Philips Pressurised Steam Generator Iron - Feedback Thread

[AnnMumsnet]

Dear testers

Thank you very much for attending the Philips Pressurised Steam Generator Iron event day - Mumsnet and Philips hope you all had an enjoyable and informative day. You should now have received your free Pressurised Steam Generator Iron. When you've used it, please take a few minutes to add your feedback below. Philips have some specific questions but welcome all comments on the iron and on the day.

If you did not attend the day but have any questions about the product - please post them here and maybe a tester could answer them. Philips will also keep an eye on the thread and answer any questions from non testers as well as testers.

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?
2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly?
3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?
4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?
5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time)
6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron?
7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments?
8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money?
9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice?
10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?

Many thanks

MNHQ

Thanks Ann. Just marking my place for later.

Thanks Ann and hi Chippy, will answer the questions asap. Just now, too exhausted from electioneering for weeks in an effort to keep my job (glad to say, still have job!) - but in brief, I like the iron, has almost converted me to ironing.

Ohh, Tanee just read your profile - assume your MP got re-elected then? Was it close?

Yes, phew, she got re-elected, so I have another five years of constituency casework to look forward to . She did well - increased her majority against Labour to over 7000 votes. (She doesn't do any ironing, either !)

Happy to give you my feedback as had such a lovely day!

1)There is NO comparison to my old iron (Morphy Richards about £40) which was heavy, short flex and a really ridiculous steam setting.
2)I HATED (note the word HATED not HATE) ironing with a passion, it took forever, was really laborious and boring. I have now ironed about 6 full loads and actually found it quite relaxing.
3) I am still working on my technique but the Philips steam generator makes it so much easier, I steam cleaned my son's blazer the other day and it was as good as having it dry cleaned
4) I have gone from HATING ironing to looking forward to it and finding it quite enjoyable/relaxing. I think this might be due to the novelty factor, but time will tell. DH hasn't stopped raving about it since we got it.
5) The one negative is the weight and size - it is bulky and heavy compared to my old iron, but the benefits far outweigh the cumbersome nature of the iron
6) TBH, costing what it did, I was expecting it to be all singing, all dancing. I think that the flex should be retractable and the design is very old fashioned.
7) I used the steam function on my DS's shirts to great effect and also steam cleaned his blazer.
8) I am probably in the minority here, but I actually think I am spending LONGER ironing, I think this is because I enjoy using the iron but I did try Ben's tip of folding a kingsize duvet cover into quarters and then just ironing one size. It didn't work for me but again, could be down to technique and needing more practise at ironing!
9) Ben was GREAT - very inspirational, his wife is a lucky lady!
10)I have already recommended this to anyone who will listen - My mum has bought one after testing mine and my BF wants one for her birthday shame there is no saddo smiley!

All in all a great product that I am very happy with.

Now, where's that pile of ironing

1. Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?

Much much better although have ruined a few clothes but I think that is because my previous iron didn't ever get very hot.

2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly?
Yes it does, much quicker and is enjoyable (but I am a weirdo who likes ironing!)

3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron? Less wrinkled and creased.

4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?
I like ironing but it has you could say heightened my enjoyment.

5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time) - it is a lot lighter than my previous iron, quality in terms of the actual iron is not that different as my old one has lasted quite a while, the only thing that I find off putting is the noise - it is very very noisy and oh the fact that it does not use continuous steam without you pushing the button - that is quite irritating.

6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron? Yes that there wasn't a way without pressing the button to have a continual steam function.

7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments? Yes I have and it worked very well.

8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money? Yes

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice? Very good.

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?
Yes - I already have.

OK, here goes...

1.Overall, huge improvement. My old iron seemed State of the Art at the time I bought it (20 years ago), cordless etc, but I never found it got quite hot enough for cottons or linen and putting in water to use steam was such a faff, I didn't do it and used to sqirt water with a plant sprayer instead!

1. Yes, got through a pile of cotton and linen shirts about 4-5 minutes a shirt - hoping to beat that with practice!

1. Yes. Linen items are still slightly wrinkled, but even Ben said linen's a killer and suggested steaming first and then going over again with dry heat. That hasn't worked yet, but maybe I need more practice, or to iron them whilst still damp from the wash. They still looked better than with my old iron, and DP loved being Ironed Man for a week (in future, he's doing his own).

1. Deffo not such a chore, but again, that could be because it's a new toy. I did feel the room got a bit steamed up though, not sure I'd enjoy using it in real summer temperatures, though atm it's so cold that it's a good boost to the central heating!

