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

Ironing is not the most pleasant process, as it takes a lot of time and effort. To make it easier to care for items, bedding and other items that need to be ironed regularly, steam generators.

Thanks to this convenient and useful technique in everyday life, the ironing process ceases to be routine.

A steam generator for ironing linen and clothes - what is it? If you are not familiar with the advantages of these devices, we recommend that you read this article.

What is this household appliance?

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

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

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

Water is heated and boiled in the boiler, and then steam is released (whose temperature reaches 140-160˚) under strong pressure through special holes.

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

Advantages and disadvantages of using

Benefits:

1. The steam generator generates dry steam, thanks to this, in addition to ironing, it also disinfects the laundry, destroying pathogenic microorganisms, dust mites.
2. Much more effective than any iron in terms of ironing quality.
3. Does not leave a damp stain on fabrics, as it creates dry, not 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 top up the water.

Disadvantages:

1. Inconvenient to transport.
2. High price.
3. Heats up immediately. It can take up to 10 minutes before you can start ironing.

Best rating

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

MIE Bravissimo

The device handles capricious crumpled fabric without problems... Its power is 2200 W. Consumption at constant steam supply up to 150 g / min, maximum pressure - 5.5. bar.

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

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

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

According to reviews, this model provides continuous steam 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 does not take up 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;
• ironing things in 4 layers;
• weight 1.6 kg;
• anti-drip system;
• ceramic soleplate, which is easy to clean, heats up and cools down quickly (in most steam generators it is stainless steel).

Disadvantages:

• no automatic shutdown function;
• a water tank of only 300 ml - this is small enough for a steam generator in the middle price category.

You can read reviews about the model here.

Philips GC8962 / 40 PerfectCare Expert Plus

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

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

Advantages:

• steam is supplied throughout the sole, and not near the spout;
• high-quality plastic of the tank hardly heats up when the water is converted into steam;
• removable tank - when the water runs out, you do not need to carry the entire structure to pour water;
• there is an auto-off function.

Disadvantages: high price.

Users note that ironing with this steam generator is a pleasure. It heats up quickly, in just 3 minutes, there is a self-cleaning function, a powerful steam boost (maximum steam pressure - 7.5 bar). Some people 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 efficient and spacious (the volume of the tank is as much as 2 liters). Power - 2400 W.

The manufacturer assures that the device can smooth even things folded in several layers. But in practice, some people note that the steam pressure (4 bar) and low flow rate with constant steam (50 g / min) may still be insufficient to smooth more than 2 layers of fabric. The rest of the device works great. Average cost - 2900 rubles.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

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

You can read reviews here.

Braun IS 7055 WH

This bulky and powerful model is suitable for use in laundry and tailor shops.... The steam generator is also useful at home if the family is large and you constantly need to iron a lot of things.

The tank volume is 2 liters - enough to iron without interruption for up to 4 hours. The tank is removable, therefore, when the water runs out, the device will give a light signal - the drop icon will flash. If it burns continuously, then the water is completely out.

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

Advantages:

• almost does not make noise during operation;
• reliable fixation on the base;
• power saving mode;
• there is an anti-drip system, so water does not spill if you turn off the steam supply mode;
• scale protection;
• automatic shutdown;
• sole in 4 p. stronger than stainless steel, so it is not afraid of iron buttons, zippers on clothes - they will not leave a trace in the form of scratches.

Disadvantages:

• package weight over 6 kg;
• high price.

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

Which to choose?

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

1. Steam pressure... Usually this figure varies from 2 to 7.5 bar. The higher it is, the more powerful the steam jet.
2. Steam blow... Smoothes very dry wrinkles. Steam is supplied in an amount of 90-520 g / min. The higher the value, the more efficiently and faster the steam generator will smooth out creases.
3. Power. The ability of the device to work in a continuous mode for a long time without interruptions in operation 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 often and for a long time, then in order not to constantly pour water into the tank, it is better to buy a model where it is at least 1800 ml. If the device will be used infrequently, then a device with a smaller tank volume can be purchased.
5. Working hours... Steam supply adjustment can be manual, automatic, sometimes it is not at all. It is better to give preference to models where it is manual.

How to choose a steam generator, the video will tell:

When is a steamer appropriate?

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

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

In addition, steamers are used to disinfect clothes, toys, upholstered furniture, 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 shorten this process by at least 2 times.

Conclusion

In this article, various models of steam generators were considered. 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 the budget is limited and you want to buy an inexpensive but high-quality model, then it will do Kitfort KT-922.
3. The optimal ratio of price and high quality for the model Philips GC8962 / 40 PerfectCare Expert Plus.
4. If you need a compact device that can be taken on a trip, it will do Loewe LW-IR-HG-001 Premium.
5. MIE Bravissimo - a device of the middle price category 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 most important functions for you. If the disadvantages of the device you like are insignificant, then you can safely make a purchase.