Tower: a century of British homeware, honest recall facts, and which to buy

Tower is one of those brands that has been in British kitchens for so long that most people have never thought about where it came from. Your nan might have had a Tower pressure cooker. Your first flat might have had a Tower saucepan set. And these days, there's a decent chance the air fryer in your mate's kitchen says Tower on the front.

The brand's story starts in a metalworks in Wolverhampton more than a hundred years ago. It's a proper piece of British industrial history, and it links up, as it happens, with Russell Hobbs.

We sell five Tower products at Clean Smile Home: a 4 litre digital air fryer, a three-tier stainless steel steamer pan set, an Art Deco-style kettle, a 2-in-1 cordless steam iron and a handheld steam cleaner with nine accessories. This guide covers Tower's history, what the brand does well and where it doesn't, every product in detail, plenty of practical advice (air frying, steaming vegetables, cordless ironing and steam cleaning), a frank section on product recalls and how to check your appliances, care tips and a FAQ.

The short version

• Tower began in Wolverhampton in the early 20th century as part of the Midland Metal Spinning Company, making aluminium pots and pans. The name comes from the company's Tower Works.
• For a while, Tower Housewares and Russell Hobbs were owned by the same companies. Today, Tower's electrical range is run by RKW Ltd, a British housewares company.
• Tower's strength is affordable, practical homeware: kitchen electricals, cookware and cleaning tools at budget-friendly prices.
• For an affordable first air fryer, buy the Tower 4L digital air fryer T17205AFR.
• For steaming vegetables, fish and dumplings on the hob, buy the Tower Essentials 3-tier steamer.
• For a kettle with real character, buy the Tower Empire T10052BLK.
• For ironing without a trailing cable, buy the Tower CeraGlide 2-in-1 cordless iron T22008.
• For steam cleaning grout, taps, hobs and windows, buy the Tower THS10 handheld steam cleaner.

Where Tower came from

A Wolverhampton metalworks

Tower's story begins with George Cadman, who founded the Midland Metal Spinning Company in Wolverhampton. Sources differ on the exact year: Grace's Guide to British Industrial History gives both 1912 and 1919. Either way, the company was well over a century ago, and it started out making "holloware", the trade name for pots, pans, kettles and other hollow metal kitchenware, mostly in aluminium.

The company moved into premises on Pelham Street in Wolverhampton known as Tower Works and Fort Works. The Tower brand name almost certainly comes from the works, which had already carried the name since the 19th century.

Tower and Presto

The company had two main brands. Tower covered most of its domestic holloware: saucepans, frying pans and the like. Presto was used for pressure cookers, coffee makers and whistling kettles, made by a related business, the National Pressure Cooker Company, at Fort Works.

Pressure cookers became a big part of British home cooking in the post-war years, when fuel and time were precious and cheaper, tougher cuts of meat needed long cooking. If you've heard older relatives talk about the hiss and rattle of a pressure cooker on the hob, there's a good chance it came from a Wolverhampton factory like this one.

Growth after the war

In 1937 the company exhibited at the British Industries Fair, showing domestic aluminium holloware. In 1950 it was bought by a larger group. By 1961, it was described as a manufacturer of aluminium holloware, electric kettles, teapots and other household articles, with about 1,000 employees. Later it left Wolverhampton for Wombourne in Staffordshire.

The Russell Hobbs connection

In 1974, Tube Investments, the engineering group that already owned Russell Hobbs, bought the company that owned Tower. For the next decade or so, Tower and Russell Hobbs sat side by side in the same group. In 1986, Tube Investments sold Russell Hobbs and Tower Housewares together to Polly Peck International, which ran them as Russell Hobbs Tower. When Polly Peck collapsed in 1991, Russell Hobbs Tower was bought by Pifco.

So if you're choosing between a Tower kettle and a Russell Hobbs kettle, you're choosing between two brands that spent years as siblings.

