Iron: variety, selection and repair

It turns out that choosing a good iron for your home is not an easy task. To make the device a universal assistant, you need to take into account a large number of nuances. The complexity of the work depends on the technical characteristics of the device. In the shops you can find various models, characterized by a large set of functions. To become the owner of a durable device, you need to know the positive and negative sides of such devices.

The nichrome spiral located inside the case is heated by electric current. Heat is transferred to the sole. The design of the iron includes a large number of parts. Among them, playing a major role in the operation of the device are:

• spiral;
• thermostat;
• Temperature regulator;
• indicators.

The front panel of most irons is equipped with two buttons: one regulates the force of steam supply, the second moistens the fabric, spraying water through a small hole on the nose of the iron. Water turns into steam after entering a special chamber in which high-power heating elements are located. Under pressure, steam enters the heating chamber. From it through the holes on the sole will fall on the fabric.

This part is considered the main part of the device. Quality of work depends on her condition. Even wet things can be ironed with a good sole for quick drying. Manufacturers produce modern appliances with soles of different materials:

• teflon;
• ceramics;
• sapphire coating.

A special nichrome spiral, equipped with additional ceramic rings, heats the sole. To adjust the heating temperature, a special thermostat is installed. It turns off the power supply, performing the specified mode.

Turning the iron wheel sets the ironing parameters. After the temperature becomes maximum, the thermostat contacts open, the voltage disappears. The bimetallic plates enter the electric circuit of the device. Due to the unequal coefficient of expansion during heating, the deformation of the metal begins to occur. As a result, the plate rises, the electrical contact is interrupted, the anti-drip system ceases to function. All heating devices (kettles, boilers, relays) work according to the same principle.

The classification of modern irons is quite extensive. The main types that are very popular are several designs:

• classic;
• with thermostat;
• with spray gun;
• with anti-droplet system;
• steam;
• road;
• with auto power off.

Ordinary (classic devices) differ in low functionality. There is no laundry moistening system. An electric thermostat is installed that is responsible for the heating temperature of the sole. It is impossible to iron such heavy laundry with this iron, therefore manufacturers produce such a device in small batches. It is practically not bought.Smart devices with automatic shutdown, with a humidification system, as well as other functions are considered the most popular. Irons with autoswitch very much like hostesses.

Before you buy a good iron for home use and for ironing different linens, it is necessary to study its most important technical parameters. After all, we often choose an iron only on the basis of the brand name and its appearance. The study of technical characteristics will help to make the right choice of the modern model. Each housewife decides for herself which sole suits her best. The cost of the device depends on its material. Ceramic outsole is installed on the most expensive models. They are easy to slip, never scratch. Such a sole is easy to clean. The ceramic surface remains warm for a long time.

Aluminum is a great conductor of heat. Such a sole heats up quickly and also cools rapidly. The cost of such a device is low, but it quickly breaks down. Scratches are formed on the sole surface. They spoil the delicate matter, forming puffs, sometimes cuts. Teflon coating is considered excellent. It has an excellent slip, does not stick, there is no possibility of burning. One of the disadvantages of Teflon is its low strength. Any metal button can scratch it.

To facilitate the hostess ironing process, manufacturers produce special stands for a hot iron. For some models, make special wall holders. Modern models are equipped with an additional nozzle on the sole. It allows you to iron fine silk, as well as other products that require special treatment. The nozzle keeps on a sole thanks to special clips.

Steam is supplied through a perforation on the sole. Due to the large number of holes, excellent moistening of the tissue occurs. The location of the holes affects the efficiency of the smoothing. The standard option is considered a large number of pinholes on the nose, as well as the heel of the sole. Large-diameter holes are located on the sides. The spray function is used to moisten the material with a special sprayer. Usually spraying is used to iron a thin cloth when steam is not required.

The steam generator is a separate unit having a heater.installed in the boiler, where steam is formed. Such a system is equipped with only expensive professional models. The main advantage is the speed of ironing. It is several times faster than a conventional electric iron. The only drawback is the large size. Power device is in the range of 200-3200 watts. At the maximum value, the outsole heats up much faster. It takes less time to steam and the process of ironing. In a large family it is better to use powerful devices (2500 W), in a small one you can use an iron of average power (1000-2000 W). On the road, well-proven low-power products (1500 W).

