A steam generator is a device that converts water into steam, heated to 140-160 degrees. At this temperature, it gets the properties of dry and perfectly steams things. Many housewives, tired of the daily loss of time at the ironing board, decide to purchase a modern steam generator. In order for the purchase to really benefit and help in the performance of household duties, you need to decide which steam generator is better.
Types of household steam generators
Steam generators are used in many areas of human activity. These are not only household appliances that facilitate homework, but also powerful devices that operate at various enterprises for production purposes.
As for the steam generators used in everyday life, we can distinguish these types of them:
- A steam generator for clothes that is designed for ironing. If you make the right choice, he will cope with his work much faster than a conventional iron. In addition, using the vertical steamer included in the kit, you can not only iron the curtains, but also wash the windows. In this case, different chemicals are not required. Hot steam under high pressure will perfectly cope with any dirt.
- Steam generators for cleaning. These models are most often a vacuum cleaner with a built-in steam generator. Such a device can easily clean the carpet, removing old stains and without damaging the pile. The cost of steam generators for cleaning is quite high, so most often they are used not in the household, but in cleaning companies or large enterprises for office premises.
- Professional steam generators. They are multifunctional ironing systems equipped with an iron and a specially coated board. If before buying it is good to think about which steam generator with an iron is better, and to purchase a suitable option, such a purchase will save the hostess from problems with crumpled things.
The principle of steam formation
According to the speed and principle of steam generation, all models of steam generators can be divided into the following types:
- The device with a boiler. In such a steam generator, water is boiled in full, forming steam. The boiler in these devices is usually large.
- Device with instant steam system. In such a steam generator, a certain amount of water rushes to the heating element, after which steam instantly appears. Such devices are equipped with small boilers.
- Steam generator with two water tanks. From the cold water storage tank, it is periodically recharged into the boiler with hot water and boiled. Thus, the process of steam formation is faster.
In order to determine which steam generator is better, you need to imagine for what purposes it is purchased. If you intend to constantly iron a large number of things, then you should buy a device with a large storage boiler. The formation of steam will take a certain amount of time, but its temperature will be higher and will allow you to perform work faster and better. Such a device is also necessary in sewing workshops, clothing and fabric stores.
For ironing a small number of things and simple use in the household, a steam generator with an instant steam system is suitable. Such a device may start working a few minutes after being turned on.
Steam generator power
So, you have decided which steam generator is best for ironing the number of things that are needed. For further selection, you need to consider some technical parameters of the device. One of the first characteristics that you should pay attention to is its power. If it is more than 1800 watts, then this device is suitable for all types of fabrics and has many functions. Such a device will be much faster to steam material. A steam generator with a power of up to 1800 W also perfectly copes with its task of steaming almost all fabrics, except especially dense. True, its speed will be lower. For everyday use, it is better to choose a steam generator with a small capacity. This will significantly save money, and the quality of the work performed will not be affected.
Maximum steam pressure
This indicator can be divided into three components:
- Continuous steam through continuous ironing. The higher this indicator, the larger the volume of the steam jet will be. The parameter is indicated in grams, usually from 80 to 140 per minute.
- The pressure at which steam is applied to the fabric. Indicated in bars. The higher the pressure, the more powerful the steam jet is. The vertical ironing function, designed to steam curtains or things on hangers, is available on devices with powerful steam.
- Steam boost is a function designed to steam very dry items, folds of which are difficult to straighten out during the normal ironing process. At the time of this function, steam is supplied in an amount of 90 to 360 g per minute.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which steam generator is good and which is worse if they differ in maximum vapor pressure. It all depends on what the device is intended for.
Tank volume. Device weight
Typically, the volume of the steam generator accumulator is between 500 ml and 2 liters. If you need to iron a very large number of things in one approach, it is better to choose a large tank. At the same time, the device will also significantly increase in volume and will take up a lot of space. In addition, the steam generator will become even heavier. If the device is a gift to an elderly person, it is hardly necessary to choose a massive model with a large water storage. Which steam generator is best depends even on the handle of the iron. After all, the ironing process takes quite a long time, and it should be as convenient as possible.
Soleplate
When answering the question about which steam generator is the best, it is necessary to keep in mind the material from which its sole is made. The materials used in the manufacture of the sole of the iron are very different. Most common:
- Stainless steel. Such a coating will be strong and durable, will quickly heat up and cool down after disconnecting the iron from the mains.
- Aluminum. This material significantly reduces the cost of the system, but has a significant drawback - it is easy to damage. This coating can be scratched by accidentally touching a sharp button. A steam generator is a rather expensive thing, and a long service life is expected from it, so do not save on individual parts.
- Ceramics. This modern coating is quickly cleaned with an ordinary cloth, glides easily on the fabric, does not wrinkle it, heats up quickly, and then cools down. During operation, you need to be careful, since the ceramic sole of the iron is quite fragile, and when falling onto a solid surface from a great height, it can crack.
- Glass-ceramic, teflon. These materials have a greater cost than others, but are characterized by impeccable performance. They are durable, easy to use and provide a good ironing result.
Thus, which steam generator is best to buy depends on many parameters. The main thing is to correctly determine the purpose for which the device is purchased, and pay attention to the technical characteristics indicated by the manufacturer of a particular model.