Ironing things is homework that many housewives do not like. After all, it is important that the thing was flat, that when smoothing, all folds and bruises disappeared, and this is not always possible. Yes, and it takes away a lot of strength, especially when you need to overload a whole mountain of things. It is steam irons that can make work simple and comfortable. The released steam allows you to quickly remove wrinkles, dents. Devices of this kind will become just a godsend for housewives. But still, before you purchase a steam iron, you should carefully study its important features.
Device and principle of operation
Conventional irons are smoothed out by contacting the heated sole with the surface of the fabric. But the workflow of the steam device is completely different.
In order to understand how a steam appliance works, it is worthwhile to carefully consider its iron structure and several important components:
- in the design of the device there is a container with a heating element;
- the container may be integrated or separate;
- water is poured into the tank, which is heated by electric energy and passes into a state of steam;
- there are holes on the surface of the soleplate of the iron, through which the steam escapes;
- when smoothing, steam enters the structure of the fabric fibers and smoothes them.
How does a steam iron work? It can work without support, it can also be easily used to smooth things in an upright position. The clothes are hung on a coat hanger or hanger and stage-by-stage steam treatment is carried out using the device. To remove bruises with a steam iron, smoothing can be performed on one side.
Positive and negative characteristics
Steam iron has many positive qualities, for this reason these devices are very popular among consumers.
The advantages include the following qualities:
- with the help of a steam iron you can carry out processing of any kind. In order to have effective smoothing, it is worth choosing the correct mode of vaporization;
- during use, the risk of damage to the product is minimized. When compared with a conventional iron, the steam sole does not touch the surface of the fabric. It follows from this that it cannot harm the product;
- a steam appliance can easily smooth things out with snakes, beads, buttons, locks and others;
- can be used without ironing board. The thing can be hung on a coat hanger or hanger and ironed with an iron in an upright position;
- conveniently used for steaming curtains and other large-sized products by weight;
- steamer devices are good for your health. They are often used to disinfect things - when exposed to steam on the fibers, all microbes and bacteria are completely destroyed;
- conducts cleaning of things and furniture, removes unpleasant odors.
The main disadvantage of devices with a steamer is their high price, in many stores they cost an average of 2500 to 25 thousand rubles. Compared with other models, it is quite expensive. Some devices with a large number of functions are huge, this creates some difficulties when using.
Varieties of Steam Irons
There are 3 varieties of steam irons, which have distinctive features.In order to choose this device correctly, it is worthwhile to begin to study the important criteria of each type.
Steam iron with standard device
The following types of irons with a steamer are distinguished:
- Steam-type irons with horizontal smoothing, they can also be used in a vertical position. A liquid container is provided in the device body. During switching on, the liquid enters the heating element and is heated using electric energy. Then it goes into a state of steam, it comes out of the holes on the surface of the sole of the iron;
- Devices having a steam generator (steam stations). The design has a boiler with a volumetric container for liquid, an iron and a hose. The connection is made using a steam transfer hose;
Device with a steam generator
- Steamers. The device includes a floor-type steam generator, a hose for supplying steam and a nozzle-iron. Some models may have different brushes. Using the device, you can smooth out various clothes, as well as iron textiles. Models cannot be used to smooth things horizontally.
Vertical steamer
Key Features
How to choose an iron for home use? To do this, you need to study the important qualities of this device. Devices of this type can have a number of important qualities, due to which a comfortable and simple smoothing of things is carried out.
Find out why the steam generator does not produce steam, You can follow the link.
Power indicator
Power affects the speed of the PETN working process, the volume of steam released depends on it, it also determines the indicator of electric energy consumption.
For home use, a device with a power of 1800-2000 watts will be suitable. It is suitable for smoothing things from thick or thin cloth. Devices with low power simply can not cope with clothes made of thick linen.
Boiler volume
The length of the working process of the device depends on the volume indicator of the boiler. Accordingly, the larger the capacity, the longer the device’s workflow. Simple irons with a steamer function have a small capacity volume of 200-250 ml. If the device will work with the supply of steam, then it can last for about 15-20 minutes.
Large steam generators have a larger tank. Usually a container is installed in them with the ability to hold liquid up to 1-2.5 liters. These devices can operate in continuous mode with steam return for 1.5-2 hours.
Workflow mode
Almost all models of steam irons have a useful function - the ability to control the steam supply force. It can vary according to the type and structure of the material. But it is worth considering that its presence has a great influence on the cost of the device.
Some models may have steam boost. This function has the following characteristics:
- the effect of steam boost is that in a short time the steam comes out under high pressure;
- with simple devices, in one minute, on average, steam leaves about 10-80 grams, and when working with heat stroke, up to 140-300 grams can be released during this time;
- This function allows you to smooth out large creases that form on things and dense fabrics.
Other useful features
On sale, you can find models whose functionality includes additional functions that simplify the ironing process:
- the presence of an anti-drip system that blocks the formation of condensate. It usually stains clothing, makes it wet;
- automatic shutdown may be present, provided that the user does not work with the device for more than 15 minutes;
- an indicator that monitors the liquid level in the tank;
- filtering systems that allow to add tap water to the container;
- descaling system;
- sometimes a special program is provided that allows you to add water during operation of the device.
How to clean a steam iron
Every housewife must know the process of descaling the steam iron. This will allow you to keep the device in good condition for a long time. Some models have a self-cleaning function that allows you to quickly remove scale.
Find out, how to remove scale from the iron at home.
The self-cleaning process is as follows:
- liquid should be poured into the iron container, which is used during ironing;
- set the maximum heating temperature and connect the device to the network;
- warm up the device to the maximum level and disconnect;
- then reheat the iron until the liquid boils;
- prepare a container and carefully pour scale water from the appliance.
If the device does not have a self-cleaning function, then there are special products on sale that can be used mono to remove scale from irons. The most effective include:
- Antiscale;
- Topperr;
- Top house;
- Greenfield
Model Overview
If you want to choose the best steam iron, then be sure to consider the rating of popular models. The most popular devices are the following companies:
- Iron Philips GC 2142. A powerful steam iron that allows you to smooth out large folds and creases on things from any fabric. The power of the device is 2000 watts, it provides quick heating. The non-stick sole perfectly glides and smoothes out any bumps. The cost is 2500 rubles;
- Iron Braun TexStyle TS365A. Steam boost iron up to 120 grams per minute. The device has a high power of 2200 W, which provides quick heating of the device. A tank with a good capacity of up to 300 ml of water is provided. The sole is made of ceramics; spots and deposits are not formed on it. The cost is 3000 rubles;
- Iron Tefal FV9630. A steam appliance with a power of 2600 W provides high-quality ironing of things from any material. The device provides a steam boost of up to 200 grams per minute. Almost 300 ml of liquid can be poured into the tank. There is auto power off in the vertical position after 8 minutes, in the horizontal - after 30 seconds. The price of iron in stores is about 7 thousand rubles;
- Iron with a steam generator Rowenta DW 9230. The best model of this manufacturer, having high power - 2750 watts. The device has a steam generator that allows you to smooth things out of any kind of fabric. The surface of the sole is made of stainless steel, which can be easily cleaned from contamination. The cost of the iron is 6500 rubles.
Usually we choose steamer irons without preliminary study of popular models and their features. If you want to purchase high-quality, convenient and durable products for ironing things, be sure to study its important characteristics, device and main indicators. It is also worth considering the popular models that are in high demand.
Also read on the website: “Which choose an ironing board for a steam generator«.
