If you want to look tidy every day, buy a high-quality iron. Now that there are a huge number of these devices on store shelves, how to choose the most suitable option that guarantees the most effective result? Externally, irons are very similar, but may differ in their characteristics. Let's try to figure out how to choose an iron for home use, what criteria should be paid attention first of all.
Content
What are irons
The first electric iron familiar to us was invented at the end of the 19th century, the second half of the 20th century was marked by the appearance of industrial models that use steam while ironing. As it turned out, choosing a good iron is not easy. If before these devices practically did not differ from each other, today they have different characteristics, so very often you can hear: "Advise how to choose a good iron."
Modern irons are:
- ordinary;
- with thermostat and water spray;
- appliances equipped with a steam generator.
At present, meeting ordinary irons is quite difficult, as they are superseded by more progressive models. They perform dry ironing, in which the fabric straightens under the weight of the iron. The temperature of the sole can reach 200 degrees. Often, such models are equipped with a mechanical regulator.
The second option is irons that use the water spray function. Now you do not need to use a spray gun to wet the product.
Steam iron is considered the most popular in everyday life. In this case, the fabric is affected by three factors: weight, hot sole and steam with a temperature of 99 degrees. This multifunctional device is equipped with a heating element that heats the water tank. This effect will smooth out any wrinkles. Steaming is horizontal and vertical. The first option significantly speeds up ironing, making the procedure as safe as possible for the fabric, with the second there is no contact with the fabric, things are processed directly from the hanger.
It is especially worth highlighting the road devices, characterized by small dimensions. Such miniature devices have a minimum number of functions, easily fit even in a small bag.
Criterias of choice
We examined what ironing devices are, it's time to figure out which iron is best to buy, what to look for when choosing. Consider the main characteristics of irons, which are worth considering when buying.
Power
This parameter directly affects the amount of energy consumed and the speed of the device. Low-power models (up to 1600 W) do a good job of smoothing the main types of fabrics. Medium-power devices (up to 1800 watts) guarantee fast ironing of strongly creased things. Experts recommend buying such an iron to families of three or more people. Powerful models (respectively from 2000 W) heat up and iron very quickly and efficiently. Those wishing to purchase these devices should understand that they are quite energy-consuming, therefore it is better to look for options with a special economical mode.
Sole
The best iron for the home is the model that has the highest quality work surface. The material from which it is made affects how it will be used, in particular how the hot sole comes in contact with the fabric. In addition, the cost of the device depends on the material of the sole. There are several types of coating of the base of the iron.
Aluminum is the lightest, most inexpensive, easy to clean material. Such a surface heats up quickly, cools down just as quickly. The lack of an aluminum sole is the appearance of scratches during careless operation, as well as the likelihood of damage to delicate fabrics by high temperatures.
Many manufacturers continue to experiment with metal, creating more durable compounds:
- Eloxa - Electrolyte Oxidized Aluminum (Brown);
- DURAgliss - anodized aluminum (Electrolux);
- SteamGlide or Careeza - metal coated with several layers of composite materials;
- CeraniumGlissee by Bosch and Ultragliss Diffusion by Tefal - aluminum coated with ceramic.
Buying an iron with a stainless steel sole is a good solution. These devices are characterized by practicality, reliability, resistance to mechanical damage, easy gliding, affordable price. The minus is insignificant - they are more severe than the previous group, they heat up for a long time, and cool for as long.
Stainless steel is striking in its wear resistance, so manufacturers prefer to use this material as the basis:
- Saphir - processing of a steel coating with sapphire powder;
- Palladium-glisse - palladium coating;
- Granit glissee - application of enamel on a steel base;
- Microsteam - the sole obtained through the use of laser technology.
The device with a ceramic sole is the best iron for ironing capricious and delicate fabrics. This modern material guarantees excellent glide, the highest quality ironing at any temperature. The disadvantage of this sole is the fragility of the material, the appearance of soot, which is difficult to get rid of. To improve the properties of ceramics, manufacturers practice the addition of nickel, chromium, and other alloys:
- Ultragliss diffusion - cermet corrugated sole with a rounded back;
- Cera glisse - An improved version of Granit glissee (an alloy of aluminum with ceramics);
- NanoIonic Stream - interspersed tourmaline in the structure of the ceramic base.
Teflon sole perfectly copes with the tasks, shows excellent results at all temperatures, smooths delicate fabrics well. However, this base also has drawbacks: fragility, poorly cleaned from contamination.
The best iron is a device with a titanium work surface. Although such models are not so common due to their high cost, the coating is characterized by special strength, durability, and ease of cleaning from residual adherent tissue.
A removable sole is a good solution that allows you to work with delicate and very crumpled things.
Functions
New models of irons are quite multifunctional, we will analyze the most common modes.
- Dry ironing. This mode is used mainly for delicate products.
- Steam supply constant. Holes located on the sole are needed to supply hot steam. The latter instantly acts on the fabric, smoothing the existing folds. Naturally, the quality of ironing depends on the number of holes: the more there are, the better the result. Each manufacturer has its own holes. This parameter characterizes the steam flow rate, which varies from 10 to 150 g / min. If we choose an iron with the maximum figure, it is important to consider the size of the container. It should be roomy.
