Steam Generator Irons – An Overview 

Ironing is the use of an iron, typically heated, to take out unwanted creases and wrinkles from clothing and other fabrics. Ironing is a physical process whereby the bonds within fabrics are loosened. These bonds lie between the long-chain polymer molecules in the fibers of the material. The combination of heat and moisture from the process of ironing quickly breaks the hydrogen bonds, forcing the cellulose molecules to lie parallel with one another, thereby flattening the fabric. 

Ironing has become easier to do throughout its history and over time owing to technological advances and solutions. Smart technology has produced some amazing steam irons that power through creases and wrinkles, leaving clothes and other fabrics pristine and in good condition.

Steam generator irons are the latest, most up-to-date, ironing technology. They make ironing clothing and other items quicker and easier. 

WHAT IS A STEAM GENERATOR IRON 

A steam generator iron is distinguished from a regular steam iron by a large, separate water rank, which doubles up as a base upon which it rests. The lightweight, often svelte iron is connected with a hose that joins to a big water tank. They are more powerful than regular steam irons.  They are able to generate hotter steam and steam bursts that blast through creases and wrinkles, penetrating deep within the fibers of the fabric. This has the overall result of producing professional ironing outcomes and efficient ironing results at home. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A STEAM GENERATOR IRON 

When purchasing a steam generator iron, having knowledge of certain features is going to make your decision easier. Below, we have listed some of the main features of a steam generator iron for you to consider:

i) WATER TANK SIZE

The size of a steam generator iron water tank will be an important consideration depending on the size and nature of your ironing piles. The larger the water tank, the fewer times you will need to refill it.  Usually, steam generator irons have good-sized water tanks as standard. We would recommend considering a water tank size of no less than 1.5 litres, and for professional ironing results, a 2.5 litre water tank is preferable. 

ii) HIGH STEAM OUTPUT AND STEAM BURST

To remove creases and wrinkles effectively and efficiently with minimal effort, you’ll need to consider a steam generator iron model that is capable of pushing out between 100g to 190g of continuous steam per minute. Stubborn creases and wrinkles require an extra burst of steam to get the job done! For this, we would recommend a model that can provide a boost steam burst ranging from 200g to 700g output per minute. 

iii) POWER AND WATTAGE 

The higher the power and wattage of a steam generator iron, the better overall performance and ironing outcomes, and the quicker the heat-up time, too!

iv) BUILT-IN SWITCH OFF FEATURE 

For safety, always look for an auto-switch off feature when purchasing a steam generator iron. This feature automatically turns the appliance off after a set period of inactivity, giving peace of mind. 

v) ANTI-CALCIUM FEATURE

Most modern steam generator irons come with a standard anti-calcium feature and function. This is a useful feature that helps to limit the formation of limescale from the water used over time. Without this, limescale can clog the steam vents. If you live in a hard water area, this will be an important feature for you to consider.

A REVIEW OF STEAM GENERATOR IRONS

From our experience of using steam generator irons to carry out a range of ironing tasks, we have selected what we consider the best-performing models on the market at present:

  1. PHILIPS PERFECTCARE ELITE PLUS GC 9682/81

This steam generator iron model ranked top on our list.  It is able to power through large piles of ironing. It can modify temperature control depending on the fabric and has a powerful and consistent steam output. On appearance, this iron can present as quite bulky, but this is a result of the large water tank. However, the actual iron itself is small, very lightweight, and easy to use, and it looks very attractive with a modern shape. The gold and black trim complement each other, giving it a stylish and expensive appearance. The shape of the iron allows it to glide smoothly and effortlessly over and across all types of fabrics and materials, getting into all the hard to reach areas of clothing and other fabrics.  Cleaning and maintaining this iron is easy. Simply follow the simple descaling and de-calcium self maintenance rules, and this process is fail proof. On the pricing side, this iron is rather expensive, ranging from £550 to £650 depending on the outlet. Consideration also needs to be given for storage owing to its size. Overall, we find this steam generator iron to be an excellent product and would recommend it if you are after fantastic, professional ironing results every time.  

  1. POLTI VAPORELLA VS20.20

This steam generator iron model gives a ‘lot of bang’ for your money! Set at a price point of between £115- £135, depending on the outlet, you’ll get great ironing performance when ironing linen and cotton, in particular when using this iron. The iron has an impressive sole plate that glides across fabrics smoothly and with great ease. It is quick to unpack, easy to set up, and takes no effort to fill the water tank, simply plug it in and wait for it to heat up, which can take a while however, owing to its standard wattage capacity. 

  1. BELDRAY MEGA STEAM PRO BEL 01483

This steam generator iron has a somewhat unusual shape and design that sees it sitting in an upright position. It is a space-saving design that takes no effort and less space when storing away after use. It has a water tank that has the capacity to accommodate ample water. This means that it doesn’t need to be refilled frequently. It produces good ironing results with no major snags, but it doesn’t really perform best when ironing delicate items such as silk. The heat up time on this model is really impressive of somewhere between approximately 15 to 20 seconds. At about between £50 and £60 to purchase, this iron is really a bargain, given all its plus points.  

  1. BREVILLE PRESSXpress VIN410

You may have thought that the Breville brand made toasters, but think again, they have designed an attractive and efficient steam generator iron that glides nicely across a range of fabrics and materials to remove creases and wrinkles to a good standard. This model, whilst taking some time to heat up, comes in at a reasonable price range set between £110 and £125, depending on the outlet. When using it for a while, it can be hard work owing to the weight of the iron. It is, however, easy to clean and maintain with its ‘anti-calc’ feature.

  1. TEFAL Pro EXPRESS VISION GV9820 ANTI-SCALE  STEAM GENERATOR IRON

This steam generator iron model has fantastically high performancing continuous steam and steam burst features. There are some impressive high tech features on this model too, such as: an integrated LED light that shows up where the creases and wrinkles are; and a smart steam feature that automatically triggers a steam burst function when required. It is excellent at powering through a range of heavily creased clothing and other items at ease with great results. However, when using this iron for a long time, it may start to feel bulky and heavy. Also, when setting up the iron, you need to be in close proximity to a plug socket as the flex cable provided is shorter than average. This steam generator iron is a very good iron, and at a price point of between £350 to £375, you get a top range, hard working iron for your money. 

For professional laundry and ironing results every time, using the latest laundry and ironing technology and techniques, contact Pressed not Stressed for same day collection. Serving Chester-le-Street, Great Lumley, Birtley, and a range of other service areas in County Durham.