If you regularly iron a pile of washing and don’t want to stop to refill the appliance, start by comparing steam generators designed to be refilled while in use. For shorter ironing sessions or easier storage, a steam iron is worth considering. A pressurised-boiler steam generator may suit you if one fill is enough for your session, while a garment steamer is mainly for quick touch-ups on hanging clothes. Heat-up time, maintenance and storage requirements vary by model, not just by appliance type.
You iron several items in one go and want to know whether continuous refilling is worth the space a steam generator takes up. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a steam generator can be a good choice for ironing larger loads.
You take the appliance out and put it away after each use, so you’d prefer something simple to set up without a bulky base. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide to steam irons points out that steam output alone isn’t enough to judge a model.
You mostly want to freshen up clothes on hangers rather than achieve a crisp finish on the ironing board. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes occasional touch-ups from steaming several items of clothing.
Consider it if: you iron in short sessions and need to put the appliance away after each use.
Bear in mind: the built-in water tank may need refilling when you have a large pile of washing to get through.
Consider it if: one fill is enough for your session and you’d like a steam generator.
Bear in mind: with models that have a safety cap, follow the instructions and wait until the pressure has dropped enough to open it before refilling.
Consider it if: you often iron a lot of washing and want to be able to add water during a longer session.
Bear in mind: the base takes up space, and “unlimited runtime” doesn’t mean the tank never needs refilling.
Consider it if: you mainly want to touch up clothes while they’re hanging.
Bear in mind: a garment steamer may not give you the crisp, flat finish or sharp creases you want for a pile of washing.
When you do your washing in batches at home, you’ll need to weigh up the ability to refill as you go, storage space, the finish, touch-ups and maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the different needs involved in ironing larger loads, using steam irons and carrying out occasional touch-ups.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Getting through a pile without stopping | Check the instructions to see whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use, not just how much it holds. | When I’m ironing one item after another, I want to avoid having to stop to refill. Around 30% of consumers prioritise an uninterrupted session. |
| Setting up and putting away | Compare the appliance’s dimensions when stored, how much it weighs to move and the specific model’s heat-up time. | For a short session, I’d rather have an appliance that’s easy to take out and put away than a bulky base. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Finish on your clothes | Look beyond the stated steam output to the ironing results; one figure alone can’t tell you what sort of finish to expect. | If sharp creases or ironing on a board matter to me, a quick touch-up on a hanger may not meet the same need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this type of finish. |
| Touching up clothes on hangers | Compare handheld and upright models based on how many clothes you want to steam, and check whether you also need a flat finish. | If I mainly want to freshen up a garment on a hanger, I’m looking for a solution that suits that task rather than the whole load of washing. Around 10% of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Maintenance and precautions | Read the instructions on water, descaling and refilling, as well as how long to let a pressurised boiler cool before opening it. | Before choosing, I want to understand the maintenance and model-specific precautions. Around 10% of consumers put these points first. |
This phrase means that some tanks can be refilled while the appliance is in use, not that they hold an endless supply of water.
Check the tank capacity and whether you can add water during a session as two separate things.
A garment steamer is mainly for touch-ups; it won’t give you the same result as ironing on a board.
Before choosing, decide whether you want to steam clothes on hangers or achieve a flat finish.
If you still need a flat finish, you may have to keep or buy a steam iron or steam generator as well, along with the extra storage space it requires.
Steam output doesn’t tell you everything about the ironing results, heat-up time or ease of handling.
Compare relevant test results, dimensions, maintenance instructions and the exact model number instead of relying on a single figure.
Worth considering if you’re comparing a 7000 Series steam iron with appliances for touch-ups. The right choice depends on whether you prefer ironing on a board or a compact design.
Compare the CareStyle 3 IS3257BK and CareStyle 7 Pro IS7262GY using the specifications listed for each model.
The Vaporella range includes models to consider if you’re looking for a steam generator with a tank that can be refilled while in use.
If you’re comparing specific models, it’s worth looking at Calor steam generators one model at a time.
This selection includes handheld and upright garment steamers, as well as steam generators, so you can compare touch-ups on hangers with longer ironing sessions.
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The upright design is made for steaming clothes on hangers. Check that it gives you the finish you want for your pile of washing.
The title lists 32 g/min, a 2 L tank, up to 45 minutes of runtime, 11 adjustable temperature settings and a 38-second heat-up time. An ironing board and hanger are listed as included.
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The portable design is worth considering for touch-ups. Check that the finish suits your needs, especially if you want to iron clothes flat.
The title lists a power output of 1500 W and a stated heat-up time of 25 seconds.
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The product details describe a handheld appliance for clothes on hangers. This type of steaming may not give you the same finish as ironing on a board.
The title lists a steam output of 30 g/min and a 400 ml tank.
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A steam generator to compare if you’re looking for an appliance for a longer ironing session. Check the model’s heat-up time and maintenance instructions.
The title lists a 1.3 L tank and the Compact designation.
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Compare it with other steam generators if you iron several items in one session. Check the specifications and maintenance instructions for this exact model.
No. Only models designed for continuous refill let you add water during a session, and you should check the instructions for your model. If your steam generator has a safety cap, wait until the pressure has dropped enough to open it and follow the instructions.
It may be enough if you mainly want to smooth light creases from clothes on hangers. For a flat finish or sharp creases, compare a steam iron or steam generator instead. If you need to steam several items on hangers, consider upright models too.
Follow the instructions for the model you choose: guidance for a steam iron may not apply to a steam generator. UFC-Que Choisir recommends descaling according to how often you use the appliance and the hardness of your water. Don’t use hot or reclaimed water in a steam generator unless the instructions say it’s suitable.
For products covered by the relevant EU regulations, the CE marking indicates that the manufacturer declares the product meets the applicable requirements. The DGCCRF explains that it is not an independent certification or, by itself, proof that a particular item has been tested and found to be fault-free.
When you buy from a trader, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers faults that existed when the goods were delivered. According to the DGCCRF, you have two years from delivery to make a claim, whether the goods are new or second-hand. Any commercial guarantee is separate and optional.