For regular, large piles of laundry, Que Choisir considers a steam generator a suitable choice. According to But, a steam iron is still a good option for shorter sessions and is easier to store. If you find pauses to refill the tank inconvenient, look for a steam generator whose manual allows you to refill it while the appliance is in use. If you don’t mind taking breaks, you could also compare models with limited run times. In either case, check how much space you’ll need, the heat-up time and the descaling instructions for the specific model.
If you regularly iron lots of clothes, shirts or household linen, being able to keep going matters more than it does when you’re just touching up a few items. Que Choisir recommends considering a steam generator for large ironing loads.
If the appliance needs to fit in a cupboard or be put away after every session, measure the space available for the base. For smaller loads, But describes a steam iron as easier to store.
If you live in a hard-water area or iron frequently, choose a descaling process you can keep up with. Que Choisir points out that regular maintenance helps prevent blockages in the appliance and soleplate.
When choosing between a steam generator and a steam iron for home use, start with what matters most to you: getting through long sessions, storing the appliance, dealing with limescale or mainly doing quick touch-ups.
| What matters | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Uninterrupted ironing | Tank capacity and whether the manual allows you to refill it while the appliance is in use. | When I have a big pile of laundry waiting, I want to avoid a long interruption to refill the tank; around 33% of consumers put uninterrupted ironing first. |
| Storage and getting started | The appliance’s dimensions when stored and the heat-up time for the exact model. | If I have to take the appliance out of a cupboard and put it away after use, its size and how quickly it’s ready to use influence my choice; around 27% of consumers put ease of use first. |
| Water and descaling | Which water the manual allows and how the appliance should be descaled. | If I have hard water or iron frequently, I want to maintain the appliance properly without overlooking the instructions; around 27% of consumers prioritise maintenance. |
| Occasional use | How often you really have large loads to iron and how much space you have for an iron or steam generator. | If I rarely have big piles of laundry and mostly do touch-ups, I prefer an appliance that’s easy to get out; around 13% of consumers prioritise occasional use. |
The number of bars alone doesn’t tell you how continuously you can iron or how easy the appliance is to maintain. Que Choisir also considers ease of use and maintenance in its steam generator tests.
Compare the steam output listed for the specific model, then check its tank, heat-up time, size and descaling process.
Being able to top up the water doesn’t remove limescale. Que Choisir explains that limescale can block the appliance or the holes in the soleplate.
Check the manual for instructions on refilling the tank and descaling the steam generator, and see whether it has a limescale collector or other maintenance features.
A steam generator suited to big loads can take up a lot of space if you usually only iron a few items. Que Choisir describes it as bulkier than an iron, while But recommends an iron for smaller loads.
Keep an eye on the size of your laundry piles over several weeks before choosing between a steam iron and a compact steam generator.
Several Calor steam generators are among the models reviewed by Que Choisir. Look for the results for the specific model you’re interested in.
Philips offers steam generators where the design and tank capacity are worth comparing with the storage space you have available.
Braun steam generators can be compared by tank capacity and descaling system, which vary between ranges.
The Lift range may appeal if you want to look at both ironing and steaming clothes.
These Philips steam generators are worth considering for regular ironing sessions. Compare the design and features of each version with your available storage space and how you prefer to refill the tank.
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Worth considering if you regularly have long ironing sessions. Before choosing this version, check the manual for the tank capacity, heat-up time, whether you can refill it while in use, and the descaling instructions.
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Worth considering if storage matters as much as regular ironing sessions. The name of this version indicates a 1,3 L tank. Confirm the GC6842/30 model number on the product page and in the manual, along with its heat-up time, descaling instructions and whether you can refill it while in use.
According to Que Choisir, most steam generators are designed to work with tap water, but always check the manual for your model first. Que Choisir advises against using hot water or reclaimed water, including water from a tumble dryer.
Follow the frequency and method given in the manual; these depend in part on how often you use the appliance and the water you use. Que Choisir points out that limescale can block the appliance or the holes in the soleplate.
Let it cool down completely before putting it away, as stated in the Joybuy product details for the Tefal GV9821. For other models, check the relevant manual and see whether the iron locks onto the base before you move the appliance.
If a business sold the steam generator to a consumer in France, contact the seller to make a claim under the legal guarantee of conformity. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this mandatory guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep the product description and proof of purchase so you can explain how the item doesn’t conform.