What is the difference between a steam generator and a steamer and what is better to use for ironing clothes?

The main differences between steamers and steam generators. Selection criteria for home use. TOP manufacturers with descriptions of models.

Among the diversity household appliances sometimes it is difficult to determine how the devices differ from each other.

There are several devices that generate steam, but at the same time perform different functions..

The question often arises as to Which is better steamer or steam generator? There is no single answer Both devices have their pros and cons.

In some conditions, priority is given to steam generators, and in others - to the steamer. When and how it is better to use this or that device, it is worth analyzing comprehensively.

Steamer features

Note! A steamer is a device that smoothens fabrics with heated, moist steam without pressure.

Its action is based on the supply of a steam jet for ironing., a due to steam pressure and moisture, the ironing process is carried out.

The device includes the following main elements: a water tank (boiler), a heating element, a telescopic rack, a steam hose and a device with a handle (ironing iron), through the holes in which a steam jet is supplied and directed.

Water is poured into a boiler (usually plastic), which is placed in the body of the device.

Here, due to electric heaters, it is heated, turning into steam.

Through the hose, under pressure, it enters the rack (rod), at the end of which a nozzle is fixed - a steam iron.

Should know! Through the holes in the nozzle, steam jets are directed to the fabric. At the outlet, the steam temperature reaches 100 degrees.

Main goals

The main purpose of the steamer is ironing. In this case, it is sufficient to use only a steam jet without mechanical action with an iron.

This allows you to iron curtains, curtains and clothes that are in a vertical position, incl. coats, jackets, etc.

In addition to ironing, the steamer, with the help of various nozzles, is capable of clean and disinfect carpets and upholstered furniture, windows and various cladding surfaces (for example, tiles).

Advantages of the device

Steamers have a number of positive qualities:

  • steam treatment without mechanical action, which eliminates the deformation of tissue fibers;
  • giving extra volume to the fabric after steaming;
  • the ability to smooth and clean fabrics of almost any type, as well as furs and clothes of complex cut (pleated, frills, etc.);
  • vertical steaming at different heights due to the telescopic rod;
  • the possibility of cleaning and ironing products without removing them from their place;
  • small inertia, which allows you to start working almost immediately after turning on the device (after 30-40 s);
  • the possibility of disinfecting furniture and curtains.
Stay up to date! Nozzles make the device multifunctional, which is also an important plus.

Disadvantages of the device

In the work of steamers, certain disadvantages are also found:

  • low steam intensity and floating operation, which reduces the effectiveness of ironing heavily wrinkled fabrics;
  • temperature pair does not exceed 100 degrees, which reduces the quality of disinfection.

With any set of nozzles, it is recognized that steamers have limited functionality.

Features of steam generators

The steam generator is essentially is a special, powerful steam iron.

Keep in mind! Its work uses the principle of steam shock, when a significant amount of hot steam is released for a certain time.

Its temperature can reach 150-160 degrees. With this effect, the steam penetrates deep into the fabric, which helps to smooth out even thick and rough materials.

Main goals

The design of the steam generator includes the following main elements: an external or built-in tank (boiler) for water with a heating device, an iron, a steam hose for connecting the tank to the iron, a set of special nozzles.

The device works as follows: the water is warming up directly in the tank until sufficient steam is generated.

Then, pressing the start button, steam is supplied to the soleplate of the iron. Through the holes in it, steam jets under pressure up to 6 bar are fed to the product.

Note! As a result of the increased temperature, the steam is drier than in the steamer.

As a rule, for effective smoothing, it is enough to provide a steam boost for a few seconds.

Advantages of the device

Steam generators have the following advantages:

  • fast smoothing due to high steam temperature;
  • the possibility of ironing thick and dense fabrics using a steam boost;
  • the possibility of ironing on the principle of iron with mechanical action or a steamer, i.e. without touching the fabric;
  • steam supply in steam burst mode or in constant mode, which gives the ability to smooth both complex and delicate materials;
  • increased volume of the water tank, which increases the duration of continuous operation;
  • increased disinfection efficiency.
Know! There is also the possibility of turning off the steam supply. In this case, the device can work like a regular iron.

Disadvantages of the device

When operating steam generators, the following disadvantages are noted:

  • inertia, because it takes time to warm up the water in a sufficiently large tank (can reach 8-10 minutes);
  • low efficiency when used in a vertical position;
  • Difficulty in cleaning.

Most of the shortcomings of steam generators are eliminated by using special nozzles instead of an iron.

In fact, in this case, the combination of the two considered devices is ensured.

Comparison of devices

Important! If we analyze the above features of both devices, we can identify the following significant differences:
  1. In the steamer, humidified steam is supplied under low pressure, and dry steam under high pressure is supplied to the soleplate of the steam generator.
  2. The steam temperature in the steamer does not exceed 100 degrees, a the steam generator is able to heat it up to a temperature of 160 degrees.
  3. The readiness of the steamer for operation after switching on is calculated in seconds (no more than 1 minute).
    And the inertia of the steam generator is at least 2-3 minutes and can reach 9-10 minutes with a large volume of the tank.
  4. The steam supply rate for the steamer is 25-60 ml/min, and for the steam generator is within 80-150 ml/min.
  5. The steamer smoothes in a non-contact way, and the steam generator works like an iron.
    In the first case, there is no sole, and in the second - it is important.
  6. The main direction of application of the steamer is vertical, and the steam generator is horizontal, on an ironing board.

It is easy to distinguish devices by their appearance.

The steamer resembles a vacuum cleaner, in which various nozzles are attached to the bar, and the steam generator looks like a large iron with increased functionality.

Which device is better?

It is impossible to say which device is better, because. they have different tasks.

Taking into account the features it is possible to identify the conditions under which it is more efficient to use one of them.

The steamer has advantages in such cases:

  • ironing a large number of various clothes of non-standard style with an abundance of various inserts;
  • ironing delicate fabrics;
  • vertical ironing and cleaning;
  • cleaning of various soft and hard surfaces, curtains, furniture;
  • washing windows and lined surfaces;
  • dust cleaning.
Note! Steam generators should be preferred in the following circumstances:
  • ironing a large number of thick and coarse fabrics;
  • ironing of multilayer products;
  • ironing with disinfection, especially in the presence of small children;
  • the need for quick ironing.

When choosing a device for the home, you must consider all the pros and cons.

conclusions

Based on the results of the analysis of the device and the operation of steam generators and steamers, certain conclusions can be drawn:

  1. To answer the question of which device is better, it is impossible to answer unequivocally - they have different purposes.
  2. Steam generators provide ironing with dry steam at elevated temperature, and well suited for rough and multilayer materials.
  3. Steamers provide wet steam and contactless ironing.
    This ensures high-quality work with delicate fabrics, and can also be used when cleaning and cleaning.
  4. Steamers are effectively used in vertical position.
    BUT steam generators intended for horizontal operation.
  5. When choosing a device, you should carefully read its functionality and technical characteristics.

In fact, both devices cannot be called universal.

They have their own specific application, and therefore, if possible, it is better to have both a steam generator and a steamer at home.

Useful video

From this video you will learn what is best for ironing a complex skirt - a steamer or a steam generator:


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