The steam generating iron is a recent development and is more advanced than the traditional steam iron. The traditional steam iron basically makes use of steam to make the ironing process less laborious. When ironing, steam is applied to the clothes and this makes creases on clothes disappear quickly. Use of steam is therefore time and energy saving. While various steam irons have varying features, some of the features that are common with many steam irons include auto shutoff, the ability to self clean and the existence of controls that enable the user to regulate the amount of steam. In addition, most steam irons use tap water because they are fitted with anti-calcium valves which help in preventing rust. Where anti-calcium valves are not used, resin filters are applied to achieve the same results.

Steam generating irons, on the other hand, are much more advanced than the traditional steam irons as they enable the user to apply constantly-flowing steam that is delivered in high pressure throughout the ironing exercise. Compared to the traditional steam iron, steam generating irons are bigger in size and tend to take up more space than the former. While the traditional steam iron can be placed on the ironing board, steam generating irons normally require a separate place and will usually be placed on a chair or on a rack that is placed at the end of the board.

The real difference between the two types of irons is in their efficiency. While the traditional iron will achieve reasonable results, its efficiency pales in comparison when compared to the steam generating iron. The latter, because of the constant flow of hot steam, saves ironing time and is actually able to remove creases even on linen that is dry. Unlike the traditional steam irons, steam generating irons do not have a spray instrument. Moreover, with steam generating irons some time is lost when the user presses the button to obtain more steam as this is not delivered immediately. This, however, does not make the steam generating iron any less efficient. What is important is that the flow of steam is continuous and is supplied at high pressures. According to manufacturers of steam generating irons, the time spent ironing with a steam generator is about half the time that would be taken with the traditional steam iron.

Another important feature of the steam generating iron is that most of them have tanks that can hold up to 32 ounces of water. This amount of water can produce steam for a period as long as two hours. Of course the length of time that the steam generator will provide the user with steam will be dictated by the flow of steam where steam is used heavily, the water will run out more quickly than when a lighter flow of steam is applied. An important feature of some of the steam generating irons that are available today is that it is possible to refill the water tank while continuing ironing.