The report card
- Sterilising method30% of score8.6
Pure steam, with Philips citing independent lab tests against seven bacteria including Cronobacter and Salmonella. Contents stay sterile for up to 24 hours with the lid on.
- Speed & convenience20% of score7.0
A 10-minute cycle with auto shut-off, but no drying.
- Capacity & fit15% of score7.0
Up to six Philips Avent bottles, and it can be made smaller for soothers and small items.
- Upkeep & running costs15% of score8.4
Philips says it's easy to clean, heating plate included, and a drip tray keeps milk off the plate. No filters.
- Value for money20% of score9.0
Around £65 for a well-made steam steriliser from a big name is strong value.
The full review
Philips calls this the Bottle Steriliser Advanced (model SCF291/01), and it's the straightforward option here. Load up to six Philips Avent bottles and accessories, add water, and it steam-sterilises in 10 minutes before switching itself off.
It's slim for a six-bottle unit, and you can reduce its size for smaller loads like soothers. Philips has added a drip tray that stops milk drips reaching the heating plate, to cut down on odours, and says the whole thing, heating plate included, is easy to clean.
Contents stay sterile for up to 24 hours if you leave the lid on. What you don't get is drying, so bottles come out wet. Owners on Philips' UK site rate it 4.6 out of 5 across around 150 reviews at the time of writing.
At around £65 it's the one I'd suggest for combination feeders, or anyone who doesn't mind wet bottles.
Pros and cons
What I like
- 10-minute steam cycle with auto shut-off
- Slim design that can be reduced in size for small loads
- Drip tray protects the heating plate from milk
- No filters to replace
What I don't
- No drying function
- Capacity is quoted for Philips Avent bottles, so other brands may fit fewer
Key specs
- Type
- Electric steam steriliser
- Capacity
- Up to 6 Philips Avent bottles
- Cycle
- 10 minutes, then auto shut-off
- Stays sterile
- Up to 24 hours, lid on
- Power
- 650W
- Dimensions
- 30.4 x 18.3 x 35.9cm
- Weight
- 1.78kg
Head-to-heads
What I read
This is a research-led review. These are the main sources behind the scores, alongside patterns in verified owner reviews. How I review.