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

[AnnMumsnet]

doodleydo...have asked my contact....can't guarantee anything mind...

[PrettyCandles]

OK other feedback that wasn't on the questionnaire.

The condensation drives me nuts! I ironed 5 shirts, only one of which needed heavy steaming, had to mop the floor and board afterwards. Also had my glasses steam up several times while ironing the thick shirt. Room was well-ventilated with a tangible air-current.

Find wrapping the steam hose around the machine a complete faff and very fiddly.

When ironing lots oflittle bits, eg for sewing projects, it's a real pain not to be able to set the iron down on its heel. I have to look away from my work to find the pad, which might be at the far end of the board, and then stretch to put the iron down and stretch to pick it up again. For this reason I'm not getting rid of my old iron, though I shall use the new one for day-to-day ironing.

I think it's a brilliant iron for someone to whom ironing is very important, either becasue they have to do lots or because they need to do look immaculate. Fortunately I'm not in the first position and unfortunately I'm not in the second either.

[Doodleydoo]

Oooh, well its worth a try re hair removal! Thanks Ann but I won't hold my breath just in case!

[wilbur]

Greetings from the crease-free wilbur household . Between dh and me, we have managed to get to the bottom of the ironing basket in the past 10 days, and have a couple of goes using the iron as a steamer - btw, dh works in fashion retail and has used the industrial steamers himself at work so he knows a bit about getting clothes to look good!
Anyway, answers to questions (APOLOGIES FOR CAPS):

1 Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?
IT'S MUCH EASIER GENERALLY TO USE AS IT IS LIGHTER (OR RATHER THE IRON ITSELF IS LIGHTER AS YOU ARE NOT PICKING UP SOMETHING WITH A WEIGHT OF WATER IN IT), BUT THERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT ARE TAKING TIME TO GET USED TO - NOT BEING ABLE TO STAND IT ON ITS END FEELS ODD. YES, I KNOW THEY HAVE PROVIDED TEH HOT PLATE, BUT STILL IT'S DIFFERENT AS MY CURRENT IRON HAS THE CORD CMOING OUT OF THE SIDE.

2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly?
YES, DEFINITELY, ESP ON THINGS LIKE JEANS AND HEAVY-DUTY STUFF.

3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron?
i WOULD SAY LESS CREASED IN GENERAL, ALTHOUGH YOU DO HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT FINDING YOURSELF IRONING CREASES IN ACCIDENTALLY. DH, WHO IRONS FASTER THAN I DO, KEPT NOT FLATTENING THINGS OUT PROPERLY AND ENDED UP WITH THE ODD BIG CREASE. hE IS GETTING BETTER AT IT THOUGH.

4 If you don't like ironing, would you say using the Philips Steam Generator Iron makes it a slightly more bearable task?
WELL, I CERTAINLY DON'T DREAD IT OR FEEL THE URGE TO PUT IT OFF ANY MORE - AT LEAST KNOW IT'S GOING TO GO QUICKLY, I'M GOING TO GET GOOD RESULTS AND I'M NOT GOING TO HAVE TO TOP UP THE WATER 6 TIMES.

5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time)
I HAD A GOOD QUALITY STEAM IRON BEFORE, SO THE BUILD QUALITY IS ABOUT THE SAME, BUT I AM IRONING QUICKER AND I LIKE THE FACT THAT THE ACTUAL IRON IS LIGHTER. I ALSO REALLY REALLY HOPE IT'S TRUE THAT WE DON;T HAVE TO DESCALE THESE ONES - THAT WAS A REAL BIND WITH MY OLD IRON - WHITE BITS OVER EVERYTHING FROM THE HARD WATER.

6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron?
THE NO DESCALING - SEE ABOVE, AND ALSO HOW MUCH STEAM IS PRODUCED AND THAT YOU PUSH THE BUTTON ON AND OFF, IT DOESN'T JUST STEAM AWAY ALL THE TIME. ALSO THE FACT THAT THE HOT PLATE IS SEPARATE FORM THE BODY IS A BIT RUBBISH - WHY CAN;T THEY HAVE A HOOK OR SLOT?

