Ironing is a particularly time-consuming household task, but just as essential in everyday life. Thanks to the evolution of technology, the classic iron has been replaced by the steam iron. In recent years, the technology company Philips has added innovative steam irons to its catalog. This buying guide has been designed to help you find the Philips steam iron that suits you best.
Here is our commitment, to make sure that we provide the best user experience and content quality:
You can support us by using our links to make your purchases (at no extra cost to you)! This sometimes earns us a commission which allows us to remain independent. More about us
Our selection
"The PerfectCare Elite GC9614/20 is undoubtedly the best steam generator in the Philips catalog. In addition to being efficient, this Philips steam center has an…"
"More compact than the previous model, the Philips FastCare GC6722/20 is also more affordable. Probably the best option if you want a small, efficient device…"
"The Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus line includes the most powerful and efficient steamers on the market. This GC9665/30 model features an ultra-light iron and an…"
"The Philips PerfectCare Expert Plus GC8962/40 has been specially designed for maximum comfort. It is ultra-light and easy to handle. The power remains sufficient to…"
The PerfectCare Elite GC9614/20 is undoubtedly the best steam generator in the Philips catalog. In addition to being efficient, this Philips steam center has an excellent quality/price ratio.
135 £ on AmazonThe Philips PerfectCare Elite GC9614/20 is a 24,000 W steam iron that perfectly meets your highest ironing demands. Its excellent quality/price ratio is justified by its ease of use, its power and its numerous features. It does not require any adjustment and it starts immediately. It is excellent for smoothing all types of fabrics, from the most fragile to the thickest, thanks to a maximum steam pressure of 7.5 bars.
In addition to its lightness, this steam unit has a removable 1.8 liter tank. No need to sort your laundry before ironing, as this appliance can go from a silk garment to a denim jacket without any worries. And thanks to the OptimalTEMP technology, you can now iron jeans and silk without adjusting the temperature.
More compact than the previous model, the Philips FastCare GC6722/20 is also more affordable. Probably the best option if you want a small, efficient device without spending too much.
63,99 £ on Amazon
The Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus line includes the most powerful and efficient steamers on the market. This GC9665/30 model features an ultra-light iron and an intelligent automatic steam jet for ultimate comfort.
287 £ on AmazonThis top-of-the-range steam unit signed Philips has a power of 2700 W which enables it to produce a maximum steam pressure of 7.7 bars. The pressing effect can go up to 540 g at a rate of 155 g/min. It has a removable water tank of 1.8 liters, produces steam silently thanks to the intelligent DynamiQ sensor and benefits from the Philips OptimalTEMP technology.
The Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus GC9665/30 has a lock for safe and easy transport. It locks the iron securely to the steam station for easy transport, but also to reduce the risk of getting burned. We also appreciate the presence of a simple and effective descaling system to ensure long-lasting performance. In fact, thanks to an exclusive Philips system called "Easy De-Calc Plus", the scale is continuously collected with an indicator light and an audio signal to tell you when it needs to be emptied.
The Philips PerfectCare Expert Plus GC8962/40 has been specially designed for maximum comfort. It is ultra-light and easy to handle. The power remains sufficient to allow you to obtain the best ironing results.
167 £ on AmazonAny specific needs?
The best Philips steam plant in 2021
The best entry-level Philips steam plant
The best high-end Philips steam plant
Your guide :
Rate this buying guide :By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!
| The best | Inexpensive | Top of the line | Excellent | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Philips PerfectCare Elite GC9614/20
|
Philips FastCare GC6722/20
|
Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus GC9665/30
|
Philips PerfectCare Expert Plus GC8962/40
|
|
The PerfectCare Elite GC9614/20 is undoubtedly the best steam generator in the Philips catalog. In addition to being efficient, this Philips steam center has an excellent quality/price ratio.
|
More compact than the previous model, the Philips FastCare GC6722/20 is also more affordable. Probably the best option if you want a small, efficient device without spending too much.
