TOP 10 Best Steam Generators 2025

If you’re wondering how to make your ironing chores less gruesome, you’re in the right place. There are countless brands and nearly identical models available; thus, sorting through them can feel daunting. 

In this article, we explain the differences between various types, cover the must-have features, and decipher specifications so that you can find the best product for your needs. 

What is a Steam Station and Do I Need One?

Steam stations (also called steam generators) work on the same principle as their smaller and more popular steam iron relatives. They use the combined power of steam, heat, and pressure to get rid of creases and wrinkles. 

However, if a steam iron contains an integrated tank, a steam station consists of an external water reservoir, a boiler, and a pump that are connected to the iron via a rubber hose. This allows generating a much higher steam volume and pressure while spending less time on refills. 

Steam Irons vs Steam Stations: Pros and Cons

There is a good reason why the basic steam irons are still the most popular option on the market. They are compact, affordable, and the best models handle most creases well enough. While their water tanks are smallish, steam irons heat quickly, and remain the best pick for those that press their clothes only occasionally or work in small batches. 

If you find your traditional iron not steamy enough and consider upgrading to a steam generator, there are a few things you should know first-hand:

• Steam generators are more expensive than steam irons. You may also need to invest in a new (preferably vented) ironing board that is large and sturdy enough to support the device.

• Due to their sizeable tanks, steam stations require more storage space and can be heavy to carry. Many people leave them on the board permanently; consider if you have suitable space for this.

• Heating times are longer (usually several minutes), which is not ideal for those who often do last-minute ironing. 

• The appliance generates more noise as the water gets heated and circulates from the tank to the iron. You still can watch TV or converse while working, but the buzzing sound can be annoying for noise-sensitive people.

• The amount of vapour generated is splendid. Make sure you can place your steam generator in a room with good ventilation (unless you prefer a two-in-one experience of ironing in a sauna).

That said, steam stations have several essential advantages too:

• Due to the powerful steam pressure and output, even the heaviest creases completely vanish in seconds. For those who want to always look sharp, the steam stations deliver the best results. They are also instrumental for people who sew or kilt.

• Ironing becomes much faster, which is especially noticeable with thicker fabrics like denim or linen. As to more delicate textiles, steaming them from just one side is usually enough for perfect results. Users report that their ironing times have decreased by a third or even halved after switching to a steam generator.

• The sizeable water tanks mean that you can usually finish the whole pile in a go rather than spending time on frequent refills.

• Despite their power, steam stations are actually gentler on delicate textiles. This is because the smoothening effect is primarily achieved by increased steam volume rather than higher temperature, and the fabric is in contact with the soleplate for a shorter time. With steam generators, there is also less risk for shiny spots on dark textiles.

• Since the iron unit itself doesn’t have an internal water tank, it is lighter, more manoeuvrable, and less tiring for your wrists.

• Best steam generator models can be used not only for horizontal but also vertical steaming, which is handy for items like curtains, drapes, or jackets.

Types of Steam Stations

If your heart gravitates towards having a steam station rather than a steam iron, start by deciding whether you want a pressurised or non-pressurised unit. 

• Non-pressurised steam generators are cheaper. They function similarly to the classical steam irons with the only differences of a larger tank and higher steam output.

• Pressurised steam generators have boilers that allow pushing the steam out more powerfully and penetrating the fabric more thoroughly. They are costlier but smoothen the creases faster and more efficiently. 

You can distinguish between the two types by checking specifications. Pressurised steam generators will have the pressure level in bars listed. Since we recommend steam stations only for people that iron a lot and/or want perfect results, a pressurised model will deliver the best performance with the least effort.

Must-Have Features

If you’re buying a steam generator for the first time, you’re likely to get confused by an endless array of nearly identical models. Here we cover and explain the features that truly matter for sharp ironing experience.

Continuous Steam Pressure

A higher continuous steam pressure means faster ironing and less passes over the same spot. A standard steam iron typically generates ~40-55 g of continuous steam per minute. Now, compare this to steam generators that can deliver 100-190 g per minute. Yes, you get two to four times more smoothing power if you upgrade to a steam station. 

A solid wrinkle slayer should boast at least 120 g/min of continuous power. If you have to deal with heavier fabrics like linen or denim a lot, look for at least 150 g/min to save your time. On the other hand, those who predominantly iron lighter textiles, will also do well with a cheaper steam generator that can produce ~100 g/min.

Steam Shot

Also called steam blast, burst, or surge, this feature works by shortly delivering extra-powerful steam. It allows defeating particularly stubborn creases and smoothing out hard-to-reach spots. 

Not all traditional irons have such a function, and even if there is one, the output rarely exceeds ~200-250 g. As to the steam stations, even mid-range models usually can do up to 500 g, which is enough for domestic needs. The top steam generators can blast well above 600 g of vapour.

Bar Pressure

As mentioned above, we recommend saving money for a pressurised steam generator. Different models will have various bar pressure, typically ranging from 5 to 8 bars. 

Even the weakest pressurised steam station will defeat creases much quicker than a standard steam iron or a non-pressurised unit. However, if you want to cruise through that laundry pile as fast as possible, look for a model of 7 bars or higher.

