5 Best Steam Generator Irons in 2024 – Reviews and Buying Guide

These best steam generator irons provide continuous steam for fast and efficient ironing.
By
Daniel
Daniel
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Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 17, 2023
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If you want to hate ironing, go ahead and use a regular iron. But if you want to make this task easier, quicker, and enjoy the process, get the best steam generator iron.

We’ve looked at 13 products and selected 5 best models with the Editor’s Choice being the Rowenta DG8520 Perfect Steam. The selection was based on a few key factors. The first one is the wattage which determines how much power the iron has. The next criteria were the steam pressure and output. These two factors determine how fast iron can remove wrinkles. The water tank capacity was also considered as it affects how long you can iron without a refill. The heating time was the last factor we took into consideration as it can help you save time.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Rowenta DG8520 Perfect Steam
    "Powerful 1800W steam generator iron with a spacious water tank and an Eco setting to use 20% less heating energy"
  • "Use it as you wish – as a traditional steam iron or a vertical steam generator – it works perfectly both ways"
  • Safest Design: Rowenta DG7530
    "Nice pick for those all over the map– its 3-way smart auto-off will not let it burn your house even if you leave it turned on"
  • "This easy-to-store iron boasts of an incredibly large water tank to get you rid of constant refills"
  • Most Comfortable Design: Dupray SteamIron Steam Generator Iron
    "This model’s unusual design claims to make your ironing process pain-free – thanks to its natural cork handle and the power of 1750W"

Top 5 Steam Generator Irons Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6797 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
1
Editor’s Choice

Rowenta DG8520 Perfect Steam

Features
  • Wattage: 1800W
  • Steam pressure: 5.2 bars
  • Steam output: 80 g/min
  • Water tank capacity: 47 oz.
  • Soleplate: 400-hole stainless steel
  • Heating time: 3 min.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: comes with an Eco setting to use 20% less heating energy

The Rowenta DG8520 is our Editor’s Choice of best steam generator irons. This 1800-watt product is an eco-friendly iron and comes complete with an Eco setting. This allows you to save up to an astonishing 20% of energy each time you use this product. The steam output of the Rowenta DG8520 is 80 grams per minute, and it takes just three minutes to heat up. Featuring an extra-large visible and removable tank which can accommodate 47 oz. of water in total, it’s possible to derive around 1.5 hours of continuous ironing in one go. The Rowenta DG8520 has outstanding five bars of pressure which work to make it completely capable of handling all levels of wrinkles in many types of garments and drapes. Such maximized force also makes this an excellent choice for shaping any sewing projects. With a stainless-steel soleplate, containing 400 holes to be exact, this iron also has a 1.9-meter power cord for added convenience. Best of all, with just the touch of a trigger, customers can get through their ironing in quick time due to this model’s constant high-powered steam, making the job effortless.

Customers choose the Rowenta DG8520 for its 100% convenience alongside its 100% performance, which they feel delivers quality results with each use. Considered one of the most outstanding steam generator irons on the current market for getting even the most stubborn of wrinkles out of material, this is deemed a sound investment and certainly worth the cost.

    Why are we impressed?
  • High wattage
  • 5.2 pressure bars
  • Eco-friendly
  • Long power cord
  • Strong performance
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Warranty period could be longer
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9256 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
Features
  • Wattage: 1800W
  • Steam pressure: 3.5 bars
  • Steam output: not specified
  • Water tank capacity: 33.8 oz.
  • Soleplate: ceramic
  • Heating time: 3.5 min.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited/ lifetime boiler tank warranty

More features: vertical steam option for drapes and hanging garments

The Ariete By Delonghi of Italy Duetto 6437 is on our list predominately because of its ability to offer a double performance system. This means it can be used as not just an 1800-watt steam generator iron but, if you wish to, you can use it as a traditional steam iron whenever you feel like it! This 2-in-1 home steam ironing system is an impressive looking model with a splash of purple in its design. Complete with an ergonomic carrying handle to make it more comfortable to use, this model also has a spray function when it’s used as a steam iron. Perfect for steaming drapes and hanging garments through its unique vertical steam option, the Ariete By Delonghi reaches maximum temperature in three and a half minutes, with its independent iron ready to go in just two minutes. Getting its steam pressure from 3.5 bars and with a ceramic soleplate, this iron works at delivering consistent volumes of high steam pressure getting you that crisp, clean finish every time. With an excellent back up of a one-year limited warranty alongside a lifetime boiler tank warranty, this is a powerful and confident steam generator iron choice.

