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Tefal Steam Generator Iron UK 

By  Enda McLarnon

Thanks for taking the time to read our reviews of the best Tefal steam generator irons, currently available on the UK marketplace. Please note that on this page we are only looking at steam generating irons from the Tefal brand, and not at their ordinary steam iron range. If you prefer to look at Tefal steam irons, then please click right here.

Steam generator irons are designed to be quicker, more efficient and leave a more professional finish. They are also much better at crease removal than standard steam irons. Just below you will see a table of contents that is there to help you navigate through this page. This page has a lot of content, so it may be easier for you to click on the section that you want.

We have included some information on the Tefal brand. We have then listed all of their available models. We have a full buying guide for Tefal steam generator irons in particular.

Tefal do a large range of both steam irons and the higher end steam generator irons.


Table of Contents



Tefal Steam Generator Buying Tips

All Tefal steam generator irons are covered by a 2 year guarantee for domestic use only. They can be repaired for up to 10 years after release, meaning Tefal will have spare parts available, which is important. All these irons also have a 2 minute heat up time.

Before you spend any of your money, we shall try and make finding the right model easier for you. 29 models is just too much to try and work your way through, so hopefully we can make this simpler. Tefal have various models with in named ranges:


  • Tefal Express Essential Range - 2 models - this is their essential range with average price points of £100 or less
  • Tefal Fasteo Range - 2 models - this sits just below their essential range with prices around £70-100
  • Tefal Liberty Range - 3 models - this sits above their Fasteo range with prices around £45-170
  • Tefal Express Compact - 3 models - irons with smaller lighter water tanks and prices around £150-200
  • Tefal Pro Express Range - 15 models - their high end range with prices around £329-450

The reason the prices vary is down to the features available on the iron. The more they cost the more features there will be. The Express range for example is a great beginner range if you are not sure whether a steam generator is for you.

Other features to consider are size of the steam output, size of the steam shot, bar pressure, water tank capacity, auto-shut off, self-cleaning, and the type of soleplate. All of these impact on the price point.

We will take you through each of the ranges shown above, show you which models are available, and that way you can find one that suits both your budget and your needs.

Tefal Express Essential Range of Steam Generator Irons

In this range they have:

  1. Express Essential SV6115
  2. Express Essential SV6116

There are just these 2 models, and neither sells that well. Both of the models have 1.4 litre tanks and good steam pressure. However, they are starting to get expensive in this range for not a great deal extra in features. Their "Essential" branding had us believing that they were the starter point irons. However both the Fasteo and Liberty are on average cheaper than this range.

Express Essential SV6115 Steam Generator Iron

76% buyer satisfaction based on 150+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

5.2 bars

Power

2200 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

280g/min

Water tank

1.4 litres

Soleplate

Ceramic Xpress Glide

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Yes - rinsing system

Variable steam

Yes - manual and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

Our Opinion: Give this one a miss. Buyers say it is badly designed and just too heavy. around 40% of all buyers thought this was a good iron, 17% said it wasn't with the rest of buyers rating it as just OK. There are much better models.

Express Essential SV6116 Steam Generator Iron

86% buyer satisfaction based on 150+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

5.3 bars

Power

2200 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

270g/min

Water tank

1.4 litres

Soleplate

Ceramic Xpress Glide

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Yes - rinsing system

Variable steam

Yes - manual and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

Our Opinion: This model gets better reviews. Buyers did say that this was their first steam generator iron and it did take a bit of getting used to, coming from using a normal steam iron. They liked the larger water tank (1.4 litres compared to a 350 ml in a normal steam iron). Buyers really liked that this could be used for vertical steaming. They also loved the fact that it really did cut their ironing time right down.

Tefal Express Fasteo Range of Steam Generator Irons

In this range they have:

  1. Tefal Fasteo SV6035
  2. Tefal Fasteo SV6040

Both of these sell really well on the UK market as you can see from the number of reviews. The price points compare well with other brands. They are the more compact size steam generator irons at good price points.

