Modern technology is constantly being improved and developed in order to make human life easier and more comfortable. Ironing is one of the main household chores. Iron with a steam generator has long ceased to be the only alternative to this business. He was replaced by a steam generator for clothes.
The steam generator is almost the same iron, but much more practical and more comfortable in its functions. The principle of operation of the steam generator based on steam processing of fabric. This allows you to expand the functionality of this appliance home appliances.
Kit the steam generator consists of an ironing board with a special coating, water tanks and iron. When water is heated, steam is formed with a temperature of 140-160C. Using an iron, steam is sent to the product. It is steam with a high temperature that makes it easy to smooth and clean any fabric.
The main functions of the steam generator for clothing:
- Smooth any kind of fabric;
- Steam things in an upright position;
- To clean and remove any kind of stains from the fabric;
- Eliminate stains from carpeting;
- To clean a tile and bathroom equipment.
In addition, the high temperature of the steam allows you to sanitize clothes and even eliminate unpleasant odors. Steam is supplied under pressure, so the steam generator can easily smooth out any creases and hard-to-reach spots. The steam temperature adjustment function allows you to use a steam generator for both delicate thin fabrics and thick coarse ones.
- Models of steam generators with a separate water tank in which steam is generated;
- steam generators with the ability to instantly produce steam, due to the fact that part of the water falls on the heated element, and then steam appears;
- steam generators with pumping water from one boiler with cold water to another, where vaporization occurs.
Also read in our article: All about steam generators for hamam, baths and saunas.
How to choose him
When choosing a steam generator, special attention should be paid not to its technical characteristics. From the wide range of steam generator models on the market today, you can choose the option for any need.
Main characteristics:
- Power. The heating rate depends on it. There are models with power from 800 to 3100 watts. The most optimal option is 2600W;
- Steam supply. The strength of the steam depends on the pressure at which it is supplied, and the flow rate. The pressure is from 2 to 6 bar, the intensity is from 90 to 260 g / min. To get the best steaming effect, you should choose models with the maximum values of these indicators;
- Capacity for water. It happens from 700 to 2200 ml. It should be selected based on their frequency of use of the steam generator. The more often used, the larger the tank should be. It is more practical to take models with a transparent container, this will allow you to see the water level;
- Sole of the iron. There are many variations of iron sole coatings, each of which is effective in its own way. Here it is also necessary to proceed from the needs to smooth out certain fabrics present in the house;
- Scale protection. Not all models have this feature. The presence of such a function will allow you not to worry about the quality of the water being poured;
- Mode of operation. There are three types of models - without the possibility of adjustment, with the ability to change the steam supply and independently adjusted depending on the type of fabric;
- Security. To ensure it, one should pay attention to the following conditions - the presence of an automatic shutdown function when overheating, the reliability of fixing the iron on the sole and the absence of sliding of the stand on any surface;
- Weight. It increases with replenishment of water. It is important to choose the best option for yourself so that your hand does not get tired during operation.
The market presents models of large manufacturers of household appliances. A review of the ranking of the best models will allow you to better familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics and capabilities of steam generators and choose the most suitable.
The main differences between the steam generator and the steamer can be found here.
2018 steam generator rating:
Kitfort - 910. - 1 place
It is the best known and most purchased steam generator. All this because of the excellent value for money. The model is a steam generator, consists of a base with a container for water, hangers and irons. The kit includes a 1.5 meter long hose, trouser clamps, several brush heads for different fabrics, a mitt and storage bag. The main functions include vertical and horizontal steaming, cleaning clothes, upholstered furniture and carpets, eliminating unpleasant odors.
The steam supply is regulated using the button on the iron. The water tank has a sufficiently large volume of 1.8 liters. The steam intensity is 35 g / min, the outlet temperature is 120-130C. The power of the steam generator is 2.2 kW, the pressure is 1 bar. There is a security function - automatic shutdown when idle.
The advantages of the model also include auto-winding of the cord, a signal about the absence of water and a rather high temperature of the supplied steam. Among the shortcomings are a short network cable and Chinese production.
Philips Pro Touch - 2nd place
An interesting model of a well-known manufacturer of household appliances for the home. Its main difference was vertical ironing board. This configuration is becoming increasingly popular. Use it to smooth complex things. Such a steam generator not only performs the function of steaming, but also completely replaces a conventional iron.
Power 2.2 kW, pressure 3 bar. Steam is supplied at an intensity of 45 g / min. There is a function of descaling and automatic shutdown. The advantages include fast heating, a long power cord, a removable water tank, trouser clamps and additional brush heads. Disadvantages include a short water hose and heavy weight.
