For a long time in ordinary irons used in everyday life, there was no function of generating steam. I had to get out of the situation using improvised means. Today, technology manufacturers offer convenient devices with this feature - this steam generators and steamers. Which option is better to give preference?
How is a steam generator different from a steamer?
Despite the fact that both types of devices have a function of steam extraction, they have a lot of differences. In order to determine the suitable option, you must first find out how the steam generator differs from the steamer.
What is a steamer?
The steamer is a device that smoothes fabric products using hot steam. The design of this device includes the following elements:
- Steam iron;
- Telescopic stand;
- Steam generator;
- Steam supply hose;
- Capacity for water.
Externally, the steamer is somewhat reminiscent of a vacuum cleaner. This device works quite simply: it is necessary to fill the container with water and insert it into the housing. Next, the optimal operating mode is selected, after which a steam jet starts to come out of the ironing. She can process the fabric, effectively leveling it, while keeping the iron on weight.
More advanced models can be equipped with various additional devices. For example, these are clothes hangers or a frame frame that helps simplify the process of ironing trousers.
What is a steam generator?
The steam generator is iron with special function. His work is based on such a thing as steam boost. This is a strong release of steam, allowing you to quickly and easily smooth even the thickest fabric and large folds. For a steam generator, steam boost is the standard mode of operation.
Design steam generator for home is as follows:
- The boiler, which is a steel tank;
- Flexible hose made of silicone, resistant to high temperatures;
- Iron;
- Various optional interchangeable nozzles.
The principle of operation of the steam generator is quite simple. The boiler heats up and boils water. By pressing the button on the handle of the iron, you can trigger the release of steam under pressure. Steam leaves the sole of the iron through special openings.
What are the differences?
Thus, comparing the two devices, it is important to note that the difference lies in the principle of operation, namely:
- The steamer creates wet steam, the supply of which is carried out without pressure. The steam generator creates dry steam supplied under pressure.
- In the first case, the steam temperature does not exceed + 100 ° C, while in the second case it can reach + 160 ° C.
- The steam generator will be ready for operation approximately 8-10 minutes after switching on, while the steamer will take no more than 1 minute to prepare.
The following can be noted: the steam generator still remains an iron, albeit with a useful function. The steamer is a completely new household appliance with a specific purpose.
Steamer or steam generator: what to choose?
Both devices have both obvious advantages and certain disadvantages. They should be considered in more detail to determine which of the devices is more profitable to have at their disposal.
Advantages and disadvantages of a steam generator
An iron with a steam generator is a device with the following advantages:
- It generates dry steam, which allows disinfection and even get rid of dust mites;
- It has an effect with the help of high temperatures, due to which it is possible to smooth several layers of fabric at once. This is convenient if you need to iron large things, such as bedding;
- Suitable for ironing thin, delicate fabrics, if you do not touch them directly with the sole of the iron;
- It acts quickly, which can significantly reduce ironing time;
- It has a volumetric capacity, so that during operation it is not necessary to add water;
- It has a control panel with which you can select the optimal mode of operation and, if necessary, completely disable the steam supply function.
However, certain disadvantages of this household appliance are also present:
- Inability to use in an upright position;
- Inability to use when cleaning the house.
Why the steam generator cannot supply steam, read here.
Advantages and disadvantages of steamers
Among the key advantages of the device it is necessary to highlight the following:
- Wet steam allows you to process fabrics without deforming them and without squeezing their fibers;
- As a result of processing, the fabric product will acquire additional volume;
- It is possible to handle things of all kinds - knitted, fur, with a pile or a large number of complex decorative elements (pleated, frills, flounces, etc.), as well as outerwear;
- Due to the presence of a telescopic handle, it is possible to use the device in an upright position, holding it on weight;
- The device is great for home cleaning. You can remove stains from carpets, clean the curtains with a steamer and curtains, without removing them from the cornice, to disinfect pillows, soft toys, upholstery of upholstered furniture and even wash windows;
- You can use the device almost immediately after turning it on.
The disadvantages of steamers include:
- Low intensity work - the device will not cope with the ironing of strongly wrinkled products, and therefore will not replace the iron;
- Less effective disinfection due to relatively low steam temperature.
Steam generator or steamer - which is better?
After analyzing the information about the device, the principle of operation, the advantages and disadvantages of devices, we can say: it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question, what generally better steam generator or steamer. These are two completely different types of household appliances.
The steamer allows you to clean things and various surfaces. This is a maneuverable device that will become a real cleaning assistant. The steam generator can only be used when ironing fabric products.
Make opt for steamer follows in such cases:
- It is often necessary to iron clothes of a non-standard style with an abundance of decorative inserts;
- It is required to constantly refresh fabric products, saving them from dust and unpleasant odors;
- You need to work with a large amount of fabric products (an option that is ideal for owners of small clothing stores or ateliers);
- I would like to make the process of home cleaning easier and faster.
Give away steam generator preference worth if:
- Not only high-quality ironing, but also disinfection comes to the fore (this is the best option for those who have small children);
- I want to simplify the process of ironing things.
Thus, none of the devices can be called completely universal. Each of them allows you to effectively solve specific tasks, and replacing one with another is impossible. When deciding which device is best to purchase, a steamer or a steam generator, you first need to decide what tasks you plan to solve using this technique. If the goal is both effective ironing and simplifying home cleaning, the best option is to buy both appliances.
Check also about the device industrial steam generator and why is it needed.