Fasteo SV6035 Steam Generator Iron

86% buyer satisfaction based on 2,500+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

5.2 bars

Power

2200 watts

Variable Steam

100g/min

Steam shot

200g/min

Water tank

1.2 litres

Soleplate

Easy Glide Ceramic

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Filter Cartridge

Variable steam

Variable steam and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

No

Vertical steam

Yes

this model also has a carrying safety lock and cord storage.

Our Opinion: With over 2,500 online buyer reviews it is clear that this one sells really well. The main reason for this is the low entry price for a Tefal steam generator iron. It is worth knowing that an average iron like this has a bigger tank of around 1.6 litres. This one is designed to be smaller and that makes it more compact and easy to handle. We think this makes a good low entry option if you are thinking of trying this type of iron for the first time. One disadvantage is you do need to buy the filter cartridges which cost around £15 and last for around a year. We also don't like that there is no automatic cut off.

Pros

  • Has an overall buyer satisfaction of 86% with 62% of all buyers giving this a full 5 star review 
  • Buyers say that this type of iron is expensive but this model is one of the most affordable.
  • Buyers really liked and appreciated that this is a very light iron when using it and just makes their lives easier
  • Many buyers mentioned just how good the soleplate on this iron is, as it truly glides

Cons

  • Around 6% of all buyers gave this a poor review 
  • A few buyers said the iron did start to spit out brown water

Fasteo SV6040 Steam Generator Iron

86% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

5.2 bars

Power

2200 watts

Variable Steam

100g/min

Steam shot

180g/min

Water tank

1.2 litres

Soleplate

Easy Glide Ceramic

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Filter Cartridge

Variable steam

Variable steam and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

No

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock and cord storage.

Our Opinion: With over 2,000 online buyer reviews it is clear that this one also sells really well. There is really no big difference in either model in this range other than the colour. The features are basically the same. One disadvantage is you do need to buy the filter cartridges which cost around £15 and last for around a year. We also don't like that there is no automatic cut off.

Tefal Liberty Range of Steam Generator Irons

This is a newer range to the UK market. In this range they have:

  1. Tefal Liberty SV7020 - best seller in this range
  2. Tefal Liberty SV7030
  3. Tefal Liberty SV7040

This is a range worth considering and more so the first 2 models on the list below. Those 2 models have great price points and are currently selling really well.

Liberty SV7020 Steam Generator Iron

84% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

5.4 bars

Power

2200 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

290g/min

Water tank

1.5 litres

Soleplate

Easy Glide Ceramic

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Filter Cartridge

Variable steam

Variable steam and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock and cord storage.

Our Opinion: This range is new to the UK market and with over 400 online buyer reviews it is clear that this one is starting to sell really well. The tank is larger at 1.5 litres and there is a big increase in the steam boost option which does make a difference. One disadvantage is you do need to buy the filter cartridges which cost around £15 and last for around a year.

Liberty SV7030 Steam Generator Iron

84% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

5.5 bars

Power

2200 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

310g/min

Water tank

1.5 litres

Soleplate

Easy Glide Ceramic

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Filter Cartridge

Variable steam

Variable steam and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock and cord storage.

Our Opinion: This range is new to the UK market and so far there are just not enough reviews from buyers to get a feeling for this iron. The tank is larger at 1.5 litres and there is a big increase in the steam boost option which does make a difference. One disadvantage is you do need to buy the filter cartridges which cost around £15 and last for around a year.

Liberty SV7040 Steam Generator Iron

84% buyer satisfaction based on 50+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

6 bars

Power

2200 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

360g/min

Water tank

1.5 litres

Soleplate

Easy Glide Ceramic

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Filter Cartridge

Variable steam

Variable steam and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock and cord storage.

Our Opinion: This range is new to the UK market and there are only a small number of buyer reviews. This iron is the most powerful in the range with a 6 bar pressure tank and large steam shot. One disadvantage is you do need to buy the filter cartridges which cost around £15 and last for around a year.

