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Quick answer: the best Philips steam iron is the Azur 8000 DST8050. It has 85g/min of continuous steam, a 260g shot and OptimalTEMP, so one setting safely irons every fabric. It was Mumsnet’s best premium steam iron in 2026. For value, the Azur 7000 DST7040 gives you a 250g shot for much less.
- Power: 3000W
- Continuous steam: 85g/min
- Steam shot: 260g/min
- Power: 3000W
- Continuous steam: 55g/min
- Steam shot: 240g/min
- Power: 2800W
- Continuous steam: 50g/min
- Steam shot: 250g/min
Philips irons are sorted into numbered series: the higher the number, the more steam and features. The Azur 7000 and 8000 are the premium ranges. The DST8050 and DST8020 use OptimalTEMP, a single safe temperature with a no-burns guarantee. All mid and premium models use Philips’ SteamGlide soleplates, which are very scratch resistant.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best Philips overall Philips Azur 8000 DST8050 (£££). Check price
- Best OptimalTEMP value Philips Azur 8000 DST8020 (££). Check price
- Best value Philips Philips Azur 7000 DST7040 (££). Check price
- Best lightweight Philips Philips 3000 Series DST3040 (£). Check price
- Cheapest Philips Philips 2000 Series DST2020 (£). 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 | Power | Continuous steam | Steam shot | Tank | Weight | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Azur 8000 DST8050 | 3000W | 85g/min | 260g/min | 350ml | 1.77kg | £££ |
| Philips Azur 8000 DST8020 | 3000W | 55g/min | 240g/min | 300ml | 1.66kg | ££ |
| Philips Azur 7000 DST7040 | 2800W | 50g/min | 250g/min | – | – | ££ |
| Philips 3000 Series DST3040 | 2600W | 40g/min | 200g/min | 300ml | 1.2kg | £ |
| Philips 2000 Series DST2020 | 2000W | 25g/min | 110g/min | 250ml | – | £ |
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 Azur 8000 DST8050
- Power: 3000W
- Continuous steam: 85g/min
- Steam shot: 260g/min
- Tank: 350ml
The best Philips iron, and one of the best irons of any brand.
Best OptimalTEMP value
Philips Azur 8000 DST8020
- Power: 3000W
- Continuous steam: 55g/min
- Steam shot: 240g/min
- Tank: 300ml
- Weight: 1.66kg
- Soleplate: SteamGlide Elite
- No-settings tech: OptimalTEMP
The DST8020 is the cheaper way to get OptimalTEMP. It has less continuous steam than the DST8050, but the same no-burns promise, the same premium soleplate and a strong 240g shot.
- OptimalTEMP, no burns
- Premium soleplate
- Strong shot
- Much less continuous steam than the DST8050
- Owner ratings slightly lower
Our verdict: Mixed fabrics on a mid-range budget.
Best value Philips
Philips Azur 7000 DST7040
- Power: 2800W
- Continuous steam: 50g/min
- Steam shot: 250g/min
- Tank: –
- Weight: –
- Soleplate: SteamGlide Elite
- Auto shut-off: Yes
A 250g shot and the SteamGlide Elite soleplate at a mid-range price. It has no OptimalTEMP, so you set the dial, but it is well rated by owners (4.3/5 at John Lewis).
- Big steam shot for the money
- Premium soleplate
- Vertical steam
- No OptimalTEMP
Our verdict: Everyday family ironing.
Best lightweight Philips
Philips 3000 Series DST3040
- Power: 2600W
- Continuous steam: 40g/min
- Steam shot: 200g/min
- Tank: 300ml
- Weight: 1.2kg
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Cord: 1.9m
Light at 1.2kg, ready in about 35 seconds and with a respectable 200g shot, the 3000 Series is a good budget Philips.
- Light
- Quick heat-up
- Good shot for the price
- Only 40g/min continuous steam
- Short cord
Our verdict: Small households and lighter loads.
Cheapest Philips
Philips 2000 Series DST2020
- Power: 2000W
- Continuous steam: 25g/min
- Steam shot: 110g/min
- Tank: 250ml
- Weight: –
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Heat-up: About 30s
A simple, cheap iron from a big brand that heats in about 30 seconds. Fine for a few shirts, but not for bedding or linen.
- Very cheap
- Fast heat-up
- Well rated by owners
- Low steam output
Our verdict: Students and occasional use.
Frequently asked questions
Which Philips steam iron is best?
The Azur 8000 DST8050 has the most steam and OptimalTEMP. The Azur 7000 DST7040 is the best value, and the 3000 Series DST3040 is the best budget option.
What does OptimalTEMP mean on a Philips iron?
It is a single, fixed soleplate temperature combined with the right steam level, so you can iron any ironable fabric without changing settings. Philips guarantees it won’t burn.
How do I descale a Philips steam iron?
Most use Quick Calc Release or Calc-Clean. With the iron cool and unplugged, remove the calc-release cap over a sink, shake out the water and scale, then refit it. Check your manual for your model.
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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 specifications; Mumsnet’s best steam irons (2026); owner reviews at John Lewis and Amazon UK. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.