Times change. The usual hard work of a housewife is being replaced by comfortable control and management of many high-tech devices. However, the ironing process remains, for the most part, direct physical labor. To make ironing things as simple and easy as possible, various devices are being invented. But none of them have yet managed to completely displace the classic iron from the shelves. That was until such a thing as an iron with a steam generator appeared on the scene.
The choice of its high-quality model puts many people in a very difficult position. To finally understand which version of this product is better, you should familiarize yourself with some determining factors. This:
- features of the operation and design of the device;
- all its functionality;
- advantages over conventional irons and steamers;
- characteristics;
- price.
Design Features
First of all, it is worth understanding what this device is. And also what it consists of.
Such a device is assembled from:
- power cable;
- boiler;
- connecting tube;
- and iron.
The ironing element itself consists of a working surface, a temperature regulator and a handle. It does not stand out in any significant way in comparison with its ordinary counterpart. The main feature of its design is the absence of a water tank.As a result of this solution, the device weighs much less, which makes it much more convenient to use. The second feature is the presence of constantly heated tubes through which steam is supplied. They are located along the sole. They maintain a very high temperature. This, in turn, not only allows you to obtain hot steam for ironing, but also reliably protects the system from the formation of condensation - moisture, the main source of corrosion and rapid wear.
The operating fluid is supplied from the boiler. It contains special tanks. There is also a heating element powered by electricity. This entire system is controlled through the panel. On it you can adjust the heating temperature and steam supply speed.
Features of work
Any clean water can be used to operate the device - distilled, tap or bottled. Before ironing, the boiler tank is filled with it. After turning on the device, it takes 6 to 8 minutes to heat the water and turn it into steam. It turns out very dry. Steam humidity in the working process does not exceed 6%. After heating, it is supplied to the sole through a hose. Through the holes in the sole, steam, under high pressure and at high speed, penetrates into the fibers of the clothing, instantly smoothing out all existing wrinkles.
Possibilities
This product does an excellent job of ironing all types of fabrics. Even some of the densest fabrics. This is its main purpose. Even serious creases in clothes are not a problem for him. Moreover, the canvases can be steamed immediately together, folding things several times.And the main attractive feature of such equipment is the possibility of “vertical steaming”. It helps not only iron things well, but also clean them, and also get rid of unpleasant odors.
With a generator or regular. Which is better?
This question interests many. What is better anyway? A device with a steam generator is clearly superior regular iron thanks to its features and functions. But it also costs much more. The usual option wins only for small amounts of ironing. If you need a high-quality and reliable device for constant maintenance of a significant amount of things, it would be right to purchase a model with a steam generator.
Advantages:
- light iron;
- the large reservoir in the boiler allows all necessary activities to be carried out without interruption;
- Ironing time is reduced by almost half, since heated steam effectively removes any wrinkles;
- more possibilities.
With a steam generator or a steamer?
Many people don't know that these are actually very different instruments. The only thing they have the same is the ability to perform vertical stripping. The device is convenient to use when ironing is not required. In this regard, the version of the iron with a steam generator seems to be a more profitable purchase.
How to choose an iron with a steam generator?
When choosing such a complex device as an iron with a steam generator, you should pay special attention to its characteristics. The most important of them are, of course, power, dimensions of the water tank, steam pressure, material, safety, ergonomics and operating modes.
Power
It's no secret that power is a key characteristic in the design of any serious electrical device. The higher it is, the greater the productivity. But to ensure the device operates with high power, a lot of energy is required. Therefore, you should look for a middle ground - the optimal ratio of current consumption and power.
Steam pressure
If the steam pressure coming out of the iron is low, there will be no effect when ironing. And too high pressure can damage clothing. The most optimal indicators here are from 4 to 5 bar. With it, from 80 to 140 grams of steam will come out of the holes of the iron per unit of time. Steam pressure is a value that must be placed on the device box or in its accompanying documentation.
Storage tank
It is clear that the larger the volume, the longer the device will work during the ironing procedure. For example, for two hours of work you will need a container of at least 1.5 liters of water. The system has a filter, thanks to which you can use not only purified, but also simple tap water.
Outsole material
Four main materials are used to make the sole:
- Aluminium alloy;
- Teflon;
- stainless steel;
- metal ceramics.
Aluminum is the cheapest and therefore most accessible option. In addition, it heats up faster than others and transfers heat better than others.
Stainless steel is expensive, but it lasts much longer. Its surface is more resistant to damage than aluminum.
Ceramic metal glides best on fabric. The option is not cheap. Can be easily damaged.
Ergonomics
This term refers to many key indicators and parameters of the device, such as its weight. The heavy version will smooth things out better. But, in a device with a steam generator, the main work is carried out not by the iron, but by hot air. Therefore, it does not require much weight.
Safety
If possible, you should give preference and purchase a safe model. This thing is equipped with an automatic shutdown system if there is no activity for a certain time.
Operating modes
A high-quality device with a steam generator will have two operating modes - steam boost and vertical steaming, as well as several sub-modes that can be adjusted to specific types of fabric.
An iron with a steam generator is, of course, a useful household device that can significantly simplify the daily work of housewives. If you need to put a decent amount of things in order every day, it will be simply irreplaceable. When choosing such a thing, you should focus on its technical indicators.
