Features and the right choice of a steam iron
Some fabrics can be difficult to iron when ironing. Thin knitwear, satin, silk, cashmere or clothes with a lot of bows, folds, ruffles, palettes are almost impossible to iron with a simple iron. The steam iron for vertical ironing will come to the rescue, the use of which will smooth problem areas with steam.
What is Steam Vertical Ironing Iron
A device such as a steam iron for vertical ironing (or a garment steamer) makes life much easier for housewives. The main feature of the device: it acts on the fabric with steam, without even touching it.
The structure consists of:
- durable heat-resistant plastic;
- soles with a special coating;
- containers for liquid;
- electric boiler.
The kit may include additional elements: mitten, clips. The steam iron can be used vertically, and the hot steam under pressure smoothes even the most wrinkled areas of the fabric. All you need to do is hang the item on a hanger and spray it with a jet of steam: your clothes are perfectly ironed!
How does a steam iron for home use work?
The operation algorithm of a steam iron is simple: hot steam acts on the fibers of the fabric, which ideally evens out wrinkled areas and smoothes creases. The process takes place in an upright position, there is no need to buy the usual ironing board.
Let's analyze the use of the device point by point:
- Liquid is poured into the reservoir, depending on the type of iron. For example, distilled or tap water;
- Connecting to the mains, pressing the "start" button;
- The required steam supply mode is set;
- The generator generates a jet of steam, which iron the clothes.
Water heating is carried out by a heating element in 2 - 3 minutes, temperature range: 90 - 100 degrees. The liquid is heated by electrical energy, turning into steam. Steam comes out through the sole of the device and penetrates into the fibers of the textile, smoothing out the wrinkled areas.
How to use a vertical steamer correctly
Let's figure out how to properly use a steam iron in practice. Both floor-standing and hand-held models can be used for ironing in an upright position, hanging. The garment is hung on a hanger, steamed on both sides, while the iron is carried out from top to bottom.
Important! The liquid inside must warm up to the right temperature for the steam to flow under the right pressure.
Adhere to these security measures:
- the iron is used only for its intended purpose;
- do not iron on the body - burns are possible;
- do not direct the steam jet somewhere other than fabrics;
- do not disassemble the device when it is switched on;
- use a special protective glove during work.
At the end of the work, wipe the surface of the sole with a soft cloth after it has completely cooled down. A step-by-step instruction for using a steam iron looks like this:
- Prepare the unit: assemble the structure, insert and firmly fix the telescopic stand, the iron is fixed in the desired position for it, the steam hose is connected.
- Fill the boiler with distilled cold water. You can take filtered.
- Plug the iron into an outlet, having previously installed the reservoir in the body. The indicator should come on, signaling that the iron can be used.
- The ironing process itself is carried out as follows: smoothly slide along the surface of the fabric, from top to bottom, vertically.
After switching on, it is worth carefully checking the steam supply by pointing the device away from you and pressing the power button. For additional ironing or cleaning, special brushes with attachments or clamps are used. You can change the attachments only after turning off the structure.
Important! The assembly may differ depending on the type of device.
After turning off the iron, you should wait for it to cool down, then proceed to disassembly. The water tank should be periodically cleaned of lime deposits. If limescale appears on the surface, it leads to splashing drops and marks on things.
How to choose such an iron
When choosing a device, you should focus on the goals of further use. If you have to iron heavy things on a regular basis: down jackets, coats, buy an iron with powerful heating elements. For ironing materials of medium thickness (blankets and towels), a simple iron with a small liquid container is sufficient. It is easier to choose a household iron: decide on the type of sole and power indicators. Even with dense fabrics, such a unit will cope, you just have to put in a little more effort.
Important! Woolen, draped clothes will be steamed well by an iron with an additional steam generator.
Which sole
The manufacturer offers two options for making the sole: ceramic or metal. Metallic is found in inexpensive models, it is made from aluminum. It is reliable and resistant to scratches, but there is a nuance: a slight deviation of the degree from the norm and a trace of overheating will remain on the clothes. Stainless steel is a more suitable and strong material that is characterized by reliability and durability.
Ceramics (or cermets) is a light and brittle material that can be cleaned well, but requires careful handling. Plus: the coating is considered safe for health, environmentally friendly material.
