Cordless steam irons are indeed less powerful than their corded counterparts, better suited to light fabrics and smaller laundry loads than anything heavy-duty. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t convenient, practical and preferred by some Mumsnet users. Different models will offer different features. Here are a few useful features you might want to look out for:

Steam generator irons have become much more mainstream over the last few years, with many deciding to invest. And they are a very expensive investment, with prices going into the hundreds of pounds. Special provisions shall prevail under the conditions laid down or alluded to in the auction catalogue or told at the auction.

Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on home care content. She writes buyer's guides, cleaning and laundry articles, and tests products out in her family home to help our readers make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies. She is a mum of two and lives in Sussex. Why you should trust us No written or oral guarantee is given on any lot by Alexander Aurelius Auctioneers or its agents, unless explicitly specified in the summary of the goods. Any product photos promoting any other guarantee are invalid as specified in the definition of the product The Tefal Ultraglide+ promises to provide excellent results every time with its well-thought-out design that maximises steam output, so even if the clothes spent a week on your child’s bedroom floor, they’d be smoothed out in seconds. The main difference between a steam iron and a steam generator iron is that steam generators have separate large water tanks, which are much more convenient and have a larger capacity to produce more steam. It also means the handheld iron is lightweight without any water in it.

It's powerful but also energy-efficient with an ECO mode and automatic switch-off, so it won’t double your energy bills. Don't be deceived by its design, either. Although it might look unwieldy, the steam generator unit can fit perfectly on your ironing board, and the iron is lightweight and comfortable to hold (so no sore wrists). Definition from manufacturer (COPY/PASTE) as it was initially advertised. This is a second market sale, parts from the definition are no longer relevant:

The self clean function is a button allow you to keep clean your steam iron. - Fill the iron with fresh water. - plug in the iron and let it reachs the maximum temperature. - hold the iron horizontally over a sink while still connected to the outlet. 2. How does a self cleaning iron clean itself? From getting work clothes crease-free to ploughing through piles of school uniforms on a Sunday night, our Mumsnetters know a thing or two about the value of choosing the right steam iron to speed through laundry. How long your steam iron will last depends on how much you use it and whether you take care of it. A good steam iron should last around ten years, but many last much longer. The average lifespan is anywhere between 10-20 years. How can I make my steam iron last?