Households with large piles of laundry
If you often iron a lot of laundry, having to stop to refill the appliance may influence your choice. UFC-Que Choisir describes a steam generator as a suitable option for ironing large loads.
Who is this choice for?
People who iron thick or heavily creased fabrics
For stubborn creases, check the continuous steam output and test results for the specific model rather than relying on the advertised pressure alone. It should also be comfortable to handle during a long session.
People who care about maintenance
If descaling or the option to have the appliance repaired affects your decision, check the manual, compatible parts and warranty terms for the model you’re considering.
What sets the appliances apart?
Steam generator with continuous refill
Worth considering: if you iron for long periods and want to be able to add water while the appliance is in use.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space to store a separate base, and descaling requirements vary by model.
Steam generator with limited run time
Worth considering: if your usual ironing session fits within one tank and you don’t mind stopping to refill.
Bear in mind: according to Electroguide, a pressurised tank cannot be refilled while the appliance is in use.
Conventional steam iron
Worth considering: if you iron smaller loads or have limited storage space.
Bear in mind: the water tank is built into the iron, unlike a steam generator with a separate base.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Uninterrupted ironing | Whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use; the run time stated in the manual. | I want to get through a large pile without waiting for the tank to cool before refilling it. Around 33% of consumers may prioritise being able to iron without interruption. |
| Available space | The dimensions of the complete appliance; the space needed on the ironing board and in storage. | If space is limited, the separate base needs to fit where I iron and store the appliance. Around 20% of consumers may prioritise a compact design. |
| Maintenance and repairs | Descaling instructions in the manual; compatible parts and repair options for the exact model. | I want to understand the maintenance involved before committing to an appliance I’ll use regularly. Easy maintenance may be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Stubborn creases | Advertised continuous steam output; test results for the exact model, particularly for ease of use. | If I often iron thick or heavily creased fabrics, I want an appliance that’s comfortable to handle too. Around 20% of consumers may put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on the bar rating alone
The advertised pressure alone doesn’t tell you how easy the appliance is to handle or how well it stands up to limescale. UFC-Que Choisir’s test procedure also considers ease of use and maintenance.
Compare the available results for the exact model, along with its continuous steam output, iron weight and descaling instructions.
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Confusing a large tank with the ability to refill while ironing
A large tank doesn’t necessarily mean you can add water partway through a session. Electroguide explains that a pressurised tank with limited run time cannot be refilled while the appliance is in use.
Check the product details and manual to confirm exactly how to refill the model.
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Overlooking the anti-limescale system
Maintenance varies depending on whether the appliance uses a collector, a rinse programme or cartridges. A feature advertised for a range may not be available on every model.
Check the manual before buying to find out what’s involved and which consumables are compatible.
Depending on the system, cartridges may need replacing.
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Confusing the statutory guarantee with the commercial warranty
In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the statutory guarantee of conformity, which you claim from the retailer, and an optional commercial warranty that may be offered in addition.
Check who the retailer is and read the terms of any commercial warranty, particularly its exclusions and how the appliance will be dealt with if you make a claim.
Brands to know when comparing models
Calor
The range includes steam generators with a variety of features. UFC-Que Choisir notes, for example, that the GV7780C0 has a lock for transport and storage.
- Some models include storage and maintenance features.
- Check the parts and repair options for the specific model: you can’t assume these from the brand name alone.
Braun
Braun’s CareStyle range includes steam generators with unlimited run time and removable tanks, with capacity varying by series.
- Braun says some series combine a removable tank with descaling features.
- Check the refill method and maintenance instructions for the model you choose.
Philips
According to Philips, some PerfectCare and FastCare models have a removable tank and an integrated anti-limescale system, depending on the model.
- Philips describes the descaling system on some models as reusable.
- Don’t assume you can refill while ironing or that another model doesn’t need cartridges.
Rowenta
Rowenta offers several steam generators and provides an out-of-warranty repair service for some of them.
- Steam performance and repair options can be checked for each model.
- Confirm that the brand’s repair service covers the appliance you’re interested in.
Appliances for longer ironing sessions
These steam ironing appliances are worth considering if you regularly get through large amounts of laundry. For each one, check whether you can refill the tank while it’s in use and what maintenance is required.
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Philips GC6842/30 PerfectCare Compact blue
Worth considering for regular sessions if a 1.3 L tank suits your needs. Check the manual to see whether you need to stop ironing to refill it.
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Philips PSG6022/20 PerfectCare 6000 Series
For a long ironing session, check the refill instructions for this specific model. Also consult the manual for descaling guidance.
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Hkoenig V7, 8-bar steam iron
If you’re considering this model for longer sessions, don’t judge its suitability on the advertised 8 bars alone. Check the refill method and descaling instructions in the manual too.
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Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 L, white and blue
The 2 L tank may appeal if you have large piles of laundry, but capacity alone doesn’t determine how long you can use the appliance. Check the refill method, maintenance requirements and storage space needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam generator right for every household that irons?
No. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for large amounts of laundry, but the separate tank makes it bulkier than a conventional iron. If you have a moderate amount to iron or very limited storage, compare steam irons too.
What does “unlimited run time” mean on a steam generator?
It means you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use, unlike a pressurised tank with limited run time. Check the manual for the exact model to confirm this feature and see how accessible the tank is.
How can I plan for descaling?
Read the manual before buying to find out how to rinse the appliance or collect limescale, and whether any cartridges need replacing. Philips describes some of its systems as reusable, but this doesn’t apply to every steam generator.
What warranty applies to a steam generator bought from a retailer in France?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, whether new, second-hand or refurbished, and claims are made to the retailer. An optional commercial warranty may also be offered, but it doesn’t replace the statutory guarantee.