Best Mid-Range Steam Generator Irons UK

Samuel J Tan Home & Kitchen, Irons, Kitchen 0

We take a look at the advantages of steam generator irons vs. ordinary steam irons and some of the best mid-range steam generator irons.

If you are new to steam generator irons and are considering one, here is what you need to know. The steam generator iron is more powerful than the standard steam iron in that the steam is generated in a separate boiler unit and pumped through the iron’s soleplate and into your clothes. Typical self contained steam iron has a small water reservoir and water is piped through and heated on the soleplate. Steam generator irons offers extra pressurised steam. This is pumped continuously through the fabric and could easily half the time you need to finish the same job.

When considering steam generator irons, look for the pressure, measured in bars and steam output, measured in grams per minutes.

The higher the pressure and more output steam translate to better ironing result.

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What are the benefits of a Steam Generator Irons

So why are steam generator irons better than standard conventional steam irons? Well, it better be given the price premium one has to pay for a steam generator iron. We are here to say that it does not disappoint. Technicalities aside, here are your reasons for picking a steam generator iron over regular ones.

Steam generator irons are faster at getting the job done with more steam power to flatten and smooth out those creases quickly and easily.
If you have loads of ironing to do, this will cut down the time you need considerably. Typically half the time you would need compared to regular steam irons.
Steam-on-demand, if you need more steam for your ironing, simple press the steam release button.
More control over the amount of steam
You will need less effort for the task at hand, steam generator iron makes for lighter work and ease of use

So there you are, if you take ironing seriously and want only the best in the market, steam generator irons are the way to do it.

12 Best Mid-Range Steam Generator Irons

Steam generator irons can be expensive but fortunately for the free market and open competition, more and more manufacturers are offering mid-range product to cater to the average consumers. We take a look at some of the best mid-range steam generator irons that is a favourite among consumers.

Here are the steam generator irons in our picks and a quick comparison table to start you off:

Steam Iron Generator	Pressure	Steam Output	Steam Boost	Water Tank	Ironing Time	Auto Off
1. Tefal Gv8461 Pro Express Autoclean	5 Bar	120 g/min	260 g/min	1.8 L	3 hrs	8 mins
2. Morphy Richards 332001 Power Steam Elite with Auto Clean	5 Bar	170 g/min	–	2.2 L	NA	10 mins
3. Morphy Richards 332000 Power Steam Elite with Auto Clean	6.5 Bar	170 g/min	300 g/min	2.2 L	NA	10 mins
4. Morphy Richards 42244 Jet	–	100 g/min	–	1 L	NA	NA
5. Philips GC9222/02 PerfectCare Expert	5.5 Bar	120 g/min	300 g/min	1.5 L	2.5 hrs	10 mins
6. Bosch TDS3521GB Steam Generator Iron	5.2 Bar	120 g/min	–	1.4 L	NA	NA
7. Tefal GV8976 Pro Express Total X-pert	6.5 Bar	120 g/min	450 g/min	1.8 L	2 hrs	8 mins
8. Philips GC8650/80 PerfectCare Aqua Silence	6.2 Bar	120 g/min	340 g/min	2.5 L	3.5 hrs	10 mins
9. Philips GC8616/30 PerfectCare Aqua	5 Bar	120 g/min	240 g/min	2.5 L	3.5 hrs	10 mins
10. Tefal GV8931 Pro Express Total Auto	6.5 Bar	120 g/min	400 g/min	1.6 L	NA	8 mins
11. Morphy Richards Power Steam Elite 42223 Pressurised	4.5 Bar	180 g/min	–	2 L	NA	10 mins
12. Philips GC7619/20 PerfectCare Pure	5 Bar	120 g/min	200 g/min	1.5 L	NA	NA

1. Tefal Gv8461 Pro Express Autoclean Steam Generator

Power: 6 bar pressure
Steam output: 260 gram/min Turbo Steam, 120 gram/min continuous steam
Water tank: 1.8L
Long-lasting preformance with Tefal’s anti-scale collector and Autoclean sole plate
Temperature settings for cotton, linen and synthetics
Easy storage with lock system, steam and electric cord auto rewind compartments
Eco settings for 20% energy saving and auto off function (8 mins)

2. Morphy Richards 332001 Power Steam Elite Steam Generator Iron with Auto Clean

The auto clean feature reduces limescale build up to maintain performance and extend the lifetime of the steam generator. When the descale light illuminates, the auto clean process takes place when you switch on after the alert. It takes only 2.5 minutes to heat up. It will then draw water from the water tank to flush the boiler, emptying dirty water and limescale into the dirty water chamber that you can simply remove and emptry.

