What is better than an iron or a steam generator for the home and how they differ: features and differences when choosing

The main requirement for ironing – clothes should acquire a presentable appearance quickly, without damage, and the device itself should be convenient and not difficult to use.

And a household steam generator , despite some shortcomings, meets these requirements to a greater extent than an improved iron with a steamer.

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the devices to understand which is better.

Page navigation:

Iron Features

You should know! An iron is a household appliance designed to smooth out wrinkles and wrinkles on clothes and linen.

The principle of operation of the device involves heating the sole of the device, with the help of which the fabric is smoothed.

Modern appliances are predominantly powered by electricity.

Although there are also compact road models that run on batteries and have limited functionality.
The most widely used irons are those equipped with a water tank , which is designed to generate steam , which greatly increases the efficiency of ironing.
Many models have a “steam boost” function - usually this is an additional button on the handle of the device, when pressed, steam under high pressure is supplied to the surface of the fabric.

This helps smooth out very wrinkled, dense and overdried fabrics and even straightens out accidentally ironed folds.

Keep in mind! The iron is a widely used appliance that has proven itself very well over years of regular use.

pros

as a rule, low price : even multifunctional and expensive models are quite affordable for purchase;
familiarity : the basic operating principle of the device has not changed for decades, and additional functionality is organically integrated into the long-familiar procedure for using the iron;
When disconnected from the electrical source, the device does not cool down immediately. Therefore, for a certain period of time it can still be used to smooth out fabric, for example, located away from sockets;
The functionality of modern irons is quite comparable to most of the capabilities of a steamer. For example, by turning on the “steam” function with the device, it is quite possible to smooth out hanging curtains or refresh furniture coverings;
makes perfect creases on trousers , smooths out wrinkles well without additional equipment;
smoothes bed linen well (if the length of the ironing board allows you to lay out a sheet or duvet cover without folding it in half);
The device is quite easy to clean using a damp cloth or a cleaning stick.

Minuses

The main disadvantage of the iron is possible damage to the material due to incorrectly selected temperature . In the worst case, this leads to holes in things, and in a more acceptable case, it leads to excessive shine of the fabric;
the device will be of little help in smoothing things decorated with accessories, buttons , and every housewife has probably had plastic buttons melted during the ironing process;
an iron to smooth out small folds, pleating, stitched gathering on the cuff fabric in the form of a “pipe”, etc., it is also difficult to smooth out shoulder seams, for example, in jackets;
the device requires an ironing board or other flat, stable surface covered with a material that can withstand high heat and “does not stick” to the surface of fabrics;
the standard cord length of this device is usually short, that is, it can only be used near sockets ;
Since the water reservoir is built into the iron itself, the weight of the iron increases significantly when water is poured into it.

To choose a good device, see the rating of the best irons.

What can an iron do?

Let's consider one of the best and most expensive iron models - the Bosch iron. The price is almost 11,000 rubles, there is a vertical steaming function and a steam supply of 65 grams per minute. Only special water - distilled - can be used.

This iron, like almost all modern models, is equipped with a built-in steamer. But the steamer’s performance is not enough to quickly and efficiently saturate the fabric with water and iron it carefully. Therefore, the new sole coating protects not the fabric, but the iron from the consequences of fabric damage.

Features of the steam generator

A household steamer is a lightweight iron, the stand for which is a steam generator , usually small in size .

Stay up to date! To generate hot steam, with the help of which the device smoothes things, water is supplied by a steam generator through a hose directly into the iron.

Externally, a household steamer looks like a small vacuum cleaner with a thin supply hose , and the steam button is usually located on the body of the iron itself.

Many standard steam generators are equipped with a folding bar (hanger) for easy placement of ironed clothes.

Compact steamers that do not have a supply hose and a built-in hanger are also widespread.

For such devices, which look like an electric kettle, the steam generator is built directly into the body.

The wide functionality of a household steam generator allows it to be used not only for ironing clothes, but also for steaming curtains, tablecloths, cleaning carpets and furniture coverings , for treating kitchen surfaces and cleaning the house.

pros

great capabilities and high functionality : irons and cleans not only clothes and linen, but also other fabrics - curtains, tablecloths, carpets, etc.;
many models can be used for cleaning an apartment - for cleaning sofas, kitchen surfaces, ceilings;
Some models can gently clean windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces;
eliminates not only wrinkles, but also odor, “refreshes” clothes without washing;
equally well in both vertical and horizontal positions ;
high temperature of the steam, which allows you to quickly smooth even natural materials that are difficult to iron - what is considered a “thermal shock” for an iron, is a normal operating mode for a steam generator;
no ironing board required;
calmly steams things with buttons, snaps, fittings , etc. (which can be treated with steam);
does not damage the material;
The iron itself, which is used for ironing, is light in weight ;
can iron thick fabric or fabric folded several times;
large water tank - you can be less likely to be distracted from the ironing process.

