The main requirement for ironing – clothes should acquire a presentable appearance quickly, without damage, and the device itself should be convenient and not difficult to use.
And a household steam generator , despite some shortcomings, meets these requirements to a greater extent than an improved iron with a steamer.
Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the devices to understand which is better.
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Iron Features
You should know! An iron is a household appliance designed to smooth out wrinkles and wrinkles on clothes and linen.
The principle of operation of the device involves heating the sole of the device, with the help of which the fabric is smoothed.
Modern appliances are predominantly powered by electricity.
Although there are also compact road models that run on batteries and have limited functionality.
The most widely used irons are those equipped with a water tank , which is designed to generate steam , which greatly increases the efficiency of ironing.
Many models have a “steam boost” function - usually this is an additional button on the handle of the device, when pressed, steam under high pressure is supplied to the surface of the fabric.
This helps smooth out very wrinkled, dense and overdried fabrics and even straightens out accidentally ironed folds.
Keep in mind! The iron is a widely used appliance that has proven itself very well over years of regular use.
pros
- as a rule, low price : even multifunctional and expensive models are quite affordable for purchase;
- familiarity : the basic operating principle of the device has not changed for decades, and additional functionality is organically integrated into the long-familiar procedure for using the iron;
- When disconnected from the electrical source, the device does not cool down immediately. Therefore, for a certain period of time it can still be used to smooth out fabric, for example, located away from sockets;
- The functionality of modern irons is quite comparable to most of the capabilities of a steamer. For example, by turning on the “steam” function with the device, it is quite possible to smooth out hanging curtains or refresh furniture coverings;
- makes perfect creases on trousers , smooths out wrinkles well without additional equipment;
- smoothes bed linen well (if the length of the ironing board allows you to lay out a sheet or duvet cover without folding it in half);
- The device is quite easy to clean using a damp cloth or a cleaning stick.
Minuses
- The main disadvantage of the iron is possible damage to the material due to incorrectly selected temperature . In the worst case, this leads to holes in things, and in a more acceptable case, it leads to excessive shine of the fabric;
- the device will be of little help in smoothing things decorated with accessories, buttons , and every housewife has probably had plastic buttons melted during the ironing process;
- an iron to smooth out small folds, pleating, stitched gathering on the cuff fabric in the form of a “pipe”, etc., it is also difficult to smooth out shoulder seams, for example, in jackets;
- the device requires an ironing board or other flat, stable surface covered with a material that can withstand high heat and “does not stick” to the surface of fabrics;
- the standard cord length of this device is usually short, that is, it can only be used near sockets ;
- Since the water reservoir is built into the iron itself, the weight of the iron increases significantly when water is poured into it.
To choose a good device, see the rating of the best irons.
What is the difference between a steam generator and an iron?
At first glance, both devices are similar. But they have key differences:
- The design of the iron includes a body and a heating element that is connected to the soleplate. In addition to the main part in the form of an iron, the steam generator has a steam station located separately. She has a large water tank. The steam generator is equipped with a special platform where the iron is placed. This makes the device more bulky;
- When you look at the iron, contact occurs between the sole of the unit and the fabric. As a result, the surface is smoothed. The steam generator can operate without contact. It doesn't have to touch the fabric to straighten out all the folds. This is of particular importance for delicate materials.
There are many differences between both devices, from cost to appearance. Their differences are reflected in the tasks they perform, their advantages and disadvantages.
Features of the steam generator
A household steamer is a lightweight iron, the stand for which is a steam generator , usually small in size .
Stay up to date! To generate hot steam, with the help of which the device smoothes things, water is supplied by a steam generator through a hose directly into the iron.
Externally, a household steamer looks like a small vacuum cleaner with a thin supply hose , and the steam button is usually located on the body of the iron itself.
Many standard steam generators are equipped with a folding bar (hanger) for easy placement of ironed clothes.
Compact steamers that do not have a supply hose and a built-in hanger are also widespread.
For such devices, which look like an electric kettle, the steam generator is built directly into the body.
The wide functionality of a household steam generator allows it to be used not only for ironing clothes, but also for steaming curtains, tablecloths, cleaning carpets and furniture coverings , for treating kitchen surfaces and cleaning the house.
pros
- great capabilities and high functionality : irons and cleans not only clothes and linen, but also other fabrics - curtains, tablecloths, carpets, etc.;
- many models can be used for cleaning an apartment - for cleaning sofas, kitchen surfaces, ceilings;
- Some models can gently clean windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces;
- eliminates not only wrinkles, but also odor, “refreshes” clothes without washing;
- equally well in both vertical and horizontal positions ;
- high temperature of the steam, which allows you to quickly smooth even natural materials that are difficult to iron - what is considered a “thermal shock” for an iron, is a normal operating mode for a steam generator;
- no ironing board required;
- calmly steams things with buttons, snaps, fittings , etc. (which can be treated with steam);
- does not damage the material;
- The iron itself, which is used for ironing, is light in weight ;
- can iron thick fabric or fabric folded several times;
- large water tank - you can be less likely to be distracted from the ironing process.
