Steamers for things appeared in the middle of the last century in Europe. Then they were called steamers and were used to give a neat look to felt hats. Nowadays, these devices have almost replaced usual irons and ironing boards.
Varieties
Steamers invariably personify the beginning of the era of steam generators in the world. This device was first invented by a mechanic Thomas Severi in the 17th century. At first it was used in the metallurgical industry - for pumping water from mines. Later, his invention formed the basis of industrial generators based on steam, and then moved into the domestic sphere, becoming the basis of devices with steam under pressure for steaming and ironing things.
The very first device with a steam generator was developed in the 40s by the American company Dj. Streamer. From here its name went and was fixed - a streamer. Since then, this device has been successfully used in everyday and professional spheres of human life.
In Russia, steamers appeared in the post-Soviet period. Since 2005, their supply and production have been adjusted. At the beginning of the XXI century, the company “WTO” (“Wet heat treatment”) became the main supplier of this type of product. Currently, its steamers are sold under the Vapor brand. These are the oldest models of steamers, their heating element is made of brass.
The purpose of modern vertical steamers is the cleaning and ironing of linen, clothes, furniture and household textiles. Electrical appliances produce steam with a temperature of about 100 degrees Celsius. Steam is supplied under pressure to the fabric, straightening the fibers and at the same time cleaning it from dust. So we can say with confidence that these devices are an alternative to dry cleaning at home.
Using the multifunction steamer you can:
- smooth clothes from different fabrics;
- clean furniture;
- straighten carpets, rugs and curtains;
- Steam children's toys from textiles, cleaning them from germs, various viruses and dirt;
- clean dust mites and harmful microorganisms from carpets.
Some models are equipped with nozzles for washing walls, windows and hard-to-reach places in the steam cleaner mode.
With this device you can quickly and easily put in order any item of clothing, regardless of complexity. For example, special models include cleaning modes for outerwear, a coat of natural and artificial fur. The spectrum of the steamer extends to products made of delicate and synthetic fabrics, as well as wool clothing and knitwear.
For the correct choice, it is necessary to take into account the purpose, and only then explore the main characteristics of the device. First of all, it is power. So, the most common steamers have a power of 1500 watts. This power is enough to iron the clothes and lingerie. The higher the density of the tissue, the more powerful the device must be. For outerwear need steamer power of 1800 watts. Steam cleaning is done by steam. The device is a water tank called a boiler. It can be located both on the housing and in a special tank, as in the case of floor strippers, where the boiler is attached separately. In this case, a more professional steaming things.
The heating element is located under the boiler and regulates the temperature and steam flow.As a rule, these are elements of heat-resistant steel with a corrosion-resistant coating.
Types of modes in the steamer depend on its purpose, class and cost. For each type of fabric has its own temperature regime. For example, it is not necessary to smooth out tulle curtains at maximum power, otherwise they will simply burn.
The most important quality of the devices is the level of steam supply, which is measured in atmospheres. From indicators of steam per minute, the quality of each type of device is added. In such models there is jet injection of steam in various modes, the number of which depends on the nominee of the appliance.
Rating of the best manufacturers
The best models of clothes steamers are in the top ten of brands for manufacturers of this type of product. We present to your attention the top 10 modern models with a steam generator.
The list is headed by professional outdoor clothes steamers "Magic Style" company Mia and "Zauber Pro" from the domestic brand with a capacity of almost 2300 watts. These are the first devices in the ranking of the best steamers for clothing. The starting steam feed rate is 40 seconds, steam power is 50 grams per second. A fair price of the device - from 17,000 rubles, and a multifunctional set allow them to be attributed to premium steam cleaners. Once in the house, these items of care for things will become indispensable helpers for any hostess.
- The second place is taken by the device of the Italian manufacturer Mia "De Luxe". The device has a capacious water tank, designed for the amount of more than two liters, which provides more than an hour of continuous work. High power - more than 2500 watts, justified by the significant cost of the device - from 15,000 rubles. The package includes a special board for steaming small pieces of clothing, such as cuffs and collars. Stymer is also equipped with compartments for storing cleaning elements, which greatly simplifies its storage.
- The next line in the ranking of the best models of steamers for clothes is taken by the model of the famous brand. Tefal. Outdoor steam cleaner has five types of steam supply, has a capacity of 1700 watts, as well as special nozzles, which allows you to iron, clean and steam things in hard to reach places. It should be added that all Tefal appliances of this line are equipped with an innovative device for supplying water and steam and a large detachable boiler. Significant cost - from 14,000 rubles and above, guarantees high quality and long service life of the device.
