For large piles of laundry or fabrics that are difficult to iron, a steam generator is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir recommends it for ironing large quantities, especially when you regularly deal with these types of fabric. A steam iron is more convenient for shorter sessions or when storage space is limited. If you choose a steam generator, check how it is filled, how long it takes to heat up and what maintenance the specific model requires.
If you often iron several baskets of laundry or bed sheets, it’s worth comparing a steam generator with an iron. UFC-Que Choisir recommends steam generators for large quantities, but make sure the extra space they take up and the time needed to get started suit your routine too.
For linen or thick cotton that often gets creased, UFC-Que Choisir lists a steam generator as an option to consider. If you only iron these items occasionally, also look at how well a steam iron removes creases and at its steam boost function.
For short ironing sessions and limited storage, a standard iron saves you the extra base of a steam generator. If the cord gets in your way, a cordless iron could be a good fit, provided you’re happy to return it to its charging base regularly.
Start with how long you usually iron for and which fabrics you iron. Then check how each appliance fits your storage space and the maintenance you’ll be able to keep up with.
Worth considering: for shorter sessions, if you want an appliance that’s easy to set up and put away.
The trade-off: if you regularly iron very large loads or difficult fabrics, compare its crease-removal results with those of a steam generator.
Worth considering: if you often have large piles of laundry and difficult fabrics to iron, as UFC-Que Choisir’s guide suggests.
The trade-off: the base takes up more space than an iron, and filling and set-up requirements vary by model.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of laundry | Reservoir capacity, whether you can top it up during a session and the instructions in the manual. Check whether a steam generator has a limited run time or can be refilled while in use. | I often iron large piles of laundry and want to avoid having to stop to refill the reservoir. |
| Difficult fabrics | Crease-removal results on the fabrics you iron, if comparable test results are available. Steam output in g/min or a steam boost figure alone doesn’t tell you how well creases are removed: UFC-Que Choisir also assesses performance on different fabrics. | I often iron linen and thick cotton; I want to judge results on these fabrics, not just look at a steam output figure. |
| Handling | Weight of the iron in your hand, cord length and how much space it takes up on the ironing board. For a cordless iron, check how often you’ll need to return it to its base. | Taking out the appliance and using it for a long time should both feel manageable. |
| Set-up and storage | How long the model takes to heat up, the size of the base and where you can store it after use. If you need to move a steam generator, check whether it has a transport lock. | My sessions are sometimes short, and I need to be able to put the appliance away without reorganising the cupboard. |
| Water and limescale | Which type of water is permitted, and the descaling frequency and method specified in the model’s manual. Philips notes that limescale builds up more quickly in hard-water areas on the appliances concerned. | If I live in a hard-water area, I want to be able to follow the water and maintenance guidance for the appliance I choose. |
A quoted steam output or steam boost figure doesn’t tell you on its own how well an appliance removes creases. UFC-Que Choisir points out that steam output alone isn’t enough to identify a good iron, and assesses steam generators on different fabrics.
If comparable test results are available, look at performance on the fabrics you iron, as well as ease of use.
A separate reservoir can make the iron more comfortable to use, but the base takes up space on your ironing board and in storage.
Measure the space you have and check the dimensions, cord arrangement and transport lock of the model you’re considering.
According to Calor, limescale build-up can reduce steam output and damage a steam generator. A collector or built-in programme should be used as instructed for the specific model.
Check the manual before buying to find out which water to use and how to descale the appliance.
Freedom of movement comes with regular trips back to the base, which can interrupt a long ironing session.
Choose a cordless model if the cord gets in your way enough to make those pauses worthwhile. Otherwise, compare a corded iron or a steam generator too.
These examples show different configurations worth comparing. Features listed for one model don’t necessarily apply to the brand’s entire range.
Calor offers standard and cordless irons, as well as steam generators.
The range includes steam irons and steam generators, with reservoir sizes and features that vary by model.
The CareStyle range includes steam generators whose capacity and maintenance requirements should be checked for each model.
These three steam generators give you a chance to compare appliances designed for ironing large amounts of laundry. Their inclusion here doesn’t replace comparing them with an iron if shorter sessions, set-up or storage are your priorities.
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For longer sessions, check in the manual whether you can refill this steam generator while ironing. Also check the water guidance and descaling instructions before choosing.
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The 2 L reservoir is worth considering for longer sessions, but it doesn’t tell you exactly how long you can iron for. Check the IS3157BL manual for instructions on refilling during use and descaling.
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The stated 8 bar pressure isn’t enough on its own to assess how well it removes creases from linen or thick cotton. For a long session, check the reservoir capacity and filling method, as well as the maintenance instructions.
No. UFC-Que Choisir recommends steam generators for large quantities and difficult fabrics, but they take up more space than an iron. If your sessions are short or storage space is limited, compare a steam iron on the fabrics you usually iron too.
On the models concerned, this means the reservoir can be refilled during a session. Check the chosen model’s manual for instructions on refilling, as well as the reservoir capacity and heat-up time.
It depends on the model and its instructions. Philips says its appliances concerned are designed for tap water, but recommends using distilled or demineralised water, or a 50% mix, in hard-water areas. Check your appliance’s manual before filling the reservoir.
Choose a process you can follow regularly, whether it involves a collector, a rod or a built-in programme. According to Calor, limescale build-up can reduce steam output and damage a steam generator. Follow the method and schedule specified in the model’s manual.