Can the steamer replace the iron?

Iron or steamer? A similar question arises when the old device is no longer happy or broke, and it is time to buy something new. An iron is an important appliance for a home; you cannot delay buying it. Therefore, let's quickly find out whether to choose an iron with a steam generator or a steamer for a home.

To do this, we will explore the features of one and the other, and in the end we will show you what to look for when buying. You just have to decide what is more suitable for you.

Steam iron

A wide selection of irons allows you to choose a device for every taste:

• with a narrow sole and holes on the nose - for clothes with a large number of details;
• with a wide sole rounded at the back - for bedding, tablecloths and the like;
• miniature - for travel;
• with constant steam supply - for quick smoothing of delicate tissue;
• with steam boost - to remove naughty folds from flax or cotton.

In irons, water is heated from the heater located in the sole. In order for it to boil, you must turn on the device at maximum power, and when the steam goes out, set the heating control to the type of fabric that you are going to iron.

In addition to steaming, many models have a sprinkler on their spouts to soften the most naughty folds on things with water droplets. The wire connecting the iron to the network is sometimes removed, which allows the iron to work autonomously for some time at any distance from the outlet. This is especially true when you need to steam the hanging curtains.

But there are still some inconveniences in electric irons, otherwise steam generators would not have been created.

1. High initial temperature of the sole is often the cause of burning things from synthetic fabrics.
2. Manufacturers do not always equip irons with a cord sufficient for a comfortable ironing length.
3. The volume of the water tank is 200-300 ml, the maximum is 400 ml.
4. The time for using steam is limited by the volume of the tank: you do not always have time to iron all things.
5. The vapor pressure on the fabric leaves much to be desired: the iron does not always cope with over-dried shirts made of natural materials. You have to make efforts to even out the fabric.
6. Filled with water, the device weighs a lot.
7. The hand gets tired, because first you need to lift a weighty iron, and then press harder on the fabric.

Despite the shortcomings, the main plus of the electric iron is its price. This makes him an indispensable assistant in the household.

Steamer

The main thing that distinguishes the steamer from a simple iron with a steam generator is its dimensions. It is massive and seems clumsy. When you look at him, the question arises: where to put you to stroke. And you won’t take such a unit on the road, and it’s not very convenient to wear it to the curtains. In general, doubts whether it is worth replacing the iron with a steamer arise at first glance. And when you look at its value, then from the second too.

Let's explore this miracle of technology in more detail. We carefully consider its functions and features.

Storage tank

A large boiler, which holds up to 2.5 liters of liquid (10 times more than in an electric iron!), Allows you not to think about the fact that the water will soon end. In addition, steam is supplied under pressure, which makes it possible to smooth out even folded in several layers or thick fabric: this significantly saves ironing time and your strength. Electricity, by the way, too.

The cord from the outlet goes to the boiler, and from it - the combined steam hose and a new cable. The total distance from the outlet reaches 3 meters, allowing you to choose a convenient place for ironing.

Iron

The weight of the iron in the steam generator is small, as is the size: all the liquid is heated separately. The hand does not have time to get tired for several reasons:

• light weight ironing;
• powerful outgoing steam;
• no need to put pressure on the surface of clothes.

The ironing structure is simple: a sole with a heating element and a temperature regulator. There is no difference between the soles in different types of devices. They are made of steel, ceramic, titanium or aluminum with protective layers for improved gliding.

The initial temperature on the steam generator iron is set immediately in accordance with the type of material to be ironed. This protects the fabric from the danger of being burned. A malfunctioning indicator light will show that there is enough steam to start the process.

Can the steamer replace the iron?

The answer to the most important question, whether to buy a steamer instead of an iron, depends on what you often use the iron for.

1. If you need to appear in the office every day in a strict suit, and they require an official clothing style from children at school, then you definitely have something to iron on. The question is, what is more convenient to iron shirts, with a steam generator or a steamer, is not worth it. The steam generator will cope faster, less effort will be spent. Remains the price.
2. When there is really nothing to iron, then it does not make sense to spend money on buying an ultramodern unit: it will simply gather dust together. Modern irons with an integrated water tank can handle a couple of shirts and trousers. And new technologies for supplying and distributing steam will delight the device with the ability to smooth wrinkles.
3. If your work is connected with business trips, and your family is waiting at home, then you can not choose between an iron or a steamer for clothes, but make a smart move: for your family - a steam generator, for trips - a small steam iron. And everyone will benefit.

In general, a steam generator can successfully replace an iron almost always, except for travel.

How to make a choice?

To enjoy using the iron, it is important not only to make the right choice of type of appliance. Not the last place is occupied by such details as the sole, tank, cleaning and safety systems, cable length. If it is clear with the cable length that the larger it is, the more convenient it is to use, then we will deal with other parameters in more detail.

Sole

Pay closer attention to the material from which it is made.

• Aluminum. The device is lighter, cheaper. A feature of aluminum soles is that they leave a gloss on woolen things, are difficult to clean and prone to deformation. Protective coatings are applied to aluminum to remove negative effects: ceramics or an oxidized outer layer. Then the sole slides and cleans better, but the price of the device rises.
• Steel. The steel sole is heated unevenly for a long time, but it is difficult to scratch it. The device is heavy due to the high density of the substance, but will last a long time without breakdowns. The price of devices with steel soles is low. To improve gliding, heating and cleaning, they are coated with a ceramic, Teflon coating. Accordingly, the price will rise.
• Ceramics. Pure ceramics are rare, because its main feature is fragility. The sole is unstable to falls: it splits. In such cases, the device remains to be thrown out. In everything else: thermal conductivity, slip, cleaning - the ceramic sole pleases. Apply a ceramic coating to a steel or aluminum sole.

Consider the holes in the sole:

• Holes on the spout allow you to easily iron hard-to-reach spots.
• The recesses, the grooves emanating from the holes, create a steam cushion between the sole and the fabric, allowing you to steam the laundry well.

The shape matters to you ironing more. A wide and rounded sole will quickly cope with large areas of fabric, while a miniature sole will allow maneuvering between folds and ruffles.

Storage tank

There are several parts in the tank that deserve attention when choosing an iron or steam generator.

1. Check if the boiler can be removed to fill it with water or drain it. This option makes the use of the device convenient.
2. Evaluate the fluid hole: its shape, size.
3. If the container is transparent, then you do not need a measuring cup.
4. Is a descaling filter provided?

Additional options

Among the additional features will be two: convenience and security.

1. Convenience includes:
   • descaling filter (replaceable, permanent);
   • self-cleaning system (special button on the iron);
   • mode of protection against the exit of droplets of steam condensate when the device is turned on;
   • the weight;
   • steam supply mode:
     • constant;
     • automatic or manual adjustment;
     • is there a steam boost.
   • vertical steaming;
2. Security systems are:
   • self-shutdown of a device that is not moving (see how long it takes);
   • blocking the operation of the device during rollover;
   • A click is heard when the iron is ready for use.

Pay attention to the saturation of the steam flow, power consumption, as well as the manufacturer. When planning to buy a branded iron, study its characteristics on the official website so as not to run into a fake when buying.

Have a good choice!