Which is better - a steamer or a steam generator?

Progress does not stand still, so in modern life more and more space is occupied by various equipment that helps to cope with household chores faster, or even completely frees us from these worries. One of the most important activities of housewives at all times was washing and ironing. This took a lot of time and effort, but in the last twenty years a huge number of different devices have appeared on the market that can make a person’s life easier.

But how to understand all these models, devices, irons and completely incomprehensible devices without being disappointed in the choice? How to make your purchase as profitable and useful as possible? What exactly are these mysterious steamers and steam generators, why are they needed, and which of these devices is best to choose for your home?

Comparison of characteristics of a steamer and a steam generator

First, let's look at the purpose of these devices. Both a steam generator and a steamer are a device capable of releasing steam from under the so-called soleplate, which allows you to forever forget about gauze and a bowl of water, which were so necessary when ironing before.

Despite the apparent similarity, these devices have significant differences in design, different characteristics and features.

A steam generator is a device consisting of several elements:

• actually, the iron itself;
• flexible hose;
• water tank.

REFERENCE! Particularly advanced models contain, as a bonus, an additional nozzle or brush, which is used to remove stains. You need to put them on the hose after removing the iron from it.

The principle of operation is simple: the water inside the compartment boils and is transformed into steam, which, accordingly, is directed into the hose by pressure force. Fill the device with clean water 15 minutes before use. The steam produced is dry, which allows you to work even with thick fabrics and remove stains from things without resorting to washing. The steam generator does an excellent job even of old stains, such as wine. There are often models that provide a vertical steam function. This way you can easily iron or clean curtains or tulle. With such a device, you will rarely need an ironing board.

A steamer differs from a steam cleaner both in appearance and in design. Its design includes:

• water boiler;
• housing where steam is generated;
• steam hose;
• telescopic folding tube - it is also possible to extend it if necessary.

The usual height of such a stand is usually 164 centimeters, but for some models it can reach about 185 centimeters. In more expensive variations, the equipment can be expanded with special mittens, bristles, a trempel or a wooden plank.

REFERENCE! Trempel is a synonym for the more common name “hanger” for clothes, which helps maintain the desired shape of the item.

There is no need to tinker with this device in advance - one or two minutes, and it is already ready for use.The principle of operation is very similar to the operation of a steam generator - water is heated, turns into steam, which is pushed into the hose, but the difference is that here the steam will already be wet. Models are also available vertical or regular - with a traditional handle.

Steam Generator Features and Benefits

Let's start with the characteristics:

• dry steam supplied under pressure;
• preparation time: on average about 10 minutes;
• steam temperature is about 160 degrees;
• significant dimensions.

The steam generator has significant advantages recognized by a huge number of people. It perfectly smooths out wrinkles even on extremely dense and coarse fabrics, is not afraid of multi-layering, and can help create or, conversely, get rid of creases on trousers.

The time spent at the board is significantly reduced. The steam generator easily destroys any unevenness; you can iron a large number of things in a much shorter time than, for example, using a conventional iron without a steam function. An undoubted advantage is that delicate and thin fabrics that such an iron could burn through will remain undamaged after ironing with a steam generator.

ATTENTION! The dimensions and weight of the steam generator are quite large. It is unlikely to be suitable for constant movement and in most cases still requires use in combination with a board.

Since there is a wide range on the market, you can always choose a device that suits your individual needs and budget.

If you don’t mind the heaviness of this device, you can still use it to clean dirty plumbing fixtures or clothes from stubborn stains using a special brush, which was already mentioned above.You can also definitely achieve success in carpet care or tile cleaning.

Steamer Features and Benefits

The technical characteristics of this device are as follows:

• wet steam produced naturally, that is, without pressure;
• short preparation time - from one minute;
• steam temperature - no higher than 100 degrees;
• light weight, not exceeding 1.2 kg.

Steamers usually have several operating modes to suit different situations and materials. This treatment additionally disinfects the item: it removes dust, fungus and unpleasant odors. Unlike a steam generator, whose main function is ironing things, a steamer is used equally for cleaning and ironing.

With the help of a hand-held steamer, which can be taken with you even on a trip, due to its extremely compact dimensions, furniture and soft toys are cleaned, the user has the opportunity to quickly iron things without removing them from the hanger. The cost of this unit is very low, so it is useful and accessible to almost everyone.

In addition, steamers are also vertical. Of course, their sizes are larger and their price is higher, but the difference will be noticeable immediately, thanks to the expanded functionality, a large water tank into which you don’t have to add anything during operation, as well as increased power. This steamer can be used even when washing windows, which will save a lot of time and effort.

Thus, the choice of home appliance depends on personal needs and preferences. If you need a cheap and compact device that can be safely called universal and suitable for interacting with any fabrics, as well as washing windows, caring for toys, furniture, etc.etc., then the choice must be made on a steamer.

If you want to focus on high-quality, and most importantly, quick removal of ugly wrinkles, or you want something more familiar, similar to a familiar iron, then the choice is obvious - the ideal solution would be to buy a steam generator.