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Steam generators come in two categories:

Non-pressurised: These are similar to steam irons in their work but release much higher steam output than a pressurised version. Also, a non-pressurised system tends to be the cheaper between the two.

Pressurised: These have pressurised boilers due to which the force is more significant and penetrates deeper into the most stubborn creases.

Steam generators have a boiler inside them which heats the water to turn it into steam. Watt is the unit in which power is measured, and the higher the number, the faster an iron will heat up.

Usually, steam irons use around 2,400 watts of power to heat the boiler, and with that power, heating time remains around 45 seconds to a minute. Some irons also have a higher wattage, such as 2600 and 2800, so they take less time to heat the water.

Steam generator irons also use similar wattage to heat up, but the unit can be as high as 3100 watts in the high-end models.

True that higher wattage means faster heat up but don’t forget that also means more electricity usage and long bills.

A good steam iron has a 300-millilitre water tank capacity. The range for a steam generator iron is anywhere between 1 litre to 2.2-litre capacity, which is the significant difference between a steam iron and a steam generator iron. The large water tank capacity means you can iron for an hour or two without refilling the tank. This size tank eventually saves your time as you can get on with the ironing without many stops. Despite having such large water tanks, steam generator irons are lighter because the water tank sits on the ironing board. And most of the time, the water tank is detachable, so as you can bring it to the tap to refill it quickly and then reposition it again.

Soleplate is a feature that confuses most buyer. The metal part of the iron has holes in it from which steam releases and press your clothes.

Earlier soleplates used to create problems, but now the process has become smooth enough, and most steam generating irons come with good quality soleplate. This is the reason that you don't hear much about clothes getting snagged or tugged nowadays.

Best steam generator irons have a ceramic plate. Irons made with ceramic plate glides smoothly over the clothes. Also, it gives a smoother finish to the sole, which prevents snagging of the clothes.

Some brands like Philips prefer to use stainless steel soleplates. The reason behind using stainless steel is is that the metal is better for removing creases.

Steam output usually comes in two ways. First, continuous steam rating. Second, steam boost or steam shot. The measuring unit for both of them are grams per minute (gms/min).

Same as steam irons, steam generator irons also have both things. However, the amount of steam created is much larger in a generator iron.

Put your money in a steam generator iron that can give a high level of steam output. Usually, a steam generator can produce the required amount of steam every minute according to its capacity. On the one hand, a steam iron producing 40g/minute steam is considered worth buying. On the other hand, the range is generally 120g -160g/minute for a steam generator. It is another thing that there is steam generator iron in the market which can generate steam between 60-300 gms/min.

A steam shot, measured in grams per minute, is always a higher measurement and lies between 100 to 150 grams for a steam iron. However, the steam shot can vary between 140-500 gms/min for a steam generator iron. The steam shot helps get rid of the stubborn creases or wrinkles in material such as denim or linen. Again the higher this number, the better it is.

Regular steam irons do not have a bar pressure, but steam generator irons do have it. It is also referred to as the steam pressure of the iron. This can vary between 3-7.5 bars. Even for bar pressure, a higher number is better. However, 5 bar is enough for everyday ironing.

Indeed, different fabrics react differently to heat levels. Jeans, for example, will take high heat, whereas a silk cloth would burn at the same temperature. This is the reason we need different temperature settings on a steam iron. You can choose the right temperature as per the particular material or fabric. The steam iron comes with a simple dial to adjust the temperature, and usually, on the dial, the fabric name is mentioned. So, while ironing a piece of linin clothing, you can choose linen. The same is for cotton, silk and other materials. Or they can have settings like delicate, normal, and jeans. Most of the Tefal irons have this setting.

However, most of the steam generator irons are intelligent. This means there are no temperature or steam settings required in them as the technology used in them recognises materials and make the adjustment automatically. Philips, for example, use an OptimalTEMP processor in their irons, ensuring your clothes do not burn or damage in any way.

People love the vertical steam options because it comes in handy while ironing curtains, tablecloths and various types of bedding. Also, if you have to give a touch up to your party suit, vertical ironing proves to be a saviour. Not all steam irons, but certainly all steam generator irons have a vertical steaming option.

Some models that have a higher continuous steam output are better in this case.

You must have seen the white residue at the bottom of the iron or kettle. This residue is limescale, and it forms when water meets a heating element. Certain water particles react with the heat to form the limescale. This can be really bad if the water is hard. Limescale build-up over time can eventually reduce the efficiency of the product, ultimately stopping it from working altogether.

The initial signs of build-up are usually water spluttering and spitting out, which looks like rust spots. And by the time you realise that it must have ruined many of your clothes. The dirty water in the boiler is pushed out through the soleplate holes creating the spots.

To fight this, steam generator irons have some type of anti-scale option. For example, Russell Hobbs' steam generator irons have anti-calc cartridges. The Philips and Polti brands offer Calc Clean function to removes any build-ups of limescale. Morphy Richards has replaceable antiscale cartridges. All steam generator iron brands give some type of limescale prevention or limescale cleaning feature.

This function helps to maintain life and optimum performance by filtering the water.

