If you regularly iron large loads of laundry, a steam generator iron is worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for this kind of use. To avoid interruptions, check whether your chosen model can be refilled while you’re using it. If you mainly need to tackle a few items and are short on space, the simplicity of a steam iron may matter more.
If your ironing sessions are often long, a steam generator iron is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for ironing large quantities of laundry; just make sure you have somewhere to set up and store its base.
For linen, heavyweight cotton or stubborn creases, compare results on the fabrics you need to iron. A model’s advertised steam output alone won’t tell you how well it will perform.
For quick, occasional touch-ups, a steam iron saves you having to set up an extra base. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights ease of use as one of the advantages of a steam iron.
Start by thinking about how long you usually iron, then check the refilling requirements, available space and maintenance against the way you’ll use it.
Consider it if: the tank usually holds enough water for your whole ironing session.
Bear in mind: check the instructions for details of refilling and restarting when the tank runs out.
Consider it if: you work through several laundry baskets and want to be able to top up the water during a session.
Bear in mind: check the instructions to confirm that you can do this; a large tank doesn’t guarantee it.
Consider it if: your sessions are usually short and you’d prefer an appliance that’s easy to get out and put away.
Bear in mind: for stubborn creases, look at results on the fabrics you iron rather than relying on the advertised steam boost alone.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Long sessions | Tank capacity; whether you can refill it while using the appliance; what you need to do before starting again after refilling. | I regularly iron several laundry baskets and want to know whether I’ll need to stop to add water. |
| Stubborn creases | Results on fabrics similar to yours; continuous steam and steam boost performance, rather than judging the appliance by one figure alone. | I often iron linen or heavyweight cotton, so I want to choose based on how well it smooths these fabrics. |
| Space and set-up | The base’s dimensions on your ironing board and in your cupboard; the specific model’s heat-up time. | I sometimes need to do a quick touch-up and want to put the appliance away without rearranging my space. |
| Water and maintenance | Which water the instructions allow; the descaling procedure; access to the tank or collector, depending on the model. | I live in a hard-water area and want to be able to follow the appliance’s maintenance instructions easily. |
| Different fabrics | Temperature and steam settings; which fabrics are covered by any automatic mode; garment care labels. | I iron a range of fabrics and want to know when I’ll still need to change the settings. |
These figures alone don’t show how well the appliance will smooth the fabrics you need to iron.
When comparable tests are available, check the results on the same types of fabric. Also look at the heat-up time, tank and maintenance requirements.
A steam generator iron designed for long sessions may be inconvenient if setting it up makes every quick touch-up a hassle.
Measure the space on your ironing board and in your storage area, then check the heat-up time for the model you’re considering.
UFC-Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of breakdowns in its steam generator iron testing protocol.
Follow your model’s instructions on water and descaling. For very hard water, Braun recommends mixing tap water with demineralised water for its irons; don’t use the same proportions with another appliance without checking its instructions.
The features below apply to the specific models mentioned, not every appliance made by each brand.
Philips lists a 1.4 l tank for the PerfectCare PSG8200/80, which it says provides around an hour of ironing.
Braun lists a removable 1.8 l tank for the CareStyle 3 IS3255BL and features AutoClean on the CareStyle 9 range.
These two steam generator irons are options to consider if you’re looking for an appliance for longer ironing sessions. To choose between them, check the refilling requirements and how much space you’ll need, among other things. This selection doesn’t replace comparing them with a steam iron.
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For a long ironing session, check this model’s tank capacity and refilling requirements. The Philips PSG6022/20 product information listed by Joybuy says to place the generator on a stable, heat-resistant surface, so make sure you have a suitable spot before buying.
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For longer sessions, compare the 2 L tank capacity stated in the product title with your usual refilling habits. Check the IS3157BL instructions to see whether you can add water while using it, and look at the base dimensions and maintenance guidance too.
Consider one if you regularly iron large quantities of laundry: UFC-Que Choisir considers a steam generator iron suitable for this kind of use. For shorter sessions, also think about the space its base needs and how long it takes to heat up before ruling out a steam iron.
Always check the instructions for the model you’ve bought first. For its irons used with very hard water, Braun recommends a mixture of equal parts demineralised water and tap water; this guidance doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
No. Follow the maintenance instructions and alerts for your model, even if it has an anti-scale system. Maintenance is particularly important because UFC-Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of breakdowns in its steam generator iron testing protocol.
Choose a surface that meets the requirements in your appliance’s instructions and leaves enough room for its base. For the Philips PSG6022/20, the product information listed by Joybuy specifies a stable, heat-resistant surface; check the instructions for any other model.