Steam Irons

Best Selling Steam Irons and Steam Generators

Buyers Guide to Steam Irons and Steam Generators

Let's be honest - ironing can be a real chore and many of us don't like doing it! In fact research has shown that when it comes to doing the ironing, most people will want to get out of the way as quickly as possible.

However, help is at hand with today's modern steam irons and steam generator irons (also known as steam generators or steam generating irons). The range has never been wider and there are many innovations that can help you cut through your ironing quickly and effectively.

There are two main types available:

» Steam Irons

This is the traditional iron that most of us are familiar with. Designed for smaller ironing loads, steam irons have on-board water tanks that generate continuous steam, usually at a rate set by the user (called variable steam). Steam irons can also give short bursts or shots of steam to help with removing those more stubborn creases. Heavier irons can be more cumbersome to use but generally have better pressing capabilities.

» Steam Generators

A steam generator iron has two parts - the steam iron as above but without the water tank. Instead, a much larger water tank is fitted into a separate unit. This separate unit allows much more high pressure steam to be generated and is therefore more suitable for larger loads. The continuous steam is delivered to the iron via a steam hose at up to double the rate of a standalone steam iron. They will therefore make ironing much easier and quicker.

» Some Features Explained

There's a vast array of steam irons and steam generator irons available today, with an often bewildering range of features. These small home appliances have come a long way since their humble beginnings, so here is our guide to the main features of importance when choosing the best steam iron for your needs:

Higher Wattage

The higher the number of watts available, the quicker the heat up time of the iron. With a large amount of ironing, the amount of time spent waiting for the iron to reheat is minimised

Cord Length

The longer the power cord the more flexibility you have when ironing larger items. 3 metres is generally the maximum size available on a steam iron

Soleplate Material

An iron with a ceramic soleplate will have the smoothest gliding and best stain resistance. Other materials used for the soleplate include aluminium and stainless steel

Steam - Continuous Steam Output

This is measured in grams per minute. The constant steam output relaxes your fabric to allow easy pressing and removal of creases. The higher the constant steam capacity, the shorter the ironing time. A steam generator iron is capable of producing much higher continuous steam output than a traditional steam iron

Steam Shot

This is also measured in grams per minute. A short, powerful burst of steam that penetrates deep into the fabric to remove the most difficult creases in the toughest fibres. Higher burst rates will naturally give better performance

Vertical Steam

Allows you to iron hanging items such as suits and jackets as well as steam curtains and blinds without taking them down

Anti Scale

Prevents limescale build up in your steam iron and improves performance and life of your iron. A Steam generator iron uses replaceable cartridges or a removable filter that you rinse out

Auto Shut off

This safety feature activates after the iron has been inactive for a certain amount of time, either resting on its soleplate or left idle on its heel

Anti Drip

Ensures that if the iron should be used before reaching the desired temperature, water will not leak onto the fabric