Advantages and disadvantages of using steam generators for ironing clothes and clothes, ranking of the best

The process of ironing clothes is not the most pleasant because it takes a lot of effort and time. To make it easier to care for clothes, bedding and other items that need to be ironed regularly, we have developed steam generators.

Thanks to this convenient and useful household appliance, the ironing process ceases to be routine.

Steam generator for ironing clothes and linen - what is it? For those who are not familiar with the benefits of these devices, we recommend that you read this article.

What kind of household appliance is this?

A steam generator is a device that visually resembles an iron. The design of the device includes:

• A boiler that heats water.
• Iron.
• A hose that connects the two above devices.
• Replaceable nozzles.

Unlike a regular iron, which has a steam function, in this case the operating principle is similar, but more advanced.

The boiler heats and boils water, and then releases steam (the temperature of which reaches 140-160?) under strong pressure through special holes.

Steam generators are used both for professional purposes (for example, in sewing workshops, laundries) and for household purposes.

Advantages and disadvantages of use

Advantages:

1. The steam generator generates dry steam, thanks to which, in addition to ironing, they also disinfect linen, destroying pathogenic microorganisms and dust mites.
2. Much more effective than any iron in terms of ironing quality.
3. It does not leave a wet spot on fabrics because it creates dry rather than wet steam.
4. You can iron several layers of fabric at once - this is very convenient when it comes to large bedding.
5. Significantly shortens the ironing process.
6. The boiler usually has a large capacity, so there is no need to constantly add water.

Flaws:

1. Inconvenient to transport.
2. High price.
3. Doesn't heat up right away. It may take up to 10 minutes before ironing can begin.

Rating of the best

This rating contains models of steam generators that allow you to iron various types of fabrics. At the same time, the devices are distinguished by optimal cost, good power, due to which they effectively smooth out wrinkles.

MIE Bravissimo

The device copes with capricious wrinkled fabric without any problems.. Its power is 2200 W. Consumption with constant steam supply is up to 150 g/min, maximum pressure is 5.5. bar.

The device has a spacious tank (1.1 l), so you can not be distracted from the procedure, even if a lot of laundry has accumulated.

Advantages:

• anti-drip system;
• glides easily over fabric;
• there is automatic power control;
• powerful steam boost.

Flaws:

• no auto-shutoff function;
• a massive hose connecting the boiler and the iron;
• weighs 6 kg.

According to reviews, this model provides continuous steam supply for 30-40 minutes, which is enough for everyday home use.

Loewe LW-IR-HG-001 Premium

The device differs from most steam generators in its mobility. The design is thought out in such a way that the boiler and the iron itself are not 2 separate devices, but one. Thanks to this, the steam generator can be taken with you, and it will not take up very much space.

But in this regard, the manufacturer had to sacrifice the volume of the water tank (it is only 300 ml). Therefore, if you need to iron a lot of things, you will have to repeatedly pour water into the boiler.

Advantages:

• self-cleaning system;
• irons things in 4 layers;
• weight 1.6 kg;
• anti-drip system;
• ceramic sole, which is easy to clean, heats up and cools down quickly (in most steam generators it is made of stainless steel).

Flaws:

• no automatic shutdown function;
• The water tank is only 300 ml - this is quite small for a mid-priced steam generator.

Philips GC8962/40 PerfectCare Expert Plus

This is a powerful unit (2100 W) with an attractive modern design. The water tank is spacious, the volume is 1800 ml. The device allows you to reduce ironing time by 2 times.

The ECO function reduces electricity consumption and water consumption by a quarter. The device is suitable for both professional and home use.

Advantages:

• steam is supplied along the entire sole, and not near the spout;
• high-quality plastic tank almost does not heat up when water is converted into steam;
• removable tank - when the water runs out, you don’t need to carry the entire structure to fill it with water;
• There is an auto shut-off function.

Flaws: high price.

Users note that ironing with this steam generator is a pleasure. It heats up quickly, in just 3 minutes, has a self-cleaning function, and a powerful steam boost (maximum steam pressure - 7.5 bar). Some also use it for vertical ironing.