- Steam boost. This mode is important when you need to smooth too crumpled things, as well as hard to reach places. It is enough to press the desired button, as a powerful stream of steam rushes to the fabric, softening it as much as possible. In this way, you can even get rid of deep folds. The best option is irons having an indicator of 90-120 g / min. Conventional steam irons give off steam after a certain time. Models with a steam generator are equipped with a steam tank, therefore they guarantee its continuous supply.
- Self cleaning. This ability provides descaling of the tank. To start the process, click the appropriate button. In some models, the steam boost button is responsible for self-cleaning.
- Anti-drop mode. The uniqueness of the function is the prevention of water leakage during the operation of the iron. This option is especially valuable for fabrics prone to stains or stains.
- Steaming horizontal / vertical. In the first case, the iron is in contact with the thing, in the second - the steam acts on the fabric from a certain distance.
- Auto power off.If the iron is in a horizontal position for 30 seconds or is stationary for more than 10 minutes, this function will simply turn it off, thus protecting the house from fire.
additional characteristics
An important role in the purchase of any equipment is played by design or appearance, because it is always nice to use beautiful equipment, although often outwardly interesting products are uncomfortable in operation. Weight, dimensions, handle comfort, cord length are parameters that should also be taken into account when choosing an iron.
The device with a narrow sole perfectly copes with ironing in hard-to-reach places, a wide base is suitable for large surfaces. It is more convenient to hold a light iron in your hand, however, it adheres worse to the fabric, and accordingly, the quality of ironing may suffer.
The length of the cord plays an important role. Of course, you can purchase wireless models, but they cool faster. The optimal choice is a model with a hinged fastening of a rather long cord. The handle of the iron should be as convenient as possible in operation.
A brief overview of the best models
So, having figured out how to choose the right iron for your home, we will get acquainted with the devices called the best in 2019.
Tefal FV3925 is the best among low-cost irons. The model is quite functional, has good technical characteristics. The power of the device is 2.3 kW, the rate of adjustable steam is 35, the steam boost is 125 g / min. The iron has a unique durilium cermet sole. An additional plus of this model is the presence of an anti-lime rod, self-cleaning functions, automatic steam adjustment, and prevention of water leakage. The product from Tefal guarantees high-quality ironing, ease and safety of operation.
The classic Bosch TDA2325 is the perfect combination of superior quality and affordable price. The iron has a translucent body, in order to avoid overflow, the water tank is supplemented with special marks. The regulator allows you to adjust the required temperature for different types of fabric. On the handle are the steam and water spray buttons. The power of the device, the values of constant steam and steam boost are enough for dry and wet ironing. The sole slides easily and nicely.
Philips GC4880 - the best among powerful irons for use at home. The power of the model is 2.8 kW, there is an increased capacity for steam, good rates of constant steam and steam boost (50 and 200 g / min). The sole is scratch resistant and provides easy glide on the fabric. An additional plus is the presence of a descaling cartridge, a narrow nose that fits well in hard-to-reach places.
Braun TS745A is another representative of fairly powerful irons for the home. The iron is distinguished by its original design, easy sliding and guarantees a perfect final ironing result. This model provides vertical steam supply, has an anti-drop system of self-cleaning and protection against scale.
The uniqueness of the Philips GC4926 is equipped with a special system that does not require temperature control. From now on, you can work with any fabrics without worrying about their safety. The unit will impress the customer with high power (3.0 kW) and a serious indicator of steam boost (210 g / min.). The sole is not afraid of scratches, any water can be used, since it goes through two stages of cleaning. Naturally, there is an automatic shutdown and cartridges from scale.
The Bosch TDI 902836A also does not need to adjust the temperature, which frees you from having to sort your laundry. This iron boasts an optimal combination of temperature and steam, so with it you can smooth any fabrics. The steam is turned on by lightly touching a specific sensor on the handle. Thanks to a special pump, the vapor penetrates deep enough, smoothing even deep folds.
Tefal GV8962 is a powerful iron with a steam generator, recognized as the best in this category.Distinctive features of this device are its solid appearance, electronic adjustment of the ironing process, the ability to adjust by type of fabric, the most powerful steam boost (430 g / min.), A solid indicator of constant steam (120 g / min), a large removable water tank.
The compact Maxwell MW-3012 is recognized as one of the best in the category of travel irons. This device will save you from troubles in the form of crumpled clothes. Despite its miniature size, the iron copes well with its direct duties, its sole has a non-stick coating, it is possible to spray water from the spout, as well as vertical steam. The handle folds easily, which greatly facilitates transportation.
The Rowenta DA1510 is another representative of a large family of small irons. A sufficiently compact device with a folding handle can be transported in a special case. The iron heats up quickly, is equipped with a water tank, and uses steam to iron it. The sole slides nicely and easily, the clothes will become tidy in a matter of minutes.
The Philips GC 9222 takes two minutes to get started. This unit even looks powerful in appearance. A ceramic-metal sole easily glides over the product, high rates of constant steam supply and steam boost guarantee a perfect result, there is no need to set the temperature mode, an impressive capacity lasts for two hours, a good result shows vertical steam, the cleaning system is equipped with a sensor. The cord is stored in a special compartment.
If earlier irons often spoiled things, today these devices are quite lightweight, easy to use, guarantee the safety of the fabric. We hope that the above recommendations will help determine the choice of a quality iron.