|
The Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus line includes the most powerful and efficient steamers on the market. This GC9665/30 model features an ultra-light iron and an intelligent automatic steam jet for ultimate comfort.
|
The Philips PerfectCare Expert Plus GC8962/40 has been specially designed for maximum comfort. It is ultra-light and easy to handle. The power remains sufficient to allow you to obtain the best ironing results.
|
|
|
Steam flow
|
150 g/min
|
120 g/min
|
155 g/min
|
120 g/min
|
|
Power
|
2400 W
|
2400 W
|
2700 W
|
2100 W
|
|
Capacity
|
1.8 liter
|
1,5 L
|
1.8 liter
|
1.8 liter
|
|
Pressing effect
|
500 g
|
200 g
|
540 g
|
520 g
|
|
Steam pressure
|
7.5 bar
|
5,2 bars
|
7.7 bar
|
7.5 bar
|
Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!
We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.
We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.
To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!
The steam output is the volume of steam that can be produced by the device in a given time (usually, the steam output is expressed in grams/minute). It is also a point that makes a considerable difference between the classic iron and the central steam. The higher the steam output, the more efficient the steam iron. The ideal is to choose a model with at least a steam flow of 120 g/min.
This is also an important point that should not be neglected. The steam center you are interested in must be powerful enough to be able to smooth the laundry properly. The more powerful your steam center is, the better results it will offer. The ideal device would be a steam center delivering at least 2000 W.
Pressure refers to the ability of moisture to penetrate the fabric. It is important to remember that perfect ironing results in the disappearance of wrinkles on both sides in a single pass. This is ensured when the fabric is deeply moistened, and when it is hot, these creases have difficulty resisting. In general, the value of the pressure is between 4 and 8 bars.
This is a particularly important point. Indeed, it is essential that your steam plant offers you an optimal comfort of use. This includes lightness, ergonomics of the handle and maneuverability. The power cable must also be long enough to allow you to be comfortable during your ironing sessions.
Autonomy is also one of the most important considerations when choosing a steam power plant. Moreover, this criterion will greatly depend on the size of the tank as well as the steam flow rate.
This is a criterion that may be of particular interest to distracted people. This can significantly reduce the risks. Some models of central steamers are equipped with a standby system. This means that the device will automatically turn off when you don't use it for a while. Other models have a lock on the base to keep the ironing device in place.
Using a steam center is very similar to using a traditional iron. Here are the simple steps to follow:
Due to the amount of steam generated by the machine, you may notice condensation on the underside of your ironing board. Make sure your ironing board allows the steam to pass through and not get trapped on the surface of the ironing board, otherwise your ironing board will become wet.
There are several household appliances that have made history for the way they have changed the way we live our daily lives. The steam plant is definitely one of those innovations. A steam generator looks like a high-tech industrial device. Although it works like a professional level machine, it is really simple and easy to use; but how exactly does it work?
The water is stored in a large tank, separate from the iron. The water is pumped from the tank into a high-pressure boiler that heats the water and converts it to high-pressure steam. The pressurized steam effortlessly removes wrinkles.
.When the steam trigger on the iron is activated, pressurized steam is released through the steam hose in the iron and released through the steam holes in the soleplate. The steam released by a steam iron is much more powerful compared to a traditional iron and can penetrate multiple layers of fabric in one ironing stroke.
A central steam unit is designed to generate more high-pressure steam to humidify and more heat to facilitate wrinkle removal. As a result, their water tank is larger than a simple iron. The way this first type of Philips steam iron works is as follows: before use, you must fill your tank. Under pressure, the tank feeds the iron until it is empty, which means that the autonomy depends on the amount of water available: once the water is exhausted, the device must be stopped (or automatically shuts down), be replenished with water and be used again after a few minutes of waiting.
Contrary to the first type, a steam power station with unlimited autonomy is much more convenient. The tank is removable, which means that it is possible to refill the tank even during use. This water will be heated and the steam produced will be transported through the cord to the iron. This means that ironing is not interrupted, which saves time. This type is ideal for intensive or professional use. Finally, in general, the best steamers take only a few seconds to start.
