How to choose a steam generator for home use?

Until recently, irons did not know competitors in the struggle for a beautiful and neat appearance. Today, steam generators have significantly replaced them, the advantages of which have already been appreciated by many housewives. Others just think about buying such a miracle technique, so today we’ll talk about how to choose a steam generator for home use, what parameters to consider first of all, what characteristics to focus on.

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Main characteristics

First of all, find out the requirements for devices. When going for a purchase, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• Convenience, ergonomics.
• Power.
• The pressure at the steam supply.
• The material of manufacture of the sole of the device.
• The volume of the vessel for water.
• A set of modes.

If you approach the choice of a device responsibly, and most importantly - comprehensively, the purchase will not disappoint, but it will please you.

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Functional

It is clear that the main function of the steam generator is to smooth textiles. Moreover, it can be products from soft or rough fabric. The iron, which is part of the steam generator, can work both in normal mode (horizontal ironing), and as a steamer.

Important! To smooth curtains and curtains, they can be hung immediately after washing. The use of a steam generator reduces the time spent on household chores.

However, the list of useful functions does not end there. Here are the additional features of devices that you need to take into account in order to choose a good steam generator for home use:

• The elimination of stains.
• Cleaning tiles and joints between tiles.
• Cleaning in the car.
• Disinfection in rooms.
• Bedding processing (dust mite elimination).

How can I remove spots using a steam generator:

• Heat and hot steam help eliminate stains from wine, ink, or chewing gum.
• Grease deposits on a stove, cooker hood or oven walls cannot withstand steam.
• Soap on the tiles in the bathroom, which do not take any detergents, dissolves under the influence of a steam jet. After such treatment, the walls are not only clean, but also disinfected, since most pathogens die from high temperatures.

Important! Steam generators are also irreplaceable for families in which allergy sufferers live. Processing bedding destroys dust mites (feces and particles of tick chitin are strong allergens). Cleaning with a steam generator minimizes the risk of an allergic reaction. Read more about all the possibilities of using this miracle device in the articles:

• “What can be cleaned with a steam cleaner?”
• Cleaning the sofa with a Karcher steam cleaner.

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We determine the optimal power

How powerful the device depends on how it will cope with its tasks. The power you need depends on the usage scenario of the device:

• If you only need the appliance as an ironing appliance, an overly powerful model is not needed.But if you have to iron things from dense materials, then a low-power device is unlikely to cope.
• You need to choose a powerful steam generator for those who constantly do not have enough time. The higher the power of the device, the faster it is ready to work and the better it smoothes things out.
• The minimum power value is approximately 0.8 kW. For regular ironing, this is enough. If you need a universal assistant for housework, then the power range is 2.7-3.0 kW.

Important! Pay attention to how long the device is ready to work. If the time period for preparation is less than 4 minutes, then this for domestic use is quite enough. When buying a steam generator, ask the seller to demonstrate the device in action. If everything suits you, you can make a purchase.

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Steam pressure

This indicator, along with power, is also important. Naturally, the higher the pressure of the heated steam, the more successfully the device copes with its tasks.

In most cases (if you do not take into account the no name model), the value of this indicator is indicated in the technical specifications:

• As a rule, the minimum value is 100 g / min.
• To complete the entire set of functions, this is not enough. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a model with a heated steam pressure of 200 g / min.

Important! Choose a steam generator with a vertical steam function. In this case, the set of tasks performed is expanding significantly.

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Water tank

First of all, the convenience of working with the device depends on the capacity of the tank. Naturally, nobody will like to constantly add water:

• There are devices with a capacity of 0.3-0.4 liters. As practice shows, this is not enough.
• For regular use, the optimal tank capacity is about 1 liter.
• If you intend to use the device to restore order in the house, it is best to choose a model with a capacity of about 2 liters.

Important! It is advisable to purchase a model with a transparent tank - it is easier to track the consumption of water.

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Outsole material

To choose a steam generator for home use of optimal quality, as in the iron, the sole material must be taken into account. Such options are possible here.

Steel

The most tested material is steel, which does not lose relevance to this day. The disadvantage of the steel sole is that it is heated for a long time and its mass is not small. At the same time, the steel surface is resistant to mechanical damage. Steel provides good glide on the surface of the fabric.

Aluminum

It is used in low-cost models. The mass of aluminum is small, it heats up quickly. However, from contact with the aluminum surface on things you can detect scuffs, they begin to shine. An aluminum sole is far from the best option.

Titanium

It is used in expensive models, in the best steam generators for the home. Titanium heats up quickly. At the same time, it is durable and reliable. The only drawback of such a device is its large mass.

Combined Option

The combination of several materials (for example, aluminum with ceramic or Teflon coating) is found in mid-priced models. Ceramics and Teflon are excellent at ironing things, but are unstable to scratches.

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Ability to control modes

If the model of the steam generator is unregulated (the device works with a constant amount of steam), working with it is quite difficult. For example, when smoothing things from textiles of different densities, a larger amount of steam will be required. Naturally, a steam generator with several modes is more preferable.

Important! Currently, “smart” devices have appeared on the market that independently adjust to the properties of the work surface or textile, choosing the optimal mode. The cost of such models is very high.

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Additional functions

You should pay attention to such characteristics:

• Suction. The suction function will be needed if you use the unit for repairing rooms, and the ability to absorb dust will not be superfluous. Cleaning a car interior or upholstered furniture will be more efficient.
• Self-cleaning. This function prevents the formation of scale. If this function is not available, it is necessary that at least there is an indicator warning about the need to clean the device.

Important! When choosing a steam generator, pay attention to the mass of the product, evaluate whether you can work with it for a more or less long time. If your hand does not get tired, then this model is right for you.

 

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Precautionary measures

An important point, as with the choice of any electrical appliance, is the safety of the device. When working with a steam generator, you should feel confident. The device must be absolutely safe, including for babies. In this regard, the automatic shutdown function is desirable.

Important! Do not forget to check the build quality of the device.

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Overview of manufacturing companies

So which model to choose? The trademarks listed are considered the best, and the final choice is yours.

Tefal

In total, this company produces medium-power devices with a stainless steel sole (ceramic coating), adjustable temperature and some other additional characteristics. The price category is average.

Braun

Compared to similar models from competing companies, the vapor pressure is slightly lower. The price level is average. Devices from “Brown” are distinguished by good quality soles.

Karcher

High power devices, there is a suction function. There is an opportunity for horizontal and vertical steaming. Steam generators have a high-quality sole, a long working resource. Build quality is excellent. The cost is quite high, but the quality is worth it. Perhaps these are the best steam generators for the home.

Important! At this manufacturer, the range of such devices is very diverse. To understand what you really need, read also about Karcher steam cleaner for washing windows.

Roventa

Powerful devices with continuous steam function. Stainless steel sole. The company produces devices of various price categories.

Philips

High power steam generators that operate almost silently. It can be used to work with a variety of fabrics. Very convenient water tanks. Devices are equipped with indicators of an overheat and pollution.

Bosch

Steam generators are quickly ready for work, ironing things perfectly. Devices are distinguished by economical and rational consumption of steam produced under high pressure. The technique is distinguished by good quality soles, most of which are ceramic. It is possible to produce vertical and horizontal steaming.

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Stock footage

The above overview of steam generators for the home will make a good choice. Consider the direction of use of the device, evaluate the amount of work, and to the store, for a purchase!