Review of modern irons and steamers

How to use?

The operating principle of a vertical steam iron is quite simple:

1. Cold water is poured into the tank, then the device is connected to the power supply. The device has a regulator on which you can set the desired steam supply mode.
2. The water in the container heats up in 1-2 minutes, after which the evaporation process begins. Steam comes out of special holes on the base of the device. When you press the button, a burst of steam is generated from them.
3. To smooth the item vertically, you need to hang it on hangers. While slightly stretching the fabric with one hand, move the device from top to bottom in the other hand. Since steam penetrates deep into the fabric, it is enough to smooth the item on one side.

To iron trousers and jeans, it is convenient to use a hanger with special clips. Curtains must first be hung, and only then ironed.

Some of the models with vertical ironing function have several steam modes. They are separated by steam supply power intended for different types of fabrics. Slightly cheaper models have one mode. In practice, housewives use only 1-2 modes, so if the device is purchased for home use, it is not necessary to choose an expensive model with different modes.

The possibilities of ironing with vertical steam are demonstrated in the video using the example of Rowenta irons:

How to prepare the steamer for use?

If you have a manual clothes steamer, you will quickly learn how to use it. But before you start steaming directly, you need to prepare the device. The best way to do this is to use the instructions, since the models have slight differences.

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And if we talk about universal rules, then before starting steaming you should:

• Connect the iron to the hose. At the same time, secure its bottom in the body.
• Place a clothes holder.
• Fill a container with water.
• And turn on the steamer to the network by pressing the On button.
• Wait a little while the water warms up.
• Check the steam supply by pressing the corresponding button on the control panel.

If steam comes out of the steamer, then you can start processing the clothes. But do it carefully, do not put your fingers between the iron and the fabric to avoid getting burned!

Power and pressure of vertical steam irons

Modern models mainly have a power of 1.6-2.4 W:

• 1.6-2 kW - suitable for home use if the family is small or there is not a large amount of clothing. Works great on shirts, coats, dresses and other soft fabrics.
• 2.1-2.4 kW - such a device is suitable for large volumes of work. It even copes with heavy curtains, jeans, and down jackets.

The higher the power of the device, the better it copes with its direct function. In addition to this parameter, the devices differ in the pressure of the steam they produce. For light fabrics, 35-60 g/min is sufficient, and for heavy and dense fabrics, a higher figure will be required.

What power to choose a device depends on the volume and purpose of its use. If you plan to use it for home use, you can get by with the average. If the iron is bought in a studio or clothing store, you need a more powerful device.

Steam iron sole

For the horizontal type of ironing of clothes, the quality of the soleplate of the iron is important, because in practice, housewives use both vertical steaming and horizontal conventional ironing of clothes. They are mainly produced in several types:

• Aluminum . Quite light, your hands do not get tired when working with such a device. Disadvantage: vulnerability (easily deformed).
• Stainless steel . Durable material that does not require effort to maintain. The disadvantage is the most severe compared to other materials.
• Ceramics . It reliably protects fabrics from burning and glides easily over the surface, but this material is considered one of the most fragile and difficult to care for.

It is recommended to choose an iron with vertical steaming, the sole of which is made of combined materials. And, of course, it is important to pay attention to the number of holes for steam to escape on the sole: the more there are, the easier and faster ironing of clothes will be.

Recommendations for choosing an iron

To make the device more convenient to use, you should take into account the following recommendations:

• You need to pay attention to the iron cord. The optimal length is considered to be a wire of at least 2 meters. To prevent the cord from twisting, some models have rotating systems. Thanks to this option, the wire can be rotated 360 degrees and there is no need to waste time straightening it.
• Find out if there is an anti-drip system. When using a low heating temperature, water may drip from the appliance. When a drop of water gets on light-colored clothing, it leaves an unwanted stain. A special anti-drip system, which is provided in most modern irons, will protect clothes from such a nuisance.
• Determine what kind of water is suitable for the tank. To do this, you need to read the instructions for the device. In simple models it is permissible to pour only distilled water, while more expensive ones already have filters for cleaning and you can even pour running water from the tap into them.

An additional useful function of modern devices is the elimination of odors using steaming. Its presence is welcome.

What is a steamer?

A steamer is a device that uses steam to smooth fabric. You can use a steamer when caring for clothes and home textiles.

The principle of operation of the steamer is that hot air penetrates the fabric and straightens it. Just a few, and sometimes just one movement, and you no longer see the folds.

This effect is possible thanks to the steam generator built into the steamer. It receives steam from water, which, under pressure, penetrates the fibers to straighten them.

