What is better to choose an iron or a steam generator for a home? Device Comparison

The main requirement for ironing – clothing should acquire a presentable appearance quickly, without damage, and the device itself should be comfortable and not heavy to use.

And household steam generatordespite some shortcomings, satisfies these requirements to a greater extent than the improved iron with a steamer.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of devices to understand which is better.

Iron features

Principle of operation devices involves heating the sole of the device, with the help of which the smoothing of the tissue is carried out.

Modern appliances are predominantly powered by electricity.

Although there are also compact road models that run on batteries and have limited functionality.

The most common irons equipped with a water tank, which is intended for steam generation, at times increasing the efficiency of ironing.

Many models have a "steam boost" function - usually this is an additional button on the handle of the device, when pressed, high-pressure steam is supplied to the surface of the fabric.

It helps to smooth out very wrinkled, dense and overdried fabrics and even straightens out accidentally ironed folds.

pros

• usually, low price: even multifunctional and expensive models are quite affordable;
• familiarity: the basic principle of operation of the device has not changed for decades, and the additional functionality is organically integrated into the familiar procedure for using the iron;
• disconnected from the power source, the device does not cool down immediately.
  Therefore, for a certain period of time, they can still smooth out the fabric, for example, located away from the sockets;
• functionality modern irons are quite comparable with most of the features of the steamer.
  For example, by turning on the “steam” function with the device, it is quite possible to smooth out hanging curtains or refresh the furniture cover;
• makes perfect "arrows" on trousers, well smoothes wrinkles without additional equipment;
• smoothens bedding well (if the length of the ironing board allows you to unfold the sheet or duvet cover without folding in half);
• the device is quite easy to clean using a damp cloth or cleaning stick.

Minuses

• the main disadvantage of the iron - possible damage to the material due to incorrectly selected temperature.
  In the worst case, this leads to holes in things, and in a more acceptable version - to excessive shine of the fabric;
• device will help little in smoothing things decorated with fittings, buttons, and plastic buttons melted during ironing, probably, were in every housewife;
• iron it is difficult to smooth out small folds, pleating, stitched assembly on the fabric of the cuff in the form of a "pipe" etc., it is also difficult to smooth the shoulder seams, for example, in jackets;
• device needs an ironing board or other flat, stable surface covered with a material that can withstand high heat and "do not stick" to the surface of the fabrics;
• the standard cord length of this appliance is usually short, i.e. its use is possible only near sockets;
• since the water tank is built into the iron itself, the weight of the iron increases significantly when pouring water into it.

Steam Generator Features

household steamer is a lightweight iron, the stand for which is a steam generator, usually, small size.

External household steamer looks like a small vacuum cleaner with a thin supply hose, and the button for turning on the steam supply is usually located on the body of the iron itself.

Many standard steam generators are equipped with a folding bar (hanger) for easy placement of ironed clothes.

Compact steamers that do not have a supply hose and a built-in hanger are also widespread.

In such devices, which look like an electric kettle, the steam generator is built directly into the body.

Wide functionality domestic steam generator allows you to use it not only for smoothing clothes, but also for steaming curtains, tablecloths, cleaning carpets and furniture coverings, for processing kitchen surfaces and cleaning the house.

pros

• great features and high functionality: irons and cleans not only clothes and linen, but also other fabrics - curtains, tablecloths, carpets, etc.;
• many models can be used to clean the apartment – for cleaning sofas, kitchen surfaces, ceilings;
• some models can gently clean windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces;
• eliminates not only wrinkling, but also the smell, "refreshes" clothes without washing;
• equally Works well in both vertical and horizontal positions;
• high steam temperature, which allows you to quickly smooth out even natural materials, which are difficult to iron - what is considered “heatstroke” for an iron, for a steam generator - normal operation;
• no ironing board required;
• calmly steams things with buttons, buttons, accessories etc. (which can be steamed);
• does not damage the material;
• the iron itself, which is used for ironing, has a light weight;
• can iron thick fabric or fabric folded several times;
• large water tank - you can be less distracted from the ironing process.

Minuses

• high price;
• bulky and usually heavy;
• making noise at work;
• high risk of steam burn with careless handling;
• requires space for storage and use;
• consumables required – filters, cartridges, etc.;
• only works when plugged in;
• does not work well in a vertical state, even in the “steaming” mode;
• compact steamers usually have a small water tank volume and a small steam power.
  This does not allow them to be used for long-term smoothing of a large number of things;
• difficult to make folds and arrows, additional tools are required.

What and when is best to use?

But in some situations, the use of one of the devices is preferable, for example:

Iron

• will help to make high-quality "arrows" on the trousers, to form folds on the skirt;
• folding irons are convenient to take with you on trips;
• oddly enough, but modern models often show the best performance in tests for the quality of ironing;
• the device is familiar and, as a result, it is more convenient to use.

steam generator

• can clean carpet, upholstered furniture, fabric coverings;
• allows you to smooth out hanging curtains and curtains;
• helps to carry out high-quality cleaning of the premises without the use of chemicals;
• washes windows and glass surfaces (not all models);
• well refreshes clothes;
• steams almost any fabric, including thick and multi-layered ones.

Which is better: a steam generator or an iron with a steamer?

You need to pay special attention to the functionality that the owner needs.

An iron should be preferred if:

• smoothing a large amount of linen, including bed linen, is required;
• most of the clothes belong to the classical style, that is, the formation of folds and “arrows” is necessary;
• the floor and wall covering of the apartment is not resistant to hot steam (for example, a laminate is laid on the floor), that is, it is not supposed to use the device for cleaning;
• for the hostess, such indicators as the quality of ironing and ease of use are important.
  Since the ongoing tests say that, according to these indicators, irons are still ahead of steamers.

Buying a steam generator is worth it if:

• it is planned to use all (or almost all) functionality of the device.
  In addition to ironing clothes with a steamer, it is planned to clean carpets and floor coverings, treat kitchen and other surfaces, clean furniture, smooth curtains and outerwear made of dense fabrics (for example, coats);
• most of the clothes do not require "arrows" and folds;
• things from “complex” (cotton, linen, other natural fabrics) or openwork fabrics (lace, guipure, embroidery) prevail;
• there are many things equipped with buttons, buttons and other accessories;
• the owner is a person who strives to master new devices and devices.

Conclusion

Both the iron and the steam generator perform at home similar functions and largely have identical functionality.

Therefore, the decision is made by the owner himself, based on the necessary capabilities of the device and the personal convenience of its use.

• So, if the owner needs a multifunctional assistant around the house capable of not only smoothing jeans with a jacket, but also steaming the seams in the bathroom - then worth a close look at the market proposed steam generators.
• BUT if the owner is a conservative person, appreciating the classics and perceiving the process of ironing with philosophical calmness - then good multifunctional iron with steamer is the same choice that bring him joy and satisfaction.

Useful video

From this video you will learn how the iron differs from the steam generator and which of these devices is better: