Ironing things is common in any civilized society. Nowadays, you can use an iron or a steam generator for these purposes. Which is better - this question worries many consumers, especially those who are not constrained by finances. First, you need to figure out what kind of unit this is - a steam generator, and how does it differ from an iron? It will also be useful to clarify what a steam station is and whether a steamer is a synonym for it.
Advantages of irons
One of the main advantages of irons is their low cost.
Technically, such a device consists of a heat-resistant housing, a heater, a substrate, and is sometimes supplemented with a simple steam generator. Therefore, the price for them starts at 1,500 rubles. But this is not their only advantage.
Power consumption
The iron consumes approximately 1.5 - 2 times less electricity than a steam generator. Considering today's electricity prices, this is very relevant. But you need to take into account that the heating element of even the simplest iron is designed for a power of 1 - 2 kW, that is, these devices cannot be called “economical”.
Easy care
The only thing that is required from the user of the equipment is to periodically clean the sole from carbon deposits. To do this, use a cleaning cloth or a special pencil, which cost less than 100 rubles.
In some irons that have a water container, it also sometimes needs to be washed with a citric acid solution or specialized descaling products.
Ease of use
No special skills are required to understand the functionality of a regular iron. All you have to do is plug it in, set the switch to the desired temperature setting, and you can immediately start ironing.
If the steamer functions are supported, pour water into the container and periodically spray the clothes or fabric with hot steam during the ironing process.
Takes up minimal space
There are even portable cordless iron models that you can take with you in your suitcase on a trip. To store such a device you will also need a minimum of free space.
Disadvantages of irons
The key disadvantage of irons is the lack of additional functions. And steaming, even if provided in some models, is only conditional. And these are not all the shortcomings of these devices.
Not suitable for delicate fabrics
There is a wide range of fabrics that absolutely cannot be subjected to heat treatment. That is, there is a risk of damage to the material if the required temperature conditions are not observed.
Needs an ironing board
To iron things, you need a flat surface that is resistant to high temperatures. That is, you still need to allocate space for storing the ironing board. For small houses and one-room apartments this can be a real problem.
Not suitable for all clothes
If the clothes have small folds, cuffs, or complex seams, then it will not be possible to iron them properly. That is, the mobility of the iron leaves much to be desired.
The same applies to bulky outerwear or soft toys - it is impossible to iron them.
Heavy weight
Both the heater and the water container are all located in a single housing. Ironing for a long time really gets your hands tired. In steam generators, the water container comes separately; during operation you only have to hold a small handle.
Requires constant refilling of the water container
In irons, the water capacity is, on average, 30 - 40 milliliters. During the ironing process you will need to refill it several times .
And you also need to use filtered water. Otherwise, scale will form in the nozzles. If it is not removed in a timely manner, the iron will become unusable (or use without steaming).
Conclusions TheDifference.ru
- Ironing occurs due to the contact of the fabric with the heated soleplate of the device. The steam generator provides a contactless ironing process.
- The design of the iron includes a body, a base and an electric heating element. In addition to these structural fragments, the steam generator contains a water tank and a platform for the iron.
- The iron is ironed mainly in a horizontal position. The steam generator can be used for vertical fabric surfaces or surfaces located at an angle.
- The speed of ironing and its final result when using a steam generator are higher than when using a conventional iron.
Advantages of steam generators
Steam generators are adapted specifically for steaming. And this is a more delicate and high-quality processing of clothing. The steam cannot be heated above 90 - 100 degrees Celsius, so it will not damage the fabric.
Use without ironing board
To steam with a steam generator, you do not need an ironing board; clothes are placed vertically. And due to this, ironing is done much faster.
Steam boost
The pressure of the steam emitted by the steam generator is 2 - 3 times higher than that of irons. Therefore, it is suitable for processing dense fabrics. There is no need to steam the outside first and then turn the clothes inside out.
Fast heating
From the moment of switching on until the steam generator reaches operating mode, it will take only a minute. The iron will need 3 – 5 minutes for this.
Water tank volume
The capacity of the steam generator tank is from 2 liters. One refill is enough for 2 – 3 hours of active work. During this time, you can iron almost all the things from your home closet!
Removes unpleasant odor
Therefore, it is recommended to use it for ironing children's clothes. The steam generator also removes the smell of detergent or washing powder (there are those for whom such aromas cause an allergic reaction).
Additional functions
The strength of the steam boost, the temperature - all this can be finely adjusted.
