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Quick answer: the best steam generator iron for most UK homes is the Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820. It has 9 bar of pressure, 180g/min of continuous steam and a 750g/min boost, and Expert Reviews rated it the best for steam production. Its LED “Vision” light shows up creases before you press them.
For foolproof ironing with no temperature settings, choose the Philips PerfectCare 7000. On a tight budget, the Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 gives you 6 bar and 130g/min of steam for around the price of a good steam iron.
Best overall
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: 180g/min
- Boost: 750g/min
Best no-settings iron
- Pressure: 8.5 bar
- Continuous steam: 170g/min
- Boost: 650g
Best premium
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: 215g/min (Philips "up to" figure)
- Boost: 750g
A steam generator iron (also called a steam station) boils water in a separate base and pushes it to the iron under pressure. The result is two to four times more steam than a normal iron, so you can iron shirts, bedding and linen in one pass and often only on one side. We compared more than 30 steam generators currently sold in the UK on pressure, continuous steam, boost, tank size, anti-scale systems and reliability, and cross-checked UK reviews and owner feedback. Not sure you need one? Read steam generator vs steam iron.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best overall Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820 (£££). Check price
- Best no-settings iron Philips PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300 (£££). Check price
- Best premium Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200 (££££). Check price
- Best for mixed fabrics Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230 (£££). Check price
- Best mid-range Tefal Express Airglide SV8022 (££). Check price
- Best quiet steam generator Russell Hobbs Quiet SuperSteam 24470 (££). Check price
- Best budget Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 (£). Check price
- Best value Morphy Richards Morphy Richards EasySteam+ 333030 (££). Check price
- Most comfortable Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7282 (£££). Check price
How we chose these picks
We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications, independent UK tests and reviews (including Mumsnet's best steam generator irons (July 2026), Expert Reviews' best steam generator irons, Which? steam iron buying advice, manufacturer specifications from Tefal, Philips, Morphy Richards, Russell Hobbs and Braun), and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We checked that every product was on sale in the UK when this page was last updated, and we re-check stock every month. We do not hands-on test products ourselves, and we say so on every review. Commission from retailer links never affects which products we pick. Read how we research.
Comparison table
| Model | Pressure | Continuous steam | Boost | Tank | No-settings tech | Auto shut-off | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820 | 9 bar | 180g/min | 750g/min | 1.2L | Smart mode | Yes | £££ |
| Philips PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300 | 8.5 bar | 170g/min | 650g | 1.5L | OptimalTEMP + motion sensor | Yes | £££ |
| Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200 | 9 bar | 215g/min (Philips "up to" figure) | 750g | 1.4L | OptimalTEMP + automatic steam | Yes | ££££ |
| Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230 | 7.5 bar | 140g/min | 560g/min | 1.8L | One preset for all fabrics | Yes | £££ |
| Tefal Express Airglide SV8022 | 7.2 bar | 125g/min | 460g/min | 1.8L | Preset for all fabrics | Yes (retailer listing) | ££ |
| Russell Hobbs Quiet SuperSteam 24470 | 7 bar | 200g/min | 350g | 1.8L | No | Yes (retailer listing) | ££ |
| Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 | 6 bar | 130g/min | 300g | 1.4L | No | Yes | £ |
| Morphy Richards EasySteam+ 333030 | 6 bar | 120g/min | 200g | 1.8L | No | Yes (retailer listing) | ££ |
| Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7282 | 8 bar | 140g/min | 500g | 2.0L | iCareMode | not published | £££ |
Manufacturer figures. Boost is given in g/min where the maker quotes it per minute (Tefal) and in g where it does not (Philips, Russell Hobbs, Morphy Richards, Braun). “Retailer listing” means the maker’s UK page does not list auto shut-off but UK retailers do. Price tiers compare models within this guide: £ budget, ££ mid-range, £££ premium, ££££ top of the range. We do not list exact prices because they change daily. Tap “Check price” to see the current price on Amazon UK.