Tefal Express Compact Range of Steam Generator Irons

In this range they have:

  1. Tefal Express Compact SV7111 - best seller in this range
  2. Tefal Express Compact SV7130
  3. Tefal Express Power SV8062

The price points certainly step up in this range. The reason for that is larger water tanks, ceramic soleplates and descaling without having to buy filters to clean the water. The first model SV7111 does seem to be selling really well in this range.

Express Compact SV7111 Steam Generator Iron

88% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

5.8 bars

Power

2600 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

340g/min

Water tank

1.7 litres

Soleplate

Xpress Glide Ceramic

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Calc-clear technology

Variable steam

Auto and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock and cord compartment.

Our Opinion: This is one of their best steam generator irons. It is lightweight, has a really nice appearance and gets really solid buyer reviews. If you can't make your mind up which model to buy, then we think this is really good value for money. You do not need filter cartridges for this one either as it has a built-in cleaning system. Buyers also said this is really easy to use and has greatly reduced their time spent on the ironing.

Express Compact SV7130 Steam Generator Iron

85% buyer satisfaction based on 50+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

6 bars

Power

2600 watts

Variable Steam

130g/min

Steam shot

360g/min

Water tank

1.7 litres

Soleplate

Xpress Glide Ceramic

Cord length

1.6 metres (5.2 feet)

Anti-Scale

Removable scale collector

Variable steam

Auto and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock and cord compartment.

Our Opinion: This is another good quality iron. We did notice poor reviews at certain online sites so be aware of who you are buying this one from. The majority of buyers do say this is a high quality iron but that it is on the expensive side which is true. Once you start to get up around the £200 mark for a product, you are starting to spend big money and have higher expectations. Buyers said they were not disappointed when using this iron as it works great.

Express Power SV8062 Steam Generator Iron

88% buyer satisfaction based on 150+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

6.8 bars

Power

2800 watts

Variable Steam

130g/min

Steam shot

460g/min

Water tank

1.8 litres

Soleplate

Durilium Airglide Autoclean

Cord length

1.7 metres (6 feet)

Anti-Scale

Removable scale collector

Variable steam

Auto and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock, cord compartment and silent pump technology.

Our Opinion: This is also a popular choice for many UK buyers. This model opens up their silent pump range making the iron much quieter to use. There is also a larger 1.8 litre water tank and a high end soleplate. You don't need cartridges with this one either. Buyers rate this model very highly on all websites that sell it and that is always a very good sign.

Tefal Pro Express Range of Steam Generator Irons

In this range they have:

  1. Tefal Express Protect SV9202
  2. Tefal Pro Express GV7810
  3. Tefal Pro Express GV7850
  4. Tefal Pro Express Plus GV8932
  5. Tefal Pro Express Care GV9060
  6. Tefal Pro Express Care GV9061
  7. Tefal Pro Express Care GV9071
  8. Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9220
  9. Tefal Pro Express Protect GV9230
  10. Tefal Pro Express Ultimate GV9569
  11. Tefal Pro Express Ultimate GV9580
  12. Tefal Pro Express Ultimate [+] GV9610
  13. Tefal Pro Express Ultimate [+] GV9611

As you can quickly see this is their largest range and their most expensive range.

Express Protect SV9202 Steam Generator Iron

90% buyer satisfaction based on 150+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

7.5 bars

Power

2800 watts

Variable Steam

130g/min

Steam shot

520g/min

Water tank

1.8 litres

Soleplate

Durilium Airglide Autoclean

Cord length

1.7 metres (6 feet)

Anti-Scale

Removable scale collector

Variable steam

Auto and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock, cord compartment and silent pump technology.

Our Opinion: This is the first model in this range and as you can see these are the Tefal top of the range products and have the price points to match. This has a very high quality soleplates, a large water tank, and buyers rate it very highly.

