Iron, steam generator or steamer: what to choose?
Iron
An ordinary household iron has been helping people tidy up their clothes for many decades and is still a must-have appliance in many families. Years pass, manufacturers improve materials and add new technologies, but the principle of operation of the iron remains the same: thanks to the internal heating element, the soleplate reaches a predetermined temperature and, in contact with the fabric, smoothes out wrinkles and bruises.
High-quality sole materials (ceramics, Teflon, cermets, titanium, etc.), which are used in modern models, provide easy sliding in any direction, are easy to clean and have non-stick properties. All irons have a temperature regulator that allows you to select the optimal heating depending on the type of fabric. But there are also more advanced devices with automatic temperature control function. Simply put, the device applies one safe temperature that is suitable for all materials suitable for ironing.
In addition, almost all modern irons have a steam generation function, that is, they are designed not only for dry ironing, but also for steaming. Steam penetrates deep into the fibers, copes more effectively with complex folds and “capricious” fabrics, and also eliminates unpleasant odors and disinfects things, destroying bacteria, viruses and allergens. To implement this function, the irons are equipped with built-in water tanks, which are then heated and released in the form of steam through holes on the sole.
Irons have several more subtypes:
Road. As the name suggests, these are devices that help keep clothes looking neat while on vacation, a business trip or other trips - in general, outside the home. Such models are compact in dimensions so as not to take up much space in a bag or suitcase, and often have a folding handle to further reduce the dimensions. But still, travel irons are not as effective as regular household irons: due to their compact dimensions, they are less powerful, take longer to iron fabric, and may even not be able to cope with dense, coarse materials.
Cordless are irons that appeared not so long ago, the main feature of which is cordless operation. More precisely, this term is exaggerated, because the device cannot work completely without a wire and a network connection. It’s just that these irons come with special stands, and they are equipped with cords for connecting to an outlet. While on the stand, the sole heats up; as soon as you remove the device, the heating stops. But this is still enough to iron one side, and while you turn the item over, the sole again reaches the optimal temperature on the stand. Although this is not completely wireless work, it is still much more convenient than conventional ironing: the wire does not get tangled under your arms and legs, and the stand can be installed in any place convenient for you.
Iron with steam generator
Essentially, this is the same regular iron, only with a steam station in addition - so to speak, an improved version of the steam iron. The device consists of several parts: water boils in a large stand tank, is converted into steam, enters the iron under pressure through a special hose and exits through the steam holes. Otherwise, the principle of operation is exactly the same. The settings are also no different: there is a regulator for selecting the temperature mode, permanent steam supply or burst of steam, and additional options such as eco mode are also possible.
Steamer
The steamer differs from the classic iron and steam generator radically - both in appearance and in equipment. As the name suggests, it is designed for steaming only and does not have a dry ironing function. Here, too, water is poured into a special tank, heated and released in the form of steam through holes in the sole.
Depending on the dimensions and design, steamers come in several types:
Handheld - compact and lightweight devices that do not require much storage space and can be used at home or while traveling. Considering their dimensions, such models cannot boast of high power and flow Rate, as well as a spacious water tank - usually the tank volume is no more than 300 - 400 ml. Therefore, they are designed to process a small amount of clothing - otherwise you will have to be distracted quite often to add water.
Stationary - floor steamers, which consist of a stand, a capacious water tank and an iron connected by a long hose, from which steam comes out. The dimensions and design of such models allow for longer and more convenient work, especially if you choose a device with a telescopic stand that can be adjusted in height and a small ironing board so that you can iron things both vertically and horizontally. In addition, the equipment may include hangers, trouser clips, weights for straightening clothes and wheels for moving and transporting a stationary steamer.
Mannequin steamers are a not very common type of steamer that is made in the shape of the upper body or legs of a person. You need to put the item on the mannequin, as a result of which it acquires the required shape and is fixed in the correct position, preventing the appearance of new folds. Such models are not very popular, as they take up a lot of space and, to be honest, look quite strange.
Ironing systems and ironing presses
In addition, for a more serious approach to ironing, there are ironing systems and ironing presses. In the first case, you receive a complete set of everything necessary for ironing: an ironing board and an iron with a steam generator, which in most cases are supplemented with useful functions such as heating the board, blowing, steam suction, etc. And the ironing press, as the name suggests, is is a device with two halves that press against each other and straighten the fabric located between them. There are also steam cleaners with iron that clean the house and iron clothes. All these devices are not cheap, so they are not as popular as ordinary irons, steam generators and steamers.