Tower today

Today, Tower's electrical range is run by RKW Ltd, a UK housewares company. RKW launched a range of Tower electricals, including air fryers, blenders, food processors and slow cookers, at the Spring Fair in Birmingham in 2014. Since then, Tower has become one of the best-known air fryer brands in Britain, alongside cookware, kettles, irons and cleaning products.

The brand's positioning hasn't changed much in a century: practical household goods that most people can afford.

What Tower does well, and where it doesn't

Strengths

Value for money. This is Tower's biggest strength. Its products are usually among the most affordable in their category, which makes it a good choice for first homes, students, rentals and anyone on a tight budget.

A wide range. Tower covers kitchen electricals, cookware, irons and cleaning, so you can kit out a home from one brand.

Style for the price. Designs like the Empire kettle, with its Art Deco pattern in black and brass, look more expensive than they are.

Cookware heritage. Tower has been making pots and pans for over a century, and its stainless steel cookware, like the steamer set we sell, is solid and practical.

Where Tower isn't the right pick

If you want the most features. Budget pricing means fewer extras. The Tower air fryer has six presets; the COSORI has more functions and quieter running. The Tower iron has no automatic shut-off (more on that below).

If you want premium finishes or materials throughout. Tower is built to a price. It's good value, but it isn't trying to be a luxury brand.

If you've been put off by recalls. Tower has had air fryer recalls in recent years, though not on the model we sell. We cover this openly below so you can make your own judgement.

Recalls: what we think you should know

We'd rather be upfront about this than leave you to find it elsewhere.

In April 2025, Ireland's Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) published a recall notice for several Tower air fryer models: T17023, T17061BLK, T17067 and T17087. The reason given was a manufacturing defect that could cause the air fryers to overheat and catch fire. In July 2025, the CCPC published another notice, for the Tower Vortx 8L dual basket air fryer, model T17129L, also for a fire risk from a manufacturing defect.

The Tower air fryer we sell is the T17205AFR. It isn't on either of those recall lists.

What should you take from this?

• Recalls happen across the appliance industry. A recall means a problem was identified and the company is acting on it, which is how the safety system is meant to work.
• If you own any Tower air fryer, check the model number on the rating label against the recall notices, and follow the instructions if yours is listed.
• In the UK, the government publishes product recalls and safety alerts on GOV.UK. It's worth checking there for any appliance, from any brand.
• Register your appliances with the manufacturer so they can contact you directly about safety issues.

We chose the T17205AFR because it's a simple, affordable air fryer that isn't affected by those recalls. If the recall history makes you uneasy, the COSORI Pro LE is our other air fryer, and we're upfront in our COSORI guide about that brand's history too.

The Tower range at Clean Smile Home

Tower 4L Digital Air Fryer T17205AFR, black

The T17205AFR is a 4 litre digital air fryer with six presets, a 60-minute timer and a shake reminder.

What it does:

• A 4 litre single basket.
• Six presets: air fry, roast, grill, bake, reheat and keep warm.
• 1300 W.
• Digital one-touch controls with a 60-minute timer.
• A shake reminder for even cooking.
• Overheat protection and auto shut-off.

Who it's for: first-time air fryer buyers, singles and couples, students, and anyone who wants to cook small portions without heating up the oven.

Worth knowing: 4 litres suits one to three people well. For bigger families or batch cooking, you'll be cooking in rounds. Read Tower 4L digital air fryer T17205AFR: easy everyday air frying.

Tower Essentials 3-Tier Steamer 18cm, polished stainless steel

The Tower Essentials steamer is a three-tier stainless steel steamer pan set for the hob. It's a pan set, not an electric steamer: you put it on your cooker.

What it does:

• An 18 cm base pan with two steamer tiers, 2.1 litre capacity.
• Polished stainless steel.
• Works on all hobs, including induction.
• A tempered glass lid with a steam vent, so you can check food without lifting it.
• A thermo-core encapsulated base for even heating.
• Riveted silicone handles that stay cool.
• Dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 200°C.

Who it's for: anyone who wants to steam vegetables, fish, dumplings or puddings, and anyone who'd like to cook a whole meal on one ring. The base pan also works as an ordinary saucepan.

