The Philips PerfectCare Compact makes ironing quicker & easier. This affordable steam generator iron stands out for all the right reasons. Powerful, lightweight & compact, this model will help you glide through the ironing pile in record time
- 3x more power compared to a conventional iron
- Lightweight handset (no sore back or wrist)
- Compact to store & lightweight to carry
- Small water tank
The advantages of a steam generator iron over a standard model are clear – faster ironing, better results and ease of use. However, there are downsides too. Steam generator irons are bulky to store and are generally more expensive. However, this model strikes a good balance between price & power, plus it’s compact & lightweight.
Philips PerfectCare GC7842/46 Review
£174 | RRP £220 | Buy Now from Amazon
Owners rate the overall quality and effectiveness of the Philips PerfectCare Compact. However, it’s the details that give it an advantage over comparable models. Too many steam generator irons are underpowered, heavy and can feel clunky to use.
To identify the Verum Best Buy Steam Generator Irons we compare 100s of models, using eleven key factors to separate the good from the average. Helping you to find the right model for your budget. The headline requirement is faster ironing coupled with professional results. This is made possible by large continuous volumes of steam…
Power, Steam & Speed
Faster ironing is made possible by a high continuous steam output. While a conventional iron pumps out around 40g/min, this model from Philips delivers 120g/minute.
3x more steam will help you flatten the deepest creases with ease, cutting a one-hour ironing time to under 45 minutes.
Plus, an additional 400g steam shot will flatten the most stubborn crease in a single glide.
Lightweight & Compact
The 1.2kg handset makes ironing easier. Compared to a filled conventional iron (~1.8kg) it feels significantly lighter. A light handest is much better for your wrist & back. It’s important to note that a weighty handset does not help flatten creases – it’s the steam, heat and soleplate that do this.
A key difference with this model is the compact design, making it easy to store and light to move. At under 3kg, the Philips PerfectCare Compact is one of the lightest steam generator irons available in the UK (most weighing around 5kg). Looking for negatives, the hose length could be a little longer, but at 1.6m you shouldn’t feel restricted.
Easy Glide Soleplate
The soleplate is super important for an easy glide across all fabrics, even heat distribution and cleaning. The Philips ceramic design works well. It’s super smooth, non-stick and easy to clean.
Cleaning & Limescale
Most irons eventually fail due to limescale. As with so many things, prevention is better than cure. Once limescale has built up internally, there’s little you can do except buy a new iron. However, stopping it from building up in the first place isn’t that difficult.
Keeping this Philips model free of limescale and working like new is quick & easy. It’s best cleaned every couple of months. There’s a light and beeper to help remind you. Also worth noting is that this model doesn’t require any expensive cartridges or similar. Plus, it’s designed to work with tap water. However, if you live in an area with very hard water, as with any iron, it’s worth using distilled water to prolong the life of your new iron.
Warranty & Reliability
Philips offer a standard two-year warranty. Follow the descaling instructions and it will perform brilliantly, for years!
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Philips guarantee no burns & no shine with the PerfectCare Compact. You can iron any fabric from denim to silk without adjusting the temperature. This technology has been in place on premium models for a few years now – it works well.
This model can also be used as a vertical steamer. Great for curtains or a quick once-over for hanging garments.
Specification
PRESSURE: 6.5 bar
CONSTANT STEAM: 120g/min
STEAM SHOT: 400g
POWER: 2400w
VERTICAL IRONING: Yes
AUTO SHUT OFF: Yes
SOLEPATE: Ceramic
TANK SIZE: 1.5l
HOSE LENGTH: 1.6m
POWER CORD: 1.8m
HANDSET WEIGHT 1.2kg
TOTAL WEIGHT: 2.95kg
FOOTPRINT: 37cm x 19cm
HEIGHT 22cm
WARRANTY: 2 Years
Ratings
- PERFORMANCE: 4.7/5
- FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: 4.6/5
- EASE OF USE: 4.8/5
- OVERALL: 94%
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UK Verdict
The Philips PerfectCare Compact comes highly recommended. The high steam output & overall performance make ironing easier and quicker. However, what makes this model truly stand out is the compact design. Smaller and lighter than the alternatives, it’s super easy to use.
For the most part, this model retails around the £200 mark (which feels high) but it’s occasionally discounted.
Click ‘Philips PerfectCare Compact’ to check availability & discount.
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