Power: 5 bar on demand
Steam Output: 170 grams/mins tackles stubborn creases with ease – HIGH STEAM OUTPUT
Water tank: Large 2.2 L water capacity – re-fill less often – BIG TANK CAPACITY
Auto clean feature, automatically descales to keep your steam generator
Iron locks to base for easy, safe carrying. Auto shut off after 10 minutes of not pressing the steam trigger.
Ceramic soleplate for superior performance and a static free finish

3. Morphy Richards 332000 Power Steam Elite Steam Generator Iron with Auto Clean

Power: 6.5 bar steam on demand – HIGHEST PRESSURE
Steam output: 170 g with powerful steam boost (300 g) an extra boost of steam to help tackle stubborn creases – HIGH STEAM OUTPUT
Water tank: Large 2.2 L water capacity for added convenience – BIG TANK CAPACITY
Auto clean feature, protects your product from limescale and damage
Iron locks to base for easy, safe carrying. Auto shut off after 10 minutes of not pressing the steam trigger
Ceramic soleplate for durability and easy glide

Auto clean process is similar to the Morphy Richards 332001 above.

4. Morphy Richards 42244 Jet Steam Generator Iron – BUDGET

It’s one of the more affordable steam generator iron out there mainly because it does not have a pressurised steam generator and only has one setting. There is no auto shut, no steam surge with trigger, no cord storage but does come with a 1L water tank, diamond soleplate and 100 gram steam output, enough to cut down on ironing time, smoothing out those creases. For those living in hard water areas, there is a removable anti-scale cartridge to stop limescale build up from affecting the irons performance. If you want a really basic steam generator iron, Morphy Richards 42244 is for you.

Power: non-pressuried with only 1 setting.
Steam Output: 100 gram, 2200 W
Water tank: 1L capacity detachable water tank
Diamond soleplate for glide-ability and durability
Removable anti scale cartridges

5. Philips GC9222/02 PerfectCare Expert Steam Generator Iron

Here is an iron that you can use without worrying about burning the fabric or leaving it face down on the iron board for too long. The Philips GC9222 maintains one perfect temperature for silk, linen, cotton or cashmere without fiddling with temperature settings. The powerful team generator produces pressurised steam of up to 5.5 bar at an output of 120g. And if that is not enough, use the steam boost function to pump out an powerful 300g pressure to attack those deep creases. You can even use it as a vertical steamer for curtains and hanging clothes. There is an onboard De-Calc reminder that notifies you of the need to De-calc every 10 hours and it will only take under a minute to clean it. The water tank has a capacity of 1.5 liters enough to keep you ironing for up to 2.5 hours. When you are ready to put it away, it even comes with two cord storage compartments for easy storage.

Power: 5.5 bar ready to use in 2 minutes
Steam output: 120g per minute with 300 g Pressurised Steam Boost
Water tank: 1.5L detachable water tank for up to 2.5 hours of ironing
Easy De-Calc function to get rid of limescale and extend the lifetime of the iron
SteamGlide soleplate with OptimalTEMP technology to ensure that fabric does not get burned

6. Bosch TDS3521GB Steam Generator Iron

Spotting an industrial look, the Bosch boast a high 5.2 bar stream pressure. You get three different steam intensity settings for up to 120 grams of steam per minute output. A few features that makes the Bosch stands out are the PermanentRefill, PalladiumGlissee and AdvancedSteam function. Not just a bunch of words stuck together, the PermanentRefill feature lets you top up the steam station without turning off the iron for non-stop ironing. The soleplate has a three phase design; moistening, drying and smoothing for optimal distribution of steam and maximum gliding. Finally, the AdvancedSteam system offers optimal and powerful steam output rate through interaction of steam channels, outlets and guides.

Powerful 5.2 bar steam pressure, 2400W with 2 minutes heat up time
Steam Output: Deep steam through three intensive steam shots of up to 120 g/min
Water tank: 1.4 L
AdvancedSteam System: improved steam distribution thanks to optimised design and steam outlet openings.
Palladium-glissée ceramic soleplate for better glideability
Calc’n clean feature: anti-scale opening for easy maintenance

7. Tefal GV8976 Pro Express Total X-pert High Pressure Steam Generator

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Tefal’s Pro Express Total X-pert GV8976 Steam Generator is top of the range steam generator iron from Tefal. It comes with performance and innovative features designed to cut ironing time and ensure maximum precision for impeccable ironing. Tefal introduces Smart Technology, a steam generator technology designed to save time and remove the hassle from ironing while still providing the excellent results expected of a Tefal steam generator. With one-touch settings and clever technology, Tefal have ensured that the Smart Technology range will provide the optimal balance of steam and heat, essential for achieving a crisp, crease free finish across all ironable fabrics, from delicate silk to stubborn denim.

