Steam generator

A steam generator is a device that converts water into dry steam at high temperatures. The device is primarily used for steaming things.

In some cases, it can be used to clean various surfaces and clean the room.

Depending on the purpose for which the steam generator is purchased, a model with the necessary characteristics is selected.

What is it and what is it for: purpose in everyday life

The basic principle of a steam generator is to produce steam under pressure.

When heated to 130-160? C, water turns into steam, which is supplied to the nozzle - this allows you to effectively steam clothes and carry out cleaning, even without the use of special household chemicals.

For domestic needs, along with a steam generator, steamers are often used. The operating principle of these devices and the method of steam generation are fundamentally different.

In the steam generator, under the influence of high temperature, dry steam is formed, which is supplied to the outlet under pressure. When the steamer is operating, wet steam without pressure is supplied to the outlet.

More details about the difference between a steamer and a steam generator can be found in this article. Read about how a steam generator works. here.

What are they?

A large selection of steam generator models makes it possible to select a device with the necessary parameters.This is both the design principle and technical parameters.

Steam generators differ in the rate of steam formation depending on the type of organization:

• without boiler;
• with a separate boiler;
• with two tanks for uninterrupted long-term operation.

What is the difference between a steam generator with and without a boiler, you can find out here.

When choosing a device for your home, the following parameters should be taken into account:

• power;
• steam supply pressure;
• tank volume;
• sole material;
• Availability of scale protection;
• weight;
• Availability of various attachments and is it possible to purchase them in addition?

In addition to the listed points, it is necessary to take into account how ergonomic and convenient the device is to use.

More information about the types of steam generators can be found in next article.

How to use it for cleaning the house (apartment) and ironing clothes?

A steam generator is a fairly versatile device that allows you to do a lot of household work.

All models are divided into 2 main groups:

1. Steaming clothes, curtains, etc.
2. Cleaning the premises (steam cleaners).

Using a steam generator you can carry out high-quality cleaning:

• get rid of bedbugs;
• clean the carpet;
• clean upholstered furniture;
• clean the car interior;
• wash the windows.

Cleaning a room with a steam generator can be effectively carried out even without the use of detergents.

For most smooth surfaces, it is enough to go over the steam generator, and then the treated area with a napkin.

However, the main task of the steam generator is ironing clothes. To clean rooms, it is better to purchase a steam cleaner or steamer..

For more information on how to use a steam generator, Here.

How to choose for home use?

You need to pay attention to the manufacturer. Well-established companies that have been on the world market for many years, as a rule, carefully monitor the quality of their products and provide after-sales service.

An individual approach to choosing a model should take into account:

• possibility of repair in service centers;
• availability of necessary attachments;
• weight;
• ergonomics;
• price.

The weight of the unit itself is also important; this indicator is significantly influenced by the volume of the water tank. You can find out more about choosing a device, taking into account its characteristics. Here.

Rating of the best manufacturers, photos

The widespread popularity of steam generators for domestic use means that new models are constantly entering the market.

The sales leaders include large corporations:

• Karcher;
• Tefal;
• Brown;
• Phillips;
• Bosch.

All presented manufacturing companies have a large product range.

Brown

The Brown company has almost a hundred-year history. The laconic appearance characteristic of the company’s products opened up a new direction in equipment design in the 50s of the last century:

1. Braun IS 3042 WH. This device has a price of 16,000 rubles. The device has a durable, reliable sole and a comfortable platform.

   The ironing temperature of the IS 3042 WH is selected automatically, which allows you to cope with the processing of even delicate fabrics. The disadvantage of the model is that there is no vertical smoothing function.

2. CareStyle 5 IS 5055 WH - a good steam generator with an affordable price - from 20,000 rubles.The model has automatic adjustment, ensures quiet operation, and has simple controls.

   Despite the reliability and high functionality, there are also disadvantages: the significant weight of the iron itself - 1,250 grams; steam supply without interruption lasts no more than 10 seconds.

3. CareStyle 7 PRO IS 7056 BK. High-power, attractive design, the model produces a steam pressure of 7.5 bar. The steam generator has automatic adjustment for the material, including thick fabrics. The water tank is removable, 2 liters in volume. One minus is the significant price - from 30,000 rubles.

Rating of Brown steam generators, their characteristics and cost, consumer reviews - in this article.

Karcher

Karcher is a German company producing professional and household appliances. Steam cleaners from this company occupy not the last place in the ratings of the best companies:

1. Karcher SC 5 Iron Kit. This device is one of the most powerful in the SC 5 line. This is a device for the home, which in its characteristics is almost equal to professional equipment.

   The complex includes an iron and a solid, fairly large-sized steam cleaner. This kit has only two significant disadvantages: high price (from 35,000 rubles) and heavy weight (6 kg for the steam generator and another 2 kg for water in the tanks).

