If it’s within your budget and your ironing pile is mountainous, this high-end Bosch steam generator is the one to beat. Read the full review All of our irons are reviewed and tested under the same conditions, so we can compare each model and tell you which ones are the best. Steam is initially impressive for such a small steam generator, but it does trail off after a while. It’s sufficient to do the job, though, and the iron glides well over a variety of fabrics. A great option if you want a steam generator iron but can’t accommodate the larger models. Read the full review

The 400g/min steam shot offers an extra powerful steam boost, but it’s rarely needed – even its eco mode is sufficient for most ironing jobs. Such models are usually more expensive as a result – and they’re bulkier, too – but if your kids go through school shirts like there’s no tomorrow, you may well find it worth the extra outlay. Once you’ve decided what type of iron to go for, you can then start thinking about the specifics. What else should I look for? The Bosch TDA7060GB is a powerful steam iron, with some clever features that set it apart from the competition. If you don’t have the space, or the need, for a steam generator iron, this is the iron to consider. Build quality feels very good and the design is superb, with the usual controls just where you’d want them. The Tefal Effectis GV6760 is a compact steam generator iron. It doesn’t offer the most powerful steam in its class, but considering it’s a lot smaller than its competition, the performance impresses.It isn’t the most beautiful of irons, and its price tag still leans towards the pricey – but in terms of pure ironing capability, the Bosch is a powerful workhorse and undisputedly the best steam iron we’ve tested. Read the full review If you can afford the outlay, this iron won’t disappoint. As well as looking nice, the design has been well thought out for both right- and left-handed users, and controls are well placed, with lots of options for both steam and temperature. When buying a new iron, there are two main things to consider – how much ironing you do and how much you have to spend.

Both of these features, plus 50g/min of constant steam and a powerful 200g/min steam shot, make the Bosch a very impressive performer. It will iron both sides of many garments at the same time, powering through a basket of ironing in no time. Ironing performance is mediocre. It doesn’t offer as powerful a steam performance as some irons, so you’ll have to work a little harder than you would with a more powerful model. This AEG will get the job done though, and the groove above the soleplate makes easy work of ironing around buttons and under collars. Read the full review

In This Article

Steam feels more powerful than the numbers suggest – so powerful, in fact, that it can competently iron both sides of a shirt at the same time, and speeds through everyday ironing even on its eco setting. The material from which the soleplate is made is important because it will determine how smoothly your iron glides over your clothes. Ceramic is the king here, but stainless steel isn’t a bad option either – it’s just isn’t as durable. Steam-generator irons: These are smaller and come with a separate large tank for ironing without frequent interruptions and offer a medium steam output. They are suited for anyone with a considerable amount of garments to iron and people who are looking for modern products that perform well.