Last updated:
As an Amazon Associate, IronsExpert earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects which products we recommend. How we research.
Quick answer: the best Philips steam generator for most people is the PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300. It has 8.5 bar, OptimalTEMP (one safe temperature for all fabrics) and motion-sensor automatic steam. The PerfectCare 8000 is the premium choice, and the 2000 Series PSG2000 is the budget one.
- Pressure: 8.5 bar
- Continuous steam: 170g/min
- Boost: 650g
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: –
- Boost: 750g
- Pressure: 8 bar
- Continuous steam: 130g/min
- Boost: 600g
Philips’ big advantage is OptimalTEMP: there is no temperature dial, and Philips guarantees that the soleplate won’t burn any ironable fabric. The 7000 and 8000 Series add a motion sensor that releases steam when you move the iron and stops when you pause. Model numbers can be confusing, so here is the current UK line-up in order: 2000 and 3000 Series (entry level, no OptimalTEMP), PerfectCare 6000 (OptimalTEMP), PerfectCare 7000 (OptimalTEMP and auto steam) and PerfectCare 8000 (flagship). The PerfectCare Compact (GC7840/GC7842) is a small-space option that Mumsnet rated highly in 2026.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best Philips overall Philips PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300 (£££). Check price
- Best premium Philips Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200 (££££). Check price
- Best mid-range Philips Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6066 (£££). Check price
- Best budget Philips Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 (£). Check price
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.
Comparison table
| Model | Pressure | Continuous steam | Boost | Tank | No-settings tech | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300 | 8.5 bar | 170g/min | 650g | 1.5L | OptimalTEMP + motion sensor | £££ |
| Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200 | 9 bar | – | 750g | 1.4L | OptimalTEMP + automatic steam | ££££ |
| Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6066 | 8 bar | 130g/min | 600g | 1.8L | OptimalTEMP | £££ |
| Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 | 6 bar | 130g/min | 300g | – | No | £ |
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 Philips overall
Philips PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300
- Pressure: 8.5 bar
- Continuous steam: 170g/min
- Boost: 650g
- Tank: 1.5L
The sweet spot in the Philips range: OptimalTEMP plus automatic steam.
Full review, pros and cons in our best steam generator irons guide
Best premium Philips
Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: –
- Boost: 750g
- Tank: 1.4L
The flagship. Worth it only if you iron most days.
Full review, pros and cons in our best steam generator irons guide
Best mid-range Philips
Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6066
- Pressure: 8 bar
- Continuous steam: 130g/min
- Boost: 600g
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: OptimalTEMP
- Soleplate: SteamGlide Advanced
- Total weight: 3.2kg
The 6000 gives you OptimalTEMP and 8 bar in a noticeably more compact body than the 7000 and 8000, with a large 1.8L tank. It doesn’t have motion-sensor steam, so you press the trigger. It is rated 4.5/5 by more than 260 John Lewis customers.
- OptimalTEMP no-burn guarantee
- Compact for 8 bar
- Large 1.8L tank
- Less continuous steam than the 7000/8000
- Heavier iron than the 8000
Our verdict: Buyers who want OptimalTEMP without flagship prices.
Best budget Philips
Philips 2000 Series PSG2000
- Pressure: 6 bar
- Continuous steam: 130g/min
- Boost: 300g
- Tank: –
Philips' cheapest generator. No OptimalTEMP, but 6 bar and a light build.
Full review, pros and cons in our best steam generator irons guide
Is OptimalTEMP worth paying for?
For most households, yes. It removes the two biggest ironing frustrations: waiting for the iron to cool before switching to delicates, and accidentally scorching synthetics. If you mostly iron cotton shirts and bedding and are happy to use a dial, the cheaper 2000 Series works fine.
Frequently asked questions
Which Philips steam generator is best?
The PerfectCare 7000 PSG7300 for most people. The PerfectCare 8000 is best for heavy daily ironing, and the 2000 Series PSG2000 is best on a budget.
What is Philips OptimalTEMP?
OptimalTEMP combines a fixed, safe soleplate temperature with the right amount of steam, so you can iron every ironable fabric, from silk to denim, without changing settings. Philips guarantees no burns.
How do I descale a Philips steam generator?
When the Easy De-Calc light flashes, let the base cool, hold it over a sink, unscrew the Easy De-Calc knob and let the water and scale drain out. Check your manual for your model.
What is the difference between Philips PSG and GC steam generators?
PSG models are the current PerfectCare and 2000/3000 Series line-up. GC models, such as the GC9690 and GC7833, are older ranges and most are no longer sold new.
Related guides
- Best ironing board for a steam generator
- How to clean a steam generator
- Best steam generator irons (all brands)
- Best Tefal steam generator irons
- Best Philips steam irons
- Tefal vs Philips
How we chose: we compared manufacturer specifications, independent UK reviews and verified owner feedback, and checked every product was on sale in the UK when we last updated this guide. Sources include Philips UK product specifications; Mumsnet’s best steam generator irons (2026); Which? steam iron advice; owner reviews at John Lewis, Philips UK and Amazon UK. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.