What Is The UK’s Best Steam Generator Iron?
Shopping for a steam generator iron can be overwhelming – with so many models and brands on the market today, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry! We’ve done the research for you and rounded up some of the top-performing steam generator irons from leading appliance manufacturers. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what these machines offer, why they’re worth considering, and which features make the best ones stand out from the rest. Read on to discover whether a steam generator iron is right for your household laundry needs!
Steam Generator Iron Reviews
Steam Generator Iron Buyer’s Guide
A great iron is a must-have for busy households, and steam generator irons are perfect if your pile of ironing is never-ending!
There’s a huge range of steam generator irons on the market in varying designs and qualities. Unsure what to look for when it comes to the best generator steam iron? Check out this buyer’s guide.
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the more powerful the iron and the faster it’ll heat up. If you regularly find yourself ironing a shirt just a few minutes before it needs to be worn, a higher wattage is important.
Water Tank Size
If you have a lot of ironing to do in one go, go for a larger water tank that needs less frequent refilling. Steam generator irons usually have a water tank with between 1.5L and 2L capacity.
Generator Iron Soleplates
Ceramic soleplates are a popular option, as these are smooth and resistant to scratches. Cheaper generator irons with low quality soleplates won’t glide over your clothes so smoothly. Stainless steel is another great option, but not as suited to ironing delicate garments.
Steam Settings & Boost
Steam pressure is measured in grams per minute. The higher the output, the more efficient the iron. A steam boost can be used for stubborn creases, travelling deep into the fabric at a faster rate than the continuous steam output.
Limescale Prevention
Steam generators use a lot of water, so scaling is likely to become an issue if you live in a hard water area. Your generator iron should have a built-in filter or calc-clean system, and you can also descale it manually.
Vertical Steaming
Vertical steaming is a handy feature to have if you need to iron clothes on the hanger. This is especially useful if you don’t have your ironing board handy but need to quickly iron a shirt or jacket. The vertical steaming function can also be used to iron upholstery and curtains.
Steam Generator Iron FAQ
What is a steam generator iron and how does it work?
A steam generator iron is a standard steam iron with the addition of a large water tank and boiler. The water heats up, creating a large amount of steam pressure, which is then pushed through the soleplate and onto your clothes. The extra force lets you speed through ironing quickly and efficiently!
How do you descale a steam generator iron?
Many steam generator irons come with a built in anti-calc system. Those with a built-in descaling program will descale themselves, so you simply need to select the right setting.
Manually descaling your steam generator iron should take just a few minutes. Make a limescale remover by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Wipe the soleplates with a cloth covered in the mixture, then half fill the water tank with the solution.
Turn on the iron and once it’s heated, press the steam button to allow the solution to move through the soleplates. When the tank is empty, half fill it again with fresh water and allow the steam to move through the iron again until the tank is empty.
What is the difference between a steam iron and a steam generator iron?
Steam irons and steam generator irons work in a similar way but are designed for different amounts of ironing. Steam generator irons have a large integrated water tank, holding as much as 5 times more water than traditional steam irons. This makes them more suitable for large piles of clothes, as the water tank needs less frequent refilling.
Steam generator irons emit steam at a far higher pressure, which makes removing deep creases far easier and quicker. They often have a vertical steaming function, allowing you to iron curtains, upholstery and clothes on the hanger.
How do you clean a steam generator iron?
To remove dirt or grime from a steam generator iron, simply wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth. It’s best if the soleplate is slightly warm, although be careful that it’s not so hot it burns you. Many steam generator irons are self cleaning, so you simply need to select the right program and it will clean itself!