Power: Steam to Cut Your Ironing Time 6.5 bars of pressure, 2400W – HIGHEST PRESSURE
Steam Output: 450g/min shot of steam, 120 g/min continuous steam – HIGHEST STEAM BOOST
Water Tank: 1.8L for up to 2 hours of ironing
Five pre-set settings: Synthetic, Silk, Wool, Cotton, Linen
Smart Technology provides the optimal combination of steam and heat for superb results
Long-lasting glide with Tefal’s Glide Protect Auto clean ceramic soleplate
Ultra long-lasting steam performance thanks to Tefal’s Unique Anti-Calc limescale collector

8. Philips GC8650/80 PerfectCare Aqua Silence Steam Generator Iron

The Philips GC8650 has a clean and minimalist look. Much like the Philips GC8616 also featured below, the GC8650 offers a powerful 6.2 bar pressurised steam with. Like other Philips steam iron generators, it comes with OptimalTEMP so you don’t have to worry about burning your fabric or setting the right temperature for different fabrics. There is only one setting with the ideal combination of steam and temperature to tackle all the different material. The biggest plus if the GC8650 is in the size of its water tank, big enough for up to 2.5L of water, it will take you over 3.5 hours before you need to refill. And if you run low, you can refill anytime with the refill cup.

Powerful pressurised Silent Steam Generator – 6.2 bars – HIGH PRESSURE
Steam Output: 120 g /min continuous steam and up to 340 g steam boost for deep crease removal with minimal noise
Water Tank: 2.5 L water tank – Over 3 1/2 hours of ironing – BIGGEST TANK CAPACITY
OptimalTEMP technology – one setting at 130 degrees for the ideal combination of steam and temperature
T-IonicGlide soleplate – superior glide and up to 25% more active steam holes for effortless ironing
Easy De-Calc system for hassle free scale removal. Safety auto shut off if not used for 10 minutes.
Convenient carry lock for safe transportation with cable storage.

9. Philips GC8616/30 PerfectCare Aqua Steam Generator Iron

A lower and cheaper model with all the features of the GC8650 but with a lower pressure level and steam boost output. Instead of 6.2 bar, it has a maximum pressure of 5 bar with steam boost output at 240 grams per minute. While these numbers are lower than the more expensive GC8650, but the GC8616 is your on par with the average steam generator iron in our list. Plus, you get to take advantage of the hassle free, OptimalTEMP technology by Philips with constant 130 degree temperature and steam for any fabric without worrying about burning your garments and ironing board or setting the right temperature.

Power: 5 Bar pressurised steam can be used vertically, 2400Watt, 2 minutes to heat up, Eco-mode for 20% reduced energy consumption.
Steam Output: Powerful Pressurised Steam Generator produces five bars of steam pressure, 120 g per minute of continuous steam and powerful 240 g steam boost
Water Tank: 2.5 Litre with enough water for up to 3.5 hours of ironing – BIGGEST TANK CAPACITY
OptimalTEMP technology – no settings required, the ideal combination of steam and temperature for all ironable fabrics
T-IonicGlide soleplate – the enhanced soleplate design delivering a standard in glide and scratch resistance with 25% better glide
Easy de-scale and reminder takes less than 1 minute every 10 hours of use for longer steam performance and lifetime
Confenient cord storagee.

ALSO: Philips GC9231/01 PrefectCare Expert Steam Generator Iron with 6 Bar pressure and Steam Boost to 310 grams per min.

10. Tefal GV8931 Pro Express Total Auto Steam Generator

Three settings for delicate, normal or jeans, the Tefal steam generator steam dial regulates the amount of steam for different garments. It has a built-in lime scale collector to ensure lasting performance. With Durilium Autoclean Technology, the soleplate surface is kept free from leftover detergent residue, for super-smooth ironing on all fabrics. The anti-calc collector prevents limescale build-up and stops blockages in the steam chamber, so your iron will always work at its best. It also has a 1.6 litre water tank, so you won’t have to refill as often.