Customers choose the Ariete By Delonghi of Italy Duetto 6437 mainly because of its ability to offer complete power through its sought-after features. It is also claimed to cut ironing time in half and get fantastic results with every use. The ease of the auto refilling system also wins many votes here.

    Why are we impressed?
  • High wattage
  • Vertical steam option
  • Modern looking design
  • Great price
  • Double performance system
  • Additional warranty attached
  • Ceramic soleplate
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Slightly awkward wire connection for some
  • Not that big water tank
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8757 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.0
3
Safest Design

Rowenta DG7530

Features
  • Wattage: 1800W
  • Steam pressure: not specified
  • Steam output: 120 g/min
  • Water tank capacity: 40 oz.
  • Soleplate: 400-hole stainless steel
  • Heating time: 2 min.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: 3-way smart auto-off

The Rowenta DG7530 is picked as our safer choice of the steam generator irons as it has a built-in three-way smart auto-off. This means that should the iron be left on for a certain amount of time, it will automatically shut off to ensure there’s no possibility of any accidents arising. This 1800-watt iron has a 120 gram per minute high-pressure steam system and all at the touch of a button, deriving some of the most professional results each time. With a 40 oz. water tank capacity and a 400-hole stainless steel soleplate, this iron reaches its hottest in just two minutes! It also comes with a one-year limited warranty for extra peace of mind. The Rowenta DG7530’s precision tip allows you to reach those areas you wouldn’t have been able to achieve with a standard iron, ensuring a super smooth glide for improved ironing results. One full tank is said to last around 90 continuous minutes, meaning you do not have to fill the tank repeatedly to get through your ironing pile. With an indicator clearly showing you when the tank needs a refill and when a clean is required, this model has a locking system and a built-in storage space for its power cord.

Customers choose the Rowenta DG7530 for its ability to deliver better steam penetration, therefore, producing a more efficient ironing process each time. The concept of a thicker central core in this model’s soleplate is also a winning factor with its assurance of better all-around heat distribution.

    What are its best features?
  • Great safety feature
  • Big water tank
  • Quick heating time
  • Easily stored
  • Thicker central soleplate core
    What could be improved?
  • Not that long warranty
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2423 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.7
Features
  • Wattage: 1750W
  • Steam pressure: 5 bars
  • Steam output: not specified
  • Water tank capacity: 60.9 oz.
  • Soleplate: nonstick
  • Heating time: 3 min.
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

More features: features descaling cleaning brush and built-in water softener

The Hamilton Beach Professional Steam Generator Iron is considered one of the best steam generator irons primarily due to its additional cleaning brush and water softener additions. This stylish and visually modern looking in appearance iron has an impressive 1750 watts of power alongside five bars of boiler pressure. With a large 60.9 oz. water tank capacity, this iron is ready for use in just three minutes. With its non-stick plate and longer than average steam hose which can be neatly wrapped around the base when not in use, this is a quite practical choice. Featuring an eco-mode which works to conserve energy, this environmentally friendly iron allows you to add to the water tank anytime you need to do so, without having to wait for the steamer to cool down. Offering a superior glide performance as well as excellent wrinkle removal results each time, the Hamilton Beach Professional Steam Generator Iron claims to outperform and outlast similar products on the marketplace, period!

Customers choose the Hamilton Beach Professional Steam Generator Iron for its ability to work so well through each use and therefore cut down the amount of time spent ironing every time. It’s also considered a better-designed model than most, particularly with the ability to separate both the iron and water container, meaning it’s a lot lighter in overall weight when using. Above all, the power of this model seems to be the biggest winner with customers purchasing this product.

