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 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 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 Tefal Effectis GV6760 is a compact steam generator iron. It doesn’t offer the most powerful steam in its class, but considering it’s a lot smaller than its competition, the performance impresses. When buying a new iron, there are two main things to consider – how much ironing you do and how much you have to spend. 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. Both of these features, plus 50g/min of constant steam and a powerful 200g/min steam shot, make the Bosch a very impressive performer. It will iron both sides of many garments at the same time, powering through a basket of ironing in no time.

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. Its feature set includes an automatic i-Temp setting that works effectively with all fabric types and a SensorSecure touch-sensitive handle that only switches on the heat when gripped. It isn’t the most beautiful of irons, and its price tag still leans towards the pricey – but in terms of pure ironing capability, the Bosch is a powerful workhorse and undisputedly the best steam iron we’ve tested. Read the full reviewThe 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. 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. Steam-generator irons: These are smaller and come with a separate large tank for ironing without frequent interruptions and offer a medium steam output. They are suited for anyone with a considerable amount of garments to iron and people who are looking for modern products that perform well. If you can afford the outlay, this iron won’t disappoint. As well as looking nice, the design has been well thought out for both right- and left-handed users, and controls are well placed, with lots of options for both steam and temperature. 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.