Steam Irons

Three categories, three entirely different experiences

Classic steam iron. The water tank sits in the iron. Affordable, compact, fits in a cupboard. Entirely enough for a few garments a week.

Steam generator system. A separate boiler producing pressurised steam. The steam penetrates the fabric rather than dampening the surface, so creases go in one pass instead of three. If you iron a pile every week, it halves the time — and it is why families ask for one.

Garment steamer. It does not iron — it refreshes. The garment hangs and steam relaxes the fibres. For jackets, curtains, garments that cannot take an iron, and for a quick freshen-up before going out.

The soleplate and limescale

The soleplate material determines how easily it glides. Ceramic and coated plates glide better than plain ones; stainless steel resists scratches longer.

Limescale is the number one killer. Water is hard in many parts of Greece, and scale blocks the steam holes. You know the result: brown droplets on a white shirt.

Two things prevent it. Descale whenever the appliance asks you to — do not ignore the indicator. And empty the tank after every use, so water does not stand inside.

On water: follow what the manufacturer says. Many current irons want ordinary tap water and not distilled — the opposite of what most people assume.

What genuinely saves time

Steam output, not watts. Watts show how fast it heats. What removes creases is how much steam comes out per minute and at what pressure.

Steam shot. The instant burst for stubborn creases in denim and linen.

Vertical steam. It lets you press hanging garments — curtains, jackets, dresses — with no ironing board.

Automatic shut-off. It switches off if forgotten. Not a luxury; it is the difference between a forgotten iron and a burnt ironing board.

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