Customer Reviews

Philips AVENT iQ24 Steam Sterilizer

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Yes, the machine itself is easy to use. The assembly and disassembly isn't horribly difficult, either. The maintenance of the machine is a little more. One MUST use distilled water, not soft or hard water. The machine has to be pre-cleaned before the first use to sterilize the machine itself. After using the distilled water, one must descale the machine at least every 4 weeks. The cycles on the machine are not quick, so if you run out of bottles and need them in a hurry, you might as well boil them. My personal feeling is that it's not that big of a deal to boil bottles and a cooking pan doesn't require the amount of maintenance that this machine does. This is great if you get into a routine of doing it nightly, but not so great if you're in a hurry for a sterilized bottle. However, they have a microwave model for that. In either case, they don't recommend the sterilizers be used with glass bottles and that would be my preference given the information on heating plastics (yes, even bpa-free ones). I think it's a little more trouble than it's worth.

Our newborn boy (now 6 weeks old) requires feeding about every 2 to 4 hours. That little task takes a lot of time and patience plus bottles, caps, nipples and other assorted items which are in continuous need of cleansing and care. We've set up a production line and the last item in the line is the Avent iQ 24 sterilizer.

The sterilizer is in operation off and on all day. It's simple to use and effective, as far as I can tell. It sure beats using the oven, that's for sure. It's been trouble free up to this point. I just put the stuff into the trays, add the water, turn it on and wait until the little electric tone tells me it's complete. What could be more simple? We are using the smaller bottles at present, but can easily switch to larger bottles as the baby grows. We use the sterilizer so steadily throughout the day that we've never used the long cycle. Our little baby-feeding cycle and production line seems to work fine. Now, if I could just get the feeding cycle extended to allow me adequate sleep.

Gary Peterson

Here's a quick rundown of the features

-- 2 Sterilization Modes --

1) 6-Minute Cycle
The bottles are sterilized in 6 minutes.

2) 24-Hour Cycle
The cycle sterilizes the bottles in 6 minutes and KEEPS the bottles sterilized for 24 hours, so they're ready for use right away within the 24-hour period.

-- Sterilization Status Notification --

1) Audible Alerts
The unit beeps to alert you at each phase of the cycle. Once the cycle is completed, it notifies you by beeping 5 times.

2) LED Display

The display is a standard 7-segment LED display.

The following lists what the display is used for:
- counts down the number of minutes till the contents are sterilized.
- flashes "0" when sterilization cycle is complete.
- displays 1, 2, or 3 horizontal bars to indicate the number of hours contents will remain sterile.
- in the 24-hour mode, horizontal bar alternates between ascending and descending to indicate that the sterilization is in progress
- in the 6-minute cycle, two lit sections encircle the "0" to indicate sterilization is in progress.
- "U" indicates the water level is too low.
- "n" indicates the water level is too high.
- The LED displays:

3 Horizontal Bars
___
___
___ => contents will be sterile for 6 more hours

2 Horizontal Bars
___
___ => contents will be sterile for 4 more hours

1 Horizontal Bar
___ => contents will be sterile for 2 more hours

No bars
=> contents are no longer sterile, so you would have to start the cycle over.

-- Sterilization Contents --
The unit has an upper and lower basket. The lower basket is for bottles. The upper basket can accommodate pacifiers, breast pumps, caps, and other items of comparable size. Remember, the sterilizer heats up to boiling temperatures, so be careful to sterilize only items you can boil.

-- Maintenance --
- Descaling
If you use tap water, the sterilizer has to be descaled every 4 weeks or so due to limescale buildup.

Use either citric acid (the link is provided for reference; comparison shop for the best deals) or vinegar. A sachet is included so you can experiment to determine which one works best. Descaling instructions are in the manual.

*TIP*
Use distilled water instead. The two gallon jugs with a dispenser or "tap" is available at your local supermarket at a very reasonable price. With distilled water, there should be practically no descaling needed.

- Washing
I recommend washing it before you use it the first time. After that, there should normally be no real need to wash it between subsequent uses, especially if you're using distilled water. If you need to wash it, I recommend hand-washing it rather than using the dishwasher so its plastic doesn't get stained from picking up any sauces or grease that are washed off your other dishes in the dishwasher.

-- Additional Points --
A few reviewers have voiced concerns about BPA (Bisphenol A), which is a chemical used to make some plastics. I do not wish to propagate a BPA-scare but I feel it's my responsibility to inform you, the consumer, about its potential toxicity. Wikipedia has some helpful information and a number of external links that will help educate you about BPA. (Google "Wikipedia Bisphenol A", without quotes, and click on the first link in the query results).

-- Conclusion --
The Philips Avent iQ24 Steam Sterilizer is ideal for busy moms (or dads). It offers a lot of convenience - you just set it and forget it - sure beats having to boil your bottles. Plus, it's almost maintenance-free. There you have it. It's pricey, but I think it's worth getting if you can afford it.

I bought this to sterilize the bottles for my baby. Works well. The nice part about it is that I was able to sterilize not just their brand bottles, but the Dr Brown, the Born Free, and the Madela breast pump bottles. My baby looks to have liked the Dr Brown bottles so this was great that we did not need to buy a specific one to work only with one type of bottle.