7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments?
A BIT BUT NOT REALLY GOT TO GRIPS WITH THIS YET. DID DO SOME RUFFLES ON A TOP AND IT DID A MUCH BETTER JOB THAN TRYING TO IRON THEM OUT. WHEN IRONING SILK AND DELICATES, I HAD TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO PRESS THE STAEM BUTTON SO IT WAS JUST A HOT IRON.

8 Considering the time you could save, do you think the Philips Steam Generator Iron is good value for money?
IT COSTS A BIT OVER DOUBLE WHAT I PAID FOR IF DH WORE WORK SHIRTS EVERY DAY, AND I NEEDED A BETTER WARDROBE FOR MY WORK (I WORK FROM HOME) THEN IT WOULD DEFINITELY BE WORTH IT. AT THE MOMENT, WE ARE POSSIBLY NOT SMART ENOUGH, BUT I DID WONDER ABOUT IT SAVING ON DRY CLEANING AS YOU CAN STEAM THROUGH DRY CLEAN ONLY STUFF - SO OFTEN THE DRY CLEAN IS JUST TO GET THINGS LOOKING FRESHER, THEY DON'T REALLY NEED CLEANING. AS I GET USED TO THE IRON, AND IF DH KEEPS IRONING, THEN MAYBE WE WILL START TO IRON MORE THINGS, WHICH WOULD MAKE AN IRON LIKE THIS MORE COST EFFECTIVE.

9 What did you think of Ben's insight on ironing, his ironing tips and advice?
CERTAINLY THE USING THE IRON AS A STEAMER WAS GOOD, AND HE HAD SOME V GOOD OTHER IDEAS AS WELL. HE'S AN ENGAGING SPEAKER.

10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member?
YES, IF THEY WERE PEOPLE WHO IRONED A LOT OR NEEDED TO IRON AND HATED IT. I WILL RECOMMEND IT TO MY MOTHER IN LAW, AS SHE LOVES THIS KIND OF THING, AND I WILL RECOMMEND IT TO MY SISTER WHO LIKES EVERYTHING TO BE IRONED.

Hope that helps the nice people at Phillips.

[PrettyCandles]

Posey, and anyone else with a solid-topped ironing board, have you tried to dry it out after steam-ironing by running the iron over it on ??? with no steam?

[posey]

I haven't tried that. Just feel the whole padding is soggy so not sure that would be enough? Feel I ought to take cover off afer I iron and stick it on the washing line to blow around.

[krugerparkrules]

i have marked this spot and will give feedback - another person who has not cut and run
mumbles to self must do ironing, really must do ironing!

[sophtate7]

Overall, how do you find the Philips Steam Generator Iron compared to your old iron?
So much better...old iron was ok but the steam on this makes such a big difference
2 Do you find using the Philips Steam Generator Iron helps you get through your ironing more quickly? much quicker at least half the time
3 After using the Philips Steam Generator Iron would you say your ironing is less wrinkled and creased than a ?normal? steam iron? for 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, because it doesn't take as much as time
5 What were the main difference(s) between your usual iron and Philips Steam Generator Iron (e.g size, quality, time) steam , time, lighter...the steam generator is bulkier though and not as easy to store but this doesnt really matter considering it does a better job
6 Were you surprised by any features of the Philips Steam Generator Iron? That you cant stand it upright like normal irons.
7 Have you used the steam function on its own to remove creases on delicate garments? not yet
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? was great i learnt alot of different ironing and washing tips
10 Would you recommend the Philips Steam Generator Iron to a friend or family member? Yes

Thanks for a great day

[cakeywakey]

I am love, love, loving my new iron - although I have now run out of hangers for all of the clothes that have now left my ironing mountain .