Pro Express GV7810 Anti-Scale Steam Generator Iron

92% buyer satisfaction based on 100+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

6.6 bars

Power

2400 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

430g/min

Water tank

1.6 litres

Soleplate

Durilium Airglide Autoclean

Cord length

1.8 metres (6 feet)

Anti-Scale

Removable scale collector

Variable steam

Auto and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock, cord compartment and silent pump technology.

Our Opinion: This model also gets really high buyer ratings but again is expensive. It is a popular pick for some buyers and is a well engineered iron that works really well and efficiently. It has all the right features and is a classic steam generator iron that gives up two 2 hours of ironing with one fill of the water tank.

Tefal Pro Express GV7850 Anti-Scale Steam Generator Iron

92% buyer satisfaction based on 50+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

6.9 bars

Power

2400 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

450g/min

Water tank

1.6 litres

Soleplate

Durilium Airglide Autoclean

Cord length

1.8 metres (6 feet)

Anti-Scale

Removable scale collector

Variable steam

Auto and eco mode

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock, cord compartment and three one-touch settings – ‘Min’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Max for easier ironing temperature selection.

Our Opinion: This model also gets really high buyer ratings but again is expensive. This is particularly good for any area with hard water in the UK. The anti-scale collector captures up to 10 x more scale particles directly from the water tank to maintain long-lasting steam performance.

Tefal GV8932 Pro Express Plus Anti Scale High Pressure Steam Generator

92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,000+ online buyer reviews

Bar Pressure

7 bars

Power

2400 watts

Variable Steam

120g/min

Steam shot

450g/min

Water tank

1.6 litres

Soleplate

Durilium Airglide Autoclean

Cord length

1.8 metres (6 feet)

Anti-Scale

Removable scale collector

Variable steam

 3 settings & variable

Auto Shut-off

Yes

Vertical steam

Yes

This model also has a carrying safety lock, cord compartment and three one-touch settings – ‘Min’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Max for easier ironing temperature selection.

Our Opinion: This is one of their best selling models in the UK and has been for a long time. Most users can do a single week's ironing with one tank of water. This iron really does have all of the features that you get in the best steam generator irons. Buyers rate it very highly and there are plenty of them.

Tefal GV9071 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • This is a good choice for anyone living in a hard water area
  • That is because this iron has a removable scale collector which will prevent staining and limescale build-up - that means your iron will last longer
  • Tefal use their smart technology to balance heat and steam for every fabric at the touch of a button
  • 7.5 bars of high pressure steam
  • 500 g/min steam boost
  • 1.6 litre removable water tank

92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,800+ online buyer reviews

Pros

  • Has an overall buyer satisfaction of 88% with 82% of all buyers giving this a full 5 star review 
  • Buyers liked that this iron heated up in 2 minutes and produced a lot of steam very quickly
  • Buyers really liked and appreciated the larger water tank as it allowed them to get the ironing done without constant top ups
  • Many buyers mentioned just how good the soleplate on this iron is, as it truly glides

Cons

  • Around 4% of all buyers gave this a poor review 
  • Buyers said the build quality was cheap and were not that impressed with the amount of steam 
  • A few buyers said they received a faulty product on delivery

Tefal GV8932 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • 6.5 Bars of pressure and a 400 g/min shot of steam
  • Has three pre-set settings: Normal, delicate and jeans
  • 1.6 L water tank for uninterrupted use
  • Smart cord for easy storage
  • Removable scale collector
  • Equipped with a boiler to provide extra powerful results for quicker and easier ironing
  • Provides the optimal balance of temperature and steam at the touch of a button.

