For big ironing piles, it’s worth comparing a steam generator that can be topped up while you iron first: UFC-Que Choisir says steam generators suit people who do a lot of ironing. A model with a limited-pressure boiler or a standard steam iron may also suit you, depending on how long you iron for and how much space you have. Compare the weight, size, heat-up time and maintenance requirements rather than assuming a steam generator will always save you time.
You regularly tackle a big pile of ironing and want to avoid stopping to refill the appliance. Compare whether you can top it up while ironing, how easy the reservoir is to handle and how much space the appliance needs. UFC-Que Choisir says steam generators suit people who do a lot of ironing.
You often iron linen, thick cotton or household linen. Look for information on how well the appliance smooths these fabrics rather than relying on the quoted pressure alone; UFC-Que Choisir describes tests that take different fabrics into account.
You want to manage limescale without a complicated process. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering and bear in mind UFC-Que Choisir’s endurance tests, which track factors including limescale build-up and steam output.
For long ironing sessions, a steam generator that can be refilled while in use can save you waiting for a sealed boiler to cool down. If space or getting started quickly matters more, include a standard steam iron in your comparison too.
Worth considering: if you iron for a long time and want to add water without waiting for a sealed boiler to cool down. Check that the model can be refilled while you’re ironing.
Bear in mind: the base takes up space, and “unlimited ironing time” doesn’t mean the reservoir never needs refilling.
Worth comparing: if the boiler’s water capacity suits the length of your ironing sessions; Polti describes this type of boiler as suitable for shorter sessions.
Bear in mind: for the safety-cap boiler described by Polti, you can’t unscrew the cap while the boiler is still pressurised.
Keep it in the running: if you iron regularly but storage space and getting started quickly are important.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says a standard iron is generally more compact, but it may give less favourable results on hard-to-iron fabrics than a steam generator.
The percentages below relate to consumers in France who regularly iron large amounts of laundry or hard-to-iron fabrics. Each figure shows the main priority for that row.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping long sessions going | Can you refill it while ironing? Is the reservoir easy to handle, and will the whole unit fit on your ironing board? | When I’m tackling a big pile, I want to avoid being forced to stop and refill the boiler. Around 36% of consumers prioritise being able to keep going during a long session. |
| Results on thick fabrics | Look for tests on the fabrics you iron, and distinguish measured continuous steam output from a quoted steam boost. | If my laundry includes linen or thick cotton, I look for results tested on those fabrics, not just a pressure figure. Around 29% of consumers prioritise smoothing hard-to-iron fabrics. |
| Limescale maintenance | Check the permitted water type, descaling instructions and any consumables in the model’s manual. | I want to know what maintenance will be needed if the appliance is used often. Around 21% of consumers put limescale management and long-term maintenance at the top of their list. |
| Space and getting started | Compare the dimensions and weight of the iron and base, storage space and the model’s heat-up time. | If my ironing board and cupboard are already full, I also consider how long it takes to get started. Around 14% of consumers prioritise available space and ease of use. |
The phrase means you can carry on ironing after adding water; it doesn’t mean the appliance has an endless supply.
Check the manual to see whether you can refill it while it’s in use and how to handle the reservoir.
A pressure figure or occasional burst of steam isn’t enough to show how well an iron handles linen or thick cotton. UFC-Que Choisir reports results for different fabrics in its tests.
Look for comparisons covering the fabrics you iron, and distinguish continuous steam output from quoted steam boost figures.
The iron may be light, but the base can still take up space on your ironing board and in your cupboard.
Check the weight of the iron and the whole unit separately, as well as the dimensions needed for storage.
Not all appliances deal with limescale in the same way. UFC-Que Choisir’s endurance tests track factors including limescale build-up and changes in steam output.
Read the manual to find out what maintenance is needed, what water you can use and whether any consumables are required.
Depending on the model, maintenance may require consumables. Check the instructions and their availability before choosing.
The Express and Pro Express ranges give you different steam generators to compare for longer ironing sessions.
The PerfectCare steam generator range includes models worth considering if you switch between different fabrics during an ironing session.
The CareStyle 3 IS3257BK is worth comparing, taking into account the iron’s ergonomics and the space the steam generator takes up.
The Vaporella range includes examples of boiler models with safety caps, as well as steam generators that can be refilled continuously.
This selection lets you compare standard steam irons with steam generators for regular ironing sessions. Dimensions, maintenance requirements and features to consider vary by model.
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Compare this standard iron with a steam generator for regular ironing sessions. The product name specifies 70 g/min steam output, a 120 g/min steam boost, a 300 ml reservoir and a self-cleaning function.
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This steam iron gives you a point of comparison with a steam generator if you’re considering a standard option. The product name specifies 2400 W power and a non-stick soleplate; check the dimensions and maintenance instructions for this model.
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This steam generator is worth comparing for regular ironing sessions. Check the weight of the whole unit, the space it needs, heat-up time and descaling process for this model.
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Worth comparing if you’re considering a steam generator for longer sessions. The product name specifies a 2 l reservoir and 2400 W power; also check the dimensions, weight and maintenance requirements for this model.
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This steam generator lets you compare another PerfectCare model for regular ironing sessions. Before buying, check the reservoir capacity, overall size and model-specific maintenance process.
No, it depends on the model. Check its manual: models designed for continuous refilling let you carry on ironing after adding water, while Polti says you can’t unscrew the safety cap on its pressurised boiler while pressure remains.
Always check your model’s manual first. UFC-Que Choisir says most steam generators can use tap water, but this general guidance doesn’t replace the instructions for your appliance. Its endurance testing tracks, among other things, the drop in steam output caused by limescale build-up; it doesn’t predict how long an appliance will last in every household.
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