Philips is probably the most popular manufacturer of steamers. Their catalogue is so large that there is something for every budget. Philips steamers stand out from the competition as they are a true concentrate of technology and the price/quality ratio is unbeatable. Some of the technologies developed and used by Philips on their steamers include OptimalTEMP, Easy De-Calc Plus and DynamiQ.
With OptimalTEMP, Philips steamers will never cause fabric burns when the iron is left unattended. When you own a Philips steam iron, you get Easy De-Calc Plus, which lets you know when it's time to descale.
Rowenta is one of the best brands of steamers available on the market. In addition to being a major producer of all sorts of household appliances, such as hair dryers, vacuum cleaners and styling products, Rowenta also has a wide selection of irons and steamers. Rowenta steamers are well known for their durability and ease of maintenance, although they are not the cheapest brand of steamers. However, you can be sure that a Rowenta steam iron will last you for many years, as it is very durable.
One of the main advantages of Rowenta steam generators is that they usually include a self-cleaning mechanism that will allow you to use tap water instead of specially distilled water. This may seem like a minor feature, but over time, using tap water will be much cheaper in the long run! The other major advantage of Rowenta steamers is their quiet operation. In fact, the most popular steam generator of the brand is called Rowenta SILENCE DG8960.
So, which one to choose between a Philips and a Rowenta steam iron? The truth is that there is no one right answer. Your choice will be dictated by your needs. Rowenta steamers are generally more expensive, but they are quieter and have a unique concentrated steam jet system. So if you want professional quality results, and you're willing to pay the price, Rowenta is the best choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for the best value for money, and you're willing to make some small concessions on the noise level, Philips is still our first choice, especially if you regularly have a large volume of laundry to iron.
To take advantage of OptimalTemptechnology
The vast majority of Philips steamers come with OptimalTEMP technology. With OptimalTEMP, there's no need to change the temperature setting when you switch from a silk blouse to jeans. Plus, OptimalTEMP technology definitely eliminates the risk of burning your fabrics.
To take advantage of theECO mode
From the Elite range onwards, Philips steamers have an "Economy" mode. This ECO mode allows you to save energy without compromising your ironing results. When activated, the steam iron uses a reduced amount of steam, but still enough to iron all your clothes. Many steamers in the same price range do not offer an "Economy" mode.
It's so much more powerful than an ordinary iron
A steam iron works on the same principle as a regular steam iron (i.e., steam is used to remove wrinkles), except that its water tank and heating element are located separately in another unit. This unit connects to the iron via a rubber hose. This separation allows a central steam unit to produce much more powerful steam, on average with a flow rate of at least 120 g/min. This powerful steam output means that you will need less time and effort to do your ironing, as the powerful steam removes wrinkles much faster.
It's much lighter
Because the water tank and heating element are located separately from the iron itself, you don't carry that extra weight when you iron. Most steamers are light enough to handle vertical ironing.
You don't have to refill your tank as often
Since the water tanks on steamers are generally larger than those on an iron, you don't need to refill the water tank very often. Most regular irons usually have a water tank capacity of about 200-300 ml, while the water tank capacity of steam generators averages about 1.5 liters. This makes the ironing process much smoother and less disruptive.
It's easy to clean
Steam generators are generally suitable for homes or businesses where there is a heavier ironing load, and as a result, more water is circulated through the system, leading to a build-up of lime scale. This is when the minerals in the water form a chalky layer around the heating elements. Steamers have a built-in self-cleaning system that takes the form of a scale collector that can be easily removed and cleaned.
It's perfect for vertical ironing
The high steam pressure also makes the steam iron ideal for vertical ironing. If you have curtains or furniture to refresh, you can apply steam to touch up those areas. Again, the higher the pressure, the better the results.
