Tefal GV8600 Vs. Tefal GV8360

Water Tank Capacity and Steam Output

• The Tefal Pro Express Turbo GV8360 Steam Generator holds 1.8 liters of water and produces 5-bar (72.5188690035 pounds per square inch) of steam output, delivering 220 grams per minute on the "turbo" setting. At 4.5 bars (65.26698210315 psi), the steam output of the Tefal Pro Minute GV8600 is only slightly less powerful than the Pro Express Turbo. The Pro Minute produces 120 grams per minute continuous flow of steam suitable for quick crease removal and for vertical steaming of curtains, tapestries and other hanging materials. The Pro Minute's 0.8-liter water tank is much smaller than that of the Pro Express Turbo. Both units heat up in about two minutes.

Steam Generator

• The steam generator part of these two-part ironing systems boils water independent of the iron and pumps the hot water through the iron's sole plate. The highly pressurized steam penetrates deep into the fabric. The higher the bars, or psi, of the steam generator, the stronger the blast of steam into the material you are ironing.

Other Features

• While the Pro Minute GV8600 features the "Ultragliss Turbo" ceramic soleplate, which must be cleaned by hand, the Pro Express GV8360 features Tefal's patented "Autoclean Soleplate." The Pro Minute weighs a little over 11 pounds and has an open handle, while the Pro Express, which weighs almost 15.5 pounds, has a closed handle. Both have strategically placed padding on the handles for comfort. The Pro Express automatically shuts off after eight minutes when not in use. According to the company's website, the Pro Express is 20 percent more energy efficient than other models.

Anti-Calc Collector

• The anti-calc unit common to both Tefal units gathers excess calcium in the boiler. An orange indicator light comes on to notify the user the unit needs cleaning. The collector, which is a metal rod about the size of a pencil, simply unscrews out of the machine and can be rinsed clean in regular tap water or soaked in vinegar. According to the company website, this simple mechanism can lengthen the unit's life.