A steam generator is popular in everyday life due to its ability to tidy up outerwear, suits, curtains, not to mention everyday things in a matter of minutes. This device moisturizes fabric much more effectively than classic irons, reducing the time spent on ironing and leaving it for a more enjoyable pastime.
Rating of the best home steam generators based on reviews
Based on reviews, we can identify several manufacturers that produce the highest quality and most efficient steam generators:
- Philips. For many years it remains the sales leader on the market. The cost of their models is high, but they are distinguished by a long service life, high power, and good steam intensity;
- MIE. The brand is not very well known, but at the same time it successfully produces modern ironing equipment. In their arsenal there are high-quality models of steam generators that won’t cost a pretty penny;
- Tefal. Models of this brand are reliable. An excellent combination of the cost of the product and its quality characteristics;
- Bosch. The high cost of the models does not make them accessible to everyone, but the characteristics of the products are excellent;
- Braun. The main advantage of their products is the production of high-quality steam, which allows you to iron things effectively.
The steam generator can be used as an assistant on the road, traveling, or serve as a full-fledged ironing unit at home. The convenience lies in the fact that you can also use it when cleaning premises.
It is only important to choose the right model that will cope with the tasks.
If you do not want to spend a lot of time on ironing, then you should think about buying a steam generator, as it copes with its functions very effectively.
Work on mistakes
If the perfect folds are not obtained right away, and the work was carried out with errors and there are shortcomings, you will have to correct the situation. Without proper experience, false folds may appear when ironing. They spoil the image and require mandatory elimination.
For this you will need:
Work order:
Other options for eliminating false folds:
Types of irons
If we consider modern models, they differ not only in design, but also in their set of functions. Iron classification:
- road type models;
- for home use.
If you plan to go on vacation or a business trip, it is better to choose a compact, lightweight model equipped with a folding handle. They have all the necessary modes for comfortable ironing. As for a home appliance, it is usually more powerful, larger and has many additional functions.
Another difference:
- devices powered by a power cord;
- cordless irons.
For home use, corded models are most often chosen, but the cord length must be at least 2 m. Working with a shorter cord is inconvenient, since it is “tied” to the outlet, and an extension cord may be required. It is good if the cord has a durable and flexible fabric sheath. The most convenient to use are those models where the wire can rotate 360 degrees, with the possibility of winding. Wireless devices can boast of their mobility, but you need to get used to them - to recharge, such irons are placed on a special base.
Steam generator: what is it for?
The essence of the operation of such a device is that it heats water to very high temperatures, converting it into steam. Then, hot steam is released under pressure onto the desired surface.
Steamers are easy-to-use multifunctional devices designed for textile care.
The steam generator has comprehensive functionality when it comes to caring for curtains. He is able to cope with all basic tasks.
- Smoothing fabric with steam. Removes wrinkles from curtains as simply and quickly as possible, without having to remove them.
- Removing contaminants. Easily liquefies dirt and grease stains, effectively cleaning fabric.
- Removing odors. Textiles actively absorb any odors; hot steam will help get rid of them.
- Antibacterial treatment. Both harmful microorganisms and dust mites can accumulate in curtains. Treatment with a steam generator will get rid of them due to high temperatures.
A steamer is a device designed to work with textiles. The fabric is exposed to a jet of steam.
Depending on the main task, steam generators are divided into steamers and steam cleaners. The difference between these devices is that they serve different tasks.
The curtain steam cleaner works on the basis of dry steam. It is used to get rid of stains, germs, and kill dust mites. This method of cleaning curtains has advantages. Firstly, this method is the most gentle. The device does not have any mechanical effect on them, which eliminates damage to the tissue structure and leaving puffs. Secondly, a steam cleaner for fabric curtains eliminates the need to use chemicals.
This cleaning method is the safest for health, which is especially important if there are small children or allergy sufferers in the house.
