How to choose an iron for home? Parameters to pay attention to

The main parameters that are recommended to pay attention to when choosing an iron. The value of the additional functionality. Popular models of irons from leading manufacturers.

The complexity of ironing things directly depends on the technical characteristics iron.

On sale you can find many models that differ in the set of options, power, sole material and other parameters.

To make the right choice, you need to understand the features of the devices.

Types of irons

Sellers, as a rule, try to offer customers the most modern and expensive models of irons.

Important! In order not to overpay, it is worth deciding in advance which device is needed for everyday use.

Ordinary

Models with a minimum set of features. Usually there is only temperature or power adjustment.

Therefore, the smoothing of the fabric depends only on the weight of the device and the applied efforts of the user.

The advantage of this option is the affordable price.

Road

Compact autonomous models with folding handle, which convenient to take with you on a trip.

The power of such devices does not allow ironing heavily wrinkled coarse fabrics.

But such a device will be enough to tidy up the wardrobe.

With steam function

Note! Popular devices that generate steam due to the built-in water tank.

The use of steam allows you to make the fabric softer, eliminate creases and folds. Such devices are often bought for home use.

With steam generator

The appliance comes with a stationary steam generator, which delivers steam at high pressure through a special hose.

Similar device for home allows you to iron folded bedding, as well as wardrobe items on hangers.

The disadvantages of a product with a steam generator are impressive dimensions and high cost.

Wireless

Modern equipment with a charging station that is powered by a battery.

Due to the absence of a cable, you can not depend on the presence of an outlet.

Stay up to date! In wireless mode, the device works no more than 15 minutes.

The main parameters on the basis of which the choice is made

Having decided on the type of iron, you need to pay attention to the technical characteristics and features of the device.

This will make the ironing process as comfortable as possible.

Sole

From what material the sole is made, depends on how easily the device will slide over the fabric. There are such options:

Aluminum.
Inexpensive, lightweight material that heats up quickly.
Cons - the aluminum surface is quickly covered with scratches and can ruin delicate fabrics, leaving shiny spots on them.
Stainless steel.
Durable, resistant to damage and scratches, glides well and is easy to clean.
In addition, a product with a stainless steel sole can be purchased relatively inexpensively.
Among the shortcomings, prolonged heating and a lot of weight should be highlighted.

It is worth noting! Dirt accumulates in scratches and chips on the sole of the device.In addition, the device begins to move with difficulty through the tissue.

To increase the functionality of the iron, various coatings are applied to its sole:

Ceramics.
Facilitates sliding, cleans well, does not stick to the fabric. Minus - high price.
Ordinary ceramics are brittle.
A more durable option that is resistant to chipping is cermet.
Teflon.
Glides well, slightly worse than ceramics.
A Teflon-coated device is inexpensive, but during operation, its sole becomes thinner and scratched.
Titanium.
Expensive material that takes a long time to heat up.
Pros - excellent glide, comfortable cleaning and durability.

Note! Considering the sole, you should pay attention to its shape. Of greatest importance is the total area and configuration of the spout (cape).

With a sharp cape, it is easy to iron small details: ruffles, collars, buttons.

In some models, there is a recess in the nose area, and a groove at the junction of the sole and the body. This makes it easier to iron things with buttons.

As for the area, it is wiser to choose the golden mean.

A small and narrow device is easy to operate, but ironing takes much longer with it, especially if large fabrics are processed - curtains, bed linen.

Power

The device with high power heats up more and faster, which allows you to smooth the fabric in a short period of time.

Should know! Such an iron can overload the network, because it consumes a lot of electricity.

By device power divided into several categories:

up to 1.5 kW - for smoothing a small amount of things from delicate fabrics or as a travel option;
1.6 to 2.2 W - suitable for most families;
more than 2.2 W - necessary for ironing dense fabrics in large volumes.

The weight

It is worth choosing a device with average parameters.

A hand will quickly get tired of a heavy product, and a light one will not be able to cope with creases on a dense fabric.

Handle shape

The most comfortable considered rubberized handles with finger rest.

Tank volume

Keep in mind! In order not to have to often add water when smoothing a large number of things, it is worth choosing models with a capacious tank.

But in this case, you need to be prepared to increase the mass of the iron.

