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9 best steam generator irons to buy for your home, tried and tested
Say so long to creased clothes with our top steam generator irons for different fabrics and budgets
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
Is that to-iron pile becoming a teetering mountain? It may be time to invest in a steam generator iron.
Thanks to their large water tanks and higher steam outputs, the best steam generator irons can make sessions behind the ironing board so much quicker and easier. Not only do they offer more crease-busting power than regular irons, but the separate tank makes the iron itself light and nimble.
If you’re ready to speed through your ironing pile, these are our top tried-and-tested picks below – but keep scrolling for our experts' full reviews.
Best steam generator irons to buy in 2025
Best steam generator iron for design
Morphy Richards Speed SteamPro 1.6L Steam Generator 332102
Read review
Best for ironing delicate fabrics
Philips PerfectCare 6000 Series Steam Generator Iron PSG6064/86
Read review
The Good Housekeeping Institute rigorously tests these steam generator irons on piles of laundry with a mix of fabrics, rating their ability to remove creases and measuring steam output. We assess how long they take to get to temperature, how long the tank lasts and how easy and comfortable the iron is to use, before giving each one a final score.
Taking all this into account, these are the steam generator irons we think are worthy of your investment.
Pros
- Good for getting through a large pile of laundry
- Modifies the temperature depending on the fabric
- Powerful and consistent steam output
Cons
- Expensive
Score: 95/100
Our winning steam generator iron put in a star turn on test thanks to its powerful and consistent steam output, which made getting through all our laundry a breeze. The iron itself is lightweight (0.8kg) and moved smoothly across all the fabrics we tried, while its large tank means there’s no need for frequent refills.
In fact, aside from its two-minute heat-up time, it’s hard to fault; it didn’t spit, its temperature adjusts automatically according to the fabric you’re ironing, and it has a handy self-cleaning feature, so you don’t need to worry about maintenance.
It’s pricey, and you’ll need ample room to store it, but otherwise it’s a dream if you regularly have large piles of ironing to tackle.
Key specifications
| Weight | 5.1kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 1800ml |
| Continuous steam output | 165g/min |
| Steam shot | 600g |
| Steam pressure | 8 bar |
| Wattage | 2700W |
Morphy Richards Speed SteamPro 1.6L Steam Generator 332102
Pros
- Sleek design
- Trigger lock means you can have continuous steam
- Eliminated wrinkles effectively
Cons
- The tank is tricky to detach and reattach
Score: 89/100
An impressive gadget for achieving crease-free clothes, our experts praised the sleek design of this steam generator iron, as well as its reliable, drip-free steam function, complete with a trigger lock so you can keep the steam on without putting any added pressure on your hands. Plus, on test, it proved economical with water, producing lots of steam without using up its tank quickly.
If we're being picky, it could have heated up faster (although you’ll only have to wait a minute) and its tank could be easier to detach and refit. But we found it worked well on all our clothes, making it a reliable pick.
Key specifications
| Weight | 4.4kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 1600ml |
| Continuous steam output | 150g/min |
| Steam shot | 600g |
| Steam pressure | 7 bar |
| Wattage | 3000W |
Philips PerfectCare 6000 Series Steam Generator Iron PSG6064/86
Pros
- Good for silk and lace
- Easy to see when the tank needs refilling
- Lightweight and simple to use
Cons
- Some spillage when we filled the tank
Score: 88/100
This iron has Philips’ unique one temperature technology, which means it irons at an optimal temperature for the fabric it’s tackling – making it well suited to the likes of silk and lace, which may be too delicate for most irons.
Our experts found it efficient and effective, removing creases well from all their clothes. It’s also easy to see when you need to refill the water tank – just take care doing this as it did spill on occasion for us. It takes a couple of minutes to start steaming, but it didn’t spit during use. It's a versatile and easy to use investment.
Key specifications
| Weight | 3.4kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 1800ml |
| Continuous steam output | 130g/min |
| Steam shot | 600g |
| Steam pressure | 8 bar |
| Wattage | 2400W |
Pros
- Stellar crease removal, including on linen
- Feels premium for the price tag
- Clear markers and simple to use
Cons
- The water tank was hard to remove
Score: 85/100
Have a lot of linen in your wardrobe? Then you may want to consider this wonder worker, as our expert de-creased one linen trouser leg in a mere 35 seconds! It also proved speedy on cotton and was so clearly labelled and simple to use that our testers didn’t need to refer to the instructions at all.
The water tank requires some force to remove as there’s no eject button, and it wasn’t the fastest to heat up, but we’d say the results were worth the wait. Overall, it’s pleasing to use; the soleplate glides over fabrics, there’s a storage space for its cable and it feels premium despite its lower price tag.
Key specifications
| Weight | 2.5kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 1500ml |
| Continuous steam output | 120g/min |
| Steam shot | 210g |
| Steam pressure | 6.5 bar |
| Wattage | 2200W |
Morphy Richards Power SteamElite 332014
Pros
- Takes over 2 litres of water so no need to refill
- Speedy with good temperature accuracy
Cons
- Feels less premium than other models
Score: 84/100
Tank refills will be few and far between with this Morphy Richards model, as it has room for over two litres of water – saving precious seconds if you’re tackling a load that feels never-ending! The tank itself is also easy to detach and fill, and our experts found its steam output was consistent, although a little drippy on lower settings. This shouldn’t prove too much of a bother though if you’re not planning on wearing your clothes straight away.