In our opinion, the best brands of Philips steam plants in 2022 are :
Created in 1917, Calor is especially known for its first electric iron. Very quickly, the brand specialized in the manufacture of various household appliances (hair dryers, heaters, toasters, etc.) whose innovation never ceased to impress its target audience, and even its biggest competitors on the market.
"The steam expert serving your home!" This is the slogan under which the general public and laundry care professionals have known the Astoria brand for over 60 years. Having developed its expertise in the field of ironing, the brand is advocated for the simplicity, variety and excellent quality of its products.
Back in 1960 in Germany, in a small workshop where the craftsman Helmut Koenig creates his first electric fan. After its creation, a series of domestic appliances always synonymous with creativity were born. Today, the brand has spread worldwide, especially in the field of household appliances with reliable and high quality products.
The Bosch brand and the term "household appliances" are one and the same, and have been for decades! As loyal customers know, this brand offers the most innovative and powerful products despite the raging competition. The Bosch catalogue includes steamers for all budgets.
Rowenta, a German brand founded in 1909, has stood out since its very beginnings for the refinement of its designs and the quality of its products. We are particularly confident in the brand's excellent reputation. That's why Rowenta steamers are reliable products.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Choosing the right ironing board
When using a Philips steam generator, choose a height-adjustable board to fit your height. It should be stable and sturdy so that you can place the steam generator on it. The board should be perforated to allow steam to pass through the fabric fibres to soften it and make ironing easier. The cover of the ironing board must also be suitable, i.e. breathable, to allow the steam to pass through.
Avoid scratching the sole
To avoid damaging the soleplate, follow these tips:
Avoiding shiny marks on the fabric
Shiny marks may appear on some fabrics, especially darker ones. We recommend that you iron dark clothes inside out and use the correct temperature. If you are ironing fabrics with a mixture of different fibres, set the temperature according to the most delicate fibre.
The type of water to use
Your appliance was designed to work with tap water. If your water is very hard, mix 50% tap water with 50% distilled water. In some coastal areas, the salt content of your water may be high. In this case, use only distilled water. Never use rainwater, pure demineralised water or commercially available pure distilled water, or water containing additives. All these types of water can affect the efficiency of the device.
Maintenance tips
Before servicing, make sure that the appliance is unplugged and that the soleplate and iron stand have cooled down (at least 2 hours after ironing). Do not use any cleaning or descaling agents to clean the soleplate or the base. Never hold the iron or ironing board under a dripping tap. Occasionally try to clean the plastic parts with a soft, slightly damp cloth. To prolong the efficiency of your steam iron and to avoid scale deposits, you should rinse the water tank every 10 uses (about once a month).
Over time, your steam unit will begin to accumulate limescale or scale; this happens in all electrical appliances that use water. Without regular descaling, you will find that the scale is expelled from your steam generator in the form of white/brown spots and the steam output becomes weak. On Philips steam systems, perform the descaling procedure as soon as the EASY DE-CALC light starts flashing and the unit beeps continuously.
Here is how to proceed afterwards:
Cleaning the soleplate of a Philips steam generator depends on the material it is made of. Most Philips steamers are made of ceramic, stainless steel or non-stick material. The use of abrasives is not allowed, as it can scratch the surface of the soleplate and damage it. You are supposed to use a clean cloth soaked in white vinegar to wipe the surface of the soleplate. If the surface has very stubborn stains, you can add baking soda to the white vinegar.
No. The pressure is at a relatively low level. Your Philips steam generator has two safety systems to control the steam and steam pressure. Firstly, there is a valve that prevents overpressure and, in case of malfunction, lets the excess steam escape. Secondly, your Philips steam generator is equipped with a thermal fuse that will prevent overheating.
No. When starting up or using your Philips steam generator, you may hear a pumping or vibrating noise, accompanied by a small click. This is completely normal. It is just the pump injecting water into the boiler or the steam valve opening.
Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.
Copyright © 2022 - Made with ♥ by buyingbetter.co.uk
Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!
