Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Aroma 28040 review

About the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie

The 28040 is a plug-in handheld steamer rated at 1800W, with a steam output of 32g a minute. Russell Hobbs gives a ready time of 45 seconds. The front has a heated ceramic pressing plate, which you press against fabric to work out stubborn creases. The brand also lists a trigger lock.

The water tank is 200ml, transparent and removable, and the steamer is suitable for tap water according to John Lewis's spec list. A full tank gives about six minutes of steam. Retailers list a 3m cord, so you can steam a duvet cover on the bed without moving it. John Lewis gives the weight as 1.32kg.

The aroma part is a delicate-fabric attachment with a scent infuser, where you add your own scent. The box also has an upholstery tool and a lint brush attachment. Russell Hobbs says it kills 99% of bacteria, a claim based on its own lab conditions, which we have not seen independently confirmed.

What owners report about the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie

Owner feedback for this exact model is thin online, and much of what we could read was a single reviewer's home trial plus a few owner comments. What we found is consistent: it heats quickly, works on shirts, dresses and duvet covers, and the long cord is useful for bedding.

The complaint we found most often is the tank. At 200ml it runs out after about six minutes, which is enough for bedding but short if you are steaming a whole outfit or a pile of shirts. Owners also point out that it relaxes creases and does not press them flat like an iron. One reviewer used plain water and rarely bothered with the scent infuser.

We found no pattern of faults after months of use, but there was too little long-term feedback to say it holds up well either.

Who the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie suits

It suits households that steam clothes, curtains, bedding or a sofa now and then and want a plug-in handheld with a heated plate for stubborn creases. The scent infuser is for anyone who likes a light fragrance on fabrics. If you don't, the plainer Russell Hobbs Steam Genie 27220 has a 200ml tank and three attachments.

Look elsewhere if you need to steam a lot in one go: the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie Maestro 27600 has a 750ml tank on a base unit. For travel, the Tefal Pure Pop DT2026 is far smaller and lighter. If thick fabrics are the main job, consider the Tefal Pure Tex DT9530G0.

Questions about the Russell Hobbs Steam Genie