Households with large piles of laundry
If bed linen, shirts and thicker fabrics regularly pile up, the amount you have to iron may make a steam generator worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir recommends it as an option for ironing large loads.
Which option is right for you?
If you’re short on storage space
A steam generator has a separate base that needs to be set up and stored away. If you’re short on space or often iron just a few items, compare how much room it takes up with a steam iron.
If you’re mindful of maintenance
If you live in a hard-water area, check the care instructions for the model you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir points out that regular descaling helps prevent the appliance from becoming clogged.
What sets steam irons and steam generators apart?
The amount of laundry you have will help you choose the type of appliance. Space, refill interruptions and maintenance will then determine which set-up best suits your everyday needs.
Steam iron
Consider it : if you want a compact appliance that’s easy to get out for shorter ironing sessions.
Bear in mind : the water tank is part of the iron, so check how comfortable it is to handle if you’ll be ironing for a long time.
Pressurised steam generator
Consider it : for a large pile of laundry, if you have room for a separate base next to your ironing board.
Bear in mind : check the instructions for your chosen model to find out how and when it can be refilled, and how long it takes to heat up.
Continuous-fill steam generator
Consider it : if refill breaks interrupt your longer ironing sessions, and the instructions confirm it’s suitable for this kind of use.
Bear in mind : you’ll still need to store the base and carry out the maintenance required for your model.
Garment steamer
Consider it : as an extra appliance for steaming hanging clothes and dealing with a few creases.
Bear in mind : according to UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t create sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Load size and ease of handling | Compare the weight of the iron in your hand, the water tank capacity and how easy the appliance is to handle throughout a full ironing session. With a steam generator, consider the weight of the iron separately from the base. | I often have a whole pile of laundry to iron, and want to be able to handle the iron comfortably right to the last item. |
| Fabrics to be ironed | Look for tests on fabrics similar to yours. UFC-Que Choisir warns that manufacturers’ advertised steam figures aren’t necessarily comparable. | Bed linen and thicker fabrics take more effort to iron, so a single steam figure isn’t enough to guide my choice. |
| Space and set-up | Measure the space available on your ironing board and in your cupboard. Check the dimensions, cord storage and heating time of the exact model you’re considering. | I want to set up the appliance without taking over my ironing board, then store it away easily. |
| Refilling | Check the stated capacity and the refill instructions in the manual, especially if you want to top up the water during an ironing session. | For longer sessions, refill interruptions matter just as much as the stated tank capacity. |
| Descaling and limescale care | Check the descaling steps, any alerts, which parts need emptying and what consumables the model requires. Follow the instructions for the exact model number. | I need maintenance instructions I can realistically follow, without assuming an ‘anti-scale’ system takes care of everything by itself. |
What should you look out for before buying?
-
Choosing based on a single steam figure
UFC-Que Choisir points out that manufacturers’ advertised figures aren’t necessarily comparable when there’s no clearly defined measurement method. A single figure also tells you nothing about how easy the appliance is to handle.
Where available, look for tests of the exact model and how well it removes creases from the fabrics you need to iron.
-
Forgetting the space needed for the base
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a steam generator takes up more room on your ironing board and in your cupboard. This is worth bearing in mind if you’ll need to get the appliance out often, too.
Measure both spaces before choosing, then check the dimensions and cord storage of the model you’re considering.
-
Assuming ‘anti-scale’ means ‘no maintenance’
Limescale can clog a steam iron or steam generator. An alert or built-in system doesn’t mean you can skip the care instructions for your appliance.
Check the manual for the exact model to find out how to descale it and which parts need emptying. Philips, for example, says the procedure depends on the model.
Also check whether the model uses cartridges or other consumables.
-
Relying on a garment steamer as your only appliance
A garment steamer can be useful for hanging clothes, but UFC-Que Choisir says it won’t create sharp creases or give you the finish of an iron or steam generator.
If your laundry includes items that need ironing flat or creases that need pressing in, make an iron or steam generator your main choice.
Which brand ranges should you consider?
Maintenance systems and features vary between models, even within the same brand.
Calor
When choosing a Calor steam generator, start with the exact model rather than relying on the range name alone.
- Compare how easy to handle and how compact the models are against the space you have available.
- Check the model’s manual for its descaling instructions.
Braun
The CareStyle range includes different configurations. Braun Household France, for example, lists a 2 L tank for the CareStyle 7 Pro.
- Braun describes the CareStyle 9 IS9090BK as having an AutoClean descaling system.
- This feature on one model doesn’t tell you about the maintenance requirements or capacity of every CareStyle appliance, so check the exact model you’re considering.
Philips
Philips says the PerfectCare 6000 Series PSG6026/20 has a descaling alert and a Smart Calc Clean collection container.
- The Philips product information describes a reusable collection system for this model.
- The procedure may differ for other Philips steam generators, so identify your model before checking the maintenance instructions.
Steam generators available on Joybuy
These two steam generators are aimed at anyone looking for a main appliance to tackle large loads of laundry. Compare the exact models, then check the space they need and their maintenance instructions before choosing.
Image unavailable
Hkoenig V7 Steam Iron 8 Bar
This steam generator is designed for ironing on a board and also has a vertical steam function. Its name indicates a pressure of 8 Bar, but that figure alone isn’t a way to compare how well it removes creases.
If you’re planning longer ironing sessions, check the manual for refill and descaling instructions. Also check the dimensions and heating time to make sure they suit your space and routine.
Image unavailable
Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, 2400 W, 2 L, white/blue
This steam generator has a separate water tank and is designed for ironing on a board as well as vertical steaming. Its name indicates a 2 L tank and 2400 W of power, but these figures alone don’t tell you how comfortable it is to use or how it compares in performance.
To assess how easy it is to handle, consider the weight of the iron separately from the whole unit. Also check the dimensions, heating time, refill instructions and descaling procedure for the IS3157BL model.
Frequently asked questions
Is a steam generator always better than a steam iron for large loads of laundry?
No. UFC-Que Choisir considers a steam generator suitable for ironing large loads, but it takes up more space. If you’re short on room or alternate between large and small loads, also compare how easy a steam iron is to handle and set up.
How can I check the descaling requirements before buying?
Check the manual for the exact model number. It explains how to descale the appliance and which parts need emptying or replacing. UFC-Que Choisir recommends regular descaling to prevent limescale from clogging the appliance, so don’t assume the instructions for one model apply to another.
Can a garment steamer replace an iron for all your laundry?
Not if you need to press in creases or achieve the finish of conventional ironing: UFC-Que Choisir says a garment steamer can’t do either. It’s better suited to hanging clothes and quick touch-ups, alongside an iron or steam generator for large piles of laundry.
What should you do with an old iron in France?
ADEME suggests having it repaired, giving it away if it’s still in working order, or taking it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. Check where your nearest suitable drop-off point is before you set off.