The 15 Best Steam Generator Irons To Make Ironing A Breeze
Are you tired of using a traditional iron and never getting that crisp, wrinkle-free finish on your clothes? If so, it may be time to upgrade to the best steam generator iron. These powerful devices use steam to penetrate fabrics and remove wrinkles, making ironing a much easier and faster process.
Lavandaria Morinha by design studio Stu.dere. Photography by Ivo Tavares Studio.
But with so many steam generator irons on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. That's why I've put together a list of the best steam generator irons in the UK, along with detailed information and reviews for each product.
Plus, I've included helpful sections answering common questions about steam generator irons, so you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect iron for your needs.
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The Best Steam Generator Irons
Philips Perfect Care 8000 Series
£589.99
The Philips Perfect Care 8000 Series is a top-of-the-line steam generator iron with advanced OptimalTEMP technology that allows you to iron any fabric without having to adjust the temperature. It has a powerful steam output and a large water tank, so you can tackle even the toughest ironing tasks without having to refill frequently. Plus, the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to manoeuvre and store.
Power: 2700 watts
Steam output: up to 170 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 700 g/min
Water tank size: 1800 ml
Weight: 5.1 kg
Soleplate material: T-ionicGlide soleplate
Cord length: 1.8 m
Highlights
OptimalTEMP technology
Powerful steam output
Large water tank
Compact and lightweight design
Philips Fast Care Compact GC6740
£109.00
The Philips Fast Care Compact GC6740 is a powerful and efficient steam generator iron that heats up quickly and produces plenty of steam to remove even the most stubborn wrinkles. It features an anti-calc system that prevents limescale buildup and a compact design that makes it easy to store.
Power: 2400 watts
Steam output: up to 120 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 300 g/min
Water tank size: 1500 ml
Weight: 2.95 kg
Soleplate material: Ceramic SteamGlide soleplate
Cord length: 1.65 m
Highlights
Powerful and efficient steam output
Anti-calc system
Compact design
Philips Perfect Care Compact GC7842
£172.00
The Philips Perfect Care Compact GC7842 is a versatile steam generator iron that can handle any fabric with ease. It has a large water tank and a fast heat-up time, so you can get started on your ironing quickly. Plus, the Smart Calc Clean system automatically cleans the iron to prevent limescale buildup.
Power: 2400 watts
Steam output: up to 120 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 400 g/min
Water tank size: 1500 ml
Weight: 3.48 kg
Soleplate material: T-ionicGlide soleplate
Cord length: 1.8 m
Highlights
Versatile
Large water tank
Fast heat-up time
Smart Calc Clean system
Philips Perfect Care Elite GC9630
£299.99
The Philips Perfect Care Elite GC9630 is a premium steam generator iron with a powerful steam output and a large water tank. It also features OptimalTEMP technology, so you can iron any fabric without having to adjust the temperature. Plus, the Easy De-Calc system makes it easy to remove limescale buildup.
Power: 2400 watts
Steam output: up to 135 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 470 g/min
Water tank size: 1800 ml
Weight: 5.1 kg
Soleplate material: T-ionicGlide soleplate
Cord length: 1.8 m
Highlights
Premium
Powerful steam output
Large water tank
OptimalTEMP technology
Easy De-Calc system
Russell Hobbs 24440 Steam Generator Iron
£109.00
The Russell Hobbs 24440 Steam Generator Iron is a budget-friendly option that still provides plenty of steam and power. It has a compact ceramic soleplate that glides smoothly over fabrics. The water tank is easy to fill and the iron has a vertical steam function for quick touch-ups.
Power: 2600 watts
Steam output: up to 100 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 400 g/min
Water tank size: 1300 ml
Weight: 4.98 kg
Soleplate material: Ceramic soleplate
Cord length: 1.8 m
Highlights
Budget-friendly
Compact design
Ceramic soleplate
Easy-to-fill water tank
Vertical steam function
Morphy Richards Speed Steam Pro 332102
£199.99
The Morphy Richards Speed Steam Pro 332102 is a powerful steam generator iron that heats up quickly and produces plenty of steam to tackle tough wrinkles. It has a large water tank and an anti-scale system to prevent limescale buildup. The iron also features a comfortable grip and a convenient cord wrap for easy storage.
Power: 3000 watts
Steam output: up to 140 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 600 g/min
Water tank size: 1600 ml
Weight: 4.4 kg
Soleplate material: Ceramic soleplate
Cord length: 1.8 m
Highlights
Quick heat-up time
Powerful steam output
Large water tank
Anti-scale system
Comfortable grip
Cord wrap
Morphy Richards Power Steam Elite 332013
£229.99
The Morphy Richards Power Steam Elite 332013 is a high-performance steam generator iron with a large water tank and a fast heat-up time. It produces plenty of steam to remove even the toughest wrinkles and features a ceramic soleplate for smooth gliding over fabrics. The iron also has a handy auto shut-off function for safety.