The steamer, in turn, works on the basis of producing wet steam. His task is to smooth the curtains and give them a presentable look. It is mainly used on those types of fabrics that are difficult or contraindicated to iron.
Attention! Before starting work, be sure to read the markings on the fabric label. If there is such an icon, then steaming is prohibited
There are two main types of steamers: manual and stationary (vertical), but only one of them is suitable for curtains.
Ironing curtains with such a device is carried out quickly and with better quality.
The fact is that a hand-held steamer is too low-power to work with such large items as curtains. It is only suitable for clothing. And its water tank is very small - from 40 to 90 ml, which is extremely inconvenient.
The steam generator for curtains is vertical, i.e. stationary, will become an indispensable assistant in this matter
True, there are some nuances here that you need to pay attention to.
The device not only irons, but also cleans and disinfects fabric.
Rating of the best steam generator irons for the home
Philips GC 9682/80
The beautifully designed iron has a power of 2700 W, steam pressure of 8 bar and a water tank of 1800 ml. It is equipped with special technology that allows you to place the device on fabric without the risk of burning it. When steaming vertically, the powerful jet coming out of the iron will quickly smooth out creases and the toughest folds on any item.
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- high performance;
- powerful transformation;
- multifunctionality;
- chic design.
No shortcomings were identified in this model.
Philips GC 9670/50
The compact and beautiful device is lightweight, has a powerful steam generator and a large water container, which includes 1800 ml. It has a slippery sole, several steam generation modes and a power of 2700 W. The iron fits well in a special niche and is equipped with a filter for water purification.
Advantages:
- easy to use;
- good build quality;
- excellent power;
- multifunctionality;
- compact and beautiful.
There are no downsides to the model.
Mie Stiro 1100
The steam generator produced in Italy features a stainless steel base, a power of 2150 W, excellent quality and a large water tank. It is equipped with a steam boost function, which can be used to smooth out rough fabrics. The strength of the case is increased by the metal inserts located on it.
Advantages:
- high power and performance;
- there is a mode regulator to control the steam supply;
- durable body;
- large liquid reservoir;
- availability of constant steam supply.
The only disadvantage of the model is the heavy weight of the device.
Tefal GV6732
The French steam generator with a power of 2200 W is equipped with a metal-ceramic sole, which has a special coating that protects it from damage. The iron has a steam boost function, a 1500 ml tank and anti-scale protection, which prevents sediment from tap water from depositing on the internal elements.
Advantages:
- availability of ECO mode;
- possibility of adding water;
- heats up quickly;
- made from quality materials;
- high power.
The only downside is the lack of an anti-drip system and a spray function.
Bosch TDS 38311 RU
A German iron with a ceramic sole is quite expensive because it is a premium technology. It has a power of 3100 W, due to which it can cope with any fabrics and folds. The quality of ironing is significantly improved by the constant supply of steam, and the ECO mode allows you to work with natural thin fabrics.
Advantages:
- steam is supplied under good pressure;
- presence of temperature control;
- light weight;
- special attachment for ironing thin fabrics;
- branded work surface coating.
The disadvantage of the device is the tank volume is only 1400 ml and the lack of a sprinkler.
Braun IS 5043 WH
The steam generator from Germany has a power of 2400 W, an aluminum base, a steam pressure of 6 bar and a steam boost function. It is equipped with an automatic system that turns off the iron when a certain temperature is exceeded. The capabilities of the device are expanded by the vertical steaming function. The built-in filter protects it from scale formation. The iron's power cord is 1800 cm long, which allows you to install the ironing board anywhere and not depend on the presence of a nearby outlet.
Advantages:
- low water consumption;
- powerful steam supply;
- good glide;
- long power cord;
- presence of a filter;
- multifunctionality.
The disadvantages of the model include overpriced and rustic design.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VghdHSmoPRc
Not all housewives enjoy ironing clothes and cleaning the house. To make homework faster and easier, you can buy yourself an assistant in the form of a steam generator.