2. Karcher SC 3 - for cleaning the entire house. A quick-heating, fairly compact and moderately powerful (1,900 W) device will allow you to clean the entire house in a matter of minutes. Product price – from 12,500 rubles.

TOP 5 steam generators of the Karcher brand, their equipment, price, customer opinions you will find Here.

Bosch

The German company Bosch is famous for the quality of its products. Among the product names there are many steam generators:

1. Bosch TDS 6010. This is a convenient device for ironing clothes, which has a smooth ceramic sole for optimal gliding over the material, and a reservoir for scale and dirt. The cost of the steam generator is from 13,000 rubles.
2. Bosch Sensixx ProHygienic TDS383113H. This is one of the powerful steam generators, which has been among the top sellers since last year. When treated with a powerful jet of dry steam, not only the material is straightened, but also microbes are eliminated. The price of the product is about 24,000 rubles.
3. Bosch TDS 6041. This model is suitable for any fabric, has good performance due to its high power - 2,400 W. Important advantages are ergonomics, protection against scale, vertical steaming method. Price – from 18,000 rubles.

Review of Bosch steam generators (functions and characteristics, pros and cons, prices) - in this publications.

Phillips

Philips is a Dutch company that produces industrial and household equipment. The products of this company enjoy well-deserved trust and are among the top sellers:

1. Philips GC8712 PerfectCare Performer. Lightweight, but at the same time quite powerful, the steam generator model was created using the most modern technology, which allows the iron itself to adapt to the fabric. This allows you not to worry that the material may be burned through. The price is comparable to the quality - about 12,000 rubles.
2. Philips GC9682/80 PerfectCare Elite Plus. This device is one of the best for clothing care. The device creates a pressure higher than its analogues - 8 bar. In addition, there is a steam boost function.

   The sole of the iron itself is made of a reliable alloy. The downside is the high price - from 33,000 rubles or more.

3. Philips HI5912/30. This model is laconic and convenient for home use.The boiler is small - 1,100 ml, but the filled volume of water is enough for 2 hours of non-stop ironing.

   To ensure that the housewife does not miss when it is necessary to clean the boiler, a corresponding notification is provided. The ceramic sole provides good gliding. The price is about 7,500 rubles.

Read more about Philips steam generators at this section.

Tefal

Tefal is a French company, one of whose activities is the production of steam generators. The company itself began its existence with the production of frying pans with a special non-stick coating. Gradually, the list of goods expanded, the assortment was replenished with equipment for a variety of purposes:

1. Tefal GV8963. This type of device has a patented sole with a special sapphire coating, which provides excellent gliding on surfaces. The disadvantage is the high cost - up to 20,000 rubles.
2. Tefal GV4630. This model is a budget option for a good steam generator for clothes.

   The power of the device is 2,300 W, which is quite enough to process any items of clothing at home.

   If there is not enough power, you can use a “steam boost”. There is also a vertical steam mode. The device is compact in size and lightweight. The price for it is from 9,000 rubles.

3. Tefal GV6731. The cost of this model starts from 18,000 rubles. For this price, the housewife receives a device that heats up quickly, makes it possible to conveniently select the temperature taking into account the type of fabric, and ensures quick straightening of the material.

A lot of useful information about Tefal steam generators is presented in given section.

Caring for your household appliance

Caring for the device begins with proper storage and operation. The steam generator should be stored in a dry place at room temperature, clean.

Choice of water

When water is heated to create steam, scale may form. It can lead to deterioration of the device and poor quality work.

And also to leaving stains on the surfaces being cleaned, and even to breakdown of the steam generator itself.

Using purified water will help prevent scale formation.. You can find out how to choose the right water to fill the tank Here.

Anti-scale

As a result of heating low-quality water in a steam generator, scale may form. The “anti-scale” option, which is available in a number of models, will help prevent its occurrence. Otherwise, regular cleaning will not be avoided.

You can find out how to deal with scale yourself in next article.

Repair: what can you do yourself?

In situations where the steam generator fails at the most crucial moment, you can try to fix the problem on your own. Whether it is possible to cope with a breakdown depends on the cause.

The most common include:

In addition to those listed, there may be other breakdowns that lead to malfunction of the device.. More information on how to repair a steam generator at home can be found in feature article.

The price of the question: does expensive always mean the best?

The cost of the device depends on the manufacturer, specific model and point of sale.

For household steam generators that are designed for ironing clothes, the cost of the device is several thousand, allowing you to purchase a good unit for your home for 7,000 - 9,000 rubles.

The most expensive device is not always the best. It may have functions that are unnecessary for a particular user, unnecessary options and unreasonably high energy consumption.

Conclusion

Using a steam generator at home is not difficult. Over time, working with the device will become a habit and will reduce cleaning time.

By using the steam generator strictly for its intended purpose, in accordance with the instructions, you can extend its service life and turn homework into an easy task that does not take much time.