Power: 2400 watts
Steam output: up to 200 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 310 g/min
Water tank size: 2200 ml
Weight: 4.9 kg
Soleplate material: Ceramic soleplate
Cord length: 2 m
Highlights
High-performance
Large water tank
Fast heat-up time
Ceramic soleplate
Auto shut-off function
Tefal GV9230G0 Pro Express Protect Steam Generator Iron
£239.99
The Tefal GV9230G0 Pro Express Protect Steam Generator Iron is a powerful and efficient iron that produces plenty of steam to tackle even the toughest wrinkles. It features a durable soleplate that glides smoothly over fabrics and an anti-scale system to prevent limescale buildup. The iron also has a vertical steam function and a cord wrap for easy storage.
Power: 2600 watts
Steam output: up to 140 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 560 g/min
Water tank size: 1800 ml
Weight: 4.5 kg
Soleplate material: Durilium soleplate
Cord length: 1.8 m
Highlights
Powerful and efficient steam output
Durable soleplate
Anti-scale system
Vertical steam function
Cord wrap
Tefal Express Essential SV6110
£135.00
The Tefal Express Essential SV6110 is a compact and lightweight steam generator iron that is easy to use and store. It heats up quickly and produces plenty of steam to remove wrinkles from any fabric. The iron also features an anti-scale system and a comfortable grip for extended use.
Power: 2200 watts
Steam output: up to 110 g/min
Shot of steam: up to 2600 g/min
Water tank size: 1400 ml
Weight: 3.68 kg
Soleplate material: Durilium soleplate
Cord length: 1.7 m
Highlights
Compact and lightweight
Quick heat-up time
Powerful steam output
Anti-scale system
Comfortable grip
Tefal Pro Express Ultimate GV9580
£196.53
The Tefal Pro Express Ultimate GV9580 is a high-end steam generator iron with a powerful steam output and a large water tank. It features a durable soleplate that glides smoothly over fabrics and an anti-scale system to prevent limescale buildup. The iron also has a convenient storage system for the cord and a comfortable grip.
Power (watts): 2830W
Steam (g/min): Up to 580g/min
Shot (g/min): Up to 600g/min
Water tank size: 1900ml
Weight in kg: 6.2kg
Soleplate material: Durilium Airglide Autoclean soleplate
Cord length: 1.7m
Highlights
High-end
Powerful steam output
Large water tank
Durable soleplate
Anti-scale system
Convenient storage system
Comfortable grip
Polti Vaporella Next VN18.35
£199.00
The Polti Vaporella Next VN18.35 is a versatile and efficient iron that can handle any fabric with ease. It features a large water tank and a fast heat-up time, so you can get started on your ironing quickly. The iron also has a steam boost function for tough wrinkles and a comfortable grip.
Power: 2400 watts
Steam: up to 120 g/min
Shot: up to 350 g/min
Water tank size: 1300ml
Weight: 5.82 kg
Soleplate material: Ceramic
Cord length: 1.6 m
Highlights
Versatile
Large water tank
Fast heat-up time
Steam boost function
Comfortable grip
Tower Ceraglide Steam Generator Iron
£58.99
The Tower Ceraglide Steam Generator Iron is a budget-friendly option that still provides plenty of steam and power. It has a large water tank and a ceramic soleplate that glides smoothly over fabrics. The iron also features a vertical steam function for quick touch-ups
Power: 2700 watts
Steam: up to 80 g/min
Water tank size: 1200ml
Weight: 2.28 kg
Soleplate material: Ceramic
Cord length: 1.7 m
Highlights
Budget-friendly
Plenty of steam and power
Large water tank
Ceramic soleplate
Vertical steam function
Braun CareStyle Compact Steam Generator Iron
£116.06
The Braun CareStyle Compact Steam Generator Iron is a compact and lightweight iron that is easy to use and store. It features a unique soleplate that combines the best of both worlds: the smooth gliding of ceramic with the durability of stainless steel. The iron also has a large water tank and an anti-scale system to prevent limescale buildup.
Power: 2200 watts
Steam: up to 120 g/min
Shot: up to 350 g/min
Water tank size: 1300ml
Weight: 3.2 kg
Soleplate material: Saphir
Cord length: 1.8 m
Highlights
Compact and lightweight
Unique soleplate
Large water tank
Anti-scale system
Beko SGA6124D Steam Generator Iron
£74.49
The Beko SGA6124D Steam Generator Iron is a high-performance iron that is designed to produce plenty of steam to tackle tough wrinkles. It has a large water tank and an anti-scale system to prevent limescale buildup. The iron also features a ceramic soleplate for smooth gliding over fabrics and a vertical steam function for quick touch-ups.
Power: 2400 watts
Steam: up to 100 g/min
Shot: up to 200 g/min
Water tank size: 1000ml
Weight: 4.2 kg
Soleplate material: Ceramic
Cord length: 1.8 m
Highlights
High-performance for its price
Large water tank
Anti-scale system
Ceramic soleplate
Vertical steam function
Rowenta Silence Steam Pro DG9249
£279.00
The Rowenta Silence Steam Pro DG9249 is a powerful and efficient steam generator iron that produces plenty of steam to remove wrinkles from any fabric. It features a durable soleplate that glides smoothly over fabrics and an anti-scale system to prevent limescale buildup. The iron also has a unique silence technology that reduces noise levels during use.
