Which is better: an iron or a steamer?

Anyone who constantly runs a household knows: there are a number of routine responsibilities that periodically accumulate and take up a lot of time. Ironing clothes is one such activity. When choosing between an iron or a steamer, housewives want the device to help quickly get rid of creases and folds. Who will win this battle can be found out by objectively assessing the merits and demerits of each contender.

Advantages and disadvantages of a steamer

Steamers have long ceased to be a device available only in large clothing production facilities or clothing stores. Relatively compact models are available for home use. But, despite their size, all devices operate according to a single algorithm.

Important: when working with the device, there is no direct contact with the fabric. Jets of steam have a delicate effect on the material. The device is ideal for things that require constant but careful care.

How the device works

The design of the steamer is simple. There is a container where clean water is poured and heated, and a steam generator. It is connected to the tank via a flexible hose, which makes it mobile. For example, you can arrange:

• Things hanging on a hanger;
• Curtains without removing them from the curtain;
• Long Dresses;
• Bed sheets.

Important! In order to iron the sheets, you will need an ironing board; you won’t be able to get by with a steam generator bracket.

Clothes steamer or iron: which is better? The steamer has no “contraindications” for use. It has several levels of work intensity, so it can successfully cope with fabrics of different thicknesses and textures.

But there are materials that it will iron perfectly, and those that require ironing. Feel free to plug in the device if your silk blouse or synthetic item is wrinkled. A linen jacket or cotton tunic is best left to iron.

Important! In trouser suits, perfectly ironed creases are often required when going out. It will not be possible to make them while holding them in weight, even if the device has special clamps. Experience shows that they are ineffective.

Advantages and disadvantages of an iron with a steam generator

The steamer does not cope with all types of work. Why not give preference to a high-price iron that has a steam boost function?

The principle of operation of an iron with a steam generator

What distinguishes an iron with a steam generator from a conventional device is the presence of a water container. It is connected to the device with a flexible hose. You can only use the ironing sole, but in especially wrinkled places, just press the button in the handle of the iron so that it produces a powerful steam wave.

Important! The steam temperature will be higher than in a steamer; this must be taken into account when working with fabrics that require careful handling.

The device has a number of design features:

• The water container is spacious: from 1 to 3 liters. It will be enough for a mountain of laundry, and you won’t have to be distracted by “refueling” during work;
• There is a control panel on the case where the heating temperature is regulated;
• The iron can be used without the steam function - just do not connect the tank under the water;
• The device is heavier than a conventional model or steam generator attachment.

A steam iron works well on thick and natural fabrics. With its help, things are ironed faster; the steamer loses in this indicator.

What to focus on when making a choice

Here are a few criteria by which any housewife can safely decide which assistant is better for ironing.

1. Wardrobe. Decide what items dominate the closet hangers. Silk, chiffon, thin fabrics will “make friends” with the steamer. It will be indispensable in a large family, where everyone has more than one warm clothes. It is difficult to iron and remove creases on a coat, raincoat or jacket after seasonal storage. But it will be enough for the rest of the wardrobe, especially if there are outfits made of natural and woolen fabrics on the hangers.
2. Functionality. The steamer does more than just remove wrinkles. It helps rid clothes of unpleasant odors; disinfect things that are difficult to wash: large bedspreads, pillows, mattresses.
3. Place in the apartment. Although the ironing board takes up a lot of space, there is a corner for it and the iron in most apartments. But sometimes difficulties arise with storing a large and tall device. But you can look for models with a telescopic leg and with folding hangers, with a smaller volume of the water tank.
4. Ironing speed. The iron is maneuverable. The presence of a steam boost allows them to work in both horizontal and vertical planes (you can remove a small crease in a curtain or blouse hanging on a hanger).In addition, it is not advisable to take out the steamer to quickly iron an item before leaving the house - it will take time to heat the water.

It seems that the steam generator benefits from its versatility. But it is inferior to the iron in other parameters. Buy equipment based only on your personal needs, without succumbing to advertising slogans. Then a real irreplaceable assistant will appear in your home, and not a useless device on which an impressive part of the family budget has been spent.