Steam Generator Iron

Annieuk75

I have arthritis and it really affects my hands. I am looking to buy a steam generator iron and wondered if anybody had any recommendations?
Thanks

TomsMom

I have a Philips steam generator iron and love it. It's quite an old model, not available now, but my d-i-l has a newer model and she is very happy with hers. I use it on maximum steam (don't bother to turn the dial down) and it's a breeze to do the ironing.

As arthritis affects your hands I would suggest you get one with a steam lock button. The Philips have this, and I think some models of Tefal might as well but you'd have to check it. The steam lock button means that you don't have to hold the steam button down continuously when you want steam. Just lock the button in position when ironing, a quick flick to unlock it when you put the iron down.

If ironing something delicate I hover the iron just above the garment and the steam does the work without actually touching the item. You can even hang something delicate on a hanger and vertical steam with pretty good results.

I'd never go back to a normal iron and wouldn't hesitate to buy another Philips.

Copjunk2

I have a Philips Steam Generator Iron, but it broke down in September (not that old about 2 years) and I'm still waiting to get it repaired. Philips seemingly don't keep parts in the UK and they have to be sent from Europe (?). I'm about to email Philips to vent my displeasure! My local repair shop said that Tefal and Philips steam generators are worth repairing, but Morphy Richards are not well made and not worth repairing. I think Tefal parts are easier to get hold off than Philips.

I would also say that it is fairly noisy when you use it. As TomsMom says it is probably quite good for arthritic fingers as you don't have to hold the steam button in place as you do on some makes. I would say using a steam generator iron probably cuts ironing time by at least a third.