Russell Hobbs Colour Control SteamPower
Russell hobbs
Anyone who has scorched a favourite blouse or given up on a stack of school shirts because the iron just wouldn't cut through the creases knows the real problem with ironing isn't effort — it's uncertainty. Is the dial on "wool" or "linen"? Will this setting melt synthetic fabric or leave cotton hopelessly creased? The Russell Hobbs Colour Control SteamPower Steam Generator Iron is built around solving exactly that problem, pairing a genuinely powerful steam generator with a digital temperature display that removes the guesswork from fabric settings. Whether that combination is worth the investment — and who it actually suits — is what the rest of this review sets out to answer.
Design and Build Quality
A steam generator iron lives or dies by how it distributes weight between the handheld iron and the separate water tank base station, and this is where the Colour Control SteamPower reveals its identity as a heavier-duty appliance. The complete unit weighs in at 4.67kg, with the iron head itself accounting for the majority of that at 3.8kg. That's noticeably heavier than the handheld irons you'll find on many rival steam generators, where manufacturers chase featherweight handsets so the base station does all the heavy lifting. In practice, that means this iron feels substantial and planted on the board — reassuring if you associate weight with build quality, but worth factoring in if wrist or shoulder fatigue is a concern during long ironing sessions.
The footprint is compact enough for most utility rooms and cupboards, measuring roughly 42cm long, 29cm wide and 30.5cm tall when stored upright, and the design allows the whole unit to stand on its side for easier shelf storage. Both the power lead and the separate steam supply cord run to 1.9 metres, which gives enough reach to work comfortably around a standard ironing board without constantly repositioning the base unit. The ceramic soleplate is the standout physical feature: it's designed to glide across fabric with minimal friction, reducing the drag that makes ironing feel like a workout, while a narrower precision tip at the point of the soleplate is shaped specifically to slip into awkward spots — around buttons, into collar points, and along tightly stitched seams — that a broader traditional soleplate would simply skate over.
Total Weight
4.67kg
Iron Head Weight
3.8kg
Footprint
42 x 29 x 30.5cm
Cord Length
1.9m power & steam
How the Colour Control System Actually Works
The signature feature here is genuinely different from a conventional iron. Instead of a rotary dial with vague fabric icons that you have to squint at and second-guess, the iron uses a digital display that changes colour as you increase or decrease the heat setting. You select a level, the display shifts colour to confirm it, and a steam-ready indicator lets you know the moment the iron has reached temperature and stabilised — so you're not left steaming cold water onto delicate fabric or, worse, applying too much heat before the plate has settled.
For beginners, this design solves a real and common source of ironing anxiety: not knowing whether you've picked the right heat for a specific garment. For more experienced users, it won't replace the fully automatic fabric-sensing systems found on some premium irons that detect material and adjust heat without any input at all — this is still a manually selected system, just one that's far easier to read and trust at a glance than a traditional dial. It's a meaningful usability upgrade over basic irons, even if it stops short of true automation.
Steam Output and Ironing Performance
Steam generator irons exist because standalone steam irons simply can't produce enough sustained steam to make short work of a large ironing pile, and the numbers here explain why this model performs the way it does. It delivers a continuous steam output of 100g per minute at 4.5 bar of pressure — pressure being the figure that determines how forcefully steam is driven into the weave of the fabric rather than sitting on the surface. Higher pressure means creases release faster and with less back-and-forth pressing, which is the entire point of paying more for a generator rather than a plug-in iron.
For genuinely stubborn creases — the kind you get on shirts that have been balled up in a gym bag, or on heavyweight denim — there's a 150g steam shot function that delivers an extra concentrated burst on demand. In real-world terms, that's the difference between needing three or four passes over a crease and needing one. The 2600-watt power rating behind all of this is what allows the unit to recover steam pressure quickly between bursts, rather than leaving you waiting for the generator to "catch up" mid-session, which is a common frustration with underpowered steam generators.
A variable steam setting also lets you scale the humidity and force of the steam flow up or down depending on what you're ironing, so a lightweight cotton shirt isn't blasted with the same intensity as a thick woollen coat. Combined with an anti-drip system that stops water escaping onto fabric as unsightly marks — a known irritation with lower-quality steam irons when used at lower temperatures — the overall ironing performance is aimed squarely at making light work of demanding, high-volume laundry piles rather than the occasional single shirt.
