A steam generator for a home is no longer a luxury, but a means necessary for quick and high-quality tidying up of a home. The multifunctional device will allow not only to iron and disinfect linen, but also to clean any surface in the house. A variety of instruments makes selection difficult. What to buy a steam generator for home? Customer reviews and recommendations are below.
Types of designs
There are several types of devices:
- a one-piece device of a small size, in which water in small doses falls on a ten, and instantly steam forms;
- with a separate container for the formation of steam, which enters the device through a special tube;
- appliance integrated in the ironing board.
The first option is convenient for mobile use throughout the house, the second - for long-term work, the third - for lovers of integral products and a complete set.
If you want to use the steam generator only as an iron, you should opt for the following proven models: Braun IS 5043WH, Lelit PS 21, Philips GC 7703/20, Bosch TDS 38311 RU, Tefal GV4630, Tefal GV6732, Ariete 6437 Duetto Top, Philips GC 9410 / 60, ENDEVER SkySteam-732, MIE Stiro 1100.
Steam Preparation Mechanisms
The average rate of steam production - 100 ml per minute - is sufficient for normal functioning. Above average speed - a reason to increase the cost of the device. Reviews on steam generators also depend on this indicator.
The mechanism consists of PETN, a pump and wire for flow. Thanks to this device, an uninterrupted steam flow is maintained. In professional devices, the volumes are larger, so before starting work, time is needed for vaporization.
Power
Depends on the frequency of use and type of work, the device with which power you need to purchase. The rate of vaporization also depends on power. When buying a device with a low price, it is worth considering that the waiting time for vaporization will be longer.
If you use a steam generator only for steaming and disinfection of linen - 800-1000 watts is enough. For frequent additional processing of other surfaces, a large one is needed - 1000-2500 watts. The device with a capacity of 2500 watts is designed for daily active use.
The professional Braun IS 5043WH steam generator with a capacity of 2400 W, a pressure of 6 bar (120 g steam per minute) is characterized by a high steam speed and long uninterrupted operation. Reviews characterize the device as convenient and appropriate for its price.
Steam pressure
The quality and speed of work depends on the strength of the steam supply. For household appliances, the pressure varies from 2 to 6 bar. During normal operation, a steam supply of 90-140 g per minute is sufficient for comfortable operation with the device. The price depends on this indicator. Negative feedback on steam generators is associated with unjustified requirements for the device, which should depend on the declared technical characteristics.
Devices with the possibility of vertical steam supply have greater power, they are more convenient to use, but the price is appropriate. All manufacturers produce decent options, product reviews indicate this. When buying, you should pay attention to the warranty period of the goods and the correctness of filling out the coupon for warranty service.
Soleplate
When choosing a steam generator for steaming linen, special attention should be paid to the work surface.
The aluminum surface heats up quickly, has a low cost, but leaves shiny marks on clothes when using high temperatures.
The titanium surface also heats up quickly, suitable for delicate fabrics. Such a device is heavier, which can sometimes be a significant drawback. The only negative is the significant difference in price.
Combined surface - aluminum base coated with Teflon or ceramic. The optimal solution, combining all the advantages of various sole options. Such an iron with a steam generator is characterized by reviews as lightweight, suitable for delicate fabrics, at an affordable price.
Nozzle
Steam generators can be with and without additional nozzles. The price of the device depends on the quantity and quality of possible work. Customer reviews will help you choose the best option for a home steam generator.
A cone-shaped nozzle will allow you to get rid of dirt in hard-to-reach places, which is aimed aiming at a small area. This creates the most powerful air flow that knocks dirt out of the slots.
For processing carpets, sofas, mattresses, a brush nozzle is intended. This device allows you to get as deep as possible between the villi and disinfect hard-to-reach spots. Also, the nozzle allows you to quickly and efficiently clean old spots, even on hard surfaces.
Steam Generator Rating
Top 10 best-selling brands of 2018:
- LELIT PS 21 is an iron-steam generator for working with all types of fabric, it has a stylish design, has high performance characteristics, an effective operating mode consumes energy efficiently.
- The BRAUN IS 5043WH is a compact unit with convenient control indicators and the ability to lock for safety; vertical steam and steam boost function are also available to steam the most difficult creases.
- TEFAL GV4630 - the best combination of price and quality, the ceramic sole is suitable for delicate fabrics, vertical steaming is available.
- BOSCH TDS 38311 RU - has a long cord, a large reservoir of water, an extra sole for delicate fabrics, protection against overheating.
- Reviews of the PHILIPS GC 7703/20 steam generator highlight the useful function of reminding you to descale your iron, it is also equipped with a lock for safe transfer, it’s convenient to add water directly during ironing, and is designed for large volumes of work.
- TEFAL GV5246 - takes 8 minutes to vaporize, then it can stead any surfaces for a long time and continuously, hinging the power cord makes operation more comfortable.
- ARIETE 6437 DUETTO TOP is a less well-known, but high-quality brand, it performs all the necessary functions, is simple and convenient to use, and is additionally equipped with a spray bottle to moisten difficult folds.
- TEFAL GV6732 - saves energy, steam boost smoothes any wrinkles, the iron requires careful attention to delicate fabrics (observing the temperature regime).
- MIE STIRO 1100 is a heavy iron that requires long heating, perfectly steaming several layers at once, has many modes for delicate fabrics.
- ENDEVER SKYSTEAM-732 - returns an aesthetic appearance to ironed places, heats up quickly, there is a special groove for circumventing buttons.
Reviews
Good steam generators produce not only popular brands, but also little-known ones. Evidence of this is the comments of users of various products. All buyers who preferred a steamer to an ordinary iron were satisfied with the choice.
Why is a steam generator better than an iron?
- A stable device that, even when hot, safely stands on the substrate.
- Non-contact steam ironing under high pressure allows you to process delicate fabrics.
- Creases are smoothed out much faster.
- Ironing in several layers is possible, which is important for bedding or children's clothing.
- Water boiler provides a constant supply of steam.
- Additional functionality thanks to special nozzles.
Reviews for TEFAL, PHILIPS, BOSCH steam generators agree on one thing - products are available for owners of any income. The price range is wide, which allows you to choose a decent option for all customers. When choosing, it is worth considering the technical characteristics of the device, on which the functionality and ease of use will depend.