1. I like not having to upend it to stand - ergonomically more comfy being able to put it down flat; my old one involved twisting my wrist to stand it, didn't realise how much effort that involved, until I didn't have to do it with the Philips. Also, the steam trigger and button are easy to control. It's heavy, but so was my old one, and I soon got used to it. Would also have preferred a retractable cord - I understand the more expensive model has this, but not sure it's worth paying an extra £20 just for that and some extra steam. The whole unit is very bulky and storage is therefore problematical - my old one fits neatly under the sink - not sure where I'll store this. Might not be ideal for small kitchens like mine, but probably ok if you're lucky enough to have an utility room. However, good to have the water stored and heated separately, so it won't, presumably, clog up the workings with limescale. Ironing definitely takes less time with the Philips, as I don't find myself going over the same section several times to remove creases. Once is enough.

1. Surprised at the steaming feature used on my skirt. Haven't seen that done before.

1. Not yet. Just used low heat and steam bursts on DP's silk shirt.

1. Yes, if it lasts me another 20 years. Not sure I'd have paid so much for it myself - but then, I'm not an ironer.

1. Ben was lovely - he really inspired me. Found his tips handy, especially for large items like duvets or applique. He made ironing seem like fun, not a chore. Hooray for Iron Man!

10. Yes, I have already, though friends think the price is a bit steep - and they think I've lost my mind as this is MOST unlike me. My mother (age 85) says she can iron a shirt in 5 minutes with her ancient non-steam iron, so I intend to impress her by getting my shirt technique down to 3 - though I'll never match Ben!

Overall, it's impressive - if you have the money to spend and the place to store it, I'd recommend it. And the day was such fun! Thank you.

Hi, MadameC, may your ironing enthusiasm never wane! - hope to meet you again some time.

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?

My old iron was a Tefal one, about 6 years old, and was one with a tank but not pressurised. My main gripe with my old iron was that it used to get limescale and rust in the internal workings and then spew brown gunk onto freshly washed clothes occasionally. Hopefully the Philips won't do this but I will need to give it a few years before I know, really.
2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly? Yes I think so, especially being able to use the 'steam' rather than 'iron' way of doing lightly creased things.
3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?
Not sure.
4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?

Yes (not much, but a bit!).
5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time)

The buly, especially vertically, is a bit of a pain. My old iron, which had a tank and was still quite big, was not nearly as tall and fitted in a cupboard. This one is in the garage so far.

I really like the shape which means you can get so much more of the iron between shirt buttons. This is a very intelligent feature.
6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron?

The 'button friendly' design and the small steam function.
7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments?

Yes.
8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money?

Not sure. My old iron was around £85 and lasted 6-8 years. I think if you were going to get one anyway it might be worth spending a bit extra and getting this one, but I really need to see how long it lasts.

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice?

Ben was fab.

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?

Probably. My husband and MIL have already used it (DH does most of the ironing anyway). I wouldn't go round raving about it spontaneously, but if the conversation turned to irons I would recommend rather than not.

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?

My old iron was a Tefal one, about 6 years old, and was one with a tank but not pressurised. My main gripe with my old iron was that it used to get limescale and rust in the internal workings and then spew brown gunk onto freshly washed clothes occasionally. Hopefully the Philips won't do this but I will need to give it a few years before I know, really.
2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly? Yes I think so, especially being able to use the 'steam' rather than 'iron' way of doing lightly creased things.
3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?
Not sure.
4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?

Yes (not much, but a bit!).
5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time)

The buly, especially vertically, is a bit of a pain. My old iron, which had a tank and was still quite big, was not nearly as tall and fitted in a cupboard. This one is in the garage so far.

I really like the shape which means you can get so much more of the iron between shirt buttons. This is a very intelligent feature.
6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron?

The 'button friendly' design and the small steam function.
7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments?

Yes.
8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money?

Not sure. My old iron was around £85 and lasted 6-8 years. I think if you were going to get one anyway it might be worth spending a bit extra and getting this one, but I really need to see how long it lasts.

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice?

Ben was fab.

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?

Probably. My husband and MIL have already used it (DH does most of the ironing anyway). I wouldn't go round raving about it spontaneously, but if the conversation turned to irons I would recommend rather than not.

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?
Much better, taking all aspects into account, this one has the edge.

2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly?
Lol at the thought of me doing enough ironing to get through it at any speed at all! Ok, yes, if I timed an item, it would be quicker because it takes less effort and less forcing the creases out. I think if I was doing shedloads, it would cumulatively be much faster, yes.