How to use a steam generator
Thanks to the hot steam released under pressure, the unit can perform the following functions:
- clean blankets, mattresses, pillows from dust and mites;
- disinfect surfaces with hot air;
- clean tile seams from dirt and mold;
- rid floors, walls and bathroom fixtures of soap and limescale deposits;
- clean hoods, ovens, furniture, kitchen walls from grease film and food contaminants;
- remove dirt from carpets and upholstered furniture;
- clean fabrics and remove stains from them;
- steam things in a vertical position.
To effectively iron, steam and clean things, you need to use a steam generator iron correctly:
- Pour the amount of water specified in the instructions into the tank and select the desired operating mode on the panel (economy, steam generation or powerful steam supply).
- Select the ironing temperature, which depends on the type of fabric being processed.
- Connect the equipment to the network and wait for a special signal that will indicate that the device is ready for use.
- Bring the iron to the surface to be treated and press the steam button. Steam will be released as long as the button is pressed.
- If you need to steam heavily wrinkled items, you can use the steam boost function, the button of which is located at the top of the handle.
During operation, water may run out, which will be indicated by a light indicator located on the control panel. You can add water to the tank without turning off the device. The tank should be opened carefully so that the steam escaping from it does not cause harm.
Preparing for ironing
Ironing trousers requires a responsible approach and compliance with phased work.
In order to start ironing,
you need to prepare :
The temperature of exposure depends on the composition of the fabric . It is displayed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, which are indicated on the label. It is usually attached to the side seam or waistband of the trousers on the inside.
Selection criteria for steam generators
Household appliances stores offer a large selection of steam generators, from which you need to choose the device that is most suitable for certain purposes. Therefore, first of all, you need to decide why a steam generator is needed and what functions it should perform in the house.
Power and steam supply
The power rating is very important because it determines what kind of work the unit can handle. For daily cleaning and frequent ironing, you can purchase equipment with low power, which is not very expensive. In order for the device to heat up quickly and cope with many tasks, it is recommended to choose a power from 2700 to 3000 W.
Depending on the model, steam may be supplied at different pressures. The device works most efficiently with a steam pressure of 6 bar. Using such a device, you can easily steam suits and outerwear hanging on a hanger. In addition to high pressure, the steam generator must be equipped with:
- vertical steaming, which supplies steam in a vertical position of the unit;
- steam boost with an indicator from 95 to 260 g/min, with which you can cope even with very wrinkled and overdried dense fabrics;
- steam jet productivity, which should be in the range of 90−140 g/min.
Tank volume
The volume of the water container can be from 700 to 2200 ml. Units with a large capacity are needed only for cleaning large houses or ironing many things at once. But so that the device can be hidden in a closet or other secluded place, it is recommended to choose steam generators with small tanks. The liquid tank should be transparent so that you can monitor the water level.
Operating mode
All steam generating devices are divided into the following types:
- without regulator;
- with steam power regulator;
- devices with automatic regulators that themselves adapt to the type of fabric.
It is better to choose a unit that has a regulator with which you can set the device to a certain temperature.
Outsole material
Steam generator irons can have different sole coatings:
- Ceramic metal heats up and cools down quickly, is scratch-resistant and glides freely. The downside is the fragility of metal ceramics.
- The aluminum coating cools and heats up quickly, but it is prone to scratches. Also, after using aluminum soles, there may be puffs and shiny marks on the fabrics.
- The steel coating is durable, not susceptible to scratches, glides well on fabrics and is quickly cleaned. However, steel is quite heavy and takes a long time to heat up.
- Titanium soles are reliable and durable. But they have poor conductivity, so they take a long time to heat up.
- Aluminum with stainless steel is a durable coating that does not leave marks on fabric, is easy to clean and glides perfectly.
- Aluminum with a ceramic coating has good glide and high thermal conductivity, but this combination is not very strong.
- Aluminum paired with Teflon will glide perfectly, but this coating often leaves scratches.
