What is the difference between a steamer and a steam generator and which one is better to choose?

When the iron breaks down or you need to make ironing easier, you can get a new au pair. Nowadays there are many household appliances that can help with ironing clothes and linen. Some of these devices are, for example, steamers and steam generators. Let's see which of the models is best for you for ironing at home.

A steamer is an electrical appliance that consists of a water tank, a heater, a stand pipe, an elastic hose, a brush attachment, a coat hanger and a protective glove. Some units have an additional device - a frame frame for smoothing trousers.

There are two types of steamers:

• manual;
• outdoor vertical.

The manual one is distinguished by its low weight (no more than 1.2 kg) and mobility, therefore it is indispensable for trips. He copes well with light fabrics, but natural canvases he can no longer do because of the low power. And it only functions for 20-30 minutes without a break, and then it needs to rest. The floor-standing one looks a bit like a vacuum cleaner, it is used for ironing things in an upright position. The vertical floor steamer also has varieties - some models have a telescopic tube stand, while others are stationary. Devices with telescopic tubes are more convenient to use at home.

The device can perform the following household functions:

• ironing;
• cleaning of tiles and plumbing;
• refreshment of the outer wardrobe (down jackets, coats, fur coats);
• removal of difficult old stains from upholstered furniture;
• getting rid of dust mites and dust odor;
• disinfection of soft toys, playpens, strollers;
• washing windows;
• processing of complex clothes made of delicate fabrics, with a tangible amount of ruffles, frills, embroidery, beads;
• cleaning suede items, including shoes and jackets;
• restoration of the texture of knitted products.

The principle of the steamer is similar to the old way of ironing clothes through a damp cloth. When steaming things, the fabric does not deform, which helps to extend the life of the garment.

• Purified water is added to the container.
• The device is connected to the network.
• In less than a minute, the water boils.
• Wet steam is supplied through a hose to the nozzle.
• A jet of steam heated to 98-99 degrees smoothes creases.

There is the possibility of electronic adjustment of work, several modes of operation and various attachments, which greatly simplifies the operation of the device.

When using a steamer, you need to be careful, holding the garment from the inside with a special mitten, which is usually included in the kit. If there is no such mitten, then you can use a simple knitted mitten or potholder.

After use, you need to let the unit cool down, remove the brush, ring, pour out the remaining water from the tank, remove excess moisture using drainage. Then fold the stand (if it is telescopic) and remove the device.

Another device capable of ironing clothes and linen is a steam generator. It is an electrical appliance consisting of an iron directly, a flexible silicone hose, a water container, a boiler, and various attachments. A more correct name for this device is an iron with a steam generator. There are models that can only iron horizontally, but some can also iron vertically. Modern types of steam generators:

• models with a separate boiler for steam generation;
• devices with a thermoelement, to which water is supplied and steam is instantly generated;
• units with pumping water and separate tanks for cold water and steam.

Different models of steam generators differ from each other. Therefore, when buying a device, you need to take into account some points.

• Comfort (ergonomics) and weight. For large volumes of ironing, you need a convenient and lightweight electrical appliance.
• Power (in different models from 1.6 kW and more). For infrequent use, a medium power steam generator can be purchased. For regular use, you need to take a device with a high power.
• Container capacity for liquid (minimum 0.7 l). Depends on the frequency of use.
• Steam productivity (range from 70 to 140 g / min).
• Steam boost - from 130 to 360 g / min.
• Cord quality (long, flexible and durable).

Steam generator functions:

• ironing dense fabrics that are folded in several layers;
• shaping things (arrows of trousers, folds of skirts);
• ironing out cut out parts of products on an industrial scale;
• when the steam function is turned off, it can act as an ordinary iron.

The principle of operation of the steam generator is as follows.

• Purified water is poured into the container.
• The electrical appliance is connected to the network.
• After 6-8 minutes, the water boils.The appliance is pressurized to provide continuous steam.
• After turning on the button of the iron, dry, heated to a temperature of 140-160 degrees, steam enters the iron through the hose and goes out through the holes in the sole under pressure. Steam boost occurs.

Brief summary information to help you choose a home assistant - a steamer or steam generator.

• The steamer generates steam naturally, but with high humidity at a temperature of 98-99 degrees. A pressurized steam generator produces dry steam at a temperature of 140-160 degrees.
• The steamer starts working already half a minute after activation, the steam generator - only after 8-10 minutes of heating.
• The water consumption for the steamer ranges from 20 to 55 ml / min., For the steam generator - already from 80 to 120 ml / min.
• The steamer has high mobility, while the steam generator has low mobility.
• The mass of the steamer is lower than the mass of the steam generator.
• The steamer functions exclusively vertically. The steam generator can function vertically and horizontally. The iron platform is specially designed for the ironing board.

• Outwardly, the steamer is similar to a vacuum cleaner, and the steam generator is similar to an iron with extended functionality.
• The steamer copes with wrinkling, dirt and disinfection. The steam generator will quickly handle a significant amount of laundry.
• A steam generator is more expensive than a steamer.

The only difference is how you plan to use this device. The steamer is used for cleaning outerwear, surfaces and for vertical ironing. The steam generator is mainly used only for horizontal ironing of things. The dimensions of the apparatus also play a role - the steam generator is bulky and awkward, and the steamer is more mobile. Only the person who will use this device can decide the question of choosing one of these devices. But you can give some advice.

The steam generator will be more needed by people who want to make ironing easier and at the same time disinfect the laundry. The steam generator is still an iron, albeit an improved one. But the steamer is a completely new device, which has no analogues yet.

At home, it will be enough to have a high-quality iron and steamer. But the owner of the atelier or boutique will additionally have to purchase a steam generator. The final choice can be helped by the reviews of those who already use this technique.

The steamer is a very useful device - right on the hanger, any dress or skirt can be ironed perfectly. A very worthy assistant in the store. Crumpled jackets, coats become smooth in no time. The water heats up quickly, after a few seconds the steamer is ready for use.

A steam generator is an iron that is connected by a tube to a large stand. Up to 1.5 liters of water is poured into the tank. She warms up for about ten minutes. Well, it smoothes everything. It can be on the board, or by weight. The steam generator is more powerful than an iron, perfectly ironing natural fabrics, ironing bed linen in 4 folds. The result is wonderful! Steams vertically and horizontally.

In the next video, you will find a detailed overview of the Tefal steam generator.