3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?
I'm not sure; its certainly better than mine, but as I havent used too many different irons, I'm not sure if there might be another fantastic one on the market that I dont know about. i tend to ignore anything over £40.

4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?
I think the two main reasons I hate ironing are that I could be doing something more fun/worthwhile, and because its a trauma to get the ironing board out of the cupboard where its wedged in to the mm. The new iron doesnt really change either of these factors, but it is a less depressing thought at having to iron, because I know it'll feel much easier and 'glidey' than the old iron!

5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time)
Old iron is , I think, a Tefal. It needs refilling alot, so that was a great plus for the new one.Plus the cover where you put the water in the old iron tends to leak! Size and designwise I think the new one is very ergonomic, even for me being lefthanded . But it really is huge when you include the water bit, whatever the proper name for that is! I think it really is designed for people with huge families and lots of tidy workclothes, who have a dedicated ironing area. I have a little cipboard that fits the board, and the iron on shelf above. No way does the new iron fit! And I'm a bit disinclined to have it out permanently.

6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron?
The edge design, where you can get up to buttons etc, is better than on my old iron, altho I havent quite decided why. Just feels better. Its also quite neat how you can carry the water thing around attached iyswim. I'm not sure I like the little plate thing to put the iron down on, only because there's nowhere to attach it to the water thingy when not in use.Or have i missed something?

7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments?
I've used it to get some creases out of in- situ curtains, where they get squished up behind the sofa when people dont draw them properly. Thats about as daring as I get!

8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money?
I think you can only ever answer this subjectively. For me, no, because I dont do enough ironing to justify it as a necessity rather than an indulgent purchase. And because £200 is such a huge amount of money to me, an iron would be a low priority. But I think if you were a busy person with tons of ironing, and your usual purchasing bracket was around £120-£150, then yes, its worth paying the extra for this iron.

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice?
I think that once he told us a bit about his background eg his business, his family, his other fundraising activies, then he became far more bona fide... he had a proper knowledge base, he wasnt just a random bloke who picked ironing for the world record without any experience! He was very personable and down to earth, and did give lots of good tips, most of which I will probably forget in due course

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?
Funnily enough, a friend came round and saw it on the table (due to it not fitting in my cupboard!) and started talking about how fantastic it was because she already has one. And she doesnt even do her own ironing, her cleaner does it! Yes, I would reccommend it to those who could afford it, but I'd probably say get the next model up... I liked the idea of the retractable wire, and I prefer the colour of that one! The lilac is a bit twee for me, altho a colour prfectly ok to associate with ironing, if that makes sense. Not that I would buy an iron based on its colour alone!

I think the proof of the iron will also be in how long it lasts before I manage to blow it up,somehow clog it up, pull the controls off, or knacker the bottom of it. When I buy electricals, I kind of assume they'll break just after the warannty has expired, based on past experience

It was a great day, with a lovely lunch, thank you. I felf like a bit of a fraud, because I didnt actually do much to justify being there

Right, am going to leave my feedback before I read anyone else's then will see what everyone else thought.

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?
Bulkier to store (have yet to find a home for it) but the iron itself is much lighter.
2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly?
Definitely. My washing machine had just broken so once it was replaced and all my washing done, I had a huge backlog of ironing. Was pretty amazed how quickly I got through it.
3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?
Less wrinkled.
4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?
I don't mind ironing but have found it more enjoyable with the new iron.
5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time)
New one, very big. We don't have a lot of space for storage and it is still on the work top waiting for a permanent home.
Time spent ironing much reduced.
Steam power much much better.
6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron?
Not especially.

7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments?
Not at home, though Ben did use it on one of my items at the demo day and I was amazed at how good it was!
8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money?
I have never been a hugely fussy ironer, a quick once over is good enough! I don't have shirts to do or smart office wear therefore I don't think for me it would be worth the money buying one.
9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice?
Useful. Esp the steaming hanging clothes and the ironing of several layers of duvet cover at once.
10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?
For those that have a large amount of ironing and need/like very good ironing (crisp shirts etc) then yes.

Final bit of feedback...I have an old but perfectly good ironing board, but it is solid with no vents of holes which newer ones have. Therefore all the moisture from the steam gets trapped in the cover and becomes soggy. I have had to leave the board out to dry off overnight before putting it away to prevent the risk of mould forming.

Oh yes, Mustrunmore mentioned the iron rest thingey and I agree, it would be useful if it clipped onto the main unit for storage. ATM both thingey and main unit are still sitting on the floor in front of my fireplace, as I haven't found a storage place for them, and knowing this household, I can see the iron rest going awol pretty soon!

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?

