What is the difference between a steam generator and an iron?

More recently, the only way to iron clothes was an iron, and it had a “monopoly” in this matter. The steam generator has changed everything, which over the past few years has become available to anyone with any income level.

Difference between iron and steam generator

There are two ways to put things in order:

• steam generator;
• iron.

Their main difference is the operating principle of the device and the features of fabric processing. These parameters play a major role in understanding the difference between an iron and a steam generator. An iron for processing fabric heats its surface to high temperatures, and a steam generator produces steam, which is supplied under low pressure, and the process of smoothing things is based on this.

REFERENCE! Some modern iron models have a built-in steam generation system.

Characteristics and functions of the iron

An iron is an electric household appliance that is intended for ironing linen, outerwear, textiles, etc. Again, it is an electric heating element (“sole”), which can heat up to 200 degrees. The iron should be used with caution - especially ensure that it is kept away from children.

Several ironing modes (depending on the type of fabric to be ironed) will help make this process as comfortable as possible. Manufacturers of modern irons are equipping them with more and more additions to the basic functions, but they are all based on the characteristics described above and do not bring anything fundamentally new.

The only addition that significantly affects the main characteristics is the difference in the working surface.

REFERENCE! The working surface of the iron can be made of various composite materials, which speeds up the heating process and improves fire safety.

Characteristics and functions of the steam generator

A steam generator is a universal household appliance that can be used not only for ironing. In a steam generator, the ironing function is more secondary and additional to the total number of tasks that it can perform. Hot steam performs an additional function of cleaning fabrics, which is not included in the capabilities of a conventional iron. Also, hot steam has a powerful antibacterial and antiparasitic effect on textile products.

The principle of operation of a classic steam generator is to heat water to the state of steam. This is achieved by getting water - the process takes place in a small, special chamber - onto the heating elements of the liquid. The steam generation process occurs in a matter of seconds - the device is ready for use almost immediately. Working with water is safer and causes (statistically) fewer incidents or injuries when working with a steam generator.Additionally, steam generators have reliable protection systems against overheating, clogging of drainage pipes, or malfunction of one of the heating elements - the device will simply pause its operation. In the event of a power failure, the device will be able to operate independently for some time, as long as the required steam pressure is available.

What to choose and for what purposes

What do housewives who choose an iron to help them get:

• the ability to iron only in a horizontal position of the fabric - this means that space is needed to place the ironing board and other equipment;
• The device is quite dangerous to operate - both in terms of injury and in terms of possible tissue damage if the heating level is incorrectly selected.

At the same time, only ironing gives the effect to which everyone is accustomed.

What can you expect from using a steam generator? They can not only iron things in the usual horizontal position, but also process clothes vertically. This variability significantly expands the scope of application of the device and increases the comfort of its use. This feature will be relevant in small apartments or in places where there is not enough space for ironing.

An additional advantage of the device is that the steam not only smoothes the fabric, but also cleans it. This allows you to care not only for clothes and bed linen, but also to clean upholstery fabrics (upholstery of sofas, carpets, curtains, etc.). The brush attachment can remove contaminants that form during the evaporation process.

Manufacturers of steam generators offer a variety of operating modes for the device. Many of them can confuse the inexperienced user and seem ineffective.But during use, you can choose the appropriate mode and get the maximum benefit from the steam generator.