If you often iron large piles of laundry, especially thick or heavily creased fabrics, a steam generator is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir considers it suitable for ironing large quantities, but it takes up more space and may be less convenient to set up for a short session. A steam iron is still a good option if you often take it out and put it away; for very long sessions, check whether the model you choose can be refilled while you’re ironing.
You often iron linen, thick cotton or heavily creased blended fabrics. Results on these fabrics and the weight of the iron in your hand matter all the more when you have a large pile of laundry to get through.
There’s always laundry to iron, but your appliance needs to be easy to take out, set up and put away. The space you have available and the time it takes to get started may make an iron the better choice.
You switch from delicate fibres to synthetics, then to cotton or linen. Settings suited to different clothes and the descaling process deserve just as much attention as the advertised steam output.
Start by choosing according to how long you iron for and the fabrics you actually work with, then check that the appliance will fit in your home. Being able to refill it during a session matters most when interruptions would be inconvenient.
Worth considering: for relatively short sessions and if you often take your appliance out and put it away.
The trade-off: the water tank is part of the iron, so its weight in your hand matters more as your session gets longer.
Worth considering: if the cord gets in your way and you iron in shorter spells that suit returning the iron to its base.
The trade-off: recharging on the base may interrupt your rhythm; check how often this is needed for the specific model.
Worth considering: for long sessions if you can plan around any breaks to refill it.
The trade-off: you’ll need space to set up and store the base; refill requirements vary by model.
Worth considering: if you tackle very large loads and want to top up the water without stopping.
The trade-off: a steam generator takes up more space; check the instructions to confirm that the model can really be refilled while in use.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stubborn fabrics and fatigue | Compare tests on how well appliances remove creases from the fabrics you iron, and check the weight of the iron in your hand—not just its advertised steam output. | If I often iron linen or thick cotton, I want to avoid going over the same areas repeatedly without holding a tiring iron for the whole session; around 36% of consumers put this need first. |
| Keeping long sessions going | Check the tank capacity and, separately, whether you’re allowed to refill it while the appliance is running. | When I have a big pile of laundry waiting, stopping to top up the water disrupts my rhythm; around 29% of consumers put this need first. |
| Storage and ease of use | Measure the space available for the appliance and its base; check the iron’s weight and, depending on the model, the cord or charging base. | I prefer an appliance that’s easy to take out for shorter sessions, then put away without cluttering the table or cupboard; around 21% of consumers prioritise this ease of use. |
| Different fabrics and maintenance | Check which fabrics are compatible with the temperature settings and follow the descaling instructions in the manual. | When switching between delicate fibres and thicker laundry, I want to choose the right temperature and maintain the appliance regularly; around 14% of consumers put this concern first. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that figures given by manufacturers aren’t always comparable. A steam output in g/min, pressure in bar or a steam boost alone won’t tell you how well an appliance will remove creases from your clothes.
Look for tests on the fabrics you iron, and compare the figures on product specifications only when they’ve been measured using comparable methods.
A steam generator may suit a large load of laundry, but it can still be awkward to take out and set up. UFC-Que Choisir notes that its size and set-up time are factors to consider when choosing between one and an iron.
Measure your storage space and the area near your ironing board, then check the model’s dimensions, transport lock and heat-up time.
A cordless iron needs to go back on its base to recharge. Some customer reviews on the Calor Freemove Power product page say it needs recharging too often for intensive use; this feedback relates to that model, not all cordless irons.
Check how often the iron you’re considering needs to be used and recharged, and how easy it is to put back on its base.
Maintenance requirements vary by appliance. Calor warns that white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda may damage or clog some systems.
Use only the method and products approved for your model; switch off and unplug the appliance, then let it cool before carrying out any maintenance.
Calor offers corded and cordless steam irons as well as steam generators, giving you several options to compare for ironing large loads.
The PerfectCare range includes steam generators, some of which offer automatic temperature control without manual adjustments.
The CareStyle range includes steam generators in different sizes; compare the tank and maintenance system for each model.
This selection includes steam generators to consider for longer sessions, as well as a steam iron if you’d prefer an appliance that’s easier to take out and put away. Before relying on a steam generator for uninterrupted ironing, check its refilling requirements.
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For longer sessions with a variety of fabrics, check the temperature instructions for the PSG6022/20 and make sure its running time suits the laundry you need to get through.
If you want to iron without stopping to refill it, check the manual to confirm that you can add water while it’s running.
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If you have longer ironing sessions, compare this model’s heat-up time and refilling process with your usual routine.
For stubborn fabrics, base your choice on comparable crease-removal tests rather than the steam description alone.
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For a large pile of laundry, bear in mind its advertised 2 L tank capacity, but don’t assume this tells you how long a session will last.
The product name gives its power as 2400 W. Before choosing this model for a variety of fabrics, check its settings, descaling requirements and refilling instructions.
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This iron is worth considering if you tend to iron in short sessions and want to avoid setting up a steam generator base.
For a large load of laundry, compare how often it needs refilling, its weight in your hand and how well it removes creases from your fabrics before deciding whether an iron will be enough.
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If you’re considering a steam generator for your regular laundry, check how long its tank lasts and how it’s refilled.
The advertised pressure of 8 bar alone doesn’t tell you how well it removes creases. Also check that its settings suit your fabrics and review the descaling instructions.
No, it won’t always save you time: UFC-Que Choisir says the difference compared with a good iron can be small. For large loads, compare tests on how well each appliance removes creases from the fabrics you need to iron, and factor in the heat-up time.
It’s most useful if your sessions are long enough for breaks to refill the tank to get in your way. Check the manual for the steam generator you choose to confirm that you can refill its tank while ironing; a large capacity doesn’t mean this is possible.
Always check the care label on each garment first, then follow the settings recommended for your appliance. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between linen and cotton, for example, and synthetic or delicate fibres. If a model works without manual temperature settings, check which ironable fabrics are covered in its instructions.
Only use it if the manual for your model says you can: Calor warns that white vinegar may damage some components. Switch off and unplug the appliance, let it cool, then follow the maintenance instructions for your model.