A steam generating system for an appliance includes a first tank positioned at a first vertical position and having an upper water outlet and a lower water outlet. A second tank is positioned at a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position of the first tank. A first and second interconnecting members respectively connect the upper and lower water outlets of the first tank to the second tank. Together, the first and second interconnecting members fluidically connect the first and second tanks. A valve assembly is positioned along the second interconnecting member to selectively provide access to the second tank from the first tank. Inlet and outlet pumps are respectively coupled to the first and second tanks to supply and discharge water from the steam generating system. The appliance further includes a retractable hose for connecting the steam generating system to a water source.