Best Irons for Shirts, Bedding and Weekly Laundry
Compare steam irons and generators for a few shirts, a weekly basket or a pile of bedding.
A few shirts need a different iron from a weekly pile of bedding. If you usually press clothes as you need them, a conventional steam iron is quick to set up and easy to put away. If you keep stopping to refill, a steam generator moves the water into a larger tank on a separate base.
For most weekly laundry, start with the Russell Hobbs PowerSteam Ultra 20630. For occasional shirts, the Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam 23061 keeps the cost down. The Tefal Freemove Power FV6676G0 is the cordless choice if you regularly reposition garments and can dock it in between. For larger loads, the Tefal Express Essential SV6115G0 is a low-cost route to a generator. The Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6026/20 is worth looking at if you want a removable tank and a compact base.
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Before you buy
Product details, prices and availability can change. Always check the retailer's page before buying, especially dimensions, compatibility, delivery terms and warranty cover.
Quick picks
Our recommendations for different budgets and needs, with the main differences at a glance. Read our full verdicts below for features, strengths and drawbacks.
Best Steam Iron Overall
Typical price: £34–£42
Corded steam iron · 350ml tank
The PowerSteam Ultra has the steam for a weekly pile without the cost or cupboard space of a generator. A full tank makes it a weightier iron to lift.
- Type:
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank:
- 350 ml
Best Budget Steam Iron
Typical price: £16–£22
Corded steam iron · blue and white
An inexpensive, straightforward iron for a few shirts at a time. Thick fabric takes more passes, and the 2 m cord limits where you can set up.
- Type:
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank:
- 300 ml
Best Cordless Steam Iron
Typical price: about £50
Cordless steam iron · horizontal dock
The Freemove Power makes sense for shirts and quick touch-ups when you want a clear board. Expect to return it to the dock as you work.
- Type:
- Cordless steam iron
Best Budget Steam Generator Iron
Typical price: about £70
Steam generator iron · fixed 1.4L tank
A low-cost route to a separate tank for bigger loads. You’ll still choose the heat and steam settings, and the tank stays attached when you refill it.
- Type:
- Steam generator iron
- Water tank:
- 1.4 L
Best Compact Steam Generator Iron
Typical price: about £180
Steam generator iron · removable 1.8L tank
A separate tank you can lift out, with a base only 16.8 cm wide. This is a practical step up if you have regular laundry and limited storage.
- Type:
- Steam generator iron
- Water tank:
- 1.8 L
Best Premium Steam Generator Iron
Typical price: about £300
Steam generator iron · 800g handpiece
The Elite Plus makes long sessions easier on your hand with an 800 g handpiece and a large tank on the base. Measure the set-up before spending the extra money.
- Type:
- Steam generator iron
- Water tank:
- 1.8 L
Best Steam Iron for Hard Water
Typical price: £39–£47
Corded steam iron · removable scale collector
A removable collector gives you a simple way to deal with scale when you iron regularly in a hard-water area.
- Type:
- Corded steam iron
Best Steam Iron for Bedding
Typical price: £50–£64
Corded steam iron · wide ceramic soleplate
A wide soleplate makes the DiamondXpress a good conventional iron for sheets. The narrow nose still reaches into corners and around buttons.
- Type:
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank:
- 400 ml
Best Steam Iron for Easy Storage
Typical price: about £26
Corded steam iron · wrap-and-clip cable
Once the iron has cooled, wrap the lead around its base and clip it in place before putting it away.
- Type:
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank:
- 320 ml
Best Corded and Cordless Steam Iron
Typical price: £21–£30
Corded or cordless steam iron · purple
A low-cost way to try cordless ironing with the option to plug back in for longer jobs. It’s especially useful if you press a bit of everything.
