Family wash
You are ironing a large load and you want a 1.7–1.8 litre tank with continuous steam from about 120 g/min. The GV9230 prints 140 g/min, a 1.8 L tank, and an 8-minute shut-off. The voltage field says 260 V, and the review block is shared.
Steam generator comparison 2026
The best steam generators, compared.
Top pick: Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230 – 140 g/min, a printed 8-minute shut-off, and 7.5 bar at about £199.00, on the shared 4.5 from 1,398 line. Best value: Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420 – About £49.00, score 86, and 4.3 from 3,758 reviews, with 90 g of steam and no printed bar figure. Updated October 2026.
Charlie White (Charlie DIYte)Expert source
A steam generator, also called a steam station, is a mains iron with the tank and heater in a separate base, joined to the soleplate by a hose. You look at one when an ordinary steam iron runs out halfway through a family wash. Skip it if you only press the odd shirt and cannot store a base of roughly 3–6 kg. Sort them by continuous steam in grams per minute, whether the boost is in grams or grams per minute, tank size, a dial versus one temperature setting, and a descaling job you will actually do. A higher bar figure is not automatically better. How to order those checks is in the [steam generator buying guide](/hub/electrical-equipment/steam-generator/sub/steam-generator-buying-guide). An ordinary steam iron keeps a small tank in the handle. A garment steamer has no soleplate and is a different product.
A steam generator, also called a steam station, is a mains iron with the tank and heater in a separate base, joined to the soleplate by a hose.
42 products checked · 68 hrs invested · +21,400 readers
12 of 12: Best steam generators compared
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1-2 of 12Best overall
Best value
9.2/10
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∼ £199
∼ £320
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∼ £70
4.5(1,398)
4.5(1,398)
4.5(1,398)
4.3(3,758)
4.3(690)
4.3(282)
4.3(31)
4.2(342)
4.1(4,339)
4.1(470)
4.1(113)
4.0(167)
Personal buying guide
Which steam generator fits this wash?
Question 1 of 2
What are you ironing?
The best steam generators in detail
Our view
The Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230 puts out 140 g/min of continuous steam and a 560 g/min boost at 7.5 bar, from a removable 1.8 L tank, and it shuts off after 8 minutes, at about £199.00. amazon.co.uk lists 4.5 from 1,398 reviews, and that same review text and the same 4.5 from 1,398 line also appear on GV9224G0 and GV9220G0. Sampled UK reviews call the head light compared with an older Tefal, the steam strong, and the creases easier than with a standard iron, and one unit was still in daily use after nearly two years. There is no fabric dial to keep changing. There is nowhere to store the mains cable, the build feels less sturdy than an older Pro Express, and scale is a repeated complaint, including a title about a short lifespan in hard-water areas. Packaging left the plug prongs unprotected, so they scuffed the plastic, and the voltage field is printed as 260 V. It is the top pick here because this listing prints 140 g/min and an 8-minute shut-off, against 135 g/min on the two listings that share the review block, if you can live with the cable storage and hard-water scale.
Pros
- 140 g/min continuous steam and a 560 g/min boost at 7.5 bar, with a removable 1.8 L tank, at about £199.00
- Auto shut-off after 8 minutes, vertical steam, a calc collector, and a 160 cm cable
- Smart thermostat, and the reviews say there is no fabric dial to keep changing
- 4.5 from 1,398 on the shared amazon.co.uk line; one review was still in daily use after nearly two years
Cons
- The UK review text is the same block as GV9224G0 and GV9220G0
- Nowhere to store the mains cable, and the build feels less sturdy than an older Pro Express
- Scale, including a short lifespan in hard-water areas, and a warning about screwing the steam cleaner
- Voltage field says 260 V, and packaging left the plug prongs unprotected so they scuffed the plastic
Best for: Creases that a standard iron leaves, when you want 140 g/min and a printed 8-minute shut-off, and you will empty the calc collector if your water is hard.
Less suitable: A hard-water area where a previous generator had a short life, or a buyer who needs the voltage field to say 230 V or 240 V, because this one is printed as 260 V.
Specifications
- Model
- Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230
- Brand
- Tefal
- Price
- ∼£199
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(1,398)
- Continuous steam
- 140 g/min
- Steam boost
- 560 g/min
- Pressure
- 7.5 bar
- Tank
- 1.8 L, removable
- Temperature
- Smart thermostat
- Vertical steam
- Yes
- Descale
- Calc collector
- Auto shut-off
- 8 min
- Wattage
- 2600 W
- Voltage
- 260 V printed
- Soleplate
- Stainless steel
- Weight
- 5.87 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on silk?
The bullets say a smart thermostat adjusts steam and temperature for each fabric, with no risk of heat damage, and the footnote says ironable fabrics. Silk is the question on the page.
Does it have a removable water tank?
Yes. The bullets say a 1.8 litre removable tank.
What is the capacity of the boiler?
The listing gives the water tank as 1.8 litres. It does not print a separate boiler capacity.
Our view
The Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9224G0 prints 135 g/min of continuous steam and a 560 g/min boost at 7.5 bar, from a removable 1.8 L tank, at about £320.00 and 2600 W. amazon.co.uk lists 4.5 from 1,398 reviews, and the UK review text is the same block as GV9230 and GV9220G0, with the same 4.5 from 1,398 line and the same rank, 3,106 in Home & Kitchen and 2 in Steam Generator Irons. Those reviews call the head light against an older Tefal, the steam strong, and one unit still in daily use after nearly two years, with no fabric dial to keep changing. They also say there is nowhere to store the mains cable, the build feels less sturdy than an older Pro Express, and scale is a problem, including a short lifespan in hard-water areas. This listing does not print a shut-off time, and the cable length is not in the spec fields, while the station weight is 6.31 kg. At about £320.00 it costs more than the GV9230 at about £199.00, which prints 140 g/min and an 8-minute shut-off, and this listing does not add a separate UK review sample to explain that gap. Packaging left the plug prongs unprotected, so they scuffed the plastic.