When choosing the material for the soleplate of the iron, you should also pay attention to the location of the steam vents. For good steaming, it is recommended to choose a sole with holes located along the entire length and even on the spout
Extra options
In addition to power and other basic parameters, when choosing a steam generator, it is important to pay attention to additional functions and equipment:
Safety
It is very important that the fastening elements are reliable, especially in a house where small children live. Adding detergent. It is recommended to choose devices that can work with detergents
With their help, you can disinfect your home and clean various stains. Aspiration. Cleaning will be faster and more efficient if the vacuum cleaner-steam generator is equipped with a dust suction function. Hose length. This is a very important parameter, since short hoses are not very convenient to work with. Weight. The iron should be chosen so that your hand does not get tired of working with it. Therefore, you need to think about the volume of the tank, since the larger the tank, the heavier the device.
Is gauze necessary or can you do without it?
Suit fabric used for dress pants requires delicate handling. Direct contact of the material with the hot soleplate of the iron may result in:
Any of the options serves these purposes:
Without using gauze, you can iron the trouser legs only from the inside, and at the permissible heating temperature of the iron.
You should not iron creases or carry out other ironing work on the outside of trousers without it.
Advantages of using gauze for ironing:
Using gauze or other additional fabric will help extend the life of the trousers and avoid defects.
How to use
A home steam generator is an easy-to-use device. Most models require only a few simple steps:
- Fill the reservoir with water. Watch the limiters carefully to make sure you don't pour too little or too much.
- Plug in the device and wait for a sound signal indicating that the steam generator is ready for use.
- Point the device at the surface to be steamed and press the button.
Please remember that this is not a regular household iron and should be handled with care. Make sure that steam does not come into contact with your skin, otherwise serious burns may occur.
Open the steam station carefully, as hot steam may escape from it and burn you.
Safety precautions during operation
Equipment durability and safety depend on several conditions that must be observed.
While working, adhere to the following rules:
- Straighten the steam hose and electrical cable. Twisting of elements is not allowed, because there is a possibility of overheating of the device and short circuit.
- When working with the iron, the connecting cords should not cling to pieces of furniture.
- The first heating is accompanied by the release of a specific odor. This occurs due to the initial heating of the steam generator thermoelements. The smell disappears with constant use.
- The installation location is a durable surface that is resistant to heat and prevents the iron from tipping over.
- The device stand and the iron itself must not be placed on the fabric part of the ironing board.
- The design for horizontal steaming must be stable, with a wide base and working surface.
During active operation, it is necessary to carefully monitor the stable operation of the equipment.
If unusual noises or fluid leaks occur, the device must be turned off. After cooling, check all components and connections for integrity.
How to care for the device
To extend their service life, steam generators for ironing clothes and linen must be descaled regularly. The procedure consists of two stages:
- Removing scale from an iron.
- Cleaning the steam generator tank.
To properly remove scale from an iron, fill the boiler with water and heat the appliance to maximum. If the model provides, turn on the “Cleaning” mode; if not, take the device in your hands and, continuously pressing the steam supply lever, empty the tank above the sink.
To descale the tank, you should unplug the device and let it cool completely (this will take about two hours). The removable boiler is filled with water (approximately 300 ml), shaken well, then emptied over the sink. The non-removable tank is cleaned in the same way, only the base is not shaken, but carefully turned over the sink 3-4 times.
Manufacturers do not recommend using acid solutions, vinegar, or descaling products.
Most models are equipped with an alert system that reminds you when cleaning is required. If there is no such system, it is recommended to remove scale after every 10th use.
Iron bed linen in a couple of minutes using a steam generator
Do you use laundry services? Is it convenient? Or is it easier to wash and iron everything at home, but would you like to get these things done faster?
Usually there is a lot of fuss with bed linen and towels. To dry them, you need to hang the whole house with long sheets. Ironing also takes a lot of ⏰ ⏰ ⏰ time, because... long sheets and duvet covers have to be laid out on a board and ironed for a long time.
See our life hack on how to use