MIE Deluxe - 3rd place
A relatively old model of a steam generator, but it still does not give up its position in the sales market. This steamer has many functions and is suitable for both clothes and furniture, and even toys. Data steam iron has a large capacity of 2.6 kW and a 2.5 liter volumetric water tank. A sliding stand allows you to steam perfectly in a horizontal position, as well as iron very long things. For example, an evening dress or coat.
The pluses include very fast heating in just 45 seconds, a high steam supply rate of 85 g / min and protection against scale. The disadvantages include a fragile plastic case, a time limit of 80 minutes, difficulties in steaming cotton items.
Grand Master Q7 Multi R - 4th place
The multifunctional device checked by time. It copes with both the steaming function and the steam cleaner. Very powerful, steam is supplied at a pressure of 3.5 bar and an intensity of 79 g / min. The equipment has one of the largest 2.3 liter water tanks. This will allow you to iron a large number of clothes without refueling. The steam supply is regulated in 9 modes, which will allow you to smooth out almost any kind of fabric.
The pluses include the fact that, if not necessary, you can purchase a professional iron and a long hose for working with curtains. By the minus can be attributed only the high cost of this device.
MIE Compatto - 5th place
The model was first released several years ago, and now manufacturers have improved it. A second rack was added, making the ironing board more stable. Otherwise, all the basic functions and advantages are preserved. The unit can be used in horizontal position as a regular ironing board, and in vertical for better steaming. The most important difference from competitors is the removable steamer, which can be used separately from the installation.
The device is not as powerful as other steam generators - only 1.5 kW. But steam is supplied under a sufficiently strong pressure of 3.5 bar. The advantages include fast heating in 1 minute. The disadvantages include a fragile plastic case and a small volume of the water tank.
UNIT UGS-126 - 6th place
Another vertical model steam generator for home. The device is quite inexpensive, but performs many functions - steaming, antibacterial processing of fabrics, cleaning furniture and curtains. Power is relatively small 1.8 kW, but heats up quickly. Steam is supplied with an intensity of 35 g / min, adjustable in two modes. It is possible to add water in the process. The volume of the tank is only 1.5 liters.
A plus is a large selection of additional accessories - clamps for trousers, brushes for different fabrics, a nozzle for arrows, a device for ironing collars, cuffs, the presence of wheels on the unit. The disadvantages include low stability and unreliability of the main rack and poor ability to move due to the wheels.
MIE Piccolo - 7th place
This device is called the best manual steam generator. This compact equipment combines two functions - vertical steam and water heating for any needs. It even reminds itself of a minichain. The volume of water is only 0.5 liters, but with a sufficiently large power of 1.2 kW and a steam intensity of 40 g / min, the steamer works quite well.
The operating mode of the device depends on the selected nozzle. Additional accessories include a protective mitt from burns, a brush with a pile, and a board for hard-to-reach spots. The plus is protection against overheating and shutdown in the absence of water. The downside is a short network cable and fast water flow.
Polaris 1412 - 8th place
Very practical household appliance. Due to its compactness it is convenient to take it with you on a trip, business trip or just use a steam generator at home. For its size, the device has a very high power of 1.4 kW, which allows it to heat up in just 25 seconds. The water tank has a volume of 90 ml and is protected against scale. Steam is supplied in a single constant stream with an intensity of 24 g / min.
The package includes a nozzle in the form of a brush for steaming and cleaning things, as well as a storage case. The disadvantages are the small volume of the water tank and the short network cable.
Philips GC332 / 80 - 9th place
This appliance of a well-known manufacturer easily steams things and gives them a fresh look. It copes with delicate fabrics such as silk or cashmere. The device can operate both in vertical and horizontal position. It is not necessary to use an ironing board, just hang the item on your coat hanger.
A special coating of the holes on the brush allows you to iron things without wet spots. The electric pump provides a constant supply of steam at a speed of 24 g / min. The power of the device is 1.2 kW and allows heating up in 45 seconds. The disadvantage is the small volume of the water tank, only 60 ml.
Zimber ZM-10085 - 10th place
The cheapest of all presented in top steam generators. For its price, it is a compact and practical device. A power of 1.3 kW allows you to steam and smooth even dense things well.
Of course, for such a price, many functions are not worth the wait. But the device copes with the most basic tasks. The small size of the tank provides water for ironing only a few things, which is a minus.The advantages are compact size and small weight, sufficient power.
Each of the presented models is practical in its own way and deserves attention. The buyer can choose a suitable option in appearance and functionality. Annual ratings allow you to get acquainted with the latest and main technical characteristics of different models.
A steam generator has become one of the essentials for a home. It greatly facilitates the process of ironing, steaming things and even cleaning them from stains. A person practically does not have to exert any forces, high-temperature steam does everything himself. Modern manufacturers every year release more and more new models of steam generators, which are becoming more functional. With their help, one can not only take care of clothes, but also furniture, carpets and even toys.
