Best Steam Generator Irons in the UK

The Tefal GV9071 will prove to be a great option for those individuals that know exactly what they're doing when it comes to ironing, ergo they know exactly what they want out of a clothes iron. Where some manufacturers fall into the trap of incorporating way too many setting options and others fail to deliver enough of them, the people behind this one managed to gracefully land right between these two.

What allowed them to achieve such a feat is the Smart Technology that provides the user with the most precise ironing results, all at a single touch of a button. You won't have to deal with an array of complicated controls, just choose one of the preset ironing levels – ‘synthetics’, ‘silk’, ‘wool’, ‘cotton’ and ‘linen’ and let the model sort out the rest for you by ensuring the optimal balance of temperature and steam for each fabric.

In terms of performance, the Tefal steam generator iron offers a steam output of 120 g/min, which isn't too shabby at all, but what is far more impressive is that the model produces up to 7.5 bars of pressure while releasing the ridiculously powerful steam boost of up to 500g/min, something that no other steam iron out there is capable of offering its customers, at least as far as we know. Suffice it to say, you will be able to deal with any wrinkle in no time by simply activating the steam boost option.

Then, there's the double protection system that, in addition to the usual anti-scale technology, also protects your clothes by utilising the anti-drip function. As you'd probably guess, the latter will be able to virtually eliminate any potential risk of garment staining. The system simply catches all of those dirty water droplets and transforms them into steam before they ever have a chance of staining your precious clothes.

Of course, all of that works through the Durilium Airglide Autoclean soleplate, one of the better parts of this model that delivers exceptional steam distribution, all while providing +33% extra glide if you compare it to Tefal gv8461 and other previous iterations of its line.

Without even touching upon the subjects of safety and transportation, something that this product excels at just as well, we can say that the Tefal GV9071 is the best steam generator iron for those customers that prefer to have a sufficient level of control over the ironing process but don't want to deal with a whole array of useless and often underwhelming settings.

The Morphy Richards 332013 looks peculiar even by steam generator irons' standards, which are odd-looking machines to begin with. There's nothing odd about its output though. Featuring 200 g/min constant steam and 310 g/min pressurised steam boost, the unit offers intense crease-busting prowess steam production that is able to easily penetrate multiple layers, cutting the ironing time in half. Even the toughest fabrics do not stand a chance.

Using the Ceramaslide soleplate, you'll be gliding the unit across different garments with matching ease, removing creases without ruining these garments thanks to the non-stick coating. The unit lets you switch between multiple steam output and temperature settings, so you can go from ironing shirts to jeans to the kids' school uniforms to different bedding items too. Besides that, this iron also offers vertical steaming. With this mode, you'll be removing creases from hanging curtains and refreshing duvets and mattresses.

With great steam output come great water needs. Fortunately, the 2200-milliletre tank more than fulfils these needs, allowing you to spend less time refilling and more time steaming. Because the tank is so spacious though, the unit gets quite heavy when it is full of water but this is the trade-off we're willing to accept.

We can also talk about the AutoClean feature removing limescale and the safe carry lock but even without them, the Morphy Richards 332013 makes a pretty compelling case, offering you the steam output powerful enough to penetrate multiple layers and allowing you to iron without taking frequent breaks.

Philips offers an extensive line of household appliances that can make your life easier. One such appliance is the Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator Iron. What's cool about it is that it can both reduce the ironing time and provide excellent results.

To begin with, this steam generator is one of the safest models to use on all types of fabric, including the most delicate ones. Thanks to the OptimalTEMP technology, it automatically detects the optimal combination of heat and temperature for any particular type. As a result, there is a lower chance to burn down your clothes.

Another thing that sets this model apart from its rivals is the size. This steam generator iron is significantly smaller than most similar irons, allowing you to easily fit it on an ironing board and store it away after use. Despite its smaller size, the unit boasts a working power of 2400 watts, which allows it to generate a 120 g/min steam stream.

The only component of the iron that was affected by the size reduction is a water tank. It fits around 1500 ml, which is slightly less than the other reviewed models. That said, it is still enough to iron and steam a decent amount of clothing without a refill.

So, if you are looking for a decent steam generator suitable for vertical steaming and horizontal ironing, consider opting for the Philips GC7842/46 PerfectCare. It is powerful yet delicate, compact, and has a reasonable price.

The Tefal GV9580 is a massive machine that delivers professional results. Before discussing its specs, the company's Protect system, converting droplets into steam, is able to prevent stains, whilst the upgraded scale collector collects ten times more scale, ensuring long-term use without hiccups.

But, as far as premium steam generator irons go, the biggest difference has to come from the specs. To that end, this model outputs 8 bars, 180g/min continuous steam, and 600g/min steam boost, delivering efficient ironing and handling even the toughest, most stubborn wrinkles with ease. Removing these numbers from the equation, the subject iron comes equipped with 5 steam and temperature settings on the handle, so you can switch between different steam and heat combinations, accommodating the fabric at hand.

As always, Tefal steam irons are not complete without the Durilium Airglide Autoclean soleplate. Besides giving you ~33% more glide, the soleplate improves steam diffusion, spreading it across the entire garment, whilst the Autoclean catalytic coating keeps the 'plate stain-free.

The easy-carry lock is nice, offering safe and secure protection. Likewise, the 1.9-litre removable tank is not bad either, covering sizable laundry piles without frequent refilling.

Even without discussing the small but handy little features like scale alert or the usual soft-grip handle and auto-cord rewind that steam generator irons always have these days, the Tefal GV9580 is a different breed, a breed that's worth a premium cost.

If you want to get through piles of ironing with minimum time and effort spent, consider buying the Russell Hobbs 24420 steam generator iron. The steam produced by this powerful unit can penetrate several layers of fabric, smoothing even the most stubborn creases. Equipped with a continuous fill feature (you can add water to the reservoir without turning the unit off), the appliance will keep producing steam for as long as you need. The water tank is pretty capacious too—it can be filled with 1.3 litres of water.

The unit has a 60-second heat-up time, so it will be ready for use in no time. Offering 4.5 bar pressure, the machine uses 90g steam output for removing crinkles and creases. To make ironing as smooth as possible, the iron has a stainless steel soleplate with a non-stick coating. Needless to say, it was designed to withstand the powerful steam the generator produces. When not in use, the iron locks to the base for easy storage and transportation. There is also handy storage for the cord and lead.

Finally, the steam station iron has an ergonomic calc cleaning system that filters and purifies the water you add to reduce limescale build-up and eliminate the need for cleaning the reservoir.

Summing up, if you are looking for an efficient and reliable steam generator iron for home use, consider this Russell Hobbs model. Though it has a smaller water tank compared to its rivals, the unit is also more compact and portable.