Kitfort KT-922

This device is perfect for those looking for a budget option with good functionality.. The device is productive and spacious (tank volume is as much as 2 liters). Power - 2400 W.

The manufacturer assures that the device can smooth out even items folded in several layers. But in practice, some note that steam pressure (4 bar) and low flow rate when supplying constant steam (50 g/min) may still not be enough to smooth out more than 2 layers of fabric. Otherwise the device works great. The average cost is 2900 rubles.

Advantages:

• low price;
• ceramic surface of the sole;
• scale protection;
• self-cleaning system.

Flaws:

• no anti-drip system;
• there is no mount for an iron on the platform;
• unlike competitors, it does not always cope with fabric folded several times;
• There is no self-shutdown mode.

Braun IS 7055 WH

This bulky and powerful model is suitable for use in laundries and studios.. A steam generator can also be useful at home if you have a large family and constantly need to iron a lot of things.

The tank capacity is 2 liters, which is enough to iron without interruption for up to 4 hours. The tank is removable, so when the water runs out, the device will give a light signal - the drop icon will start blinking. If it burns continuously, it means the water has completely run out.

The device pleases with its attractive design. The average cost is 22 thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• almost no noise during operation;
• reliable fixation on the base;
• energy saving mode;
• there is an anti-drip system, so water does not spill if you turn off the steam mode;
• scale protection;
• automatic shutdown;
• sole in 4 r. stronger than stainless steel, so it is not afraid of iron buttons or zippers on clothes - they will not leave a mark in the form of scratches.

Flaws:

• packaged weight is more than 6 kg;
• high price.

According to reviews, this unit has almost no drawbacks. All users who purchased this steam generator note that it is very powerful and suitable for professional use.

Which to choose?

When purchasing a device, be sure to pay attention to several important technical characteristics:

1. Steam pressure. Typically this figure varies from 2 to 7.5 Bar. The higher it is, the more powerful the steam jet.
2. Steam boost. Smoothes very dry wrinkles. Steam is supplied in an amount of 90-520 g/min. The higher the indicator, the more efficiently and quickly the steam generator smoothes out wrinkles.
3. Power. The ability of the device to operate continuously for a long time without failures depends on this parameter. For professional use, the power should be at least 2000 W; for home use, at least 1600 W is recommended.
4. Tank volume. If you plan to use the device frequently and for a long time, then in order not to constantly pour water into the tank, it is better to buy a model with a capacity of at least 1800 ml.If the device will be used rarely, you can purchase a device with a smaller tank volume.
5. Operating mode. The steam supply can be adjusted manually, automatically, or sometimes not at all. It is better to give preference to models where it is manual.

The video will tell you how to choose a steam generator:

In what cases is a steamer appropriate?

Essentially, a steam generator and steamer replace an iron, but have more advanced functionality. The steamer has a slightly different design, which has only a water tank in common with the steam generator.

Visually, this is a kind of handle that emits wet rather than dry steam without pressure. And its temperature does not exceed 100?.

In addition, steamers are used to disinfect clothes, toys, upholstered furniture, and carpets from pathogenic microorganisms: dust mites, mold without the use of household chemicals.

What to buy: a steamer or a steam generator should be considered based on your own needs. The steam generator is suitable for those who iron a lot and often and want to reduce this process by at least 2 times.

Conclusion

This article examined steam generators of various models. Which one to choose:

1. If you need a professional-level model, then you should pay attention to the steam generator Braun IS 7055 WH.
2. If your budget is limited and you want to purchase an inexpensive but high-quality model, then Kitfort KT-922.
3. The optimal price-quality ratio of the model Philips GC8962/40 PerfectCare Expert Plus.
4. If you need a compact device that you can take on a trip, this Loewe LW-IR-HG-001 Premium.
5. MIE Bravissimo — a mid-price device with optimal technical characteristics.

All of the above steam generators have their pros and cons. When choosing a particular model, you should pay attention to the functions that are most important to you. If the shortcomings of the device you like are insignificant, then you can safely make a purchase.