All about Philips steam generators
Many types of linen and clothing require special ironing, as the surface of an ordinary iron can ruin or flatten them poorly. For such things, a special steam generator is needed, which ensures high-quality and safe processing due to directed steam jets. Steam generators from Philips are considered one of the best. But before buying them, you should study the recommendations for choosing and instructions for using the station, because the characteristics of different models differ.
Peculiarities
A steam iron is needed not only for delicate fabrics, dresses or men's suits, devices of this type are excellent helpers when ironing bed linen, kitchen tablecloths, and children's clothes. Using a steam iron can significantly reduce the ironing time of everyday items.
Philips steam generators are reliable technology that can handle large amounts of laundry. Thanks to the water cooling, the device is designed for continuous operation up to 5-6 hours without the need for periodic shutdown.
The main feature of such a steamer is a steam station or boiler, which consists of a heating element and a separate water tank. Both parts are connected to each other by a special hose - through it, water under pressure enters the heater, and then is converted into steam jets.
Differences between a Philips steam generator and a regular iron:
- allows you to steam clothes in an upright position;
- cleans all types of materials;
- removes stains from furniture and tiles;
- removes germs and dirt from plumbing fixtures.
Cleaning of materials and surfaces is provided by powerful jets of dry steam heated to a temperature of 140 to 160 degrees, depending on the model of the device. Steaming evens out any irregularities and kinks on the material, without damaging the fabric: at the moment the steam comes into contact with the surface, its temperature is no more than 100 degrees.
Due to the steam treatment, the fibers of the fabric do not stretch, but, on the contrary, acquire elasticity and volume. This allows you to work with any delicate materials.
The steam generator has both pros and cons. Benefits of Philips steam generators.
- The ability to quickly process large quantities of laundry by supplying steam at the optimum temperature under high pressure. The power of the "steam boost" function in a regular iron for a steam generator is an average indicator.
- No need to frequently add water when ironing bulky items and materials. The volume of a water tank or boiler in a steam generator is from 0.7 to 2 liters, while in conventional irons this figure is 0.2-0.5 liters.
- Thanks to the high temperature steam the device efficiently irones thick fabrics and things that have been folded several times, for example, bed linen.
- High temperature steam treatment simultaneously disinfects - kills saprophytes (dust mites) in tissues, removes pile and hair of pets from the surface.
- Philips steam generators are easy to maneuver and much more comfortable to use than a standard iron... This advantage is provided by the absence of an integrated water container and the low weight of the ironing device itself.
Disadvantages of Philips steam generators.
- Water station binding... The steam generator needs more space both during ironing and during storage. Therefore, it is recommended to use a special ironing board with a large stand, designed by the manufacturer for the design of the steam generator.
- Noisiness... Unlike a conventional iron, a steam generator makes more noise during operation when the device boils water and steam is supplied to the hose at high pressure using a turbine.
- High price... Philips steam generators are significantly more expensive than standard irons, but at the same time, the price range in the home appliance market allows you to make a profitable choice. The price of a budget steam generator will be the same or even lower than an expensive multifunctional iron.
- The need for a complete set... For convenient and trouble-free operation of your Philips steam generator, you will need to purchase an ironing board with a special stand, as well as periodically purchase and replace a filter cartridge for water.
Philips steam generators are multifunctional modern devices with built-in boards, indicators, electronic controls. Despite the ease of use and ease of operation, they have a complex design of several constituent elements. Therefore, the technique requires a special attitude towards itself - the container with water should only stand on a flat surface, you cannot install the ironing iron "on the heel", it is important to ensure that the connecting hoses and wires do not twist or break.
The Philips manufacturing company produces a wide range of different steam generators and accessories for them. In addition to the general indicators and the principle of operation, the models may have different technical characteristics and capabilities - power, tank volume, dimensions, configuration, functionality.
For each type of ironing, its own model of the steam generator will be convenient, therefore, when choosing, you should consider the main types of steam irons for home use.
Popular models
Despite the general principle of operation, different steam generators have their own design features, which will determine the quality of ironing, the ability to process certain types of fabrics and materials. The convenience and safety of using the device largely depend on the functionality.For example, if there is a possibility of forgetting to turn off the device, it is better to purchase a steam generator with auto shutdown.
Philips' Eco appliances will help you save energy - this will cut consumption by up to 30%. There are many other features, but the following types of Philips steam generators are most popular in the household, each with its own model range.
Azur elite
The main feature of the new line of "smart" Philips Azur Elite steam irons - DynamiQ mode, after which the device starts to produce and deliver an increased volume of steam with more intensive use. Due to the increased steam supply, difficult creases are smoothed, and the Ionic mode ensures hygienic ironing thanks to the ionization of the steam jets. The sole of the iron is made of stainless steel, it is scratch resistant and easily glides over the material.
All models in the range are equipped with an automatic cleaning reminder.
Elite Plus
Elite Plus steam irons are considered one of the best options for the home. Steam generators of this series have a stylish design and small dimensions, quickly heat up and self-steam, are equipped with child protection and an automatic steam supply control function.
The models have capacious water tanks up to 1.8 liters, and the power of steam jets reaches 110 g / min.
Perfectcare elite
The PerfectCare Elite range is equipped with high-quality, durable stainless steel working soles. Thanks to the T-ionic Glide technology, the ironing unit moves freely over the fabric and ensures fast processing. The steam supply pressure is 7.5 bar, the maximum steam output is up to 500 g / min.