Pressure
4.5 bar
Continuous Steam
100g/min
Steam Shot
150g/min
Power
2600W
Water Capacity, Refilling, and Everyday Endurance
The detachable tank holds 1.3 litres, and rather than forcing you to wait for the iron to cool before topping up, a continuous fill design lets you refill mid-session without switching off or losing your progress. For a household tackling a full basket of laundry in one sitting, this single feature can be the difference between finishing the job in one uninterrupted stretch and having to break for a cooldown period partway through.
The unit reaches working temperature in about one minute from switch-on, which is fast enough that starting the iron becomes a genuine "last thing before you begin" step rather than something you need to plan five minutes ahead for. Neither the tank capacity nor the heat-up time are unusual for the steam generator category — but combined with the continuous-fill design, they add up to fewer interruptions across a long ironing session than you'd get from a standalone steam iron with a small onboard reservoir.
One practical note on longevity: the manual and product support documentation recommend using ordinary tap water in most areas, switching to a 50/50 blend of tap and distilled water (or distilled water alone) if you live somewhere with notably hard water. This is a common recommendation across the steam generator category rather than something specific to this model, but it's worth following from day one if you want to protect steam output over the long term.
Vertical Steaming and Everyday Conveniences
Beyond flat ironing on a board, the iron also supports vertical steaming — holding the iron upright to release wrinkles from clothing while it's still on a hanger, or freshening curtains without taking them down. This is genuinely useful for anyone who wants a quick touch-up on a jacket or dress before heading out the door, without setting up a full ironing session. It won't replace a dedicated handheld garment steamer for delicate fabrics that can't tolerate direct soleplate contact, but as a bonus function bolted onto a full steam generator, it adds real flexibility.
On the safety side, the iron includes an automatic shut-off that switches the unit off if it's left idle or knocked over, along with a physical safety locking system for when you want to store or transport it without risk of accidental activation. Both are standard expectations at this price point rather than standout extras, but their absence would be a genuine red flag, so it's worth confirming they're present — which they are.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Steam generator irons live or die on how well they handle mineral scale buildup over time, since scale is what quietly throttles steam output on cheaper models after a year or two of regular use. This iron includes anti-scale technology built around a removable filter and an anti-scale cartridge, both designed to be user-serviceable rather than sent away for professional descaling. Manufacturer guidance suggests removing and rinsing the filter roughly every six uses, depending on local water hardness, with a warning light flashing as a reminder — a sensible, low-effort habit rather than a chore. The anti-scale cartridge itself is designed to last considerably longer, with a replacement window somewhere between 50 and 100 uses depending on water hardness in your area.
Backing all of this is a three-year manufacturer's guarantee, which is a genuinely reassuring commitment for an appliance in this price bracket — many steam generators, particularly budget models, top out at one or two years of cover. For an appliance that will realistically see weekly or even daily use in an active household, that extended guarantee meaningfully de-risks the purchase.
Filter Cleaning
Every 6 uses, approx.
Anti-Scale Cartridge
Replace every 50-100 uses
Guarantee
3-year manufacturer cover
Who This Iron Is Actually For
This iron is built for a specific kind of household, and it's worth being clear-eyed about who benefits most and who might be better served elsewhere.
This iron makes the most sense if you:
- Iron large volumes of laundry regularly — families, households with school uniforms, or anyone doing a weekly "iron everything at once" session
- Handle a genuine mix of fabric types and want a fast, legible way to switch heat settings without second-guessing a dial
- Want to future-proof against limescale in a way that doesn't require professional servicing
- Value a long guarantee period over chasing the absolute lightest handheld iron on the market
This iron is a less natural fit if you:
- Iron only occasionally, a few items at a time — a standard plug-in steam iron would cover your needs at a fraction of the price and storage space
- Have wrist, shoulder, or grip strength concerns, given the handheld iron's above-average weight
- Want fully automatic fabric-sensing that adjusts heat without any manual input — this system still requires you to select the level yourself, just with clearer feedback
- Are tight on storage space near your ironing area, since a steam generator's separate base station takes up meaningfully more room than a standalone iron
How It Compares to Other Steam Generator Irons
Positioning this model correctly means comparing it both to Russell Hobbs' own simpler steam generators and to premium models from rival brands.
