GH Institute

All Irons

• 
  Review of Tefal Express Compact GV7095 steam generator

  Features

  2200W. Ceramic soleplate. 5 bar pressure. Iron weight: 1.3kg. 120g steam shot. 1.6 litre removable tank. 2m power cord. 1.8m steam cord. Built in anti scale filter. Carry lock

  Comments

  Good points: Good pointed tip for intricate items. Very smooth glide. Powerful boost of steam. Easy to use controls. Good crease removal. Useful carry lock.

  Drawbacks: Cord drags iron backwards easily as it is so slippery

  Rating: 80/100

  Price: £179.99

  Stockist: 0845 602 1454 - http://www.tefal.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Philips GC7420 steam generator

  Features

  2400W. Ceramic soleplate. 4.5 bar pressure. Iron weight: 1kg. 120g steam shot. 1 litre water tank. 2m power cord. 1.65m steam cord. Calc clean system. Steam lock. 

  Comments

  Good points: Reached correct temperature on all dot settings. Quick to reach correct pressure for steaming. Removed creases well and glided smoothly.

  Drawbacks: Slow at reaching temperatures on each dot setting. Steam function could not be used on each dot setting. Steam setting is not variable. Slightly too light. 

  Rating: 77/100

  Price: £129.99

  Stockist: 0845 601 0354 - http://www.philips.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of DeLonghi Stirella VVX1870 steam generator

  Features

  2200W. Stainless steel and ceramic soleplate. Bar pressure n/s. Iron weight: 1.3kg. 180g steam shot. 700ml removable water tank. 2m power cord. 1.6m steam cord. Anti scale filter. Carry lock.

  Comments

  Good points: Carry lock is useful. Choice of steam triggers for ease of use.

  Drawbacks: Small amount of dripping on one dot setting. Average glide. Tank is stiff to remove. Steam boost not always responsive.

  Rating: 74/100

  Price: £229.99

  Stockist: 0845 600 6845 - http://www.delonghi.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Morphy Richards Intellidome 42236 steam generator

  Features

  2200W. Stainless steel soleplate. 4 bar pressure. Iron weight: 1.0kg. 90g steam shot. 1.5 litre fixed tank. 1.8m power cord. 1.6m steam cord. Anti scale filter. Low water cut out.

  Comments

  Good points: Clear digital display and easy to use touch controls. Smooth glide. Lightweight iron. Good crease removal.

  Drawbacks: Continues steaming after the trigger is released. Fixed tank makes it awkward to fill and empty. Bulky design.

  Rating: 72/100

  Price: £249.99

  Stockist: 0844 871 8960 - http://www.morphyrichards.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Bosch Power TDS2569 steam generator

  Features

  2800W. Ceramic soleplate. 5 bar pressure. Iron weight: 1.1kg. 120g steam shot. 800ml removable water tank. 2m power cord. 2m steam cord. Anti scale system.

  Comments

  Good points: Lightweight iron. Comfortable handle.

  Drawbacks: Steams vigorously when heating up. Slow to heat up, taking over four minutes. Steam is slow to stop when trigger is released. Small tank size compared to some models. Lighter iron means more pressure is needed.

  Rating: 70/100

  Price: £229.99

  Stockist: 0844 8929023 - http://www.bosch-home.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of LauraStar Evolution G4 steam generator

  Features

  2200W. Stainless steel soleplate. 3.5 bar pressure. Iron weight: 1.5kg. 220g steam shot. 1 litre removable water tank. 2.7m power cord. 2m steam cord. Strap to secure iron.

  Comments

  Good points: Accurate temperatures on two and three dot settings. Very powerful shot of steam. Good crease removal. Steam control easy to use.

  Drawbacks: Awful multi lingual instructions are confusing to follow. Noisy when heating up. Small, dull pilot light. Heavy. Controls rather basic.

  Rating: 64/100

  Price: £369

  Stockist: 08456 049049 - http://www.johnlewis.com

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Russell Hobbs Slipstream 14864 steam generator

  Features

  2200W. Stainless steel soleplate. Iron weight: 1.1kg. 0-90g / min variable steam. 1.1 litre water tank. 1.8m power cord. 1.5m steam cord. Anti scale system. LCD backlit electronic control.

  Comments

  Good points: Lightweight iron.

