How to choose a travel iron?

Gathering on the road, of the mass of things, people will surely single out for themselves a few of the most necessary, which they will certainly need on a trip. Often such a thing becomes an iron, but the dimensions of a standard appliance do not always allow you to take it with you. Travel iron - an excellent way out of the situation. It will take a bit of space in the bag, while you will always have an immaculate look.

Traveling iron is designed to care for clothes outside the home (on a business trip, traveling, in the country, etc.). As the device assumes transportation, it possesses some features. Firstly, it has a small weight, which ranges from 0.5 kg to 1 kg. Secondly, it is quite compact. Some models fit in the palm of your hand and have a length of up to 20 cm.

As for the handles of such "kids", their designs are also aimed at saving space in the bag. They can be in the form of a protrusion on the surface of the instrument case or act as a separate element. Preference is given to the second option, since the standard handle considerably simplifies and speeds up the process of ironing.

The advantage of mini-irons is ease of use. They are equipped with only the most necessary functions that allow you to quickly put things in order. This category includes a steam system and a steam boost, thanks to which any folds on clothes are smoothed.

A necessary condition for this option is the presence of a water tank. It is most often built into the handle of the device and has a small volume (up to 100 ml). It is closed with a silicone cap, protected from leaking by a special gasket. Such containers are built-in and removable. However, the latter are not particularly welcomed by buyers, as they quickly fail.

Additional features in road irons are steam boost and sprinkler. They are not present in all models.

The devices have several modes of operation, designed for different types of fabrics:

• cotton;
• silk + synthetic;
• wool + mixed matter.

This is very convenient, as it allows not to waste time on the selection of the desired temperature for a particular type of matter. Models are not equipped with simpler modes. They offer a temperature range that also helps smooth out various types of fabrics. In some models, the temperature controller is completely absent, which makes it impossible to care for delicate things.

In most cases, camping irons have similar characteristics, namely:

• small weight;
• compactness;
• presence of the steam function.

But still there are some minor differences. Irons differ among themselves in power, weight, size, volume of the container for the liquid, the material of the sole, etc. The devices and in the design of the handle differ. It is folding and stationary.

Models with a folding handle are divided into positions:

• "push";
• "to yourself".

In the first embodiment, the handle is folded, clinging to the body of the iron. In the second case, it also lies on top or on the side of the case, but its position is achieved by pressing a button at the back of the device. It is possible that the handle, turning 180 °, turns into a brush for vertical steaming.Preference is given to devices with a foldable handle, as they take up less space.

A special type of road iron is represented by a USB model. This portable mini device will fit not only in a traveling bag, but also in a ladies' bag, and even in a pocket. Its feature is that it runs on batteries. If the device is pre-charged via USB-cable, then it can do without them.

Another special type of camping iron is a hand otparivatel. In fact, it is a steam generator that operates exclusively with steam. Easy, convenient and elegant device is simply indispensable on a trip. It will take up very little space in your suitcase, and its value is invaluable.

It allows you to iron things upright. And although he cannot cope with too coarse and dense tissues, he will perfectly smooth out such capricious elements as jabot, pleated hair, flounces, ruffles and other small details. Continuously, the device is able to work for 15 minutes. This is not much, but as a business trip this option is very good.

When choosing a travel iron, first of all, be guided by your needs, financial capabilities and luggage volume. Here are some tips on what to look for in order to get a quality device at an affordable price.

• Weight. Excess cargo on the road to anything, but you should not buy a device with a very small weight, because it can not cope with thick fabrics. Choose a device weighing 700-800 g.
• Compactness. It is provided with a small size, but an important element is a folding handle.
• Power. The optimal rate for a road iron - 1000 watts. An important point in the functioning of a mini-iron is the ability to work from both 220 V and 110 V. A special switch allows you to adjust the modes.
• Water tank. Preference is given to a larger volume.

• The steam supply, which is measured in grams per minute. Possible options: from 10 to 30 g / min. Take a device with an average rate.
• Steam blow. The maximum amount is up to 100 g / min. This indicator copes with super heavyweight fabrics. You can opt for 60-75 g / min.
• Cord length This is an important landmark, since you can not know for sure what conditions you will fall into. The optimal figure is 2 m.
• Case. It is good if a special case is attached to the device. It is required for safe transportation.

One of the important criteria for choosing a walking iron is its sole, or rather, the material from which it is made.

• Aluminum. Very lightweight material that heats up instantly and also cools easily. Its significant disadvantage is increased softness, which is why accidental contact with metal accessories makes the surface unusable. In order to slightly protect the coating, spray coating is applied on it: gel, teflon, ceramic or stainless steel.
• Stainless steel. Reliable, durable coating. Durable, not injured. Qualitatively smooths out any folds. Heats up a little longer than aluminum, and also surpasses it in weight. Despite the rather good performance, manufacturers are trying to improve these soles. They add chrome, sapphire chips, aluminum, titanium. This ensures the durability of the material, improves slip and thermal conductivity, gives strength.

Significant minus - increased fragility. The material is easily injured, and carbon accumulates on the damaged area.

If you decide to choose a manual steamer, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• power - 1500 watts;
• pressure - 3.5 bar and higher;
• steam supply - the more the better;
• metal case;
• minimum of additional functions.

Let these tips help you choose a decent assistant, but still do not forget to focus on your wardrobe first. Perhaps you will deviate from the recommendations.

The modern market is represented by a large variety of models of mini-irons, differing in characteristics and price. But usually preference is given to proven, world-famous manufacturing companies.

• weight - 600 g;
• power - 800 watts;
• non-stick coating;
• network switch;
• steam flow - 30 g / min;
• folding handle;
• streamlined shape;
• cost - 1600 rubles.

• power - 1100 W;
• steam supply - 15 g / min;
• steam blow;
• stainless steel;
• water tank - 40 ml;
• price - 1700 rubles.

• weight - 700 g;
• power - 800 watts;
• non-stick coating;
• rubber inserts on the sole;
• vertical steam;
• case;
• cost - 1800 rubles.

• ceramic sole;
• voltage switch 220/110;
• steam blow - 90 g / min;
• weight - 450 g;
• water tank - 70 ml;
• measuring cup, cover;
• cord - 2 m;
• vertical steaming;
• cost - 1600 rubles.

• stainless steel outsole;
• 200 steam openings;
• long nose, button groove;
• high power;
• folding handle;
• case;
• the cost is 2900 rubles.

Buying a mini flat iron, you can rely on the ratings of various companies. But it is useful to find reviews of real users who have already tried their purchase. According to buyers, two models are especially good.

Vitek VT-1227. This iron received many positive ratings. It has a small size and a folding handle, easy to transport and use. The device is equipped with the most necessary functions. The sole has an antiprigarny covering with openings for steam. Additional outputs evenly distribute it over the surface. In addition to the regular steam feed, there is an option for steam blow. The device allows you to select the temperature mode, equipped with a sprinkler. Its power is 1000 watts. The cost is 1250 rubles.

Scarlett SC-1135S. The device has a constant supply of steam with a regulator of its impact.

Power - 800 W, cost - 1200 rubles.

Thus, we can conclude that the most practical are devices with high power, high-quality sole and minimal set of functions. Only the most necessary characteristics are taken into account. In pricing, preference is given to devices with an average cost.

The road mini-iron becomes for you the irreplaceable device if you often are on business trips or make travel. With him, you no longer have to wrestle with choosing less picky things. The iron will allow you to capture your favorite and comfortable clothes for you, as it will maintain its condition in proper form throughout the trip.

On the pros and cons of road irons from different manufacturers, see the video below.