Which is better - a steamer or a steam generator?

Many women really do not like to stand by the ironing board. According to statistics, lovers of this procedure are only 9%. With a huge number of household appliances, it is impossible to completely exclude the ironing process, so there is only one way out - to facilitate the work with the help of a modern device and save time in order to spend it on a more pleasant lesson. Today we will tell you which is better - a steamer or steam generator in a specific situation, and analyze the properties of each of them.

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The principle of operation of the steamer

With the development of modern technology, our life has become much simpler and more enjoyable. For example, in order to achieve a neat appearance, not only an iron, but also a steamer can do hard and difficult work for us.

Important! The idea of ​​handling things with steam came from professional dry cleaners. The household appliance resembles a vacuum cleaner, with one difference: instead of drawing in air, the steamer emits a hot stream, thereby smoothing and tidying up any fabric.

Device

The steamer consists of the following elements:

• Case with steam generator.
• Boiler for heating water.
• Flexible hose with nozzle.
• Telescopic stand. If necessary, the rack is extended by successive extension of tubes of various diameters. After use, the stand folds back.
• Brush.
• Additional accessories that facilitate work: a coat hanger, a mitten for protection against steam, a brush with a pile for cleaning products, a clip for trouser arrows, etc.

Important! Some models of steamers are equipped with a folding rack. Such devices are best used in an atelier or store, since there they are constantly floated and there is no need to disassemble the rack.

The standard rack has a height of 164 cm, but some models reach 185 cm. Choose a rack 20 cm above your height so that you do not bend and load the spine during work.

Functioning

To understand what is better - a steamer or a steam generator, or an iron, you need to understand how much effort you will have to make to use this or that device. The principle of operation of the steamer is as follows:

1. Water is poured into a plastic boiler.
2. Under the action of the heating element, water boils.
3. The resulting vapor rises up the hose and exits the holes in the nozzle.
4. A hot stream of steam hits the brush and gets on the clothes.
5. Due to steam pressure, ironing of products occurs.

Important! The device has several modes of operation and each has its own purpose. You can select the desired operating mode with the rotary knob.

Device Advantages:

• Ability to work on weight.
• Steam does not squeeze the tissue fibers and does not deform them.
• Things are gaining extra volume.
• High-quality processing of things with pile and fur.
• Perfectly smoothes knitwear and products with a large number of frills and complex folds.
• With the help of the device, you can refresh your coat, down jacket and other outerwear.
• You can use it after 30-45 seconds after turning it on.
• It does a great job cleaning. Using the device you can:
  • Remove the musty smell from the upholstery of upholstered furniture.
  • Sanitize soft toys. Hot steam perfectly kills germs and ticks.
  • Clean curtains directly on the ledge.
  • Wash the windows.Hot steam will remove all impurities without any means. After processing, wipe the glass with a dry, clean cloth.
  • Remove various stains from carpets.

Important! In a separate review on our site of useful tips, we examined in detail the possibilities steam cleaner when cleaning a house.

Useful tips for selection and use:

1. Choose a steamer if you have a lot of things from “capricious” fabrics, knitwear, silk and wool, as well as a lot of clothes with sequins and beads. In this case, the steamer is indispensable.
2. After work, be sure to service the device: drain water from the container, remove the remaining liquid through the drainage system, fold the pipe, remove the ring and brush. Put the device in storage.
3. The steamer is not only and not so much intended for ironing as for cleaning. Due to the fact that the brush has several openings for the exit of steam, and the hard pile at the edge of the brush is able to collect the pile, the appliance can do everything: furniture, carpets, clothes, curtains.
4. When steaming the product, hold the item from the back or from the top. Use a heat-resistant glove or wool mitt for this purpose so as not to burn your hand.

Important! Do not start the steaming process immediately after heating the device, as condensation forms on the surface of the nozzle and it takes time to evaporate it. Otherwise, a wet spot may form on the clothing.

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How does a steam generator work?

Previously, it was impossible to iron things with steam, since there were no such devices as steamers, and irons also did not have such a function. Therefore, for simplicity of the process, the hostesses put wet gauze on the thing. Irons with soles capable of throwing steam out of holes were later invented. The next technology is an iron with a steam generator, which in everyday life is simply called a steam generator.

Important! Using the word “steam generator” instead of the phrase “iron with a steam generator” is not entirely correct, since the device can weigh up to several tons, and even not fit in the room.

However, an iron with a steam generator is also different from the usual iron. If in simple irons there is a “steam boost” function (not on all models), in which a jet of hot air is emitted, then for a steam generator this is the usual mode of operation.

Device

Devices differ in their device. The steam generator consists of the following elements:

• Water boiler. Stainless steel tank is made.
• Flexible hose. Silicone hose is resistant to high temperatures.
• Iron.
• Replaceable nozzles: brushes and conical nozzles for removal of spots.

