Tefal Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron review: "made ironing a joy"

Price on writing: £319 | Buy now from Argos

How we tested

Our tester Alison put the iron through its paces over the course of a month in her five-bedroom home. Taking detailed notes on the iron's user-friendliness, effectiveness against creases and how it compared to her standard steam iron, she tested the steam generator on everyday ironing as well as keeping on top of bedding for her Airbnb guests.

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Tefal Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron: our verdict

While it might seem counterintuitive to invest in a premium iron if you dislike ironing, when it comes to steam generators, they tackle creases faster so you can spend less time at your ironing board and more time doing literally anything else. The Tefal Pro Express Vision is one of the most expensive steam generator irons out there, but it knocks the socks off regular steam irons and cheaper steam generators alike.

With its powerful 750g/minute steam shot and 9 bar steam pressure, you only really need to iron one side of most items - the steam penetrates fabric and smooths creases on the other side simultaneously.

As an Airbnb host, Alison irons a lot of bedding, and really noticed the difference in the time it took, as well as how easy the Tefal Pro Express Vision makes the chore. She said the iron "made ironing a joy to do", which is quite the endorsement. Before testing the Tefal, she had a £30 steam iron, and found the steam generator, "So much better. The steam function really worked and took out hard creases which my smaller iron could never do... The sole plate was so smooth and the iron itself, not too heavy. In all a joy to use."

As with any steam generator iron, the Tefal Pro Express Vision is considerably larger than a normal iron. However, this one has a long power cord and steam cord, so there's flexibility in how and where you set it up.

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How easy is the Tefal Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron to set up and start using?

Having never used a steam generator before, Alison found set-up very easy. The iron comes well packaged and the instructions are signposted to be found easily online.

Once you've filled the water tank and set up your ironing board nearby, it takes just 2 minutes to heat up. The iron itself is compact and works just like a normal iron, so there are no fancy techniques to master - just smooth, effortless ironing. The Pro Express Vision has a unique LED light that automatically comes on when it's horizontal, lighting up the fabric immediately ahead so you can see (and banish) every crease.

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What's the Tefal Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron like to use day-to-day?

The best part about this iron, Alison says, it just how easy it makes ironing. She added that it would be hard to return to a regular steam iron now that she's tried this premium steam generator.

It's not just the powerful steam that makes this iron such a pleasure to use. With a self-cleaning anti-scale system and anti-drip design, you don't have to worry about descaling it or finding drips or marks on your clothing.

For large items like duvet covers, Alison loved the fact that she didn't have to keep refilling the water tank. All these thoughtful features add up to a lot of time and energy saved.

What's more, she found that you only really need to iron one side of garments like cotton t-shirts, literally halving the time it takes to smooth crumpled clothing.

All in all, the Tefal Pro Express Vision made a big difference to Alison's day-to-day ironing, both in terms of time spent and how enjoyable it was.

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Does the Tefal Pro Express Vision offer good value for money?

At the time of writing, the Tefal Pro Express Vision is available for £350, with an RRP of £550. There's no getting around the fact that this is an enormous amount of money to spend on an iron. You can hire a professional ironing service for about £15 per hour, and Mumsnet's favourite steam iron, the Russell Hobbs 20630 Powersteam Ultra, is only £32.

However, if like Alison you have a lot of ironing that needs doing each week, investing in a steam generator can really cut down on the time and energy needed to get clothes and bedding crease-free.

A cheaper steam generator iron like the Morphy Richards Easy Steam (£139) will do a good job, but the Tefal Pro Express Vision really is a cut above, offering far more powerful steam to cut through creases with ease. All in all, if you have the budget and the ironing pile to justify it, the Tefal Pro Express Vision will make ironing easier, quicker and more enjoyable.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing the products Mumsnetters swear by for 3 years, with a particular focus on home essentials, laundry and fans. From a highly-recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.

Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.

About Mumsnet reviews

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