GC7842/46 PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator Iron

I purchased the Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator Iron, and I can honestly say it has transformed my ironing experience. From the very first use, I was impressed by how powerful yet easy to handle it is. The 1.5L water tank is a game-changer—it means I can iron for a long time without constantly refilling, which saves so much time. The steam output is consistent and strong, making even the toughest creases disappear effortlessly. I love that it uses OptimalTEMP technology, so I never have to worry about adjusting the temperature or burning fabrics. It’s safe for all materials, which gives me peace of mind. Another feature I appreciate is the energy-saving mode. It delivers excellent results while using less power, which is great for both my electricity bill and the environment. Despite being a steam generator iron, it’s surprisingly compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and move around. Overall, this iron combines convenience, efficiency, and safety in one sleek design. Ironing used to feel like a chore, but now it’s quick and satisfying. If you want an iron that delivers professional results at home, this is the one!

Good iron for the price. It is light to hold and very easy to use because there is only one button. It sets the right heat on its own, so you just plug it in and start. I am very happy with it.

Have always had Tefal steam generator irons previously but thought I would give this a try. Very impressed with its performance but unfortunately after about 5 months I realised it was hardly putting out amy steam. I kept de-calcing it but eventually rang Philips customer care. I couldn't find my receipt but very helpful chap sent me a link so I could upload a picture of the underneath giving serial number etc. He then arranged for a courier to collect it the following day free of charge. It did take a few weeks but it was eventually returned to me repaired and fully working, apparently they had to replace the steam pipe as it was blocked. Fingers crossed that this doesn't occur again as I only use it once a week, there are only two of us so it shouldn't have had a problem. Having said that I love the iron and was very impressed with the after sale service.

Verdict: Great bit of kit. Light in the hand, big tank so I can get through loads, and an auto cut-out that’s saved me more than once. I’m the one who irons at home (ex-military—still fussy about sharp creases) and this passes the inspection test. Day to day it’s just easy: • Eco for most shirts, Normal for thicker seams, Turbo (white light) for denim/bedding — first time I went straight to Turbo and my glasses steamed up. • Auto temperature — no dial to fiddle with; it just adapts to the fabric. • Rests flat on the board between items without scorching. • Self-clean pings me about every 5–6 sessions; onto the tray, press the button, done in a couple of minutes. • Glides well with no stickiness; cords tidy away neatly. Bottom line: Strong steam without the faff. Would buy again. 5★ See it in action: • Photo: Shirt sleeve — left before, right after one pass. • Video (10–15s): One slow pass over a jeans hem seam in Turbo (white light) to show it flattening thick fabric.

I bought this to replace an Philips steam generator that I'd had for 7 years which was fantastic until the day it packed in. Do not be fooled into thinking this is going to be a chip off the old block. It worked brilliantly for the first week or so. I'd say I couldn't have done much more than 4 hours ironing in total when it all changed. It's temperamental, sometimes works ok or sometimes doesn't get very warm, I can't detect much steam generated unless the boost button is used. The boost function is difficult to gauge, it either delivers too little or far too much steam. After ironing for about 20 - 30 mins it starts to leak water. Streaks of water over the laundry that you can't iron dry as there's not enough heat in the iron. Today I had to stop trying to iron a duvet cover and put it back in the dryer. The leaks leave water marks on some fabrics - so they have to go back in the wash again. Philips have taken an old perfectly functioning model and redesigned it into an eye-catching piece of unreliable tat. The storage space for the steam delivery cord is a bit of a half hearted attempt. The lock button serves a purpose, although it's not as smooth to operate as my previous model and unlike the previous model the reservoir/steam generator does not have a non slip base. A huge step backwards for Philips. I contacted Amazon and a customer services rep put me through to Philips. Philips suggested that the leaks were as a result of the iron needing de-scaled. I'd hardly had the iron and although I live in a soft water area had already de-scaled but I agreed to do it again. The Philips rep said she'd send me an email with returns info if I still wasn't satisfied. De-scaling worked for one ironing session and a couple of odd bits and pieces and it started again. No real heat in the sole plate, streaks of water and creased bedlinen. Philips never sent the email as promised. I rang Amazon again, they sent me a QR code to return the product. I returned it via the post office on Monday evening, by the time I got home Amazon had refunded my money and a new iron arrived today Wednesday. Hurrah for Amazon!! :) Boo for Philips :(

ITS WHERE IT BELONGS - IN THE BIN Last Repair Update. It has broken again, no steam and hardly getting hot. Total waste of money. AMazon chat promised full refund so bought another iron and 2 days later they emailed and said no refund deal with Phillips. Very poor service. REPAIR UPDATE First time i have ever had to use Amazon's repair service - and i am mightily impressed to say the least. Was issued with the return label and I took the iron to the post office afternoon of 15th August. It was delivered to the repairers on the 19th and i received a text saying it had been repaired and would be returned on the 20th August. Received the iron back in full working order on the 21st August. Now that is a service!! There was a works sheet in the box saying the hose was blocked and it had been replaced. Spent 2 hours ironing in the evening last night (21st) and the iron was back to its good old working order - just like my original review. Well impressed. UPDATE August 24 and the steam function stopped working. Have just sent it back for repair / replace so will see how this pans out. Will update review again when i get either a repaired or new iron. I will be able to review the repairs process as i have never had to use this facility before. I am impressed with the lightweight feel of the whole iron and tank, and the lockable feature for when moving about with it. I burnt myself a couple of times with my previous iron when it fell of the base when i was putting it away. The electrical lead could be a bit longer, but the hose is more than long enough. Also like the clear reservoir and large snout for filling it. Its very easy to use, i've just got to get used to how it feels as its different to what i've been used to for the last 5 years or so. Maybe its because i've only used it a couple of times, but it just feels like there is a lag between pressing for the steam and it actually coming through. Same for the turbo boost. I will have to update my review after a months use to see how i am getting on with it. But have just done 1/2 dozen work shirts and a load of t-shirts and trousers, all in good time and with no issues.

I purchased this iron after it went on sale and had been eyeing it for a long time but I’m not sure if it was just the one I bought or the overall product that made this so disappointing. I purchased during prime so very good value for money for the steam iron as it was half price. It was hot but was instantly leaking. I ironed one bed sheet and it was so damp after I had to hang it out to dry. Good cord length and glide but it was leaking all over the place. Eventually I returned it as I had a considerably cheaper Russle Hobbs one that I wanted to retire. It had come back out. The quality just wasn’t great. And it didn’t really work for me.

It is very easy to use and makes ironing effortless. It safely presses all types of clothing without burning, which is especially helpful for delicate and sheer fabrics. A great choice for quick, stress-free ironing.