How to choose an iron with a steam generator for your home

Today, our grandmothers' irons are being replaced by multifunctional devices, even entire ironing machines. If previously you had to spray unruly folds and use gauze to protect the fabric, then with the advent of steam irons everything became much easier.

Features, advantages and disadvantages of irons with steam generators

Devices with water containers are familiar to every housewife. But with such an iron, even if it is expensive, with a ceramic or Teflon-coated sole, not all fabrics can be ironed efficiently. For delicate items made of thin material, a steam generator is better suited. It can be used both horizontally, on an ironing board, and vertically, hanging things on hangers.

The iron and steamer kit includes:

• a container with water and a heating element installed on a board or table;
• heating control device;
• a lightweight version of the classic iron, connected to the tank with a flexible hose.

Under the influence of heating element, the liquid heats up and enters the iron through a special tube. Next, hot steam flows to the fabric, smoothing it out.

The advantages of the steamer are:

1. There is no hot metal sole, which can damage delicate fabrics.
2. The steam temperature in the steam generator is much higher than in the iron, which allows not only ironing, but also removing dirt, refreshing color and fighting dust mites and harmful bacteria.
3. Now you don’t need to constantly add water, because the steamer tank holds from 1 to 3 liters of liquid. This is indispensable if you need to iron a lot of things.
4. The device is equally effective in both horizontal and vertical modes of operation. This will allow you to steam coats, fur items and leather jackets and raincoats that are simply impossible to iron.

IMPORTANT! See if the kit includes special water filters. With them, you can use regular tap water in the steam generator, otherwise you will have to pour distilled water.

How to choose an iron with a steam generator for your home

All modern models of steamers are divided into professional (with a steel sole, replaceable pads on it, increased tank capacity and high heater power) and household ones, designed for everyday ironing at home. Let's consider the latter in more detail. Household irons with a steam generator differ:

1. By heating power. The higher it is, the faster the device will be ready for work, but it will also consume more electricity.
2. By steam power. This indicator is measured in Bars and is indicated in the device passport. The higher the pressure, the denser fabrics can be steamed.
3. According to the material of the sole. The most inexpensive models are available with an aluminum sole. It scratches easily, can damage fabric and leave a gray coating. If the iron does not come with special attachments, then it is better to choose models with a ceramic or Teflon base.
4. For ease of use.Hold the device in your hand and feel whether the handle is comfortable, whether your palms are tight, or whether your hand is slipping.
5. According to the tank capacity. The more water you can pour into the container, the longer the device can work without stopping.
6. For safety. Ideally, the device should be equipped with overheating protection functions, automatic shutdown during long pauses in operation, and shutdown of heating the tank without water.

IMPORTANT! It is worth paying attention to the shape of the spout and the location of the holes. The long, narrow nose makes it easier to iron children's clothes; it easily maneuvers between buttons. Devices with a blunt spout are ideal for steaming outerwear and ironing bed linen. The more holes in the soleplate, the more steam is released at the same time, but the water in the reservoir is also consumed faster.

In any case, no matter what model of iron with steamer you choose, carefully read the instructions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. This ensures that the device will last a long time and will not fail due to your fault.