The best picks, reviewed
Best overall
Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820: Best overall
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: 180g/min
- Boost: 750g/min
- Tank: 1.2L
- No-settings tech: Smart mode
- Soleplate: Durilium AirGlide
- Descaling: Removable scale collector
- Auto shut-off: Yes
The Pro Express Vision is one of the most powerful steam generators you can buy, and its steam is strong enough that testers often only needed to iron one side of a garment. The LED light at the tip shows creases and folds as you go, and the smart mode adjusts steam automatically so you press the trigger less. Tefal’s removable scale collector is the easiest descaling system around. Expert Reviews named it the best steam generator for steam production. Tefal sells it in the UK as the GV9820; some Amazon listings label the same iron GV9821.
- Huge steam output and 9 bar pressure
- LED light shows creases
- Easy-rinse scale collector
- Excellent Durilium soleplate
- Large, heavy base needs a sturdy board
- 1.2L tank is small for this much steam
- Cord does not fully retract
Our verdict: Families and anyone who irons a lot of shirts and bedding every week.
Best no-settings iron
Philips PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300: Best no-settings iron
- Pressure: 8.5 bar
- Continuous steam: 170g/min
- Boost: 650g
- Tank: 1.5L
- No-settings tech: OptimalTEMP + motion sensor
- Soleplate: SteamGlide Elite
- Descaling: Easy De-Calc
- Auto shut-off: Yes
Philips’ OptimalTEMP means there is no temperature dial: one setting is safe on every ironable fabric, and Philips guarantees no burns. A motion sensor releases steam when you move the iron and stops when you pause, so you never need to hold a trigger. It takes most of the effort out of ironing, and owners rate it highly on Philips UK.
- No temperature settings, no burns
- Automatic motion-sensor steam
- High pressure and boost
- Scratch-resistant soleplate
- Needs a fair amount of space
- Some owners mention noticeable pump noise
- Amazon UK dispatch times have been long recently; check the delivery date before ordering
Our verdict: Mixed family laundry and anyone who wants ironing to be as foolproof as possible.
Best premium
Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200: Best premium
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: 215g/min (Philips "up to" figure)
- Boost: 750g
- Tank: 1.4L
- No-settings tech: OptimalTEMP + automatic steam
- Soleplate: SteamGlide Elite
- Descaling: Easy De-Calc
- Auto shut-off: Yes
The PerfectCare 8000 range is Philips’ flagship. Its sibling, the PSG8300, was named Mumsnet’s best steam generator overall in 2026 for excellent one-pass results. The PSG8200 and PSG8300 share the same 9 bar base and OptimalTEMP iron; Philips UK lists both at up to 215g/min, and the only published difference is the boost, 850g on the PSG8300 against 750g here. You get 9 bar of pressure, automatic steam and OptimalTEMP, with a very light iron. It is expensive, but if you iron every day it is the easiest to use of everything we compared.
- Flagship 9 bar performance
- Light iron despite the power
- Automatic steam and OptimalTEMP
- Very expensive
- Few independent reviews of this exact model yet
Our verdict: Heavy daily ironing where speed and comfort matter more than price.
Best for mixed fabrics
Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230: Best for mixed fabrics
- Pressure: 7.5 bar
- Continuous steam: 140g/min
- Boost: 560g/min
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: One preset for all fabrics
- Soleplate: Durilium AirGlide AutoClean
- Descaling: Removable scale collector
- Auto shut-off: Yes
The Protect uses a single steam and temperature combination that is safe on everything from denim to silk, and its anti-drip system turns droplets into steam so you don’t get water marks. The 1.8L tank is 50% bigger than on the Vision, so you refill less often, and it has an auto shut-off and carry lock.
- No settings to get wrong
- Large 1.8L tank
- Anti-drip protection
- Auto shut-off and carry lock
- Less steam than the Vision
- Bulky base
Our verdict: Households with lots of different fabrics who don't want to think about settings.
Best mid-range
Tefal Express Airglide SV8022: Best mid-range
- Pressure: 7.2 bar
- Continuous steam: 125g/min
- Boost: 460g/min
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: Preset for all fabrics
- Soleplate: Durilium AirGlide
- Descaling: Flush drain system
- Auto shut-off: Yes (retailer listing)
If a Pro Express is more than you want to spend, the Express Airglide brings Tefal’s no-settings convenience and excellent Durilium soleplate to a much lower price. 125g/min is still more than double a good steam iron, and the eco mode uses around 20% less energy.
