What is the difference between a steam generator and a steamer?

Not a single housewife wants to devote a lot of time to any household chores, especially monotonous ironing. Previously, to speed it up, clothes were sprayed with water or wet gauze was applied, and then a regular iron was passed over the top. Later, these devices were additionally equipped with a steam boost function, which somewhat simplified the task. However, the development of technology does not stand still, and now a steam generator and a steamer are on the market, which cope with ironing much faster and better than a conventional iron.

What is the difference between a steam generator and a steamer: a comparative analysis

Despite the similar functionality, these devices differ significantly in operating principle, mobility and other indicators. It cannot be said that one device is worse than another. Their advantages and disadvantages compensate for each other, forcing you to carefully consider the purchase based on the purpose of purchasing the equipment.

Principle of operation

Differences in the principle of operation begin with different devices and equipment.

So, a steamer usually consists of the following elements:

• housing with built-in steam generator;
• a vessel for water (the material is often plastic or stainless steel);
• flexible hose;
• telescopic tube;
• nozzle (usually a brush).

Steam generation and supply is different in the steamer with its naturalness. The heating element heats the water in the container, which, upon reaching the boiling point, is converted into steam. It flows through a hose to the brush, which is already treating the surface.

An iron with a steam generator is usually represented by a combination of:

• vessel for water;
• hose, the material for which is most often silicone;
• iron;
• accessories for nozzles (more expensive models are equipped with them).

The principle of operation is somewhat different from the steamer. Water heated in a container by a heating element turns into steam. When you press the supply button, steam under pressure flows out through the hose and the nozzle holes.

Important!

A steamer produces wet steam, while a steam generator produces dry steam. This criterion must be taken into account if the device is subsequently used by an allergic or asthmatic person.

The fundamental difference in the device lies in the method of steam supply and nozzles - all this determines their capabilities of use, as well as operating features.

Functionality

Many housewives use steamers and steam generators intuitively, without going into details of their possible operating modes. This affects the result obtained. Often, due to improper use, a device that was simply not designed to achieve the intended purpose is rejected and thrown into the far corner.

If you do not plan to purchase both devices, then carefully choose one, having studied the capabilities of each, so that it does not turn out that you bought a device of little use for yourself. To do this, you can familiarize yourself with the following differences:

1. Working position. The steamer can only be operated by holding it vertically; there are no such restrictions for a steam generator. This paragraph emphasizes the limitation of opportunities. If you plan to steam only clothes and, for example, curtains, then one vertical position will be enough for you.
2. Mobility. For home use, hand-held steamers that weigh only a couple of kilos are often chosen. They can easily be taken with you on a trip instead of a regular iron simply because they do not require an ironing board. The steam generator itself is heavy, so when choosing a model, it is worth considering that the length of the hose is comfortable for work.
3. Ironing. Both a steamer and a steam generator do an excellent job of this function, however, the former will never be able to give the product a complex shape, for example, arrows, hard folds.
4. Disinfection. Both devices supply steam at a temperature sufficient to kill bacteria and viruses.
5. Cleaning. The steam generator does a better job of cleaning stains. You can try to do this with a steamer, but then you will need to add a little vinegar to the water.
6. Cleaning. The most convenient way to treat furniture is to use a steamer. But if you choose a steam generator with a large set of nozzles, it also copes with this task. Moreover, some models can be used for treating tiles and washing floors.

Power

Both devices are quite powerful: the steam generator produces steam at temperatures up to 160 degrees, the steamer – up to 98. They also cope well with surface treatment.

Important!

High temperatures indicate that these devices must be used with extreme caution. You can also get a serious burn from short contact with hot steam.

The steam generator takes the lead in operating time, as it has a large water tank. However, this also slows down its preparation for work by an order of magnitude: it takes about 10 minutes to heat up the water, while the steamer can be used after just 1 minute of warming up.

What to choose: steam cleaner or steamer

They are both useful in their own ways. It is impossible to say that one of them is better than the other, due to the differences in their functionality. You can make a competent choice only by clearly defining the purpose of purchasing the device.

We rely on reviews

If possible, we recommend purchasing both devices.. However, this is expensive, and often there may not be space in the apartment for all the purchased equipment. If finances are not limited, it would be better to purchase an advanced steam generator with a large set of nozzles.

If this is not possible, then it is necessary to clearly delineate the scope of the future purchase. For ironing, it will be more profitable to purchase a manual steamer and a regular iron, since even a simple steam generator is not cheap. If the devices are planned to be used for disinfection and cleaning of the house, then you should pay attention to the location of the surfaces (remembering that the steamer only works in vertical mode) and their accessibility (low mobility of the steam generator).