TOP 5 irons with a steam generator

Gorenje SGT 2400B

This model with a well-justified price-quality ratio can be considered as the first purchase of an iron with a steam generator. In Gorenje SGT 2400B, for relatively little money, all the necessary functional features of professional equipment are implemented: a high-tech low-pressure steam chamber, an indicator of operation with an LCD display, an automatic shutdown system and a power of 2400 watts.

The iron operates in four main modes that are familiar for use among most users: steam and dry ironing, vertical steam supply and spraying. Perhaps, the vertical steam supply function deserves special attention here – it can be used to remove creases on products in a hanging position.

The force of the steam shock is 160 g/min, the steam supply is up to 95 g/min, its maximum pressure is up to 4 bar and a small water tank (1 liter) are average indicators for such equipment. However, the manufacturer took care of the availability of additional useful functions that make the Gorenje SGT 2400B an attractive purchase against the background of its competitors.

So, the device is equipped with an electronic water level tracking system: with the help of light and sound signals, the iron will "demand" to top up the missing amount of liquid to a preset value. The water hardness control function will reduce the formation of scale. By the way, special anti–scale cartridges are also provided in the steam generator, but most buyers note that this moment was left without a detailed description in the instructions of the device and how to service them remains a mystery. Anyway, the cleanliness of the boiler of the steam generator will have to be monitored carefully, otherwise the device will begin to notify about the need for cleaning and time with heating. The drop-stop system familiar to most irons, which ensures that water drops do not fall from the iron onto the fabric, and a safety system that triggers after 10 minutes of inactivity of the device, are also available here.

In addition, the Gorenje SGT 2400B has a classic pointed spout for processing small parts and a ceramic coating of the Super Ultra Glide sole. For ease of operation, a cord with free 360° rotation, a metal hook-holder for wires and a rubberized handle are provided.

Braun CareStyle 5 IS 5022

The main trump card of Braun IS 5022 is the innovative coating of the anodized aluminium sole with a rounded and upward curved shape of Eloxal 3D BackGlide, which guarantees smooth sliding on any fabric at 360° and provides the best results when ironing complex details (for example, elements with buttons, pockets and complex folds). This coating is twice as strong as stainless steel and, accordingly, more resistant to scratches.

The model is equipped with a simple mechanical control to set the required temperature and steam, including vertical steaming. It is noteworthy that the temperature settings resemble the modes of a classic iron, where the position (1) is for synthetic fabrics, (2) – for wool, silk, polyester, and (3) – for cotton and linen fabrics.

The features of the model include a simple and ergonomic design that contributes to the compactness of the ironing system. A cord storage compartment is provided in the case of the device. For safety and energy efficiency, the Braun IS 5022 has an automatic shutdown function and a quick iron lock system at the steam station. In order to reduce power consumption, the entire system – the iron and the steam station – switch to standby mode. In situations where you do not need a large steam supply, you can turn on a special economy mode. By the way, reducing the steam supply is recommended for such delicate fabrics as silk, wool or synthetics.

The Braun IS 5022 can generate a fairly powerful steam shock with a force of 340 g/min, a steam supply of 120 g/min and its maximum pressure of 6 bar. The volume of the water tank here is 1.4 liters. The model is equipped with a CalcClean descaling system, which will ensure a long service life of the steam generator. The process of cleaning the boiler will not take much time and effort – cleaning is done automatically. The manufacturer recommends starting self-cleaning from lime plaque after every 15 liters of water used, but some owners of this model note that they have to do it more often.

Philips PerfectCare Aqua Silence GC 8650

"Iron silk right after jeans" is the slogan on the stand of the Philips GC 8650 steam generator iron. And, it should be noted, the manufacturer is not lying: the special OptimalTEMP technology allows you to iron almost any type of fabric (allowing ironing) without any temperature settings and the risk of burning through the fabric. Consequently, there are no toggle switches for switching temperature and steam modes on the device body — all modes by fabric type are automatically adjusted by a microprocessor built into the sole of the iron. It is noteworthy that this approach also nullifies the routine need to return the iron to the "base" during the ironing process — the hot sole can be left on clothes or an ironing board.

The features of the model also include the presence of the Silent Steam function, which provides the Philips GC 8650 with a powerful and silent steam supply. The steam generator of the iron is equipped with noise-canceling filters and a sound-absorbing platform to reduce the noise level when the pump is running in the boiler. Additional safety in handling the iron is achieved through a special Carry-lock system. In addition, the steam generator comes complete with a lock for safe carrying, with which you can also easily move the device. The special ECO mode, responsible for the reduced steam supply power, will allow you to save electricity and still get excellent results.