Despite its low power, the device is relatively bulky; a special ironing board is desirable for working with it.
PerfectCare Elite Plus
The Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus steam generators are the most powerful steam iron of their kind yet come with an ultra-light iron. The innovative T-ionicGlide soleplate ensures perfect glide on fabric, and powerful steam up to 165g / min smoothes out wrinkles and disinfects. A steam boost with a force of 600 g / min is provided for leveling strong creases, and special holes in the ironing spout will help align and process the smallest details.
Components
The set of each model of the steam generator includes two replaceable filters, the service life of which will depend on the hardness of the water. But to perform high-quality ironing, especially with large amounts of linen, when buying an appliance, you should pay attention to other components. Convenience and safety of operation will be ensured by a special ironing board with a wide stand and stable legs.
For prolonged ironing, hands will need protection from overheating and scalding from hot steam - for this, Philips offers special protective gloves.
How to choose?
The first thing to consider when choosing a steam generator is its power, the rate of vaporization and the pressure of steam supply will depend on it. Models with a power of less than 2 kW are suitable for rare use and processing only loose materials, for example, for cleaning coats, ironing dresses, suits. For frequent home use, it is recommended to consider devices with a power of 2.2 to 2.6 kW... Such devices do an excellent job of ironing bed linen and clothes, cleaning furniture, and performing high-quality disinfection of various surfaces.
There are also high-power steam generators - from 3 kW, designed for long-term trouble-free operation and designed to handle large amounts of laundry. They are more related to industrial equipment and are used mainly in enterprises - in laundries, dry cleaners, in factories and in tailoring ateliers.
You can use high-power steam generators at home, since their dimensions practically do not differ from other models, the only thing that needs to be done is to bring out a separate outlet for the device with reinforced wiring.
Pay attention to the smooth adjustment of the production and supply of steam.... For home use, it is recommended to purchase devices with a power level of steam jets from 80-90 g / min and a steam shock force of at least 200 g / min. In this case, it is desirable that the average value of the steam supply pressure to the ironing iron is from 3.5 bar, the optimal level is 5-5.5 bar. When choosing professional equipment for the fast processing of all types of fabrics and materials, devices with a pressure level of 6.5-7.5 bar are required.
In everyday life, devices with a water tank of 1 liter or more are most often used. For daily ironing in a family of 3-4 people, the best choice would be a steam generator with a capacity of 1.3-1.5 liters.
Better to consider models with removable tanks, it will be more convenient to add water during ironing. To make your hand less tired during ironing, you should choose a design where the steam supply button is fixed in the set mode and you do not need to constantly hold it with your finger.
If you plan to frequently transport or carry the device from room to room, it should be a model of the steam generator, fixed on a special base.
The aluminum outsole is less strong and durable than the stainless steel surface. Scratches appear on aluminum over time, the sole can bend, grooves form in it if you drop the iron.
The most reliable and durable are models with a ceramic sole.... Ceramic is a composite material, it has high strength, impact resistance, scratch resistance, has a smoother surface and is not prone to sticking.
Instructions for use
Any housewife can install and use the Philips steam generator; no special skills are required to set up and operate the device. When ironing, it is more important to know the characteristics of the material being processed in order to set the desired temperature and steam supply for it.
Working with the steam iron itself is simple and convenient if you follow the instructions for use:
- install the steam generator on a flat surface;
- remove and fill the water tank;
- put the tank back in place by tightly closing the lid;
- plug into the outlet and press the power button;
- a blinking indicator means the device is heating;
- the indicator is on continuously - the steam generator is ready for operation;
- to release steam jets, press the button on the iron handle.
On some models, you will need to press the lock release button to remove the iron from the station. During ironing, fill the water tank in time. It is important to draw up liquid strictly according to the marks on the body.
Do not add foreign substances to the water - perfumes, dyes, fragrances or descaling agents.
How to clean?
The frequency and need for cleaning will depend on the quality of the water used and how often the appliance is used. The designs may vary, but the basic principle of descaling at home is the same for all Philips steam generators.
Descaling is carried out using the Easy De-Calc valve located on the body of the appliance:
- turn off the device from the network and wait until it cools down - at least 2 hours;
- place the station on the edge of a table, washbasin, bathtub or sink;
- place under the Easy De-Calc valve any water container with a volume of 0.5 liters or more;
- open the valve and, tilting the station, drain the water and debris;
- Replace valve cover and tighten clockwise.
To clean the soleplate of the iron, you need to heat the appliance, and then, periodically pressing the maximum steaming button, firmly drive them over the dense fabric for 3-5 minutes. A special cartridge also requires periodic replacement, this will be indicated by an automatic signal - the Anti-Calc indicator will start blinking. Replacing a part is very simple - open the Anti Calc Filter cover on the body, remove the old one and install a new cartridge by pressing it until it clicks.
How to prevent limescale build-up?
It will not be possible to exclude the formation of scale inside the device, since any water contains solid particles, but the process of its accumulation can be significantly reduced. Manufacturers recommend using in steam generators special demineralized water - it contains a minimum amount of foreign particles.
This is an optional rule - ordinary tap water is also suitable, but if its quality is low, you can dilute the liquid with distilled water in a 1: 1 ratio.
The following is an overview of your Philips steam generator.