Tefal Ultraglide Plus Steam Iron FV5879G2 (2800W) with Durilium non-stick soleplate

The essentials

If you do a lot of ironing, the Tefal Ultraglide Plus Steam Iron FV5879G2 is the kind of everyday steam iron that looks built for repeat use, not occasional touch-ups. It leans into strong steam output (2800W total power) and a steady flow setup, which helps when you want fewer passes over creases.

On paper, it also ticks several “fiddly ironing” concerns: easier limescale handling, anti-drip and auto-off safety, and a non-stick soleplate designed to glide smoothly. There are also features that sound genuinely practical for busy homes—like vertical steaming for hanging clothes and curtains.

Key points on performance and comfort

What stands out most is the steam promise. You’re getting 50 g/min of continuous steam, with a steam boost up to 230 g/min. That combination is aimed at tackling stubborn creases and thicker fabrics more effectively than lighter, low-steam models. If you’ve ever had to keep going back and forth because the iron “runs out of steam”, this is the opposite approach.

The soleplate is Durilium and positioned as non-stick (and described as Airglide), with 30% more steam holes. That’s meant to distribute steam more evenly while you move across fabric, which can matter for shirts, bedding, and anything that tends to crease in the same places.

There’s also a hygiene angle: the steam function is described as a hygienic steam disinfectant that eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria and germs. It’s worth remembering that real-world results depend on fabric, exposure time, and your ironing setup—but it’s still a notable claim for households that want more than just “looking neat”.

Tech specs (the bits you’ll actually notice)

• Power: 2800W
• Continuous steam: 50 g/min
• Steam boost: up to 230 g/min
• Soleplate: Durilium non-stick soleplate (Airglide)
• Steam output design: 30% more steam holes (as described)
• Limescale handling: removable limescale collection system
• Auto safety: auto-off protection
• Anti-drip: anti-drip system
• Vertical steaming: available for hanging garments and curtains
• Energy saving: eco energy saving mode, up to 20% less energy (as described)
• Repairs: 15 years of repair support after purchase (at a fair price, as described)
• Model: FV5879G2

What matters most for buying decisions

This iron makes the most sense if you want consistent results and you’re not shopping for a travel-size gadget. The removable limescale collector is a helpful touch for long-term steam performance, because steam irons can gradually struggle as mineral build-up forms—especially if your water is on the hard side.

Another “worth considering” detail is the energy-saving eco mode. It won’t replace good ironing habits, but if you regularly steam and press, reducing unnecessary energy use can be a real day-to-day win.

Where it shines (and a practical example)

Imagine you’ve got a week of shirts: you start with the collar and cuffs, then work down the front panels. With a continuous 50 g/min steam rate, you can keep the fabric under steam as you glide the iron—rather than saving bursts for the worst creases. When you hit a stubborn area (like a stubborn shirt front crease or a thicker seam), you can switch to the steam boost up to 230 g/min to push through.

For curtains, the vertical steam option is the more convenient route than hauling fabric down. You can tackle light wrinkles while the curtain is still hanging—handy if your schedule doesn’t allow for proper board ironing every time.

Things to keep in mind before you buy

Not every feature will suit every household. If you only iron occasionally, a powerful steam iron like this can feel like overkill, both in effort and in cost of ownership versus simpler models.

Also, even with strong steam figures, results still depend on technique and fabric type. If you’re working with very delicate materials or complex blends, you’ll still want to use the appropriate heat setting and avoid lingering too long in one spot.

Finally, while the hygiene claim is impressive, it’s described as hygienic steam disinfectant that eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria and germs. That’s a marketing-style statement on the product listing, so if you need guaranteed outcomes for a specific use case, it’s sensible to consider how the steam is applied and for how long.

Mini FAQ

Can it steam vertically for hanging clothes?

Yes. The listing describes vertical steam capability, which is positioned as ideal for hanging clothes and curtains.

How does it handle limescale?

It includes a removable limescale collection system, plus anti-drip and anti-scale elements described in the product overview.

Does it have safety features?

Yes. Auto-off protection and an anti-drip system are included as described.

Is there an energy-saving mode?

There is an eco energy saving mode, stated to reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.

Is it worth buying if I only iron a little?

It may not be the best match if you rarely iron, because the main strengths here are steam performance, repeat-use steam consistency, and convenience features.

Final verdict

It’s a strong pick if you want a full-size steam iron designed around higher steam output (50 g/min continuous and up to 230 g/min boost), smoother gliding with a Durilium non-stick soleplate, and practical maintenance with a removable limescale collector. If you frequently iron shirts, bedding, or you tackle curtains regularly, the vertical steaming and anti-drip/auto-off safety make day-to-day use feel more straightforward.

You may want to skip it if you only do small touch-ups now and then, or if you prefer simpler, lower-power irons where steam and long-term upkeep aren’t as central to the decision. For many buyers aiming at reliable results rather than gadget features, the FV5879G2 looks like one of those “use it every week” options rather than a one-off purchase.