Pros
- 7.5 bar, 135 g/min, and a 560 g/min boost, removable 1.8 L tank, 2600 W, at about £320.00
- Smart thermostat, vertical steam, auto shut-off listed, and a calc collector
- 4.5 from 1,398 on the shared amazon.co.uk line
- 240 V is printed, and the warranty field says a 2-year guarantee
Cons
- The UK review text matches GV9230 and GV9220G0, so the 1,398 is not a separate count for this colourway
- About £320.00 against the GV9230 at about £199.00, which prints 140 g/min
- No cable storage in the reviews, no cable length in the spec fields, and no shut-off time
- Scale and a hard-water lifespan complaint; the build is described as less sturdy than an older Pro Express
Best for: A blue-and-white Pro Express Protect if you specifically want this colour and you already accept the shared review block.
Less suitable: A buyer comparing it with the GV9230 at about £199.00 on continuous steam and a printed shut-off time, because this listing does not show a separate UK sample for the extra cost.
Specifications
- Model
- Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9224G0
- Brand
- Tefal
- Price
- ∼£320
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(1,398)
- Continuous steam
- 135 g/min
- Steam boost
- 560 g/min
- Pressure
- 7.5 bar
- Tank
- 1.8 L, removable
- Temperature
- Smart thermostat
- Vertical steam
- Yes
- Descale
- Calc collector
- Auto shut-off
- Yes
- Wattage
- 2600 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Soleplate
- Stainless steel
- Weight
- 6.31 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on all fabrics?
The bullets say a smart thermostat adjusts steam and temperature for each fabric. The footnote limits that to ironable fabrics.
Does it have an automatic shut-off?
Special features list Auto Shutoff. The bullets do not print a shut-off time.
What is the water tank capacity?
1.8 litres, and the bullets say the tank is removable.
Our view
The Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9220G0 prints 135 g/min of continuous steam and a 540 g/min boost at 7.5 bar, from a removable 1.8 L tank, at about £199.00 and 2600 W. The bullets say the iron head is ultra-lightweight, with a carry clip, and that it is made in France. amazon.co.uk lists 4.5 from 1,398 reviews, and that UK review text is the same block as GV9230 and GV9224G0. Those reviews describe strong steam, no fabric dial, and one unit still in daily use after nearly two years, and they also say there is nowhere to store the mains cable and that scale shortens life in hard-water areas. This listing does not print a voltage, an auto shut-off, vertical steam, or a calc collector, and the boost is 540 g/min rather than the 560 g/min on the other two. The base-material field says stainless steel while the highlight says Durilium, and the station weight is 4.25 kg. The shared 4.5 from 1,398 is not a separate sample for this colourway, and the colour field says White & Red while the title says White/Burgundy.
Pros
- 7.5 bar, 135 g/min, and a 540 g/min boost, removable 1.8 L tank, 2600 W, at about £199.00
- Smart thermostat; bullets say an ultra-lightweight head, a carry clip, and made in France
- Station weight 4.25 kg, lighter in the table than the 5.87 kg GV9230 and the 6.31 kg GV9224G0
- 4.5 from 1,398 on the shared amazon.co.uk line, and a 2-year guarantee
Cons
- UK review text matches GV9230 and GV9224G0
- No voltage, auto shut-off, vertical steam, or calc collector is printed
- Boost is 540 g/min, below the 560 g/min on the other two Pro Express Protect listings
- Nowhere to store the mains cable, and scale in hard-water areas, in the shared reviews
Best for: A white and burgundy GV9220G0 at about £199.00 if you want the 4.25 kg station weight and a carry clip, and you accept that the review block is shared.
Less suitable: A buyer who needs a printed voltage, a shut-off, or a calc collector, because this listing leaves those blank while GV9230 prints an 8-minute shut-off and a 160 cm cable.
Specifications
- Model
- Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9220G0
- Brand
- Tefal
- Price
- ∼£199
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(1,398)
- Continuous steam
- 135 g/min
- Steam boost
- 540 g/min
- Pressure
- 7.5 bar
- Tank
- 1.8 L, removable
- Temperature
- Smart thermostat
- Wattage
- 2600 W
- Soleplate
- Stainless steel
- Weight
- 4.25 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on all fabrics?
The bullets say a smart thermostat adjusts steam and temperature for each fabric, with no risk of heat damage. They do not print a separate list of fabrics.
Does it have a self-cleaning feature?
The five bullets and the special-features field do not describe a self-clean or calc collector. The highlight names a Durilium soleplate.
What is the water tank capacity?
1.8 litres, and the bullets say the tank is removable.
Our view
The Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420 is the station at about £49.00 in this set, with 90 g of steam and 2400 W, and the bullets claim it is ready in 60 seconds from a removable 1.3 L tank. They do not print grams per minute, a boost, or a bar figure. amazon.co.uk lists 4.3 from 3,758 reviews, the largest count here. Sampled UK reviews say it does the essentials at that price, feels light next to a bulkier station, and replaces a standard steam iron for some households. The soleplate wording does not settle: one bullet says a stainless steel non-stick plate and a non-stick ceramic soleplate, the base-material field says stainless steel, and the highlight says ceramic. One review describes water spat onto clothes from the first uses, the cable storage does not hold the cord, and steam stopped after about a year, with a replacement failing again around 14 months. One title says the pump can fail and water can leak through the electrical device. At about £49.00 it is the best value here, if you accept the missing pressure figure and those spitting and steam-stop reports.