    What do we love it for?
  • Steam or iron options
  • Energy conserver
  • Easily stored
  • Five pressure bars
  • Sleek design
    What were we disappointed with?
  • A one-piece product
  • Quite bulky in design
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5423 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.5
5
Features
  • Wattage: 1750W
  • Steam pressure: 3.5 bars
  • Steam output: 120 g/min
  • Water tank capacity: 40.6 oz.
  • Soleplate: anti-drip aluminum
  • Heating time: not specified
  • Warranty: 3-year limited/ lifetime on stainless steam boiler

More features: natural cork handle

The Dupray SteamIron Steam Generator Iron is our most comfortable-to-use steam generator iron. A 1750-watt product, this model prides itself on impressively offering up to more than three times the steam you would expect to see in your regular iron. Providing users with a total of around 60 minutes of ironing each time it is filled, Dupray believes it’s entirely possible to drastically cut your ironing time with this 40.6 oz water tank. The steam output of this model is up to 120 grams per minute, and the thermostatic control allows you to adjust the soleplate temperature to suit as well as offering you the choice to work between dry and steam ironing in the process. There is a natural cork handle design on this iron which is claimed to make using this product more comfortable indeed, ensuring the whole ironing process is as pain-free as possible! With a professional grade quality in the manufacture of this steam generator iron, the Dupray product is a powerful model which also comes complete with a three-year warranty, plus a lifetime warranty on its stainless-steel boiler.

Customers choose the Dupray SteamIron Steam Generator Iron because it is considered the most reliable and durable iron in the overall design. It also offers just the right steam pressure from its 3.5 bars. Many customers report this being a thoroughly comfortable iron which is also lightweight considering its capacity to hold so much water each time when in use.

    What are its best features?
  • Comfortable handle
  • Cuts ironing time considerably
  • Dry and steam options
  • Great warranty attached
    What could be improved?
  • Might seem not the best looking visually for some buyers

Things to Consider

Now that we’ve taken you through some of our best picks of steam generator irons on the current market let us offer you some valuable additional information about these powerful machines. This buying guide is designed to help you get as much information as you need before you make your decision. Look at some of the relevant information to ensure you spend your hard-earned cash on the right model.

Why do you need a steam generator iron?

Woman ironing clothes

If you are the person who is responsible for the regular chore of ironing in your home, you’ll benefit greatly from trading in your standard iron for a steam generated one. Additionally, if you find yourself performing several tasks such as dressmaking, or you work on drapes and tons of clothing items regularly, you would also benefit from purchasing a steam generator iron.

This type of iron is more powerful and gets better results every time. Ultimately, it cuts down your ironing time significantly, leaving you free to get on with other things!

Yet if you feel that you are in need of a simpler device to take care of your clothes, you should look at the top steam irons review we have put together for your convinience.

Features to consider

There are many features to consider when you begin looking for a steam generator iron. Because of the full range of features almost every product offers, it’s undoubtedly worth checking what your preferred model can do for you before you make your final selection. Here is a list of the most important features explained, and what you should be looking at to get the best from the steam generator iron you choose.

Wattage

The high wattage of your iron means an overall increased power offered in its performance. Those steam generator irons that offer 1800 watts will ultimately give a slightly better performance than those with lower wattage. Those irons with the higher watts available also ensure a quicker heat up time. This is often a key concept for those who don’t want to spend too long waiting for their iron to reheat each time. Selecting the highest wattage ensures that your waiting time in between each ironing session is minimized. However, it’s also worth noting here that the higher the wattage of your iron, the more electricity you will use in turn. If the cost of your power is of concern, look for the eco-friendlier model. The Hamilton Beach Professional Steam Generator Iron and, more so, the Rowenta DG8520 models both offer economic settings.

