Best Steam Generator Ironing Boards - UK Reviews
If you have purchased a steam generator iron, then most likely you will know that they do not sit that well, if at all, on an ordinary ironing board. The best thing to do is to change the ironing board, for one that is designed specifically for that purpose.
Initially that maybe a little expensive, but it really is a long time investment, and one I believe you will not regret. It is certainly much safer, and makes your ironing experience, a great deal better.
It really is all about size, and especially if the board has been designed to hold a steam generator iron, which are of course usually much bigger than a traditional steam iron.
Steam Generator irons are also a great deal heavier than normal steam irons. As such they also need more support, especially at the end of the board where the water tank will be sitting.
If you are stuck for time then click on Brabantia Ice Water Ironing Board as we found this to be the best rated at the minute. This article though deals with those boards designed for specific use with the larger steam generator irons.
Top 5 Steam Generator Ironing Boards (UK)
 | BEST SELLER IN THE UK Brabantia Ironing Board- Read more | Average Price £80-130 | ||
 | LIGHTEST Leifheit Air Board Express - Read more | Average Price £100-120 | ||
 | Brabantia Titan Oval Ironing Board - Read more | Average Price £80-120 | ||
 | Minky Aerial Ironing Board - Read more | Average Price £60-100 | ||
 | BEST VALUE Minky Extra Wide Large Ironing Board - Read more | Average Price £55-65 | ||
  | Ironing Board Comfortboard - Read more | Average Price £55-75 | ||
  | BEST WITH WHEELS Polti Vaporella, ironing board - Read more | Average Price £120-140 | ||
  | Vileda Total Reflect Plus Ironing Board - Read more | Average Price £160-180 | ||
  | Leifheit AirActive Express M Ironing Board - Read more | Average Price £180-200 | ||
  | Joseph Joseph Glide Plus Ironing Board - Read more | Average Price £100-120 |
1. Brabantia Ironing Board with Solid Steam Unit Holder
This board is one of the most popular choices for people who use steam generator irons. It can handle all of the popular makes and models.
This board has a cotton cover with a foam and viscose underlay, for better and smoother ironing. It also has a child safety lock which is a great feature.
It also has an impressive 10-year guarantee and you can't really ask for more than that. There is little question that this board has been built specifically for the larger steam generator irons.
The wider board helps reduce the amount of time spent on ironing as you can iron more of the garment at a time.
It sits on four legs which have protective caps on them and this prevents damage to wooden floors. This one comes in a number of different sizes which are B, C and D.
Invariably your choice will come down to the amount of room you have. The sizes below are length by width and are in centimetres:
The price will vary according to which size you pick and can be anything between £50-70. If you see them cheaper such as in a sale then be sure to pick them up.
Online buyers have given this ironing board an overall average rating of 92%, which is very high.
The cover is made from 100% cotton and is foam based. Underneath this is a viscose underlay.
That helps keep the cover very smooth and that of course all works to make your ironing easier, and eliminate any chance of ironing in wrinkles. This particular board is the most popular buy for most people.
The most popular choice for most people by a very long way is the Size B option. Those who like a wider board to iron sheets should opt for a Size C.
2. Leifheit Air Board Express Deluxe Ironing Board
This ironing board is very well made and has a stable storage stand that will accommodate a steam generator iron, or a normal steam iron.
It is an ironing area of 130 x 45 cm and lighter than most at around 5.8 Kg
It has a shoulder fit end for those difficult ironing areas
It comes with a cable holder
The board offers 6 optional levels, up to a maximum height of 95 cm and also has a safety lock
This board is sturdy and a good height so a good choice for taller people.
3. Brabantia Titan Oval Ironing Board
The average price for this option is around £80 Then, there is an option to get this one with a linen back. However, that will add another £40 to the standard price, which makes it pretty expensive.
Still, at least you have the option, which you do not get with many other brands. It is great and very useful for ironing those larger items.
Overall online buyers have rated this model with a 92% buyer satisfaction rating.
It also has a shoulder shape for shirts and blouses, and a pointed side that has been designed to make ironing trousers a great deal easier.
The surface itself is made from a foam and viscose and that helps ensure that you do not get wrinkles in your ironing.
There is a heat resistant parking pad where you can temporarily set your iron and it will not burn. That I think is particularly useful.
4. Minky Aerial Ironing Board
The average price for this option is around £50. Overall online buyers have rated this model with an 88% buyer satisfaction rating.
