How did the Russell Hobbs Steam Power Steam Generator Iron perform on different fabrics?
Controls are simple, with a straightforward min to max dial, but it means there are no fabric-specific presets or automatic temperature technology. So you need to know what temperature best suits your fabric before starting - you can usually find this information on the garment's care label.
Steam production stayed consistent through different fabrics. I didn't experience spluttering or unexpected water marks when switching from heavier cotton to lighter materials.
Silk shirt
Silk is where cheaper systems can be risky. I kept the dial lower and relied on controlled steam. The shirt smoothed out well without shine or damage. It didn't glide with the same ease as a pricier steam generator, but it handled silk safely.
Linen trousers
Deep creases at the knees and hems softened quickly under steady steam. I still revisited a couple of stubborn lines, but it was far less effort than with a standard iron.
School shirts
Collars and button plackets came up crisp without drenching them in steam. The larger tank meant I could work through several shirts without stopping to refill, which keeps the flow going.
Cotton tea towels
Dense cotton responded well. The continuous steam was strong enough to relax fibres properly without cranking everything to maximum for every pass.
Jersey t-shirts
Jersey can stretch if you're heavy-handed with ironing, so the lighter iron weight helped here. It skimmed over the surface and smoothed it without dragging the fabric out of shape.
Does the Russell Hobbs Steam Power Steam Generator Iron offer good value for money?
With an RRP of £90, the Russell Hobbs Steam Power sits in a very different bracket to a premium model like the Philips PSG8300/80, which usually costs well over £300. The Philips offers higher steam pressure, stronger output and features like OptimalTEMP, so you don’t need to adjust heat between fabrics. It glides more smoothly and feels more refined, particularly on delicate materials such as silk. If you iron large volumes or want a more effortless, premium experience, you can feel where the extra money goes.
That said, the Russell Hobbs still delivers what most households actually need. It produces consistent steam, handles linen and thick cotton confidently and smooths lighter fabrics with care. You miss out on some finesse and smart technology, but you keep strong performance and a generous tank for less than a third of the price. If you want a noticeable upgrade from a standard steam iron without paying premium prices, it represents very solid value.