The power value directly affects the power consumption. The most economical devices remain low power. To reduce energy consumption, manufacturers in the design of the device include special energy-saving modes. They allow you to save up to 20% of electricity. The standard wire size is 0.8-4 meters. The most comfortable is 1.9-2.5 meters. There are models that have a wireless connection.They are mounted on a stand equipped with an electric cable. Heating occurs through the stand.

The newest models are available in weight 0.4-11.2 kg. It used to be that the iron should have a lot of weight, so it would be better to iron. In modern devices, weight does not matter much, it does not affect the process of ironing. Low weight makes it easy to maneuver when ironing things, the hand gets tired much less. The weight of the sole for the most part depends on the weight of the iron. The most severe are steel systems. Ceramics weigh much less, and aluminum devices remain the lightest.

In the Russian market there are mainly imported products. European firms produce beautiful and multifunctional devices. The most popular are irons:

• Philips;
• Tefal;
• Bosch;
• Braun;
• Rowenta

This list includes quite expensive manufacturers. The stores offer to sell other devices with the same quality, but lower cost:

• Vitek;
• Polaris;
• Scarlett.

The product is equipped with a steam function. Management does not cause any difficulties in the work. Any hostess can easily use such an iron. Its package includes:

• translucent case;
• water tank (equipped with level markers);
• temperature control;
• buttons for steam supply (mounted on the handle);
• electrical wire.

Benefits:

• robust construction;
• easy ironing;
• low cost

Disadvantages:

• low power;
• there is no system "Antikapla".

The budget option, not inferior to its technological characteristics of the best prestigious models. It has a beautiful appearance. It has a high power of 2400 watts. Allows ironing of any fabric. Thanks to the “Smart Heat” technology, heat is evenly distributed over the surface of the sole. Benefits:

• full self-cleaning;
• prevents the occurrence of scale;
• Antikaplya system installed;
• wire can rotate 360 ​​degrees;
• vertical steam possible;
• There is a heat indicator.

The inexpensive device equipped with all functions which are available on similar expensive systems. Buyers respond to this model only on the positive side. Benefits:

• high power - 2400 W;
• steam supply setting;
• water spraying mechanism;
• self-cleaning soles;
• Prevention of scaling;
• auto power off;
• ceramic sole;
• low cost

The failure of the Soviet or imported apparatus is mainly associated with illiterate exploitation of the apparatus. Sometimes the iron breaks due to power surges. It is quite difficult to repair the iron at home, as it is not always possible to immediately determine the fault. However, there are several characteristic signs that allow you to quickly find the fault.

• After electricity supply, the indicator light does not light up, the sole does not heat up. First you need to look at the outlet. She just may not give the current. The second source of failure may be a break in the power cord. Sometimes it just blows the fuse due to high temperature.
• The indicator light came on, but there is no heat. The cause of the fault is related to the heating element. The fuse may have blown.The work of these parts provides power to the sole.

• After the steam supply, fragments of scale on the surface of the sole become visible. Visible rusty water. Such a problem arises from the ingress of water to electrical parts. When the elements of the switched on device are in contact with moisture, an electrochemical reaction occurs, gradually destroying the metal. This process becomes stronger if the water contains a lot of salts and various impurities.
• A fairly common failure is the failure of the steam system. It happens that the on / off button of this function is strongly pressed, however steam supply does not occur.

To disassemble the iron, you must first turn it off from the network. Then you need to remove the back cover, then very carefully remove both buttons, on which the adjustment of the steam supply depends. The buttons are held on the sleeves due to the friction force. Then unscrew the fastening screw of the plastic handle. A steam supply pump is installed under it, as well as a pump that supplies water to the surface of the sole, in order to generate steam.

In order not to engage in repair of the iron, you must follow a few mandatory rules for its use. The iron joins in a network only before work. Repair should be done only with dry hands. The device must be disassembled on a solid, impermeable, heat-resistant coating.

How to repair the iron with their own hands, see the following video.