Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Best steam generator irons for crease-free laundry in a flash
Are you pressed for time? Here’s our pick of the best steam generator irons as recommended by Mumsnet users, providing a fast and efficient cure for creased clothes.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Apr 25, 2024
.png/c1ece7d2c7d194ba180d8df3703eedec.webp)
If you find ironing a chore, you’re definitely not alone - the Mumsnet forums are filled with posts and pleas for help tackling the dreaded laundry pile - whether that’s removing creases from your work wardrobe or preparing school uniforms ready for Monday morning.
Even with the best washer dryer and laundry detergent, creases don't iron themselves and in an attempt to make ironing less stressful, many Mumsnetters have shifted from a standard iron to a steam generator iron, with most saying they’ll never look back. Using a separate water tank that generates powerful steam, efficient steam generator irons can blast through stubborn creases and wrinkles in no time, shaving valuable minutes off the time spent at your ironing board - even the best steam irons can't compete with that. They can be quite an investment however, so are best suited to those who iron regularly or have a large pile of clothes to get through each week.
We know the true value of an authentic recommendation from ordinary families, so spent hours scouring the forums for the products our Mumsnet community have used and loved. With eight million users visiting our forums every month, we discovered a wealth of tried and tested recommendations on the best steam generator irons, highlighting features such as tank size, weight and ease of use as well as the maintenance required to keep it performing at its best.
Once we’ve gathered our shortlist, we cross-reference this with the opinion of industry experts as well as the ratings from verified customer reviews and consumer champions Which? to bring you our list of the very best steam generator irons for all needs and budgets.
These are the best steam irons to buy.
Best Steam Generator Irons at a glance
-(10).png/e0bebc14ba7d7bf0cd11aa46e4b4a154.png)
-(9).png/7992a8464fef62a5d36e34e7140244e2.png)
Philips PerfectCare Elite Steam Generator Iron GC9650/80
No burn guarantee
Automatic shut-off for safety
High steam pressure for speed and efficiency
Easy to descale and maintain
Large water tank allowing up to two hours of ironing without refills
Can also be used as an upright steamer
Costly
The water tank is heavy to lift when full
Price on writing: £375 | Weight: 5.1kg | Tank capacity: 1.8 litres | Continuous steam output: 150 g/min | Steam shot: 500g / min | Steam pressure: 7.5 bar | Wattage: 2400W
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus Steam Generator Iron review
A recent upgrade to the highly rated GC9630/20 model, the Philips PerfectCare Elite GC9650/80 Steam Generator Iron doesn’t come cheap, but the consensus amongst both Mumsnet users and experts is that you certainly get what you pay for. Improvements in this GC9650/80 model include easier descaling, enhanced steam pressure and an ultra-powerful steam boost, ensuring efficient, professional quality results, every single time.
With a large and generously sized 1.8 litre tank, the Philips PerfectCare Elite provides up to two hours of continuous use without needing to refill, allowing you to easily power through the entire family’s laundry while catching up on your favourite soaps. Despite its size, the iron itself is relatively lightweight and easy to hold, with a scratch-resistant soleplate that glides across even the thickest fabrics with ease. It makes light work of even stubborn creases and hard-to-reach areas such as collars, hems and pleats.
Thanks to the OptimalTEMP technology, the PerfectCare Elite boasts a ‘no burn guarantee’, automatically adapting to your fabrics without the need to manually adjust the temperature. As a bonus, it can even be used as a vertical steamer to quickly remove creases from your outfit or coat before you head out the door.
Affordable price point
Self-cleaning design
Variable temperature setting to suit all fabrics
Lighter than many steam generator irons
Auto shut off for safety
Not as powerful as some models
Steam generator triggers on higher temperature settings only
Price on writing: £39 | Weight: 2.6kg | Tank capacity: 1.5 litres | Continuous steam output: 42g/min | Steam shot: Not specified | Steam pressure: Not specified | Wattage: 2400W
If you think all steam generator irons are outside your budget, think again. Despite having many of the features commonly found on more costly models, this black and rose gold steam generator iron from Asda comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag.
Featuring a 1.5-litre water tank and a ceramic-coated soleplate that effortlessly glides across your fabrics, the Asda steam generator iron heats up in less than a minute, with variable temperature settings and an auto shut-off feature for additional peace of mind.