1 I already had a steam generator iron but this new one leaves the old one miles behind. Its fab.

2 Yes, I'd say it's reducing my ironing time by around a third to a half depending on how quickly I've been ironing things. Staight off the line it's about twice as quick, from the bottom of the ironing mountain it's cutting a third off the time.

3 Definitely less creased, cotton shirts in particular stay looking sharp and crisp for longer

4 I loathe ironing but love having smartly pressed clothes to choose from - especially as I'm currently in a reduced choice pregnancy wardrobe. I'm actually ironing as stuff comes in off the line now, not just stashing and ignoring it. I can't say I enjoy it, but it's much more bearable with the new iron.

5 The new iron is bigger but I have a space it can tuck into in the kitchen so it's not been a pain to store. The quality of my ironing is much higher and it's taking far less time than previously. A huge improvement on my old iron.

6 The fact that you lie it flat when you're ironing takes a little bit of getting used to, but you soon get used to it.

7 Not yet!

8 Yes, if you were to put a price on your ironing time then this would cut it right down. I'm now able to speed through a load of washing on the same day it comes in off the line so it's done and out of the way. It makes me happier and is giving me more time to actually do the stuff I want to do. It's definitely changing my ironing habits.

9 Ben was fab and my shirt ironing has improved tenfold with his tips. I am now much better presented, thank you Ben

10 Absolutely, I'd consider it money well spent for anyone who irons regularly but who doesn't want to spend more time than necessary actually doing it.

Also on the noise front, it's much quieter than my last steam iron so I'm well chuffed. I can hear my 'ironing programmes' over it no problem

[cakeywakey]

Ooh, forget to add that I'm now better at using a lower setting and am mainly using the second steam setting for most items (shirts and bed linen main exceptions) as it's just too hot for most of my stuff! I used to be of the 'whack it onto the highest setting and iron away' school of thought, but this iron does mean that you need to pay more attention to the ironing advice in labels

[littleducks]

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

I am surprised at how much I like my new iron, it is something i would never have justified/wanted to spend £200 on but I am pleasantly surprised at how good it is.

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

Yes, has shifted me from not ironing unless job interview type important function to ironing.

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

Yes but second the 'be careful you don't accidentally iron creases in' advice, you need a good technique as Ben demonstrated flattening and straightening the clothes first (my dd calls this increasing)

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

Yes

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

I love that the water in a seperate compartmenr ends the problems of hard water limescale/strange brown gunk.

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

Ability to steam clothes on hangers wqas a gtreat plus.

I wish you could clip/attach heat plate in some way

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

No but dh has and is very pleased

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

Sort of, it is alot of money to me but is very good.

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

Ben is fab!

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

Yes

[littledawley]

Ann - if they are up for us testing the Lumea please can I be in??? I was just going to start a post asking if anyone has used one. I'm really tempted but they are so expensive and I'm not sure if it would be worth it.

[littledawley]

Arrrgh!! Bribe Ann not an!!

[serenity]

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

Well, my old iron was a bottom ofthe range, under £20 Philips iron, so it's going to be better anyway!

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

Yes. Definitely faster, and also less effort.

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

It ironed better, and it stayed looking freshly ironed longer.

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

OK. It made it faster, which is a plus and there was definitely less effort involved - I didn't notice how much I'd done until I reached the bottom of the pile! Slight down side is that I'm one of those people who shoves a DVD on/catches up with missed TV while I iron, and it is a lot noisier than a standard iron (but my hearing is iffy, so it's probably just personal thing)

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

Size (have a standard one) Weight (overall a lot heavier but the lightness of the actual ironing plate makes it a lot easier to use) Quality (I've never had an investment iron before ) Time (faster)

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

Not when I used it, but I like the constant steam and how it could be used on hanging clothes (as demonstrated by Ben on the day)

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

Yes! Best thing ever, and the thing I'd fight you for if you tried to take it away. DD has a lot of 'fussy' clothes (that I didn't buy glares at MIL) that have never looked their best since they were first washed. I used the steam and Ben's advice about using your hands and it was FANTASTIC!

