Steamer or iron with a steam generator: which is better, characteristics and reviews

Progress does not stand still. Today, a person’s life can no longer be imagined without numerous gadgets, technologies and various devices that facilitate his daily life. Today's housewives can devote much more time to themselves, their own leisure and health, since most household appliances take on most of the household chores: mixers, washing machines, blenders, electric furnaces, etc.

Which is better: a steamer or an iron with a steam generator?

Not so long ago, ironing clothes took a lot of time and effort. Our grandmothers suffered for a long time with heavy irons before all kinds of new devices appeared on sale. At the moment, every housewife has this indispensable and useful unit in the household. But now the man faced a different problem. If in the recent past there was no choice at all, today the number of manufacturers, models and modifications of irons is so many that buyers are simply lost. They can’t choose which is better - steam iron or steamer? Let's consider each of these devices in more detail.

Steamer

This is an electrical appliance designed to iron clothes. The device is able to easily cope with fabrics of any structure and uncomfortable folds. Its main elements:

1. A small boiler for heating water.
2. Flexible hose nozzle.
3. Telescopic stand. If necessary, it can be extended by successively extending tubes of various diameters. After use, it is folded. It is fixed by means of clips or the protective block with the rotary mechanism.
4. There are models equipped with a non-folding stand. They are usually used in ateliers and shops, as they are often used there. There is no need to fold them. The standard stand height is 164 cm, and on some models - 185 cm.
5. The package also includes a coat hanger for clothes, a mitten, a wooden plank, a brush with a pile, a clip for trouser arrows.

Operating principle

The principle of operation of the steamer is very simple: under the influence of the heater in a plastic boiler, water boils, forming steam, which rises up through the hose and leaves the holes in the nozzle. There are several modes of operation.

Steamer advantages and reviews

Stationary and manual steamers are multifunctional equipment that is used for cleaning and ironing products. According to user reviews, the advantage of this device is that it does not squeeze or deform tissue fibers. Due to this, things wear out more slowly, gain additional volume. The steamer is suitable for any fabrics: knitwear, silk, products with fur, pile, with many complex frills and folds. When ironing, such additional elements as buttons and applications do not cause any difficulties. It is also important that steaming destroys dust mites, fungus and other microorganisms, removes unpleasant odors.

The steamer is also indispensable where there are small children. They can quickly clean the playpen, stroller, mattress, remove odor and stains. This device is also effectively used in other cases: for cleaning carpets, furniture, car interiors, etc. Another advantage of steamers is its ease of use. Stationary models come with special hangers and clamps that allow you to straighten products before steaming. The presence of electronic adjustment, several steaming modes, nozzles greatly facilitate the work. You still have not made a choice: a steamer or an iron with a steam generator? Which is better, experience of using both devices will tell you. But many housewives believe that the steamer will not be able to replace a conventional iron. He will iron the clothes perfectly, but he will not be able to give it shape. Pants with arrows, a pleated skirt and other similar things are simply too tough for him.

Steam iron

This device consists of the following elements:

• The tank into which water is poured.
• Silicone flexible hose.
• The iron itself.

Some models have a replaceable brush or a special nozzle that can be worn on the hose instead of an iron to remove stains.

The principle of operation of the steam generator

This device works a little differently. In the boiler, the heating element boils water, which leads to the appearance of steam. By pressing the button located on the handle of the iron, hot steam is supplied to the hose under pressure. Unlike the steamer, its temperature is much higher and its humidity is lower. The volume of the boiler is from 1 to 3 liters of water, so you don’t have to add it during ironing. On the surface of the tank there is a control panel with which the steam supply mode is selected. In addition, you can turn it off and use the device like a regular iron. Since the functions of different models may be different, it is recommended that you read the instructions before use.

Steam generator benefits and user reviews

Steamer or steam generator? Which is better to choose? Before making a decision, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the benefits of a steam generator. According to user reviews, it is able to instantly smooth out all the most difficult folds. The device will cope with the fabric in several layers. It is very convenient when ironing towels and bed linen. An iron with a steam generator can quickly make folds on things or, conversely, remove the arrows on trousers.

The device can greatly reduce the time for ironing. It makes this work less burdensome. Things are ironed out much faster and easier. However, he will not be able to help during cleaning, since it is not very convenient to carry this device with you. A steamer or an iron with a steam generator - which is the best of them? The latter is useful if:

• You need to iron a lot of things.
• There is no desire to stand long at the ironing board.
• There are things made of thin and delicate fabrics that can be burned with an ordinary iron (for example, silk, synthetics, etc.).

Main characteristics

So what to buy: a steamer or an iron with a steam generator? What's better? In order to answer this question, you need to consider the main characteristics of both devices. Each of these devices has its advantages and disadvantages. Below is a table that will allow you to make a choice: steam iron or steamer. The characteristics of the devices are described in detail.

Answering the question: “A steamer or an iron with a steam generator - which is better?” - it should be borne in mind that the first works only in a vertical position, and the second - both in vertical and horizontal. There are other differences. So, an iron with a steam generator, as a rule, weighs more and costs more. A steamer is suitable for cleaning and disinfection. It is convenient for them to iron the curtains without removing them from the cornice, bedding directly on the bed, which saves a lot of time.

Conclusion

So, a steamer or a steam generator - which is better? The description and advantages of each device are given above. Summarize:

1. A steam generator has more features, but not all of them will ever be needed.
2. This device is recommended to be purchased if there is no other cleaning device in the household.
3. At the same time, it is advisable to purchase a steamer if the house already has a washing vacuum cleaner.
4. Despite the fact that the steam generator has many different functions, for cleaning stains on carpets and furniture it is better to buy an inexpensive and mobile steamer, which is much simpler and cheaper.

Much also depends on the volume of products that require ironing. At home, a steamer and a high-quality iron are quite enough. In an atelier and a sewing workshop it is better to buy an additional steam generator.