  Drawbacks: Did not reach correct temperature across all dot settings. Slow at reaching temperature on all dot settings. Leaked badly on 1 dot setting. Steam function cannot be used on all dot settings. Tank capacity hard to see. Dial quite basic. Steam button not easy to use with the same hand using the iron. Some creases remain after ironing. Steam takes a while to build up again after use.

  Rating: 62/100

  Price: £149.99

  Stockist: 0845 658 9700 - http://www.russellhobbs.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Polti Vaporella Forever Star steam generator

  Features

  1250W. Stainless steel soleplate. 5 bar pressure. Iron weight: 1.1kg. 150g steam shot. 1.1 litre removable water tank. 2m retractable power cord. 1.5m steam cord. Integral water filter.

  Comments

  Good points: Lightweight iron. Effortless glide. Powerful boost of steam.

  Drawbacks: Temperatures run low on all dot settings and thermostat is slow to cycle. Max mark on tank is hard to see. On / off switch is awkwardly positioned and small. Cord is stiff and rubs wrist when ironing.

  Rating: 60/100

  Price: £289

  Stockist: 08456 049049 - http://www.johnlewis.com

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Tefal Ultimate FV9450 iron

  Features

  2600W. Weight: 1.8kg empty, 2.1kg full. Palladium soleplate. 150g steam shot. 0-50g / min variable steam. Water spray. 350ml water tank. 3m cord. Self clean control. Anti scale cartridge. Drip stop. Self cleaning soleplate. Safety cut out after 30 seconds.

  Comments

  Good points:  Responsive and powerful steam boost. Superb glide makes ironing effortless and offsets the weight. Wide opening makes it easy to fill. Comfortable handle. Easy to see controls.

  Drawbacks: No audible warning when auto switch off kicks in. Choice of programmes is confusing. Hard to see maximum mark. Handle quite wide for small hands. 

  Rating: 92/100

  Price: £89.99

  Stockist: 0845 6021454 - http://www.tefal.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

  
  

• 
  Review of Philips GC2840 iron

  Features

  2200W. Weight: 1.2kg empty, 1.5kg full. Steamglide soleplate. 100g steam shot. 0-32g/ min variable steam. Water spray. 300ml water tank. 2m cord. Self clean control. Anti scale. Drip stop.

  Comments

  Good points: Quick to heat. Did not leak when in use. Water in tank conveniently lasted a long time.

  Drawbacks: Temperature on 3 dot setting ran low. Steam function cannot be used on all dot settings. Control dial a little flimsy. Handle a bit hard. Steam control hard to reach if right handed.

  Rating: 89/100

  Price: £34.99

  Stockist: 0845 601 0354 - http://www.philips.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Philips Energycare GC3640 iron

  Features

  2400W. Weight: 1.3kg empty, 1.9kg full. Non stick soleplate. 120g steam shot. 0-40g / min variable steam. Water spray. 300ml water tank. 3m cord. Anti calc system. Drip stop. Auto energy save feature.

  Comments

  Good points:  Energy saving feature works by providing more steam when pressure is applied to the handle. Easy to fill water tank. No dripping on low dot settings. Comfortable handle with good non slip finish. Good glide.

  Drawbacks: Steam boost is not always responsive when pressed in quick succession. Steam boost control is not easy to reach for right handers. Slow to heat up. Slide control a little flimsy.

  Rating: 82/100

  Price: £50

  Stockist: 0845 6010354 - http://www.philips.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Rowenta Pro Master DW8010 iron

  Features

  2600W. Weight: 1.4kg empty, 2kg full. Platinum soleplate. 200g steam shot. 0-40g/min variable steam. Water spray. 375ml water tank. 2.5m cord. Anti scale system. Drip stop.

  Comments

  Good points: Smooth glide. Steam available on all dot settings without dripping.

  Drawbacks: Dull, small pilot light. Steam boost is not always responsive when pressed in quick succession. Heavy and bulky. Handle chunky for small hands.

  Rating: 82/100

  Price: £74.99

  Stockist: 0845 602 1454 - http://www.rowenta.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Russell Hobbs Steam Glide Professional 14995

  Features

  2400W. Weight: 1.4kg empty, 1.7kg full. Ceramic soleplate. 100g steam shot. 0-40 g / min variable steam. Water spray. 350ml water tank. 2.9m cord. Self clean control. Drip stop.

  Comments

  Good points: Quick to heat. Comfortable handle. Easy to use control dial.

