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?

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.

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)

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

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!

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????!!

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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 .

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.

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)

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

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

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