We determine which is better - an iron or a steam generator: a comparison of devices, the pros and cons of each solution
An iron is a device for ironing and simple steaming of clothes and fabrics.
The steam generator, in turn, although it performs similar tasks, has significantly more functionality.
And what is recommended to choose an ordinary user? What are the advantages and disadvantages of irons and steam generators, and how well are they also suitable for processing furniture, bed linen, bulky clothing or soft toys?
Content
Advantages of irons
One of the main advantages of irons is their low cost.
Technically, such a device consists of a heat-resistant housing, a heater, a substrate, sometimes it is also supplemented with a simple steam generator. Therefore, the price for them starts at 1500 rubles. But this is not their only advantage.
Power consumption
The iron consumes approximately 1.5 - 2 times lower electricity than the steam generator. Given today's electricity prices, this is very relevant. But it must be taken into account that the heating element of even the simplest iron is designed for a power of 1 - 2 kW, that is, these devices cannot be called "economical".
Easy Care
The only thing that is required from the user of the equipment is to periodically clean the sole from carbon deposits. To do this, use a cleaning cloth or a special pencil, which cost less than 100 rubles.
In some irons, where a water tank is provided, it also sometimes needs to be washed with a solution of citric acid or specialized descaling agents.
Ease of use
No special skills are required to deal with the functionality of a conventional iron. It is enough to plug it into the socket, set the switch to the required temperature, and you can immediately start ironing.
If the functions of the steamer are supported, pour water into the container and, during the ironing process, periodically trim the clothes or fabric with hot steam.
Takes up minimal space
There are even portable cordless models of irons that you can take with you in your suitcase on a trip. To store such a device will also require a minimum of free space.
Disadvantages of irons
The key disadvantage of irons is the lack of additional functions. And steaming, if provided in some models, is only conditional. And this is not all the shortcomings of these devices.
Not suitable for delicate fabrics
There is a wide range of fabrics that absolutely cannot be subjected to heat treatment. That is, there is a risk of damage to the material if the required temperature regime is not observed.
Needs an ironing board
Ironing requires a flat surface that is resistant to high temperatures. That is, you still need to allocate space for storing an ironing board. For small houses, one-room apartments, this can be a real problem.
Not suitable for all clothes
If the clothes have small folds, cuffs, complex seams, then it will not be possible to iron them with high quality. That is, the mobility of the iron leaves much to be desired.
The same applies to voluminous outerwear or soft toys - it is impossible to iron them.
Big weight
Both the heater and the water tank are all located in a single housing. Hands get really tired from long ironing. In steam generators, the water tank comes separately; during operation, you only have to hold a small handle.
Requires constant refilling of the water tank
In irons, the water capacity is, on average, 30 - 40 milliliters. In the process of ironing, you will need to refuel it several times.
And you also need to use filtered water. Otherwise, scale will form in the nozzles. If it is not removed in a timely manner, then the iron will become unusable (or used without steaming).
Benefits of steam generators
Steam generators are adapted specifically for steaming. And this is a more delicate and high-quality processing of clothes. Steam cannot be heated above 90 - 100 degrees Celsius, so it will not work to damage the fabric.
Use without ironing board
For steaming with a steam generator, an ironing board is not needed, clothes are placed vertically. And due to this, ironing is performed much faster.
steam boost
The pressure of the steam emitted by the steam generator is 2-3 times higher than that of irons. Therefore, it is suitable for processing dense fabrics. There is no need to steam first from the outside and then turn the garment inside out.
Fast heating
From the moment of switching on until reaching the operating mode, the steam generator will take only a minute. The iron will take 3-5 minutes to do this.
Water tank volume
The capacity of the steam generator tank is from 2 liters. One filling is enough for 2-3 hours of active work. During this time, you can iron almost all things from your home closet!
Removes bad odor
Therefore, it is recommended to use it for ironing children's things. The steam generator also removes the smell of detergent or washing powder (some people who have such aromas cause an allergic reaction).
Additional functions
The strength of the steam boost, the temperature - all this can be finely tuned.
Most steam generators have an integrated digital control unit with convenient information output on a digital display.
Operational resource
Manufacturers of steam generators often provide an official warranty for equipment that is valid for 3 years. For irons, this figure is only 6 to 12 months.
Disadvantages of steam generators
The main disadvantage is the cost.
The average price of modern steam generators starts at 15 thousand rubles, therefore, when the budget is limited, most people prefer traditional irons.
Noise at work
Also, steam generators are noisy during operation. Although slightly, the irons are completely silent.
Electricity consumption
Modern steam generators consume about the same amount of electricity as irons. More outdated models consume about 2.5 kW and require high-quality electrical wiring in the house.
Takes up more space
Both ironing and storing the steam generator require more space. But still less than for an iron with an ironing board.
