An iron with a steam generator will make it possible to eliminate a stack of smoothed linen 2 times faster, provide decontamination and help to clean the surfaces. How to choose such a device and what models are included in the rating of the best devices, we learn from this article.
Primary requirements
An iron with a steam generator is a device consisting of a steam station and an iron. They are connected by a steam hose. Water heating and steam formation occurs at the station, from where it moves to the iron. The latter has a sole with many perforations, from where the steam comes out. Due to the high temperatures of steam, such a device not only smoothes tissues, but also destroys bacteria, in some cases allows to remove stains.
The sole of the iron can be made of aluminum. In this case, the device usually has a democratic cost. However, it should be remembered that such a sole is quickly scratched, which causes the appearance of puffs and stains on the fabric. Another type of metal surface is stainless steel. This is a more durable and reliable coating. The stainless steel heats up quickly and keeps heat for a long time, optimally suitable for ironing dry clothes and dense fabrics.
One of the popular types of coating is ceramics. Such an iron easily slides over various types of fabrics, characterized by low weight. However, ceramics is a fragile material, so an iron with such a sole is vulnerable to physical damage. The best option is the combination of metal with ceramics or teflon. Many well-known manufacturers produce irons with a metal-ceramic sole.
There are many requirements for ironing with a steam generator, but the main ones are high power levels, the presence of several modes of steam supply, safety and ease of operation.
Top best appliances
To highlight the best devices should determine the criteria by which they are evaluated. In this case, it is power, tank volume, sole features, mode of operation, mass and other functions. The review got the products of the brands Philips and Tefal, slightly inferior to them Bosch and Braun. Consider the most popular models that are appreciated by experts and preferred by buyers.
Such is the model Philips GC 9222that is a steam station with an iron. The unit has a power of 2400 W, which allows it to quickly heat the water, turning it into steam and giving out 120 ml of steam per minute. There is a heat stroke function, steam intensity is 300 ml / min.
Of the advantages of this model, users note a long power cord, a self-cleaning system from scale (however, despite its presence, you should use a special liquid or at least boiled water). The ceramic sole easily slides on all fabrics, without leaving marks and hooks, and the system of an automatic warming up will independently choose the necessary temperature, considering fabric composition. The device can be used for vertical steaming. At the same time, thanks to the anti-drip system, water from the iron will not flow down, trying to burn a hand or leave a stain on things. Cost - from 17 000 rubles.
Slightly less expensive is the model Tefal GV8461However, in its functionality it is almost the same as described above. It is a stable and reliable unit, having a long self-wound wire. The device has a removable water tank and a ceramic sole, developed by the brand itself.It is equipped with a self-cleaning function, but it is necessary to select the heating temperature in manual mode. However, a number of users see this as a plus.
According to its power model Tefal GV8461 inferior to the model described above, in this case, this figure is equal to 2200 watts. In this regard, the force of steam supply decreases, in the model from Tefal it is equal to 120 ml / min, with a steam blow - 260 ml / min.
There is a vertical ironing function. Generally speaking, the iron copes even with complex tissues, dried laundry and strong creases. It is suitable for processing delicate materials, complex styles.
The next favorite of buyers is an iron with a steam generator. Bosch TDS 6010. It can also be attributed to the premium segment models. The power of the device is 2400 W, so the steam supply is 120 ml / min. It is possible to activate a powerful steam stroke, the strength of which is 350 ml / min. The unit boasts a roomy 1.5-liter boiler, and if necessary, you can add water right during operation. Filters are built into the system, which prevents the formation of scale, and there is also an automatic cleaning function and automatic shutdown.
It is possible to use the model for steaming in an upright position. We should also talk about the sole, which is a metal-ceramic coating. This makes it possible to quickly heat and maintain heat for a long time, the sole ideally slides over different types of fabrics and is not afraid of mechanical damage.
Another steam generator that is in demand and customer confidence is represented by a model. Braun IS 5043WH. The sole of the device is oxidized aluminum, so you can talk about the reliability and durability of the device. In general, this model is considered the most successful in the line of this brand. This is largely due to the peculiarities of the sole. The latter has raised edges and evenly spaced perforations for steam release. Coupled with excellent technical characteristics, this allows the model to cope with different types of fabrics, over-dried laundry and makes vertical steaming real.
Model power Braun IS 5043WH - 2400 W. The power of continuous steam supply is 120 ml / min, with a steam blow, it increases to 340 ml / min. Boiler volume - 1.4 l. Of the useful features - the presence of a self-cleaning system of scale, the automatic shutdown function at a certain time of inactivity of the iron. However, there is no automatic temperature selection system. The average cost of the last two models described is 15,000 rubles.
Price from 10 000 and excellent technical capabilities - this is how the model from the already mentioned French brand can be described. Iron Tefal GV6733 It has a capacity of 2200 W, continuous steam power - 100 ml / min, with a steam blow - 240 ml / min. The volume of the water tank is 1.5 liters. But if during operation the liquid is not enough, it can be topped up without disconnecting the unit. One of the useful "bells and whistles" is considered automatic selection of steam supply depending on the type of fabric.
Supermodern model can be called Tefal GV9080 with steam at 120 ml / min and heavy-duty steam blow. Indicators of the latter are 500 ml / min. The device has many useful features that not every model of other famous brands has. Among the most loved by users are auto selection of the intensity of steam supply depending on the characteristics of fabrics, eco-function, the ability to add water during operation, the ability to steam up vertically arranged things and the presence of a button groove on the sole of the iron.
Metal-ceramic surface easily slides on fabrics and is safe for all types of material. Auto-winding of the cord, self-cleaning system and self-disconnection, as well as the presence of a special storage case make using the model even more convenient.
How to choose?
When choosing an iron with a steam generator, you should evaluate it by the following criteria.
Device power
This indicator affects the heating rate and the rate of steam supply. The higher the power factor, the more specified parameters. At the same time more powerful devices absorb and a greater amount of electricity. The minimum power is 800 watts, the maximum is 3100 watts. For a home, a model with a power of 1700-2000 W or a bit more is enough. In the considered models, this figure is in the range of 2200-2400 watts. If we are talking about a cordless iron with a steam generator, then its power should be at least 2000-2200 watts.
The use of more powerful irons for domestic purposes is inappropriate from the point of view of economy.
Steam supply intensity
This indicator determines how quickly ironing of things will occur, as well as the ability of the iron to smooth out over-dried fabrics, strong creases. The higher the intensity of steam, the better and faster the device strips. The average with continuous steam supply is a force of 100-120 ml / min. It is important that the device has the option of a steam boost, that is, the possibility of a one-time increase in the intensity of steam supply. As a rule, the intensity of the steam blow exceeds the continuous flow rates by a factor of 2-3.
Tank volume
The higher this figure, the longer you can use the steam generator without adding water. If we are talking about irons with the function of steaming, then the volume of the tank is on average 200-500 ml. Boilers of more powerful models contain up to 1.5-2 liters of water. Consider this criterion as the main should be only if you iron often and in large quantities. In this case, it makes sense to look for devices with the possibility of topping up water during operation.
Sole
It can be made of various materials. The peculiarities of each variety were discussed above. When buying it is important to assess the condition - on the surface should not be burrs, damage. There are models with a uniform distribution of perforations for the release of steam, as well as devices in which most of the holes are concentrated in the bow. The choice of one or another option is everyone’s business. The nose of the device should be pointed. Then it will be easier for you to iron children's things, small details, the space between the buttons.
Security
Most of the modern models of world manufacturers have the option to automatically turn off the device at a certain time interval of inactivity. Well, if the steam generator, designed for vertical stripping, also has a protective mitten and a rubberized handle.
Anti-scale system
An important function for irons with a steam generator, which allows you to extend the "life" of the device and protects the fabric from stains. Despite the availability of this option, it is not recommended to pour tap liquid into the boiler, as this provokes the formation of scale. It is better to buy a special liquid or take distilled or boiled water.
Different modes of operation
The device should be able to regulate the temperature and intensity of steam supply based on the type of fabric. Some users prefer units where this function is performed automatically, others say that such a setting can only be done manually. Which option to choose is up to you, but one thing is clear for sure - for each fabric, the device should give an opportunity to select its own mode.
As for the functions, you should understand which of the presented in this or that device will be most necessary for you. It makes no sense to overpay for those options that you are unlikely to use. It is worth assessing the length of the steam hose or the power cable. The larger it is, the more mobile and maneuverable the iron will be. Take the iron in your hands, hold it, make movements simulating ironing. If the device seems heavy, the handle is too thick or thin, give up the purchase. Notice how the steam release function is activated.If you need to press or hold a tight button for this, it is better to spend time searching for a device with an easier switch.
Finally, it is always safer to purchase a device from well-known brands, if only because they provide service guarantees, have offices throughout the country.
Reviews
Most users buy irons of famous brands. According to user feedback, Philips irons demonstrate functionality, reliability and durability. Some complain of excessive noise during topping up the water, although this can hardly be considered a serious drawback. There are online charges against the Philips GC 9222 model in that cotton clothes and underwear are not smoothly smoothed out.
Good feedback has products from the manufacturer Tefal. However, it is not uncommon for users to say that even after 4-5 times of use, a plastic smell is felt when working.
There are also reviews that can be filled with tap water in the device, which does not contribute to the formation of scale. In this, users see the merit of a powerful protection system, but the manufacturer strongly recommends not using such experiments.
How to choose an iron with a steam generator, see the following video.