It is massively superior in its ability to do the job and do it well, it has made ironing my husbands shirts a doddle which always made me look at the ironing pile and shudder. The old Iron (Tefal and quite expensive!) has been relegated to the back of the cupboard with the view of sending it out to a carboot or on ebay!

2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly?

It certainly makes it more efficient, which obviously means that I find it far quicker. I think the main thing is that you don't notice you are doing the ironing so much as this has to be with the amount of steam AND the fact you don't have to keep filling up the reservoir and waiting for it to heat up again! If anything I have found it makes ironing a bit more of a pleasure - and I say this as someone who never ever ironed any of their own clothes but now irons everything in sight into lovely shapely piles!

3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?

Definitely, even my husband has noticed the difference in the feel and look of his shirts and you can see the old iron ones and the new iron ones very clearly in the cupboard - although this also may have something to do with the ironer but it has made a huge difference which isn't something I expected my husband to comment on!

4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?

If you don't like ironing - you pretty much had to hold a gun to my head to make me iron! When it arrived I couldn't get it out of the box quick enough and since then have been finding things to iron that really don't require ironing! Including all the sheets in the linen cupboard, more bearable is an understatement I actually now look forward to it and am quite shocked by that!

5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time)

It is heavier by a long way as a whole feature, and I do have to iron with a small table next to me to hold the base of it. However this is minor in comparison to not having to fill a jug with water and hope you don't spill it on the floor when refilling the reservoir, or unplugging it. The actual iron is far lighter than my old one and this also makes a huge difference to the speed of ironing!

6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron?

There are still some I am getting to grips with, but I am overall so pleased with it that any suprises so far have been really nice ones!

7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments?

To be fair I don't own an awful lot of "delicate" items, but those that I steer clear of ironing because I have the iron too hot or too cool to do it properly have been very successful and I have been very pleased with the results.

8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money?

I think the time saving is amazine, but as a non-ironer and not having been to the demonstration or having any knowledge I think I would have been put off purchasing until my other iron had given up. Even then I might have seen it as bit too much money to spend at £200. (That being said I was shocked at spending £70 on an iron the last time I bought one so I think it could just be that I am not very good at the whole ironing thing!)

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice?

Brilliant, he has very much helped me out with all sorts of tips and tales, most specifically about heat on natural and non natural fibres and how to iron a shirt!

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?

Already have, my mother an avid ironer is desperate to borrow it! She has looked it over and has offered to do my ironing for life if I let her have mine! However she isn't getting it! I would recommend it to friends but I would have to pick them well as I think they all have a similar view to ironing as I did and might well go into shock at the thought of spending so much money on an iron, however if they come round and want to try it I bet they will have one the following week.

I love this iron without a shadow of a doubt, but I do think that the price does make it quite prohibitive, also it would be great to have a retractable cord on it as it is difficult to put wrap it around the base unit as it doesn't seem to fit properly without leaving a loop.

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?
Oh it is fab. I love it. My old iron is now in the bin!

2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly?
Yes. Sadly, the novelty value has not yet worn off so I am ironing underwear.

3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?
Much less. My old iron would flatten out creases, which would spring back when it cooleds down. This one actually keeps them flat (even manky old school sports t-shirts look smooth after a full days' wear!!!!!)

4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?
Yes. Hours of entertainment using the 2 steam blasters.

5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time).
Much lighter. Doesn't leave crusty (London) water stains. I like the way it sits flat (face down) on the little holder. I don;t like the way my old one wobbles on its' end.

6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron?
The speed which it heats up. A friend has one that takes about 20 mins (not a Phillips). I got the blue one - so no little button that automatically reels in the cord. If I was working on R&D I would have definately insisted on that on this version (I think the burgundy one is the newer version?). The cord is quite long, so you do wrestle with it a bit when outing it way (we don't have the luxury of space to leave it out)

7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments? not yet. But I will....

8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money? Not sure. If it lasts a long time (even with London water) then yes. I tend to break mine after a while, so maybe £200 worth of this one would be worth 5 old ones?

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice? I think I speak for us all. WE LOVE BEN! Because he owns a dry cleaning business, he definately knows his stuff and he comes across ad a genuinely nice guy.

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member? I would... I have! In fact, people are begining to get that bored look when I go on about 'my lovely new Super-Iron!!!'

Love it, love it, love it, and this is not because the lovely people at Philips gave it to me.

My only grizzle is the fact that there is nowhere to keep the flat, plastic stand for the iron. I assumed that it would slot into a space on the base, but not. Please put one one. It WILL get lost!

georgiemum can you explain the 2 stream buttons to me? I have been using the big button on the actual handle, what is the other one for????