Worth knowing: at 18 cm, it's sized for one to three people. It's a good fit for small hobs and small households. Read How to steam vegetables on the hob with the Tower Essentials 3-Tier Steamer.

Tower Empire 1.7L Kettle T10052BLK, black and brass

The Empire kettle has an Art Deco-inspired pattern in black with brass-tone accents. It's one of the most distinctive-looking kettles we sell.

What it does:

• 3000 W rapid boil, with one cup in about 45 seconds by Tower's figures.
• A 1.7 litre capacity, up to seven cups.
• A removable limescale filter.
• A water level window.
• An illuminated on/off switch.
• Auto shut-off and boil-dry protection.
• A 360-degree swivel base.

Who it's for: anyone with a dark, vintage or industrial-style kitchen, people who like brass taps and handles, and anyone who wants a kettle that's a talking point without a big price tag.

Worth knowing: Tower sells other appliances in the same Empire style, so check Tower's range if you'd like a matching toaster. Read Art Deco style for your worktop: the Tower Empire T10052BLK kettle.

Tower CeraGlide 2-in-1 Cordless Steam Iron T22008, purple

The CeraGlide 2-in-1 is a 2400 W steam iron that you can use corded, or cordless from its charging base.

What it does:

• Use it corded or cordless.
• 2400 W, heats up in about 30 seconds.
• A CeraGlide ceramic soleplate.
• 120 g a minute of continuous steam and a 180 g steam shot.
• A 360 ml water tank.
• Anti-drip and anti-scale with self-clean.
• A water filling cup in the box.

Who it's for: anyone who finds the cable on an iron annoying, people ironing in small spaces where the cord catches, and anyone who irons lots of shirts and wants to move freely around collars and cuffs.

Important safety note: this iron has no automatic shut-off. That means it won't switch itself off if you leave it. Always switch it off at the plug and unplug it when you've finished, and never leave it unattended while it's on. If an automatic shut-off matters to you, the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra has a three-way safety shut-off.

Read Cordless ironing explained: the Tower CeraGlide 2-in-1 T22008.

Tower THS10 Handheld Steam Cleaner with 9 Accessories T134000BLG

The THS10 is a handheld steam cleaner for kitchens, bathrooms, windows and fabrics, with nine accessories for different jobs.

What it does:

• 1050 W, ready in about three minutes.
• Up to 10 minutes of continuous steam.
• A 250 ml water tank.
• A 3 metre power cable.
• Chemical-free cleaning with just water.
• Nine accessories: extension hose, fabric tool, microfibre cloth, long nozzle, nylon brush, squeegee, angled nozzle, and a funnel and measuring cup.

Who it's for: anyone who wants to clean grout, taps, hobs, oven doors, shower screens and windows without chemicals, and people with allergies or sensitivities to cleaning products.

Worth knowing: 10 minutes of steam per fill is enough for a bathroom or a hob, but bigger jobs mean refilling, which means letting it cool first. Read 12 things to clean with the Tower handheld steam cleaner (and what to avoid).

All five at a glance

Product	What it is	Power	Capacity	Best for
T17205AFR	Digital air fryer	1300 W	4 L	Affordable first air fryer
Essentials steamer	Hob steamer pan set	Your hob	2.1 L base, 18 cm	Steaming on any hob
Empire T10052BLK	Kettle	3000 W	1.7 L	Art Deco style
CeraGlide T22008	Corded or cordless iron	2400 W	360 ml tank	Ironing without a trailing cable
THS10	Handheld steam cleaner	1050 W	250 ml tank	Grout, taps, hobs, windows

Which Tower should you buy?

"I want to try an air fryer without spending much"

The T17205AFR. It covers the basics well at a friendly price.

"I want to eat more vegetables"

The Essentials steamer. Steamed vegetables keep their colour and bite, and you can cook several types at once on one ring.

"I want my kitchen to look good"

The Empire kettle. It's the most characterful product in the range.