While steam is only generated at higher temperatures and it’s less powerful than some of our other top picks, this steam generator iron is a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a more efficient iron that can keep up with a rapidly growing laundry pile.
Read next: The best dehumidifiers for keeping your home damp-free
Fast heat-up times
Quiet operation
Eco mode option that uses 30% less energy
Powerful 160g/ min steam generation
Auto shut-off feature
The green and black design won’t be to everyone’s taste
The water tank is smaller than some other steam generator irons
Price on writing: £349 | Weight: 5.4kg | Tank capacity: 1.3 litres | Continuous steam output: 160 g/min | Steam shot: 600 g/min | Steam pressure: 8 bar | Wattage: 2800 W
Fast and efficient, the Rowenta Silence Steam Generator Iron offers up to 8 bars of pressure and impressive steam generation which can get your clothes wrinkle-free to a professional standard in next to no time. With silent pump technology, it also runs incredibly quietly, with an optional eco mode that uses less energy and water for quick garment refreshes before wear.
It’s worth noting that despite its performance, the water tank on this steam generator iron isn’t as large as some, so for larger loads of ironing, you may need to refill more regularly. The space-age green and black colour scheme could also be a little off-putting for some - especially if you’re looking for a discreet and subtle design for your modern kitchen.
Read next: The best washing machines, tried and tested
Tefal GV9820G0 Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron
Quick two-minute heat-up time
Anti-drip system protects your clothes from spills
Smart LED Vision helps ensure good visibility for best results
Powerful steam shot and steam tip help smooth difficult-to-reach areas like collars and pleats
Anti-scale allows easy maintenance
Vertical steam function for steaming curtains or hanging clothes
High cost makes this an investment piece best suited to regular use
Requires a large and robust ironing board due to size
Tank capacity is small compared to other models
Price on writing: £335 | Weight: 5.2kg | Tank capacity: 1.2 litres | Continuous steam output: 180g/min | Steam shot: 750g/min | Steam pressure | Wattage: 2700 W
If you’re short on time, you’ll love the high-pressure steam shot on the Tefal GV9820G0 Pro Express Vision Steam Generator Iron which makes smoothing out thick fabrics and difficult areas simple and stress-free. Thanks to the smart LED vision light (which comes on automatically when you hold down the steam button for 2 seconds) you get excellent visibility even when ironing in low light, ensuring no unsightly creases or wrinkles are missed.
Producing high-quality results and reducing your ironing time, you can choose from a variety of temperature settings to suit your fabric type, including delicates. Alternatively, you can use the built-in Smart Steam Setting, which is safe to use on all fabrics without the risk of burning or use as a virtual steamer, de-creasing hanging items with ease.
We love the anti-scale feature of this design which makes it very easy to look after, however, it’s a costly model and the removable tank is frustratingly small compared to many steam generator irons. As such, we feel this steam generator iron is best suited to those who iron little and often and are looking for fast and efficient results.
Large-capacity water tank
Powerful steam pressure for thicker fabrics and stubborn creases
Easy limescale removal
Durable ceramic sole plate that glides across fabrics
Practical and safe cord storage
Temperature/steam settings need to be manually selected to suit your fabric type
When the cleaning light triggers, there is no option to override to a later date
Price on writing: £200 | Weight: 3.6kg | Tank capacity: 1.7 litres | Continuous steam output: 120g / min | Steam shot: 220g / min | Steam pressure: 6 bar | Wattage: 3000 W
With a light-up display and intuitive, simple-to-navigate buttons, the Morphy Richards Speed Steam is one of the easier models to learn and use for those transitioning from a standard iron. It performs well across most fabrics, with variable temperature settings and a non-stick ceramic soleplate, however, can take slightly longer than some to smooth out stubborn creases on thicker fabrics such as denim or thick cotton.
We love the large capacity removable water tank, reducing the amount of refills required when tackling larger ironing piles. The built-in cord storage is also a big plus point, safely tucking the cord out of the way for simple storage and manoeuvrability.
This model is very resistant to limescale (especially when used with a 50/50 split of tap and distilled water) and has an efficient cleaning cycle that makes it well-suited to those living in hard water areas. It’s worth noting however that when the descale reminder light comes on, there is no option to override, which could be annoying if you’re in a hurry.