- Type:
- Corded or cordless steam iron
- Water tank:
- 360 ml
Compare the products at a glance
| Product | Price | Type | Water tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Hobbs PowerSteam UltraBest Steam Iron Overall | Retailer price: £34 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Corded steam iron | 350 ml |
| Russell Hobbs Supreme SteamBest Budget Steam Iron | Retailer price: £16 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Corded steam iron | 300 ml |
| Tefal Freemove PowerBest Cordless Steam Iron | Retailer price: £49.99 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Cordless steam iron | Not listed |
| Tefal Express EssentialBest Budget Steam Generator Iron | Retailer price: £69.99 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Steam generator iron | 1.4 L |
| Philips PerfectCare 6000Best Compact Steam Generator Iron | Retailer price: £179.99 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Steam generator iron | 1.8 L |
| Philips PerfectCare Elite PlusBest Premium Steam Generator Iron | Retailer price: £299.99 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Steam generator iron | 1.8 L |
| Tefal Ultraglide Anti-Scale PlusBest Steam Iron for Hard Water | Retailer price: £39 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Corded steam iron | Not listed |
| Breville DiamondXpressBest Steam Iron for Bedding | Retailer price: £50 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Corded steam iron | 400 ml |
| Russell Hobbs Easy Store Pro Wrap & ClipBest Steam Iron for Easy Storage | Retailer price: £25.99 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Corded steam iron | 320 ml |
| Tower CeraGlideBest Corded and Cordless Steam Iron | Retailer price: £21 at Amazon Price checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT | Corded or cordless steam iron | 360 ml |
How to choose an iron
Start with what’s in your ironing pile
Go for a corded iron if you need something you can set up quickly and store in a cupboard. Cordless works well if you pause to turn garments often, but it has to go back on its dock to reheat. Some irons can switch between the two modes. A generator is worth considering if you do a full basket or several sheets in one session and want fewer stops to fill up.
Check what you lift and what you have to store
Check the weight of the handpiece separately from the full system. The reservoir in a conventional iron adds weight as you fill it. A generator carries its water in the base, which frees up your hand but can make the entire appliance heavier to bring out and put away. Measure the cupboard and the space at the board, including room for the power lead and hose.
Put the base on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface. If you’re using a board tray, make sure it supports the filled unit and that the base sits fully inside it.
Compare the steam you use most
Continuous steam is the amount supplied during normal pressing. A steam shot is a short boost for creases or thick seams. A large boost number matters less if you need steady steam for several sheets. Pump pressure and boiler pressure describe different parts of a steam system. Compare like with like and treat rated steam figures as an indication rather than a promise of quicker ironing.
Plan for fabrics and hard water
Follow the care label and check the heat setting when you change fabrics. An iron with one temperature setting can simplify a mixed load of ironable garments. Look for a collector you can remove or a rinse routine you’re happy to follow if you use a lot of steam. Check the manual for the right water and cleaning method, especially in a hard-water area.
Look at the whole cost of the set-up
A separate tank is a bigger purchase and may need a different place to stand. Compare that with how often you iron and how much time you spend refilling. The wattage on the box is a power rating. Electricity use also depends on how long you iron and how often the heater runs, so wattage alone won’t tell you which machine costs less per basket.
Why these picks made the shortlist
What each pick does well, where it falls short and who it suits.
Russell Hobbs PowerSteam Ultra
Corded steam iron · 350ml tank
Best Steam Iron Overall
View full product page Useful accessories
This Russell Hobbs is a good place to start if you press shirts, trousers and the odd pair of jeans in one sitting. The ceramic soleplate moves smoothly across fabric, and the tapered tip gets between buttons. A strong steam shot helps on seams and folds that need more attention.
- Type
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank
- 350 ml
Key features
- Steam shot targets thick folds and seams
- Self-clean function flushes out scale
- The pointed nose and button groove help with shirt fronts
Strengths
- Smooth ceramic soleplate for mixed weekly loads
- Strong steam shot for stubborn folds
- Tapered tip reaches between buttons
Limitations
- A full tank adds to the weight in your hand
- Smaller water reserve than a steam generator
Verdict
There’s enough here for regular ironing without finding space for a tank and hose. The iron is substantial, especially after filling its 350 ml tank. If you lift the iron frequently or usually press just one shirt, the cheaper Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam 23061 is easier to justify. For full baskets and bedding every week, a separate tank is the more useful upgrade.
Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam
Corded steam iron · blue and white
Best Budget Steam Iron
View full product page Useful accessories
If you iron only when a shirt or uniform needs it, the Supreme Steam gives you a temperature dial, spray and steam shot without much to learn. It heats quickly enough for a small job, and the stainless steel soleplate is well suited to lighter clothes.
- Type
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank
- 300 ml
Key features
- Self-clean function flushes out scale
Strengths
- Low purchase cost for occasional ironing
- Simple dial and spray for light garments
- Compact format is easy to put away
- Heats quickly for a short ironing job
Limitations
- Soleplate can drag on thicker material
- 2 m lead needs a socket close to the board
Verdict
Deep creases in heavier fabric need more effort, and the plate can drag where a smoother ceramic design would pass more easily. Check that the 2 m lead reaches your usual board position. The Russell Hobbs PowerSteam Ultra 20630 is worth the step up if you regularly iron jeans or a full family basket.
