I tried the Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator and now I don't want to go back to a regular iron

I have always thought that the right iron has the ability to make big difference to how I can tolerate doing the ironing. That’s why I fancied trying to a steam generator.

I’d been curious for years, but was put off by fears of it being too heavy for me to lift. But after spending a Sunday doing a particularly large pile of ironing and becoming frustrated by having to make multiple trips to the sink to top up the water, I decided it was time to give one a try.

After some research, I settled on the Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator, which is described as combining powerful continuous steam with a lightweight iron and a compact base.

It has a 1.5-litre water tank, up to 120g/min continuous steam and a steam boost of up to 400g, and can be ready to use in around two minutes, according to Philips. The iron itself weighs 1.2kg, while the iron and base together weigh 2.95kg, so I was confident I’d have no issues lifting it. I was pleased to find, after it was delivered, that is indeed compact and easy to handle and hold, but did it help me make light work of my next ironing pile?

What I like about the Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator

The biggest selling point of this steam generator iron, aside from the size and weight, has to be the steam capabilities.

This is so much more than a standard iron. The PerfectCare Compact has a maximum pump pressure of 6.5 bar, continuous steam of up to 120g/min and a steam boost of up to 400g. That means it has plenty of power for tackling stubborn creases, while the extra steam can also be used vertically to freshen clothes that have just got a little crumpled.

Thanks so its weight, it is much easier to manoeuvre across clothes than you might expect from a steam generator too, and both of these features combined mean I can glide it across my clothes with ease and they are crease-free in no time.

One of my favourite features is the OptimalTEMP technology. Rather than having to constantly adjust the temperature depending on what I’m ironing, the technology is designed to work across all fabrics, including delicates such as silk.

The whole ironing process now feels much quicker and easier. Instead of stopping to work out whether I’ve selected the right temperature, I have been able to concentrate on getting through the pile. It’s one of those features that you don’t realise how useful it is until you have it, and I have been amazed at how much speedier I have been with the whole chore because of it.

The 1.5-litre water tank is another big advantage. Philips says it provides around 90 minutes of continuous use, which I have found to be accurate, and you can refill it at any point during ironing. I’ve been able to get through my ironing pile now without having to stop to go get more water, and that has been a refreshing change.

I also appreciate the Smart Calc Clean system. The machine reminds you when it needs descaling and comes with a dedicated Calc Clean container, so there is no need to buy replacement cartridges. This isn’t technology I have had before with an iron, but I guess that is because my previous model was more than a decade old, but it’s great to know my iron will be as clean as possible because then my clothes will be too.

There is also an automatic shut-off function, which switches the appliance off when it has been left unused for a few minutes. That's a small feature, but one that has been really reassuring and I’m sure will be of use for busy households.

The SteamGlide soleplate is another useful feature. Philips says it has a non-stick, scratch-resistant coating designed to move smoothly across fabrics, while also being easy to clean. I have found this to be the case.

I have clothing made out of various fabrics; cottons, linens, viscose, polyester and more. With my previous iron, I had noticed it it had started to stick a little sometimes as I was using it and I became wary of using it on more delicate items. But, with the Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator I soon realised I didn’t need to worry about this anymore. This means I don’t have to iron some of my clothes under old towels anymore to protect them, which gives me peace of mind and help to cut down the time it takes to do the ironing even more..

* Please do check and follow the care instructions on the labels of your clothing as some materials are not suitable for ironing.

What I don't like about the Philips Perfect Care Compact Steam Generator

The main drawback is that a steam generator is inevitably more substantial in size than a conventional iron, though it is a very reasonable weight for what it is and I have no trouble lifting it.

Although Philips has made this model compact for what it is, there’s no getting away from the fact you have the base unit and hose to store too, rather than just a standard iron away in a cupboard. The compact design certainly helps, but it is something to consider if you're short on storage space.

But, the whole point of a steam generator is that it offers more powerful steam than a conventional iron, and that does mean accepting a larger appliance which I have no issue with.

The other consideration is that the benefits really come into their own if you do a reasonable amount of ironing. If you only iron the occasional shirt or dress, a conventional steam iron may be all you need.

My Verdict

The Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator is a great option for anyone who wants to make ironing quicker and less laborious.

Its combination of powerful steam, a lightweight 1.2kg iron, 1.5-litre water tank and SteamGlide soleplate means it does the job extremely effectively, but still looks sleek.

For anyone who regularly faces sizeable laundry piles and wants more steam power, the Philips Perfect Care Compact Steam Generator is a worthwhile upgrade. The price is £219.99, and it is available in two colours; burgundy and white and blue and white.

• Please note, delivery charges may apply.