It’s speedy too – creases vanished in under 30 seconds – and it worked well across all our fabrics. It feels less premium than some we tested but it’s straightforward to operate and had a good temperature accuracy across each of its dot settings. If you have tall piles of ironing to conquer, it’s a good value buy.
Key specifications
| Weight | 1.72kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 2200ml |
| Continuous steam output | 170g/min |
| Steam shot | n/a |
| Steam pressure | 5 bar |
| Wattage | 2400W |
Beldray Mega Steam Pro BEL01483-150
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to store thanks to vertical design
- Heated up quickly
Cons
- Caught on delicate fabric, so avoid using on silk and nylon
- Struggled a little with stubborn creases
Score: 83/100
Most steam generator irons take up some serious space, but thanks to its vertical design, this option from Beldray should even tuck away nicely in smaller homes. There’s still room for ample water, and it’s the fastest-heating iron we tested – reaching its lowest setting in just 16 seconds.
If you do opt for this, we’d avoid using on nylon and silk (and turn on one of our best clothes steamers instead) – even on the one dot setting the iron caught on the fabric. It also needed to reheat fairly frequently to maintain its steam output and required a little more muscle than some to press out stubborn creases. But it’s undoubtedly a bargain, and if you want more power than a standard steam iron but are tight on space, it’s a no-brainer.
Key specifications
| Weight | 3.15kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 1500ml |
| Continuous steam output | 40g/min |
| Steam shot | Unspecified |
| Steam pressure | Unspecified |
| Wattage | 2600W |
Pros
- Simple to use
- Good value
- Considered design with cable storage and easy to remove water tank
Cons
- Heavy
- Took a while to heat up
Score: 82/100
For less than £120, this is a well-made and stable design that’s simple to use. It steams well with no annoying drips, and it moved across all our garments smoothly on test, banishing even the most set in creases.
While most of the irons we tested weighed under one kilogram (excluding the base), this one is slightly over that, making it heavy if you’re ironing for an extended period. It took a while to heat up for each of its settings too, and it doesn’t produce steam on its one dot setting. But its water tank detaches easily for refilling, and it has a well-considered design with cable storage and an anti-calc feature, giving you a lot for less.
Key specifications
| Weight | 3.25kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 1700ml |
| Continuous steam output | 100g/min |
| Steam shot | 230/g |
| Steam pressure | 5 bar |
| Wattage | 2400W |
Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820 Anti-Scale Steam Generator Iron
Pros
- Most powerful continuous steam and steam burst on test
- LED lights indicate creases as you iron
Cons
- Heavy
- Struggled to reach its temperature settings
Score: 78/100
Ideal for wardrobes made up of exclusively creasy fabrics, this steam generator has the highest continuous steam and steam burst on test. Despite its powerful output, it didn’t drip at all, and its integrated LED lights highlight creases as you iron. Plus, a smart steam feature automatically engages the burst function if the iron encounters wrinkles. In short, it performed excellently across all fabrics.
Testers found it heavy though and thought the 1.5 metre flex cable was on the short side – so you’ll need to be close to plug sockets. It also struggled to reach the temperatures we’d expect for each setting, proving notably low on the one dot setting. But its steam output counteracts this, so it still achieves pleasingly neat results.
Key specifications
| Weight | 5.63kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 1200ml |
| Continuous steam output | 180g/min |
| Steam shot | 750g |
| Steam pressure | 9 bar |
| Wattage | 2700W |
Tefal Express Essential SV6116 Steam Generator Iron
Pros
- Affordable
- Quickest at removing creases across our tests
Cons
- Better suited to smaller piles of ironing
Score: 75/100
This is an affordable steam generator iron that performs well beyond its price tag, producing the quickest crease removal on test; our nylon slip was done in 24 seconds, while our linen trousers and both our polycotton and cotton shirts were pristine in under 30 seconds.
It struggled to reach a high heat on its lowest setting though and needed time to reheat to keep up its steam output, making it better suited to ironing smaller batches of clothes. There was no dripping, and our experts praised its compact yet robust design, clear instructions and selection of three steam settings for more tailored ironing.
Key specifications
| Weight | 1.3kg |
|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 1400ml |
| Continuous steam output | 120g/min |
| Steam shot | 270g/min |
| Steam pressure | 5.3 bar |
| Wattage | 2200W |
How we test steam generator irons
To find the trustiest steam generator irons, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute start by measuring how quickly each model heats up to its different temperatures, and how consistently they maintain them. Then they look at its all-important crease-removal abilities. To do this, they use each iron on a nylon slip dress, linen trousers and cotton and polycotton shirts, scoring how smooth it leaves each one.
