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Are you looking for a new iron, but want a model that can tackle tough creases on delicate fabrics like a high-end steamer? Well you’re in luck — the Philips PerfectCare Compact GC7842/46 is now offering an unbeatable saving!

We have first-hand experience using a Philips steam generator iron, and it's quickly become our favourite model for making clothes look packet-fresh and crisp.

But ironing your clothes doesn’t just make them look nicer — hot steam actually kills bacteria and reduces lingering smells, meaning that your clothes last longer and stay cleaner with less washing. Irons are also essential for making repairs to your clothes. When fixing broken seams, the last thing you want is to try the garment on, only to realise your seams are bubbly from not being pressed.

With environmental concerns sweeping the nation, there has never been a better time to invest in a top-quality iron, so that your clothes can go the extra mile — and this model from our favourite line, the Philips PerfectCare Compact range, has just gone on sale.

Read more: How to clean white shoes like a pro

Steam flow rate: 120g/min continuous, 400g/min shot

We’ve tested out a slightly senior model from this range (the GC7840/26) and it didn’t disappoint. Aside from minor differences relating to bar steam pressure and steam flow rate, all of the models within this line use OptimalTEMP technology, which automatically detects the type of fabric you’re using and adjusts its temperature accordingly.

When I first found out about this cutting-edge feature, I was hesitant. Because there’s no adjustable thermostat on the iron itself (the OptimalTEMP technology takes its place) I was reluctant to put my trust into a feature that I had no experience with. My dressmaking experience has led me to never underestimate the damage that irons can do to delicate or synthetic clothes — once, I pressed a skirt made from recycled plastic whilst using the ‘synthetic’ setting of my old iron, only to find that the hot steam had melted a big hole into the fabric!

At that point, I knew it was time to invest in a new iron. I was won over by Philips’ no-burn guarantee, which promises that any ironable fabric will be left with zero scorch-marks, shining, or other damage — even when the iron is left face-down on the fabric! After a couple months of use, I can confidently say that Philips’ OptimalTEMP technology is foolproof. I’ve ironed delicate Chinese silks immediately after pressing some sturdy Scottish wool, and found both garments to be beautiful and wrinkle free, thanks to the iron’s clever fabric detection technology.

Like my model, the GC7842/46 also supports vertical steaming, meaning that there’s no need to invest in an additional device — simply hold the iron upright and press the trigger to release hot steam, which will cause any creases to fall out of your hanging fabric.

Whereas a steam iron features an in-built water tank, a steam generator iron has a separate water tank that’s typically larger and sits under the iron. Essentially, this larger tank allows for a greater build-up of pressurised steam, which is delivered to the iron through a cord. As a result, you can do your ironing much faster, because there’s twice as much steam coming through the iron plate — and, depending on the model you go for, you can also iron bigger loads of laundry in one go, and even vertical steam your clothes whilst they hang.

The Philips Perfectcare Compact GC7842/46 is one of the best steam generating irons on the market right now, and now you can snap it up for a fraction of its usual retail cost. It will allow you to press your clothes quickly, thanks to the OptimalTEMP technology (which removes the need to fiddle about with manual settings) and is powerful enough to knock out the toughest of creases on the most difficult of fabrics. Whether you plan on using it for dressmaking, vertical steaming, or pressing the whole family’s clothes, you won’t be disappointed by this clever little iron.

Buy now for £109 at Currys

--- Prices updated on 13/01/2021. We are not responsible for any changes on the prices mentioned above.

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