Iron, steam generator or garment steamer: ironing quickly and well
Nobody enjoys ironing, so you might as well do it quickly. Depending on the week's pile of laundry, the right appliance differs: a small iron, a steam generator that halves the time, or a garment steamer for the morning shirt.
- Iron : for occasional ironing
- Steam generator iron : plenty of steam, ironing twice as fast
- Handheld steamer : you steam garments on a hanger, no ironing board needed
- Compare steam output, pressure and anti-scale
Three appliances, three uses
The iron
Light, quick to get out, ideal for a few shirts a week. Check the glide of the soleplate and the steam output.
small budget
The steam generator
A pressurised steam generator: much more steam, which penetrates the fabric. You often iron twice as fast, and sheets become easy.
families
The handheld garment steamer
You steam the garment on its hanger. Ideal in the morning, for delicate fabrics, curtains and travel.
fabric refresh
The figures to compare
| Criterion | What it means | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous steam output | The steam released continuously, in grams per minute | Iron: up to about 50 g/min; steam generator: over 110 g/min |
| Pressing effect | A powerful one-off burst for stubborn creases | The higher it is, the better on linen and thick cotton |
| Pressure | The force of a steam generator's steam, in bar | About 6 to 7 bar and more for a good steam generator |
| Tank | How long it runs before refilling | Removable, it's more convenient |
| Anti-scale | Collector or cartridge that traps the limescale | Essential with hard water |
Some steam irons have a single temperature setting that suits all ironable fabrics: no need to sort the laundry, and no risk of scorching a delicate garment.
And to iron less, also consider the anti-crease and steam programmes on recent washing machines and tumble dryers: see our guides washing machine and tumble dryer.
Our irons, steam generators and handheld steamers
Prices and availability shown on product pages are the reference; Nimesclub members often get a reduced price.
All our small kitchen appliances are in the small appliances.
Frequently asked questions
Steam generator or steam iron?
If you iron more than an hour a week, a steam generator really saves time: much more steam and pressure, and a large tank. For a few items now and then, a good iron is enough.
Can a handheld steamer replace an iron?
To smarten up a shirt, a dress or curtains, yes, and without a board. For crisp trouser creases or a big pile of sheets, an iron or steam generator is still more effective.
What does “pressing effect” mean?
It's a powerful jet of steam, measured in grams, for stubborn creases and thick fabrics. The higher it is, the more it helps on linen and thick cotton.
How do I avoid limescale?
Use the appliance's anti-scale system (collector or cartridge) and rinse it as indicated. In hard water areas, that's what makes an iron or steam generator last.
Come and see the appliances in person
At our Temploux shop, we open the doors and compare drums and finishes. Or ask our expert sales adviser online, right now.
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