| Feature | Colour Control SteamPower (this model) | Entry-level Russell Hobbs steam generator | Premium steam generators (e.g. Philips PerfectCare range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam pressure | 4.5 bar | 4.5 bar | Often 6+ bar |
| Continuous steam output | 100g/min | ~90g/min | Often 150-200g/min+ |
| Steam shot | 150g/min | ~110g/min | Varies, frequently higher |
| Power | 2600W | ~2400W | 2400-3000W |
| Tank capacity | 1.3L | 1.3L | Often 1.5-2.2L |
| Temperature control | Digital colour-coded display | Manual dial | Automatic fabric-sensing |
| Typical price positioning | Mid-range | Budget | Premium |
Against Russell Hobbs' own entry-level steam generator, the Colour Control SteamPower earns its higher price primarily through the temperature display, along with a modest bump in both continuous steam and steam-shot output. Against premium rivals with fully automatic temperature sensing and higher steam pressure, this model is honest about what it is: a strong mid-range performer rather than a flagship. If your priority is squeezing out the absolute maximum steam pressure or never touching a temperature control again, the premium tier will serve you better — at a meaningfully higher price. If you want a clear, confidence-inspiring step up from a basic iron without paying premium-tier prices, this sits in a sensible middle ground.
Strengths and Weaknesses, Honestly
The clearest strength here is the temperature display itself — it genuinely changes how approachable ironing feels for anyone who has ever hesitated over a dial, wondering whether they're about to ruin a garment. Paired with strong, consistent steam output and a soleplate that glides rather than drags, day-to-day ironing performance is convincingly good, and owners consistently point to how much steam the unit produces for the money and how manageable it feels to use despite being a full generator rather than a compact iron.
The trade-offs are real, though, and worth stating plainly. The handheld iron's weight is genuinely on the heavier side for the category, and while that can read as reassuring solidity in short bursts, it's a legitimate consideration for long ironing sessions or anyone with joint sensitivity. Some owners also report an occasional lag before steam kicks in after pressing the trigger, and a smaller number raise durability concerns after extended use — not universal complaints, but present enough in feedback to flag rather than gloss over. Maintenance, while manageable, isn't entirely "set and forget" either: the filter genuinely does need periodic attention, and skipping that step will erode performance over time regardless of the anti-scale cartridge underneath it.
Final Verdict
The Russell Hobbs Colour Control SteamPower Steam Generator Iron earns its place as a genuinely useful mid-range steam generator, built around a temperature display that solves a real, common frustration rather than adding a gimmick for its own sake. It's not the lightest handheld iron on the market, and it won't out-steam the true premium generators that cost considerably more — but for a household doing regular, high-volume ironing that wants clear, confident control over fabric settings and a manufacturer guarantee that reflects genuine confidence in the product, it represents a well-judged balance of capability and price. Buy it if consistent performance and easy-to-read heat control matter more to you than shaving grams off the iron's weight or chasing the highest steam pressure figures on the market; look toward a basic plug-in iron instead if your ironing pile is small and occasional, or toward a premium automatic-sensing model if budget genuinely isn't a constraint.
What People Say
152 commentsWorst designed steamer
Positives - it heats up and looks pretty.
Negatives - it does not store pressure so when steam is needed it takes approximately 5- 6 seconds after pressing the button for steam to arrive then it takes a few seconds after the button is released for the steam to subside. The results are you steaming the air for most of the time and shirt taking twice as long to iron.
The steam distribution grooves at the bottom of the iron are so deep and poorly placed that it catches the cloth causing creases. AN IRON THAT CAUSES CREASES!
The iron is fitted with a switch and therefore does not switch itself off as advertised instead it switches the heating element off but the iron decides to blink until switch is turned off.
The colours for the different heat settings is for aesthetics only it limits the heating range, why?
I have owned many steam generators both low end and top end and I can state that this was by far the worst designed.
On another note Argos needs to be shamed for its review process. I could not leave a review but only do a survey after the purchase. Over a month goes by and you slip an email in asking if I would like to review probably hoping I wouldn't notice the email. The result is a total distrust of the Argos reviews and I will search for more genuine reviews before purchasing.
