Steam stations (steam generators): what is it and how to choose?

In search of an answer to the question of how to choose a good steam station, thousands of people look through customer reviews, looking for information on what it is, how to use it correctly. Today, such a technique is found in almost every home, and the use of a steam generator as a steamer is not the only area of ​​its application. This device is quite capable of becoming an indispensable assistant in house cleaning., he can easily tidy up curtains, upholstered furniture, help disinfect children's toys or urgently prepare a business suit for going out.

Steam generator (steam station) - a device that performs the functions of a steamer and replaces a regular iron while smoothing out folds on the fabric... This type of equipment, in addition to direct heating, has the ability to supply hot steam under pressure with a temperature of 100-140 degrees Celsius.

There are 3 main nodes in the design:

• iron;
• a heating element;
• reservoir for filling water.

The structural elements of the steam generator are connected to each other using a special hose. It provides a sealed connection without leakage and risk of burns. Steam is delivered constantly, effectively smoothing out even the most difficult creases or creases in the fabric. The device can work in a horizontal and vertical position.

Steam stations are considered professional, have a longer period of continuous use. The devices produced differ in power, which determines the intensity of the steam supply, weight, volume of the water tank.It is this category of technology that is popularly known as a steam generator, although among its functional capabilities there may be not only steaming, but also contact ironing of linen.

The main purpose of steam generators and steam stations is to process fabrics that need cleaning or ironing. In ateliers, clothing stores, this device is at all one of the most important tools at hand. With its help, you can quickly remove creases from shirts and jackets, refresh a coat or jacket that has been hanging in a cover all winter. Steam generators for clothes can be operated horizontally or vertically, they are effective, easy to use, and not too heavy.

Devices used for disinfection and cleaning of the house are available in manual and floor versions. They are supplied with a flexible hose or a socket-bell; multifunctional models can have an additional module in the form of an iron, which is easy to use for steaming clothes. Such devices effectively clean upholstered furniture, carpets, toys from dirt, dust, allergens.

Steam generators can be used for disinfection of baby clothes - high-temperature treatment easily replaces boiling, but less damage to the fabric structure. In addition, with their help, the specific smell of shoes and clothes made of natural fur, sheepskin, artificial sheepskin coats, plush is eliminated. It occurs during wearing, and it can be difficult to refresh products in other ways.

Another area of ​​application for steam generators is removal of dirt from hard surfaces. With the help of such a device, they clean the tiles in the bathroom and in the kitchen, ceramic flooring, enamel surfaces of gas stoves. A directed jet of hot steam can remove fat deposits from the surface of a microwave oven, refrigerator, and other types of equipment.

When cleaning tiles, this device allows you to remove spores of fungus and mold in the bathroom, eliminate bacterial microflora. Steam generators - universal devices suitable for use in car care... Stains on the upholstery, dried traces of dirt, dust, an unpleasant odor - these are just a few of the problems that can be solved with the help of a steam generator.

The modern home appliance market offers a wide range of devices with a high pressure steam function. This can be a small pinpoint device, a mop, or a mobile device for cleaning kitchen surfaces. Mini steam generator convenient where long-term exposure is not required. Ultrasonic models and are generally used to create various visual effects in aquaristics and landscape design, and can be used for humidifying the air.

The portable home cleaning and care appliance is popular... In this case, the difference with the classic steam generator turns out to be significant. This type of equipment looks more like a vacuum cleaner or a miniature watering can with a flexible hose and a narrow spout, as well as a system for collecting dirt.

The difference from the steam generator lies in the use of replaceable nozzles:

• for washing windows;
• for processing corners and crevices;
• for cleaning furniture - in the form of a vacuum cleaner nozzle;
• for cleaning the floor.

Besides, this technique is focused specifically on the processing of hard surfaces; it is not very convenient to care for fabrics with its help... The versatility of the steam cleaner allows you to use it for professional cleaning and home cleaning. But the high cost of devices often severely limits their popularity among the population. The purchase of such equipment is advisable if there is an allergy sufferer or a small child in the house.In this case, the device will help maintain an optimal level of cleanliness and disinfect all surfaces.

The steam mop is another type of steam cleaner, but in a more compact, portable design. This device is used for washing floors, caring for carpets, upholstery, and children's toys.