Tefal Freemove Power
Cordless steam iron · horizontal dock
Best Cordless Steam Iron
View full product page Useful accessories
A cordless iron gives you more freedom to turn a shirt or reach a sleeve without pulling a lead across the fabric. The Freemove Power rests on a horizontal dock and reheats when you put it down. Work in short passes and set it back while you move to the next part of the garment.
- Type
- Cordless steam iron
- Water tank
- -
Key features
- The horizontal dock reheats the iron when you set it down
Strengths
- No lead to pull across the garment while pressing
- Horizontal dock suits breaks to reposition a shirt
- Steam boost helps with individual folds
Limitations
- Returns to the dock interrupt long passes over sheets
- The dock needs a stable spot close to a socket
Verdict
That rhythm fits shirts and the odd touch-up. It becomes more noticeable when you’re working down a sheet and have little reason to stop. The dock still needs a socket and a stable spot close to the board. If you’d like the option to keep ironing while plugged in, the Tower CeraGlide T22008 can work either way.
Tefal Express Essential
Steam generator iron · fixed 1.4L tank
Best Budget Steam Generator Iron
View full product page Useful accessories
The Express Essential is the entry point here if refilling a conventional iron interrupts your laundry. Its 1.4 L reservoir stays on the base, and Tefal specifies 120 g/min of continuous steam. Manual heat and steam controls give you a familiar way to work through the pile.
- Type
- Steam generator iron
- Water tank
- 1.4 L
Key features
- Scale-rinsing system for maintenance
- Cord storage keeps the station tidier between uses
- Automatic shut-off
Strengths
- Separate 1.4 L tank reduces refill interruptions
- Low upfront cost for a steam generator
- Manual controls suit anyone who likes choosing the heat
Limitations
- Fixed tank is less convenient to fill at the sink
- Manual settings need attention across mixed fabrics
- Hose and power lead are each 1.6 m, so check your board position
Verdict
Allow for the 1.6 m hose and 1.6 m mains lead when you position the base. Bring water to the fixed tank instead of taking the reservoir to the tap, and set the dial when moving between fabrics. The Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6026/20 costs more but gives you a removable tank and a single temperature setting for ironable fabrics.
Philips PerfectCare 6000
Steam generator iron · removable 1.8L tank
Best Compact Steam Generator Iron
View full product page Useful accessories
The PerfectCare 6000 puts a removable 1.8 L tank into a unit that measures 36.8 × 16.8 cm at the base. That makes it easier to find a place for than many generators. It uses one temperature setting for ironable garments, which saves dial changes when you move from shirts to bedding.
- Type
- Steam generator iron
- Water tank
- 1.8 L
Key features
- Refill the removable tank at the sink
- Reusable container catches water during the scale-clean cycle
Strengths
- Narrow base is easier to fit into a cupboard
- Detachable 1.8 L tank can be filled at the sink
- One temperature setting for ironable fabrics
Limitations
- Handpiece is heavier than the Elite Plus’s
- Base and hose still need room at the board
Verdict
Check the clearance above the base and where the hose runs before you set up. The iron and base weigh 3.4 kg before water. The part you lift during ironing is 1.18 kg, so the main advantage is fitting and moving the whole station. The Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus GC9682/86 has a lighter handpiece and more steam on paper if you can spare the extra space and cost.
Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus
Steam generator iron · 800g handpiece
Best Premium Steam Generator Iron
View full product page Useful accessories
With the water on the base, the part you lift is just 800 g. That makes the Elite Plus an attractive upgrade when you iron several baskets at once and keep lifting the iron to reposition garments. Philips specifies up to 165 g/min of continuous steam and a removable 1.8 L tank. You can refill during use, and the single heat setting helps when switching between ironable fabrics.
- Type
- Steam generator iron
- Water tank
- 1.8 L
Key features
- Automatic steam responds as you move the iron
- Low-water alert and removable tank for topping up during use
- Scale reminder and drain for maintenance
- Carry lock keeps the iron attached to the station
Strengths
- 800 g handpiece reduces the weight you lift each pass
- Removable 1.8 L tank can be topped up during use
- One heat setting for mixed loads of ironable clothes
- Higher specified continuous steam than the compact Philips
Limitations
- The base needs a large, stable resting surface
- The dry station weighs 5.1 kg before you add water
- Premium price is harder to justify for short sessions
Verdict
A light handpiece comes with a sizeable station. The dry system weighs about 5.1 kg and takes up a footprint of 45.3 × 23.3 cm. Plan a stable, heat-resistant surface for it. If the unit needs to go back in a tight cupboard every week, the Philips PerfectCare 6000 PSG6026/20 is more practical.