There isn't much to differentiate between a steam iron and a steam generator iron when it comes to cord length. The thumb rule remains the same, longer the better. There is iron that comes with 1.8 metres to a maximum 3 metres cord length. The average length for a cable remains 2 metres. Consider where do you iron the most and how accessible are the plug sockets.

Also, if your iron comes with a cord, storage even better because that will help you in storing and carrying the iron easily.

There are a few accessories for a steam generator iron, and they are explained below.

Replacement Filters

Many brands use cartridges to protect your iron from getting build ups or limescale. These cartridges need replacement. You can buy them online but ensure that it belongs to the right brand and is suitable for the type of your iron.

Replacement Water Tanks

Replacement water tanks are available because they may crack when dropped accidentally. Each brand and model has a specific replacement type.

The average cost for a basic steam iron is around €35. However, steam generated iron is 2-10 times more expensive than a steam iron. At the cheaper end, a steam generator iron will cost around €60-€80. At the higher end, a steam generator iron can average out at about €280-€520.

• Steam generator irons have high power, due to which they reduce your ironing time to half.

• The water tank capacity is more than steam iron which means fewer trips to the sink to fill it up. You can use a steam generator iron for continuous one hour or two.

• Steam generator irons have better steam pressure thanks to pump pressure which ranges between 3-7.5 bars. They eliminate creases and wrinkles, however stubborn they are.

Tefal, Morphy Richards, Philips, Polti, Bosch, Braun, Russell Hobbs are some of the famous steam generator iron brands in the Netherlands.

Irons remove creases due to a hard surface and heat pressed on the cloth fibres, which stretches and flattens the fibres.

You must consider all the factors listed and explained in our first chapter- Features when buying a steam generator iron.

Steam irons last around two years, whereas steam generators irons have a lifespan of 5-10 years.

It could be because of the defective heating element or build-up of limescale. Try descaling your appliance. If still, it won’t work, get professional help.

Overfilling the water tank can cause leakage. So, do not exceed the ‘MAX’ limit marked on the tank. Also, if the temperature is set too low, your iron may leak or drip. 

• Mix baking soda in normal water and rub this on the soleplate using a soft brush or towel. Later, wash the plate with tap water. Dry the iron before using it.

• Heat the iron at the highest temperature setting. Soak the cotton ball with acetone nail polish remover and clean the plate.

• Take a non-scratch kitchen sponge, dip it in soapy water and scrub the iron’s surface to clean it. Wipe it using a clean and dry towel.

• Dampen a towel with distilled white vinegar and clean the iron’s soleplate with it. If any residue is still left, soak a clean towel in distilled vinegar and lay the cool steam generator iron soleplate on the towel. Soak it for half an hour, then wipe away dry. 

• Place your iron on its heel rest.

• Avoid ironing over abrasive items such as buttons and zip.

• Never use abrasive or metallic pads to clean the soleplate.

• Always empty the tank, close the steam control, set the thermostat to the minimum, stand the iron upright (some irons can be placed both vertically and horizontally) and lock it if the safety lock system is there.

• Refer to the instruction manual, then use the auto-clean feature.

• Don’t fill the water tank with hard water; instead, use untreated tap water and distilled water in equal proportion. Always use untreated water.

• Empty the water, if any.

• Remove the valve while holding it by the top.

• Immerse the valve in vinegar or lemon juice for around four hours to decalcify the anti-calc valve.

• Thoroughly rinse the anti-calc valve using tap water.

• Place it back in its position.

1. Fill up the water tank thoroughly.

2. Heat the iron at maximum temperature and keep it in the vertical position.

3. Unplug the iron from the main power supply.

4. Hold the steam iron in a horizontal position over a sink. Turn the steam regulator to “anti-calc”. The button will release the water entirely from the tank and rinse the water through the heating block of the iron. All residue, including calc, will be out through the soleplate.

5. Repeat the procedure around three times, if required.

6. Side by side, put the steam regulator in vinegar, natural lemon juice or citrus acid. Use tap water to remove calc and residues.

Caution: When the steam regulator is turned clockwise, hot water and steam come out.

• If you need the most powerful steam for the fastest ironing, our comparison winner will not disappoint you.

• Philips PerfectCare Elite-GC9614/20 steam generator iron is equipped with OptimalTEMP technology that guarantees no ironable fabrics burn. It automatically set the temperature from jeans to silk.

• The continuous steam of 150g/min makes it easy to iron over your clothes.

• The powerful steam boost of 500g and 7.5 bar pressure help you remove even the most stubborn creases.

• The specially designed and well-placed De-clac plus feature ideally prevents limescale build-up and increases the iron's life. The steam generator is even equipped with a descaling reminder.

• The detachable 1.8-litre water tank has a large filling opening and is suitable for continuous two-hour ironing. And if tanks need a refill, the ‘low water alert’ feature will let you know.

• You enjoy 360-degree cord freedom.

• The heat-up time is only two minutes. Once your iron is ready to use, you will be notified via light as well as sound.

• Tefal puts professional ironing efficiency in the palm of your hand with Pro Express Ultimate GV9560.

