Sanitary processing of clothes and linen with high temperature has been known since ancient times. Irons and calcination cabinets appeared in the century before last, but the real high-quality processing of everyday fabrics made possible with the advent of steam. Today, each iron produces steam to completely smooth the tissue and better cleanse bacteria. Especially for the maximum reduction of processing time and large volumes of work, irons with a steam generator or steam generator stations were created. They are designed to facilitate and speed up the work of housewives and atelier workers, all those who deal with a lot of fabric. A large volume of water for the production of steam and a light working part can greatly increase productivity and reduce the burden on the hands.
Content
Operating principle
This system is a steam generator and an iron connected to it using a thermally insulated steam pipe. In the boiler station, water is heated and water is converted into steam, which is fed into the iron under a certain pressure through a flexible hose. It is this steam that smoothes the folds, not the heated surface of the soleplate. Placing a special station outside the housing allows you to greatly increase the pressure and the amount of steam that is used to process the fabric.
Steam generator irons specifications
How to compare the parameters of steam stations? They cost several times more than irons, so you need to accurately imagine what a steam generator should be able to, so as not to overpay. Characteristics by which you can exactly understand which device to purchase:
- Power. The greater the power consumption from the electrical network, the greater the steam parameters and the more expensive the device.
- Steam pressure. The penetration of steam into the fabric affects the depth; more pressure means greater speed and degree of ironing. It depends not only on the power, but also on the total cross section of the steam outlet, the smaller it is, the greater the pressure. At the same time, it takes more time to fully process a thing.
- Steam production. It is worth paying attention to this characteristic, relating it to power. Cheap models have lower performance with the same electrical power. From this we can conclude that the energy goes to heat the working surface of the iron, which becomes a mixed action instead of purely steam. This is important when processing delicate fabrics.
- Steam boost. Short-term increase in the amount of steam by several times. Helps with heavily creased fabric.
- Vertical smoothing. Almost all steam stations can be used for vertical fabric treatment with steam. Often in the kit are additional nozzles-steamers.
- Descaling. A large volume of water leads to rapid contamination of the inside of the steam generator when using ordinary water. Manufacturers go to special tricks in order to achieve maximum cleaning of the station from the resulting scale.
- Auto power off. The surface temperature of the iron in the system with a steam generator is not enough to cause a fire. And the iron forgotten on a blouse will not spoil it thanks to this function.
Positive and negative sides
Advantages of systems with separate boilers:
- lightweight and ergonomic iron allows long ironing;
- a large volume of water speeds up the ironing process with a high amount of work;
- there is no possibility of contact of water with linen (water leaves spots on the fabric);
- vertical steaming;
- The quality and characteristics of the steam are better than in a conventional iron. This again simplifies and speeds up ironing.
Minuses:
- there is no way to dry a thing, since the surface temperature of the iron is not so high;
- large dimensions and the presence of a steam hose;
- increased amount of scale due to the large amount of water used;
- the cost is higher than that of a system in a single package.
Features of the steam system
The acquisition of such a serious device as an iron with a steam generator is justified only in the case of large volumes of clothes and linen.
Such equipment is perfect for vertical ironing of not only coats and jackets, but also heavy curtains, tulle. Furniture with a steam generator and a special nozzle will not be difficult to refresh and steam clean. For delicate fabrics, special nozzles and operating modes are provided. There is no need to iron bed sheets in one layer: the steam is enough to break through four layers.
When working with a steam generator, it is impossible to set the temperature of the working surface, only its steam capacity.
Despite the special constructive measures against scale, it is strongly recommended to purify water in the following way:
- carbon filter or higher class;
- boiling;
- filter again.
If there is no time for these manipulations, then it is better to use distilled water. With it, the scale will remain small, but it will not be possible to completely manage without it.
The buyer should pay attention to the material of the iron. Metal is lighter and more expensive, and ceramic is cheaper, but heavier, therefore, when it comes to home use, it is worth stopping at ceramics, metal is necessary for large volumes.
A convenient handle and optimal iron weight are also important. If it is heavy and uncomfortable, then long-term use will sooner or later cause problems with the hand, pain and discomfort.
Browse Popular Models
Well-known manufacturers of steam stations are Bosch, Philips, Tefal and Braun. Chinese firms are trying to win at the expense of a reduced price, but the steam parameters are not as high as those of European firms. Even the cheapest models have auto power off, steam boost and vertical steam. It would be worth the trouble to find a steam station without this kit. Here are a few models of different price categories.
BOSCH TDS2251
The average price is 11,000 rubles.
An excellent working model with high power (3100 W) and good steam productivity - 120/300 g / min. All the functions necessary for daily ironing are present. Performance is regulated by an analog switch, the sole of the iron is made of ceramic, so for some it may seem too heavy. In general, an inexpensive model for frequent use.
PHILIPS GC9650 / 80 PerfectCare Elite Silence
The cost is about 34,000 rubles.
Powerful (2400 W) steam boost at 450 g / min at a pressure of 7.5 atm. Continuous steam 140 g / min. A distinctive feature is the automatic temperature control, so it will not burn the fabric, you can also just iron without fuss with the adjustment of all things in a row. The iron is as light as possible for the convenience of vertical steam. A capacious tank and stylish design complete the picture. The price is high, but the quality is worth it.
TefalGV8960
The price is about 25,000 rubles.
Autoclean branded surface and classic parameters 120/240 g / min. Electronic control and French build quality, the steam generator itself regulates the performance depending on the type of fabric. Minus - the price is obviously overpriced for some reason.
Braun IS 5022WH
The cost of 17,000 rubles.
With a power of 2400 W, the boiler constantly gives out 120 g / min, and a steam boost gives 240 g / min for a short time, with a maximum pressure of 6 bar. Of the pluses - compactness and an aluminum sole of a convenient form. Some users complain about noise.
To some, such devices seem inappropriate and, first of all, because of the high price. However, even a short use reveals all the advantages of irons equipped with steam generators. Especially the difference is felt when compared with conventional irons. Only modern steam stations will help smooth out the most complex fabric products, making it easier for the hostess.