"I hate the iron cable"

The CeraGlide 2-in-1. Just remember to switch it off at the plug.

"My bathroom grout is grim"

The THS10. The nylon brush and steam lift dirt from grout lines far more easily than scrubbing by hand.

Getting started with the Tower air fryer

The six presets explained

• Air fry: the everyday setting for chips, nuggets, wings and anything you want crisp.
• Roast: for vegetables, potatoes and pieces of meat. Toss vegetables in a little oil first.
• Grill: for sausages, burgers, halloumi and toasted sandwiches. Turn food halfway.
• Bake: for small cakes, muffins and cookies. Use a small oven-safe tin or silicone cases that fit the basket with space around them.
• Reheat: for leftovers like pizza, chips and pastries. Far crisper than a microwave.
• Keep warm: holds cooked food warm while you finish the rest of the meal.

Presets are starting points. Adjust the time and temperature for the size of what you're cooking, and check early the first time you cook something new.

Three tips for better results

1. Don't overload the basket. A single layer crisps best. Cook in rounds if you need to.
2. Shake when it reminds you. That's what the shake reminder is for.
3. Pat food dry. Moisture on the surface steams instead of crisping.

Always make sure meat is cooked through, with no pink in chicken or pork and juices running clear.

Pressure cookers, then and now

It's worth a quick detour into Tower's past, because it explains a lot about British cooking. For decades after the war, the stovetop pressure cooker was a kitchen workhorse. Tower's sister brand Presto made them in Wolverhampton. They cut cooking times for stews, soups, puddings and pulses dramatically, which mattered when fuel was expensive and everyone was busy.

Stovetop pressure cookers fell out of fashion in many homes, partly because people found the hissing and rattling unnerving. The idea came back in a new form with electric multi-cookers, which control the pressure for you and switch off automatically. If you like the idea of pressure cooking but prefer it electric and hands-off, the Instant Pot Classic Mini is the modern version of what Tower's factory was making seventy years ago.

Steaming vegetables on the hob: a quick guide

Why steam?

Boiling vegetables in lots of water can wash out some water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C, and leach colour and flavour into the water. Steaming cooks vegetables in hot vapour instead, so they keep more of their colour, texture and taste. Many people who think they don't like broccoli have only ever had it boiled to mush.

How to use a three-tier steamer

1. Put a few centimetres of water in the base pan. It shouldn't touch the bottom of the first steamer tier.
2. Bring it to the boil, then turn down to a steady simmer.
3. Put the foods that take longest in the bottom tier, closest to the steam. Quicker foods go in the top tier, or go in later.
4. Put the glass lid on and keep an eye on things through the glass.
5. Check the water level now and then, and top up with boiling water from the kettle if it's getting low.

Rough steaming times

Food	Rough time
Broccoli florets	5 to 7 minutes
Green beans	5 to 7 minutes
Carrots (sliced)	8 to 10 minutes
New potatoes (halved)	15 to 20 minutes
Fish fillets	6 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness
Frozen dumplings	Follow the pack; usually around 8 to 12 minutes

These are starting points. Test with a knife: vegetables should be tender but not soft. Fish should flake easily and be opaque all the way through.

A one-ring dinner

New potatoes in the base pan, boiling. Salmon fillets with lemon in the first tier. Green beans and broccoli in the top tier for the last seven minutes. One ring, one pan set, one healthy meal.

Cordless ironing, explained

How a cordless iron works

A cordless iron heats up on its base, which is plugged in. When you lift it off, it runs on the heat stored in the soleplate. As you iron, it gradually cools, so you put it back on the base between sections to top up the heat. With the CeraGlide 2-in-1, you can also connect it with the cord when you want continuous heat for a big pile.

Getting the best results

• Iron in sections: a shirt front, then back on the base; a sleeve, then back on the base. It becomes a natural rhythm.
• Start with fabrics that need the lowest temperature, like synthetics and silks, then move up to cotton and linen. It's quicker to heat up than to cool down.
• Use the corded mode for big piles of heavy cotton or linen, where you want constant heat and steam.
• Use the steam shot for stubborn creases, and the continuous steam for general ironing.

