How to choose a handheld garment steamer?
Ironing is a tedious task. Good housewives know that it takes a lot of effort, diligence and neatness to get the perfect look. It is extremely difficult to iron delicate and decorated fabrics, as well as curtains. There is a device that can make the ironing process simpler and easier. The handheld steamer is a compact and comfortable household appliance that helps housewives to tidy up any fabrics. If you choose the right device, it will make ironing easy and will be a good time-saving helper.
What it is?
The steamer is a hand-held tissue steamer. This is an apparatus that works with electricity. It generates steam to smooth and cleanse clothes. Steam flow temperature - + 98– + 99 degrees. They are able to penetrate deeply into the fibers and make them even without stretching. In addition, things are disinfected by means of hot steam, and you can also easily clean them of minor contaminants. The most significant positive quality of devices is the possibility of vertical ironing. It is convenient and quick, so many housewives with pets purchase a device for cleaning clothes from wool.
The first device of this type appeared in 1940 in the United States.
It could restore the shape of a felt hat, an extremely popular and demanded accessory at that time. Now the steamer can be seen in many homes, as they won the hearts of housewives, making their life much easier. They are also used in clothing boutiques, hotels and other professional institutions.
Each model is capable of performing many functions. It is used to iron clothes made of various fabrics by weight, which is extremely convenient and saves a lot of time. You can clean furniture, get rid of strong odors on any item, iron curtains ideally, wash windows (if you have the necessary nozzle), disinfect soft toys (quickly destroy dust mites and microbes). Using such a device is easy and simple. Any person can figure out its functionality, which is why the models are popular and in demand. They save time, since you can put things in order pretty quickly. Many do this right before leaving the house.
Varieties
There are many different types and models of fabric steamers. To choose a suitable unit, it is worth studying the classification of devices, which will help you make the right choice.
- Vertical device - compact, small-sized, easy to store anywhere. It is multifunctional, extremely powerful. With it, you can carry out vertical ironing of curtains and clothes, easily smoothes a coat. It is used both at home and in production. Quite rarely, the device is used for ironing on an ironing board.
- Hand steamer Is ideal for people with an active lifestyle or who are constantly on the move. Its dimensions are extremely miniature, so you can take the device with you on the road without any problems. This is a handy device that allows you to put things in order in any conditions.
- Floor option - This is a productive and demanded device that is used only indoors. It has high power. The set includes a volumetric fluid reservoir. Most often it is used for ironing a large volume of things in an uninterrupted mode (it can easily work for an hour and a half).
- Mini steamer Is a device with many different models that can iron clothes, shirts, trousers and other things. The cost of such an assistant is low. It differs from irons in that it gently and gently iron even delicate and incredibly thin fabric, without causing any harm to it. The appliance does not need an ironing board or table. Clothes are steamed directly on the hanger.
It is convenient to operate and easy to store.
Advantages and disadvantages
Due to its positive qualities, the steamer is popular and in demand. Such a device can be seen in almost every home, since when using it, you do not need to put things on the ironing board. Clothes are placed on a hanger. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the following advantages of steamers:
- almost any fabric will tolerate steam ironing, even if it is "capricious";
- the device does not weigh too much, you can take it with you to the dacha or on a trip (without liquid it will be even easier);
- ideal for smoothing various suits that have many folds and ruffles; complex details are not a hindrance to the device;
- there is a security system - if there is no liquid in the container, the device will not turn on;
- can be used for curtains and curtains without any problems - they do not need to be removed from the eaves;
- by smoothing things, the device disinfects them and eliminates unpleasant odors.
The handheld steamer is what will help the hostess to iron clothes with pleasure. The devices have an affordable price, so everyone can buy them. Like any other device, they have some drawbacks.
- When the device is in use, you should carefully watch how it is located in space. The steamer should only be held vertically and can only be tilted by five degrees. If you treat this carelessly, hot water can get into the hands of a person, after which he will get a burn.
- The liquid container in some models is not too large.After filling the device once, you can use it for 10-15 minutes.
- Some devices are of low power. In this regard, the productivity of vaporization decreases, amounting to fifteen ml / min. Most often, such characteristics are found in inexpensive units. Better devices can see a productivity of 55 ml / min.