Power: 2800 watts
Steam: up to 160 g/min
Shot: up to 600 g/min
Water tank size: 1300ml
Weight: 5.4 kg
Soleplate material: Microsteam 400 HD Laser
Cord length: 1.6 m
Highlights
Powerful and efficient steam output
Durable soleplate
Anti-scale system
Unique silence technology
What to consider when buying a steam generator iron?
When buying a steam generator iron, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that you choose the best model for your needs. Here are the key factors to consider:
Cost
Steam generator irons are typically more expensive than traditional steam irons. However, the cost can vary widely depending on the features and capabilities of the iron. Consider your budget and choose a model that offers the features you need within your price range.
Water tank size
The water tank size determines how long you can iron before needing to refill the tank. A larger tank is ideal for heavy-duty ironing tasks or larger loads, while a smaller tank is suitable for occasional ironing tasks. Look for a model with a tank size that is suitable for your ironing needs.
Size and weight of the steam generator iron
Steam generator irons are larger and heavier than traditional irons. Consider the size and weight of the iron and choose a model that is comfortable for you to use.
Steam
Steam output is an important consideration when choosing a steam generator iron. Look for a model with a high steam output for efficient and effective ironing.
Power (watts)
The wattage of a steam generator iron determines the power of the steam output. A higher wattage means more steam and faster heating times. However, a higher wattage also means a higher electricity consumption and a higher cost. Consider your ironing needs and choose a model with a wattage that is suitable for those needs.
Cord length
The length of the cord is an important consideration, particularly if you have a large ironing board or need to iron in a location far from the power socket. Look for a model with a cord length that is suitable for your needs.
Soleplate
The soleplate is part of the iron that comes into direct contact with the fabric. Look for a model with a high-quality, non-stick soleplate for easy gliding over the fabric. Some models also have additional features like ceramic or titanium coatings for even better performance.
Warranty
Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.
Additional features
Some steam generator irons come with additional features like auto-clean technology to help with limescale buildup, anti-drip systems to prevent water leakage or a vertical steam option for steaming curtains or hanging garments. Consider which features are important to you and choose a model that offers those features.
Overall, when buying a steam generator iron, consider your ironing needs and choose a model that offers the features and capabilities that are most important to you.
Which is the best steam iron or steam generator iron?
The answer to this question depends on your ironing needs.
Traditional steam irons are suitable for occasional ironing tasks and smaller loads. On the other hand, a steam generator iron is better suited for heavy-duty ironing tasks and larger loads.
The main difference between the two is the steam output. Steam generator irons produce a lot more steam than traditional irons, making them more efficient and effective at removing creases and wrinkles.
Additionally, steam generator irons usually have larger water tanks, allowing for longer ironing sessions without the need for refills.
So, if you regularly iron large loads of clothing or have a lot of ironing to do, a steam generator iron is likely the best option for you.
How do I choose a steam generator iron?
When choosing a steam generator iron, there are several factors to consider. First, consider the size of the water tank. A larger water tank will allow for longer ironing sessions without the need for refills.
Next, consider the steam output. Look for a steam generator iron with a high steam output for efficient and effective ironing.
The soleplate is also an important consideration. Look for a model with a high-quality, non-stick soleplate for easy gliding over the fabric.
Additionally, consider the weight and design of the iron, as well as any additional features like an auto shut-off function, a steam boost feature, or a vertical steam option.
Finally, consider your budget and choose a model that offers the features you need within your price range.
What is the disadvantage of a steam generator iron?
While steam generator irons offer many advantages, they do have some potential drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is the higher cost. Steam generator irons are typically more expensive than traditional steam irons, which may not be feasible for everyone's budget.
Additionally, steam generator irons are larger and heavier than traditional irons, which may be cumbersome for some users. They also require more storage space.
Finally, the steam output from a steam generator iron can be quite powerful, which may not be suitable for delicate fabrics.
Is a higher-watt steam generator iron better?
In general, a higher-watt steam generator iron is better. The wattage of a steam generator iron determines the power of the steam output. A higher wattage means more steam and faster heating times.
However, a higher wattage also means a higher electricity consumption and a higher cost. When choosing a steam generator iron, it's important to consider your ironing needs and choose a model with a wattage that is suitable for those needs.
If you have a lot of heavy-duty ironing to do, a higher-wattage steam generator iron may be the best choice for you. However, if you only have occasional ironing tasks, a lower-wattage model may suffice.
Conclusion
Investing in a steam generator iron can make a significant difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your ironing tasks.
The models listed above are some of the best steam generator irons available in the UK, each with unique features and advantages. When choosing a steam generator iron, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as the features and highlights of each model.
With the right steam generator iron, you can achieve professional-quality ironing results in less time and with less effort.