• This high-pressure steam generator iron ensures shorter ironing sessions and peak efficiency by combining high-pressure boiler technology with a continuous steam output of 140 g/minute.

• The intense power of a 490 g/minute steam boost and 7.3 bar pressure tackles even the most stubborn creases. 

• The anti-drip system keeps your clothes stain-free and lets you iron with total peace of mind.

• The anti-calc system ensures long-lasting performance. 

• The steam generator iron is suitable for vertical ironing.

• It comes with five automatic steam and temperature settings.

• The iron takes 2 minutes to heat.

• The comfortable handle and storage space for both power & steam cord makes it easy to carry and store the iron. In addition, the safety of the locking system makes it easy and safe to transport and store.

• The 1.9 L detachable tanker lets you press the cloth for continuous two hours. And when the tank is about to get empty, the empty tank detector will alert you.

• There is also a removable anti-scale collector.

• The AEG ST8-1-8EGM Steam Iron Station helps in keeping your clothes absolutely new. Its tailor-made features professionally take care of pretty much everything.

• From silk to outdoor clothing, you can use it for anything.

• The PrecisionCare technology automatically set the right temperature as per fabric, and the bright light ensures precise temperatures.

• The tailor-made program from AEG activates the water-repellent properties of your outdoor clothing, which is better than air drying.

• Soleplate glides effortlessly over all materials due to scratch-resistant RESILIUM Ski 264 technology. 

• It has a double cleaning function - the built-in anti-limescale cartridge and cleaning brush for the boiler A cleaned steam ironing station ensure great ironing results and longer life.

• To achieve great ironing result faster, you are provided with 7.5 bar pressure and a steam boost of 460g.

• The iron has a touch screen control panel with four programs - outdoor, wool, cotton, and linen.

• The detachable 1.2 L tank ensures continuous ironing for about 1.5 hours.

• Braun CareStyle Compact IS2055BK combines the power of a steam generator and compact design. Moreover, due to the innovative vertical design, it consumes 50% less space.

• The double steam technology helps it generate twice as much steam as a steam iron and thereby cuts ironing time in half.

• Unique Free Glide 3D technology helps it glide backwards smoothly irrespective of any obstacle.

• The digital anti-drip feature ensures no annoying water stains and leakage while ironing.

• The anti-limescale filter gives a five times longer life to the iron.

• It takes just 2 minutes to heat the water.

• The silent technology makes the ironing experience great.

• It automatically shut-off after 10 minutes of non-use.

• With the help of vertical steaming, you can give a quick touch up to the clothes without ironing the board.

• Eco temperature mode helps in saving up to 60% energy.

• 1.3 L capacity water tank ensure that you can iron for straight 1.5 hours.

• Due to the safety lock system, you can carry and store the steam generator iron easily.

• Smart iCare mode makes it safe and gentle for all garments.

• The steam generator iron is powerful enough to remove creases from any type of fabric, ensuring fast, reliable results. 

• The removable scale collector is there for easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.

• The smart automatic switch-off feature is also there for extra safe ironing sessions.

• Advanced soleplate technology allows easy glide over your clothes. 

• Continuous steam output of 120 g/minute is combined with a 6.5 pressure bar for fast and efficient ironing. In addition, a powerful steam boost of 420 g/minute helps to remove the most stubborn creases.

• ‘No-setting’ technology ensures worth free ironing on any fabric. You need not do any temperature, or steam setting as that is done automatically.

• It takes only two minutes to warm up.

• Vertical steaming is possible.

• Eco mode helps in saving energy.

• Comfortable handle and electric & steam cord storage space makes it easy to carry and store the iron.

• Polti Vaporella Express VE30.20 is a fast, modern and high-performance steam generator.

• The steam pressure generated is 8 bars!

• The one temperature technology is suitable for all types of fabrics. You will not have to subdivide the clothes. From wool to linen, silk, jeans, all can be ironed in a single temperature setting.

• The iron handle has digital settings.

• The 1.6 L capacity water tank ensures that you can iron for almost straight 2 hours.

• After 10 minutes of non usage, it goes into standby to guarantee total safety.

• The powerful steam boost of 240 g/min can be activated with a simple double click.

• The steam boost function can be used for vertical ironing as well.

• It rapidly heats up, i.e. almost in 1 minute.

• It is a compact, lightweight, and easy to use iron.

• The anti-calc system help maintain the performance and durability of the machine over time.

• There is a warning light for calc cleaning, eco mode, max bar pressure, and auto shut off.

• Eco mode helps in saving energy and water by 26% and 31%, respectively.

• This steam generator iron is capable of tackling every crumple, crinkle and crease in your clothes in a minute.

• The 95g steam output makes tackling your tower of ironing a breeze.

• It comes with easy storage solutions. You can store it in upright position, and smart cord storage allows you to store the 1.9m cable away neatly.

• The 1.3L removable water tank capacity lets you iron for straight 1.5 hours.

• The high-quality ceramic soleplate is durable and long-lasting.

• It has soft and comfortable carry handles.

• It has a limescale defence system as well as it is equipped with calc-clean reminder light.

• The locking system is also there for safe handling and comfortable transport.