One of the old household appliances is an iron. The device has undergone a number of changes in the course of its existence. One of the modern know-how is cordless irons.
Principle of operation
As the name implies, such an iron does not have wires, which makes using it more convenient, especially in conditions without electricity. The cordless iron has a special “platform”, when staged on which its sole heats up. It is more correct to call the “platform” a docking station or base. Then the iron is removed and the thing or the linen is ironed in the usual way, after which the iron returns to the base for recharging.
On average, according to research, the process of ironing lasts 23 seconds.therefore, most cordless irons retain heat for 25-30 seconds.
The docking station is equipped with heating elements. The iron, in turn, has contacts, thanks to which it is connected to the station during charging.
Before starting the docking station is installed on the surface for ironing. Most models involve the choice of a particular angle of fixation of the base. Then the base is connected to the mains, and then begins the process of heating the heaters. The iron is installed on the base until it stops to start heating its sole.
Important point: It is necessary to establish the temperature mode of heating the iron, taking into account the characteristics of the fabric. Thermal mode should be set before the iron is installed on the base.
After the sole of the iron heats up to the desired temperature, the indicator light on it will light up. From this moment you can start ironing.
pros
One of the main advantages of a wireless device is the absence of a wire. This means that nothing clings and does not limit the action in the process of ironing. Such irons are convenient to take on the road, and it is not necessary to choose a place for ironing near the power grid. From this point of view, the wireless device is also useful for owners of small apartments, whose owners are not able to install an ironing board near the outlet.
The absence of wires allows you to avoid another problem - their twisting. This interferes with fast ironing, but most importantly - fraught with device breakage, short circuit. It is clear that this problem disappears completely in wireless devices. In addition, the lack of a power cord greatly facilitates ironing of small parts (for example, children's things), products with decor.
The design of the device involves the removal of heating elements from the iron on the stand, so that the first has become much easier. This is important for fragile ladies, the elderly.
According to reviews, such models are easy to handle and functional. They can be equipped with many useful functions - steam generators, self-cleaning function and automatic shutdown.
Despite the care of modern manufacturers of irons about the safety of their products, many wire irons are still potentially dangerous - an insulating layer can rub into them. This is fraught with a short circuit, a shock, if the wires suddenly turn out to be exposed. When using wireless devices such risks are minimized.
Firstly, the docking stations are not subjected to heavy physical exertion, and secondly, the device does not come into contact with the source of electricity during ironing.
Minuses
The main disadvantage of wireless devices is, of course, the limited time they take.In this case, ironing a large amount of laundry can take a lot of time, since you have to periodically put the iron on the platform for warming up.
If during the process of ironing you are used to return the iron to a horizontal position, then using wireless devices is impossible - the iron is placed on the platform horizontally. Unaccustomed to this, it may seem inconvenient.
If the device is equipped with the function of a steam generator, then after use, water should be drained from its tank.
However, this can not be called a minus of wireless irons, rather - a feature of all steam generators and similar steamers.
The disadvantages often include the higher cost of wireless irons. On average, even an unpretentious model is 2-2.5 times more expensive than a similar “no frills” iron, but with a power cord.
Rating models
Wireless irons can be found in the product lines of foreign manufacturers of these devices. Domestic companies are not yet ready to offer customers units without a power cord.
The most popular is wireless iron Philips GC 2088 power of 2400 watts. The device has a ceramic sole, equipped with a steam supply function. The power of the supplied steam and its temperature is enough to smooth things in an upright position. Of the benefits - and the small size of the base. The time of the iron without recharging is 30 seconds.
Users note the optimal ratio of price and quality of the unit, moreover, you can often find reviews that say that wireless iron Philips GC 2088 exceeds customer expectations.
Another favorite is iron Philips GC 4810Optimal for residential use. Its power is 2400 W, there is a steam function. A 200 ml reservoir is enough to quickly steam off a few things. Steam may be supplied continuously or at a certain interval.
This model will cope better with the ironing of thick fabrics, since it is equipped with an aluminum sole. For more convenient and long-term operation, the model has the functions of self-cleaning and protection from leaks. One of the main advantages is the ability to change the type of food.
To do this, the device is equipped with a cord that can be connected to the unit and use it as a regular iron.
A worthy place in the ranking of wireless devices is Tefal FV9920E0. It has a number of the most important functions - continuous steam supply, protection against leakage, self-cleaning system. Thanks to the ceramic sole and its well-designed form, the iron slides easily over the fabrics, and the pointed nose allows you to iron hard-to-reach places.
