If you iron regularly but only have a modest amount of laundry, a steam iron may be all you need, and it can be put away without a separate base. If you iron large loads in one go, a steam generator is worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir recommends one for larger quantities and notes that its separate tank makes the iron lighter to hold, although the whole appliance takes up more space. Either way, don’t choose on steam output alone. Check the fabric settings, ease of handling and maintenance too.
A steam generator is worth comparing if your ironing sessions are long or you tend to do several loads in one go. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for larger quantities: the separate tank makes the iron lighter to hold, but the whole appliance takes up more space.
If you have a modest amount to iron, a steam iron means you don’t need to set up and store a separate base. Compare the weight, tank, settings and maintenance rather than relying on a single steam-output figure.
Check the temperature and steam settings, or which fabrics are suitable for an automatic mode. Always follow the care label first: UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between the higher settings needed for cotton and linen and the lower temperatures required for synthetics.
Start by thinking about how much you iron in one session, then consider the space you have and how easy the appliance is to use with your fabrics.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of laundry | Tank capacity, how it is filled and the stated running time for the specific model. | I iron several piles in a row and want to avoid stopping to refill the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir says a steam generator is suitable for larger quantities. |
| Handling and storage | The weight of the iron in your hand, the space needed for the base, and the position of the cord or hose. | For a long session, the weight in my hand matters. In a small space, I also need to be able to set up and put away the appliance. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a separate tank makes a steam generator’s iron lighter, but the whole appliance is bulkier. |
| Steam and creases | Continuous steam output and steam boost, considered separately; results on comparable fabrics where test results are available. | I want to tackle stubborn creases without assuming that a high steam-output figure is enough. UFC-Que Choisir points out that steam output alone is not enough to identify a good iron. |
| Fabric settings | Temperature, steam and whether the selected mode is suitable for the care labels on your clothes. | My wardrobe includes cotton, linen and synthetics, so I need to be able to adjust the setting for each garment in line with its care label. |
| Maintenance | Instructions on water, descaling method and access to the parts that need cleaning on the model you are considering. | A routine I can follow regularly matters more to me than an anti-scale feature if I’m not sure how to use it. |
A figure in g/min doesn’t tell you everything about results on different fabrics or how comfortable the iron is to handle. UFC-Que Choisir stresses that steam output alone isn’t enough to assess an iron.
Look at continuous steam and steam boost separately, then compare the settings, weight, tank and test results from trials carried out under comparable conditions.
The separate tank makes the iron lighter to hold, but the base still needs somewhere to sit while you iron and when you put it away, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Measure the space you have before comparing a steam generator, even one described as compact, with a steam iron.
Limescale collection and cleaning procedures vary between models. A feature listed by the manufacturer doesn’t mean you can skip the instructions.
Check which water you can use, how to descale the appliance and whether the parts that need cleaning are easy to access on the model you’re considering.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a handheld or standing garment steamer can’t create sharp creases or achieve the finish of a steam iron or steam generator.
If you want crisp creases or a complete pressed finish during regular ironing sessions, start with a steam iron or steam generator. Keep a garment steamer for suitable touch-ups.
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models; they aren’t results that apply to every product from a brand.
Braun’s range includes CareStyle steam generators, with specifications that vary by model.
Philips sells both steam irons and steam generators, so check the exact model before comparing specifications.
Calor steam generators are among the appliances covered in UFC-Que Choisir’s comparison of this category.
These three models are steam generators for ironing at home. Compare them if you iron large loads in one go and have room for the base. If your sessions are shorter, it’s still worth considering a steam iron.
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Worth considering if you tend to do your ironing in one go and have space for a separate base. Check the space needed, suitable fabrics, and the water and maintenance instructions for this model.
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The 8 Bar figure appears in the model name, but it isn’t enough to tell you how well the appliance will perform on your clothes. For regular ironing, compare the tank capacity, weight in your hand, fabric settings and the space it takes up too.
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The 2 L tank listed in the product name is worth considering if you iron large quantities. Also check the space needed for the base, fabric settings and descaling procedure. The 2400 W power rating alone doesn’t tell you how well the appliance will iron.
It’s worth considering one if you iron a large amount of laundry in one session and have space to set up and store the base. UFC-Que Choisir says steam generators are suitable for larger quantities: the separate tank makes the iron lighter to hold, but the whole appliance is bulkier.
No. UFC-Que Choisir explains that steam output alone isn’t enough to identify a good iron. Compare continuous steam and steam boost separately, and also consider results on the fabrics you iron, the settings, weight and maintenance.
Always start by following the garment’s care label and check which fabrics are suitable for your appliance’s mode. UFC-Que Choisir recommends a higher setting for cotton and linen, but a lower temperature for synthetics.
Not if you want sharp creases or a complete pressed finish. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a garment steamer can’t achieve that finish. It’s better suited as an extra for suitable touch-ups.