Cord length and features

Optimal cord length power supply - from 2.5 to 3.5 m. Preference should give articulated type of fastening wires.

Thanks to it, the cord can be rotated 360 degrees, while there is no risk of damage to the winding.

It is important to make sure that the cable winding is made of heat-resistant fabric.

Some irons have an automatic cord rewind feature. This device is easy to store.

Steam power

For everyday use, steam generation of 70-110 g / min is sufficient.

Those who spend a lot of time steaming should choose a more powerful model.

What additional functionality should be paid attention to and in what cases?

Additional functions of the device are designed to facilitate the daily care of the wardrobe.

Anti-drip system

Reference! This function avoids leakage of liquid during steam supply and when the device is idle.

If drops fall on clothing, you will have to wait until it dries.

That's why for those who iron just before going out, models with an anti-drip system are suitable.

Self cleaning

Self cleaning necessary for users who plan to fill the tank of the device with tap water.

When the button is pressed, the nozzles are rinsed with water and scale is removed from the appliance.

In some cases, purification occurs in the process of steam emission.

In order not to stain the fabric, do not turn on self-cleaning during ironing.

Scale protection

Remember! Any equipment that comes into contact with water is prone to scale formation. If the holes of the iron are clogged, it will have to be repaired.

To avoid this situation, you can choose an anti-calc model or use only distilled water.

Automatic shutdown

The device is protected from fire by the automatic power off function.

She is triggered after 30 seconds of inactivity in the horizontal position and after 10 minutes of inactivity in the vertical position.

Some models have hidden feet that slide out of the case when the device is not in use.

Such the function is useful for those who are afraid that they will forget about the included iron.

Vertical steam and steam boost

Most modern irons have a steam function. Do not confuse the even steam mode with a steam boost.

The latter is activated by pressing a special button, allowing you to smooth out creases in dense material or tidy up things that cannot be leaned against the sole of the iron.

If the steam is supplied vertically, the iron can be used instead of the steamer.

Removable sole

It can be useful for those who do not understand temperature conditions and are afraid to burn delicate fabric.

The iron may come with several removable pads for different occasions.

Price categories

Irons are classified according to their value:

Budget models - from 700 to 2,000 rubles.
This category includes travel devices and simple irons with a steam option.
The middle class is from 2,000 to 7,000.
Good performance appliances and no frills steam stations.
Premium segment - from 7,000 and above.
Here are irons with many functions, as well as wireless appliances and modern steam stations.

Top manufacturers and models

Philips:

Philips GC2990/20 PowerLife;
Philips GC2998/80 PowerLife;
Philips GC4566/80 Azur;
Philips GC4908/80 Azur;
Philips GC1436/20 Comfort.

Bosch:

Bosch TDA 3024010;
Bosch TDA 2325;
Bosch TDA 702421E;
Bosch TDA 703021A;
Bosch TDA 5028010.

Brown:

Braun TexStyle 7 TS745A;
Braun TexStyle 7 TS735TP;
Braun SI 3041GR;
Braun SI 3054 GY;
Braun TexStyle TS775ETP.

Tefal:

Tefal FV3910;
Tefal FV4913 ULTRAGLISS 4;
Tefal FV4961;
Tefal FV9710 Ultimate;
Tefal FV1844 Maestro 2.

REDMOND:

REDMOND RI-C265S;
REDMOND RI-C263;
REDMOND RI-C273S;
REDMOND RI-C257;
REDMOND RI-C255S.

Rowenta:

Rowenta DW 5135D1;
Rowenta DW 1120D1;
Rowenta DW 6010;
Rowenta DW 4110D1;
Rowenta DW 4120D1 Autosteam.

Conclusion and Conclusions

Based on the foregoing, the following conclusions can be drawn:

When choosing an iron, you need to focus on the needs of a particular family.
In most cases, models with average characteristics will do.
Too light a device may not cope with dense fabrics, but it is convenient to take it on the road.
Tap water clogs the nozzles of the equipment.
To prolong the life of your iron without resorting to distilled liquid, you should give preference to a device with anti-calc and self-cleaning.

Useful video

From this video you will learn how to choose an iron and what parameters to look for when choosing:

How to choose