  Drawbacks: Did not reach correct temperature when on 3 dot setting. Steam function cannot be used on all 3 dot settings. No safety switch-off when left. Right hand users struggled to use water spray button whilst ironing. Glide could be smoother. Not overly stable on its heel.

  Rating: 82/100

  Price: £49.99

  Stockist: 0845 658 9700 - http://www.russellhobbs.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Bosch Power II TDA5620 iron

  Features

  2750W. Weight 1.2kg empty, 1.4kg full. Ceramic soleplate. 120g steam shot. 0-40g / min variable steam. Water spray. 300ml water tank. 3m cord. Anti scale system. Drip stop.

  Comments

  Good points: Quick to heat. Large, clear pilot light. Good responsive steam boost which produces steam when pressed in quick succession. Steam available on all dot settings without dripping. Control dial is easy to grip.

  Drawbacks: No slip strips on handle are uncomfortable. Boost is needed for stubborn creases. Glide could be smoother.

  Rating: 81/100

  Price: £59.99

  Stockist: 0844 8929023 - http://www.bosch-home.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Breville Technique VIN159 iron

  Features

  2700W. Weight: 1.5kg empty, 1.9kg full. Ceramic soleplate. 110g steam shot. 0-50g / min variable steam. Water spray. 400ml water tank. 3m cord. Self clean control. Anti scale filter. Drip stop. Safety cut out after 30 secs.

  Comments

  Good points: Jug icon flashes when tank needs filling. Audible beep when temperature has been reached. Quick to heat to all dot settings. Wide opening makes it easy to fill.

  Drawbacks: Water level is hard to see through the dark sides of the iron. Steam boost not always responsive when pressed in quick succession. Temperatures run low on all dot settings. Slight dripping on low dot settings. Steam control is hard to reach when right handed. Heavy when full. Flex annoying for left handers.

  Rating: 80/100

  Price: £69.99

  Stockist: 0800 525089 - http://www.breville.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Bosch Sensixx TDS1135GB iron

  Features

  2800W. Weight: 1.5kg empty, 1.8kg full. Ceramic soleplate. 200g steam shot. 0-70g variable steam. Water spray. 400ml water tank. 3m cord. Self clean control. Anti calc system. Drip stop. Safety cut out after 30 secs.

  Comments

  Good points: Contains motor assisted steam system  which is similar to a steam generator which enables continuous steam. Quick to reach all dot settings.

  Drawbacks: Temperature on three dot setting runs low. Empties water tank in under 10 minutes when using steam frequently. No steam available on one or two dot settings. Water tank cover is hard to slide open.

  Rating: 80/100

  Price: £99.99

  Stockist: 0844 8929023 - http://www.bosch-home.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Morphy Richards Comfigrip 40853 iron

  Features

  2200W. Weight: 1.6kg empty, 1.8kg full. Ceramic soleplate. 170g steam shot. 0-40g / min variable steam. Water spray. 350ml water tank. 3m cord. Anti scale system. Drip stop. Eco steam switch. Safety cut out after 60 seconds

  Comments

  Good points: Comfortable handle.  Better stability on its heel than it looks.

  Drawbacks: Steam boost is not always responsive when pressed in quick succession. Pilot light could be brighter. Glide could be smoother. Boost control is awkward. Slow to heat up.

  Rating: 78/100

  Price: £69.99

  Stockist: 0844 871 8960 - http://www.morphyrichards.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Rowenta Pro Perfect DG8760 steam generator

  Features

  2200W. Stainless steel soleplate. 5 bar pressure. Iron weight: 1.3kg. 200g steam shot. 1.4 litre removable water tank. 1.9m power cord. 1.8m steam cord. Anti scale system.

  Comments

  Good points: Easy to fill water tank. Good glide and crease removal. Steam trigger under the handle is very comfortable to use. Very clear control dial. Accurate temperatures on all dot settings.

  Drawbacks: Hard to empty the last of the water from the tank.

  Rating: 84/100

  Price: £269.99

  Stockist: 0845 602 1454 - http://www.rowenta.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Philips GC8460 steam generator

  Features

  2200W. Ceramic soleplate. 5 bar pressure. Iron weight: 1.2kg. 170g steam shot. 1.6 litre removable water tank. 1.8m retractable power cord. 1.9m steam cord. Anti scale system. Carry lock. Seperate heat mat for iron.