- In fourth place is the model of the famous brand of the brand. Philips. It has an increased steam supply capacity (40 grams of water per minute), which makes it possible to use the device for the maintenance of outerwear, carpets and fabric covering of furniture. The high-tech approach of the manufacturer provides for the presence of touch control, as well as the possibility of dismantling and replacing the failed elements. The device is also equipped with a protective device that protects the case and parts from overheating. It costs about 12,000 rubles.
- Steamer "Grand Masters" of the domestic company Digital - in fifth place. Treats multipurpose devices with the mode of a cleaner a steam. Among the advantages is good power (1900 watts) at a relatively low cost (from 10,000 rubles). A special nozzle in the form of a nozzle complete with the device allows it to be used in hard-to-reach places when cleaning the premises.
In sixth place is the semi-professional floor model of the world brand steamer Mia "Kitfort 910". He knowingly entered the top ten devices of this line. The appliance works in horizontal and vertical directions. The manufacturer guarantees simplicity and quality at an affordable price - from 6000 rubles.
The seventh line in the ranking is held by hand steamer Philips. For the manual version, it has a fairly high power potential - up to 1000 watts, and a supply of continuous work up to half an hour. The steamer looks like a brush on a handle with a built-in water tank, which is enough to steam a few things. The device costs 3,500 rubles.
For everyday use is also suitable model brand Mia "Piccolo", which occupies the eighth line in the ranking of popular models for the care of clothing and textiles. It also has its pros and cons.The model is very convenient to travel, it can even serve as a kettle if necessary, since it is possible to pour ordinary water into the boiler. High quality and low cost - 2500 rubles, guarantee good consumer demand in the market for this type of product. The complete set provides a protective surface and a mitten.
- In the ninth place is the hand steamer Polaris. It optimally combines compactness, fast readiness for work - within a minute, and also good power - 1500 watts. The device is equipped with a boiler, designed for 100 grams of water, and a special holder for clothes. Among its features is the high position of the power button. The average cost is about 3,000 rubles.
Completes the rating of the best models portable device of the Italian company Mia "Graze". This is a handheld compact steamer, convenient for traveling, on the road and at home. A convenient 260 milliliter water boiler ensures an intensive, continuous supply of steam and protection against tilt leaks. Power - 1200 watts. Price - 2900 rubles.
There are still Russian economy class manufacturer Kromax, numbering more than fifty different models of steamers. They are also successfully implemented in the domestic market.
It should be noted that until now the Swedish brand was considered the leader among the best otparivateley Zauber, entered the market as a representative of a fundamentally new drip principle of steam supply. New innovations made it possible to improve a number of previous otparivateley and significantly improve the care of things and clothing, eliminating the treated surface from excessive condensate. Global manufacturers have deconstructed and drastically improved the quality of the steamer.
The most popular models today are world-class appliances. Mia - a leader in the production of steamers and steamers for all types of fabrics. There are also cheap analogues of this type of products on the market of various manufacturers costing from 900 rubles.
It should be said, such devices are unlikely to last for a long time, not to mention their quality. Therefore, you should not save, but you should not overpay either. Reasonable price and optimum quality should be a guide when choosing the right type of steamer.
Which device to choose?
Not everyone knows how to choose and purchase a good and high-quality steamer for the house, so we present the basic quality parameters and requirements that must be considered when choosing this type of product.
First of all, you need to know that the steamer is not an analogue of the iron in the literal sense. Therefore, the main quality standards will be the technical characteristics as well as the capabilities of the device.
- A range of applications designed to work with both heavy and delicate types of fabrics, including tulle, biofiber and organza.
- High power, allowing to smooth even the wrinkled fabrics, for example, linen and cotton.
- Vertical arrangement, which is most beneficial for stripping hanging fabrics without removing them, for example, curtains and curtains, as well as bed linen.
- The functions of steam cleaners, providing simultaneous disinfection and cleansing of various types of tissues.
In special shops you can take a variety of cleaners: from hand-held steamers to multifunctional floor models. All of them are considered vertical and have significant differences in quality and price. The main thing - to take a suitable model. Do not make a mistake with the choice will help a small briefing.
So, all devices of this line can be divided by purpose: professional, equipped with numerous options and simple, used in everyday life. Also, all steam-based cleaners are divided into groups.
- Floor appliances, working exclusively for steaming hanging fabrics. They are divided into gravity and steam.In gravity steam to the spout of the device itself enters and has a constant pressure. In steam, the pressure is regulated by a special valve and has several feed modes, which significantly improves the quality of the treated fabric surfaces.