Most steam generators have an integrated digital control unit with convenient display of information on a digital display.
Operational resource
Manufacturers of steam generators often provide an official warranty for equipment valid for 3 years. For irons this figure is only 6 – 12 months.
Popular models
It is difficult to choose the best iron with a steam generator; comfort and ease of use are individual parameters. Reviews of different manufacturers allow us to make a rating of the most popular brands.
- Philips. This is the leader in sales of irons with a steam generator. The most popular models are 9620 and 8650/80. The devices are lightweight, easy to use, and self-clean when scale occurs. The sole of both options is made of steel with metal-ceramic and titanium coating. The boiler capacity is 1.8 liters, pressure 6.5 bar, and has an auto shut-off function.
- Tefal. The popular models in the manufacturer’s assortment are GV 5245, GV 7760, GV 8975. The sole coating is cermet; during use, you can add water to the tank; there are a lot of additional functions. A minor drawback is its impressive weight: this iron weighs 5.5 kg.
- Braun. Models IS 5043 WH, IS 5044 BK. Boiler volume – 1.5 liters, steam pressure – 6 bar, iron sole – aluminum. The devices have useful additional functions.
- Bosch. The iron with a laundry steam generator of this well-known brand has a 1.3 liter tank, a 2 m long steam pipe, a cermet soleplate, and a maximum pressure of 5.5 Bar. The “stop-drip” function prevents condensation from forming when cooling.
- Kercher. Model 1801 is lightweight, small in size and durable. The steam tube is 2.5 meters long, the tank volume is 1 liter, the power is 2000 Watt.
Which steam iron is best to choose depends on your needs.
For those who are always in a hurry, it is important to pay attention to the time it takes for the device to heat up to operating condition. For those who use the device in the morning, when everyone is sleeping, a reduced noise level will be important. A device for an atelier should be more powerful than one for domestic use. And if you are into sewing, be sure to pay attention to the number of attachments for different types of fabric. back to all articles
Disadvantages of steam generators
The main disadvantage is the cost.
The average price of modern steam generators starts at 15 thousand rubles, therefore, when the budget is limited, most people prefer traditional irons.
Noise during operation
Steam generators also make noise during operation. Although slightly, the irons are completely silent.
Electricity consumption
Modern steam generators consume about the same amount of electricity as irons. More outdated models consume about 2.5 kW and require high-quality electrical wiring in the house.
Takes up more space
Both ironing and storing the steam generator require more space. But still less than for an iron and ironing board.
Which technique is preferable for certain tasks?
Although a steam generator has a greater range of functions and is superior to an iron in all respects, for some tasks its purchase will be unprofitable.
Upholstered furniture processing
An iron is not at all suitable for this task, as it can damage the skin due to the high heating temperature of the sole. And foam rubber is often used as a filler for upholstered furniture, which cannot withstand heating above 100 degrees (it will melt).
Bed linen treatment
For this task, both an iron and a steam generator are equally suitable. But the latter are much more comfortable to work with, since oversized sheets and duvet covers constantly have to be rearranged on the ironing board.
Ironing trousers, shirts
Using a steam generator is faster and more convenient. An iron is also suitable in most cases, but it cannot properly iron clothes with a large number of folds, cuffs or decorative accessories. Also for thick jeans, a steam generator is also the best choice.
Ironing winter outerwear
For this you can only use a steam generator. Especially when it comes to down jackets with artificial filling (and such jackets are the most common). Ironing is also not suitable for coats or fur coats.
Processing of soft toys
Iron is strictly contraindicated, since the toys are made from synthetic fabrics and filled with foam rubber. The steam generator allows for antiseptic treatment against carpet and bed mites. And due to the power of the steam boost, the steam penetrates to a depth of up to 1 centimeter. The same applies to pillows.
Ironing towels
A steam generator is also preferable. And only it can be used for ironing thick terry towels made from natural fabrics.
Choosing a device for perfect ironing
Unfortunately, there is no magic wand that turns a mountain of unironed laundry into neat piles. But you can make this process easier by choosing the right device. And this will depend not only on your budget, but also on what problems you want to solve.
The most multifunctional device is the iron. It will be an excellent solution for a small family that does not have a large amount of clothes, linen, towels and fancy items (thin shirts, chiffon dresses, etc.). Additionally, you can purchase a manual steamer - its functionality is enough to occasionally steam delicate blouses. In addition, it is indispensable when traveling.
