How to choose a steam generator ironing board?

Many housewives do not like ironing the linen very much, considering this occupation tedious, since it not only takes a lot of time and effort, but also requires special care if you need to get perfectly ironed clothes.

To save the fair sex from a tedious task, manufacturers of household appliances offer to purchase a steam generator instead of the usual iron. In addition to this, it is recommended to buy a special ironing board. Such a set allows the hostess to get perfectly ironed things, while spending a minimum of time and energy.

The main distinguishing feature of an ironing board for a steam generator, in comparison with other devices, is the presence of a special surface that allows you to simultaneously absorb steam and provide blowing. Thanks to these design features, the ironing process is much easier: steam penetrates into each fold of the clothes, as a result of which the linen is evenly smoothed, and the steam passes through the surface of the board without creating a "wet effect".

As a result, the entire ironing process is significantly accelerated. A hostess can iron much more laundry using a steam station with a dedicated ironing board than a conventional iron and ironing board.

In addition, linens that are large in size, such as sheets or duvet covers, can be stacked in several layers to fit comfortably on the steam board. At the same time, the quality of the ironed laundry will remain at a high level, as if you had ironed it without folding it.

The surface of the steam station ironing board is designed to not only let steam through, but also to provide a high degree of smooth sliding for the steam generator. The surface of such devices includes 4 layers.

1. Base. It is made of waterproof thermoplastic material that can withstand high temperatures. Also, a metal equipped with a special wall for water repellency can be used as a base. A distinction is made between a perforated base or one containing a mesh layer, due to which condensation does not accumulate.
2. Foam or felt covering. It is used to distribute steam and absorb excess moisture.
3. Backing made of foam. Gives the surface maximum smoothness, increasing glide.
4. Casemade from natural fibers such as cotton or linen.

For ironing clothes, it is better to use a board with a steam generator, such a device belongs to the class of active ones. Unlike a "passive" product, it should be included in the electrical network, as a result of which it will perform additional useful actions.

1. Blowing or ventilating. When this function is enabled, the process of blowing in an air stream is observed, which creates a protective shell. It provides a lighter mode of ironing, which is recommended for thin fabrics, men's shirts, blouses. Often, hostesses use this function to freshen up outerwear. Thanks to the blow-off function, you protect delicate fabrics from wrinkling and unnecessary dents.
2. Steam absorption or wicking. An active ironing board with a steam generator has a special compartment that perfectly "absorbs" condensate. Moist air will saturate the fabric, passing through it, and attract it to the work surface, making it much easier to align the laundry. In addition, excess moisture will be removed without leaving wet marks on the board or clothing.

The steam board ensures that the above functions are functional thanks to the built-in ventilation device.

If you plan to purchase an ironing board with a steam generator so that you can use it not at home, but for professional purposes, then you need to pay attention to such a function as heating the table top to 60 degrees. As a result of double-sided heating of the surface, the clothes will be smoothed even faster. This thermal function provides additional drying of the fabric, protecting the surface of the board from getting wet if you need to iron the linen for a long period of time.

There are two types of ironing boards for a steam generator:

• active;
• standard.

The active board for the steam system has a number of features:

• the presence of a larger surface for ironing things;
• rounded edge of the table top, which allows for better ironing of the laundry;
• iron stand;
• the presence of an equipped fan;
• the presence of a pedal that provides air supply;
• stronger and more stable legs.

In order to choose the right board for a steam generator, a number of parameters must be taken into account.