- Great value
- No-settings operation
- Big 1.8L tank
- Eco mode
- Lower pressure than Pro Express models
- Flush-style descaling is messier than a collector
Our verdict: First-time steam generator buyers who want a trusted brand.
Best quiet steam generator
Russell Hobbs Quiet SuperSteam 24470: Best quiet steam generator
- Pressure: 7 bar
- Continuous steam: 200g/min
- Boost: 350g
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: No
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Descaling: Anti-calc
- Auto shut-off: Yes (retailer listing)
Steam generators can be noisy when the pump kicks in. Russell Hobbs says this one is about 10% quieter than typical models, and it still delivers a strong 200g/min of continuous steam and 7 bar of pressure. It has continuous fill, anti-drip and auto shut-off.
- Quieter than most
- Very high continuous steam for the price
- Refill while ironing
- Narrow tip is less nimble around buttons
- Ergonomics could be better
Our verdict: Ironing in the evening or in open-plan homes.
Best budget
Philips 2000 Series PSG2000: Best budget
- Pressure: 6 bar
- Continuous steam: 130g/min
- Boost: 300g
- Tank: 1.4L
- No-settings tech: No
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Descaling: Smart Calc Clean
- Auto shut-off: Yes
Philips’ cheapest steam generator is light (about 2.3kg in total) and compact, yet still puts out 130g/min at 6 bar. It lacks OptimalTEMP, so you set the temperature yourself, but it is an easy way into steam-station ironing.
- Low price for a Philips
- Light and compact
- Good steam for the money
- Basic features
- Smaller boost than pricier models
Our verdict: Small homes and occasional big ironing sessions.
Best value Morphy Richards
Morphy Richards EasySteam+ 333030: Best value Morphy Richards
- Pressure: 6 bar
- Continuous steam: 120g/min
- Boost: 200g
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: No
- Soleplate: Ceramic, precision tip
- Descaling: Self-clean
- Auto shut-off: Yes (retailer listing)
Mumsnet picked the EasySteam+ as its best budget steam generator. It is light (the iron is about 0.9kg), has a big 1.8L tank and a carry lock, and 6 bar is plenty for shirts and bed linen.
- Good value
- Big tank
- Light iron with precision tip
- Carry lock and auto shut-off
- Manual temperature and steam settings
- Catch mechanism can be fiddly
Our verdict: Budget buyers who prefer Morphy Richards.
Most comfortable
Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7282: Most comfortable
- Pressure: 8 bar
- Continuous steam: 140g/min
- Boost: 500g
- Tank: 2.0L
- No-settings tech: iCareMode
- Soleplate: FreeGlide 3D
- Descaling: FastClean
- Auto shut-off: not published
Braun’s FreeGlide 3D soleplate has rounded edges, so it glides backwards and sideways as easily as forwards, which suits long sessions and fiddly garments. The iron is ergonomics-certified, the 2L tank is the largest here, and iCareMode gives one safe temperature for all fabrics.
- Glides in every direction
- Largest tank here (2L)
- Comfortable, ergonomic iron
- One-temperature iCareMode
- Less steam than Tefal and Philips flagships for similar money
Our verdict: Long ironing sessions and anyone with wrist or shoulder strain.
What other UK testers say
Expert Reviews agrees with this guide’s top pick, ranking the Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820 first as its best steam generator for steam production, with the Russell Hobbs 24420 as its choice for hard-water areas (the 24420 is now unavailable at Amazon UK). Mumsnet Swears By differs: it names the Philips PSG8300/80 PerfectCare 8000 best overall after its tester preferred it to the Tefal for ergonomics and steam output, though it still lists the Pro Express Vision as its pick for speed thanks to a two-minute heat-up. Ideal Home also chooses the Philips PerfectCare 8000 as its best steam generator for the light iron and OptimalTEMP, and Which? notes that steam generators produce far more steam to tackle heavy creases and need refilling less often, with its test scores behind a membership wall. Tefal’s Pro Express Vision GV9820 page states 9 bar, 180g/min of continuous steam, a 750g/min boost, a 1.2-litre tank, a removable scale collector and the Smart LED Vision light.