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Technical features

Before figuring out how to properly use a clothes steamer, it’s a good idea to understand its internal structure.

The structure is usually made up of parts:

1. Steam generator. And next to it is a heating element, a boiler, and a pump that supplies water.
2. Water container.
3. Hose.
4. Iron.
5. A holder or other item for hanging clothes.

As a rule, the latest models have an accessible control panel, to the delight of the user. Including buttons that allow you to adjust the steam strength. We recommend buying a steamer complete with a holder, so that you don’t have to worry about where to hang the item.

Differences from iron

Perhaps this question worries many users; no one wants to spend money on something that will then lie idle. So, what do steamers have that an iron doesn’t?

Firstly, it’s true that the iron is also equipped with a steaming function, but its sole always comes into contact with the fabric, and you can easily ruin it.

Using a steamer, even with delicate fabric, this will not happen. The device contacts the fibers only through steam.

Also read: What you should pay attention to when choosing a sewing machine: types, stitches, needles, functions

Other differences between a steamer and an iron:

• This new device is suitable for caring for any fabric. It can be the usual knitwear, synthetics, wool, leather.
• You can use a hand steamer in a vertical or horizontal plane. This is much more convenient, especially if you need to iron outerwear or curtains.
• The steamer leaves no residue. You won't see shine, extra folds or creases, even if you have a super thin, fleecy or delicate item.
• Steaming is faster than ironing.

What are the best vertical steam irons?

The most popular irons with vertical steaming capabilities, which enjoy favorable reviews, are the following models:

Tefal

One of the most popular brands, which is practically not inferior in characteristics to more expensive irons. Meeting all the requirements of discerning users, Tefal is a completely affordable brand of household appliances. Depending on the models, they are equipped with:

• anti-lime rod;
• auto shut-off function;
• self-cleaning sole;
• anti-drip system.

One of the popular models is Tefal FV3925E0 with the following characteristics:

• power – 2.3 kW;
• constant steam supply - from 35 g/min;
• there is an auto shut-off function;
• steam boost – 120 g/min;
• water container – 270 ml.

The brand also produces wireless models - an excellent choice for professional use. Country of origin: France. You can learn about its characteristics, capabilities and advantages in the following video:

Philips

Leader in power and quality. This brand is constantly improving its equipment. Philips irons have an optimal weight and a convenient spout shape that allows you to get to even the most difficult to reach places.

One of the popular series is the GC 4870 series with the following characteristics:

• device power – 2.6 kW;
• steam supply – 50 g/min.
• auto shutdown system;
• convenient rotating cord and additional accessories for comfortable use;
• convenient water container – 335 ml.

However, this brand is one of the most expensive among those on the market. Manufacturer – Netherlands.

An overview of the Phillips iron with vertical steam function is offered in the following video:

Braun

It features the most stylish iron design. The optimal model of this brand is Braun TS745A. Manufacturer – Germany.

The power of the device is high - 2.4 kW. The water reservoir is 400 ml, which means that this should be enough for 30 minutes of work. But as for the supply of steam, according to many reviews it does not always meet the stated standards. It is also worth paying attention to the fastening of the cord - on some models it is located a little low, which makes the process inconvenient.

What types of steamers are there?

The devices differ in design and purpose, which determine not only their appearance, but their weight and functions.

Manufacturers offer several types of steamers:

1. Manual.
2. Vertical with stand.
3. With steam cleaner.
4. Professional.

Learn how to use any steamer correctly, but not all of them are suitable for home care.

The manual one has the simplest design, and can be used horizontally or in the usual vertical . Users like it for its compactness, mobility and affordable price. There is a large selection of such models on the market.

The vertical steamer is stationary, it has a stand or board . You can distinguish it from a manual one first of all by its size, which resembles a vacuum cleaner.

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It would seem like a minus. But such a device will be much more powerful, which means it will work faster and cope with any tissue. Plus there is a stand where you can safely place your wardrobe and the steamer itself.

If you're trying to figure out how to use a clothes steamer with a steam cleaner function, you know that it not only removes wrinkles, but also removes dirt.

You can work in any convenient position. And not only with clothes, but also with home textiles, such as upholstery or carpet. This is how dry cleaning works at home.

A professional steamer is used in stores so that clothes do not hang wrinkled on the sales floor . It has more functions, for example, eliminating dust, stains, and unpleasant odors.

And it is suitable for all fabrics. It is also large in size and expensive. But professional models, as a rule, are only needed in the store. It is better not to consider them for home use.