The Philips AVENT Express Steam Steriliser is a plug-in electric steriliser which while comparatively expensive, is very quick, easy to clean and fairly stylish.
The basic design of Philips steriliser has not changed for years, so it's a tried and tested model, but there are more fancy Philips models on the market with digital displays. This steriliser, the Philips AVENT Express Steam Steriliser, consists of a main sterilising unit, detachable lid, two upper baskets, bottle rack, lower basket, central stem, cord and plug (detaches so the main unit can be easily cleaned), tongs, and a water pitcher (never used as the lid of an AVENT bottle happens to be exactly 90mls - the amount of water the steriliser needs). There's nothing particularly unique about the product, although the baskets can be removed and closed together to use in the dishwasher prior to sterilising and it is very easy to clean.
What we love
In the lazy days just before your firstborn arrives you may think (as my husband and I did) that you will not yet need a steriliser as your baby will be solely breastfed. Fast forward to our bundle of joy's arrival and within hours we realised we needed to go shopping, as I decided to express some milk for my husband to give to baby Jack (essential for some Mum me-time). Of course if you're using formula from day one you're definitely going to need a steriliser anyway. Because my husband was sent out panic-buying, he selected the Philips because it was a recognisable brand which seemed easy to use when he read the box.
The Philips AVENT Express Steam Steriliser is really fast and easy to use – put your clean stuff in, chuck in 90mls of tap water, and switch on. It takes about 8 minutes to complete, which is faster than most models on the market.
The unit can take up to six bottles, including all the extra bottle components which come with some bottle brands such as Dr Brown's. The entire central stem (with attached racks) lifts out of the main body of the steriliser, and can be placed back in once filled, which makes the loading of components much easier than others which do not have removable shelves. There is a specially designed tray for the Philips AVENT breast pump, and also a rack which transforms into a detachable basket for cleaning smaller items in the dishwasher. The little plastic tongs (for handling bottle teats) are very handy indeed!
What to watch out for
The Philips AVENT Express Steam Steriliser is certainly not tiny and therefore a bit bulky for taking on holiday. Also, the lid does not attach to the main body, so it can come off when packed and means that condensation runs over the work surface when the steriliser is first opened.
Tommee Tippee bottles have a wider neck than Dr Brown and AVENT (for example) and are very difficult to balance in the tray designed for bottles.
Who is the Philips Avent Express Steam Steriliser best for?
Best for simple, speedy, no-nonsense bottle sterilising for Avent and Dr Brown users.
A simple design of plug-in steriliser for six bottles or bowls and spoons. It will also fit a breast pump and is easy to use and quick, with bottles ready in eight minutes. The Philips AVENT Express Steam Steriliser is easy to clean and de-scale but has a couple of downsides – it will leak condensation on to your work surface and is too bulky for taking away.
