Description and features of choosing a steam generator for home

A steam generator for home is an alternative to a conventional iron. It can replace the functions of the steamer and has additional capabilities. To understand whether such a device is necessary at home, one should study its features, types. It is also important to find out which steam generator to choose for your home and how to do it correctly.

What is a steam generator

A steam generator is needed to smooth the fabric. But unlike the usual iron, the matter does not come into contact with the hot sole of the unit. Smoothing is achieved due to the effect of a powerful flow of steam, the temperature of which varies in the range of 100-140 degrees.

An iron with a steam generator is capable of handling large volumes of things. It consists of a separate tank where you need to fill in water, as well as a heating part and the iron itself. The steam generator is connected to the latter by means of a hose. Through it, steam comes in during the use of the unit.

Additional Information! Steam is supplied continuously. Thanks to this, it is possible to cope with even the most capricious and complex fabrics.

The device is easy to use. First, water is poured into a special tank, not exceeding its volume, marked with a special limiter. Then the unit is turned on and waiting for a sound signal. Only then can you start ironing. For steaming, just press the button.

This equipment requires more careful handling than a standard household iron.

Important! During work, care must be taken that steam does not get on the skin. Otherwise, you may get burned.

The generator has a number of advantages. Among them:

1. The ironing process is efficient and takes a minimum of time;
2. Large volume water tank;
3. Lightweight construction;
4. Water does not pour out of the unit during ironing;
5. Can be used upright;
6. Safe work. The risk of fire is minimal;
7. Even thick material can be ironed;
8. Suitable for delicate fabrics;
9. Additional cleaning. The steam not only smoothes the surface, but also removes dust and microbes. Therefore, you can use steam generators to clean the apartment. For example, cleaning upholstery and other surfaces.

Such a device should make life easier for its owners. But it has some disadvantages:

1. Large dimensions. Despite the lightness of the design, it has quite impressive dimensions, especially compared to a conventional iron;
2. Inconvenience of the hose. It can interfere with use;
3. Noise. It is quite noisy during operation due to the fact that the unit boils water and supplies steam;
4. Lack of drying capability. It is impossible to dry a thing with such equipment;
5. High price;
6. Over time, it may become necessary to replace some parts, including the water filter.

Types of steam generators and their principle of operation

Steam generators are divided into several types depending on the purpose of use:

1. Manual. A convenient option for travel and business trips. Differs in compactness. Fits easily into a suitcase. But at home can also be used. It is convenient to iron things vertically by hand. But it has little power. Therefore, it is suitable for quick ironing of simple fabrics. For more complex cases, you will need a more powerful unit. The principle of operation is the same as that of a standard steam generator. It differs in a smaller tank volume, but it is convenient for ironing curtains that you don't even have to remove;
2. Floor. From the name it is clear that the unit does not differ in mobility, but it has good power. The reservoir is large, which increases the time the steam generator can be used. A container with water is installed on the floor, and ironing is done with a light iron. The set includes a tripod that allows you to hang things for convenient steaming.

Also, steam generators are divided into gravity and pump. For the first, the heating element is located in the iron itself. It acts on the liquid, which becomes vapor and exits. Pump pumps are distinguished by the presence of a heating element in the steam station together with the reservoir. It is in this section that all changes with water take place. The pump pump is considered to be the more efficient type due to the large volume of steam it delivers. But at the same time, it cannot be independently cleaned from traces of scale.

There are also combined models that combine several types at once. They are often used not only in ironing things, but also when cleaning the house. Differs in large dimensions, similar to a vacuum cleaner. The kit additionally includes various attachments for convenient surface cleaning.

The difference between steam generators with and without a boiler

All steam generators can be divided into two main types. Some are equipped with a boiler, others are not. They differ not in appearance, but in the device and the principle of operation.

The boiler unit generates steam in a special compartment where the water is heated to a boil. The resulting steam heats up more and flows through the hose to the iron and to the fabric. If there is no boiler, water is supplied through a hose to the heating element and instantly becomes steam. This view has only one modification and does not imply the presence of other variations. Models with a boiler can be made in several versions:

1. One water tank;
2. The presence of several containers.

The difference lies in the topping up of fluid. In the first case, the same reservoir is used. In the second option, you can fill one container with water, and when turned on, it will go to the next tank. The advantage is that during this operation, the liquid in the first tank will always be cold.

The advantages of having a boiler are:

1. The ability to get drier and hotter steam, which has a positive effect on the efficiency of ironing;
2. You can iron more things quickly and efficiently.

The disadvantages include:

1. Large dimensions of the unit;
2. Long warm-up.

Models without boilers have their advantages:

1. Fast warm-up;
2. Compactness.

However, the ironing quality will be slightly lower than that of the model equipped with a boiler.

How to choose a steam generator for your home

To know which is the best to buy an iron with a steam generator, you should understand the main characteristics and important nuances of this device. It is necessary to pay attention to the following indicators:

1. Power. The larger it is, the higher the cost of the model. Therefore, you need to immediately decide for what things the steam generator will be used. If only summer clothes, then you should not overpay for more power. For home use, a model with a power of 2600 W is suitable, which can handle the load well;
2. Steam supply device An intensity indicator is important, indicating how much steam is produced per minute. It is better to choose models that can deliver 90-140 grams of steam in 60 seconds. Also, it will be an advantage to be able to deliver steam in an upright position;
3. Heating time. The best option is to warm up in 3 minutes;
4. Tank volume. The larger it is, the longer you can use the steam generator without adding new water. For rare use, the smallest volume of 400 ml is suitable. If you plan not only to iron things, but also to do house cleaning, then it is better to purchase a model with a volume of 2200 ml;
5. The presence of nozzles in the kit. First, you need to decide how exactly the steam generator will be used, and then decide whether certain additional devices are needed. Or you shouldn't overpay;
6. Ironing sole. High-quality material will not allow you to spoil things when ironing, and it will also be less prone to pollution and scale formation. The aluminum outsole heats up quickly, is inexpensive, but leaves scuffs on the fabric. The titanium surface does not spoil things and heats up instantly. However, titanium models are impressive in size. There are also models that combine an aluminum base and a Teflon or ceramic coating. They have an average cost and compact size.

Rating of the best home steam generators according to reviews

Based on the reviews, there are several manufacturers that produce the highest quality and most efficient steam generators:

1. Philips. For many years it remains the sales leader in the market. The cost of their models is high, but they are distinguished by a long service life, high power, good steam intensity;
2. MIE. The brand is not well known, but at the same time it successfully produces modern ironing equipment. In their arsenal there are high-quality models of steam generators that will not cost a pretty penny;
3. Tefal. The models of this brand are reliable. An excellent combination of the cost of the product and its quality characteristics;
4. Bosch. The high cost of the models does not make them affordable for everyone, but the characteristics of the products are excellent;
5. Braun. The main advantage of their products is the production of high-quality steam, which allows you to iron things efficiently.

The steam generator can be used as an assistant on the road, traveling or as a full-fledged ironing unit at home. Convenience lies in the fact that you can use it when cleaning premises. It is only important to choose the right model that will cope with the tasks.

VIDEO: Top best steamers for clothes.