Pros
- About £49.00, with 90 g of steam, 2400 W, and a removable 1.3 L tank
- Listing claims a 60-second heat-up and a calc cleaning system
- 4.3 from 3,758 amazon.co.uk reviews, the largest count in this set
- UK reviews say it covers everyday ironing and feels lighter than a bulkier station
Cons
- No g/min, boost, bar, vertical steam, or auto shut-off is printed
- Soleplate text says both stainless steel and ceramic
- Water spat onto clothes from the first uses in one review, and the cable storage does not hold the cord
- Steam stopped after about a year, a replacement failed around 14 months, and one title says the pump can fail and leak through the electrical device
Best for: Everyday shirts on a low budget, when 90 g of steam without a printed bar figure is enough and you will not rely on the cable storage.
Less suitable: Hard creases that need a stated boost or pressure, or a household that has already had a station spit water onto clothes.
Specifications
- Model
- Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420
- Brand
- Russell Hobbs
- Price
- ∼£49
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(3,758)
- Continuous steam
- 90 g
- Tank
- 1.3 L, removable
- Descale
- Calc cleaning
- Wattage
- 2400 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Soleplate
- Steel and ceramic
- Weight
- 4.24 kg
Common questions
Can it remove tough creases?
The bullets say 90 g of steam and 2400 W handle tough creases. They do not print grams per minute or a boost.
Does it have a non-stick soleplate?
The bullets say both a stainless steel non-stick plate and a non-stick ceramic soleplate. The base-material field says stainless steel. The listing does not resolve that.
Is it easy to transport?
The bullets claim a secure closure and built-in storage for the steam hose and power cord. Reviews say the cable storage is poor.
Our view
The Russell Hobbs 24510 prints 4.5 bar and 90 g of continuous steam from a removable 1.3 L tank with continuous fill, at about £69.99 and 2400 W. The highlight adds a 110 g shot that the five bullets do not repeat, and the bullets claim a 1-minute heat-up. amazon.co.uk lists 4.3 from 690 reviews. Sampled UK reviews call the iron light and easy, the controls straightforward, and the steam quiet and controllable in one write-up, and some set it against dearer stations on price. Steam is slow to arrive after the trigger, and one buyer returned it for that. It stopped steaming at about 13 months in one review, limescale grit reached clothes even with filters and deionised water, and rust in under two years ruined a shirt. The sloping tank makes the iron sit less flat than an older station, and a replacement failed again in the review about a short working life. No auto shut-off time is printed.
Pros
- 4.5 bar and 90 g continuous steam, 2400 W, and a removable 1.3 L tank with continuous fill, at about £69.99
- Stainless-steel non-stick soleplate, and a listing claim of a 1-minute heat-up
- 4.3 from 690 amazon.co.uk reviews
- UK reviews call it light, with straightforward controls, and one describes the steam as quiet
Cons
- The 110 g shot is only in the highlight, not in the five bullets
- Steam lags after the trigger, and one buyer returned it for being too slow
- Stopped steaming at about 13 months; limescale grit and rust in under two years, which ruined a shirt
- No auto shut-off is printed, and the tank angle leaves the iron sitting less flat
Best for: Everyday fabrics when you want a stated 4.5 bar and a temperature you can change, at about £69.99, and you can wait for the steam after the trigger.
Less suitable: A hard-water house that already leaves grit on clothes, or a board where the iron has to sit as flat as an older station.
Specifications
- Model
- Russell Hobbs 24510
- Brand
- Russell Hobbs
- Price
- ∼£70
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(690)
- Continuous steam
- 90 g
- Steam boost
- 110 g, highlight
- Pressure
- 4.5 bar
- Tank
- 1.3 L, removable
- Temperature
- Manual dial
- Descale
- Anti-calc
- Wattage
- 2400 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Soleplate
- Stainless non-stick
- Weight
- 3.52 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on all fabrics?
The bullets say a non-stick soleplate helps on delicate fabrics and when you change temperature. They do not claim one setting that is safe for every fabric.
Does it have a self-cleaning feature?
The item highlight lists anti calc. The bullets do not describe a self-clean cycle.
Is it lightweight?
The spec field says 3.52 kg. The listing does not call it lightweight. Reviews often say the iron itself is light to handle.
Our view
The Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7282BL is a 2700 W station at about £249.00 with a detachable 2 L tank, iCare mode, and vertical ironing. The listing does not print a bar figure, grams per minute, or a steam boost. amazon.co.uk lists 4.3 from 282 reviews, and the UK sample used here holds 9 United Kingdom reviews. Those UK reviews say there is no temperature dial and that it senses the fabric, the iron head is light, and one mentions tough creases plus lace and awkward edges. A previous unit lasted until the flex wore. The same small UK sample includes hot water from the soleplate on two new units, a side plug that leaked after the return window and then needed two repairs, and a unit that stopped between November 2024 and July 2026. A previous CareStyle 7 flashed and would not turn on, including after a repair. The manufacturer field says De'Longhi, and the unit-count cell reads 1.0 gram.
Pros
- Detachable 2 L tank, 2700 W, iCare mode, and vertical ironing, at about £249.00
- Ceramic soleplate; bullets name FreeGlide 3D
- 4.3 from 282 amazon.co.uk reviews
- The 9 UK reviews cite a light head, no temperature dial, and reach into lace and awkward edges
Cons
- No bar, g/min, boost, or auto shut-off time is printed
- Only 9 United Kingdom reviews are in the UK sample
- Hot water from the soleplate on two new units, and a side plug that leaked after the return window
- One unit stopped between November 2024 and July 2026; a previous CareStyle 7 flashed and would not power on
Best for: Someone who wants a 2 L tank and iCare so they are not turning a fabric dial, and who has read that the UK text sample is nine reviews.