Don't get hot under the collar!
After reading many reviews of this Russell Hobbs iron, I bought one. I'd had 2 steam gen. irons of another brand previously, and was keen to try something different this time. It's a really nice bit of kit, very easy to use. Each time I start an ironing session, I have to hold the steam trigger for quite a few seconds to begin with, till the steam comes through. After that, I hold the trigger down for much of the time, although once I stand the iron up again to reposition the item of clothing, I can get a long burst of steam coming out, for a few seconds. I just get used to it, it's not a big deal. I also agree with other reviewers who said how rubbish the plug storage is. It's very badly designed, but it doesn't really detract from what is a really good iron.
I set it on the 3 dots (green) setting for traditional 2 dot items (eg. poly cotton), and then up it to the max (red) setting for all 3 dot items, (eg. 100% cotton).
Underwhelmed
This was a replacement for my steam generator iron that finally steamed it's last after over 12 years of reliable use. I bought this on the strength of the reviews, it sounded like it might be good but overall I'm disappointed.
First the positives, it's easy to set up, the water tank is easy to fill and empty, the carrying handles and storage clips to tidy away the cable/steam pipe are good and the colour indicating the temperature is very clear. The steam ironing function is as good as you'd expect it to be.
As to negatives, it's very loud generating steam, the first burst of steam literally takes over 30 seconds to appear (instructions confirm this is right) and the steam button is directly underneath the temperature so if you push down the steam goes off (steam sensibly only works at the top two temperatures).
For the price, I'm disappointed. It's functional but not convenient.
NOT SO GREAT
I have used steam generators for years & I am somewhat of an expert when it comes to ironing with these. My last one unfortunately gave up the ghost (Bosch Sensixx) after 10 years of heavy use & I couldn’t find this anywhere to buy. I saw the really good reviews for this iron & Dee used to buy. All I can say is that those reviewers who left 5 stars have never used a Bosch steam generator! That is what I call steam! I am hugely disappointed with this iron, the steam is almost nonexistent and it is taking me much, much longer to get through my creases & piles of ironing. Would I purchase again? Most certainly not. I am going to get my old Bosch repaired no matter what it costs.
Superb features
I last purchased a steam generating iron 8 years ago & the improvements made during that period are mind-blowing! This iron can have different temperatures on the sole plate and this is managed by colour on the until. It can also have different levels of steam from light to full-on steam generation.
The cable length is ample and the hook for storage is great. The water tank is big enough to iron a load of washing before refilling and the carrying handles are brilliant - the overall weight of the unit is comfortable to lift (I empty my water tank) even with weak wrists and hands. I'm really impressed with this iron.
Why did I wait so long
Purchased a month back and seriously wish I had a stream generator years ago.
It takes little time and effort to get through a pile of clothes, heats up quickly, holds more than enough water for over an hours solid steaming, worked a treat on hung curtains, colour coding is simple to understand for reduced temperature on woollen etc. easily clips into the base to protect, auto cut off incase you leave if on, cable and hose store neatly and carry handles allow it to be put away with ease, even upright. Weight is perfect and flies with ease over stubborn cottons. Very pleased with this purchase.
Takes some getting used to!
The first time I used it I was unimpressed but it has grown on me with more use! The steam is getting better with more use. I don't think it is as good as it claims to be. You have to press quite hard if the clothes are very dry to get creases out but it does work. I do not find it works well on the low settings. For the price it is ok but I would not buy it again.
It is easy to catch the heat settings with your finger whilst holding the hsndle and therefore change the setting unintentionally whilst in use. Be careful!
Steam generator
Was a replacement for my old one. Its quieter has a pumping sort of noise.light and easy to store. I'm still getting use to it seem to misjudge the steam button as often steam is released when I've finished ironing , when I place iron in on ironing board to adjust garment.
The thing that really disappointed me was that it was reduced by £24 , before my payment was processed.Trying to contact customer service about this was impossible.I had planned to return it and we purchase at lower price.
intelligent and easy to use
A little confused to start with the colour control but after trying all the functions I found it so easy to use.
Levels of heat and steam all controlled simply, creases just melt away to smooth clothing.
love the cable/plug storage, so simple yet makes a huge difference, along with the cable tidy, which could be a little more flexible and higher and the carrying handles top and bottom it’s a breeze to pack up and carry to put away.
