What types of steam generators are there?

Household steam generator is a functional device designed for quick and efficient ironing and home cleaning.

Using this equipment, you can smooth curtains, clean the upholstery of upholstered furniture, steam and disinfect carpets and runners, remove stains from various surfaces, remove germs and dirt from plumbing fixtures or seams between tiles in the bathroom and kitchen.

There are several types of steam generators. To choose the most suitable device for your home, familiarize yourself with the range, study the technical characteristics of the types of steam generators and the features of the models.

Types of household appliances

The operating principle of all steam generators is the same: the device produces steam heated to 95-160 degrees.

Devices vary depending on:

• sole material (most often aluminum, ceramics or stainless steel);
• steam supply pressure (this indicator varies from 2 to 8, but a figure of 5 bar is considered optimal);
• model power (the higher the power, the better the steam generator copes with its functions);
• tank volume (from 1.4 l to 4 l);
• configuration (some models have different attachments that greatly simplify the use of the device).

In addition, steam generators are divided by type of design. They are:

1. Manual.
2. Floor-standing.
3. Combined.

Manual (portable)

Devices of this type are used for ironing and steaming linen and clothes. This is an excellent alternative to traditional irons.

The ironing system effectively copes with the functions assigned to it, quickly and easily smooths out even complex wrinkles.

Using a hand-held steam generator, you can even clean a window without using detergents.

Advantages of models of this type:

• mobility;
• light weight;
• compact dimensions;
• ease of use;
• affordable price (a good device can be bought for 5,000 rubles).

The disadvantages of small manual models include insignificant power. The water in the tank is enough for about 15-20 minutes of work. It may be difficult to iron thick fabrics.

Floor-standing

Floor-standing steam generators are larger units, equipped with large tanks, and therefore are more practical and easy to use.

Advantages of floor-type models:

• excellent power indicators;
• long operating time;
• reliable design.

The device with a built-in reservoir is located on the floor. Ironing and steaming is carried out with an iron through which steam is supplied. Using this device, you can iron a whole mountain of laundry.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

1. Heavy weight of the device.
2. Requires a lot of storage space.
3. The average cost of the device is approximately 2 times higher than the manual type of steam generator.

Combined

Combined type devices are entire multifunctional stations. The design of the device consists of the following parts:

• water container;
• steam generator;
• hose;
• a heating element;
• set of nozzles.

First you need to pour a sufficient amount of water into the tank (focus on the limiters), and plug the device into the network. After the sound signal you can start working.

You just need to point the iron of the device at the clothes and press the button. The average price of devices of this type is 11,000 rubles.

Alternative steam systems

The modern market offers a wide range of steam supply systems. In addition to steam generators, manufacturers offer steam cleaners, irons with a steam function, steam mops, and steamers.

Each of these devices has its own advantages and features:

1. Steam cleaner used for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces (walls, floors, plumbing).

   The device, using water steam, can effectively eliminate foci of fungus and remove any contaminants.

   The main function is to remove dirt, not to iron clothes. Prices for devices start from 7,000 rubles.

2. Steamer – equipment for steaming and ironing clothes, linen, curtains. Delivers hot steam under high pressure. The main difference with a steam generator is that the steamer supplies wet steam, not dry. The average price of models is 8,000 rubles.
3. Irons with steam function. Most household appliances provide this option. Compared to conventional irons, they are heavier, and unlike a steam generator, they have low steam output and a small water tank. You can buy the device for at least 2000 rubles.
4. Steam mops. In appearance they resemble a vacuum cleaner, and in principle they resemble a steam cleaner. The device instantly destroys ticks, insects and bacteria that can live in upholstered furniture and carpets. You can buy a mop for a price starting from 7,000 rubles.

Conclusion

When purchasing steam generators or other systems with a steam supply function, give preference to equipment from well-known manufacturers.

Companies like Kitfort, Karcher, Tefal, Bosch or Philips produce high-quality, functional, productive models with excellent performance properties.