Tank volume
The amount of operating time depends on this indicator until the next liquid is added to the boiler. 200 ml - 20 minutes steaming, 1 liter - 1 hour of work. A large volume provides for a continuous mode for a certain time. The simplest vertical steam iron contains a small water tank - 200 - 250 ml. This is enough for ironing at home. Steam generator designs are equipped with a large tank that can hold from 1 to 2.5 liters. Accordingly, the operating time is increased to 1, 5 - 2 hours.
Power
The power of the device directly affects the amount of steam that is released, the speed of operation and the amount of electricity consumed. In the conditions of home ironing, it is optimal to choose an appliance with a power of 1800 - 2000 W, for high-quality work with thin and dense materials. A device with less power will not smooth down jackets or thicker items well.
Steam outlet pressure force
The amount of steam that a steamer emits is measured in grams. In standard devices, 30 g / min is released, and to steam any kind of fabric, you will need at least 100 g / min. In different models, a steam regulation sensor can be installed, located on the front of the handle of the structure. It can be used to adjust the speed and strength of the steam supply pressure, depending on the type of fabric to be ironed, the degree of wrinkle and its thickness.
Advice! In order for the steam to be thick, you need to select a device with a small boiler. For example, a 1 liter tank will allow you to iron for 1 hour without stopping.
The best models of irons
Pay attention to the main selection criteria: power, the presence of the necessary modes, the weight of the structure and the safety parameters of the application. For example, the best option is if the handle has a rubberized cord, and the system is equipped with an automatic shutdown function. Depending on the purpose, select models with evenly distributed holes: the density of the steam depends on them. We suggest you choose your steamer from the models below.
Philips GC9682 / 80 PerfectCare Elite Plus
The sole is made of stainless steel, glides easily on any fabric. Constant steam creates an air cushion that does not have to be controlled. There is a built-in automatic shutdown function: if the device remains on the ironing board, down with the soleplate, it will not cause a fire. Good power (2700 W) and instant heating of the liquid inside, protection against deposits and self-cleaning are provided. Cons: high cost and impressive power consumption.
Tefal GV7781
Steam generator power - 2200 W. Ceramic sole, there is a built-in indication of the need to add liquid and descale. The length of the cord is 1.7 m, the volume of the water tank is 1.7 liters. If the system detects overheating, the device turns off automatically. The handle is made of rubberized material, there is a compartment for the cord. The main characteristic is that the iron independently adjusts to the type of material. Heating is done in 2 minutes, the modes quickly switch between each other. There is a power saving mode. A nice addition to the general characteristics: striking design.
Braun IS 5043WH
Iron with aluminum soleplate, with a water tank of 1, 4 liters and a system of protection and cleaning from hard deposits. There are many holes on the outsole, evenly spaced across the entire surface. An automatic shutdown system is provided. The cord is 1, 8 m long, there is a section for it in the design. Power parameters: 2400 W. Not only distilled water is suitable: it can be topped up from the tap.
Users note the high quality of ironing and very quiet operation. Steam is supplied continuously, steaming is possible in an upright position. Among the disadvantages: you will have to adjust the steam supply manually, many note that sometimes liquid leaks. The water boiler is not removable.
Tefal GV8461
A reliable steam station with a stylish design. The dimensions of the model are very compact, the sole has a built-in self-cleaning function. There is a compartment for the cord. The iron is equipped with the function of constant steam supply, instant warm-up.If you run out of liquid inside, you can top up it. An indicator is installed on the boiler, the power indicators are 2200 watts. The system is equipped with an automatic system for removing solid deposits. The steam hose is 1.8 m long, the volume of the water tank is 1800 ml. Safety at a high level: there is an automatic shutdown function. The cord can be wound mechanically. Cons: the cord overheats a lot, and the modes have to be adjusted manually. Received high praise from consumers.
Braun TexStyle 7 TS785STP
The iron is equipped with a nozzle for delicate fabrics: you can iron even the most difficult-to-reach folds and difficult areas of clothing in a few strokes. Steam penetrates into every layer and smoothes every surface. Due to the softness of the attachment, it is impossible for the surface to burn, the appearance of shine and marks on dark fabrics. The appliance is equipped with a descaling rod. Power - 2.40 kW. The self-cleaning function eliminates this problem. Built-in protection against fluid leakage. The weight of the device is small, and the handle is very comfortable, rubberized. The kit includes additional attachments. Disadvantage: the water tank is small - 400 ml.
Choosing a steamer is easy - follow our recommendations and pay attention to the technical specifications.
VIDEO: How to choose a vertical iron steamer.
