Buying guide: how to choose your steam generator iron

A steam generator iron differs from a standard iron through its power and autonomy. Steam performance determines effectiveness on stubborn creases and thick fabrics, while tank capacity affects ironing duration without refilling. Your choice depends on your laundry volume and result expectations.

What to check

Steam boost power Steam boost performance measures the amount of steam released in grams per minute during a single burst. This function tackles resistant creases and thick fabrics like denim or linen. Recent market data shows values ranging from two hundred and fifty grams per minute for less powerful models to seven hundred and fifty grams per minute for the most effective ones, with a median at five hundred grams per minute. The higher this score on Kalyneo, the more effectively the steam burst will eliminate stubborn creases in a single pass. Market median: 500 g/min

Maximum steam pressure Maximum pressure is expressed in bar and determines how forcefully steam penetrates textile fibres. Higher pressure improves deep ironing effectiveness and reduces working time. Data from thirty recent product sheets shows values from six bar for entry-level models to nine bar for the most powerful, with the median at seven point three five bar. This pressure directly influences steam output and the ability to vertically steam hanging garments without removing them from hangers. Market median: 7.4 bar

Continuous steam output Continuous steam performance indicates the amount of steam produced constantly during normal ironing, measured in grams per minute. This criterion determines everyday effectiveness on standard fabrics like cotton or synthetic blends. Observed values range from sixty grams per minute for less generous appliances to two hundred and fifteen grams per minute for the most efficient, with a median at one hundred and forty grams per minute. High continuous output allows faster ironing with less effort, without having to pass over the same spot repeatedly. Market median: 140 g/min

Water tank capacity Tank capacity determines ironing autonomy before refilling. It is expressed in litres and varies from zero point seven litres for the most compact tanks to two litres for the most generous, with the median at one point five litres. A large capacity tank suits households that iron large quantities of laundry in a single session. Models with removable tanks make refilling easier without interrupting ongoing ironing when the appliance is still hot. Market median: 1.5 L

Heat-up time and preparation Unlike a traditional iron, a steam generator requires heat-up time to pressurise the boiler before first use. This delay varies between models but generally remains under a few minutes. Some appliances signal through a light indicator or sound when temperature and pressure are reached. Check that the power cable and steam hose offer sufficient length for your ironing board, and that the base unit size matches the available space beside your ironing surface.

Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 14 October 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under €150

Entry-level steam generators offer pressure around six bar and boost output near two hundred and fifty grams per minute, sufficient for occasional use on small laundry quantities with modest capacity tanks.

€150 to €300

Mid-range models reach market median with pressure of seven to eight bar, boost output around five hundred grams per minute and continuous output of one hundred and forty grams per minute, suited to regular use for medium-sized households.

Over €300

Premium steam generators deliver up to nine bar pressure and seven hundred and fifty grams per minute in boost mode, with two-litre tanks to handle large laundry quantities without interruption or effort.

Frequent mistakes

Choosing solely by price without checking steam outputs, when these performances directly determine the time and effort required for ironing.

Neglecting tank capacity if you iron large laundry quantities, which will force you to interrupt your session frequently for refilling.

Confusing continuous steam output with boost output: the former serves daily use, the latter only intervenes occasionally on resistant creases.

Underestimating the base unit size and steam hose length relative to your ironing space.

Forgetting that pressure and output are complementary: high pressure without sufficient output does not guarantee effective ironing.

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Choose by use

Guide written from measurements collected on the market and from our price records. No merchant is involved in its content.