Powerful Steam to Cut Your Ironing Time: 6.5 bars of pressure, 2400 W – HIGHEST PRESSURE
Steam Output: up to 400g/min shot of steam, standard rate of 120g/min output – HIGH STEAM BOOST
Water tank capacity: 1.6 Litre
Three pre-set settings: Normal, Delicate and Jeans
Smart Technology provides the optimal combination of steam and heat for superb results
Long-lasting glide with Tefal’s Glide Protect Auto clean soleplate
Ultra long-lasting steam performance thanks to Tefal’s Unique Anti-Calc limescale collector

11. Morphy Richards Power Steam Elite 42223 Pressurised Steam Generator

The bigger 2 Liter capacity Morphy Richards Steam Elite 42223 in Plum and black offers a constant steam output of 180 grams per minute. With pressure up to 4.5 Bar, there is sufficient steam power for vertical steam. The iron features three steam settings as well as a 180 g steam output, ideal for tackling even the toughest of creases. It has a durable ceramic soleplate glides over fabrics for an ideally smooth result. This steam generator iron also has a fail-safe mechanism which will switch the unit off automatically if it hasn’t been used for a period.

Power 4.5 bar sufficient for vertical ironing
Steam output: 180 grams/min – HIGHEST CONTINUOUS STEAM
Three settings
Water tank capacity: 2 Liter removable tank
Easy clean limescale management for lasting performance
Auto off with 10 minutes of not depressing the steam trigger

12. Philips GC7619/20 PerfectCare Pure Steam Generator Iron – COMPACT

If you don’t like the size of steam generator iron, here is a petit version from Philips. Offering up to 200 grams steam boost, steam generate pumps out 5 bar of pressurised steam, enough even for the toughest creases. You only set back is the size of the tank. It’s roughly 40% smaller and lighter than the standard steam generator iron so very to setup, use and put away in storage. The best part is, it comes with Philips OptimalTemp technology, so you need not worry about getting your garments or ironing board burnt or setting the right temperature for different fabrics. There is only one setting, one temperature, designed to be optimal for all fabrics.

Powerful Pressurised Steam Generator – 5 bars with 2400W heating power
Steam output: continuous 120 gram per minute with 200 g steam boost for deep creases
Water tank capacity: 1.5 Liter
OptimalTEMP Technology – one setting for the optimal combination of steam and temperature, no burns guaranteed
Compact size – 40% smaller and lighter than other steam generator irons for easy storage
T-IonicGlide soleplate – glide and 25% more active steam holes for effortless ironing
Anti-scale filtration cartridges remove 99% of scale from tap water for five times longer life vs. previous steam generators

In case you need a quick comparison, here is the specification table again.

Steam Iron Generator	Pressure	Steam Output	Steam Boost	Water Tank	Ironing Time	Auto Off
1. Tefal Gv8461 Pro Express Autoclean	5 Bar	120 g/min	260 g/min	1.8 L	3 hours	8 mins
2. Morphy Richards 332001 Power Steam Elite with Auto Clean	5 Bar	170 g/min	–	2.2 L	NA	10 mins
3. Morphy Richards 332000 Power Steam Elite with Auto Clean	6.5 Bar	170 g/min	300 g/min	2.2 L	NA	10 mins
4. Morphy Richards 42244 Jet	–	100 g/min	–	1 L	NA	NA
5. Philips GC9222/02 PerfectCare Expert	5.5 Bar	120 g/min	300 g/min	1.5 L	2.5 hours	10 mins
6. Bosch TDS3521GB Steam Generator Iron	5.2 Bar	120 g/min	–	1.4 L	NA	NA
7. Tefal GV8976 Pro Express Total X-pert	6.5 Bar	120 g/min	450 g/min	1.8 L	2 hours	8 mins
8. Philips GC8650/80 PerfectCare Aqua Silence	6.2 Bar	120 g/min	340 g/min	2.5 L	3.5 hours	10 mins
9. Philips GC8616/30 PerfectCare Aqua	5 Bar	120 g/min	240 g/min	2.5 L	3.5 hours	10 mins
10. Tefal GV8931 Pro Express Total Auto	6.5 Bar	120 g/min	400 g/min	1.6 L	NA	8 mins
11. Morphy Richards Power Steam Elite 42223 Pressurised	4.5 Bar	180 g/min	–	2 L	NA	10 mins
12. Philips GC7619/20 PerfectCare Pure	5 Bar	120 g/min	200 g/min	1.5 L	NA	NA