Very few people like ironing, as this is quite a tedious job. Particular difficulties may arise with heavy or delicate fabrics, curtains. To facilitate the work, you can purchase a steamer for clothes.
The main purpose
Steamer is a device that produces steam - it is necessary for cleansing and smoothing tissues. Steam streams (their temperature is about +95 degrees) penetrate deep into the fibers, level the fabrics, and without deforming them. In addition, the clothes are disinfected and cleaned from minor impurities.
Regardless of the type of device, it is used to:
- Smoothing things on weight (and "copes" with any tissue).
- Ironing curtains.
- Removing unpleasant odors from clothes, small dirt.
- Cleaning sofas and other upholstered furniture.
- Disinfecting soft toys.
- Destruction of dust mites.
- Window cleaning - this requires a special nozzle.
The tool helps in the care of materials such as cotton, wool, viscose, organza, polyester, velor. It is also good that things can be decorated with beads, fringe or other decorative elements.
The advantage of the device is that after using it the fabric does not wrinkle, there are no stains on it.
Also, it can be used to clean down jackets or coats, and some models are suitable for fur. The only drawback of the equipment is that with its help it will not be possible to make "arrows" on the pants.
Types of steamers and their characteristics
Before choosing a suitable model, you need to decide on the view - each type of steamer has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Manual
This is the most compact model. It looks like a small brush for clothes, but without a nap, another common option is a small “teapot” with a spout. Because of the small case, it will not be possible to hide a powerful heating element inside, which makes the equipment rather weak. But at the same time it is easy to take with you on trips.
Advantages include:
- ease of use;
- compactness and low weight;
- ease of use;
- there are models that run on batteries;
- small price
Among the minuses noted:
- small power;
- the duration of the work - a maximum of half an hour, after which you need to take a break;
- small steam supply.
Such steamers are very convenient for tourist trips, when there is a need to clean a couple of things.
Vertical
If we talk about the budget models, then they often have a gravity feed system of steam. It is formed in the boiler in the lower compartment, then fed into the nozzle, with the result that the temperature drops slightly. It is best to use such devices when caring for fabrics of medium density.
There are also models that work under pressure - the power of the steam jet at the outlet is about 3 ATM, so that steam can penetrate even through the densest fabrics.
The advantages of such devices include:
- volumetric tank, which allows you to extend the operation of the device up to two hours;
- the convenience of use;
- simple and most practical design;
- affordable cost.
Of the minuses can be noted:
- small sizes;
- high energy consumption;
- it is necessary to wait until the water heats up, and the pressure in the steamer reaches the desired level.
Such models are perfect for ironing things, and in large quantities.
Pump Models
Pump products work with forced steam supply, released under pressure, only it is formed differently. In such models, not all the volume of water that is poured into the reservoir boils, the liquid is fed to the heating element, then begins to evaporate. The result is an "explosion" that increases the pressure in the chamber.
Further work is as follows: the valve opens and steam comes out. And you can control this process through a button that is located on the equipment.
The advantages include:
- intense steam flow.
- fast smoothing of fabrics;
- hot steam penetrates even the thickest fabrics;
- There are no restrictions on the time of work, as long as there is enough water.
Among the minuses:
- pressure drops quickly enough;
- high cost of the device.
Such equipment is best used for smoothing heavy fabrics, fur.
Combined options
Such products are a hybrid between a steamer for clothes and a household model, which means that they are functional and effective. They can be used for cleaning the house.
Among the benefits:
- heavy tissue processing;
- disinfection, odor removal;
- high level of functionality;
- availability of various nozzles.
Of the minuses, you can highlight the high cost and an excessive amount of steam.
How to choose the best steamer for clothes
When choosing a device you need to rely on several important factors that we consider.
Steam intensity
This characteristic affects the power and is decisive when ironing fabrics.
The average intensity is up to 50 g / min - this will be enough to work with most of the clothing. Most often, such parameters have products with a capacity of up to 2.3 kW.
It will take about 2 minutes to smooth.
But at the manual or low-cost models, the intensity is up to 20 g / min, power in the range of 1.5 kW.
To smooth out a regular shirt or pants, it takes an average of 3 minutes.
In pumping models, steam intensity is 70 g / min. Ironing time of one thing - less than a minute.
Tank volume
This parameter will determine how long the steamer will work without refueling. Volume depends on the design:
- manual models - 50-800 ml;
- floor-standing - from 700 ml to 3.8 l.
In addition, it is also important that the unit itself should be designed for such a long work.
Surface ironing material
Many believe that this parameter is not important, because the steamer does not even come into contact with clothing. However, in reality, the heating rate depends on the surface material, which needs to be waited for before starting work - if steam comes out in the form of condensation on the ironing, stains will remain when ironing.
To date, the following options are offered:
- Plastic. Differs in ease, low cost, however this material is short-lived.
- Metal. It is ideal if the iron has a heating function, otherwise steam will condense on the surface and stains will remain.
- Ceramics. Ideal - the surface heats up literally in 5 minutes.
All materials do well with their work, but if you do not want to spend time warming up, it is best to stay on the plastic.
Additional equipment
Much depends on the price of equipment, but it is worth noting that for the most part, many of the nozzles included in the set are often unnecessary. The most practical and frequently used ones are a clothes brush and clips, thanks to which you can update the appearance of the arrows.
All other accessories can be useful, but very rarely.
These items include:
- boards that help steam pockets;
- mittens to protect against steam;
- dot nozzles;
- hangers.
When choosing a floor model, turn your attention to the rack, because on sale you can find models with the following design:
- Disassembled. Best suited for daily use of the device, as well as if there is not enough space to store it.
- Telescopic. Such a steamer can be folded and unfolded if necessary, takes up little space.
Also pay attention to the height of the rack - it is best if it is about 15 cm above your height for maximum ease of use. In addition, it is good if it will be possible to adjust it.
TOP-5 popular models
Before purchasing a device, you should familiarize yourself with the TOP-5 rating models, which include:
- Philips GC670 / 05. One of the most popular models. The cost is 12,500 rubles. Attracts the availability of additional accessories, automatic winding, the possibility of using tap water.
- Kitfort KT-907. Effective floor type steamer at an economical price - only 4600 rubles. The advantages include: two modes of operation, the availability of accessories, quick warm-up in a couple of minutes. By cons - difficulty with smoothing dense fabrics.
- MIE Magic Style. It is one of the most powerful steamers at a price of 17,000 rubles. Attracts the fastest possible warming up - just 50 seconds, complete with a pad, various brushes, a bag as a gift.
- Grand Master GM-S-205LT. Attracts the price - from 13,500 rubles, a capacious reservoir of 3 liters. Warming up for 1 minute, 9 modes.
- MIE Deluxe. Powerful unit price of 15,000 rubles. The main parameters include: quick warm-up in 45 seconds, tank volume of 2.5 liters, three modes of operation. There is also a horizontal steam function.
Some recommendations for choosing a device
The following tips will help you find the right steamer for you according to your personal preferences and needs:
- If the unit is needed in order to sometimes refresh things, such as traveling, it is best to choose a manual model. With their help, you can care for curtains.
- When buying a device to care for things from the wardrobe, including jeans, it is best to choose powerful models with a steam supply rate of around 40 g / min.
- When buying a steamer to work with it in a studio or shops, you should choose powerful devices with a pressure level of around 3 atm. These are usually floor pump models.
- But if you need a multifunctional technique, for example, not only for ironing, but also for cleaning the house, it is better to choose the combined options.
As you can see, there are many features that should be considered when buying a steamer. But if you follow all the tips given in our article, you will be able to choose a truly high-quality unit.