Tefal Ultraglide Anti-Scale Plus
Corded steam iron · removable scale collector
Best Steam Iron for Hard Water
View full product page Useful accessories
Once the Ultraglide has cooled, you can remove its scale collector and clear the deposits instead of relying entirely on an internal flush. The soleplate glides smoothly and the handle is comfortable to hold.
- Type
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank
- -
Key features
- Remove the collector to clear trapped scale
Strengths
- Removable collector gives direct access to trapped scale
- Comfortable handle and smooth glide for everyday clothes
Limitations
- Collector still needs periodic cleaning
Verdict
The collector helps with maintenance, but you still need to clean it and follow the model’s water instructions. Pick this over the Russell Hobbs PowerSteam Ultra 20630 if easy access to trapped scale matters more to you than the all-round Russell Hobbs’ balance for mixed laundry.
Breville DiamondXpress
Corded steam iron · wide ceramic soleplate
Best Steam Iron for Bedding
View full product page Useful accessories
The DiamondXpress covers more of a flat sheet in each pass than a narrow iron. The wide ceramic soleplate glides smoothly in either direction, though the pointed front is useful when you get to a duvet cover’s corners or switch to shirts. A 400 ml tank is generous for this format.
- Type
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank
- 400 ml
Key features
- The narrow nose reaches corners despite the wide soleplate
Strengths
- Wide soleplate glides smoothly across sheets
- Pointed tip reaches between buttons and into corners
- Large water tank for a conventional iron
Limitations
- The wide plate is less useful on small garments
- Tank is still much smaller than a generator reservoir
Verdict
It’s a useful middle ground if you press bedding but have little space for a generator. If sheets are the bulk of a weekly pile, a separate tank will do more to reduce refill stops. For ordinary clothes, the Russell Hobbs PowerSteam Ultra 20630 covers much the same ground with a less wide soleplate.
Russell Hobbs Easy Store Pro Wrap & Clip
Corded steam iron · wrap-and-clip cable
Best Steam Iron for Easy Storage
View full product page Useful accessories
The Easy Store Pro solves a small but repeated nuisance if you pack the iron away between uses. Once the iron has cooled, its cable wraps around the heel and clips in place. That keeps the lead from snagging on other things when you put it away or lift it out.
- Type
- Corded steam iron
- Water tank
- 320 ml
Key features
- Clip secures the cable after wrapping
- Self-clean function for flushing out scale
Strengths
- Heel clip keeps the cable tidy in a cupboard
- Steam shot helps with individual creases on ordinary laundry
Limitations
- Lower specified continuous steam than the PowerSteam Ultra
Verdict
There’s no dock or generator to store, and the tank is large enough for short household sessions. Its rated continuous steam is 45 g/min. That gives up some steam compared with the PowerSteam Ultra if you regularly press thicker fabrics. For deeper creases in regular large loads, the Russell Hobbs PowerSteam Ultra 20630 is the better place to spend a little more.
Tower CeraGlide
Corded or cordless steam iron · purple
Best Corded and Cordless Steam Iron
View full product page Useful accessories
The CeraGlide lets you detach the iron for quick passes or keep the power connection attached for a full pile. That flexibility matters if you like working around a shirt without a lead but don’t want to stop to reheat while pressing sheets.
- Type
- Corded or cordless steam iron
- Water tank
- 360 ml
Key features
- Switch between plugged-in ironing and short cordless passes
- Self-clean function for flushing out scale
Strengths
- Switch between corded and cordless work
- Low purchase price for both modes
- 360 ml tank is generous for this format
Limitations
- Regular docking interrupts long cordless passes
- Base still needs a stable spot and nearby socket
Verdict
Cordless use still means short working intervals and regular returns to the base. The Tefal Freemove Power FV6676G0 is the dedicated cordless choice if shirts and touch-ups are most of your ironing. The Tower’s advantage is being able to choose either mode on the day.
Want to see more options?
Browse beyond our shortlist to find a size and style that suits you.
Useful accessories
Brabantia Ironing Board B
Use this height-adjustable board for corded and cordless irons as well as steam generators. Keep your current board if it’s stable and has room to set your iron, dock or base down safely.
The separate metal tray takes generator bases up to 40 × 22 cm. The Philips PerfectCare 6000 fits those dimensions. Check the board’s load limit against the filled unit’s weight and make sure all feet sit flat inside the tray. The larger Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus needs a separate, stable, heat-resistant surface for its base.
Typical price: about £69
Amazon
£68.99 Checked 6 November 2026 17:13 GMT View at AmazonQuestions about buying an iron
When is a steam generator worth it?
Does a cordless iron run on a battery?
Should I use distilled water in a steam iron?
Can a garment steamer replace an iron?
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