It has an extra wide ironing surface that measures 122 x 43c
You can also fully adjust the height as high as 1 metre which is a better option for taller users
It has a steam generator rest that securely holds the steam generator iron
It also has a scorch resistant parking zone cover
It has an extra thick felt pad for support and rigidity
It also has non-slip feet ideal for hard flooring
finally it has a loop leg design for extra strength and stability
5. Minky Extra Wide Large Ironing Board
The average price for this option is around £60. Overall online buyers have rated this model with an 86% buyer satisfaction rating.
This has a large extra wide ironing surface 122 x 43cm
Scorch Resist Parking Zone Cover where you can park your iron.
Steam generator rest securely holds steam generator and traditional irons
Fully height adjustable up to 96cm
6. Ironing Board Comfortboard
82% buyer satisfaction based on 150+ online buyer reviews
The average price for this option is around £60. Overall online buyers have rated this model with an 82% buyer satisfaction rating.
7. Polti Vaporella Ironing Board
86% buyer satisfaction based on 750+ online buyer reviews
The average price for this option is around £120. Overall online buyers have rated this model with an 86% buyer satisfaction rating.
8. Vileda Total Reflect Plus Ironing Board
88% buyer satisfaction based on 700+ online buyer reviews
The average price for this option is around £165. Overall online buyers have rated this model with an 88% buyer satisfaction rating.
The ironing surface is 130 x 44 cm so quite large and it comes with a wire guide antenna and power outlet - you can connect your device directly to the power socket built into the tray
You can adjust the height up to 96 cm and the legs are designed to be wide to improve stability
9. Leifheit AirActive Express M Ironing Board
86% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews
The average price for this option is around £180. Overall online buyers have rated this model with an 86% buyer satisfaction rating.
What makes this board different is that the surface is inflatable so that even delicate items of laundry can be ironed comfortably without leaving marks or creases.
The shelf where the steam generator iron will sit is an extra-large combination shelf (31 cm x 28 cm)
Suitable for all steam irons and for all steam iron generators up to 31 x 28 cm in size
10. Joseph Joseph Glide Plus Ironing Board
90% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews
The average price for this option is around £110. Overall online buyers have rated this model with a 90% buyer satisfaction rating.
It has 7 height positions
The cover can be quickly changed as it uses a rather clever toggle system which makes getting the cover off and on very simple and fast
This board has a multi-layer cover, base, mesh, felt and a top cotton layer which means it can handle lots of steam so perfect for steam generator irons
Steam Generator Ironing Board Buying Guide
Size
A typical size for a steam generator ironing board is around 46.5" by 14.5" ( 120 cm x 38 cm) These type of irons are also heavy so please make sure that whatever board you buy is both strong and durable.
That is important because most steam generating irons have large heavy water tanks, and need strong support. A large water tank when filled can be very heavy as I am sure you will appreciate.
Non Rust
These irons also create and use a lot of steam. A key consideration when buying an ironing board for these iron types is to make sure that whatever it is made from will not rust. Ideally you want a metal construction, that has been coated in a hard wearing plastic.
The Iron Holder Section of the Board
This is especially true for the area at the end of your board, where the water tank element will sit. This area carries the main weight, and will also get a lot of steam. Therefore, make sure that, the material or coating in that area will never rust.
You also need to check that this end can cater for both the size and weight of your iron. Most good brands will tell you what size and weight this can withstand.
Height Adjustment
This applies to any ironing board. We are not all made the same size, so make sure the height of your board can be adjusted, to suit your height and make you comfortable.
Good quality ironing boards will have at least 4 height settings. If you look at the image to the right, you will see this has a number of positions that you can select.
The Ironing Board Cover
This is almost as important as the board itself. You will want this to be high quality, heat resistant and easy to clean. They come in padded, metallic and mesh styles.
They also come in different patterns. The important thing though is that they should make your ironing easier and faster. If buying a padded one, make sure it is at least 6 mm thick.
Stability
Ironing boards are useless and in fact dangerous, if they are not stable when up and being used. Ironing boards can be placed on tiled floors, wooden floors and on carpets. You want to be 100% sure this is not wobbly, and that it has rubber feet to prevent slipping.
These feet also help stop the floor from getting damaged from any scrapes.
Manufacturer Guarantee
If you are spending a lot of money on one of these boards, then make sure that there is a really good guarantee. 10 years is not unreasonable to expect with one of the higher quality ironing boards.
These are expensive purchases, so make sure that you get the guarantee of quality, for a long period of time.
Summary of Steam Generator Ironing Boards
The irons are already expensive enough when you buy them. I am sure most people do not want or need any other expense. Getting a good board though for one of these is I think very important. I know they are not cheap.
However, when you have splashed out on a steam generating iron, you may as well have a good board. When combined, you have a great ironing setup to work with, that will last you for a very long time. More importantly it really will cut your ironing time in half.
