1. Introduction
Welcome to the user manual for your new Tefal Express Essential Steam Generator Iron, model SV6116. This document provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your appliance. Please read these instructions carefully before first use and retain them for future reference.
Key Features:
- Fast Ironing: Achieve ironing results up to 30 minutes faster compared to traditional steam irons. Features a continuous steam output of 120g/min and a powerful 270g/min steam boost.
- Effortless Gliding: The ultra-smooth Xpress Glide soleplate ensures easy movement across all fabric types for a more enjoyable ironing experience.
- Refresh and Sanitize: Utilize the convenient vertical steaming function for quick touch-ups and to sanitize fabrics, killing up to 99.9% of bacteria.
- Energy Saving: The integrated Eco mode helps reduce energy consumption without compromising fast steam results.
- Non-Stop Performance: A large 1.4-liter water tank allows for extended ironing sessions without frequent refilling.
- Quick Heat-up: Ready to use in just 2 minutes, minimizing waiting time.
- Simple Descaling: An integrated anti-calc filter system removes limescale particles, ensuring long-lasting steam performance and reducing maintenance effort.
- Space-Saving Design: With a footprint smaller than an A4 sheet of paper, this steam generator iron is compact and easy to store.
- Durability: Designed for 10-year repairability, ensuring long-term reliability and support.
2. Important Safety Instructions
To prevent accidents and ensure proper operation, always follow these basic safety precautions:
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
- Do not leave the iron unattended while it is connected to the mains supply.
- Always unplug the appliance from the electrical outlet when filling with water, emptying, or when not in use.
- Do not immerse the iron or its base in water or any other liquid.
- Use the appliance only for its intended household use.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- The iron must be used and rested on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid a hazard.
- Never direct steam at people or pets.
3. Product Components
Familiarize yourself with the parts of your Tefal Express Essential Steam Generator Iron:
- Iron: The handheld unit with the soleplate.
- Steam Generator Base: Houses the water tank and heating element.
- Removable Water Tank: For easy filling and emptying.
- Steam Hose: Connects the iron to the steam generator base.
- Power Cord: For connecting to the electrical outlet.
- Xpress Glide Soleplate: The ironing surface.
- Control Panel: Includes power button, Eco mode, and anti-calc indicator.

Figure 1: Overview of the Tefal Express Essential Steam Generator Iron SV6116.

Figure 2: Close-up of the Xpress Glide soleplate, designed for smooth ironing.
4. Setup
Follow these steps to set up your steam generator iron for first use:
- Unpack: Carefully remove all packaging materials and ensure all components are present.
- Placement: Place the steam generator base on a stable, flat, and heat-resistant surface, such as an ironing board designed for steam generators.
- Fill Water Tank: Remove the removable water tank from the base. Fill it with tap water up to the 'MAX' level. The tank has a 1.4-liter capacity. Reinsert the water tank securely into the base.
- Connect Power: Plug the power cord into a suitable grounded electrical outlet.

Figure 3: The steam generator iron showing the anti-scale and Eco mode features on the base unit.
5. Operating Instructions
Operating your Tefal Express Essential Steam Generator Iron is straightforward:
- Power On: Press the power button on the base unit. The indicator light will illuminate.
- Heat-up: Allow approximately 2 minutes for the iron to heat up. The steam ready indicator light will stop flashing and remain solid when ready.
- Steam Output: Press the steam trigger under the iron handle for continuous steam (120g/min). For stubborn creases, press the steam boost button for an extra burst of 270g/min steam.
- Vertical Steaming: Hold the iron vertically a few centimeters from the fabric. Press the steam trigger to refresh and remove creases from hanging garments, curtains, or upholstery.
- Eco Mode: To save energy, press the 'Eco' button on the base unit. This mode optimizes steam output for efficient ironing while reducing power consumption.
- Ironing: Glide the iron smoothly over your garments. The Xpress Glide soleplate ensures even heat distribution and effortless movement.
- Power Off: After use, press the power button to turn off the appliance and unplug it from the electrical outlet.

Figure 4: Demonstrating vertical steaming for refreshing garments and upholstery.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your iron:
- Descaling (Anti-Calc System): Your iron features an integrated anti-calc filter. When the 'Anti-Calc' indicator light illuminates, it's time to perform the descaling procedure as outlined in the full product manual. This typically involves rinsing the collector.
- Cleaning the Soleplate: Allow the iron to cool completely. Wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth. For stubborn marks, use a specialized soleplate cleaning stick, following its instructions. Do not use abrasive cleaners or metallic scouring pads.
- Emptying the Water Tank: After each use, or before storing, empty any remaining water from the tank to prevent limescale buildup and odors.
- Storage: Once the iron has cooled down, store it in a safe, dry place. The compact design allows it to fit neatly on an ironing board or in a cupboard.

Figure 5: The compact design of the iron allows for convenient storage.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your iron, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No steam is produced. | Water tank is empty or not properly inserted. Iron is not heated sufficiently. | Fill the water tank. Ensure the iron has reached operating temperature (steam ready light is solid). |
| Water drips from the soleplate. | Iron temperature is too low for steam. | Allow the iron to heat up completely before using steam. |
| The iron does not heat up. | Not plugged in or power switch is off. | Check if the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet and the power button is pressed. |
| Limescale particles appear on clothes. | Descaling is required. | Perform the descaling procedure as indicated by the 'Anti-Calc' light. |
If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact customer support.
8. Specifications
- Model Number: SV6116
- Power: 2200 Watts
- Continuous Steam Output: 120 g/min
- Steam Boost: 270 g/min
- Water Tank Capacity: 1.4 Liters
- Soleplate: Xpress Glide
- Heat-up Time: 2 minutes
- Dimensions (L x W x H): Approximately 36.2 x 17.9 x 25.6 cm
- Weight: 3.31 kg
- Color: White and Blue
- Special Feature: Steam Generator, Anti-Calc System, Eco Mode
9. Warranty and Support
Your Tefal Express Essential Steam Generator Iron SV6116 is designed for durability and comes with a commitment to repairability for up to 10 years. This ensures that spare parts are available, and repair services can be accessed if needed.
For warranty claims, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided with your purchase or visit the official Tefal website for your region. Always retain your proof of purchase for warranty purposes.