WHAT: The Philips Avent iQ24 Steam Sterilizer uses the intensive heat from the steam to kill the bacteria. It's actually relatively easy to use and maintain.

HOW: You have a choice of two modes. Mode 1 sterilizes for 6 minutes and keeps the contents bacteria-free for up to 6 hours as long as the lid has remained unopened. Mode 2 runs the sterilization process throughout the day to keep the contents sterile for up to 24 hours.

CONTENTS: You're provided with: Sterilizer Body, Lid, Upper and Lower Basket, Bottle rack, Measuring Cup, Tongs, Central Stem and Power Cord.

USE: When using for the first time, all you need to do is place all the blue items (upper and lower lid, stem, bottle rack) inside the sterilizer body. Pour 90mL of distilled water using the provided measuring cup. Cover using the lid and start the Mode 1 sterilizer process. When this is done, you remove the blue components. Remove any remaining water and wipe dry. Then the sterilizer is ready for regular use.

It's as simple as pouring 90mL of distilled water for Mode 1 or 200mL of distilled water for Mode 2 use.

REMEMBER:

1. I can't stress enough in mentioning using distilled water to prevent blocking the tiny vents as well as introduce a rapid build-up of limescale.

2. When in Mode 1:

a. Allow 10 minutes of cool-down in between use to prevent overheat of the sterilizer.

b. Allow 3 minutes of cool-down after the process has ended before opening the lid or your face and hands will be greeted with escaping steam.

WHAT CAN YOU STERILIZE: Up to 6 Avent bottles of 125mL, 260mL or 330mL including parts. Or an Avent ISIS breast pump.

CARE: Every 4 weeks, de-scale the machine by measuring 100mL of vinegar and 200mL of water and pouring the liquid in the sterilizer body until limescale has dissolved. Drain then rinse. This helps maintain the efficiency of the sterilizer so steam escapes evenly and ensures all items inside are sterilized properly.

THOUGHTS: Very easy to use with a touch of a button as well as audio and visual indicator to alert of the sterilization process. Like all appliances especially one that involves water and electricity, maintenance has to be performed to maintain optimal condition. The sterilizer and it's parts are well-built and the fitting is second to none.

WHO IS THIS FOR:

This sterilizer is beneficial if you have the:

1. Space for a stand-alone sterilizer on your kitchen counter.
2. Have the need for constant 24-hour sterilization.

ALTERNATIVE: A more convenient alternative is the use of a Philips Avent Microwave Sterilizer which requires less maintenance and less parts. It is cheaper, but doesn't afford the 24 hour sterilization where you can grab bottles on an as-needed basis.

Although I would not buy it personally at it's current pricing. I wouldn't mind receiving it as a gift either.

Using the microwave or stove top to sterilize baby bottles is time consuming and unreliable. The Philips Avent iQ24 is quick - takes only 6 minutes - and simple - just push a button. No more waiting for water to boil. No more uncertainty if the sterilization is complete. This device takes care of everything in the most simple way possible. Highly efficient, super easy, very effective.

Yes, the price is high - nearly $100 - but the convenience and safety factor make it a worthwhile investment.

Only downsides are:
1) the cheap feel of the unit (but the plus is the light weight)
2) restrictions on bottle type and size.

Overall, if you don't mind the price, this is a great solution for bottle sterlization.

The thing that most impressed me about this sterilizer is that it has a heavy duty cord. I am terrified of small cords and unplug my toaster and coffee pot after every use. This one is heavy and durable. Also the sterilizer is made out of heavy plastic and it is very durable looking also. I guess that's why it's so expensive. Alas, this is not a bottle washer so you still have to do that by hand, but after that you have it made. Just put a little water in bottom and sterilize your bottles for six minutes. There are 2 modes...mode 1 runs a single 6 minute sterilizing cyle, then keeps bottles sterile for 6 hours as long as lid isn't removed. Mode 2 keeps contents sterile for up to 24 hours by continously repeating the cycle throughout the day. You can also sterilize other boilable items in it like feeding cups, nipples, breast pump parts, etc. Just great! It is also guaranteed for 12 months but you do need to clean it out every four weeks with vinegar mixed with water. Since it's heavy duty plastic, the outside is easy to keep clean. The little cup that comes with it is in U.S. ounces and UK ounces both. Unit holds 6 bottles at a time. This is really nice and would make a great gift for the new mother.

This product is easy to use and cuts sterilization time in half---a great time- and labor-saving device for new moms.

However, you can only use special Avent bottles with this product. If your child is particular about their bottle, this can present a big problem.

Recommended with reservations. I suggest buying an Avent bottle first, seeing if your baby likes it, and only then moving ahead with purchase.

The product does exactly what it says it does, it's of a good quality and very simple to use. We got it as a gift when I was pregnant and we used it for the first couple of months while we where staying at my mom's and were in a room far from the kitchen (microwave and stove practically unavailable), so we had it in our room. I had twins and this was a nice product to have with us, since we had the bottles ready in no-time.

When we got back home we stopped using that one and started using the Avent microwave sterilizer because it's much simpler to use, but it doesn't mean it's better.

Not only do I rate the product 5 stars, but the manufacturer as well, since the first one we got as a gift broke and we called Avent. They sent us a new one in no time, practically no questions asked.

I used this to sterilize my bottles and medela breast pump equipments.
Also, i use it to warm up my milk.