- Manual steamers are the easiest to use. Their purpose is portable use on the road. They are lightweight, mobile and easy to use. Indispensable on any trip, as well as at home for steaming and giving a well-groomed look to things from fabrics of low density.
- Multifunctional steamers are a good alternative to all types of steamers. They combine various target options and do an excellent job with all types of fabrics. Each of them is equipped with a set of functions ironing board, steamer, steam cleaner, iron, clothes holder and other devices.
Any of the varieties of these devices is designed to perform their specialization, which is characterized by their field of application. When choosing, you should take into account the specifics of the purpose of each individual device. For example, do not use a manual steam cleaner for bed linen. In this case, the floor steamer is more suitable. Proper use guarantees a positive result.
When choosing a steamer, you should also follow some professional advice.
- Before buying a device, you must be familiar with the type of device and the specifics of its purpose. The focus should be on technical performance, power and volume of water in the tank.
- It is also important to consider in detail the package bundle, make sure that the device is structurally sound, evaluate its ease of use and practicality.
- Among the high-quality equipment there should be a steam supply regulator in a safe place on the handle of the device, an automatic water temperature control, a boiler filling function without disconnecting the steam generator, a stand - a telescope, and in professional models - hardware wheels to move the device in the right direction.
Before buying, you should also look at images and descriptions of devices, talk with sales assistants, as well as examine customer reviews on forums or in stores.
Reviews
A steam generator for cleaning and ironing, household textiles and furniture is not only a bargain, but also the number one care product that can significantly reduce the time and cost of maintaining clothes and clothes in proper form. This device will greatly extend the life of things and the fabric surface of everyday objects.
Among the reviews of steam generators, often only positive, so their very purpose, as well as the diversity of species, provides for consistent quality and ease of use.
Housewives prefer to use stationary models of steam cleaners, as they are most suitable for processing various surfaces and structures - from shirts to carpets, including vertical use. In the household, the steam cleaner function helps to get rid of hard-to-remove stains on floor and other upholstered furniture. Penetrating into the fabric structure, steam jets destroy all types of fungus, mold, pathogenic bacteria, improving the color and structure of the fabric. This property of the steamer eliminates the need to use chemicals of various toxicity, especially in the presence of an allergy to them.
Travel lovers prefer portable handheld devices. Moreover, they are used with pleasure even by men on business trips, when they need to give a business-like look to a suit.
Young mothers believe that there is no better appliance for steaming and ironing children's things than a manual steam generator. It is convenient to carry it in a handbag, it perfectly cares for the baby’s things, at the same time smoothing and disinfecting them.Many of them do not use irons at all, considering them devices that have lost their relevance.
Many housewives use powerful steam cleaners to clean carpet flooring from insects and various contaminants. Women use the properties of a steam cleaner as a means that is an alternative to dry cleaning.
In the hotel and restaurant business, these devices are indispensable attributes of cleaning and care. With their help, they clean up the curtains, tablecloths, napkins, drapes and curtains, sofas, chairs and armchairs, while smoothing and cleaning them from dust, odor and dirt.
Men believe that the best gift is a hand made steamer for a car. In the car it is an indispensable tool. With it, you can clean the textiles of the salon, as well as effortlessly smooth the wrinkled clothes before a business meeting.
In hospitals in recent times began to use steam cleaners for ironing and disinfecting bed linen and clothing. In some departments of the hospital, even shoes are disinfected with this device.
In theatrical and artistic costume use steamer constantly. Without them, it is impossible to smooth out and put in order the complex elements of clothing with numerous rhinestones, sequins, as well as fabrics with other structural features of fabrics.
Special reviews on the use of steamers are given by sellers of fashionable clothing stores and boutiques. Sophisticated synthetic fabrics, from which famous brands sew clothes, especially need specialized care, which can be done only with the use of specialized devices.
Special accessories that are included in the steam cleaner kit can help in cleaning the so-called “difficult” places in the room, for example, inter-tile joints, the inner surface of the toilet bowl, and baseboards. With the help of steam, you can quickly and without a trace clean the surface of the oven from fat and scale. Instant steam instantly cleans fabric surfaces from sweat, cigarette smoke, traces of coffee and other beverages.
Portable or stationary, hand-held and mobile steamers are today leaders in clothing and textile care products. It is believed that a properly selected device significantly reduces costs and can save the family budget, as well as ensure an adequate level of comfort and quality of life.
About what the steamer is useful, see below.