As standard, the steam generator has an Easy De-Calc function, notifying of the need for cleaning with sound and light indicators. The only thing you should know in advance is that the rubber sealing ring of the Easy De–Calc valve may wear out over time. In this case, you will need to contact the manufacturer's authorized service centre to get a new one.

In technical terms, the model boasts quite impressive figures: the force of the steam shock is up to 330 g / min, the steam supply is up to 120 g / min, its maximum pressure is up to 6.2 bar, the volume of the water tank is 2.5 liters.

The sole of the T-ionicGlide coated iron – according to the manufacturer – slides 25% better and is 25% more scratch resistant than the SteamGlide sole. Based on customer reviews, due to the free rotation of the cord by 180 °, the length of the power cord 1.8 m and the hose 1.7 m, it is quite comfortable to work with Philips GC 8650.

Tefal Express Compact GV 7620

An iron with a Tefal GV 7620 steam generator could compete with the previous participant in our review. Its operation is based on the same Smart Technology Easy Control electronic control system, in which setting the temperature and steam modes on the part of the user is not required. However, the Tefal GV 7620 has more modest technical indicators: the force of the steam shock is up to 320 g / min, the steam supply is up to 200 g / min, the maximum pressure is up to 5 bar, the water tank is 1.5 liters. However, this circumstance more than compensates for the presence of useful functions. For example, the model has a Fast heat up system, which reduces the heating time of the unit to 2 minutes – an indispensable thing if you need to carry out emergency ironing "at the last moment" before leaving the house.

The iron is also equipped with a special Easycord cord output system, thanks to which it does not interfere with your movements when you iron. The system automatically directs the power cord to the back of the work surface every time you put the iron on the sole. In addition, the steam generator is equipped with a special Easy Lock bracket that holds the iron on the body, which greatly simplifies its carrying and storage.

For safety reasons, the Tefal GV 7620 is equipped with an Auto-off system, which puts the iron into standby mode if the device is not used for 8 minutes or you have forgotten about it. There is also an energy saving mode in this model.

In the body of the iron there are special compartments for storing a cord for steam supply and an electric cord. The sole of the Ultragliss iron is made of cermet, has special "active" lines that create an air cushion for ease of sliding. The improved formula of its enamel (a two-layer coating with quartz content) facilitates the movement of the device in two directions, thereby saving ironing time.

Bosch Sensixx DS37 TDS373110P

The performant and elegant Bosch TDS 3731 completes our selection, with a quick start–up — its power is 3100 Watts, and the warm-up time is only 2 minutes. The iron has a simple mechanical control due to a rotary temperature switch and several buttons responsible for energy-saving mode, descaling and the function of continuous steaming Intelligent steam.

Pressing the "energy-saving" button allows you to save up to 25% of energy and up to 40% of water, getting good ironing results for most types of fabric. The Calc'n'clean Advanced system collects and retains scale particles from the vaporization chamber using a sponge-mesh. The digital timer gives an automatic signal about the need for cleaning (approximately after 50 hours of operation of the steam generator).

The Intelligent steam system is responsible for "smart" steaming control: after releasing the steam release button, a small additional amount of steam is supplied from the sole. Additional steam supply can be stopped at any time by short pressing the corresponding button.

Pulse Steam mode provides an uncompromising struggle with folds — three consecutive intense steam strokes of 230 g/min help the iron to cope with them in a matter of seconds.

On the upper part of the steam generator there is a removable rubberized platform, which is convenient to put on the ironing surface and put an iron on it. The force of the Bosch TDS 3731 steam shock is up to 230 g/min, the maximum pressure is 5.5 bar, the water tank is 1.4 liters.

Palladium-glissée ceramic sole with three zones for optimal ironing process is implemented on the basis of Advanced steam system – a special shape, size and location of steam holes, increasing the contact area of steam with the fabric.

Unlike the previous participants of our TOP 5, Bosch TDS 3731 has a more advanced Auto-shut-off secure system that turns off the heating element of the iron if it is motionless in the position "on its side" or "on the sole" after 30 seconds, "on the heel" — after 8 minutes. The system of fixing the iron at the SecureLock System steam station in this model is also provided by the engineers of the German company.