If the appliance is not too powerful, it does not cope well with heavily wrinkled cotton and linen clothes.
Subtleties of choice
To choose a decent appliance that makes ironing easier, you need to use some recommendations and study the characteristics of the product. There are several parameters to consider.
- Power is the most significant aspect that affects how quickly the water in the tank will heat up, as well as the amount of steam converted from it. Many handheld devices have a power of 1000-1200 watts, but there are devices that are more powerful. If the value is high, then ironing will be more efficient. But we must not forget that such a device consumes quite a lot of electricity. Almost all mini-devices have a power of 1000 W, so they are extremely poor at smoothing rough fabrics.
- Steam supply and pressure are other parameters that are important when choosing a steamer for home use. Ironing on coarse materials is easier when the steam is supplied under pressure, making ironing easier. The optimal indicator is 35–40 ml / min.
- Consider the volume of the tank and the amount of fluid required for the model. If the reservoir is large, then the device will not need to be refilled often, it will work much longer. But it must be borne in mind that if the container is quite voluminous, then the device is heavy. Floor standing steamers have a reservoir of 1-2 liters, manual steamers - from 50-60 to 500 milliliters. It is better to purchase a device into which you can add liquid during ironing without tearing yourself away from it.
- You need to carefully read the instructions, as it says what kind of water is needed for work. Some models function only with bottled or distilled liquid, while others can be filled with regular tap water.
- It is necessary to study the modes of operation of the device. If the steamer is single mode, the user will not be able to adjust the steam output. This option is good only if a person needs to iron only the same type of fabric. Devices with multiple modes have a higher price, but they are effective and capable of smoothing any fabric.
- The body can be plastic, metal or ceramic. Ceramic and metal are the most reliable and durable materials that guarantee a long service life of the device. Metal appliances may contain an additional heating element to prevent condensation.
There should be a sufficient number of holes on the sole through which steam will escape.
You need to pay attention to the equipment of the device, make sure that the necessary accessories are there. It is best to purchase devices with a variety of brushes that clean clothes well from dirt. Another useful thing is a heat-resistant plate, through which it is convenient to smooth collars and cuffs. A mitten that protects the hands of the hostess from burns is a necessary trifle that must be included in the kit. Most often, these accessories are purchased together with floor standing devices. Manual counterparts may not have a rich set.
The device with a long cord has great functionality and is also very maneuverable. But do not purchase a steamer with a huge cord, as the ironing process will not be very convenient. The dimensions must be selected, taking into account what the device is purchased for. If the steam generator will be used at home, you can buy a large one. If you need to take it on the road, it is better to give preference to compact models.
Rating of the best models and reviews
Manufacturers offer a variety of different types and models of handheld steamers. They differ in characteristics, so before buying it is better to study the reviews and the quality of various options. It is worth considering the rating of the most popular devices that have won the hearts of many.
- Endever odyssey Is a worthy offer with a high price and good functionality. Power - nine hundred watts, steam heats up to one hundred and three degrees. The barrel can contain 450 milliliters of liquid. Without refueling, he will be able to smooth 4–5 things, which he does efficiently and quickly. It is a miniature kettle, there are many additional attachments through which you can smooth and clean various items of clothing. Some do not stop at steaming clothes and furniture with the apparatus, using it in different areas, since the device has a freshener attachment with which it can scent the air in the room. There is a conical funnel for inhalation, as well as a mask-container so that the hostess can carry out cosmetic procedures at home.
This is a comfortable and multifunctional item that is the perfect companion for any woman.
- Manufacturer from the Netherlands Philips created an excellent handheld model with sufficient wattage and 1000W of steam generation. The formation of steam occurs quite quickly, you can use the device one minute after turning it on. 60 milliliters of water is poured into the container. Steam supply - 20 g / min. In the reviews, many write that the design of the device is interesting and convenient. The device resembles a brush with a long cord (two meters) and low weight (six hundred grams). The kit does not include a large number of attachments.
- Polaris PGS 1412C Is an ergonomic model, the design of which is extremely aesthetically pleasing. The smooth lines make the device look interesting and stylish. Conveniently located buttons that deliver steam, so users don't have to worry about safety. The design is quite portable. The human hand securely grips the handle located on the body, and the user clearly directs the air to the tissue.