The filter system is amazingly simple.
Loved using this
My steam generator was disappointing
My usual steam iron generator decided to die. I decided to buy this Russell Hob one but on trying it out, the steam was very poor. Had to iron the backs of my tops whereas my old iron I didn't have to . Its light weight but it feels a bit cheap. I wasn't informed that due to Covid 19 I could not return it yet, plus returns can only be done if items are unused and still boxed. How do you know if the appliance is ok until you try it.? Cant return yet and need to iron clothing until can
Colour control steam iron
I brought this item 5 months ago and I’m very glad I did, because I got fed up refilling my small steam iron, I’ve use it, my nephew has use and order one online, I had a very expensive steam generator which I had for years it finally gave up but looking up the price of a new one it had gone up far above what I could afford. I recommend this product it’s as good as my steam generator if not better, there is one thing it’s not got a spray button but no big problem I use a spray bottle.
Flies through the ironing
The steam generator is a bit big for my ironing boards iron stand so it has to sit on the actual board itself which takes up some room. I would advise the iron is always placed back in the the steam generator as it's so light that it's prone to falling over due to the thick heavy cable. I was a bit sceptical about it burning the rubber grips on the stand but it doesn't. The cable does get very warm but this is be expected due to water being carried through.
Wouldn't recommend
Bought one and fairly quickly had to return it. Problem seems to lie in the timed cutout when you have left it for a few minutes. Simply couldn't get it to work again and had to return it.
Replacement iron is better - but still seems to have problems with the cutout - though touch wood it is still working. A shame because the water capacity is good and it irons pretty well.
Feel there is a problem with the timed cutout so wouldn't recommend it.
Great product
I’m ex forces so need a good steam iron - habit!! I’ve had a few steam generators, this stands up against them all,. Light, long cords, easy to use!
The reviews saying that it takes an age for the steam to come through are right, HOWEVER on a normal iron the wAter is right there. On a steam generator there is a need to get to temp! Just hold in the trigger button whilst the iron is on the stand, and you’ll be set to go in a few seconds
Happy with my steam generator
Pleased with steam generator. Iron light but cable quite thick. It is quite noisy when steaming so bear this in mind if you are ironing whilst watching tv. Could do with another cable clip on the otherside for black power cable.
If you register the product with Russell Hobbs within 28 days you get an extra year's warranty so no need to buy Argos's extended warranty.
Bought in Argos sale so saved £30 on original price
Not an easy ironing
This is a heavy irony. Takes a very long time to heat to steam temperature. The steam lever is too small, you can only grip it with your index finger. The top temperature button is too close to the steam lever so keeps turning the temp down until you notice. That base unit is huge. This is my 3rd steam generator iron but my first russel Hobbs and it is not a patch on my previous Philips, which I regret not buying again.
Best iron I’ve owned
Been putting off buying a steam iron for ages but now i can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner! So much quicker and easier to use! Love the design, it’s not too heavy or bulky. It actually still fits on my ironing board perfectly, I’ve heard a lot of people say they have to sit on a worktop as they are too big but not the case for this one. Thought the colour code for heat was a doddle! So straight forward, love it.
Great steam generator iron
Colour coding makes this iron super easy to use. The huge water tank means you have steam for absolutely ages so it's perfect if you have lots to iron or iron big items like sheets. Slightly annoying that the cord gets hot and because it's quite thick and bulky it interferes with what you are ironing a bit. Also a bit annoying if you only have one or two bits to iron and it's big to store. But does the job well
The wife loves it
We replaced this as our iron was on its last legs . Esay to use with loads of settings to choose from .the iron is light to use and possibly cuts your ironing time down due to not having to keep filling the water tank on your old one . The only slight down side is the water tank would be better if it wasn't so dark . But other than that it's a brilliant piece of kit and well worth the money we paid for
Not as good as my old one.
I bought this when my old one broke. In my opinion my old one was better and half the price. When you press The steam button on this one, it makes a thudding noise, I'm assuming it's building the steam up... By the time the steam starts coming out I've finished ironing the bit I was doing so it's steaming as I'm putting it back on its base. It does get the creases out but I definitely prefer my old one.