Iron safety, especially without auto shut-off

• Switch the CeraGlide off at the plug and unplug it every time you finish.
• Don't leave it on while you answer the door or make a cup of tea.
• Stand it on its base, not flat on the ironing board.
• Keep it out of reach of children while it cools, and keep the cord tidy when using corded mode.
• Empty the water tank when you're done.

Steam cleaning with the THS10

Good jobs for a handheld steam cleaner

• Grout lines between tiles, with the nylon brush.
• Taps, plugholes and around the base of taps, with the angled or long nozzle.
• Shower screens and windows, with the squeegee.
• Hob surfaces and around burner rings.
• Oven doors and the seals of fridges (gently).
• Sticky kitchen cupboard handles.
• Refreshing fabrics like curtains and upholstery, with the fabric tool (test a hidden spot first).
• Bins, inside and out.

Things to avoid

• Unsealed wood, cork, unsealed stone and leather.
• Delicate fabrics like silk, velvet and anything marked "do not steam".
• Electrical sockets, switches, appliances and anything plugged in.
• Cold glass in winter: the sudden heat can crack it. Warm the glass gently from a distance first, or avoid steaming very cold windows.
• Painted surfaces that are flaking or delicate.
• People, pets and plants.

Using it safely

• Fill the tank with cold water using the funnel and measuring cup, only when the cleaner is unplugged and cool.
• Never open the cap while the unit is hot or under pressure. Follow the manual's instructions for refilling, which include letting it cool.
• Point the nozzle away from yourself and others. Steam can scald.
• Wear rubber gloves if you're working close to the surface for long periods.

A 15-minute bathroom refresh with the THS10

Here's a routine for a standard bathroom using the handheld steam cleaner. Open a window first.

1. Minutes 0 to 3: fill and switch on the steam cleaner. While it heats, clear bottles off the bath, shower and basin.
2. Minutes 3 to 6: fit the nylon brush and work along the grout lines in the shower, a section at a time. Wipe each section with the microfibre cloth as you go.
3. Minutes 6 to 8: switch to the angled nozzle for the base of taps, the plughole and the edges where the bath meets the wall.
4. Minutes 8 to 10: fit the squeegee and steam the shower screen and mirror, then squeegee from top to bottom.
5. Minutes 10 to 12: long nozzle around the toilet hinges and base. Wipe with a separate cloth kept just for the toilet.
6. Minutes 12 to 15: unplug, let the unit cool, put your bottles back and wipe down the basin.

With up to 10 minutes of steam per fill, you'll get most of a bathroom done in one tank. For a big bathroom, let it cool and refill before finishing.

Setting up a first home with Tower

Tower's mix of kitchen, cooking and cleaning products makes it a useful brand for a first home or a rental on a budget. Here's how the five products we sell fit into a starter kit:

• Day one essentials: the Empire kettle. You'll want a cup of tea before you've unpacked anything else.
• First week: the air fryer. It's often the main cooking appliance in a small flat, and it's cheaper to run than heating a big oven for one portion.
• First month: the steamer pan set, which doubles as a saucepan, and the cordless iron for work clothes.
• Before the deposit inspection: the THS10 steam cleaner. Grout, taps, hobs and oven doors are the places landlords check.

Looking after your Tower products

Air fryer

• Wash the basket after every use once it's cool. Use a soft sponge to protect the non-stick coating.
• Don't use metal utensils or scourers.
• Wipe out any grease from the drawer.
• Keep space around the air fryer for ventilation, and never place it on a hob.

Steamer pans

• Stainless steel is dishwasher safe, but washing by hand keeps the polish brighter.
• For white marks from hard water, wipe with a little white vinegar, then rinse.
• For stuck-on food in the base pan, soak in warm soapy water, then use a non-scratch scourer.
• Silicone handles stay cool on the hob, but they'll get hot in the oven. Use oven gloves.