Related: The best budget washing machines under £500
Tefal Express Airglide SV8022 Steam Generator Iron
Lightweight design
Extra large water tank
No temperature settings - suitable for all fabrics
Powerful steam pressure
Easy cleaning and maintenance
Some reviewers were frustrated that the iron doesn’t stand upright
The water tank can be a bit tricky to remove
Price on writing: £200 | Weight: 3.34kg | Tank capacity: 1.8 litres | Continuous steam output: 125 g/min | Steam shot: 460g/min | Steam pressure: Unspecified | Wattage: 2800W
If you’re making the switch from a traditional steam iron, you’ll love the Tefal Express Airglide, with an impressive 7.2 bar pressure and 125g/min of continuous steam - up to three times more than a traditional steam iron. While a little tricky to remove, the generously sized 1.8-litre water tank is unlikely to need refilling during use, even with larger loads of ironing. In fact, Tefal claims it can knock up to 30 minutes off your overall ironing time.
We love the automatic temperature adjustment that can smooth out all fabric types, including delicates, without burning, whilst the useful ECO mode uses 20% less energy for clothing that simply needs a slight refresh.
Unlike the Morphy Richards Speed Steam above, the descaling cycle on the Tefal Express Airglide won’t slow down your efforts, taking just 3 seconds to flush limescale and maintain peak performance.
Read next: The best rotary washing lines for fresh, clean laundry
Russell Hobbs Quiet Super Steam Generator Iron 24470
Quiet operation
Impressive steam output
Detachable water tank with a large capacity
Anti-drip
Auto shut-off feature for peace of mind
Vertical steam option
Anti-calc notification when the filter needs replacing
The tip isn’t narrow enough to tackle hard-to-reach areas
Not the most ergonomic handle
Price on writing: £199 | Weight: 5.06 kg | Tank capacity: 1.8L | Continuous steam output: 200g/min | Steam shot: 360g/min | Steam pressure: 7 bar | Wattage: 2400W
Due to their power and efficiency, steam generator irons tend to be noisier than a standard iron, which can be frustrating if you usually settle down to iron in front of the TV. The Russell Hobbs Quiet Super Steam Generator iron is the exception Featuring Quiet Technology, it claims to be up to 20% quieter than previous models, so you can still get some welcome entertainment while you speed through your shirts and school uniform.
Despite lower noise levels, this iron has powerful steam pressure that can tackle a whole host of ironing challenges, from crumpled collars to creased denim, although the tip of the iron is a little thick for hard-to-reach areas. With a high-capacity water tank, you can easily get over an hour of ironing time without the need to refill, however, the handle could get a little uncomfortable after prolonged use
A which ECO Buy, the anti-calc filter on the Quiet Super Steam works well at removing limescale - a huge plus point if you live in a hard water area. A visual indicator will even let you know when it's time to replace it, making this a fairly low-maintenance choice.
Read next: The best laundry detergents for babies
.png/b0f4761b526133d4c911d29c7ec6766a.webp)
.png/aa915b8fa6399e2a47461c92913710a8.webp)
Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator Iron GC7840
Compact and lightweight design
Optimal temp suitable for all fabrics without burning
Strong and powerful steam generation
Non-stick and scratch-resistant soleplate
Smart Calc Clean notifies you when it's time to clean your iron
Power lead could do with being longer
No vertical steam option
The water tank is not detachable
Price on writing: £155 | Weight: 3.3kg | Tank capacity: 1.5 litre | Continuous steam output: 120 g/min | Steam shot: 400g/min | Steam pressure: 6.5 bars | Wattage: 2400W
If you’re looking for all the benefits of a steam generator iron but are a little more limited on space, this compact model from trusted brand Philips makes an excellent choice. With a small footprint and lightweight design, it’s easy to carry and store when not in use, making it a more practical choice for smaller kitchens.
Despite its size, the Philips Compact Steam Generator does not lack in performance, with powerful steam generation that can tackle even stubborn creases caused by vacuum storage bags. Thanks to Optimal Temp technology, there are no temperature settings to worry about either, with one temperature suitable for all fabrics without the risk of burns.