• Product weight. It can range from 5 to 20 kilograms. Often, the fair sex prefer light ironing boards, which are distinguished by mobility, as a result of which even a very fragile and tiny girl can easily move her and put her in a convenient place.
• Dimensions. Consider this indicator when you choose a similar product. The compact size of the ironing board for the steam system will allow it to be hidden from prying eyes when there is no need to use this device.
• Height. On most models, the height can be adjusted so that this ironing board can be used by all family members, regardless of their height. Such a product can be equipped with stepped or smooth adjustment of the level of the tabletop placement. Please note that the stepped mechanism is among the most durable, but thanks to the lever mechanism, you can install the ironing board in a wider range of heights. Certain models are characterized by a minimum height of 40 centimeters, which makes it possible to iron the laundry while sitting.
• The dimensions and shape of the countertop. The best option is to purchase an ironing board that has a fairly large table top. Thanks to this, you can almost completely place your clothes. And if a textile product is large, then you will move it much fewer times, which will significantly speed up the ironing process. A pointed table top will allow you to better slip on your clothes for ironing.

• Reliability and stability... Often, the frame is made of plastic, which is characterized by increased reliability, and steel pipes. The stability of a certain model of steam generator ironing board can be checked by reassembling it into the working position. It is better to choose a model with a larger surface of the legs for support: it will be distinguished by increased stability. If the supports will extend beyond the contours of the tabletop in width, this will be the best option. Pay attention also, whether rubberized or corrugated plugs are put on the legs: they will protect the whole device from slipping on the floor.

• The material from which the ironing board is made. Consider the fact that if the entire structure is made of wood, then the product will not serve you very long. If the tabletop is made of perforated metal, then it is worth purchasing a device with a rather thick cover, since otherwise there will be traces of holes on the clothes during the ironing process. The best option is to buy a product that is made from thermoplastic. When you iron the laundry, the heat and steam will be reflected evenly, resulting in a much better ironed garment.
• Cord length. If the cord is quite long, you will not need to place such a board next to the outlet, but you can put it in a convenient place.
• Availability of additional equipment. This can be a basket for placing small accessories, a hanger for steaming shirts, a shelf where ironed things will be placed.

Now we need to highlight the popular models of ironing boards that have received the largest number of positive reviews from customers who have purchased this product.

• Bosch. The ironing board from this brand has an excellent price-quality ratio. Such a model is distinguished by the following parameters: 140 centimeters in length and 45 centimeters in width, due to which the most necessary things are placed during the ironing process. This model has additional heating functions, as well as blows in and out air, as a result of which you can iron things made of delicate fabrics. The cotton cover is removable so it can be easily washed if needed. Such a device has a special support for the steam generator. There is a built-in socket where the iron can be plugged in.

• Philips. It is rather large: 120 centimeters long and 45 centimeters wide. The ironing surface is made of cotton, foam and felted wool. You can adjust this model in height in 6 positions. There are removable hangers, as well as hangers for placing ironed linen. They can also be used to iron laundry in an upright position. Manufacturers have included special protection against children, so the baby will not be able to fold and unfold such a product. Differs in light weight, which is 8.8 kilograms. When folded it takes up a minimum of space.

• Hausmann. This device is distinguished by its functionality and convenience. The table top is 125 centimeters long and 42 centimeters wide. This steam generator ironing board can be adjusted to different levels, reaching a maximum height of 90 centimeters. Has a removable cover made of cotton fabric. A special stand can be used to place a steam system or an iron. The table top is made of perforated metal.
• Type Special. Belongs to active devices. The surface of the countertop is evenly heated, as a result of which the clothes dry faster and better. The presence of vacuum aspiration allows you to get rid of the swirling vapor from the product, as a result of which the condensed liquid does not accumulate under the board and the cover does not get wet. This board can be adjusted in height to make it convenient to use.
• Lelit. Has a large tabletop, which is 122 centimeters long and 38 centimeters wide. Thanks to the equipment with a powerful electric motor, such an ironing board can work in 3 modes: vacuum aspiration, air blowing, as well as warming up the table top. You can switch between different modes by pressing a special button on the working surface. The frame is made of metal. There is a removable cover made of cotton fabric.

Now you know what kind of boards for steam generators are, and you can choose the right one for yourself.

See below for how to select a steam ironing system.