Kettle

• Descale monthly in hard water areas, every two to three months in soft water areas.
• Rinse the limescale filter regularly.
• Wipe the patterned body with a soft cloth to keep the finish looking sharp.

Iron

• Empty the tank after each use.
• Use the self-clean function regularly to flush out scale.
• Clean the soleplate when cool with a damp cloth.

Steam cleaner

• Empty the tank after use, once cool.
• Wash the microfibre cloth after each use, without fabric conditioner.
• Rinse brushes and nozzles.
• In hard water areas, check the manual for descaling or water advice.

Common mistakes with Tower products

• Air fryer pushed against the wall. Air fryers vent hot air out of the back. Leave space around them and never put one under a wall cupboard where heat collects.
• Steamer pan boiled dry. If the water in the base pan runs out, the pan can discolour or warp. Check the level through the glass lid and top up with boiling water.
• Too much water in the steamer base. If water touches the bottom of the first tier, food boils rather than steams.
• Cordless iron left on. The CeraGlide doesn't switch itself off. Make unplugging it part of your routine.
• Steam cleaner refilled while hot. Always unplug and let it cool before opening the tank.
• Kettle never descaled. In hard water areas, scale builds up fast and slows boiling. Monthly descaling keeps it working well.

Stainless steel cookware, explained

The Tower Essentials steamer is polished stainless steel with a thermo-core encapsulated base. Here's what that means for you.

• Stainless steel doesn't react with acidic foods like tomatoes or lemon, doesn't need seasoning and won't chip like enamel. It's a long-lasting material that can be cleaned hard.
• Encapsulated base: steel on its own isn't a great conductor of heat, so pans like this have a layer of a better conductor, often aluminium, sealed inside the base. It spreads heat more evenly and reduces hot spots.
• Induction compatible: induction hobs need magnetic pans. The Tower set works on induction, as well as gas, electric and ceramic hobs.
• Glass lid: lets you see the food without lifting the lid and losing steam.

Food can stick to stainless steel if the pan isn't hot enough or if there's no fat when frying. For boiling and steaming, which is what this set is mostly for, that isn't an issue.

Budget doesn't have to mean disposable

There's a common idea that cheaper appliances are throwaway. In our experience, how long an appliance lasts depends at least as much on how it's treated as on what it cost. A budget kettle that's descaled monthly will usually outlast an expensive one that's never cleaned.

A few habits help any appliance last longer:

• Read the manual once. It takes ten minutes and tells you the things that cause most breakdowns.
• Keep products clean and dry, and empty water tanks after use.
• Don't overload: overfilling air fryer baskets, kettles or steam cleaner tanks puts strain on them.
• Use the right socket. Plug high-power appliances straight into the wall rather than chaining extension leads.
• Store cords loosely, not tightly wrapped around a hot appliance.

And if something does go wrong within the warranty period, contact us or the manufacturer. Don't just bin it.

Tower compared with the other brands we sell

Air fryers: the COSORI Pro LE 4.7L is a little bigger, quieter and has more functions. The Tower is cheaper and simpler.

Kettles: for a quiet kettle, see the Russell Hobbs Buckingham or Breville Curve. For plastic-free water contact, the COSORI steel kettle. For style on a budget, Tower's Empire is hard to beat.

Irons: the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra is corded, more powerful at 3100 W, has vertical steaming and an automatic shut-off. The Tower CeraGlide gives you freedom from the cord.

Steam cleaning: the Shark SteamSpot is for floors. The Tower THS10 is for everything above floor level. They make a good pair.

Before you buy: quick checks

• Air fryer: how many people will you cook for? The 4 litre basket suits one to three. Do you have a spot with space around it for ventilation?
• Steamer: what size is your smallest hob ring? An 18 cm base suits most standard rings, including induction zones.
• Kettle: does the Empire style suit your kitchen? It's a statement piece, and it looks best alongside dark worktops, brass or matt black fittings.
• Iron: are you happy to switch it off at the plug every time? If you'd rather have an automatic shut-off, choose the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra.
• Steam cleaner: are the jobs mainly above floor level, like tiles, taps, hobs and windows? Then the THS10 is the right tool. For floors, look at a steam mop.