Rowenta DG8520

Steam pressure and output

There are two simple ways of measuring steam pressure on a steam generator iron. The first is referred to as bar pressure. This is the number of bars used in the iron to generate steam pressure and the more bars the model has, the higher the overall steam produced is. An iron with more bars is, therefore, a more effective model.

The second way of measuring steam pressure is through its continuous steam output levels. This is what we call the grams per minute and is a simple way of measuring just how much steam capacity is produced every minute when using the iron. The higher your irons steam capacity, the shorter your ironing time will be because of this. A continued flow of steam output will encourage a more relaxed fabric which in turn allows you to remove creases easier.

Overall, the biggest advantage of a steam generator iron over that of a standard or traditional iron is the ability to produce a much more continuous steam output. The Hamilton Beach Professional Steam Generator Iron has a very impressive 5 bars, making it an excellent choice due to its fantastic ongoing steam output levels.

Water tank capacity

Equally important in a steam generator iron is its ability to hold a large amount of water. The larger the water tank capacity, the more ironing you can get through in one session without always having to walk back and forward to the sink to get a refill. The water tank and the heating element of these types of irons aren’t stored in the machine but rather in its separate base unit. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the weight of your iron when filling it up because you won’t be working with water in the iron which you hold in your hand.

Water tank

The Hamilton Beach Professional Steam Generator Iron offers customers a substantial water tank capacity. At 60.9 oz. to be filled, this iron is indeed capable of holding more than enough water for the job at hand throughout each ironing session.

Soleplate

The material used on your steam generator iron’s soleplate will usually consist of stainless steel or ceramic in its makeup. The whole point of the soleplate is to ensure the most natural ironing experience when ironing over the fabric beneath it.

Those irons with a ceramic soleplate are the better choices as ceramic is scratch resistant. This means you should get a smoother glide as a result. The Ariete By Delonghi of Italy Duetto 6437 has a ceramic plate and is claimed to offer a smoother ironing process because of this.

Many steam generator irons have a stainless-steel soleplate as standard. Though these are considered to offer a smooth gliding process as well, they are deemed less durable than ceramic soleplates.

There are then some irons which may offer other types of soleplates such as aluminum or non-stick soleplates. If the feel of the irons glide is especially important to you, you may want to double check what type of soleplate it offers beforehand.

Heating time

Stream generator irons are well known for their ability to reach their maximum temperature much quicker than that of standard and traditional irons. This heating time can make all the difference to your ironing experience, especially if you find yourself having to wait around to get started.

However, the heating time also refers to the time it takes in between each iron to repeatedly reach its maximum temperature. With most of these types of irons offering around just three minutes in total, all the above-reviewed products will ensure you aren’t kept waiting. However, if heating time is of the essence for you, the Rowenta DG7530 may be your better buy here, as it can offer an impressive two minutes total heating time!

Warranty

If you are going to be paying out a considerable amount of money for one of these machines, you will want to ensure your purchase has some form of back up. Considering that steam generator irons aren’t perhaps the cheapest of iron types to purchase, you are looking at around the $200 mark for a decent model.

Most irons will offer some form of warranty, but you may need to check beforehand whether it meets your expectations. What should be considered here is the possible cost of having to get this more extensive of products fixed or replaced should anything go wrong once you own it.

Those models offering a warranty period are the better options here if you want to take advantage of longer guarantee terms. All these reviewed products offer a limited warranty in the form of one or even three years in total. However, the Ariete By Delonghi of Italy Duetto 6437 gives customers a one-year limited warranty alongside a lifetime boiler tank warranty. So, it’s worth taking the time to have a look at what each company provides on their product regarding warranty.

Extra features

Extra features

Finally, it’s also worth making a note of any additional or extra features that you may want to find in your steam generator iron. This could mean anything such as extended cord length and auto switch-off, to things such as cleaning equipment offered, any extra built-in options to your machine or even the ability to steam vertically. Some customers also like to look for those benefits such as more ergonomically designed irons, for example, those with wider or selected materials in their handles for ongoing comfort.

Each of these reviewed steam generator irons certainly offers a specific extra feature in their product, meaning plenty to choose from if you want your iron to stand out from the rest.

