The steam station is a modern iron with advanced features. Such a modification shows excellent results not only in domestic use, but also in industrial production. Is this a marketing ploy or a really useful scheme? Let's try to figure out and find out all the pros and cons of devices, as well as find out the opinions of users.
General information
The term "steam station" sometimes causes associations with a bulky and voluminous device, which should give out a working mixture almost at the level of a steam locomotive. In fact, these devices are a prototype of the home (household) system of ironing, steaming and cleaning. At the heart of the design there is a steam generator, and additional convenience provides a variety of functionality.
The modern steam station is equipped with a module with a special boiler and a share of water tank. The liquid is placed in a container, heated and transformed into a vaporous state. Next, the water is supplied through a special hose to the sole of the iron and sprayed onto the processed items. The device works from a regular power supply, connects to a wall outlet. Typically, the wire and hose are supplied complete and assembled in a cloth jacket.
Features
A separate generator provides a continuous supply of steam for a long period. Performance is dependent on the configuration of the model for ease of use and practicality.
In the steam station, the mixture is supplied under pressure, reducing the complexity of the ironing procedure, saving the user's strength. This system allows you to optimize the ironing process at home, including the processing of bed linen. When choosing a device, you should pay attention to the functional parameters of the device, its additional features and safety in operation. Consider several popular modifications.
Tefal Pro Express Total GV8961
The Tefal steam station looks like a big sneaker. In functional terms, everything has been done here so that the user performs the provided operations quickly and without negative emotions. The design of the device has a thermal controller responsible for heating the sole and the intensity of the steam supply.
Three types of settings are available to consumers for the optimal choice of ironing. In normal mode, processing is suitable for most things, delicate fabrics are processed in a delicate range, and there is also a special program for jeans. All the nuances of the operation of the units in question are provided in the operating instructions. The control buttons are located on the front panel of the steam generator. There is also a power button and indicator lights to indicate insufficient water or the need to clean the heating elements. To get rid of scale, it is enough to unscrew the metal tank from the body, rinse it and install it back. The removable water container is easy to fill, even without turning off the steam generator.
Bosch TDS4550
The popular Bosch steam station is one of the leaders in this segment. The configuration of the model differs from the analogue described above. The device is slightly reminiscent of a moon rover, ready to iron things tirelessly.
The sole of the device is made of cermet, equipped with three compartments of steam vents, which ensures optimal sliding and distribution of steam. The unit guarantees a constant supply of steam in Intelligent Steam mode (continuous operation). This feature is provided in the horizontal and vertical position of the iron. The efficiency of the device can be seen when straightening the folds (three powerful steam blows quickly cope with them).
Application
The instruction of the steam station, regardless of the model, states that when choosing it is necessary to pay attention to the capacity of the boiler. It can vary from 0.55 to 3.7 liters. No more than 400 ml can be poured into an ordinary steam iron. A large volume indicates a long heating time and readiness for work. The steam station will take from 2 to 6 minutes. This efficiency is due to the fact that the water is not heated all at once, but in portions, depending on the required amount for a single supply of steam.
Another important feature of the devices under consideration is the supply of the working mixture under a pressure of 3-5 bar. The higher this indicator, the faster the desired effect is achieved. In the domestic market, the weakest parameter for steam production is 2.5 bar. The most popular modifications with an indicator of 4-5 bar.
Vertical steaming
This mode allows you to provide maximum comfort when caring for things: there is no need to adapt to the ironing of woolen jackets of complex cut and similar products. Everything can be done by simply hanging them on the shoulders. The vertical steam supply must be strong to achieve the desired effect. Pressure allows you to create dense jets that smooth the fabric. This design makes it possible to use the device at a distance without touching the sole of the iron to clothes.
The instructions for the steam station indicate the possibility of its use in an upright position. In addition to ironing, the unit gives freshness to products, which is comparable to home dry cleaning. In the domestic market, the Philips GC 9140 steam station (200 g / min.) Has one of the highest attack rates.
Additional devices
Working with the unit in question is more complicated than with a conventional iron. With a weight of 4-6 kilograms, the device is not very convenient to carry around the house. Facilitating the process will allow the arrangement of a special place for ironing. It is best to adapt a special board with a trellised base and a coating resistant to moisture (wood will not work). You will also need to purchase an active analogue with a blow function, which will also participate in ironing. The issue price is from two to seven thousand rubles.
Popular manufacturers
Below are the manufacturers of the best steam stations popular in the domestic market (except for those indicated above):
- “Burning” (SIT 2400 SG). The volume of the boiler is 0.8 liters, the working pressure is 3.5 bar, the cost is about two and a half thousand rubles.
- Sinbo (SSI 2852). The technique holds 800 milliliters of liquid, gives out the strength of steam in 3 bars.
- Klatronik (DBS 3162). The device has a 1 liter boiler, provides a constant supply of steam 40 grams per minute, continuous operation time is 15 minutes. Working pressure - 3 bar.
- The Delongs (VVX 380). The volume of the tank is 1 liter, the feed is 80 g / min., The pressure is 3.5 bar, the weight is 4 kg, the price is from four thousand rubles.
- Daewoo (DI 9214). With a capacity of 0.6 liters, the station can work without interruption for 11 minutes, providing a pressure of 90 g / min.
- “Lelith” (PS 09 D / I). Volume - 2 liters, pressure - 2.5 bar, weight - 8.2 kg.
- Bork (IS NVP 1321 BK). Capacity - 1.2 l, steam supply - 85 g / min, weight - 7.4 kg.
Steam Station Reviews
This device, with all its advantages, has one significant drawback - the high price. Consumer feedback confirms this one hundred percent. However, in the rest, there are practically no complaints. Consumers note that ironing was not a pain, but a pleasure, in a few minutes the most problematic folds are removed.
Among the advantages: there is no need to top up water, reducing the time for processing any things, including a winter coat. In addition, the owners point to the fact that the station cannot be compared to even the most modern and sophisticated iron. The average price of the device is from 6 to 12 thousand rubles.
In conclusion
Today, any housewife has an iron in her arsenal. Modifications of this device have been improved every year, now no one is surprised by the automatic fuse and the steam supply function. However, manufacturers of ironing equipment made another leap forward, inventing special steam stations. They combine an iron and a steam generator, significantly reduce the processing time for any type of tissue, have the function of vertical steam. Such an assembly will become useful not only at home, but also in various areas of business related to the manufacture and repair of clothing or textiles.