Less suitable: A buyer who needs a printed steam rate, or who cannot risk water from a new soleplate and a side plug that leaked after the return window.
Specifications
- Model
- Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7282BL
- Brand
- Braun
- Price
- ∼£249
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(282)
- Tank
- 2 L, detachable
- Temperature
- iCare mode
- Vertical steam
- Yes
- Descale
- Easy Clean
- Wattage
- 2700 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Soleplate
- Ceramic
- Weight
- 4.94 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on delicate fabrics?
The bullets say iCare mode uses a safe temperature for all kinds of fabrics. That is the listing text.
Does it have an auto shut-off feature?
Special features list only Ergonomic. No auto shut-off is printed in the spec fields.
What is the wattage?
2700 W in the title and in the wattage field.
Our view
The Tefal Power Pro Compact 200, listed as SV213G0 in the model field and SV6213G0 in the title, prints 120 g/min continuous steam and 2400 W from a 1.7 L tank the bullets say lasts up to 1 hour 30, at about £140.00. The title says a boost of up to 360 g/min and a bullet says an extra 340 g/min. amazon.co.uk lists 4.3 from 31 reviews, and the UK sample holds 27 United Kingdom reviews. Those reviews describe a compact station and a light iron head, powerful steam, quicker ironing, and crisp cotton shirts in one write-up, and one small household says the 1.7 L tank lasts a session. Filling through the front spout is called easy. The steam hose from the base to the iron is too short in more than one review, and one reviewer also wants a longer mains cord. One buyer found it heavier than expected, another has to put the large base away after use, and one calls the result only okay. No sampled UK review describes a failed unit, and the listing prints no bar figure and no soleplate.
Pros
- 120 g/min and 2400 W, with a 1.7 L tank the bullets say lasts up to 1 hour 30, at about £140.00
- UK reviews call the station compact and the iron head light, and one small household says the tank lasts a session
- 4.3 from 31 amazon.co.uk reviews
- Front-spout filling is called easy, and one review mentions crisp cotton shirts
Cons
- Boost is printed two ways: up to 360 g/min in the title, 340 g/min in a bullet
- Model field says SV213G0; the title says SV6213G0
- Steam hose is too short in more than one review, and one reviewer wants a longer mains cord
- No bar figure and no soleplate are printed, and the 4.3 rests on 31 reviews
Best for: A small household that wants a compact 1.7 L station for cotton shirts and can keep the base close, because the steam hose is short.
Less suitable: A wide board or a long reach, because more than one review says the hose from the base is too short, and the UK file holds 27 reviews.
Specifications
- Model
- Tefal Power Pro Compact 200
- Brand
- Tefal
- Price
- ∼£140
- Customer rating
- 4.3/5(31)
- Continuous steam
- 120 g/min
- Steam boost
- 340–360 g/min
- Tank
- 1.7 L
- Auto shut-off
- Yes
- Wattage
- 2400 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Weight
- 3 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on delicate fabrics?
The bullets do not name silk, wool, or a single safe temperature.
Does it have an auto shut-off feature?
Special features list Auto Shutoff. No shut-off time is printed.
What is the power rating?
2400 W in the title and in the wattage field.
Our view
The Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6066/26 prints 130 g/min of continuous steam and a 600 g boost, with a 1.8 L tank the bullets say lasts up to 2 hours, at about £179.00 and 2400 W. The title states 8 bar, and that figure is not in the spec fields. amazon.co.uk lists 4.2 from 342 reviews. Sampled UK reviews say the steam does the creasing, so they raise the heat less, and they use the extra steam on heavy bedding and on dry clothes that usually need damping. Self-clean and de-calc, including a tray, are described as straightforward, and some treat it as an upgrade on the GC7840/26. It is loud: one reviewer compared it to a diesel engine or a steam locomotive, and a replacement unit was the same. It will not stand on its heel, the cable tidy is described as fiddlier than an older Philips, and one review says it does not get hot enough for crisp creases on denim or thick canvas. Steam fell away and then stopped within about six months in one review, and a pump failed just under three years in another.
Pros
- 130 g/min continuous steam and a 600 g boost, with a 1.8 L tank the bullets say lasts up to 2 hours, at about £179.00
- OptimalTEMP with no temperature settings, as a listing claim, and auto shut-off listed with no time printed
- 4.2 from 342 amazon.co.uk reviews
- UK reviews cite steam that does the creasing, a straightforward self-clean tray, and a light head
Cons
- Loud in use; one reviewer compared it to a diesel engine or a steam locomotive, and a replacement was the same
- Will not stand on its heel, and the cable tidy is fiddlier than an older Philips
- One review lost steam within about six months; another says the pump failed just under three years
- 8 bar is in the title only, and the base-material field says aluminium while the bullets say a scratch-resistant soleplate
Best for: Moving up from a Philips GC7840/26 when you want a 1.8 L tank and a 600 g boost for bedding, and you can leave the iron on the board because it has no heel stand.
Less suitable: Denim or thick canvas if you need more heat than the sampled reviews found, or a quiet room, because the noise complaint survived a replacement unit.