92% buyer satisfaction based on 900+ online buyer reviews

Tefal GV9580 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • 8 bars of pressure
  • 180 g/min continuous steam
  • 600 g/min steam boost
  • Protect system prevents stains
  • Has a scale collector
  • Delirium air glide auto clean soleplate
  • 2,600 watts
  • 1.9 litre removable water tank
  • Safety lock
  • 2 minute heat up time

90% buyer satisfaction based on 600+ online buyer reviews

Tefal Pro Express Ultimate GV9550 Summary Review

  • This model has up to 8 bars of pressure
  • 120 g/min continuous steam
  • 520 g/min steam boost
  • Protect system prevents stains
  • Has a scale collector
  • Delirium air glide auto clean soleplate
  • 2,600 watts
  • 1.9 litre removable water tank
  • Safety lock
  • 2 minute heat up time

90% buyer satisfaction based on 600+ online buyer reviews

Tefal SV7110 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • This model has up to 5.7bars of pressure and can also be used for vertical steaming
  • 120 g/min continuous steam
  • 350 g/min steam boost
  • It has an anti-scale flush system
  • 2,600 watts
  • 1.7 litre removable water tank
  • Safety carry lock
  • 2 minute heat up time

88% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews

Tefal SV6020 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • 100 g/min surface steam
  • 2 minute set up
  • Easy and quick access to the filter cartridge
  • 1.2 litre water tank
  • 2,200 watts
  • 5 bar pressure
  • Ceramic soleplate 130 gram shot of steam

82% buyer satisfaction based on 250+ online buyer reviews

Tefal GV9061 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • This has a removable scale collector that collects up to 10 times more scale particles
  • Uses smart technology to balance heat and steam for every fabric at the touch of a button
  • Up to 7 bars of high pressure
  • 480 g/min steam boost
  • 1.6 litre removable water tank
  • Also has a safety lock and easy cord storage
  • Available in white/red or black/blue

94% buyer satisfaction based on 200+ online buyer reviews

Tefal SV8012 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • This model is very new to the UK market
  • Removable calc collector for long-lasting performance
  • Exceptional soleplate with flawless glide
  • White/purple
  • Up to 6.2 bars of pressure
  • Up to 120 g/min continuous steam
  • 400 g/min boost
  • Easy vertical steam feature
  • Durilium Airglide Autoclean soleplate
  • 1.8 litre removable tank
  • Built-in cord storage
  • Easy-carry lock for safety

82% buyer satisfaction based on 100+ online buyer reviews

Tefal GV9060 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • This model is also new to the UK market
  • Comes in a blue/white
  • 2,400 watts
  • 1.6 litre water tank
  • Up to 7 bars of high pressure steam
  • 430 g/min steam boost
  • Safety lock and Easy Cord

82% buyer satisfaction based on 20+ online buyer reviews

Tefal SV5011 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • Ceramic sole plate
  • 2 Minute warm up
  • 2 litre water tank
  • 5-Bar Pressure
  • Anti-calc filter and removable cartridges
  • 90 g/min
  • Safety lock

80% buyer satisfaction based on 20+ online buyer reviews

Tefal GV6722 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • This model is pretty new to the UK market
  • It is an ultra compact iron
  • Very simple and easy to use
  • Ultraglide Durilium soleplate
  • 5 bar pressure
  • 240g/min steam boost
  • Fast heat up - ready in 2 minutes
  • Eco setting saves 20% energy
  • Easycord system with cord storage
  • Anti calc collector

74% buyer satisfaction based on 10+ online buyer reviews

Tefal SV5021 Steam Generator Iron Summary Review

  • 100 g/min surface steam for fast and easy ironing
  • 2 minutes to be ready
  • Easy and quick access to the filter cartridge for effortless maintenance
  • Steam cord compartment for easy storage
  • 2,200 watts
  • 1,2 litre water tank
  • Ceramic soleplate
  • Has an economy mode
  • Anti scale cartridges

78% buyer satisfaction based on 50+ online buyer reviews

Tefal Steam Generator Buying Guide

The Tefal Brand

Tefal is part of a bigger group who are known as Groupe SEB.  They are a French company and a number of brands trade under this group name and include, KRUPS, Panex, Rochedo and Rowenta.

Tefal have been around since 1956 and so have a strong 70 year history. They started out as being the first company to make non-stick pots and pans using a Teflon coating. Since then they have gone on to become a household name throughout the UK.