Functioning

The principle of operation of the steam generator:

1. The heating element heats the water in the tank.
2. Water in a container boils.
3. After pressing the button on the handle of the iron, the generated steam is ejected into the hose under pressure.
4. Steam escapes from the sole. Steam temperature is higher than that of the steamer, and humidity is lower.

Device Advantages:

• The steam is dry, not wet.
• The steam generator is able to smooth several layers of fabric at once, since the temperature is very high. It is very convenient when ironing sheets, towels and duvet covers.
• Quickly smoothes creases on clothes and arrows on trousers.
• The device will significantly reduce time for ironing, making it less burdensome.
• A sufficient water tank (up to 3 liters), so you do not have to add water during operation.
• It copes with delicate tissues. To iron thin and delicate fabrics, use the action of only one pair, do not touch the product with the sole of the iron.
• The control panel allows you to select the steam mode. That is, it is possible to turn off the steam supply and use the device as a regular iron.

Disadvantages:

• The steam generator cannot be used vertically, as it is unproductive and inconvenient.
• Not used during cleaning.

Steam Generator Tips

Since different models of steam generators differ in functionality, then before buying a device, first read the instructions to select the desired version of the device.

When choosing a device, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Weight and convenience. The device will have to be kept on weight during operation, so hands should not be tired.
• Power. If the device is necessary only for ironing a small number of things, then opt for models with medium power. If you will use the device constantly at maximum, then select a more powerful device.
• The water tank should be sufficient and convenient.
• The presence of filters. If the water in the tap has impurities, then this can lead to an immediate breakdown of the device.
• Range of temperature conditions.
• The quality of the cord. It should be long enough and strong.

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Which is better - a steam generator or a steamer for clothes?

If you want an answer to the question: steam generator or steamer - what to choose? That answer is obvious - the whole thing is the purpose of the device:

• The steam generator is intended only for ironing things, and the steamer is mainly for cleaning things and surfaces.
• Do not forget that the steam generator is a heavier device and has poor maneuverability due to the large number of functions. And if so many functions are not necessary, then you can purchase a mobile steamer.
• If you no longer have any cleaning equipment, for example, a washing vacuum cleaner, then the steamer will help you with cleaning and cleaning stains from carpets and upholstered furniture, in this case the steam generator is not an assistant.

Important! Follow the link to find out how clean furniture with a steam cleaner.

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findings

We highlight the main differences between the devices so that you can decide which is better - a steamer or an iron with a steam generator specifically for your needs and wishes:

1. The principle of steam generation: the steam generator delivers dry steam under pressure with a temperature of 140-160 degrees, the steamer - wet steam without pressure with a temperature of 98-99 degrees.
2. Heating time: the steam generator is ready for operation in 8-10 minutes, the steamer is in 30-40 seconds after switching on.
3. Water consumption: 80-120 ml / min. for a steam generator and 20-55 ml / min. for the steamer.
4. Maneuverability: poor for a steam generator and good for a steamer.
5. Weight: an iron with a steam generator weighs much more than a steamer and costs more.
6. Possibility of work: only in a vertical position can the steamer work, since it does not have a sole, and the steam generator can be used both in a vertical position and in a horizontal one. The sole of the steam generator is adapted to work on the ironing board.
7. Design. The appearance of the devices is also different: if the steamer looks like a vacuum cleaner, then the steam generator remains an iron with more features and functions.
8. Appointment: for ironing - an iron with a steam generator, for cleaning things and surfaces - a steamer. The steam generator quickly and efficiently strokes a huge amount of linen, copes well with folds and arrows. The steamer will perfectly cope with stains on items made of fabric, whether it be curtains, furniture or carpet

Important! Modern technology is so advanced in capabilities that one device can perform many functions. In our separate review, learn how to use steam cleaner for washing windows.

As you can see, it is quite difficult to answer the question unequivocally which is better - a steamer or an iron with a steam generator, since this = two completely different devices. Everyone solves his tasks and does it quite qualitatively. We can give only a few tips on choosing a particular home appliance.

Choose a steamer in the following cases:

• If you have a lot of non-standard clothes that have decorative inserts.
• If you have a small atelier or clothing store.
• There is a need to constantly refresh things and rid them of smell and dust.
• Want to simplify the cleaning process.

Purchase an iron with a steam generator in the following cases:

• You want to simplify the ironing process.
• In addition to ironing, disinfection of things is important.

Important! To ensure that your household appliances serve as long as possible, use only purified water. This will inhibit scale formation on the heating element.

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Stock footage

We hope that the information presented in the article helped you decide on the choice of a household appliance, which is so necessary to facilitate household chores, and now you are wasting time on more interesting activities.