Main differences, advantages and disadvantages
First of all, let's figure out what the difference is between irons and irons with a steam generator. Models with a steam station are more powerful and durable, which means they produce steam more intensely. If conventional irons have a continuous steam supply rate of about 30 - 50 g/min, then a steam generator has several times higher rates: 100 - 150 g/min with permanent steaming and 200 - 400 g/min (or even higher) with exhaust short burst of steam. The steam is supplied under high pressure (6 - 8 bar), so it quickly smoothes out wrinkles and easily copes with dense materials. Accordingly, ironing takes less time. Although the steam generator takes longer to heat up : if the iron is ready for use in 30 - 60 seconds, then the steam station requires several minutes for this.
In addition, the presence of a spacious water tank makes it possible to iron a large amount of laundry. For comparison, a steam generator tank holds about 1.5 - 2 liters of water, and a classic iron tank holds a maximum of 400 - 500 ml. But at the same time , devices with a steam generator are often more expensive and take up more space, since the water tanks are large. Standard irons are more weighty, since the water tank is built directly into the body, while with a steam generator they are separated into a separate container, which acts as a stand. In fact, you don’t need to constantly lift it - only when carrying it from storage to the ironing board.
Steamers, unlike irons, work contactless, that is, the sole does not come into contact with the fabric (although it all depends on the specific model and manufacturer’s recommendations). This prevents nasty shiny, dirty marks or worse, burnt marks. Steamers are designed for vertical steaming, which means an ironing board is not necessary. Although, as we have already mentioned, there are models equipped with vertical supports, ironing boards and mini-irons, which work on the same principle as irons. In any case, this expands the scope of action: you can steam not only clothes and bedding, but also hanging curtains, upholstery, pillows, children's's toys, etc. By the way, almost all irons (both regular and with a steam generator) have a vertical steam function, which makes them a kind of analogue of a steamer, but using them in a vertical position is not so convenient: the iron is heavy, quickly causes discomfort to the hand, and water can simply flow out of the sole, especially in low-power devices without a steam generator, because After all, the iron is primarily intended for dry ironing, and the steamer is intended for generating steam.
In a steamer, the steam temperature is usually lower - no more than 100°C, while in a steam generator the heating can reach 180 - 200°C. Due to this, the steamer is more gentle on the fabric and does not spoil the decor on the product. The steam supply power of such devices is often less than that of steam generators. For manual models, this figure does not exceed 30 - 40 g/min, for stationary models - up to 100 g/min. As is the case with the types of irons, the volume of the water tank also differs: for compact hand-held steamers it is 200–400 ml, for stationary steamers it is 1.5–2 liters and even more. The design also affects the weight and heating time: manual devices are very lung and convenient, but require frequent topping up of water. A device with a stand and a capacious tank is larger and heavier, but has a long battery life.
Thus, each of the devices described above has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Iron
Advantages:
- requires little storage space;
- convenient for transportation, especially if it is a travel model with a folding handle;
- relatively affordable price;
- a familiar device with a simple and understandable operating principle.
Flaws:
- For proper work, an ironing board or other flat surface is required;
- small water tank - no more than 500 ml;
- an iron filled with water is massive enough to be held with an outstretched hand;
- Contact with a very hot sole may damage the delicate material.
Iron with steam generator
Advantages:
- powerful steam supply and strong steam boost;
- A spacious water tank provides long battery life.
Flaws:
- large dimensions and weight;
- takes longer to heat up;
- higher price.
Steamer
Advantages:
- vertical steaming: no need for an ironing board, you can conveniently iron things hanging on a hanger;
- steam is supplied uninterruptedly, you do not have to constantly press the button and periodically wait for the water to heat up;
- steam is gentle on the fabric and does not damage it;
- there is no contact of the heated sole with the material;
- the package may include various attachments;
- less weight.
Flaws:
- stationary models have an overall vertical stand of up to 180 cm, and manual devices are designed for only 15 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted operation;
- lower power and speed of steam supply (compared to irons with a steam generator).
What to choose for what
So, we’ve sorted out the differences, pros and cons, but the question still remains open: which is better? There is no exact answer, because everything depends on many factors, primarily on the volume of ironing and the type of fabric. The iron is suitable for normal everyday use - if you periodically need to iron trousers, sweaters and other items made of different materials. A heated sole with the addition of steam smoothes complex fabrics like linen and cotton well, but problems may arise with decorative elements: the tip of the sole copes with hard-to-reach places such as collars, cuffs and pockets, but it is better not to contact rhinestones, beads, sequins and other decorations with a hot surface .