For those who have a strict dress code at work and who need to tidy up their blouses, trousers, etc. every day, it is better to consider a classic vertical steamer. It will quickly straighten out wrinkles on office clothes and, in addition, does not require an ironing board. However, steaming bed linen with it will still be problematic - it is better to supplement it with an iron.
The steam generator, despite its advantages, still remains more of a professional device. It is ideal for working with heavy, dense materials (drapes, linen), and is indispensable in curtain, fabric, and clothing stores. At home, this device is convenient to use if you have to iron bed linen often (and a lot): sheets and duvet covers can be folded first and then treated with a steam generator.
Have you already acquired a steamer or steam generator? Or do you use an iron the old fashioned way?
Comparison of the functionality of irons and steam generators
Modern irons are only suitable for ironing; it is also possible to regulate the heating temperature (3 – 5 positions, without setting the exact value). The steaming function is only conditional; there is no protection against splashing drops.
Steam generators allow you to finely regulate the temperature. There are models where it is installed automatically, depending on the selected type of fabric. And such devices have several additional operating modes.
REFERENCE! There are also ironing stations. Technically, these are steam generators, but they also include a regular iron. All this is in a single stand housing, which also houses a water tank. This technique is mainly used in industrial laundries.
Vertical steaming
Vertical steaming allows you to iron your clothes as quickly as possible by simply hanging them on a hanger. There is no need to dry or cool it after this.
Continuous steaming
By default, steam generators are designed to automatically turn off the steam supply after 15 - 30 seconds. This reduces electricity consumption, prevents overheating of equipment and damage to fabric. Continuous steaming is useful when processing soft toys, winter outerwear, and furniture.
Protection against splashing water
Steam generators and steam stations are protected from splashing water due to the special design of the nozzle. Therefore, there is no risk of tissue damage or burns. Also, the ironing is of the highest quality, without “hidden” folds or light spots from hot water.
Steam boost
This is a function of short-term steam supply at maximum pressure. Allows you to smooth out the tightest wrinkles that cannot be removed with an iron or simple steaming. In steam generators, you can also set the steam boost power (on average, from 70 to 200 ml per minute).
Device maintenance
Both the iron and the steam generator require regular maintenance (as recommended by the manufacturer) to keep the device in good condition and suitable for use.
Iron maintenance
Periodically it is necessary:
- Clean the soles. To do this, you need to turn on the iron and switch it to medium or maximum heat. And then treat the sole with a special cloth (acts as an abrasive element) or with a cleaning pencil (it reacts chemically with carbon deposits without damaging the metal base).
- Clean the steam system. In some iron models, this function is provided by the manufacturer itself. You only need to fill the tank with water, turn on maximum heat, and then press the “clean” button while holding the device over the sink. If such functionality is not provided, then for cleaning it is recommended to use a citric acid solution (1 teaspoon per 100 milliliters). Pour it into the tank, turn on the maximum heat, and then use the steam boost button to empty the container (holding the iron over the sink).
After using the iron, it must also be allowed to cool for 5 - 10 minutes and only after that can it be moved to its permanent storage location.
Maintenance is recommended after every 5th use.
Steam generator maintenance
To maintain steam generators, it is necessary to periodically:
- Clean the water level sensor. How to remove it is to be clarified in the technical instructions (the procedure varies somewhat depending on the model). Next, the sensor is visually inspected for contamination (limescale deposits) and damage to the insulation. Clean only with non-metallic brushes. Float-type sensors (common in steam generators produced before 2010) must be cleaned using reagents (you can use a citric acid solution).
- Clean the container from scale. Manufacturers recommend using a weak soap solution or special reagents for removing limestone deposits for these purposes. The same applies to the working nozzle, where the nozzles are located. An unconcentrated solution of citric acid can also be used. But you shouldn’t add a product to the water to reduce its hardness - this technique is not compatible with it.
In summary, if there are no budget restrictions, then it is definitely recommended to buy a steam generator. It has wider functionality, irons clothes and fabrics more delicately, and can be used without an ironing board. Its average service life is 5 years with regular use (2 – 3 times a week).
Definition
An iron is an electric household appliance designed for ironing linen, outerwear and other textile products. The main technical part of the iron is the electric heating element connected to its soleplate.
Iron
A steam generator , used in everyday life for ironing and caring for things, is a universal household appliance, the design features of which allow you to smooth the surfaces of fabrics, clean floor coverings and soft parts of furniture using hot steam.
Household steam generator
