If you regularly tackle large piles of laundry, a steam generator is worth considering. A steam iron is still a sensible choice if your ironing sessions are short and easy storage is a priority. If you want to top up the water without stopping during a long session, only consider a steam generator whose manual confirms that you can refill it while it’s in use. In every case, compare the space it takes up and the maintenance routine.
If you regularly iron clothes and household linens in one go, it’s worth comparing a steam generator with your iron. UFC-Que Choisir presents it as a suitable option for larger loads, but make sure you have room for its base.
For frequently creased linen or heavyweight cotton, look for crease-removal results on similar fabrics rather than choosing on the basis of the advertised pressure alone. In its tests, UFC-Que Choisir assesses steam output separately from crease-removal performance.
If the appliance needs to go back into a small cupboard after every session, compare the full dimensions of a compact steam generator with those of a steam iron. If you plan to move the steam generator, also check whether the iron locks onto its base.
Start with the length of your usual ironing sessions. This will help you decide whether a steam generator would be useful, and whether being able to refill it while it’s in use really matters.
Worth considering: for large piles of laundry if stopping to refill won’t disrupt your session.
Bear in mind: the base takes up more room than a steam iron. Check the refill instructions for the model.
Choose this if: you want to add water during a long session and the model’s manual explicitly says you can.
Check: a large tank on its own doesn’t confirm that you can refill it while it’s in use.
Stick with this if: you mainly iron smaller piles of laundry and prefer an appliance that’s easy to store.
Bear in mind: the tank is in the iron you hold, rather than in a separate base.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Long ironing sessions | Crease-removal results on the fabrics you iron and the weight of the iron you hold, if stated. | When laundry builds up for one big session, reducing the number of passes and fatigue becomes a priority; around 28% of consumers put this need first. |
| Interruptions to refill | Whether you can refill the appliance while it’s in use and the procedure set out in the model’s manual. | If your session is a long one, you may want to add water without waiting for the appliance to cool down; around 22% of consumers put this need first. |
| Available space | The dimensions of the base and the appliance when stored, and whether it has a transport lock. | If you need to move and store the appliance after every use, its size is the main deciding factor for around 22% of consumers. |
| Limescale maintenance | Descaling steps, access to the limescale collector and the model’s water instructions. | To keep maintenance manageable between sessions, around 28% of consumers prioritise the limescale-care routine. |
The advertised pressure alone doesn’t tell you how well an appliance performs on every fabric. UFC-Que Choisir assesses steam output separately from crease-removal performance in its testing process.
For linen or heavyweight cotton, look for comparable tests of the model and fabrics you’re interested in.
A steam generator takes up space on the ironing board as well as in storage. The word ‘compact’ on the label doesn’t guarantee that it will fit in your cupboard.
Measure the space you have and compare it with the appliance’s full dimensions, including the cord and space needed for moving it.
UFC-Que Choisir includes limescale build-up among the causes of failure it looks for in its endurance tests. Descaling steps vary from one appliance to another.
Read the instructions for the model before you buy, especially the guidance on cooling and water, then follow it whenever you use the appliance.
Maintenance takes time and, depending on the system, may require a container or consumables.
The tank capacity doesn’t tell you whether you can add water while the steam generator is running.
If avoiding a break is essential, look for explicit confirmation in the manual for the exact model that you can refill it while it’s in use.
Calor’s range includes both traditional steam generators and high-pressure models, giving you options for different ironing sessions.
The PerfectCare and FastCare ranges include models worth considering if refill options or storage are important to you.
Braun CareStyle steam generators are worth comparing if you’re looking for an appliance suited to longer sessions.
Rowenta’s range includes steam generators worth considering for ironing large piles of laundry.
These steam generators could be included in a comparison for large piles of laundry. To choose between limited run time and being able to refill while the appliance is in use, check the manual for each model.
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A steam generator worth considering if you regularly iron large piles of laundry.
Before choosing it for a long session, check the manual for the tank capacity, whether you can refill it while it’s in use and the space you’ll need to store it.
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This steam generator is worth comparing if you’re looking to balance regular ironing with easy storage.
Its product name gives the tank capacity as 1,3 L. That doesn’t confirm whether you can refill it while it’s in use, so check the manual and measure the space where you plan to store it.
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This steam generator may appeal to households comparing tank sizes for longer sessions.
Its product name lists a 2 L tank and 2400 W; these figures don’t tell you how long it can run or how well it performs on different fabrics. Check the manual for refill instructions, limescale maintenance and storage dimensions.
Not necessarily. It’s most worth considering if you regularly have large piles to iron and have room to store the base. UFC-Que Choisir presents steam generators as suitable for ironing larger loads. For occasional sessions or limited storage, compare a steam iron too.
Look for explicit confirmation in the manual for the exact model. Tank size alone isn’t enough: for example, Philips confirms that the FastCare GC7703/20R1 can be refilled while ironing, but that doesn’t mean its other models have the same feature.
Follow the water and descaling instructions in your appliance’s manual. UFC-Que Choisir says maintenance frequency depends, among other things, on how often you use the appliance and how hard your water is. A schedule specified for one Philips model shouldn’t be applied to every steam generator.
No. You still need to carry out the maintenance steps specified for your model. Before you buy, check how to access the collector or start the rinse cycle, and whether the procedure requires the appliance to cool down or needs any extra equipment.