Steam Irons

For ordinary household ironing, continuous steam that softens the fibres is enough. A steam shot helps with set-in folds and heavy fabrics. If you iron a full basket at a time, a steam generator produces steam without pauses.

Ceramic and steel soleplates glide well and resist scratching. What matters most is that the plate is smooth and the steam holes are spread evenly, so the steam reaches the whole area being ironed.

In most irons yes, if the water is not hard. In a hard-water area use distilled water or an iron with a descaling function so the steam holes do not clog. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.

Run the descaling programme as the manufacturer instructs and wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth once the iron is cold. Burnt residue comes off gently with a non-abrasive cleaner; a scouring pad will scratch the plate.

For single shirts and occasional ironing an iron is enough and takes less storage space. If you iron regularly and in large amounts, the separate tank and stronger steam of a generator speed the work up noticeably.