This category includes both irons with a steam boost function and special devices - steamers, designed to remove folds and creases on clothes. They differ from steam generators in that they do not have a cleaning effect. Steamers are well suited for disinfection - the device has a special nozzle, similar to the diffuser of a vacuum cleaner.

With such a home appliance easy to maintain order in the children's room, destroy dust mites in bedding, pillows, upholstered furniture. Professional atelier steamers often look like mannequins with hangers on which garments are worn.

The modern hybrid of an iron with a boiler is called a steam station from the manufacturers. The principle of operation of such a device is based on heating water in a container to a predetermined temperature with its subsequent supply through a hose in the form of vapor. The device consists of several units and, in combination, makes it possible to replace the professional cleaning, ironing and steaming system at home. Devices, by analogy with steam cleaners, can be manual with replaceable attachments or stationary, which are most convenient to use for caring for clothes and home textiles.

A conventional steam generator provides continuous evaporation of the liquid until its level drops to critical levels. The device can have different functionality and power. In a steam station, steam is supplied under increased pressure, which greatly facilitates the work of the user.

The so-called active models have additional blowing, which ensures the directed action of the technique. Besides, equipment of this type can be used as a home dry cleaner that removes stains, eliminates unpleasant odors.

Comparison of the characteristics possessed by steam stations from different manufacturers allows you to appreciate them. The summary rating of models and brands looks like this.

• MIE. The Italian manufacturer is considered one of the market leaders in professional ironing equipment. For domestic use, the company offers both sets with Completto XL, Milano, Maxima ironing boards, and separate vertical steamers. Steam generators are represented by models with an iron of the Sitro series with stylish designs and prices ranging from budget to very high.

• Siemens. The German brand produces quite powerful equipment for home use. Steam stations from this manufacturer are distinguished by excellent technical characteristics and high reliability. Among the best models are the Siemens slider SL22 extremePower, which can smooth out even the most difficult creases, and the more economical TS45XTRMW with a special steam distribution system on the sole.

• Bosch. The brand from Germany produces a wide range of steam stations in the mid-price segment. Its models are distinguished by excellent ergonomics, stylish design, high power from 2400 to 3100 W. Among the popular options for equipment, one can note the Bosch TDS6041, equipped with a self-cleaning system, constant steam supply, and a large tank volume.

• Tefal. The recognized leader in the middle price segment, the French company offers its fans a steam station GV8962 with steam boost, self-cleaning system and high pressure up to 6.5 bar. In the budget segment, buyers may be interested in a model with a small (0.7 l) reservoir. Tefal GV4630 features a vertical steamer, striking design and affordable price.

• Philips... The Dutch home appliance manufacturer provides its steam generators and stations with excellent value for money. The manufactured equipment models are presented in the middle segment of the cost. Of interest to buyers is the Philips GC 7703/20 model with a vertical steaming function, a 2.2 liter tank, and a ceramic iron soleplate.

• Scarlett. Manufacturer from England with factories in China. The brand's appliances belong to the ultra-budget segment, the main savings are associated with smaller tank volumes, low power, and the absence of a vertical steaming function. The most popular model Scarlett SC-SS36B01 has an affordable price, it can be used as a regular iron.

When choosing a steam station for your home, you should pay attention to exactly what tasks you will have to solve with its help. For cleaning, choose a steam mop that can help you clean quickly and efficiently. It is also suitable for processing curtains, carpets. Choose the right steam cleaner for cleaning kitchen surfaces. A compact hand-held model or a full-fledged station with a wheelbase and a capacious reservoir is suitable for the home.

It is better to entrust the care of textiles and upholstered furniture to the most powerful device. A steam station for dry cleaning and disinfection will help to keep outerwear and sofa cushions in order. With its help, you can easily iron a mountain of laundry without fatigue and difficulties with the formation of creases.

As for useful functions, here you should pay attention to instrument indication... The liquid level sensor will exclude overheating of the heating element, the scale level controller will help you start cleaning the device in time. In addition, you need to remember that for the care of textiles, you need to choose devices with a tank capacity of 1400 to 2200 ml. Steam pressure must be at least 5 bar, power - from 2400 W and more.