They are now well known for their range of steam irons, and like many other brands, expanded into the steam generator iron market. Tefal were the first to introduce steam generators to the market

Key Benefits of Tefal Steam Generator Irons

 Below we have listed the key benefits of owning and using a Tefal steam generator model of iron:

  • They cut your ironing time in half - Great choice for doing large loads of ironing very quickly - this is thanks to the high pressure steam, along with the soleplate can deal with multiple layers of fabric at a time
  • Vertical Steaming -Vertical steaming is really useful for doing curtains, suits and delicate clothing which you cannot directly iron on.
  • Quick to heat up - Tefal’s high pressure steam generators heat up in 2 minutes
  • Long Lasting and Durable - Tefal steam generator irons have Anti-Calc lime scale collectors which can deal with hard water and extend the life of your machine and is available on most models.
  • Large Water tanks - Most Tefal steam generators have  large water tanks so you can iron for hours without having to stop and refill.

Bar Pressure in a Steam Generator Iron

You will also see a reference to bar pressure. This is usually shown as something like 5.8 bars, 6 bars, 7 bars etc. A bar is simply the name given to the measurement of pressure. The higher this rating is the more steam pressure this can produce. Any bar rating of 5 or higher is more than enough for normal household ironing.

On every steam generator iron there are two steam outputs. The first is the rate at which the normal steam comes out of the soleplate of the iron. Typically this looks like 120g/min. That refers to grams per minute. 

The second steam setting is a "steam shot." This is where you hit a boost button on the iron and it gives a shot of higher pressure. It is used for particularly hard or stubborn creases or wrinkles. This will always be a higher rated g/min setting such as 200g/min and all the way up to 500g/min.

The rate of both these steam settings is set by the bar pressure of the iron. For example a 5 bar pressure steam generator iron may have 100g/min normal steam and a 200g/min steam shot. One with a 7 bar pressure may have 130g/min normal steam and a 400g/min steam shot.

In most cases 5 bars is enough. Some people like more steam as it does get the ironing done faster. If that is the case then a high bar pressure is better as it produces a lot more steam.

Power and Wattage in a Steam Generator Iron

This is normally visible somewhere on your iron, on the side of the box, or included in the instructions. It will look like 2400W, 2600W etc. This is the amount of power/energy that the iron uses to heat up the water. This is measured in watts (W) As a general rules most steam generator irons use either 2400W, 2600W or 2800W.

The difference in heat up time is minimal and on average it takes 2 minutes for the iron to start producing steam. You can also work out from this figure how much it costs to run your iron on electricity. Electricity is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). One unit of electricity is 1 kWh. That means an appliance with a 1000W rating running for one hour would cost 1 unit of electricity. 

With regards to a steam generator iron, let's assume it is 2600W that is 2.6 kilowatts. If your iron was on for one hour it would use 2.6 units of electricity. From that, you can calculate the cost of the electric it takes. The average cost of a unit of electricity in the UK is 28p. Therefore this 2600W steam generator iron would cost 73p to run for one hour.

The larger the power rating the more this will cost. With electricity prices soaring, this is always worth knowing. You can read more about the cost of running an iron by clicking here.

What Water Tank Sizes are available in a Steam Generator Iron?

Steam generator irons are really in two parts. There is the tank, boiler etc and the actual iron itself. With a normal steam iron all of the parts are inside the iron so when you pick it up, you have the total weight in your hand. With a steam generator iron, the tank, boiler etc sits on the ironing board, and you are literally just holding the iron.

That means that manufacturers can produce larger water tanks. That is because they sit on the ironing board. The benefit of a larger tank is that you don't have to fill your iron as much, and can get the ironing done faster. A 1.6 litre water tank is plenty for about a week's worth of ironing.

The disadvantage is that larger tanks when full, are very heavy, and many of them don't fit on to a standard ironing board. So when it comes to storing the iron away, you still have to lift the tank.

