the appliance is to handle.
A separate tank changes how you handle the iron, but the steam generator also needs space to set up and store.
Before choosing, check the model’s dimensions, how stable your ironing setup is and how the iron sits on its base when you move it.
Instructions vary between appliances. Philips, for example, advises following the procedure for the specific model of steam generator.
Read the manual before use and follow the instructions on maintenance alerts, emptying and cooling.
A feature specific to a model doesn’t override the care instructions for your clothes.
Check the manual to see which fabrics the setting is suitable for, then follow the care labels on your garments.
Philips steam generators vary in tank design and descaling systems, so compare individual models rather than looking at the brand alone.
CareStyle models have different maintenance features, so it’s worth checking each one individually.
UFC-Que Choisir describes Astoria as a brand of steam generators for home use.
This steam generator iron is an option to consider for long ironing sessions. If saving space is your priority, compare its dimensions with those of a standard iron, too.
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If you have big laundry loads to iron, check how to refill this model during a session, how to descale it and how much space its base takes up before you choose.
Look separately at crease removal and ease of use, then check test results for maintenance and durability when these are available for the models you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir describes laboratory tests for steam generators and assesses iron performance, usability and durability, among other things. A stated pressure figure is no substitute for these results.
It’s useful if you need to add water during a long session, provided the model you choose genuinely allows you to top it up while in use. Check how to access the tank and refill it. This feature doesn’t tell you how well the iron removes creases.
Follow the instructions for your specific model, as the process varies between systems. Philips advises identifying your model before choosing a descaling method. Also follow any instructions to let the appliance cool before opening or emptying it.
A standard iron is still a good choice if you don’t have much laundry to iron or don’t have room to set up and store a separate base. If you regularly have big laundry loads, though, compare comfort and crease removal too: UFC-Que Choisir considers a steam generator iron suitable for ironing large quantities.