As you shop for a steam generator iron, Phillips and Tefal are two brand names that you’ll probably come across again and again. Both companies are known for their dependable, high-powered steam generator irons.
With such impressive products from both of these manufacturers, which brand should you buy?
We take a closer look at how their products stack up against each other so that you can decide which is best for your ironing needs.
Product Lineup
One of the first things you may notice as you look around for a steam generator iron is just how many products are in the Tefal lineup. There are over 10 different models available from this company. They include both regular steam generator irons and high-pressure top steam generator irons. The top-of-the-line model is the Pro Express Ultimate+, and the Express Protect models are the most affordable.
The Phillips line is more limited. It includes three steam generator irons: PerfectCare 8000 Series, PerfectCare Elite and PerfectCare Compact. While the more limited collection may provide fewer opportunities to pick out the iron with the exact array of features that you’d like, it can also simplify the shopping process.
Steam Output
When it comes to steam generator iron power, there are two different measurements you can consider. The first is the bar pressure. The more bars, the more power you’re going to get. The second is the steam output, which is measured in grams per minute. Manufacturers list both the continuous output of steam and the output when the boost mode is activated.
As you compare Phillips and Tefal steam generator irons, consider whether you’d prefer a higher continuous output or a higher boost output. The Phillips PerfectCare 8000 Series offers 8.5 bars, 170 grams per minute of continuous output, and 700 grams per minute during steam burst.
The Tefal Pro Express Ultimate+ has 8-bar steam pressure. At 180 grams per minute, its continuous output is higher than that of the Phillips model. Its burst mode is lower, though: 650 grams per minute.
Fabric-care Technology
Today’s top steam generator irons make it easier to care for your garments. Thanks to technological advancements, many irons are capable of sensing just what your clothes need. These irons might also have built-in protection settings or features for tackling even the toughest wrinkles.
Phillips steam generator irons often have:

- Auto shut-off: When a Phillips steam generator iron is left sitting in one spot, it will automatically turn off. You don’t have to worry about burning your clothes or damaging your ironing board.
- Scratch-resistant soleplate: SteamGlide Elite and T-ionic Glide are a few of the soleplate varieties that Phillips uses. They’re designed to move smoothly and resist scratches.
- Single temperature: Phillips’ OptimalTEMP technology keeps the iron at a setting that’s been shown to be safe and effective for all ironable fabrics.
- Speed mode: Your steam generator may be able to detect how quickly you’re sliding the unit back and forth. It will adjust the steam output to match so that you can accomplish your ironing tasks in less time.
- Vertical steaming: With the automatic vertical steamer, you can de-wrinkle your drapery or touch up a dress that’s still on the hanger.
- Has a in-built descaling system with ” Smart Calc” alert, and does not need descale cartyridges.
Tefal’s top features include:

- Angled tip: Tefal generator irons have a Precision Tip for getting into tight spots. The tip contains steam holes and may even deliver a steam boost to the nooks and crannies of your dress shirts. Some models also have rounded bottoms so that you don’t accidentally add new creases with the edge of your iron.
- Drip protection: To prevent unsightly stains, Tefal offers the Protect System. This drip guard keeps splashes of water from landing on the clothes you’re ironing.
- Intelligent steaming: Steam generator irons with Smart Steam are able to adjust the steam output as you move the iron.
- Multiple settings: Tefal puts you in control of some models with the ability to adjust the temperature and steam output. Your steam generator iron may also have an automatic section that lets the device take the lead.
- Smooth coating: Whether your iron has a Durilium, ceramic or PFTE soleplate, you can count on it to slide easily across your clothes. Durilium is the smoothest and most durable of the three options, and those soleplates also feature the most steam holes for powerful flat or vertical ironing.
- Has a anti-scale limesale collector for the simplest way to descale the steam generator tank, and in our opinion is better than Philips.
Each brand’s features vary from model to model. The most advanced models usually offer the latest technology.
Cleaning Features
For optimal performance, keeping your steam generator iron free of limescale buildup is a must. Both Phillips and Tefal units have features to help with this.
The Phillips approach varies based on the model. Some units use an Easy De-calc removable knob. There’s also the Smart Calc Clean function, which involves running an automatic cleaning cycle while the iron sits on a special collection container.
Tefal steam generator irons rely on a removable Scale Collector that slides out for dumping the buildup.
Both brands’ steam gen irons have alerts to let you know when it’s time for a cleaning.
Steam Ironing With Phillips or Tefal
What’s your verdict? Will you choose a Phillips iron or a Tefal one? Both brands offer an array of top-quality features for quick, powerful steam ironing. Whichever you choose, you can get a top-of-the-line steam generator iron, an economy unit or a middle-of-the-road model.