Steam station thingy vs normal iron - any views?

[happynappies]

I have baskets and baskets of ironing to do for my family of five, and my Tefal Ultraglide iron hasn't worked properly since being dropped, so am spending vastly longer than I need to whittling down my ironing mountain. I've always dismissed the steam station/steam generator things as a bit gimmicky, but now I'm wondering if they really would reduce my ironing time? Anyone have one? Which is the best?

[timidviper]

I bought one recently and there is an amazing difference. Somehow my steam irons before never made quite enough steam but this is ace and makes the ironing much easier. I wouldn't go so far as to say it makes ironing a pleasure but if I had more time it might.

[Seona1973]

I have a Bosch one that I got on sale in Argos. It saves time especially ironing dh's shirts. I also only iron one side of the kids tops and the steam helps do the back at the same time. I have one with pressurised steam. I iron very little though so dont ever have an ironing pile (everything gets put away and then I pick out dh's shirts, the kids school stuff when it is time for them to be ironed)

[befuzzled]

Am in same position as op, which one would you all recommend or are they much of a muchness?

I am a neat freak and it is taking me forever, ironing both sides, sleeves etc on everything

[SleepyFergus]

My mum has one of the steam generating unit things and swears by it, says it much quicker than a trad iron. I'd love one but they're a bit bulky to store and a bit pricey. But after standing for 2.5 hours today ironing I might bite the bullet!

[applepies]

yep - a steam generator at least halves your ironing time - you onnly need to iron on one side too. You will need a suitable ironing board and why oh why does anyone do the ironing standing up????!!

[Fluffycloudland77]

I got mine half price in homebase, and I bought mil one from tj Hughes again half price.

It does make a difference to your ironing time. I got myself an extra wide ironing board too.

[bruffin]

I have a Phillips, its brilliant and does cut down ironing time.

[daftwit]

would not be without my steam generator, defo not a gimmick-a neccesity!

[redglow]

I love my steam generator I would buy another one tomorrow if it broke.

[happynappies]

Sounds like I definitely need one - what would a suitable ironing board be? What brand steam generator would you recommend? A few supermarkets seem to have deals on at the moment, but not sure they are the 'best' ones to get... or should I just get one when I see an offer?

[gregssausageroll]

I have a tefal one. I'd never be without one now.

[TooManyBlossoms]

I've got a Philips pressurised steam generator - it's fab, and much better than my previous non-pressurised ones.

My ironing board was from Wilko's - it's got a large area for the iron to stand on, and it's long enough to fit a pair of trousers on without having to move them around. And it's covered in pink flowers .

[bruffin]

If you want a decent ironing board as well this Keter one is brilliant. Very sturdy and large ironing area.
I don't put the generator part actually on the ironing board but leave it on the floor. The Philips steam wire thingy is long enough to do that.

[Seona1973]

I have this minky ironing board and a Bosch steam generator iron with pressurised steam. Ii is a good enough iron but if I bought another one I would get one with a larger water capacity. (I got it when it was on offer so didnt pay full price for it)

[Oblomov]

Tefal Pro Express Turbo. Quite expensive as I re-call, but very good.

[Seona1973]

This Phillips one has £75 off at the moment and good reviews

[allthefires]

I dont iron! DP loves the steam generator I brought though.