- MIE Assistente M - This is an incredibly powerful (1500 W) model that perfectly smoothes even the most dense materials. The surface of the device is smooth, made of metal, which allows it to be a versatile option. It can be used for horizontal ironing. This is a handy model that you can take with you on your travels.
- Kitfort KT-910 has a lot of praise from grateful users. The main quality of this device is that it has a useful option - a sensor that monitors the water level in the tank. The package includes a steam hose (one and a half meters), a spacious liquid tank (1.8 liters). The power is 2200 W, so the device works with dignity and quality. The steamer can be used 30–40 seconds after switching on, which saves the user time.
- Rowenta Company offers a decent option for those who need a good thing that can delight owners for many years. The stylish vertical unit can be moved around the room without any problems. It has voluminous wheels that are easy to maneuver and a rather long cord (2.6 meters), which allows you to install the unit where it will be more comfortable to iron. The complete set includes a double telescopic aluminum stand, the height of which can be adjusted. With its help, you can adjust the hanger to the height of the person, so that it is extremely convenient. Another good news for active users - the model has a foot drive. The front part of the case is equipped with a power button, which allows you to operate the device with comfort. The cord reels up automatically and there is a built-in tank for storing additional accessories.The handle is comfortable, it helps to move the device. There are indicators for water level and hot air supply.
If you fill the unit once, it will run for three hours.
- Endever Odyssey Q-405 Is a laconic and simple device that does not have a stand in order to place clothes vertically. Manufacturers have changed the classic model and received a device that has a low price, mobility and versatility. The average power (1500 W) allows you to use the steamer for various fabrics and smooth them fairly quickly and efficiently. The volume of the tank is six hundred milliliters. The device perfectly disinfects upholstered furniture, mattresses, carpets and other items, and therefore is indispensable for those who have small children and pets. It cleans well items of clothing, removes them from wool, lint and minor dirt.
- Endever Odyssey Q-410 / Q-411 / Q-412 / Q-413 looks incredibly aesthetically pleasing and beautiful. It is a kettle with a wide neck. The power is small (800 W), but it produces a fairly large pressure of hot air, with the help of which it smoothes the fabrics with high quality. Does not spoil things, handles neatly even with the most delicate fabrics. The reservoir holds two hundred milliliters of liquid, which allows you to steam 2-3 things. It is ideal for home use at a minimal cost. There is a sufficient number of reviews on the Internet, most of which are positive. Users like to work with this device, they praise its functionality and quality.
Recommendations for use
The choice of such a device is a simple matter that requires care and responsibility. But it is important not only to choose the right device, but also to be able to use it correctly. Careless use of the steamer can lead to various problems, including equipment breakdown and damage to things. You should pay attention to such useful tips and recommendations:
- in the process of ironing, the fabric is saturated with moist air, therefore, after finishing it is necessary to give the things time (2-3 minutes), and not immediately put them on; clothes must dry, otherwise they may deform;
- smoothing curtains is a step-by-step work that needs to be treated more responsibly;
ironing should be done from the very top, moving downward, pulling the fabric with one hand;
- bulky towels or bedding are best ironed by placing them on a dryer;
- if the device can steam things horizontally, you can lay them out on the mattress, so the ironing process will be more convenient and comfortable;
- it is important to remember that not every model can take good care of fur products; you should study the instructions, and if there is no information in it on this matter, it is better to start refreshing fur coats and sheepskin coats from areas that are not too noticeable;
- for the ironing process to be safe, and the clothes to be ironed efficiently, you need to keep the iron at a distance of 5-10 centimeters from the thing;
- if it is necessary to iron the down jacket, it should be slightly damp; thus, the filler fibers will spread much more easily.
Using a household steamer means making ironing easier and quicker. With its help, you can make clothes smooth and neat in a matter of minutes, put in order products made of dense or delicate fabrics, make upholstered furniture fresh and smooth curtains with high quality. He is an indispensable helper in any home. But it should be remembered that such an apparatus cannot completely replace an ordinary iron. This is possible only for those models that have the function of horizontal ironing.
For information on how to choose a garment steamer, see the next video.