For long ironing sessions with linen or thick cotton, a steam generator is worth considering. If you want to refill the tank without stopping, check that the model explicitly allows you to do so. A steam iron is still a good choice when easy storage, quick set-up and manoeuvrability matter most. According to Que Choisir, a steam generator does not always save a noticeable amount of time compared with a good iron.
If you regularly tackle a large pile of laundry in one go, uninterrupted ironing matters just as much as the space needed to set up and store the appliance. Que Choisir considers a steam generator suitable for ironing large quantities.
Linen, thick cotton and some blended fabrics can make a steam generator a good option, according to Que Choisir. However, compare how it performs on the fabrics you iron rather than relying on a single steam figure.
If you take out your appliance for a few items and put it away straight afterwards, a steam iron may still be more convenient, even if you iron often. You may need to make more passes over large piles or stubborn creases, though.
Worth considering: for a long ironing session, if the instructions allow you to refill the tank while the appliance is in use.
Bear in mind: the base and tank take up more space than a standard iron.
Worth considering: if you can finish ironing with the water in the tank before refilling.
Bear in mind: refilling may interrupt your ironing; check the model’s instructions.
Worth considering: if you want an appliance that’s easy to take out and put away for shorter ironing sessions.
Bear in mind: linen and thick cotton may need more passes; the difference depends on the iron and the fabrics.
| Criteria | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Uninterrupted ironing for long sessions | Whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use, and the tank capacity. A large tank alone does not prove that the appliance can be refilled without stopping. | When I have a large pile waiting, I want to avoid stopping to refill the tank. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise uninterrupted ironing. |
| Difficult fabrics | Continuous steam output and test results on the fabrics in question, rather than pressure alone. | If I often iron linen or thick cotton, I mainly want to reduce the number of passes needed to remove creases. This would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Storage and handling | The dimensions of the whole unit, space beside the ironing board, weight when handling it and the model’s heat-up time. | If I put the appliance away after every use, being able to get it out easily matters more than speed when tackling a large pile. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this everyday convenience. |
| Maintenance | The descaling instructions in the manual and whether the appliance has a limescale collector or indicator. | If I use an appliance regularly, I want to be able to keep up with maintenance and prevent limescale build-up. This would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Pressure does not tell you whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use, or how well it removes creases from your fabrics. Que Choisir’s testing process looks at steam output, results on different fabrics and ease of use, among other things.
Compare the specifications and, where possible, look for tests on the exact model and the fabrics you iron.
A generous tank can mean fewer refills, but it does not necessarily let you add water while the appliance is running.
Check the manual to see whether you can refill the tank while the appliance is in use and what steps to follow.
A steam generator has a base as well as an iron. If space is limited, setting it up and putting it away can be important factors in your choice.
Measure the space you have available and check the dimensions, as well as whether it has a locking mechanism for transport.
Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of faults in its endurance testing. A collector or indicator does not replace the recommended maintenance.
Read the model’s descaling instructions before buying and make sure they suit the way you plan to use it.
Calor offers a range of high-pressure steam generators, with specifications that vary by model.
The range includes the Turbosteam VR8320F0, which Rowenta describes as having a removable 1,7 L tank.
The PerfectCare range includes steam generators with automatic temperature adjustment, with tank sizes and features varying by model.
The CareStyle range includes compact designs, as well as models with different descaling systems and soleplates.
These three steam generators are worth considering for longer ironing sessions. For each one, distinguish between the tank capacity and whether you can refill it while the appliance is in use. If ease of taking it out and putting it away is your priority, compare them with a steam iron too.
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A steam generator to consider if you want to tackle a large pile while keeping storage space in mind. Its name indicates a 1,3 L tank. The instruction to unplug the appliance before refilling means you shouldn’t choose it if you need to refill without stopping. Check the manual if this is a deciding factor.
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Worth considering for longer sessions: the product information for this model lists a removable 1,8 L tank and over 1,5 hours of continuous ironing. The instruction to unplug it before refilling does not confirm that you can top it up while it’s in use. If you also iron in short bursts, check the heat-up time in the manual.
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Worth considering if tank capacity matters when tackling a large pile: its name indicates 2 L and 2400 W. The product information also lists a steam boost and vertical use. To choose based on uninterrupted ironing, storage or maintenance, check the refilling instructions, dimensions and descaling procedure in the manual.
There’s no set amount to reach: Que Choisir recommends considering a steam generator if you iron large quantities. If long sessions are rare and you mostly do quick touch-ups, compare how easy a steam iron is to set up and put away too.
No. According to Que Choisir, the difference compared with a good iron is not always striking, although a steam generator can be useful for linen, thick cotton and some blended fabrics. Also consider the heat-up time of the model you’re looking at.
Check that the instructions allow you to refill the tank while the appliance is in use and explain how to do it. For example, Philips says you can refill the PerfectCare Elite GC9620/20R1 without switching it off. This feature does not automatically apply to other models.
No. Que Choisir identifies limescale build-up as a major cause of faults in its endurance testing. Follow the model’s instructions on water and maintenance, even if it has an indicator or collector.
Yes. For goods sold by a business to a private individual in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. It is separate from any commercial warranty offered by the seller or manufacturer, so keep your proof of purchase.