You definitely cannot take an iron with a steam generator with you on a trip - this device is only for use at home or in the studio. High power, steam output and amount of water make it an ideal option for large ironing: if you need to iron several sets of bed linen, children's's and adult clothes, towels and outerwear. Simply put, this is a good helper for large families where they iron often and a lot. Unlike a regular iron, steam generators get the work done faster and are easier to handle multi-layered items and thick, rough materials. And we are not talking about jeans here, but about winter jackets, coats and raincoats. In addition, intensive generation of steam under high pressure not only smoothes out wrinkles, but also disinfects, eliminating bacteria and viruses. This is especially true for families with children's and people with allergies.
A steamer can be called a more universal device, because it can process clothes, curtains, bedding, upholstered furniture and children's's toys. True, once you get the hang of it, you can do this using a powerful iron with a vertical steam function, but a steamer is much more convenient. Such devices are not suitable for ironing bed linen, but they have no equal when processing products with a lot of ruffles, lace, embroidery, stickers, rhinestones and other decorative elements. After all, the heated sole does not come into contact with the product, which means it cannot damage it. In addition, steam effectively smoothes out creases in hard-to-reach places, eliminates unpleasant odors, delicately processes thin fabrics and does not create new creases, which often occurs when the sole of the iron slides. A steamer is more convenient in situations where you need to quickly put clothes in order: it heats up quickly and allows you to work with things directly on the hanger. This means you don’t have to waste time getting and laying out the ironing board. That is why steamers are used not only at home, but also in studios and clothing stores.
At the same time, steamers are not so powerful, so they are not intended for heavily wrinkled items made from “capricious” materials. Simply put, they can also refresh outer clothing, but if there are a lot of folds and creases on it, an iron with a steam generator will do the work better. The steamer is suitable for those users whose wardrobe contains a lot of suits, silk dresses, school uniforms and shirts. By the way, keep in mind that such devices will not make arrows on trousers - for this you need either an iron included with a stationary steamer, or a regular iron.
In general, for one or several people with an average wardrobe who do not iron things too often, a standard household iron is suitable. For frequent, serious ironing of thick, complex fabrics and large amounts of laundry - an iron with a steam generator. You can take a compact handheld steamer with you on vacation or a business trip, or use it at home to periodically refresh one or two items. If in the morning, before school or work, you need to quickly iron and put in order several sets of clothes, a stationary steamer will become a convenient lifesaver.
For convenience, we have compiled a table comparing the characteristics of ordinary household irons, irons with a steam generator, and hand-held and stationary steamers.
| Iron | Iron with steam generator | Hand steamer | Stationary steamer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Small | Dimensional | Compact and lightweight | Long stand and large water tank |
| Power | On average 2000 – 3000 W | 2500 – 3000 W or more | 1500 – 2000 W | About 2000 W or more |
| Steam output | 30 – 50 g/min | 100 – 150 g/min | 30 – 40 g/min | Up to 100 g/min |
| Heating time | 30 – 60 seconds | About 2 – 3 minutes | 30 – 40 seconds | 1 – 1.5 minutes |
| Water tank volume | 200 – 400 ml | 1.5 – 2 liters | 200 – 400 ml | 1 – 2 liters |
| Additional attachments | - | - | + | + |
| Ironing | Casual clothes, bed linen | Casual wear, bed linen, multi-layered items, outerwear, thick and complex materials | Several sets of casual clothes, especially from delicate fabrics, not too wrinkled items, children's's toys, curtains, pillows, upholstery | Casual clothes, suits, items made from delicate fabrics, with decorative elements (embroidery, frills, lace, beads, sequins), children's's toys, curtains, pillows, upholstery |
| Optional equipment | Need an ironing board | Need an ironing board | Vertical steaming of clothes hanging on a hanger | Vertical steaming of clothes hanging on a hanger; equipment may include a support, ironing board, clips, weights, etc. |
| Price | Low | More expensive than a regular iron | Low | At the level of an iron with a steam generator or higher (depending on equipment and functions) |
Conclusion
To summarize, there is no universal answer to the question “Which is better: an iron, a steam generator or a steamer?” we don’t, because each of them has its own advantages, disadvantages and features of purpose. However, after reading this article, you can easily make your choice. If you are a perfectionist and seriously care about the appearance of your clothes, it may not hurt you to have several devices - an iron/steam generator and a steamer, since they have some common functions, but still are not a complete replacement for each other.
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