If your ironing sessions are short or storage space is limited, a steam iron is the simplest option to get out and put away. For regularly ironing large piles or tackling hard-to-smooth fabrics, Que Choisir recommends considering a steam generator iron. Check how much space it needs, whether you can refill it during a long session and how to descale it.
How often you iron matters just as much as the size of an occasional pile of laundry.
If clothes and household linens regularly pile up, a steam generator iron is worth considering. Que Choisir considers it suitable for large loads; choose a tank type that matches the usual length of your ironing sessions.
If linen, heavy cotton or stubborn creases are a regular feature, compare how well each model smooths these fabrics rather than looking only at the figures it advertises. A steam iron is still an option if you only iron a few items at a time.
An iron takes up less space than a steam generator and is easier to get out for a quick touch-up. If you’re considering a steam generator, measure the space its base will take up on your ironing board too.
Start with the length of your ironing sessions and the space you have, then look at how well the specific model smooths fabrics and what maintenance it needs.
Choose this if : you iron in short sessions or often need to touch up a few items quickly.
Bear in mind : its smaller tank may need refilling more often when you’re tackling a large pile.
Choose this if : the pressurised tank’s capacity is enough for your usual session.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to wait for it to cool as instructed before refilling.
Choose this if : you want to be able to refill a separate tank during a long session.
Bear in mind : the base needs space both when in use and in storage.
Consider this if : you also want an active ironing board and have a dedicated space for it.
Check : the board’s features, stability and how much space it takes up when stored.
| Criterion | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Crease removal | Compare tests carried out using the same method on the fabrics you care about. Que Choisir assesses crease removal separately from advertised pressure and steam figures. | I often iron linen, heavy cotton or large piles of laundry and want to make fewer passes over creases. |
| Refilling | Check whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use. According to Que Choisir’s glossary, a separate, unpressurised tank can be refilled at any time; a single pressurised tank requires cooling precautions. | I don’t want a long ironing session interrupted by having to wait before refilling the boiler. |
| Set-up | Measure the space available for the base on your ironing board and in storage. If you often need to touch up a few items quickly, also compare how long the model takes to heat up. | I have limited space and prefer an appliance that’s easy to get out for a few items of clothing. |
| Maintenance | Read the model’s descaling instructions : check for alerts, cleaning steps and any required cooling time. Que Choisir takes limescale build-up into account in its endurance tests. | I want to be able to carry out the required maintenance without making my regular ironing sessions more complicated. |
| Active ironing board | For an ironing system, check the board’s actual features, stability and dimensions both when set up and when stored. | I’m looking for an active ironing board as well as a steam appliance, and I have space for it. |
Pressure, continuous steam output and steam boost describe different features. Que Choisir also assesses crease removal across several fabrics : a single figure doesn’t prove that one appliance removes creases better than another.
To compare two models, prioritise like-for-like tests on the fabrics you iron, then look at their exact specifications.
A steam generator takes up more space than an iron, both in your cupboard and during an ironing session. If you often iron small loads, a bulky set-up could affect your choice.
Measure the available storage and ironing-board space, then check the model’s dimensions, weight and locking mechanism.
On a steam generator with a single pressurised tank, opening it too soon could expose you to boiling water or hot steam. Having to wait can interrupt a long ironing session.
Choose a capacity that suits your needs and follow the cooling instructions in the manual. If you need to refill during a session, look for a model with a separate tank designed for this.
Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of steam generator breakdowns. Maintenance requirements vary by range and model.
Before buying, check the manual for the descaling method, any alerts and the precautions you need to follow.
These models give you specific features to compare ; a range doesn’t guarantee that every model has the same features.
The PerfectCare range includes steam generator irons with features and maintenance procedures that vary by series.
The CareStyle range lets you compare different tank capacities and storage requirements.
Astoria’s published specifications can help you assess the capacity and size of a particular model.
These three steam generator irons are options to consider if you want an appliance with a separate base for regular ironing sessions. If you prefer quick touch-ups or have limited storage space, compare them with a steam iron too.
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A steam generator worth considering if you regularly iron large piles but need to keep an eye on how much space the appliance takes up. The 1,3 L tank is listed in the product name ; measure the base before buying and check the manual for refilling and descaling instructions.
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This steam generator is worth comparing if you often tackle large loads of laundry. To see whether it suits a long session, check this model’s capacity and refilling instructions, as well as its dimensions and maintenance requirements.
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The 2 L tank listed in the product name may appeal if you do long ironing sessions, but it doesn’t tell you how long the appliance will actually run. Check that the dimensions suit your ironing board and storage space, then consult the manual for refilling and descaling instructions.
Consider a steam generator if you regularly iron large loads : Que Choisir considers this the right use for one. If your sessions are short or you’re short on space, a steam iron may be more practical to get out and put away.
A steam generator with a single pressurised tank may need a break before you can refill it, while it cools as instructed in the manual. According to Que Choisir’s glossary, a separate, unpressurised tank can be refilled at any time ; check the model’s design rather than relying on its marketing name alone.
Yes. Follow the recommended schedule, alerts and instructions for your model rather than waiting for the steam output to drop. Philips recommends regularly cleaning its steam generators, but the procedure and cooling precautions depend on the series.
Don’t put it in your household rubbish : electrical equipment has a dedicated collection and recycling scheme. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition states that a « one-for-one » take-back scheme applies when you buy an appliance of the same type ; ask the retailer how its take-back service works.