How to choose a steam generator iron
- Pressure (bar): 5–6 bar is entry level, 7–7.5 bar is a noticeable step up, and 8–9 bar pushes steam right through thick fabrics so you often only iron one side.
- Continuous steam (g/min): 90–120g/min is good, 140–180g/min is excellent, and 200g/min or more is exceptional.
- Tank: 1.2–1.5L lasts about an hour. 1.8–2L suits big family sessions. A removable tank you can refill mid-session is a big plus.
- No-settings technology: Philips OptimalTEMP, Tefal’s preset modes, Morphy Richards Intellitemp and Braun iCareMode let you iron silk and jeans without changing the dial.
- Descaling: steam generators are more sensitive to limescale than irons. Tefal’s removable collector is easiest. Philips Easy De-Calc and Morphy Richards AutoClean are good too. Descale regularly in hard-water areas.
- Size and weight: the base sits on your board, so check it fits. A board with a steam generator rest helps. See our best ironing boards.
- Safety: look for auto shut-off and a carry lock that clips the iron to the base.
What the numbers show
These figures are taken from the nine models above, using the manufacturers’ published specifications.
| Measure | Lowest here | Highest here |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | 6 bar (Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 and Morphy Richards EasySteam+ 333030) | 9 bar (Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820 and Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200) |
| Continuous steam | 120g/min (Morphy Richards EasySteam+ 333030) | 215g/min (Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200, Philips figure), then 200g/min (Russell Hobbs Quiet SuperSteam 24470) |
| Boost | 200g (Morphy Richards EasySteam+ 333030) | 750g/min (Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820) and 750g (Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200) |
| Tank | 1.2L (Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820) | 2.0L (Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7282) |
Seven of the nine run at 7 bar or more; only the Philips 2000 Series and the Morphy Richards EasySteam+ sit below that. Four share the 1.8L tank size: the Tefal Pro Express Protect, Tefal Express Airglide, Russell Hobbs Quiet SuperSteam and Morphy Richards EasySteam+.
Auto shut-off is listed by the manufacturer on five of the nine (both Tefal Pro Express models and all three Philips). UK retailers list it on three more (Tefal Express Airglide, Russell Hobbs Quiet SuperSteam and Morphy Richards EasySteam+) and Braun does not publish the figure for the CareStyle 7 Pro.
Are steam generators worth it?
If you iron more than an hour a week, usually yes. The extra pressure means fewer passes, and many people halve their ironing time. If you only press a few shirts, a good steam iron is cheaper, smaller and quicker to heat up. A handheld steamer suits quick touch-ups on hanging clothes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best steam generator iron in the UK?
For most people, the Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820: 9 bar, 180g/min of steam and an easy-rinse scale collector. The Philips PerfectCare 7000 is the best choice if you want no temperature settings and automatic steam.
What is the best budget steam generator iron?
The Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 is the best budget steam generator: 6 bar, 130g/min and Smart Calc Clean descaling. It sits in the cheapest price tier and still gives far more steam than a normal iron.
How many bar should a steam generator have?
Around 6 bar is fine for occasional use. 7–7.5 bar is ideal for most families, and 8–9 bar is best for heavy cotton, linen and bedding.
Can I use tap water in a steam generator?
Most are designed for tap water, but limescale builds up faster than in a normal iron. Use the descaling system regularly and check your manual. Some manufacturers suggest mixing in distilled water in very hard-water areas.
How often should I descale a steam generator?
Follow the reminder light if your model has one. As a rule of thumb, every 1–2 months in hard-water areas, or roughly every 10 uses. Tefal’s scale collector only takes a minute to rinse.
Do steam generators use a lot of electricity?
They draw 2400–3100W while heating, similar to a kettle, but they iron faster, so a session is often shorter. Many models have eco modes that use 20–30% less energy.
Why is my steam generator spitting water?
Usually the temperature is set too low for steam, or limescale is blocking the system. Increase the temperature, let it heat fully, and run the descaling routine.