  Comments

  Good points: Quick to heat up, taking under two minutes. Good accurate temperatures on all dot settings. Clear controls and smooth glide. Main controls easy to line up. Useful carry lock.

  Drawbacks: Pilot light on tank could be brighter. On the model we tested the last 30cm of the flex would not retract properly. Handle slopes at an uncomfortable angle. Cannot stand on its heel.

  Rating: 80/100

  Price: £220

  Stockist: 0845 601 0354 - http://www.philips.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - March 2011

• 
  Review of Bosch Power TDA8337 iron

  Good Housekeeping Top Scorer

  Features

  2700W. 1.18kg empty. 1.48kg when full. Stainless steel soleplate. 100g steam shot. 40g/min continuous steam. Water spray. 300ml water tank. 300cm 360° swivel flex. Anti scale system. Anti drip.

  Comments

  Good points: This comfortable to hold iron glides well over most fabrics and is the best at crease removal. It is the quickest to reach maximum temperature and has a powerful water spray. The permanent anti-scale cartridge helps protect the element from the build-up of limescale. It has a large, well positioned pilot light.

  Drawbacks: Panellists felt the pilot light could be brighter. Occasional dripping during use. No safety cut-out.

  Rating: 80/100

  Price: £49.99

  Stockist: 0844 8929023 - http://www.boschappliances.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Tefal Ultimate Autoclean FV9430 iron

  Features

  2400W. 1.56kg empty. 1.8kg when full. Palladium soleplate. 150g steam shot. Variable 40g/min continuous steam. Water spray. 350ml water tank. 300cm 360° swivel flex. Self clean. Anti scale system. Anti drip. Safety cut out.

  Comments

  Good points: Smooth glide at higher temperatures.  It has a wide, comfortable handle with a good water spray. It claims to have first autoclean soleplate which has catalytic properties to burn off any fibre residue.

  Drawbacks: Glide is not so smooth at lower temperatures. Pilot light small and not very bright.  Doesn't feel well-balanced, more bottom heavy.

  Rating: 76/100

  Price: £59.99

  Stockist: 0845 602 1454 - http://www.tefal.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Rowenta Advancer DZ9115 iron

  Features

  2600W; 1.68kg empty; 1.96kg when full; platinum soleplate; 180g steam shot; variable 40g/min continuous steam; water spray; 300ml water tank; 300cm, 360° swivel flex.  Self clean; anti scale system; self clean; anti drip; safety cut out

  Comments

  Good points: It has a wide and chunky handle which is comfortable to grip. The temperature dial is easy to line up.

  Drawbacks:  The pilot light is not very bright and positioned on the side so it is difficult for left handed users to see. The temperature dial is stiff to turn. Very heavy to use and it doesn't glide smoothly on all fabrics.

  Rating: 69/100

  Price: £69

  Stockist: 0845 602 1454 - http://www.rowenta.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Philips GC2510 iron

  Features

  2000W; 1.2kg empty; 1.36kg when full; non stick soleplate; 90g steam shot; variable 30g/min continuous steam; water spray; 300ml water tank; 234cm flex; 29 steam holes; self clean; anti scale system.  Anti drip.

  Comments

  Good points: It has a Comfortable handle.  Crease removal is best on lighter fabrics. 

  Drawbacks:  Poor crease removal on it's hottest setting. The multi-lingual instructions are annoying. The pilot light is positioned on the right side so is awkward for left-handers to see. Too light-weight to make ironing easy.

  Rating: 69/100

  Price: £20

  Stockist: 0845 601 0354 - http://www.philips.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009

• 
  Review of Morphy Richards 40741 iron

  Features

  2200W; 1.45kg empty; 1.8g when full; ceramic coated soleplate; 40g/min continuous steam; water spray; 400ml water tank; 290cm 360° swivel flex. anti drip; 360° swivel flex; safety cut out

  Comments

  Good points:  Very easy to use . Easy to see when correct temperature has been reached. Quite well balanced.

  Drawbacks: No boost of steam function. Hard to see when the tank is full or empty. The variable steam knob is quite hard to turn. Glide is poor and it is slightly on the heavy side.

  Rating: 67/100

  Price: £69.99

  Stockist: 0870 060 2614 - http://www.morphyrichards.co.uk

  GHI Test Report - May 2009