The Best Steam Generator Irons of 2026

Yes, if you iron a full laundry basket every week; for a few shirts, a good steam iron is enough. The separate boiler pushes far more continuous steam under pressure, which gets through thick cotton and bedding faster. The trade-offs are the bulky base, the storage space it takes and the price. Compare continuous steam output in g/min, pressure in bar, the descaling system and the length of the hose.

Most modern steam generators are designed for tap water, but with hard water the manual may suggest mixing it with distilled water. Never use water from a dryer, scented water, vinegar or descalers the manufacturer hasn't approved. Run the built-in descaling function whenever the iron prompts you, which can be often with very hard water. Your water utility's annual water quality report often lists your water hardness.

At most its wattage times the time you use it: a 2,400 W steam generator ironing for one hour uses up to 2.4 kWh. The boiler and soleplate heat in cycles, so the real figure is lower. Multiply by your rate: at an example 20 cents per kWh, an hour of ironing costs at most about 48 cents. Ironing a big batch in one session is cheaper than several short ones, because each start means heating the boiler again.

Spitting means the soleplate isn't hot enough to turn the water into steam, and white marks come from mineral deposits (scale). Wait for the heat-up light to turn off, choose a temperature setting that allows steam and avoid the steam burst on low settings. Descale as the manual says, using the anti-calc function or the scale collector. Brown marks point instead to a dirty soleplate, which you should clean when it's cold.

It's safer with auto shutoff, which turns the iron off after a few minutes without movement, but you should still unplug it when you leave the room. Rest the iron on its base, never face down on the ironing board, and keep the cord away from children. If the manual requires it, let the boiler cool before refilling or opening the cap. Put it away only once it's completely cool.