Should I empty my steam generator after every use?
Empty the removable tank, yes. Tefal’s manuals say to unplug the unit after each use, let it cool and empty the water tank, and Philips advises emptying its steamers after use because standing water encourages limescale and algae. The boiler itself is dealt with by the descaling routine, not after every session.
How long does a steam generator take to heat up?
Between one and two and a half minutes for the models here. Tefal quotes 2 minutes for the Pro Express Vision GV9820 and Philips quotes 2 minutes for the PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200 and the 2000 Series. Argos lists the Morphy Richards EasySteam+ at 1 minute and the Russell Hobbs Quiet SuperSteam 24470 at 2 minutes 30 seconds; Russell Hobbs and Morphy Richards do not publish the figure themselves.
Why does my new steam generator smell or leave white bits on first use?
Both are normal on the first run. Tefal’s manuals say the first use may give off some fumes and a smell that is not harmful and disappears quickly, and Philips states that white flakes can come out of the soleplate during the very first use and will stop shortly. Steam over an old towel for a few minutes before the first garment; if the smell is burning plastic or it persists, see our guide to steam iron problems.
Can I leave a steam generator switched on between garments?
For a few minutes, yes; the base keeps pressure so you lose no time. Philips states its steam generators enter auto shut-off after 5 to 10 minutes without use, and Tefal’s manuals for several generators give about 8 minutes, after which you press the on/off button or the trigger to restart. Philips also says never to leave the appliance unattended while it is plugged in.
Can I steam curtains and sofas with a steam generator?
Yes, if the model supports vertical steam. Tefal lists vertical steaming for the Pro Express Vision and Pro Express Protect, and Braun says the CareStyle 7 Pro makes vertical steaming of curtains and hanging clothes easy. Hold the soleplate a few centimetres off the fabric and keep moving, check the care label on upholstery first, and never aim steam at anyone; a handheld steamer is lighter to hold up for long.
How much does a steam generator cost to run?
The models here are rated between 2400W (Russell Hobbs and Philips 2000 Series) and 3120W (Philips PerfectCare 7000 and 8000). At the Ofgem price cap electricity rate for October to December 2026, 26.32p per kWh, that is about 63p to 82p an hour if the element ran flat out; in practice it cycles once the boiler is up to pressure, so a real hour costs less. See our guide to the cost of running an iron in the UK.
Related guides
- How to iron bedding
- Steam iron not working? 10 common faults
- Bosch steam generators: still sold? Best alternatives
- How to clean a steam generator iron
- Best Tefal steam generator irons
- Best Philips steam generator irons
- Best Morphy Richards steam generators
- Best Russell Hobbs steam generators
- Steam generator vs steam iron
- Best ironing board for a steam generator
- Best steam irons UK
- Best ironing boards (including steam generator rests)
Sources: Mumsnet's best steam generator irons (July 2026); Expert Reviews' best steam generator irons; Which? steam iron buying advice; manufacturer specifications from Tefal, Philips, Morphy Richards, Russell Hobbs and Braun; owner reviews at Amazon UK, John Lewis and brand stores; Philips UK product pages for the PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200/80 and PSG8300/80, PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300/20 and 2000 Series PSG2000/20 (home-appliances.philips/gb/en); Tefal UK product pages for the Pro Express Vision GV9820, Pro Express Protect GV9230 and Express Airglide SV8022 (tefal.co.uk); Russell Hobbs UK product pages for the Quiet SuperSteam 24470 and Steam Power 24420 (uk.russellhobbs.com); Braun UK product page for the CareStyle 7 Pro IS7282BL (braunhousehold.com/en-gb); Argos and Currys listings for the Morphy Richards 333030, Russell Hobbs 24470 and 24420 and Tefal SV8022 (heat-up and auto shut-off where the maker does not publish them); Philips support: white flakes on first use (XC000006966) and auto shut-off on steam generators (XC000013184); Tefal steam generator user manuals (first-use fumes, auto-off and emptying after use); Ofgem: Changes to energy price cap between 1 October and 31 December 2026. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.
