For short ironing sessions and when storage space is limited, a steam iron is a good place to start. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering a steam generator if you have a large amount of laundry to iron. A garment steamer is handy for quick touch-ups on hanging clothes, but it won’t give you crisp creases like an iron. An ironing system combines a steam generator with an active ironing board, so make sure you have room to set it up and store it.
If your ironing sessions are long, or you regularly tackle thick cotton and linen, compare a steam generator with a steam iron. UFC-Que Choisir says a steam generator is suited to larger loads; you’ll also need to make room to store it.
If you have smaller loads and need to put your appliance away after each session, start by comparing steam irons. If you mainly need to touch up clothes, a handheld garment steamer could also suit you, but it won’t give you the same finish as an iron.
A garment steamer helps smooth light creases from hanging clothes, particularly after they’ve been stored or transported. However, according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t create sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator.
Worth considering: for everyday ironing in short or medium-length sessions, using an ironing board.
Bear in mind: the water tank is part of the handheld appliance, so check how heavy it is when full.
Worth considering: if you regularly iron large amounts of laundry, in line with UFC-Que Choisir’s advice.
Bear in mind: its separate base needs enough room while you’re using it and when you put it away.
Worth considering: for touching up hanging clothes without setting up an ironing board.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t create sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron.
Worth considering: if you want a steam generator and an active ironing board in one system, as described by UFC-Que Choisir.
Bear in mind: check how much room the board needs both when it’s set up and when it’s stored.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of laundry | Compare the tank capacity, whether you can refill it while using the appliance and how long it takes to heat up. For a steam generator, also measure the space needed for its base. | I often iron a lot of laundry in one session, so it’s worth comparing a steam generator with an iron. UFC-Que Choisir recommends steam generators for larger loads. |
| Finish | Think about whether you need to touch up clothes on a hanger or iron them on a board. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer won’t create sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator. | If I want sharp creases in a shirt or trousers, I’m looking for an iron or steam generator. For a few light creases, I could consider a garment steamer. |
| Available space | Check the appliance’s dimensions both when stored and set up, the space available on your ironing board and how heavy it is to move. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, an ironing system also includes an active ironing board. | If I need to put everything away after use, size matters just as much as the steam functions. |
| Maintenance | Check the model’s manual for the type of water to use, descaling instructions and any filters or cartridges that need replacing. Don’t assume that the instructions are the same across different brands. | I use steam regularly, so I want to be able to follow the maintenance instructions and identify consumables that are compatible with my appliance. |
| Identification | Note down the brand and exact model number, check the manual and look for any recalls on RappelConso. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking is not an independent certification. | Before buying a heated appliance, I want to be able to find its instructions and check whether its model has been recalled. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer won’t give you the finish of an iron or steam generator. It may not be right for conventional ironing.
Decide whether you mainly want to touch up clothes on a hanger or iron them to get a crisp finish.
A steam generator can be a good choice for large loads, but you’ll need somewhere to put its base while using it and when storing it.
Measure the available space and compare the heat-up times of the models you’re considering if you also do short ironing sessions.
In its testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir cites limescale build-up as a major cause of steam generator breakdowns. Depending on the model, maintenance may also involve replacing a filter or cartridge.
Check the manual for the type of water to use, the maintenance tasks required and the product codes for compatible consumables.
An unclear model number makes it harder to find the manual and check for recalls. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that the CE marking is not an independent certification; RappelConso has, for example, reported a risk of electric shock for a specific iron model.
Check the brand, exact model and manufacturer’s information, then look up the model on RappelConso.
Calor offers steam irons and steam generators, as well as parts and accessories for some models.
Philips offers irons, steam generators, handheld garment steamers and all-in-one ironing systems.
Laurastar offers systems that combine a steam generator, an iron and an active ironing board.
These Joybuy options suit two different needs: ironing with a steam generator and touching up hanging clothes with a garment steamer.
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This steam generator is worth considering for ironing on a board during longer sessions. The 6 bar rating appears in its name; also check how much room you’ll need to store it and follow the instructions for cleaning the model’s anti-scale collector.
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This garment steamer is suited to touching up hanging clothes. If you want sharp creases, UFC-Que Choisir advises that you shouldn’t expect a garment steamer to give you the finish of an iron. Also check the tank’s capacity and that the power supply is compatible with your setup.
Not if you want sharp creases or a traditional pressed finish: that’s the limitation highlighted by UFC-Que Choisir. However, a garment steamer could suit you if you only need to make light touch-ups to clothes on a hanger.
Check the instructions for the specific model on water and descaling, as well as the product codes for any filters or cartridges it needs. Philips says hard water can speed up limescale build-up in its irons and garment steamers; maintenance requirements vary by appliance.
No. The rated power alone doesn’t tell you how much energy a full ironing session uses. To compare two models on a like-for-like basis, also consider the heat-up time and how long you use the steam for the amount of laundry you have.
Identify the brand and exact model number, check the manual and look for any recalls on RappelConso. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking is not an independent certification.
An ironing system combines a steam generator with an active ironing board, according to UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol. Treat it as a complete system: check the board’s dimensions, how much room it takes up when stored and the maintenance instructions for the whole unit.