A steam generator is worth considering if you often iron large loads of laundry or fabrics that are difficult to smooth out. Que Choisir highlights its benefits for larger loads, linen and thick cotton. For shorter sessions or when storage space is tight, include a steam iron in your comparison. Before choosing a steam generator, consider how much space it will take up, how it starts up and refills, and what maintenance it needs.
If your ironing sessions involve several loads of washing, household linens or lots of shirts, it’s worth comparing a steam generator with your current iron. Que Choisir considers it suitable for larger loads; also check that you have enough space to set it up and store it easily.
Linen, thick cotton and some blended fabrics can be good reasons to buy a steam generator, according to Que Choisir. To compare specific models, look for tests on the fabrics you use rather than relying on a single steam figure.
If you take out your appliance for just a few items and put it straight back in the cupboard, compare the space needed for a steam generator and an iron. Measure the available space on your ironing board too: the base needs to fit without getting in the way.
Start by considering how long your ironing sessions usually last, then compare appliances in terms of the fabrics you iron, the space available and the maintenance you’re prepared to do.
Worth considering: for long sessions if you want to top up the water while ironing; check that your chosen model allows this.
Bear in mind: being able to refill during use doesn’t remove the need to make room for the base or maintain it.
Worth considering: for large loads if the model’s capacity and refill process suit your routine.
Bear in mind: you may need to pause your session to refill; check the instructions to find out when and how to do this.
Worth considering: if you mostly iron small loads or have limited space.
Consider: if you often iron linen or thick cotton, compare how well the iron smooths these fabrics against a steam generator.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Long sessions | Compare the tank capacity, how it refills and how easy the iron is to handle. With a steam generator that has limited refill, check what steps you need to follow before topping it up. | I iron several baskets of washing in one go and want to avoid repeated interruptions. |
| Difficult fabrics | Look for tests on a range of fabrics, as well as the advertised continuous steam output and steam boost. Que Choisir measures steam output and tests how well appliances smooth different fabrics as part of its testing process. | I have a lot of linen or thick cotton to iron and want to compare the results on these fabrics. |
| Setup and storage | Measure the base and the space available. Check the model’s heat-up time, as well as how the iron locks in place and the cord and hose are stored. | I need to take the appliance out and put it away after every short session, without cluttering the ironing board or cupboard. |
| Limescale maintenance | Check the instructions to find out whether the appliance has a collector, a cleaning cycle or cartridges, and what maintenance or replacements are required. Que Choisir includes limescale build-up in its endurance tests. | As I iron frequently, I’d like to know what maintenance is needed and whether any consumables need replacing. |
For just a few items, setting up the base and waiting for the appliance to be ready can make more of a difference to your routine than when you’re tackling a large load.
Measure the space you’ll need and check how long your chosen model takes to heat up before replacing your iron.
A single figure doesn’t tell you how an appliance will perform on your fabrics. Que Choisir’s testing process looks at factors including steam output, how well different fabrics are smoothed and durability.
When comparing two appliances, look for tests carried out under the same conditions and on the fabrics you iron.
You’ll always need to follow the instructions for your specific model’s limescale system. For the older Calor SV7030C0 Liberty, Que Choisir noted that the cartridges needed regular replacement; this doesn’t apply automatically to the current Calor range as a whole.
Check the instructions to find out what cleaning is needed and whether any cartridges need replacing.
If a model uses replaceable cartridges, replacing them is a recurring task and expense.
In France, any commercial warranty is in addition to the statutory legal guarantee of conformity that applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, according to the Ministry of the Economy’s guidance dated 9 September 2026.
Keep your proof of purchase, read the terms of any commercial warranty offered and contact the seller if the product doesn’t conform to the contract.
These examples can help you compare specific model features; they don’t indicate how another model from the same brand will perform or whether it’s included in the selection below.
Que Choisir includes steam generators from Calor’s Express Vision range among the models tested recently.
The CareStyle range includes several steam generators, whose features vary by model.
According to Philips France, the PerfectCare 8000 Series PSG8200/80 combines a 1.4 L tank with the Easy De-Calc maintenance system.
These three steam generators are options to consider if you have long ironing sessions. Compare them with the option of keeping a steam iron if your sessions are short or space is limited.
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For long ironing sessions, consider whether the 1.3 L tank stated in the product name suits how often you want to refill. If you’d like to top up the water without stopping, check whether this is possible with the GC6842/30.
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To compare this steam generator with your iron for larger loads, check the PSG6022/20’s tank capacity, how it refills and how long it takes to heat up. For linen or thick cotton, look for tests on how well it smooths these fabrics.
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The 2 L tank stated in the product name is worth considering for long sessions, though it doesn’t indicate how well the appliance smooths fabrics. Check the base’s actual dimensions to make sure it fits your storage space, along with the heat-up time and the IS3157BL’s limescale maintenance instructions.
No. Que Choisir considers steam generators suitable for larger loads and useful for difficult fabrics, but you should still compare specific appliances. If your sessions are short or space is limited, also consider how a steam generator compares with a steam iron for setup and storage.
Measure the base and the space available, then check how the iron locks in place and how the cord and hose are stored. Also look at the heat-up time if you take the appliance out for short sessions.
Ideally, compare how well they smooth these fabrics in tests carried out using the same method, rather than looking only at their pressure or steam boost figures. Que Choisir’s testing process measures factors including steam output and performance on different fabrics.
No. Depending on the model, you’ll need to follow the instructions for its limescale collector, cleaning process or replaceable cartridges. Check the instructions before buying so you know what maintenance and consumables are required.
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer in France, according to the Ministry of the Economy’s guidance dated 9 September 2026. For a new product, the Ministry states that the guarantee lasts for two years, during which the consumer doesn’t have to prove that the fault existed on the day of sale. Any commercial warranty is in addition to this guarantee, not a replacement for it.