Specifications
- Model
- Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6066/26
- Brand
- Philips
- Price
- ∼£179
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(342)
- Continuous steam
- 130 g/min
- Steam boost
- 600 g
- Pressure
- 8 bar, title only
- Tank
- 1.8 L
- Temperature
- OptimalTEMP
- Descale
- Integrated
- Auto shut-off
- Yes
- Wattage
- 2400 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Soleplate
- Scratch-resistant
- Weight
- 4.25 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on delicate fabrics?
The bullets say OptimalTEMP irons from delicate silks to jeans without adjusting the temperature, and that it prevents burns on any fabric. The page question uses the same topic.
Does it have an automatic shut-off?
Special features list Auto Shutoff. No shut-off time is printed. One reviewer says it will not stand on its heel, so they leave it on the board and use the shut-off.
What is the water tank capacity?
1.8 litres. The bullets say a transparent tank, a large filling door, and up to 2 hours of ironing.
Our view
The Philips PerfectCare Compact GC7840/26 prints 120 g/min of continuous steam and a 400 g boost, with a 1.5 L tank the bullets say lasts up to 1.5 hours, at about £169.99 and 2400 W. Pressure in bar is not printed. amazon.co.uk lists 4.1 from 4,339 reviews, and it ranks 1 in Steam Generator Irons. Sampled UK reviews say it heats quickly, the steam is strong on linen and cotton in one write-up, and it is easier and faster than a conventional iron, with no dial to change. One buyer moved up from a Philips HI5914 and preferred this. It cannot stand on its heel, steam continues after the finger leaves the button, and one review describes small water leaks during ironing. Another says linen and cotton bedding needed more heat than OptimalTEMP gave, and steam is described as random compared with an older Morphy Richards. Steam stopped after about a year to two years in one review, and another unit had no steam at about six months, with a cleaning button that did nothing.
Pros
- 120 g/min and a 400 g boost, 1.5 L tank, 2400 W, at about £169.99
- OptimalTEMP with no temperature settings, as a listing claim, and an integrated descaling system
- 4.1 from 4,339 amazon.co.uk reviews; rank 1 in Steam Generator Irons
- UK reviews cite quick heat, strong steam on linen and cotton, and a compact head
Cons
- No bar figure is printed, and it will not stand on its heel
- Steam keeps coming after the button is released
- One review wanted more heat for linen and cotton bedding
- Steam stopped after about a year to two years in one review, and another had no steam at about six months
Best for: Regular loads where you want OptimalTEMP and a 1.5 L tank, and you will set the iron down on the board because there is no heel stand.
Less suitable: Bedding that needed more heat than OptimalTEMP gave in the sampled reviews, or a buyer who needs steam to stop the moment the button is released.
Specifications
- Model
- Philips PerfectCare Compact GC7840/26
- Brand
- Philips
- Price
- ∼£170
- Customer rating
- 4.1/5(4,339)
- Continuous steam
- 120 g/min
- Steam boost
- 400 g
- Tank
- 1.5 L
- Temperature
- OptimalTEMP
- Descale
- Integrated
- Auto shut-off
- Yes
- Wattage
- 2400 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Soleplate
- Stainless steel
- Weight
- 3.3 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on delicate fabrics?
The bullets say OptimalTEMP irons from delicate silks to jeans without adjusting the temperature. That is the listing text.
Does it have an automatic shut-off?
Special features list Auto Shutoff. No shut-off time is printed.
What is the water tank capacity?
1.5 litres. The bullets say a transparent tank and up to 1.5 hours of ironing.
Our view
The Morphy Richards SpeedSteam 333202 is a 5.5 bar, 3000 W station at about £118.98, with a detachable 1.7 L tank, vertical steam, and a 1.5 m cable in the bullets. The steam lines do not agree: one bullet prints 140 g for a low-energy option, the title and special features say a 240 g shot, and another bullet says 240 g/min. amazon.co.uk lists 4.1 from 470 reviews. Sampled UK reviews call the steam stronger than a standard iron and quicker on larger loads, with a light head, and one buyer ordered the same model again after about eight years. Filling the tank with a jug is mentioned as a plus. It cannot stand upright, so it has to go back on the dock, and steam is described as delayed after the button and still coming after you release it. Limescale from the steam holes stains clothes, one review says the water pours rather than a light drip, and the tank is awkward to refit when hot. One UK delivery arrived with a two-pin plug and was returned, one unit would not turn on after the first successful use, and one title says it blew the electrics.
Pros
- 5.5 bar and 3000 W, with a detachable 1.7 L tank and a 1.5 m cable, at about £118.98
- Vertical steam, self-clean, and auto shut-off after 10 minutes
- 4.1 from 470 amazon.co.uk reviews
- UK reviews cite stronger steam than a standard iron on larger loads, and one buyer ordered it again after about eight years
Cons
- Steam figures conflict: 140 g, a 240 g shot, and 240 g/min all appear
- No upright rest; steam lags after the button and can keep coming after release
- Limescale from the steam holes stains clothes, and the hot tank is awkward to refit
- One UK delivery had a two-pin plug and was returned; one title says it blew the electrics
Best for: Larger loads when you want a 1.7 L tank you can fill with a jug and vertical steam, and you will dock the iron because it will not stand up.
Less suitable: Hard-water ironing if scale already stains clothes, or a delivery you cannot check, because one UK order arrived with a two-pin plug.
Specifications
- Model
- Morphy Richards SpeedSteam 333202
- Brand
- Morphy Richards
- Price
- ∼£119
- Customer rating
- 4.1/5(470)
- Continuous steam
- 140 g; 240 g/min
- Steam boost
- 240 g or g/min
- Pressure
- 5.5 bar
- Tank
- 1.7 L, detachable
- Vertical steam
- Yes
- Descale
- Self-clean
- Auto shut-off
- 10 min
- Wattage
- 3000 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Soleplate
- Non-stick ceramic
- Weight
- 3.6 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on delicate fabrics?
