First4Spares 2.5 Metre Steam Iron Lead Cable Flex Cord & Plug

Product Information

We've also come across premium irons that have an internal pump for producing pressurised steam, giving you extra oomph to get through tough creases. They can be a good compromise if you don’t have the space or budget for a full-on steam generator. Steam generators are designed to produce vast amounts of steam for longer, to make light work of large piles of ironing. Looking for the best cheap irons? Have a look at our great value irons. Are steam generator irons better? Additional noteworthy mentions include its vertical steam feature to refresh clothing on hangers and its eco-mode that'll save you money on your energy bill. For crease-free results every time, the Tefal Ultraglide is our stand-out steam iron. Steam generator irons have become much more mainstream over the last few years, with many deciding to invest. And they are a very expensive investment, with prices going into the hundreds of pounds.

Our Mumsnetters have tried and tested hundreds of steam irons and, with eight million users visiting our forums every month, we know the true value of an authentic recommendation from ordinary families. Which is why we spend hours scouring the forums for the products our Mumsnet community have used and loved. The Philips PerfectCare Steam Generator 7000 was the surprise standout favourite of our ironing test run. It was easy for us to hastily judge this iron on looks alone; it's very big, a bit strange looking compared to a conventional iron and quite heavy too. Unlike ironing board covers, which should be replaced every 2 - 5 years, ironing boards can last a lifetime if they’re properly cared for. However, there are some characteristics of an ironing board that mean general wear and tear can appear a few years into ownership.

What should I look for when buying a steam iron?

Steam: Some irons offer steam output, which means constant steam, whereas others offer steam shot which requires the user to push a button for an intense shot of steam to get rid of stubborn creases. This is all down to customer preference. Most use special heating elements that rely on a rechargeable battery to retain the heat. These work in the same way as the batteries you'd find in telephones and power tools.

Steam Power: Although it's difficult to pin down steam output, generally, we found that the best-performing irons are usually at 1,700 to 1,800 watts. Steam is your friend when ironing out tough wrinkles, so an iron with a stronger, longer stream of steam will press your fabrics better (and faster) than those without. They say that when you buy cheap, you buy twice, and if you’re someone who uses an ironing board on a regular basis, it’s certainly beneficial to avoid buying a cheap ironing board.

Are steam generator irons better than steam irons?

We do know, however, that lithium-ion batteries gradually lose their ability to hold charge over time. And when we've tested other cordless products that contain this type of battery, we've found that in most products (such as cordless vacuum cleaners), lithium-ion batteries only have a lifespan of around two years.

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. Height and material: Firstly, make sure the board is a metal mesh construction below the cover, as this allows steam to pass through and evaporate. One of the simplest yet most crucial safety practices is to turn off the iron immediately after use. Even if the iron has safety features like auto-off, it’s good practice to manually turn it off and unplug it. Not only does this conserve energy, but it also eliminates any chance of the iron accidentally being activated or left on, which could pose a fire risk or other dangers. Conclusion The Philips PerfectCare Elite Steam Generator Iron GC9630/20 is quite the investment, but its exceptional performance justifies the price.While the best steam irons can help you iron out the creases and help your collars stand to attention, they’d be nothing without any ironing board to keep them company. But how do you choose the right ironing board for your needs? With so many different styles, sizes, and price points out there, knowing which one to buy can be a minefield.