Which technique is best for certain tasks?
Although the steam generator has a larger set of functions and surpasses the iron in all respects, it will not be cost-effective to purchase it for some tasks.
Processing of upholstered furniture
An iron is not at all suitable for this task, as it can damage the skin due to the high heating temperature of the sole. And as a filler for upholstered furniture, foam rubber is often used, which does not withstand heating above 100 degrees (it will melt).
Bed linen processing
For this task, both the iron and the steam generator are equally suitable. But the latter are much more comfortable to work with, since overall sheets, duvet covers on the ironing board constantly have to be shifted.
Ironing trousers, shirts
Working with a steam generator is faster and more convenient. An iron is also suitable in most cases, but it is impossible to iron clothes with a lot of folds, cuffs or decorative accessories with it. Also for tight jeans, the steam generator is also the best choice.
Ironing winter outerwear
For this, only a steam generator can be used. Especially when it comes to down jackets with artificial filler (and such jackets are the most common). For coats, fur coats, the iron is also not suitable.
Processing of soft toys
The iron is categorically contraindicated, since the toys are made of synthetic fabrics, the filler is foam rubber. The steam generator also allows for antiseptic treatment of carpet and bed mites. And due to the power of the steam boost, the steam penetrates to a depth of up to 1 centimeter. The same applies to pillows.
Ironing towels
A steam generator is also preferred. And only it can be used for ironing thick terry towels made of natural fabrics.
Comparison of the functionality of irons and steam generators
Modern irons are suitable only for ironing, it is also possible to adjust the heating temperature (3-5 positions, without setting the exact value). The function of steaming there is only conditional, there is no protection against splashing drops.
Steam generators also allow you to fine-tune the temperature regime. There are models where it is installed automatically, depending on the type of fabric selected. And such devices have several additional modes of operation.
Vertical steam
Vertical steaming allows you to iron clothes as quickly as possible by simply hanging them on a coat hanger. Dry, cool after that it is not required.
Continuous steaming
By default, steam generators are provided with automatic shutdown of steam supply after 15 - 30 seconds. This reduces electricity consumption, prevents equipment from overheating, and tissue damage. Continuous steaming is useful when processing soft toys, winter outerwear, furniture.
Water splash protection
In steam generators and steam stations, protection against splashing water is provided due to the special design of the nozzle. Therefore, there is no risk of tissue damage or burns at all.Also, the ironing is of the highest quality, without “hidden” folds or light spots from hot water.
steam boost
This is a function of short-term steam supply at maximum pressure. Allows you to smooth out the most dense folds that cannot be dealt with either by an iron or by simple steaming. In steam generators, you can also set the power of the steam boost (on average, from 70 to 200 ml per minute).
Instrument Maintenance
Both the iron and the steam generator require regular maintenance (according to the manufacturer's recommendations) to keep the appliance in good condition and usable.
iron maintenance
Periodically it is necessary:
- Perform sole cleaning. To do this, turn on the iron, switch it to medium or maximum heat. And then treat the sole with a special cloth (acts as an abrasive element) or with a cleaning pencil (enters into a chemical reaction with soot without damaging the metal base).
- Clean the steam system. In some models of irons, this function is provided by the manufacturer. You only need to draw water into the tank, turn on the maximum heating, and then press the "clean" button, holding the device over the sink. If such functionality is not provided, then it is recommended to use a solution of citric acid for cleaning (1 teaspoon per 100 milliliters). Pour it into the tank, turn on the maximum heat, and then use the steam boost button to empty the container (holding the iron over the sink).
After using the iron, it must also be allowed to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, and only after that it can be moved to a place of permanent storage.
Maintenance is recommended after every 5th use.
Steam generator maintenance
For maintenance of steam generators, it is necessary periodically:
- Clean the water level sensor. How to extract it - specify in the technical instructions (the procedure varies somewhat, depending on the model). Next, the sensor is visually inspected for contamination (limescale), damage to the insulation. Clean only with non-metal brushes. Float-type sensors (common in steam generators until 2010) must be cleaned with reagents (citric acid solution can be used).
- Clean the container from scale. Manufacturers recommend using a mild soapy solution or special reagents for removing limestone deposits for these purposes. The same applies to the working nozzle, where the nozzles are located. A non-concentrated citric acid solution can also be used. But adding a remedy to reduce its rigidity to water is not worth it - this technique is not compatible with it.
In total, if there are no restrictions in the budget, then it is definitely recommended to buy a steam generator. It has a wider functionality, irons clothes and fabrics more delicately, and can be used without an ironing board. The average life of its operation is 5 years with regular use (2-3 times a week).
Useful video:
We present to your attention a video from which you will learn which is better - an iron or a steam generator, as well as how these devices differ from each other:
