Looking for a faster, and more powerful way to remove creases from your clothing? Cue the steam generator iron.
While standard steam irons do the job, steam generator irons are a superior alternative for those who are serious about ironing, or simply have huge piles of laundry to get through. Thanks to their large water tanks and high-pressure steam output, steam generator irons are a more efficient way to cut through creases.
So if you crave that professional finish, and want to make light of ironing duties, a steam generator iron could help you out.
Don't forget to check out the best ironing boards for under £50.
Jump to:
- What's the difference between a steam iron and a steam generator iron?
- What to consider when buying a steam generator iron
Best steam generator irons
Philips Perfect Care 8000 Series
Philips offer a number of steam generator designs, and this is one of the brand's most advanced models. The Perfect Care 8000 steam generator iron reacts to your ironing speed, and produces steam accordingly. So if you crank up the speed while tackling a particularly stubborn crease, it'll ramp up the steam for you.
What's more, there are motion sensors so the iron produces steam as soon as you get going. These swanky features make this Philips steam generator iron a particularly effortless design for a speedy ironing session.
The motion sensor technology also allows you to iron curtains and hanging clothes so you can smarten up those larger interior items with ease.
The iron itself offers a very sleek black and gold design, and it's nice and neat for enhanced precision when ironing. So while it's a pricey piece of ironing kit, there are plenty of smart and desirable features to justify the hefty cost.
Make sure you've got the best ironing accessories for the job with our round-up of the best ironing boards.
Russell Hobbs 24440 Steam Generator Iron
For a more budget-friendly option, give this Russell Hobbs steam generator iron a try. The straightforward design is easy to use - just turn the dial to choose your preferred level of steam pressure.
Other welcomed features include the anti limescale technology, which should limit the risk of your clothes becoming damaged or marked, and the auto shut off for that extra peace of mind.
There's also a continuous fill function which lets you fill the tank up without switching off the power so you can crack on with less interruptions.
Keep your clothes looking fresh with our guide on how to keep clothes from fading in the wash.
Morphy Richards Speed Steam Pro Steam Generator Iron
With a large 1.6L water tank capacity, this Morphy Richards' steam generator iron is ideal for big households with piles of laundry to get through. As well as featuring light-up controls to indicate which steam setting you're using, and an auto clean and descale function, this steam generator iron produces a powerful 140g of continuous steam.
You can also make use of the additional 600g steam shot feature for tougher materials.
Tefal GV9230G0 Pro Express Protect Steam Generator Iron
This Tefal steam generator iron is a popular choice with a number of five star reviews to its name. This is another model you can use for vertical steaming - perfect for those last minute touches just before you head out.
Featuring a large 1.8 litre tank, and a convenient carry clip for easy storage and transportation, this design ticks plenty of boxes. You can even iron a variety of fabrics without changing settings, from more delicate silks to thicker denims.
Polti Vaporella Steam Generator Iron
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For a more retro look, and a far more affordable price, the Polti Vaporella steam generator iron could do the trick. Polti specialise in professional home cleaning products including steamers, irons and vacuums, and while the brand offers more modern and contemporary designs too, we were taken with this no-frills, yet well-thought-out design.
We love the look of the unique cork handle and it's practical too - as a heat insulator, the cork won't heat up whilst you're ironing. The thick aluminium soleplate offers even heat distribution so you can quickly remove unwanted creases. You can use this model for vertical ironing too.
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Tower Ceraglide Steam Generator Iron
For a quick fix, this Tower steam generator iron is worth considering as it heats up in just 35 seconds. Target wrinkly patches with the steam shot button, and make use of the vertical steam feature for your bedding and upholstery.
The water tank can hold 1.2 litres, so while it's not the biggest on our list, it would be ideal for smaller households. And for under £70, this Tower model is a bargain find.
Braun CareStyle Compact Steam Generator Iron
While steam generator irons tend to be bulkier than steam irons, this Braun pick offers a more compact style. The iron stands upright on top of the tank rather than lengthways, which should make slotting it into a tightly packed cupboard that little bit easier.
Another desirable feature with this model is the iCare mode which applies a safe temperature for all kinds of fabric to help protect your clothing. You can also make use of the eco mode to save energy, and the turbo mode for tougher fabrics.
Store your laundry in style with a lovely laundry basket.
Beko Steam Generator Iron
In addition to making your ironing pile disappear faster, this Beko steam generator iron keeps everything nice and clean by removing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Iron and sanitise at the same time.
There's also a smart mode which chooses the best steam setting for you, depending on the fabric. Best for big households, this steam generator iron comes with a large 1.8 litre tank.
On the lookout for a new scent for your laundry? Read our guide to the best smelling fabric softeners.
Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator Iron
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Buy this Philips steam generator iron now, and enjoy a 48% reduction. This is another compact design but it'll still help you cut back on ironing time with its 1.5 litre tank. For ultra-fast steam, you can just double tap the trigger rather than holding it down which makes for easier and more comfortable ironing.
There's no risk of burning your clothes either - all ironable materials should be absolutely fine, even if you were to leave the iron face down on your clothing. No more ruining your most beloved outfits!
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Make sure you're prepared for those perfect drying days with our round-up of the best rotary washing lines.
What's the difference between a steam iron and a steam generator iron?
While standard steam irons have a small tank of water built in to their design, steam generator irons work with a separate, larger tank of water. As a result, they produce more steam at a faster rate which results in a more powerful iron. Plus, you don't have to constantly re-fill the water tank.
Steam generator irons can also be used for vertical steaming which is useful for larger items such as curtains and bedding, and they're less likely to mark your clothes with unsightly stains and water patches.
For a more portable option, check out the best clothes steamers.
What to consider when buying a steam generator iron
Tempted to swap over to a steam generator iron? Here are a few things to consider:
- Tank size: The larger the tank, the less time spent filling up, so if you tend to do all of your ironing in one go, you may prefer a steam generator iron with a tank size of 1.5 litres and above. You'll find tank capacity can range from around 1.2 to 1.8 litres
- Size: While steam generator irons can be conveniently stored, with the iron clipping onto the tank, it's worth thinking about storage space as they're of course bulkier than steam irons
- Cost: Steam generator irons are typically more expensive than steam irons, and the most budget friendly tend to be under £100. You can spend as much as £300 for smart tech such as automatic speed modes and high bar pressures
- Steam power: For particularly thick materials, look for a steam generator iron with a powerful steam shot function of around 400g per minute and over
For more ways to improve laundry day, take a look at the best washing machines on the market.