Hello. Just letting you know I know this is here - been a bit hectic with work but will sit down and do this either tonight or tomorrow. I haven't cut and run!

1. Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?

Much much better, the old one doesn't come close.

2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly?
Yes it does, much quicker. I fly through two loads of washing in a breeze!

3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?
Less wrinkled and creased.

4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?
I now enjoy ironing, DH can't get over it, It may wear off but at the moment it's great!

5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time) - It is a lot lighter than my previous iron, although a lot bulkier. I just leave it on the kitchen worktop (I don't trust my ironing board)

6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron? How it heat's up very fast.

7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments? Yes I have and it worked very well.

8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money? Yes, although I think it should have a retractable cord as it is difficult to put wrap it around the base unit as it doesn't seem to fit properly.

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice? Very good, especially his tips on duvets and shirts.

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?
Yes - I already have.

Oh the fantastic steam buttons.... the big one is for the steam to come shooting out from the whole base (all the holes) and the smaller button on the handle is for just the steam to come out of the top few holes on the base.

Did we all get the blue one?
How do we get a job with the research company?

Lovely iron. Not as heavy as you'd imagine. I keep the base on the floor while I iron. We love the steam button! I am considering attacking my curtains with it.

Ann
Quick question! Can you ask Phillips if they would like me to try out their new infared hair removal product - quite keen on trying that one out!

As one of the confirmed non-ironers in the group, you may count me as a convert!

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron? I had no idea until I looked, that my old iron was also a Philips - a French model with a water tank but not steam generator , about ten years old and latterly full of limescale despite the anticalc cartridge. Mind you I didn't use it much.

2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly? No, but only because I am ironing more.

3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron? Yes.

4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task? Yes. I have resurrected several items that were never used/worn due to the sheer faff of ironing them - cotton damask tablecloth, pure cotton bedding, linen shirts. Over time I have developed the habit of buying non-iron school uniform and work shirts and I probably won't change that. But summer will be lovely with all my linen clothes beautifully pressed.

5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time) The new one works so well, I am prepared to put in the time and effort to actually use it. I don't mind the size as I have a utility room.

6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron? Just a couple of minor design faults - no storage for the 'resting plate' thing, and the retractable cord not being a standard feature at this price point.

7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments? Yes - a couple of embellished linen tops, and DD's party dresses.

8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money? It's not a question of time-saving for me, it's the pleasure of owning a machine that is fit for purpose.

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice? He is genuinely enthusiatic about laundry, isn't he, LOL! I was taught how to iron a shirt properly when I was little, but I suspect these skills don't get passed on so much any more.

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member? I have had several neatly-pressed visitors coo-ing over it . I would recommend, but am acutely aware that the price would preclude many from even contemplating one.

DH loves the iron as he does prefer proper double-cuff city shirts to the M&S non-iron ones he's worn since we had the DC.

Oooohhhh yes the hair removal thing would be a good one to test - Greek Heritage here so could give it a really good test for you!

And no my ironing fever has not wained - just the noise of the lovely new thing means I have to have Desperate Housewives turned up full volume!

Ooo, I havent seen those . How much are they? I'm teetering on the edge of booking in for electrolysis for my old gimmers facial hair . I tried some silkimitts last wk cos a mnettter praised them so highly, but they were crap didnt lift a single hair

Btw, I think my idea of a musical iron that keeps you ironing else it stops was spot on, for those of you that have said its a bit noisy! It would mask the noise . I should run off and patent it...

1 In some ways better (steaming and ergonomic handle) in other ways the same (mKes no difference on non-steamable items eg silks) in others worse(really dislike having to use the iron rest)
2 Yes and no. While I can iron out heavy creasung much faster, because I can do such a good job I spend longer getting things perfect - which I wouldn't have bothered about with previously.
3 Definitely.
4 ATM it's still novel, so yes. But once novelty wears off I think I will still feel as I did before this iron.
5 Philips Elance plus 458 Cassette - main usage diffs are being able to stand iron on heel and quality of steam ironing.
6 Yes - such an expensive and otherwise well-thought-out item lacks storage for an essential accessory ie the iron rest.
7 No.
8 Not for me. I don't do enough ironing to make it worthwhile, nor, more importantly, is immaculate ironing important.
9 He made me realise that my mum taught me really well! A good ambassador for your product. Except on silks - sorry, but he did not impress me on silks. Not his fault I think, but the iron just doesn't do silks well.
10 I know the pefect person, turns out she already has one!