The main disadvantage is the duration of recharging. Features of operation can be described as 20-20 seconds, that is, the iron works in a wireless mode for 20 seconds, after which it takes the same time to recharge it.
German reliability and functionality - this is how you can characterize wireless devices from the German manufacturer Clatronic.
Model Clatronic DBC 3388 also falls into the rating of popular devices. Power - 2000 W, the sole - ceramics with an additional protective coating. Among the especially valuable features is the possibility of horizontal and vertical steaming. In addition, the device has a dozen more useful features.
Well thought out design designs. The docking station is compact, it can be mounted at any angle to the ironing board. The iron has a pointed nose and an expanding main part of the sole, as well as a rubberized handle (anti-slip).
How to choose?
First of all, you should decide on the functionality of the device. There are 2 types of cordless irons:
- device for dry ironing;
- device with steam function.
The latter can be a horizontal and vertical steamer.It is clear that the function of exposure to steam in a vertical position is the most convenient, since it does not require an ironing board.
It is these devices that benefit in terms of mobility - they are best taken on the road.
If the choice fell on a device with a vertical steaming system, pay attention that it is also equipped with an anti-droplet system and a self-cleaning sole. This will avoid leakage of the device and the appearance of stains on the tissues.
It should be determined whether you will use the iron for dry or dense tissue. If the answer is positive, it makes sense to consider a device of high power with a metal (for example, aluminum, teflon) coating of the sole.
If you purchase a device, for example, for traveling and do not intend to iron dense matters, it is better to opt for a lighter device with a ceramic sole. It may not cope with strong creases or over-dried laundry, but ceramics cool down more slowly.
If we talk about pricing, then the lowest cost (with other equal opportunities) has an iron with an aluminum sole. It is fair to note that metal is not used in its pure form, but an alloy. It is important to protect the sole of such an iron from scratches, because during further use such grooves can leave clues on the fabric.
If you choose an iron with an aluminum sole, it is better to give preference to those whose metal layer is hidden by spraying and additional layers. Such a sole would be safer for delicate fabrics.
Another popular coating is Teflon. He, like aluminum, is afraid of damage.
Even small scratches can cause damage to things during ironing.
The more durable metal sole is stainless steel. Of course, such an iron will be harder, but it is more resistant to mechanical damage. In addition, the device with a steel sole keeps heat longer, and also perfectly slides on almost all types of fabric. There is a variant of steel sole with chrome plating. This iron slides even better, but costs more.
Ceramic outsole also has excellent characteristics (it heats up quickly, slides well, is safe for fabrics). However, this coating can not be called fragile. The best option is metal ceramics.
Another important criterion is the power of the heating elements (heaters). The higher this figure, the faster the iron from the docking station will heat up, the more powerful the steam it produces will be (if this function is provided in the device). The minimum power ratings of heaters - 1600 watts. This iron is suitable for home use, they can be smoothed not very crumpled materials. If funds allow, it is better to choose a more powerful device (2000 W).
As a rule, the cost of wireless irons is formed primarily on the basis of these indicators - the material of the sole and the power of heating elements. Regarding the availability of other functions, it is worth analyzing how much you need them.
Among the most demanded are the anti-drip system, a self-cleaning function of scale.
Reviews
The network can find a lot of reviews, in which wireless irons praise or criticize. Consider the reviews primarily on those devices that we highlighted in the review of devices of this type.
All of them are quite appreciated. Model Philips GC 2088 is often isolated as inexpensive, but powerful and convenient. However, based on the words of buyers, even its power is not enough - strong creases and too thick fabrics may turn out to be unwound.
Iron Philips GC 4810 is praised primarily for functionality and the ability to connect to the network. However, in the mode of wireless operation, it is noted that it is too long to recharge, due to which the ironing process takes a lot of time.
But the model Tefal FV9920E0 users causes a lot of complaints.First of all, the short term of work without recharging and the duration of the charging process itself lead to displeasure. Often you can find a record where users complain about the unpleasant smell of plastic that appears during operation of the iron.
Contrary to the assurances of the manufacturer, it does not pass after several months of using the device.
Another disadvantage is the leakage of the iron, despite the fact that it is equipped with an anti-drop system! The manufacturer recommends to abandon the vertical setting of the device, it should be returned to the base in a horizontal position.
In general, devices from the Philips brand cause the least complaints from users.
Review of another model - in the next video.