Minuses
- high price;
- bulky and usually heavy;
- makes noise when working;
- high risk of steam burn due to careless handling;
- requires space for storage and use;
- consumables are required - filters, cartridges, etc.;
- works only when plugged into a power outlet;
- does not work well in a vertical state, even in the “steaming” mode;
- compact steamers usually have a small water tank volume and low steam output . This does not allow them to be used for long-term ironing of a large number of things;
- It is difficult to make folds and arrows ; additional devices will be required.
To choose a good device, see the rating of steam generators.
Iron with a steam generator: main types of devices
If you choose an iron with a steam generator as your main ironing device, you can get a lot of benefits. For example, a constant supply of high-pressure steam increases ironing efficiency several times compared to a conventional iron. To meet the needs of each user, manufacturers have developed several device options, which can be divided into 3 types.
Household. Such models are distinguished by a neat and compact appearance, which can attract the attention of any housewife. Often the devices are lightweight - from 1 to 5 kilograms. The iron itself is connected to the liquid reservoir using a durable hose and is characterized by certain advantages, such as auto shut-off and anti-scale protection.
Industrial irons with a steam generator. In most cases they are large in size and have significant weight – 6-14 kg. However, the large weight is easily compensated by the long operating time without switching off, which is especially important in production, studio or dry cleaning conditions, when a large number of items need to be processed daily.
Semi-professional models of irons with a steam generator are designed for long-term operation without refueling
Semi-professional and professional irons with a steam generator. This type of device can be considered the golden mean between the two above options. Here we can highlight the use of high-quality materials, for example, a cork handle, which, unlike a plastic one, is more convenient to use, because even with prolonged use the hand will not sweat. Semi-professional models are designed for long-term operation without refueling, and they can easily cope with dense fabric folded several times.
Helpful information! Thanks to its design features, an iron with a steam generator can be used both with and without an ironing board, placing things on any convenient surface.
What is best to use and when?
What is the difference? At home, both a steam generator and an iron perform similar functions.
But in some situations, using one of the devices is preferable, for example:
Iron
- will help to make high-quality “arrows” on trousers, form folds on a skirt;
- folding irons are convenient to take with you on trips;
- oddly enough, modern models often show better results in ironing quality tests;
- The device is familiar and therefore more convenient to use.
Steam generator
- can clean carpet, upholstered furniture, fabric coverings;
- allows you to straighten hanging curtains and drapes;
- helps to carry out high-quality cleaning of the room without the use of chemicals;
- washes windows and glass surfaces (not all models);
- refreshes clothes well;
- steams almost any fabric, including thick and multi-layered ones.
What is better: a steam generator or an iron with a steamer?
Important! When deciding to purchase a device, you should first familiarize yourself with its technical capabilities and test results.
You need to pay special attention to the functionality that the owner requires.
An iron should be preferred if:
- requires ironing of a large amount of linen, including bed linen;
- Most of the clothes belong to the classic style, that is, the formation of folds and “arrows” is necessary;
- the floor and wall coverings of the apartment are not resistant to hot steam (for example, laminate is laid on the floor), that is, the device is not intended to be used for cleaning;
- For the housewife, such indicators as the quality of ironing and ease of use are important. Since the tests carried out show that according to these indicators, irons are still ahead of steamers.
It is worth purchasing a steam generator if:
- it is planned to use all (or almost all) of the functionality of the device. In addition to ironing clothes using a steamer, it is planned to clean carpets and floor coverings, treat kitchen and other surfaces, clean furniture, smooth curtains and outerwear made of thick fabrics (for example, coats);
- most clothes do not require “arrows” and folds;
- items made of “complex” (cotton, linen, other natural fabrics) or openwork fabrics (lace, guipure, embroidery) predominate;
- there are many things equipped with buttons, buttons and other accessories;
- the owner is a person striving to master new devices and devices.
The best steam generator: what to choose, what to look for, review of models
A good steam generator has several technical parameters that you should pay attention to before purchasing. First of all, this is the steam pressure at the outlet. The power of steam emission determines the speed and quality of smoothing out wrinkles. The higher its value, the better the ironing results. A good domestic steam generator will usually operate in the 4-7 bar range, such as the Braun IS2043BL at 5 bar or the Beko SGA8328B at 7.2 bar. Steam flow is equally important. It determines the amount of steam produced by the iron per minute.
The minimum is 100 g per release. The type of steam station sole is no less important. The quality of ironing and the result depend on the material from which it is made. One of the most valuable materials in these devices is the ceramic coating. For example, Tefal Liberty SV7030 has it, which is valued for its durability, non-stick properties, uniform heat distribution and comfort of use.