Tower as a gift

• For a student or first-time renter: the air fryer or the steamer set. Both make cooking for one easier.
• For someone who loves vintage style: the Empire kettle.
• For a busy parent with a mountain of school uniforms: the CeraGlide cordless iron.
• For the person who's always cleaning the grout: the THS10. It's more welcome than it sounds.

Why we chose Tower

Tower has been making practical things for British homes for more than a century. We chose five products that give you a lot for your money: an air fryer for small households, a steamer pan set that will last for years, a kettle with genuine style, an iron that does away with the cable, and a steam cleaner that makes grim jobs easier. We're also clear about the recalls, because buying on a budget shouldn't mean buying blind.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tower a British brand?

Yes. Tower started in Wolverhampton in the early 20th century, and its electrical range is now run by RKW Ltd, a UK housewares company. Like most small appliance brands, its products are manufactured overseas.

Are Tower and Russell Hobbs related?

They used to be. Both were owned by Tube Investments, then by Polly Peck as Russell Hobbs Tower, and then by Pifco. Today they're run by different companies.

Is the Tower T17205AFR air fryer recalled?

It isn't on the recall notices published by Ireland's CCPC in April and July 2025, which covered models T17023, T17061BLK, T17067, T17087 and T17129L. Always check your model number against current recall lists.

How many people does the Tower 4L air fryer feed?

It suits one to three people well. Larger families may need to cook in batches.

Does the Tower steamer work on induction hobs?

Yes. It works on all hobs, including induction.

Can the steamer go in the oven?

Yes, up to 200°C. Use oven gloves, as the handles will get hot in the oven.

Does the CeraGlide iron switch itself off?

No. It has no automatic shut-off, so always switch it off at the plug and unplug it after use.

How long does the THS10 take to heat up?

About three minutes, and it gives up to 10 minutes of continuous steam per fill.

Can I use the Tower air fryer to cook frozen food?

Yes. Frozen chips, nuggets, fish fingers and similar foods work well. Follow the pack guidance for air fryers where it's given, shake halfway, and make sure food is piping hot all the way through before eating.

Is the cordless iron less powerful than a corded one?

In cordless mode the soleplate slowly loses heat as you iron, so you return it to the base to top up. For big piles of heavy cotton or linen, plug in the cord to keep the heat and steam constant. At 2400 W with 120 g a minute of continuous steam, it's a capable iron either way.

Can I steam rice in the Tower steamer?

Steamer tiers have holes, so loose rice will fall through. Put rice in a heatproof bowl inside a tier, or cook rice in the base pan and steam vegetables above it at the same time.

Can I use the THS10 on my oven glass?

Yes, once the oven is completely cold. Steam softens baked-on grease on the inside of the glass door, which you can then wipe away with the microfibre cloth. Don't steam a warm oven or cold window glass in freezing weather.

Can I add cleaning products to the THS10?

No. Use only water unless the manual says otherwise. It's designed for chemical-free cleaning.

Does the Empire kettle come in other colours?

We stock the black and brass T10052BLK. For other finishes and matching pieces, check Tower's own range, as colours change from season to season.

Find your Tower

• Tower 4L Digital Air Fryer T17205AFR
• Tower Essentials 3-Tier Steamer 18cm
• Tower Empire 1.7L Kettle T10052BLK
• Tower CeraGlide 2-in-1 Cordless Steam Iron T22008
• Tower THS10 Handheld Steam Cleaner T134000BLG

If you're setting up a first home on a budget, Tower can cover a surprising amount of it. Start with the thing you'll use every day, which for most people is the kettle or the air fryer, and add the rest as you go.

Sources: Grace's Guide to British Industrial History (Midland Metal Spinning Co and Tower Housewares), Housewares Live (2014), and recall notices from Ireland's Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (April and July 2025). Product figures are manufacturer specifications.