They assess its steam output, both in continuous mode and via its steam burst, monitoring how long its tank lasts. And they look at whether the iron drips during use. Throughout the test, they assess what the iron is like to use too, including how heavy it is to hold and whether its handle is comfortable.
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing appliances for over a century. During that time, our experts have pressed thousands of items of clothing and bedding to find the very best steam generator irons on the market – so we know what separates good from great.
All these steam generator irons are tested against a strict set of protocols, developed by our homes testing manager Blossom Boothroyd. Blossom has analysed thousands of products in the lab, so knows exactly what to look for when she's reviewing the newest releases, while Jasmine Vorley, our homes and writer, has written hundreds of reviews in her quest to find the best products for your home.
More tried and tested buys
- Don't need the power of a steam generator iron? Check out our best steam irons instead.
- If you want to break away from the ironing board altogether, consider our best clothes steamers.
- On a budget? Skip straight to our best budget irons and clothes steamers, all for under £50.
What is a steam generator iron?
Compared to regular irons, steam generator irons expel more steam, at a higher pressure. This allows them to remove deep creases from both sides of a garment, helping you iron much more quickly and efficiently.
To facilitate all this extra steam, steam generator irons have a large separate water tank, whereas normal irons have a small built-in tank. This makes steam generator irons bulkier and harder to store – but when you’re using them, the separate iron is lighter and more manoeuvrable.
Are steam generator irons better than standard irons?
Thanks to their steam output, steam generator irons are more effective than standard irons at eliminating creases in fewer passes. However, they take up more space in your home and tend to cost more, with the models on our list ranging from a reasonable £43 to a supercharged £433.
If you’re someone who irons bed sheets or regularly gets through a big pile of laundry, a steam generator iron may suit your needs better than a traditional steam iron. But if you only iron the occasional garment, you may prefer a more compact steam iron or even a convenient clothes steamer.
What’s the difference between pressurised and non-pressurised steam generator irons?
Steam generator irons come in two main types: pressurised and non-pressurised. Pressurised models force steam out at a higher pressure, penetrating fabrics more effectively and resulting in faster, more efficient ironing. These come at a premium price point, but can’t be beaten for ironing power.
Non-pressurised steam generators expel steam at a lower pressure, so they may require more passes over deep creases – but are still much more effective than a regular iron. They’re cheaper than pressurised models and may also be gentler on delicate fabrics.
The vast majority of our best steam generator irons are pressurised models, except for our best budget buy, the Beldray Mega Steam Pro BEL01483-150.
What should I look for in a steam generator iron?
Knowing what features are available will help make shopping for a steam generator iron easier. Here are the main ones to consider.
Continuous steam pressure: Measured in grams, anything over 50g per minute would be considered a high steam output on a standard steam iron. The more powerful steam generator models in our top recommendations push out 100g to 180g of continuous steam per minute, making them very effective at removing creases.
Steam shot: Sometimes you need an extra burst of steam to tackle those creases that just won’t budge or ones in hard-to-reach spots. The models in our roundup boast steam shot outputs ranging from 210g to 750g per minute.
Tank capacity: The bigger the tank, the fewer times you’ll have to refill your iron mid-use. Our recommended steam generator irons have tank capacities varying from 1.2 to 2.2 litres. There’s no ideal capacity, though – your choice will largely depend on the size of your ironing pile.
Anti-scale: Most modern steam and steam generator irons come with both anti-scale and anti-calcium functions, helping to limit the formation of limescale over time, which can clog the steam vents. These are particularly important if you live in a hard water area.
Wattage: If you’re after an iron that will get the job done on the double, look for a higher wattage, as this usually equates to a faster heat-up time. The quickest steam generator irons can be ready in just over a minute.
Auto switch-off: Does the thought of accidentally leaving your iron on send shivers down your spine? Look for this safety feature that automatically turns the appliance off after a set period of inactivity.
On a practical level, consider whether the cord length is long enough for your set-up and whether weight, size and display type are deal-breakers for you. It’s also worth picking an iron with a large opening for easy refilling, and where you can see the water level through the tank.
How to descale a steam generator iron
Steam generator irons use water, which contains limescale that can build up and block the holes in the iron's soleplate over time (especially if you live somewhere with hard water). This could result in brown staining on your clothes and bed sheets.
Most modern steam generator irons have anti-scale and anti-calcium functions to deal with this, so simply follow the manufacturer's care instructions. For more cleaning tips, head to our guide on how to clean an iron.
If you’re replacing an existing steam generator iron, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point, or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.
The verdict on steam generator irons
Best overall: For speeding through big laundry piles with ultimate efficiency, you won't do better than the Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus Steam Generator Iron, which impressed us with its steam power and automatic temperature adjustment. It is expensive though at just under £350.
Runner-up: At a lower price point than the Philips, the Morphy Richards Speed SteamPro breezed through our ironing with ease on test.
Best budget buy: While most steam generator irons are quite bulky and can be expensive, the Beldray Mega Steam Pro Steam Generator Iron is an exception, as it's both compact and budget-friendly. Just avoid using it on your delicates.
21 August 2025: We updated prices and checked stock levels. We also added more detail into some of the buying FAQs to help you shop with confidence.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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