Before we get started on the review for the Philips PerfectCare 9000 Series Steam generator iron (PSG9050/26):
You should know that we received this product from Philips. Together with a complimentary ironing board in return for this product review.
So while this is a sponsored post, our opinions on the product remain our own.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Versatile (auto or manual control, vertical steaming)
- Does not burn your clothes
- Switches off automatically
- Max steam mode is a welcome feature
- Lightweight
- Fast heat up time
Cons:
- Expensive
Features As Per The Philips Website:
- Guaranteed no burns
- Lightweight (0.97kg)
- Carry lock
- Automatic adjustment of temperature and steam output
- Auto-detection of fabrics (ActiveSense technology)
- Easy refilling of tank
- Smooth gliding
- Quiet operation (steam sound dampening)
- Automatic shut off
- Anti-limescale system (Easy De-Calc Plus)
- Power: 3100W
- Water capacity: 1.8L
- Heat up time: 2 minutes
- Warranty: 2 years (able to extend to 3 years with online registration)
First Impressions Of This Steam Generator Iron
The first thing to notice is that the iron and base will definitely take up some floor space in your home. Which is not really an issue, since they can still fit beside or underneath an upright ironing board.
Secondly, that there’s a nice little lock to keep the steam generator iron secure on its base. And the steam cord wraps neatly around in a groove at the bottom of the base. While the power cord has its own pocket.
And when you pick the iron up, it feels lighter than a conventional electric iron. Even though it has a wider soleplate.
Quality-wise, the build of both the iron and base look durable.
Other observations:
- Philips does a great job of keeping plastic packaging to a minimum
- Both boxes (for the steam iron and ironing board) are pretty large
- The ironing board is solidly built with multiple height levels
- There’s a manual and safety guide in many languages, printed on FSC certified paper
Filling The Water Tank
This is straightforward:
Lift the tank out of the base. And run it under a tap to fill it with at least ~2 inches of water. Or you can fill it up to the max level as indicated.
Note: The tank does not leak. Nor is the filling process messy. The maximum level could use a line for clearer indication.
When you put the tank back, you should hear a click sound as the tank fits back to the base.
And then, just turn on the iron from the back of the base:
Wait a couple minutes. There will be some whirring noises. You can use the iron after around a minute or 2.
It’s time to refill when:
The iron will alert you with sound and a red light when the water level is low.
Settings For Steam Generator Iron, PSG9050/26
The Philips PerfectCare 9000 Series Steam generator iron (PSG9050/26) is not covered in buttons and we appreciate that simplicity.
We tested the following features and all work accordingly:
- Sleep mode (starts approximately after 4 minutes’ of inactivity)
- Auto-shut off (after ~15 minutes of inactivity)
- Max (turbo) steam mode (water will finish much faster)
- Low water level alert (the iron won’t steam until you refill the tank)
- Auto-detection of different fabrics
- Auto and manual control (i.e. steam trigger)
- Steam output stops when iron is not moving (in auto mode)
- Vertical steaming
Auto Vs Manual control
There is a noticeable difference between auto and manual. Toggle between auto and manual modes just by clicking the button on the top of the iron.
The mode is indicated by the small steam icon (not the bigger blue/white light) which will light up in auto mode.
In both modes, the iron still detects the type of fabric and adjusts steam accordingly. A blue light for less steam, and white light for more steam.
You may see the light change even when you are ironing one type of fabric (e.g. more steam at the start, then less after the initial puff of steam).
Manual Mode
For manual mode, you have to constantly hold down the trigger.
And with your finger still on the trigger, you can lift up the iron and it will steam on. This is basically vertical steaming.
Auto Mode
However in auto mode, the steam output will cut off (not immediately) with a little puff once you stop moving the iron. Or when you lift the iron up.
Note: Auto mode doesn’t work in vertical steaming
Ease Of Use
The iron glides along on different fabrics well. The tip of the iron is narrow enough to weave among buttons, cuffs and collars.
Ironing is quite fast with the wide soleplate. You may need a few passes for thicker fabrics.
Auto Detection (Different Fabrics)
We tried a mix of cotton, linen, rayon and poly materials of varying thickness.
As well as a queen sized cotton bed sheet (See how that went in vertical steaming).
Overall:
It was able to reduce the wrinkles in all of the clothing articles we tried. It does release more steam for thicker fabrics too.
Is It Noisy?
Throughout the ironing process, there’s only a gentle whirring sound from the iron.
Occasionally, the whirring gets louder for a few seconds when the iron boosts up the steam level. However, the noise is still acceptable. And doesn’t last for long.
Vertical Steaming
Again, we took the same clothing articles (but used the wrinkled sides) to test this feature of the Philips PerfectCare 9000 Series Steam generator iron (PSG9050/26).
Hold up the iron close to the fabric while keeping a finger on the trigger for a constant flow of steam.
Note: Angle shown in photos is for easier viewing. In actual, the iron should be almost touching the fabric.
Press the trigger twice for more steam if needed. You can also turn on the Max mode at the back of the base.
The iron is light enough for you to do at least 2 items of clothing before your arm needs a break. Furthermore, it’s possible to steam while you’re standing since the cord length is long.
Steam cord length: 1.8m
Power cord length: 1.8m
You can see from the photos below, vertical steaming isn’t as effective as using the iron with a board. But it does reduce the wrinkles.
Safety
This is where the Philips PerfectCare 9000 Series Steam generator iron (PSG9050/26) really shines!
When it’s on auto mode, it stops steaming once you face the iron up. Or when you leave it still on the ironing board or your clothes. Yes, on your clothes!
Granted, it’s not an immediate stop. But this will prevent a serious burn on your clothes, ironing board or you!
We tried and were impressed:
You really can leave the iron on top of your clothes while you go grab another piece of clothing to iron!
Of course, we don’t recommend that you do this intentionally. It’s always better to move the iron away rather than to risk your favourite blouse!
Note: This iron can’t sit on its bottom the way a conventional iron can. Not a deal breaker but just an observation.
And if you happen to forget about switching the iron off, no worries! It turns off completely after 15 minutes.
Storage
Given that the power cord and steam cord both have their allotted compartments in the base:
The iron does pack away neatly.
Once the iron is locked into the base, you can carry the base from the iron handle.
Remember to empty the tank and let it air dry before putting away the iron for longer storage duration.
Conclusion
After this review, our final thoughts on the Philips PerfectCare 9000 Series Steam generator iron (PSG9050/26):
It works very well on different materials, together with an ironing board. The vertical steaming performance is useful but not as effective.
And because it’s quite light, ironing feels less like a chore! You can bring it to wherever you need a good steaming too. Even curtains that you have already put up!
Is it worth the money?
At around RM3,000, this is definitely not a small investment! Consider your lifestyle, space and wardrobe before you buy it!
Who should get it:
Anyone who irons frequently on a huge selection of different fabrics.
Ratings: 4.5 (out of 5)
Iron (PSG9050/26) On A Cotton / Linen Blend Shirt
Get the product from this link to the official Philips Flagship store on Lazada:
Further reading:
