Features

2200W; 1.1kg iron; ceramic soleplate; 120g/min variable steam with 150g/min shot and steam at tip; steam lock; 1.4 litre removable tank; 250cm flex; 190cm steam cord; on, steam ready, tank empty and descale indicators; anti calc valve; 180° flex swivel; flex storage

Comments

Temperatures are accurate with regular cycle. Excellent crease removal on all fabric types tested. Powerful steam and clear pilot light on top of handle. Trigger can be locked and a further steam setting is available for tip of iron. Effortless glide. Dial is easy to turn but graphics could be larger.

Stockist: 0845 601 0354 www.philips.co.uk

GHI Test Report - May 07

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.

Stockist: 0844 8929023 www.boschappliances.co.uk

GHI Test Report - May 09

Features

2400W. 1250g iron; 8045g iron and base. Ceramic soleplate. 120g/min variable steam output with 200g/min variable steam output. 5 bar pressure. 1.8ml removable tank. 1.85m flex; 1.9m steam retractable cord with 360° flex joint. Auto shut off. Indicators: water tank empty, auto off and anti-calc.

Comments

Good points: A powerful, great performer and its ceramic coated soleplate glides well especially on the 2 and 3 dot settings. It has the highest steam output of all models tested. Well designed extra features such as a retractable flex and lockable cover, justify its higher price.  The cover can be locked over the iron straight after use making it safe and easy to carry. The slider controls are clear and easy to set and the tank refill and descale indicators are clear. Large capacity water tank.

Drawbacks:  Slight drag at low temperatures and bulky to store. Leaks a bit on low temperature.

Stockist: 0845 602 1454 www.tefal.co.uk

GHI Test Report - May 09

Features

2400W; 1.4kg full; ceramic soleplate; 95g steam shot; variable 35g/min continuous steam; water spray; 320ml tank; 295cm flex; anti scale agent; self clean; anti drip, 360° flex; auto shut off

Comments

Quick to heat with accurate temps on all dot settings. Lacking some basic features. The wide water tank opening is easy to fill and empty but there is no cover, so water can spill out if a vigorous ironer. On/off light but no pilot light so you can't tell whether the iron has reached the set temp. Shot of steam lacks oomph and is slow to recover.

Stockist: 0845 658 9700 www.russellhobbs.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Apr 07

Features

2000W; 1.4kg full; ceramic soleplate; 80g steam shot; variable 30g/min continuous steam; water spray; 270ml tank; 212cm flex; self clean; anti calc valve; 180° flex