The 1.5-litre tank offers over an hour of ironing time, however, it’s worth noting it's not removable, so you do need to carry the entire unit to the sink when it's time to refill. Whilst the power cable does stash away for storage, some reviewers felt it was a little on the short side, with some needing an extension lead to find a comfortable ironing position.
Read next: The best fabric softeners for great-smelling washing
What is a steam generator iron?
Unlike traditional irons, steam generator irons have a separate, often large, water tank and use a steam generator unit to provide powerful, fast and efficient crease removal.
What to consider when buying a steam generator iron
Heating time - How long does it take to heat up the water in the tank? A good steam generator iron can heat up in less than 2 minutes, whilst some may take a little longer, particularly if the tank has a high capacity.
Tank size - Most steam generator irons have a tank size capable of holding at least 1 litre of water, with the vast majority holding between 1.2 and 1.8 litres. The larger the tank, the longer you can iron continuously without the need to refill. If you have a large family and large wash loads to get through, you may want to opt for the largest size possible, whereas infrequent users or smaller households may be perfectly comfortable with a smaller volume.
Ease of use - How simple are the instructions - are there lots of settings to master or are there no temperature settings like the Philips Optimal Temp technology which simplifies its use? If you're ironing delicate items, you may find the no-burn guarantee of a fixed temperature offers additional peace of mind.
Size - Do you have space to store a larger steam generator iron when not in use? Cord storage clips or containers can be helpful when the iron is not in use.
Anti-calc function - Does the iron have features to prevent the build-up of unwelcome limescale? Not only can this be unsightly, it can affect your iron’s performance, so may be particularly important if you live in a hard water area.
Weight - how heavy is it? Remember you will need to be able to physically lift and carry the water tank and weight varies fairly significantly depending on the brand and tank size. You also need to ensure your ironing board is capable of holding the additional weight, as a lightweight board just won’t cut it. Designs with removable water tanks are often easier to fill.
Water tank capacity - How much ironing do you do? For larger families with substantial ironing piles, a large 1.8-litre capacity can allow you to complete all the ironing in one session without the need to refill.
Steam output and pressure - What pressure and steam levels does the iron offer? The more powerful the steam settings, the more efficiently they can remove stubborn creases and wrinkles from your clothes.
Can it be used as a vertical steamer? - Some steam generator irons can also be used to steam hanging clothes such as curtains, suits, coats and dresses, which can be really useful for freshening up items before wear.
Noisy - How noisy is it? If you intend to use the iron in an open-plan living space or want to watch TV or listen to the radio during use, you may want to opt for a quieter model.
Cost - Last but by no means least in the current climate- how much are you willing to spend? Steam generator irons are generally quite an investment, however, the time-saving benefits can be worth their weight in gold!
Related: The best retractable washing lines for your garden
Are steam generator irons better than standard irons?
Due to the larger water tank, steam generator irons require refilling less regularly than standard irons, allowing longer ironing sessions without needing to top up in between your sheets and shirts.
The steam generator unit heats up to produce high-pressure steam which is often more efficient than that generated by standard irons, reducing ironing time while being more effective at removing creases from clothes - ideal if you have a large family or a never-ending laundry pile.
They aren’t for everyone though. Not only are they costly, steam generator irons are often heavier and larger than standard irons, requiring a robust ironing board that can handle the additional weight and somewhere to store them when not in use.
Read next: The best mould removers for tackling damp in your home
What is the best steam generator iron to buy?
The Philips PerfectCare Elite is our top pick for the best steam generator iron you can buy today. While it comes with a significant price tag, this versatile iron is simple to use, with a large capacity water tank and impressive steam generation that makes ironing almost enjoyable. With one temperature setting and a no-burn guarantee, it makes light work of all fabric types, and can even be used as a vertical steamer when needed.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
There is a lot of debate within the Mumsnet forums on how to tackle the never-ending ironing pile, with many users sharing their hints and tips on the best tools for the job.
First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on the steam generator irons that they rate, recommend and have used in their own homes.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, overpriced, noisy or simply struggled to tackle those more stubborn wrinkles and creases.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace, including those recommended by household experts and consumer champions such as Which?
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best steam generator irons on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Argos and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a Mum and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, hiding from her ironing pile or competing in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.