The listing does not name a silk setting or a single safe temperature. It does list variable steam and vertical steam for hanging garments and curtains.
Does it have a self-cleaning feature?
Yes. Special features list Self Clean. Reviews still report limescale coming out of the steam holes and staining clothes.
What is the water tank capacity?
1.7 litres, and the bullets say the tank is detachable. Special features repeat 1.7 L.
Our view
The Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820G0 prints the highest steam lines in this set, 180 g/min continuous and a 750 g/min boost at 9 bar and 2700 W, at about £340.00. The bullets do not print a tank capacity in litres. amazon.co.uk lists 4.1 from 113 reviews, from 49 United Kingdom texts in the UK sample. Sampled UK reviews call the steam powerful and faster than a standard iron, with a light head because the water sits in the base, and one reviewer likes Smart Steam because they do not have to hold the button. Short reviews mention crisp cotton, and the build is described as solid when it is working. Water leaks are the repeated limit: after three weeks, after the second use, and onto clothes. Scale marks, black residue despite a water softener, and a title about losing water sit in the same sample. One review says the steam would not turn off and a hand was burnt, there is no cord storage, and one reviewer says the tank is smaller than their previous Tefal.
Pros
- 9 bar, 180 g/min, and a 750 g/min boost, 2700 W, at about £340.00
- Vertical steam, a 160 cm cable, and a removable scale collector the bullets say collects up to 10 times more limescale particles
- Smart Steam releases steam when the iron is moving; an anti-drip Protect System is in the bullets
- 4.1 from 113 amazon.co.uk reviews; UK reviews call the head light because the water sits in the base
Cons
- Tank capacity in litres is not printed, and there is no cord storage
- Leaks after three weeks, after the second use, and onto clothes
- Scale marks and black residue despite a water softener
- One review says the steam would not turn off and a hand was burnt; LED and Smart Steam are called a gimmick in another
Best for: Cotton that needs the 180 g/min and 9 bar lines, if you will watch for leaks and you do not need a printed tank size.
Less suitable: A hard-water house that already leaves marks, or anyone who needs the steam to stop with the control, because one review describes steam that would not turn off and a burnt hand.
Specifications
- Model
- Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820G0
- Brand
- Tefal
- Price
- ∼£340
- Customer rating
- 4.1/5(113)
- Continuous steam
- 180 g/min
- Steam boost
- 750 g/min
- Pressure
- 9 bar
- Vertical steam
- Yes
- Descale
- Scale collector
- Wattage
- 2700 W
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Soleplate
- Stainless steel
- Weight
- 5.26 kg
Common questions
Can it be used on delicate fabrics?
The bullets do not name silk, wool, or a single safe temperature. They do list an anti-drip Protect System.
Does it have an automatic shut-off?
Special features list anti-drip, an LED, limescale prevention, steam boost, and vertical steaming. Auto shut-off is not among them.
What is the water tank capacity?
The bullets and the spec fields do not print a tank capacity in litres.
Our view
The Hamilton Beach Pro Care HB268SGBG is a 3 bar station at about £69.99, with up to 120 g/min of continuous steam, a 4–5 g shot, 3100 W, and vertical steam. It shuts off after 10 minutes of non-use, and the dial is listed for wool, silk, cotton, and synthetics. amazon.co.uk lists 4.0 from 167 reviews. Sampled UK reviews call it light in the hand, one says the cord reaches the end of an ironing board, and short reviews praise the steam. One mentions a useful eco button, and some treat it as a cheaper step up from an older generator. The lock and release buttons are hard to press, the lip does not hold the iron securely on the base, and the cord is difficult to store around the base. One review found the steam boost inconsistent, and another says it sticks to clothes if the dial is set too high. A review title says it tripped an RCD on first use and then worked, one unit burnt out after about six months, and a January 2026 purchase was not heating within three months.
Pros
- 3 bar, up to 120 g/min, and a 4–5 g shot, 3100 W, at about £69.99
- Vertical steam, a variable dial for wool, silk, cotton, and synthetics, and auto shut-off after 10 minutes
- Non-stick ceramic soleplate, with anti-scale and self-clean as listing claims
- 4.0 from 167 amazon.co.uk reviews; UK reviews call the head light
Cons
- Lock and release are hard to press, the lip does not hold the iron, and the cord is awkward to store
- One unit burnt out after about six months; a January 2026 purchase was not heating within three months
- Tank capacity is not in the spec fields, and one review says it leaks
- Colour field says Multi while the title says Black/Bronze, and one title says it tripped an RCD on first use
Best for: A first steam generator for curtains and everyday clothes when you want a temperature dial and a 10-minute shut-off at about £69.99, and you can work a stiff lock.
Less suitable: A buyer who needs a printed tank size, or a dock that holds the iron, because the lip does not keep it secure and the spec fields leave the tank blank.
Specifications
- Model
- Hamilton Beach Pro Care HB268SGBG
- Brand
- Hamilton Beach
- Price
- ∼£70
- Customer rating
- 4.0/5(167)
- Continuous steam
- Up to 120 g/min
- Steam boost
- 4–5 g
- Pressure
- 3 bar
- Temperature
- Variable dial
- Vertical steam
- Yes
- Descale
- Anti-scale
- Auto shut-off
- 10 min
- Wattage
- 3100 W
- Voltage
- 240 V
- Soleplate
- Non-stick ceramic
- Weight
- 2.58 kg
Common questions
Does it have a non-stick soleplate?
Yes. The bullets and the base-material field say a non-stick ceramic soleplate.