How to take care of your steam generator iron?

Because a steam generator iron is a bulkier and heavier product, when compared to a traditional iron, you will need to pay more attention to its overall care. How and where you store your iron is crucial, and you may need to plan carefully where to keep it when it’s not in use. Most of these products take up quite a bit of room and can’t always be stored away in a cupboard as easily as those traditional of irons.

Additionally, these types of irons will need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that their steam output remains at its peak and they can deliver the same performance as when you first bought them. Cleaning your iron will also provide a longer lifespan. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your model and, most importantly, descale your steam generator iron, and make sure to do this regularly.

FAQ

Which steam generator irons can also be used vertically?

The Ariete By Delonghi of Italy Duetto 6437 has an intelligent design which allows you to use it vertically. This means that you can steam items such as drapes and many hanging garments as well.

Which type of water should I use for best results and longer lasting?

Nowadays, most manufacturers will recommend you to use a combination of distilled and tap water. Years ago, the advice was to use only distilled water, but it’s now thought that it can contribute to the iron splitting and leaking. Therefore, by using a mix of 50% tap water and 50% distilled water, you work on improving the health and lifespan of your iron.

What is the steam output?

Steam output is the force of the steam burst which your iron emits while ironing. These types of irons work on a continuous steam output, and this is how they can get more powerful and effective results each time. Those traditional of irons may have a steam burst, but it’s only a short puff of steam each time.

How to fight with limescale?

If you use a 50/50 combination of tap water and distilled water to fill your steam generator iron, you shouldn’t experience too much of limescale. However, over time, it’s only natural that your product will begin to show signs of this. Any electrical appliance that uses water is prone to a bit of limescale. Continue to use this water solution and regularly clean both inside your iron’s water tank and its soleplate to ensure its ongoing performance and health.

Which models feature auto shut-off?

The Rowenta DG7530 has a three-way auto shut off feature as a safety precaution.

Our verdict

It is hoped by now that you have a better overall understanding of what steam generator irons can offer. By using our detailed reviews alongside our extensive buying guide, you now have a clearer picture of what to look out for when you start to search the market.

Our top three picks here are the Rowenta DG8520, for its ability to save you energy each time you use this iron, the Ariete By Delonghi of Italy Duetto 6437 for its double performance system as well as the budget price and, finally, the Rowenta DG7530 for its added safety features.

One thing’s for sure, all five of these reviewed products offer some fantastic features in their unique designs, and all are well worth the additional investment over that of a traditional iron. One thing is for sure, when you purchase a steam generator iron, you may never revert to a standard iron ever again!

9,8
Total Score
Rowenta DG8520 Perfect Steam - Editor’s Choice
5 comments
avatar
Jannett Q

Love love love the Ariete! Used to hate ironing, but I do a lot of quilting so I don’t really have much choice 😀 this one’s made things a lot easier. I do find it a bit heavy though, but that’s just a small gripe

avatar
Charles Brown

Totally agree with you Jannett, the Ariete is a fab steam generator iron! It can be a bit heavy for some, but definitely not the heaviest – you do get a great arm workout with some of these heavier models though!

Really stuck between the two Rowenta irons, they seem really similar..anyone tried these? Thanks!

avatar
Charles Brown

Hi Jade,
It all really depends on what you’re looking for. Personally, I think the Rowenta DG8520 (our 1st choice model) has a bit of everything, so as far as steam generator irons go, it’s the full package. The DG7530 is a more affordable choice with plenty of great features, and it performs just as well, so you won’t be sacrificing a whole lot if price is an issue. Of course, the DG8520 does have a great feel when you’re using it, but as I said, they really are very similar and both will get the job done well!
Hope that helps! Let me know if you need any more info

avatar
Sonya Tulley

I used to have the 7530, worked really well for me and couldn’t have asked for more! The again, I haven’t tried the other one, so hard for me to tell which is the best of the two, but mine seemed to have everything I wanted in a steam generator iron 🙂

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