A normal steam iron has an average water tank size of around 300 ml (0.3 litres) So compare that to a 1.6 litre tank and it will be about 5 times as heavy. When ironing it doesn't matter a great deal, but it does when it comes to placing it on your ironing board, or storing it away.

The larger tanks 1.5-1.8 litre sizes really need to be placed on a steam generator ironing board which is larger and much stronger than a normal ironing board. Manufacturers realised that and started to make the tanks slightly smaller. They are now made from 1 litre to 1.5 litre sizes as well as the larger ones.

So when buying a steam generator iron, you should know that water tank sizes range from 1 litre to 1.8 litres. With the larger sizes though you will need to get a steam generator ironing board, which can be expensive.

Water tanks vary in size quite a lot across the Tefal range. Does the size of the water tank really make that big of s difference? We think it does matter a lot. The larger the tank, then the lesser amount of times you will have to fill it. That means a larger tank is better for longer and continuous periods of ironing.

Almost all of the tanks are removable. That means they can be detached and carried over to the water tap and filled up. The one thing to note is that the bigger the tank, the heavier it will be to carry back to the iron. Larger tanks like 1.6 - 2.0 litres can actually be quite heavy. This is worth bearing in mind especially if you are frail.

One other point worth mentioning is that a larger water tank, filled with water will sit on the steam generating unit (not in the iron itself). So although it has zero impact on the weight of the iron, that unit still sits on the ironing board. That can also be heavy for the board so make sure to have a suitable board that has the strength to carry this weight.

Anti-Scale Feature

Around 60% of the UK water is classed as hard water. While still very safe to drink it does contain calcium. That calcium when in contact with metal and heat can turn to limescale. Over time that can clog up pipes, the boiler and the holes in the soleplate.

Most Tefal irons have some form of anti-calc on their irons. Usually this is a filter or cartridges to help control this limescale and in turn, prolong the life of your iron.

Heat Up Time Feature

This is simply the length of time that it takes your iron to go from cold to being ready to use. It is directly related to the power that we have described above. The more power to the iron the faster it will heat up.

In reality this is not a huge concern, as most of these Tefal irons, will be ready for use in 2 minutes or less.

Soleplate Technology Feature

Soleplates come in different styles and are made of different materials. The materials are typically steel or ceramic. Tefal use primarily Durilium Airglide Autoclean soleplate. These are very good soleplates that glide easily and most of their models will self clean, which is always a good thing.

Anti-Drip Feature

The newer models of Tefal steam generator irons have what is called a "Spiral Protect anti-drip system." This new system turns water drips into steam. That prevent water marks on garments and also prevents staining.

Easy Cord Feature

With most Tefal irons there is a cord that wraps around the base for easy storage. Some of their models will have auto-rewind but not many.

Safety Lock Feature

Most of the Tefal irons have a handy lock system that ensures the iron is attached securely to the base so you can transport it safely. 

Tefal Guarantee

Most Tefal steam generator irons come with a 12 month guarantee. This guarantee applies only for products purchased and used for domestic purposes and will not cover any damage which occurs as a result of misuse, negligence, failure to follow TEFAL/T-FAL instructions, or a modification or unauthorised repair of the product, faulty packaging by the owner or mishandling by any carrier.

It also does not cover normal wear and tear, maintenance or replacement of consumable parts, or the following:
- damages or poor results specifically due to wrong voltage or frequency as stamped on the product ID or specification
- using the wrong type of water or consumable
- mechanical damages, overloading
- ingress of water, dust or insects into the product (excluding appliances with features specifically designed for insects)
- scaling (any de-scaling must be carried out according to the instructions for use)
- damage as a result of lightning or power surges
- damage to any glass or porcelain ware in the product
- accidents including fire, flood, etc
- professional or commercial use

Enda McLarnon

About the author

I hope that you find my How to articles helpful as I know that laundry can be a real chore. On this website, I have tried to help out with buying guides and reviews for the many forms of ironing and other laundry issues.