Can it be used on delicate fabrics?
The bullets say variable temperature control for wool, silk, cotton, and synthetics. They do not claim one setting for every fabric.
Is this iron cordless?
No. The listing does not describe it as cordless. Reviews mention the cord and storing it around the base.
How we compared
We compared 12 steam generators on amazon.co.uk, using the listings captured on 15 October 2026. Prices, stars, and review counts are the UK lines. There was no ironing test and no laboratory score. Each stored score equals that listing’s star figure times 20, so a 4.5 scores 90 and a 4.0 scores 80. Review volume, price, and listing clashes are not in the number. The six weights below sum to 100.
1
Job size
15%Which? points generators at large loads and calls them dearer, bulkier, and noisier than a normal steam iron. A base of roughly 3–6 kg is the wrong buy for the odd shirt.
2
Continuous steam and boost
25%Printed continuous figures in this set run from 90 g to 180 g/min. Compare a boost only when the unit matches. A higher bar figure is not automatically better across brands.
3
Water and scale
20%The Drinking Water Inspectorate cites 200 mg/l as calcium carbonate as a level that produces scale, and sets no UK hardness standard. Follow the calc routine for the brand you buy.
4
Temperature control
15%Both Philips listings use OptimalTEMP, one setting stated for ironable fabric. Other listings print a dial, a smart thermostat, or iCare. A silk claim counts only where that listing states it.
5
Plug, fuse, and wattage
15%A domestic unit needs a BS 1363 plug and a BS 1362 fuse. Electrical Safety First puts irons on a 13 A fuse and treats about 700–3,000 W as that band.
6
Storage
10%Listing weight is not the weight in the hand. Vertical steam counts only where the listing states it. A printed shut-off time is 8 or 10 minutes on the listings that give one.
Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Steam generator buying guide
The notes below follow the order used for these twelve listings: job size, continuous steam and boost, water and scale, temperature, the UK plug, then storage. Prices are the amazon.co.uk lines from 15 October 2026. There was no lab test.
What is a steam generator?
A steam generator iron, also called a steam station, is a mains iron with the tank and heater in a separate base, joined to the soleplate by a hose. An ordinary steam iron keeps a small tank in the handle. A garment steamer has no soleplate and is a different product. You buy a generator when an ordinary steam iron runs out halfway through a family wash. Leave it if you only press the odd shirt and cannot store a base of roughly 3–6 kg. Which?
Best for
- Family washes that need a 1.7–1.8 litre tank
- Hard-water postcodes if you will follow that brand’s calc routine
- A small flat that can store a compact base
Not ideal for
- The odd shirt when you cannot store a base of roughly 3–6 kg
- A garment steamer job, which has no soleplate
- Ranking bar figures across brands when the unit is not stated
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Ranking bar across brands
A higher bar figure is not automatically better. Brands do not all label pump pressure and boiler pressure the same way. The Philips models and the Braun do not print a bar figure at all. Use continuous steam in grams per minute as the shared line.
- 2
Mixing boost units
A 4–5 g shot, a 600 g boost, and a 560 g/min boost are not the same measurement. The Morphy Richards listing prints 140 g, a 240 g shot, and 240 g/min. Compare a boost only when the unit matches.
- 3
Counting the Tefal 1,398 three times
GV9230, GV9224G0, and GV9220G0 share one UK review block and the same 4.5 from 1,398 line. That is one displayed count. Do not copy Philips’ water rule, including the ban on vinegar, onto another brand.
What to weigh up
Continuous steam and boost
HighStart with the wash, then the continuous steam line, then the boost only if the unit matches. Which? points a generator at large loads. In this set the printed continuous figures run from 90 g on both Russell Hobbs models, with grams per minute not printed on the 24420, to 180 g/min on the Tefal Pro Express Vision. The Tefal GV9230 prints 140 g/min. The Philips PSG6066/26 prints 130 g/min and a 600 g boost. The Philips GC7840/26 prints 120 g/min and a 400 g boost.
Water, plug, and storage
HighHard water scales an electric iron. The Drinking Water Inspectorate sets no UK hardness standard and cites 200 mg/l as calcium carbonate as a level that produces scale. Philips UK designs its generators for tap water, recommends distilled or demineralised water in hard areas, and forbids vinegar, starch, and tumble-dryer water. That rule is Philips’ rule. Which? says scale blocks vents. The GV9230 prints a calc collector.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Hard-water postcode
You need a calc routine you will actually do, and you should follow that brand’s water rule. Philips UK designs its generators for tap water and recommends demineralised water in hard areas. UK reviews of the PSG6066 call the self-clean tray straightforward. It is loud, and it will not stand on its heel.
Small flat
You want a compact station rather than a 5–6 kg base, and you can keep the base close. UK reviews of the Power Pro Compact call the head light and the steam hose too short. The listing prints 120 g/min and no bar figure, and the 4.3 rests on 31 reviews.
Common questions about steam generators
Which steam generator is the top pick in this set?
The top pick in this set is the Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230 at about £199.00. The listing prints 140 g/min, a 560 g/min boost, 7.5 bar, a removable 1.8 L tank, and an 8-minute shut-off. amazon.co.uk shows 4.5 from 1,398 reviews, and that same block also appears on GV9224G0 and GV9220G0. The voltage field is printed as 260 V. It is the top pick because, among those three shared-score listings, it prints the higher continuous steam and a shut-off time.
How much does a steam generator cost on amazon.co.uk?