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

It's way, way out of my income bracket and definitely not something I would/could buy normally (it's more expensive than my actual washing machine) but if I had that sort of money then yes, I think it would be value for money. Definitely yes if it was something you did in bulk, say for example you ironed for a living.

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

He was fantastic, and his tips and advice were ace (examples in previous answers)

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

I would.

[serenity]

I want to add that I was surprised how cool (temperature) it was. I always get quite hot and sweaty ironing, and I didn't have that at all with this one, despite all the steam shooting out. Also (and this is going to sound daft) it was a lot less wet - I have a table top ironing board and usually after ironing there's a puddle under the board. I didn't have that this time. I don't know if it's because the steam is controlled rather than on all the time? (I did Ben's tip of ironing with steam, then ironing without to 'set' it) My asthma quite enjoyed not sitting in a big steamy fug for 2 hours too!

[pixierara]

gosh yes, the Lumea needs testing and reporting back...can it really be that good??? I am very, very, tempted but the price is out of my league....does anyone have one?

[wilbur]

Agree with cakewakey about paying attention to ironing labels a bit more - it does make a difference! I never much worried abot it before, unless it was something that obviously had to be on a low setting.

[PrettyCandles]

That's curious, Serenity: I found it much steamier than my 'ordinary' iron! I've never had condensation problems with my ordinary iron (and I would iron on steam most of the time) and my glasses never misted up from ironing before.

Perhaps I'm overdoing the steam.

[mustrunmore]

Nice image of prettycandles getting carried away with the steam

Alot of people on here have commented on the noise. But do you remember Ben mentioning how quiet it was? And I dont recall hearing it really on the day. Or was I too far away then? I'm just trying to reconcile this issue in my head!

[Doodleydoo]

I have to admit the noise hasn't been too much of an issue for me but I would like to add that I have a small table that I put the base unit on not the ironing board (DH said if I wanted a new fancy ironing board that could hold it I had to prove I was using it loads!!!!!!) so the noise isn't directly beside me. And the cord is long enough for this!

Now if we do get to test the lumea, surely I get to be top of the list for suggesting it?

[pixierara]

We should form the Mumsnet product testing panel - I reckon we were a good representation of all things mumsnet (although I didn't spot any crocs or fruitshoots

Now, I have a question to all of you, why aren't you putting the big old heavy base on the floor and the iron rest attachment on the bit of your ironing board where you used to put your iron? that works perfectly for me!!

annmumset we want Lumea, we want Lumea, we want Lumea.......

[PrettyCandles]

Pixierara, I don't do anything with the base. It lives on one end of the wrktop and I set the ironing board up next to it. The only bit I pick up is the iron itself.

And I do agree with you re the MN testing committee. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. I volunteer.

[AnnMumsnet]

Well ladies I have had contact with the lady who knows about Lumea and sadly she says not at the moment....they are naturally very flattered you're all so willing to try the product (in the interests of research, of course). I tried....sorry.

[solo]

I have a question please...

I didn't do the trial as I already have a Philips Steam Generator iron; I have had it for nearly 4 years, so it wont be the same model anyway...it's the 6103 Double Speed.

My question is about changing the rubber washer/seal on the filler cap; can it be an ordinary washer or does it have to be a particular type? and also, how do I remove the old one as(one of the reasons I've not done it sooner)it seems to have sort of disintegrated, but glued itself to the cap.

Thank you!

[Tanee58]

Shame about the Lumea - though I suspect my skintone is too dark to use it.

I keep the base on the floor too, so the noise isn't a problem. Made DP jump a bit though, he says it's like living with Puff the Magic Dragon.

I do like the way shirts still look ironed at the end of the day, even after DP's been in them for hours. There's a crispness to them that wasn't there with the old iron.