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 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 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 Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420 gives you steam-generator speed for around the price of a good steam iron.
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: 180g/min
- Boost: 750g
- Pressure: 8.5 bar
- Continuous steam: 170g/min
- Boost: 650g
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: –
- 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 Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420 (£). Check price
- Best budget big brand 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tefal Pro Express Vision GV9820 | 9 bar | 180g/min | 750g | 1.2L | Smart mode | £££ |
| 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 | ££££ |
| Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230 | 7.5 bar | 140g/min | 560g | 1.8L | One preset for all fabrics | £££ |
| Tefal Express Airglide SV8022 | 7.2 bar | 125g/min | 460g | 1.8L | Preset for all fabrics | ££ |
| Russell Hobbs Quiet SuperSteam 24470 | 7 bar | 200g/min | 350g | 1.8L | No | ££ |
| Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420 | 4.5 bar | 90g/min | 110g | 1.3L | No | £ |
| Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 | 6 bar | 130g/min | 300g | – | No | £ |
| Morphy Richards EasySteam+ 333030 | 6 bar | 120g/min | 200g | 1.8L | No | ££ |
| Braun CareStyle 7 Pro IS7282 | 8 bar | 140g/min | 500g | 2.0L | iCareMode | £££ |
Manufacturer figures. 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
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: 180g/min
- Boost: 750g
- Tank: 1.2L
- No-settings tech: Smart mode
- Soleplate: Durilium AirGlide
- Descaling: Removable scale collector
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.
- 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
- 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
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
Our verdict: Mixed family laundry and anyone who wants ironing to be as foolproof as possible.
Best premium
Philips PerfectCare 8000 PSG8200
- Pressure: 9 bar
- Continuous steam: –
- Boost: 750g
- Tank: 1.4L
- No-settings tech: OptimalTEMP + automatic steam
- Soleplate: SteamGlide Elite
- Descaling: Easy De-Calc
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. 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
- Pressure: 7.5 bar
- Continuous steam: 140g/min
- Boost: 560g
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: One preset for all fabrics
- Soleplate: Durilium AirGlide AutoClean
- Descaling: Removable scale collector
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
- Pressure: 7.2 bar
- Continuous steam: 125g/min
- Boost: 460g
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: Preset for all fabrics
- Soleplate: Durilium AirGlide
- Descaling: Flush drain system
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
- Pressure: 7 bar
- Continuous steam: 200g/min
- Boost: 350g
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: No
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Descaling: Anti-calc
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
Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420
- Pressure: 4.5 bar
- Continuous steam: 90g/min
- Boost: 110g
- Tank: 1.3L
- No-settings tech: No
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Descaling: Anti-calc
The Steam Power heats up in around a minute and gives you nearly double the steam of a good steam iron for very little extra. Mumsnet named it one of the best budget steam generators in 2026, and Expert Reviews rated it best for hard water. The iron is very light, so it is easy on the wrist.
- Very affordable
- Fast one-minute heat-up
- Very light iron
- Removable tank
- Much less pressure than premium models
- Stainless soleplate not as slick as ceramic
Our verdict: Anyone upgrading from a steam iron on a budget.
Best budget big brand
Philips 2000 Series PSG2000
- Pressure: 6 bar
- Continuous steam: 130g/min
- Boost: 300g
- Tank: –
- No-settings tech: No
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Descaling: –
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
- Pressure: 6 bar
- Continuous steam: 120g/min
- Boost: 200g
- Tank: 1.8L
- No-settings tech: No
- Soleplate: Ceramic, precision tip
- Descaling: Self-clean
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
- Pressure: 8 bar
- Continuous steam: 140g/min
- Boost: 500g
- Tank: 2.0L
- No-settings tech: iCareMode
- Soleplate: FreeGlide 3D
- Descaling: FastClean
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.
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.
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 Russell Hobbs Steam Power 24420 is the best cheap steam generator, and the Philips 2000 Series PSG2000 is the best budget model from a premium brand. Both sit in the cheapest price tier and still give 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.
Related guides
- 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)
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 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. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.