Heat-up Time

Obviously, another way to save time while ironing is getting a model that heats quickly. Most steam generators need ~3 minutes to get that massive tank ready for steaming. However, there are several that can heat in 2 minutes, and some are ready in just 1. 

If you need a quick model, don’t forget that the heating time is affected by the tank capacity too. If it is too low for your typical ironing volume, more frequent refilling will probably negate any seconds gained during the heating phase. When comparing models of similar capacity, we recommend checking the wattage figure too. A higher wattage usually indicates faster heating.

Steam and Temperature Settings

Some people are not fond of trying to make sense of all the settings their iron has. And they are even less fond of sorting the laundry according to fabric types. 

The good news is that the best steam generators nowadays feature a one-temperature setting that is powerful enough to blast the steam through dense and stubborn fabrics with the temperature being safe for even the most delicate items made of silk, organza, or lace.

That said, there are still models with manual temperature and/or steam settings for various fabrics, so it all depends on your personal preference. It is also worth it to check if the model you like has an Eco mode, as it allows saving water and electricity when ironing lighter and less creased items.

Steam Station Anatomy

While you can deduct quite a lot about the performance of a particular steam generator model just from glancing at the specs, the functionality and ease-of-use can be harder to assess. These tips will help you to find a model that is a pleasure to use.

The Tank

How big a tank you need will largely depend on the size of your laundry pile. Most steam generators have capacities from 1.5 to 2 litres, although some models can be slightly larger or smaller. This is typically enough for 1-2 h of uninterrupted ironing. The exact time will depend not only on the capacity, but also on the power of your unit, the selected steam output, and how fond you are of the boost setting. 

Still, a larger tank generally means less trips to the sink. The traditional steam irons hold just ~0.2-0.4 l and need to be refilled every 10-30 minutes. 

If you do large amounts of laundry, also consider how straightforward the refilling is. We recommend models with transparent tanks and clear maximum level markings. These allow gauging the remaining water level and avoiding overfilling your iron. Detachable tank is also a bonus, as you can simply carry it to the kitchen or bathroom sink rather than juggling a big water bottle and trying to avoid spills on the floor. Finally, a wider tank opening means more convenient top-ups with less splashes. 

The Soleplate

Arguably the most important part of the steam generator is its soleplate. Look for a model with a thin, tapered soleplate, as it will have a better manoeuvrability around clothing details. Thicker soleplates are more likely to snag when it comes to ironing narrow areas. Also, check for the so-called “button groove” – a gap between the iron and the plate which allows ironing around buttons. 

The soleplate material matters too: 

• Cheaper irons often have aluminium soleplates that can become sticky over time. 

• Some models feature soleplates with non-stick coverings. However, these can limit sliding and/or be susceptible to scratching.

• Stainless steel glides well and is quite easy to maintain, but it is prone to scratching too. 

• Ceramic soleplates are another popular option and generally glide well; however, their durability depends on the enamel quality.

Since none of these options is faultless, many manufacturers nowadays produce soleplates of mixed materials to combine their advantages and minimise drawbacks. 

Cords and Hoses

Every steam generator has a power cord that connects its base to the power outlet, and a hose that allows transferring the water from the tank to the iron. Ideally, their combined length should be enough to allow manoeuvring freely across the board without snagging. 

The steam generator cord should be near 2 metres long; this is usually enough to place your ironing board in a convenient spot and reach the closest socket. Since the steam station base usually is placed on the board, the hose length is of less importance. Some models are designed to be placed on the floor; in such cases, the hose should be well over 2 m long. 

Also check the feedback from users and tests if the cord and the hose are flexible enough. Stiffer cords are more likely to get in your way and limit manoeuvrability. Finally, some models have a heel or a clip to conveniently store and secure the cord when it is not in use.

Safety Features

Last but not least, you want a steam generator that is protected from overheating (or even fire) hazards and can be safely used in homes with unruly kids, pets, or spouses. 

• Auto switch-off – this is the main safety feature, as it ensures that the iron turns itself off after a while if not in use. Some models also automatically turn off if the iron is knocked over. 
• Carry Lock – prevents the iron falling from its base during transportation or storage.
• Indicators – Inform you when the iron is connected to power, warming up, or is ready to use. Many models also have sound and/or light indicators notifying when the tank needs to be refilled or descaled.

A Few Notes on Maintenance

No matter how fancy a steam station you might be eyeing, if it is not easy to clean and descale, the days of effortless ironing may be counted. Mineral build up is inevitable and a frequent cause of boiler breakdown if not addressed.

Thus, we strongly recommend steam stations with some anti-scale technology in place. Such models are usually safe to use with tap water. If you live in a hard-water area, you might need to add some distilled water too; the manual will explain this. Generally, steam generators are not designed for use with chemical water softeners. 

There are several ways how manufacturers try to protect the device from limescale. These may be filters, cartridges, or self-cleaning systems. However, all of them involve at least some maintenance and/or ongoing costs. Some require quite a lot; thus, check carefully before buying whether you’re ok with the maintenance requirements of the particular model.