On these twelve amazon.co.uk listings, captured on 15 October 2026, prices run from about £49.00 to about £340.00. Entry is about £49–£70, mid is about £119–£199, and upper is about £249–£340. The Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420 is about £49.00 and the Tefal Pro Express Vision is about £340.00. These bands are this comparison, not every station on sale. A 2,400 W element at full power for one hour is about 63 pence under the Great Britain Direct Debit figure of 26.32 pence per kWh.
What should I check before I buy a steam generator?
Start with the wash, then continuous steam in grams per minute, then whether the boost is in grams or grams per minute. Printed continuous figures here run from 90 g on both Russell Hobbs models to 180 g/min on the Tefal Vision. Then check tank size, the descaling job you will do, and a dial versus one temperature setting. A domestic unit needs a BS 1363 plug and a BS 1362 fuse. Listing weight is not the weight in your hand.
Is a higher bar figure always better on a steam generator?
No. Brands do not all label pump pressure and boiler pressure the same way, so a higher bar figure is not automatically better. In this set the Hamilton Beach prints 3 bar, the Russell Hobbs 24510 prints 4.5 bar, the Morphy Richards prints 5.5 bar, the Tefal Protect listings print 7.5 bar, and the Vision prints 9 bar. The Philips models and the Braun do not print a bar figure. Compare continuous steam in the same unit, and compare a boost only when the unit matches.
What plug and fuse does a steam generator need in the UK?
A domestic steam generator needs a correctly fitted BS 1363 plug, or a conversion plug with a BS 1362 fuse, under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, regulation 35. Electrical Safety First puts irons on a 13 A fuse and treats about 700–3,000 W as that band. This set includes 3,000 W on the Morphy Richards 333202 and 3,100 W on the Hamilton Beach. One Morphy Richards UK review reported a two-pin plug, and that unit was returned.
Does a steam generator replace a wall toggle switch?
No. A steam generator plugs into a BS 1363 socket. A wall toggle switch is a different product, for a lighting or circuit control, and it does not replace the iron’s own shut-off. Printed shut-off times in this set are 8 minutes on the Tefal GV9230 and 10 minutes on the Hamilton Beach and the Morphy Richards. Several other listings say auto shut-off and do not print a time. If the plug or lead is heat-damaged, stop and use a competent person or the seller.
Can I use vinegar to descale a steam generator?
Not on a Philips generator. Philips UK designs its stations for tap water, recommends distilled or demineralised water in hard areas, and forbids vinegar, starch, and tumble-dryer water. Do not copy that rule onto another brand. The Drinking Water Inspectorate says hard water scales electric irons, sets no UK hardness standard, and cites 200 mg/l as calcium carbonate as a level that produces scale. Follow the calc routine for the model you own. If steam does not return after that routine, use the seller or a competent person.
Do the three Tefal Pro Express Protect listings each have 1,398 reviews?
No. GV9230, GV9224G0, and GV9220G0 show the same 4.5 from 1,398 line, and the UK review text is the same block. That is one displayed count, not three samples. GV9230 prints 140 g/min and an 8-minute shut-off at about £199.00. GV9220G0 prints 135 g/min at about £199.00 and does not print a voltage or a shut-off. GV9224G0 prints 135 g/min at about £320.00 and does not print a shut-off time. Do not add the 1,398 three times.
Our verdict
Across these twelve amazon.co.uk listings, the top pick is the Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230 at about £199.00. It prints 140 g/min, a 560 g/min boost, 7.5 bar, a removable 1.8 L tank, and an 8-minute shut-off. The stored score is 90, from 4.5 stars, and the same 4.5 from 1,398 review block also appears on GV9224G0 and GV9220G0. The voltage field is printed as 260 V, and scale in hard-water areas stays in that shared review block. The best value is the Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420 at about £49.00, score 86, with 4.3 from 3,758 reviews, the largest count here. It prints 90 g of steam and no bar, boost, or grams per minute. Spitting, a steam stop, and a pump-leak title stay in the text. The other ten listings have no award.
Best overallView offer
Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230
140 g/min, a printed 8-minute shut-off, and 7.5 bar at about £199.00, on the shared 4.5 from 1,398 line.
Best value
View offer
Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420
About £49.00, score 86, and 4.3 from 3,758 reviews, with 90 g of steam and no printed bar figure.
Editorial
Editor
Steam generatorsUK plugs and fusesamazon.co.uk listings
Products Compared publishes British-English buying guides based on amazon.co.uk listings and public UK sources. We do not run a lab and we do not invent test scores.
Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to steam generators
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Steam generator buying guideOrder the criteria before any pick, then come back to the twelve listings.Best steam generatorWho each shortlist listing is for, and who should skip it.How to use a steam generatorFirst session: fill, heat, purge, and the hose.Steam generator and hard waterScale, water type, and a calc routine you will actually do.Steam generator vs steam ironWhen the base is worth the space, and when an ordinary iron is enough.
Related comparisons
Sources
Public UK sources used for this comparison. Listing prices, stars, and specification lines are from amazon.co.uk on 15 October 2026.
- Drinking Water Inspectorate — water hardness (retrieved 15 October 2026)
- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, regulation 35 (retrieved 15 October 2026)
- GOV.UK — product marking, UKCA and CE (retrieved 15 October 2026)
- Electrical Safety First — plugs and fuses (retrieved 15 October 2026)
- Which? — how to buy a steam iron (retrieved 15 October 2026)
- Which? — why you need to clean your iron (retrieved 15 October 2026)
- Philips UK — descale steam generators (retrieved 15 October 2026)
- Ofgem — energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026 (retrieved 15 October 2026)
Expert source (DIY & tools): Charlie White (Charlie DIYte) (external profile) – public expert commentary used as a research source, not as a contributor to our pages.
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, stars, and review counts are the UK listing lines. We did not run a lab test.