Polti Vaporella Simply VS20.20, Steam Generator Iron with Detachable 1.5 L Water Tank, Max Pump 6.5 Bar, Steam Boost 210 g/min, ECO Function, White/Black

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Ironing performance is mediocre. It doesn’t offer as powerful a steam performance as some irons, so you’ll have to work a little harder than you would with a more powerful model. This AEG will get the job done though, and the groove above the soleplate makes easy work of ironing around buttons and under collars. Read the full review The styling is modern and the design is practical all round. Despite its smaller size, you’ll still get a large 1.5-litre water tank, and on the side, you’ll find a calc collector for easy cleaning. Note that the water tank isn’t removable, so you’ll need a jug to fill it. There are a decent number of features, too, including an anti-calc function for flushing out limescale deposits and an auto-off function that will turn the iron off if it’s been standing vertically for eight minutes (or 30 seconds horizontal). It will beep before it does, to provide a warning, in the event that you’ve simply become distracted. Steam feels more powerful than the numbers suggest – so powerful, in fact, that it can competently iron both sides of a shirt at the same time, and speeds through everyday ironing even on its eco setting.

Controls are well positioned at your thumb: one for steam shot and one for spray. Plus, there’s a slider with which you can choose the steam level required. The grip is comfy but large, so while the curve of it feels good it isn’t great if you have tiny hands. And at 1.6kg plus with the 400ml water tank, it’s a little on the heavy side too.The steam never run out of puff either, providing a steady stream even after a few minutes. You can get better for spending more, but at this price the Polti Vaporella Forever 670 Eco offers great value for money and surprisingly effective performance. Read the full review

The material from which the soleplate is made is important because it will determine how smoothly your iron glides over your clothes. Ceramic is the king here, but stainless steel isn’t a bad option either – it’s just isn’t as durable. For example, there’s a handy traffic light system that will shine red then green to tell you when the iron is at temperature, and we like this model’s simple, well-placed steam and water buttons. If it’s within your budget and your ironing pile is mountainous, this high-end Bosch steam generator is the one to beat. Read the full review There’s only one mode with the Tefal – it has a smart “any fabric” setting that’s compulsory. It’s a little unusual but it does work well, switching temperatures effectively between cotton and more delicate fabrics. We’d still like the option to choose, however. The 400g/min steam shot offers an extra powerful steam boost, but it’s rarely needed – even its eco mode is sufficient for most ironing jobs.The Bosch TDA7060GB is a powerful steam iron, with some clever features that set it apart from the competition. If you don’t have the space, or the need, for a steam generator iron, this is the iron to consider. Build quality feels very good and the design is superb, with the usual controls just where you’d want them. As for features, look out for anti-scale functionality if you live in a hard water area, as well as automatic cleaning options, and the ever-handy auto-off for when you inevitably forget to unplug it.

However, in use it does an impressive job. The 4.5-bar pressure and 110g per minute continuous steam might not sound like much on paper – nor does its 700ml water tank – but it’s the way Polti puts it all to use that just works.The Bosch Ultimate Steam Generator is pretty much unique: a steam generator with the wow factor. However, as you might expect for such a nicely designed, top-performing iron, it isn’t cheap.