Minuses

high price;
bulky and usually heavy;
makes noise when working;
high risk of steam burn due to careless handling;
requires space for storage and use;
consumables are required - filters, cartridges, etc.;
works only when plugged into a power outlet;
does not work well in a vertical state, even in the “steaming” mode;
compact steamers usually have a small water tank volume and low steam output . This does not allow them to be used for long-term ironing of a large number of things;
It is difficult to make folds and arrows ; additional devices will be required.

To choose a good device, see the rating of steam generators.

Comparisons and differences

Iron or steam generator - what to choose, pros and cons of devices - this is the main topic of our article. Let's first deduce the specific differences between the techniques according to certain parameters:

Steam generator:

Tank is a separate container;
The pressure is quite strong;
Functions both horizontally and vertically;
Dry steam;
There are built-in filters for water purification;
The sole hardly heats up, the steam has a strong effect.

Ironing device:

The tank is built into the body;
The pressure is weak;
Works horizontally only;
The steam is wet;
Distilled water;
The steam softens the fabric, but the main effect is exerted by the highly heated sole.

Now let’s compare both devices regarding their disadvantages and advantages:

Price. Of course, a better steam generator will be more expensive;
Mobility. The usual ironing item is distinguished by its light weight and small size;
Ironing quality. In this parameter, a steam generator is definitely better - it is suitable for thin and delicate fabrics, heavily wrinkled items;
Functionality. The steam generator allows you to iron things, but that’s not all – you can process many other things and surfaces.

We hope that our review helped you understand what to choose for your home – an iron or a steam generator. The simplest conclusions are as follows: do you need steaming and careful processing of not only clothes, but also other items? Choose a more functional unit, despite the high cost, and don’t think twice about it!

How do you know which is better: an iron or an iron with a steam generator? If you need not only ironing, but also a little steaming, then you should pay attention to a modern device that combines several options. And we will help you decide on the best model. In another article, we provided a rating of specific models for 2018-2019.

What is best to use and when?

What is the difference? At home, both a steam generator and an iron perform similar functions.

But in some situations, using one of the devices is preferable, for example:

Iron

will help to make high-quality “arrows” on trousers, form folds on a skirt;
folding irons are convenient to take with you on trips;
oddly enough, modern models often show better results in ironing quality tests;
The device is familiar and therefore more convenient to use.

Steam generator

can clean carpet, upholstered furniture, fabric coverings;
allows you to straighten hanging curtains and drapes;
helps to carry out high-quality cleaning of the room without the use of chemicals;
washes windows and glass surfaces (not all models);
refreshes clothes well;
steams almost any fabric, including thick and multi-layered ones.

Rating of the best steam generators and irons

Photo	Name	Rating	Price
Rating of the best steam generators
#1		Loewe LW-IR-HG-001 Premium	⭐ 97 / 100	Find out the price
#2	Read also: Differences between an overlocker and a sewing machine	Bosch TDS 2255	⭐ 96 / 100	Find out the price
#3		Mie Bravissimo	⭐ 94 / 100	Find out the price
#4		Philips PerfectCare Pure GC7635	⭐ 92 / 100	Find out the price
#5		Tefal GV7620	⭐ 91 / 100	Find out the price
Rating of the best irons
#1		Rowenta DW 9240	⭐ 98 / 100 1 - voice	Find out the price
#2		Vitek VT 1262	⭐ 96 / 100	Find out the price
#3		REDMOND RI-C265S	⭐ 95 / 100	Find out the price
#4		Tefal FV 3925	⭐ 94 / 100	Find out the price
#5		Braun TexStyle TS785STP	⭐ 92 / 100	Find out the price

Which iron did you choose or recommend?

Take the survey

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

Important! When deciding to purchase a device, you should first familiarize yourself with its technical capabilities and test results.

You need to pay special attention to the functionality that the owner requires.

An iron should be preferred if:

requires ironing of a large amount of linen, including bed linen;
Most of the clothes belong to the classic style, that is, the formation of folds and “arrows” is necessary;
the floor and wall coverings of the apartment are not resistant to hot steam (for example, laminate is laid on the floor), that is, the device is not intended to be used for cleaning;
For the housewife, such indicators as the quality of ironing and ease of use are important. Since the tests carried out show that according to these indicators, irons are still ahead of steamers.

It is worth purchasing a steam generator if:

it is planned to use all (or almost all) of the functionality of the device. In addition to ironing clothes using a steamer, it is planned to clean carpets and floor coverings, treat kitchen and other surfaces, clean furniture, smooth curtains and outerwear made of thick fabrics (for example, coats);
most clothes do not require “arrows” and folds;
items made of “complex” (cotton, linen, other natural fabrics) or openwork fabrics (lace, guipure, embroidery) predominate;
there are many things equipped with buttons, buttons and other accessories;
the owner is a person striving to master new devices and devices.