Since the steam station is a rather cumbersome device, it is recommended to set up a convenient place for it from the outset, where the ironing board and water tank will be within reach. It will be useful to additionally equip a rack with vertical "shoulders" and a crossbar for the care of trousers, shirts, jackets.

It is worth considering that a classic ironing board for a steam station is not suitable - wooden components will quickly get wet, here they use metal versions, as well as "active" models with a built-in blowing system.

Operating instructions for stations with a steam generator included in the set implies compliance with certain rules. Some useful recommendations include the following.

1. The correct choice of fluid. It is recommended to fill the tank with only distilled water, mixed with demineralized water in a ratio of 1 to 1. When using ordinary water from a tap, it is imperative to use a reverse osmosis filter, which reduces the parameters of the hardness of the medium. If the steam generator has its own cleaning cartridge, you can use liquid from any source.
2. Regular filter cleaning... If the model has a built-in self-diagnosis system, it will signal a blockage. In other cases, you will have to monitor the condition of the filter yourself.
3. Compliance with the order of actions... It is important to first fill the tank with water to the recommended level, and then plug the device into the mains.After the beep sounds, you can start ironing. Steam can be dispensed continuously or by pressing a button.

Among the breakdowns faced by the owners of steam generators and stations created on their basis, the following types of malfunctions can be distinguished.

1. The appliance does not deliver steam. The most common cause is a clogged filter or the formation of scale, limescale on the working surface. If you neglect regular cleaning, the device will simply refuse to work. The problem is solved quite simply - by washing the strainer, removing scale using special compounds, followed by draining the spent liquid.
2. The appliance does not heat up the water. The most likely reason for the breakdown is the failure of the heating element. The heating element can be replaced in a workshop; doing the work on your own will void the manufacturer's warranty.
3. Water leaks from the system... The problem is usually associated with a breakdown of the check valve - it is enough to replace it, and sometimes just tighten it more. In addition, the reason for this phenomenon may be the banal squeezing of the hose connecting the steam generator with the steaming nozzle. The malfunction is "treated" by completely cooling the device and draining the water back into the container.
4. The power system does not turn on. There can be quite a few reasons here - from the banal failure of the power button to damage to the cord. In addition, the security system will deactivate the appliance if it needs an emergency descaling. In this case, it is worth using the information about the diagnostic system and carefully studying the signals given by the device.
5. Traces of rust remain on the fabric. This can be caused by corrosion in the water tank. In this case, it is worth rinsing the system, then replacing the usual liquid with a distilled one. If the actions performed do not give results, you should pay attention to the condition of the silicone gaskets - if they are damaged, the particles of the molten substance will stain the water.
6. Cannot adjust pressure. It is worth paying attention to the state of the system. A large scale build-up can deactivate the pressure regulation in the system. If the device has an automatic setting of values ​​with a choice of mode, you need to test its operation with different power levels. If there is no change, the damage to the electronics can be diagnosed.
7. Defective indicators. Most often, they burn out directly on the iron. At the same time, the device can operate normally, but its indication will not allow to fully monitor the state of the equipment during use. You can check and replace burnt out diodes in a workshop.

These are far from all the malfunctions that steam station owners face. Most of the easily repairable damages for a particular model are always indicated in the instructions supplied with the device.

Steam stations and steam generators, according to buyers, can be attributed to the category of completely irreplaceable devices... With their help, you can easily cope with the tasks of ironing a large amount of linen, caring for large items of furniture. Unlike a conventional steam jet iron, it uses a larger reservoir that can hold 4-7 times more water. Hybrid appliances are praised for their quick readiness to work, the ability to perform many additional operations.

Buying steam stations most often coincides with the arrival of a small child in the house. It is worth paying attention to the fact that equipment with a disinfection function significantly facilitates household chores. But if we are talking exclusively about cleaning, it is better to consider steam cleaners as a suitable purchase. They, according to buyers, help to maintain cleanliness in a house or apartment much more efficiently.

Negative reviews are mainly associated with the rapid breakdown of the steam generator as part of the station. Water leakage and other breakdowns are detected even in models produced by top brands.

A video review of the Tefal GV9070E0 and Tefal GV9080E0 steam generators can be seen below.