Households with thick or very creased laundry
If linen, thick cotton or shirts often feature in your laundry pile, first look at how well the appliance removes creases from these fabrics, and how comfortable it is to handle during a long session.
Who is this choice for?
People who iron several baskets in one go
Tank capacity matters, but so do how it’s refilled, how long you have to wait before getting started and what maintenance is needed between sessions.
Households short on space
A steam generator may suit the amount of laundry you have, but still not fit in your storage space. Before ruling out the convenience of a steam iron, measure the space available near your ironing board too.
How do you choose between a steam iron and a steam generator?
Start by considering the fabrics you iron most often, then think about how long your sessions last and how much space you actually have. Once you’ve chosen the type of appliance, compare the filling and maintenance requirements of the specific model.
Steam generator with continuous refill
Worth considering: if you have long ironing sessions and want to be able to add water while ironing, provided the manual confirms this is possible.
Be prepared for: the base taking up separate space on your ironing board and in storage.
Steam generator with limited runtime
Worth considering: if a typical session fits within the tank’s capacity and you don’t mind stopping to refill it.
Be prepared for: how quickly you can start ironing again after refilling will depend on how the specific model works.
Steam iron
Worth considering: if your laundry is mostly easy to iron and you value being able to get the appliance out and put it away quickly.
Be prepared for: Que Choisir found that steam generators performed better on linen, thick cotton and some mixed fabrics.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stubborn creases | Look for a crease-removal test on the fabrics you use; don’t rely solely on the advertised steam output. | When linen or thick cotton is piling up, I want to tackle deep creases without making lots of passes; around 36 % of consumers make this a priority. |
| Long sessions | Check the tank capacity and whether the appliance can explicitly be refilled while in use. | When I have several baskets waiting, I’d rather not lose momentum to refill the tank; around 29 % of consumers prioritise being able to keep going. |
| Getting it out and putting it away | Compare the heat-up time and the appliance’s dimensions when stored with the space you have available. | With limited space and sessions I want to start without a lot of preparation, I’m looking for an appliance that’s easy to get out and put away; around 21 % of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Maintenance | Check the descaling instructions in the manual and the reference number for any compatible consumables. | If I iron regularly, I want to be able to keep up with maintenance without relying on a hard-to-find part; this is a priority for around 14 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing a steam generator based only on its steam figures
Advertised pressure and steam output don’t tell you everything about how an appliance performs on different fabrics. Que Choisir’s testing also assesses crease removal across several textiles, as well as the appliance’s durability.
If stubborn creases are the reason you’re considering one, look for a test on the fabrics you iron, then consider how easy the appliance is to use too.
-
Assuming a large tank means you can refill it at any time
Capacity tells you how much water the tank holds, but not necessarily whether you can add more while the steam generator is running. Heat-up time also varies between models.
Check the manual separately for the filling method, capacity and heat-up time.
-
Putting off descaling
Depending on the model, maintenance may involve cleaning, a dedicated cycle or replacing a cartridge. Que Choisir takes limescale build-up into account in its durability tests.
Before choosing an appliance, find out what maintenance it needs and, if it requires a cartridge, check the compatible reference number.
A replaceable cartridge also means planning for regular replacements and making sure you can find the right reference.
-
Measuring only the space taken up by the iron
The base of a steam generator also needs space, even if the manufacturer describes the model as compact.
Measure the width, depth and height of your storage space, then check the dimensions of the whole appliance when stored and make sure you have room for it near your ironing board.
Brands to know
Calor
Calor offers both steam irons and steam generators. Compare the two types by looking at the exact model, rather than the brand alone.
- For the Ultimate Pure FV9839C0 steam iron, Calor lists continuous steam output of 60 g/min, a 260 g/min steam boost and a Micro Calc filter.
- These specifications apply to this particular iron, not every Calor model; check the manual for details of how to maintain the filter.
Philips
The PerfectCare range includes steam generators with separate tanks, designed in particular for longer ironing sessions.
- Philips lists a removable 1.5 l tank and up to one hour of use for the PerfectCare 7000 Series PSG7200/20.
- The stated runtime depends on how the appliance is used; also check how much space you’ll need for the base of the model you’re considering.
Braun
The CareStyle range lets you compare different tank, storage and maintenance set-ups.
- Braun lists a removable 1.5 l tank for the CareStyle Compact Pro IS2577VI, with a footprint smaller than an A4 sheet of paper.
- A small footprint doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit the height of your storage space; specifications vary across the CareStyle range.
Appliances for these needs on Joybuy
This selection includes steam generators to consider for longer sessions, as well as a steam iron to consider if easy storage and quick set-up are your priorities. Check the specifications of each model before choosing the one that suits your needs.
Image unavailable
Philips PSG6022/20 PerfectCare 6000 Series
If you have several baskets of laundry to get through, check the tank capacity and see in the manual whether you can add water while ironing.
Also check the heat-up time, the dimensions when stored and the descaling steps.
Image unavailable
Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7262GY, grey
If you iron for long stretches, check how to refill this steam generator’s tank and whether you’ll need to stop ironing to do so.
To see how well it will fit into your daily routine, compare its stored dimensions with your available space and check the model’s descaling instructions.
Image unavailable
Braun CareStyle 3 IS3157BL, white and blue
For a long session, its 2 l tank is worth comparing with your ironing habits. The product title also lists 2 400 W, although wattage doesn’t measure how well it removes creases.
Check the dimensions of the appliance itself, its heat-up time and the conditions for refilling in the product details or manual.
Image unavailable
Braun TexStyle 3 SI3030PU, purple
Consider this iron if you’d prefer an appliance without a separate base and mostly iron fabrics that are easy to smooth out.
If you have a large pile of laundry, check how often you’d need to refill it. If you mostly iron linen and thick cotton, look for a crease-removal test rather than relying solely on the steam figures.
Frequently asked questions
Does a steam generator always remove creases better than a good steam iron?
No. Que Choisir says the difference compared with a good steam iron isn’t always significant, although it found steam generators performed better on linen, thick cotton and some mixed fabrics. If these textiles make up only a small part of your laundry and storage space is a deciding factor, compare steam irons too.
How can I tell if a steam generator can be refilled while I’m ironing?
The manual must explicitly state the conditions for refilling the appliance while it’s in use. A large tank or the word “removable” doesn’t guarantee that you can do this. Check the instructions for the exact model you’re considering.
What descaling maintenance does a steam generator need?
The procedure depends on the model and may involve a collector, a cleaning cycle or a replaceable cartridge. Que Choisir takes limescale build-up into account in its durability tests; check the manual and find out which consumables are compatible before choosing.
Does having an after-sales service guarantee the parts I’ll need will be available?
No. Parts being available for some models doesn’t guarantee that every part for your appliance will be in stock. Note down the full model reference, then check for the part you need and the relevant repair options.