If your Morphy Richards Power 2400W SteamElite Plus Steam Generator (model 332013) switches on but the iron's soleplate isn't heating up, there are several checks you can carry out to identify the cause.
The SteamElite Plus has separate controls for soleplate temperature and steam output, so it's important to establish whether the iron isn't heating at all or whether it's heating normally but not producing steam.
Follow the troubleshooting steps below before requesting further assistance.
1. Check the Temperature Dial
The SteamElite Plus has a temperature dial on the iron itself, which controls how hot the soleplate becomes.
The temperature setting must be suitable for the fabric you're ironing.
What to check:
- Locate the temperature dial on the iron.
- Turn the dial to the appropriate setting for your garment, following its care label.
- Check whether the temperature indicator light on the iron illuminates.
- Allow the iron time to heat up.
- Wait until the temperature indicator light goes out, indicating that the selected temperature has been reached.
If you reduce the temperature from a hotter setting to a cooler one, wait until the temperature indicator light comes on and then goes out again before continuing.
Important: A temperature indicator light that switches off after heating is normal. It doesn't mean the appliance has lost power.
What if the Temperature Indicator Light Doesn't Come On?
If the indicator doesn't illuminate and the soleplate remains cold, continue with the power supply and auto shut-off checks below.
If the light operates normally but the soleplate still doesn't heat, further investigation may be required.
2. Check the Power Supply and Control Panel
The steam generator must be switched on using the On/Off button on the base unit.
What to check:
- Ensure the mains plug is securely connected to a suitable wall socket.
- Check that the socket is switched on.
- Press the On/Off button on the steam generator control panel.
- Listen for the confirmation beep.
- Check whether the power indicator light illuminates.
- Check whether the low steam level indicator begins flashing.
When the appliance is switched on normally, the power indicator illuminates and the low steam level indicator initially flashes while the steam system prepares for use.
If the control panel doesn't illuminate, check whether the socket is working by using another suitable appliance.
Do not use the steam generator if the plug, mains cable, steam supply cord or appliance shows signs of damage.
If the power supply is working but the steam generator remains completely unresponsive, further assessment may be required.
3. Check Whether Auto Shut-Off Has Activated
The SteamElite Plus has an automatic shut-off feature for safety and energy saving.
If neither the steam trigger nor the steam boost button is used for approximately 10 minutes, the appliance automatically switches off and sounds a beep.
This can happen during dry ironing or when the appliance is left unused.
How to Restart the Steam Generator
- Check whether the appliance has switched itself off.
- Press the On/Off button on the base unit to restart it.
- Confirm that the power indicator illuminates.
- Check that the temperature dial is set correctly.
- Allow the iron to heat up again.
- Wait until the temperature indicator light goes out before ironing.
If the appliance restarts and heats normally, the automatic shut-off feature was likely responsible.
Auto shut-off is a normal safety function and doesn't indicate a fault.
4. Check Whether the Problem Is Heat or Steam
A common source of confusion is the difference between an iron that isn't heating and one that isn't producing steam.
The SteamElite Plus can be used for dry ironing without water in the tank.
This means that an empty water tank or an illuminated low-water warning doesn't, by itself, explain why the soleplate isn't heating.
If the Soleplate Heats but There's No Steam
Check the following:
- The clean water chamber contains sufficient water.
- The detachable water tank is correctly fitted.
- The low-water warning isn't illuminated.
- A suitable steam level has been selected.
- The steam level indicator has stopped flashing and remains illuminated.
- The soleplate has reached the appropriate temperature.
- The steam trigger is being operated correctly.
The steam level buttons control steam output, while the temperature dial controls soleplate heat.
For detailed steam troubleshooting, see:
SteamElite Plus (332013) – Not Producing Steam
If the Soleplate Remains Completely Cold
If the control panel is operating normally, the temperature dial is set correctly and the soleplate doesn't warm up after allowing sufficient heating time, this may indicate a heating-related issue requiring further investigation.
Continue with the checks below.
5. Check Whether Auto Clean Is Running
The SteamElite Plus has an automatic cleaning system that operates after approximately 5 litres of water have been used, once the appliance has cooled completely and is next switched on.
During Auto Clean:
- The descaling indicator flashes.
- The appliance flushes its internal boiler.
- Steam ironing is temporarily unavailable.
- The cleaning process takes approximately 3 minutes.
When Auto Clean finishes, the descaling indicator switches off and the low steam level indicator begins flashing while the steam generator prepares for normal operation.
Auto Clean temporarily prevents steam ironing, but it shouldn't automatically be treated as the cause of a soleplate that remains completely cold.
If the descaling indicator is flashing, allow the cleaning process to complete before assessing normal operation.
For more information, see:
SteamElite Plus (332013) – Auto Clean & Descaling Troubleshooting
6. Check for Signs of an Electrical Problem
If the appliance isn't heating, check for any signs that it may be unsafe to continue using.
Stop using the steam generator immediately if you notice:
- The mains plug, power cable or steam supply cord is damaged.
- The appliance repeatedly trips the household electrics.
- There are sparks, smoke or an unusual burning smell.
- The appliance shows visible damage or signs of overheating.
Switch off and unplug the appliance if safe to do so.
Do not repeatedly reconnect an appliance that trips the electrics, and do not attempt to dismantle or repair it yourself.
For electrical tripping, see:
SteamElite Plus (332013) – Electrics Tripping
7. When Might the Iron Require Further Investigation?
If you've completed the checks above and the soleplate still doesn't heat, further assessment may be necessary.
Examples include:
- The control panel illuminates, but the soleplate remains completely cold.
- The temperature indicator light doesn't illuminate despite the appliance being switched on and the temperature dial being set correctly.
- The temperature indicator operates, but the soleplate doesn't appear to reach the selected temperature.
- The appliance restarts after auto shut-off but fails to heat.
- Heating stops unexpectedly and doesn't resume during normal operation.
These symptoms don't automatically confirm a manufacturing fault, but they may indicate an issue that cannot be resolved through standard troubleshooting.
8. Still Not Heating? Contact Customer Support
If your SteamElite Plus still isn't heating after completing the checks above, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.
To help us assess the issue, please provide:
- Model and serial number: Your model is 332013. Please provide the serial number from the appliance's rating label, or a clear photograph of the label.
- Description of the problem: Confirm whether the soleplate remains completely cold, heats only slightly or stops heating during use.
- Control panel behaviour: Tell us whether the power indicator and temperature indicator illuminate.
- Video evidence: Where safe, provide a short video showing the appliance's controls and indicator lights while switched on. Do not touch the soleplate or attempt to demonstrate its temperature by hand.
- Full UK postcode: Please confirm your postcode.
- Troubleshooting completed: Tell us which checks you've carried out and the results.
- Proof of purchase: Please provide this if available, as it may be required to validate any warranty claim.
If you've already supplied any of this information, there's no need to send it again.
Our Customer Support team will review the information and advise on the appropriate next steps, including warranty assistance where applicable.