Iron with a steam generator: features, selection and repair of equipment

Appliances with steam generators have a rather high price when compared with conventional models. Therefore, before purchasing, people try to carefully study the characteristics of devices, weigh all the pros and cons of such a product, and then decide whether to buy it. It is important to familiarize yourself with the aspects of using such an iron in order to choose a high-quality and safe option that will serve its owner for many years.

Before choosing a device with a steamer function, it is necessary to study its design in order to know exactly how the model works. The device consists of several elements: an iron, a boiler, a hose (which reliably connects the iron and a boiler), a power cable. The device is quite simple and looks like a regular iron. It has a comfortable grip, a good sole and a mode controller. But since there is no built-in container for liquid in the device, it has a lighter weight than its steam counterpart.

Boiler - a container made of plastic or metal. It has a reservoir for liquid and a heating element that can make steam out of water. You can adjust the flow rate and steam temperature using a special panel located on the body.

The principle of operation of such an iron is quite simple. Liquid is placed in the container of the boiler. After that, you must turn on the device to the mains.The water will heat up after six to eight minutes, then turn into steam with six percent moisture, which is transferred to the sole of the appliance with a hose and then exits from the holes. Hot air can penetrate extremely deeply into the structure of the fabric, therefore it smoothes out even the strongest folds.

This type of iron is a great option for people who iron a lot and very often. They are incredibly powerful, easy to use, have a fast enough ironing speed and a large liquid container that allows you to iron things for quite a long time without the need to add water.

As with any other household appliances, irons with steam generators have negative qualities:

• high price;
• heavy weight of the entire structure;
• the models are massive, so some of them are inconvenient to store.

To choose a product that will last for many years and will become a real helper, you need to take into account some factors. First, you should carefully examine the sole. It is better to choose strong, wear-resistant, durable. It must be highly resistant to temperature extremes.

A bad option is an aluminum outsole. Various defects and scratches may appear on it. Has a short service life if the iron is used very often. The best and highest quality model will have an aluminum alloy with ceramic, Teflon or steel sole. Such coatings can protect the device and make it more reliable and robust.

We offer a few more recommendations for choosing.

• It is important to think in advance whether there is a need for additional moisture in the fabric or whether it will be more convenient to work with dry steam. If you need the first option, you should purchase a device that has a built-in steam generator. In the second, there is a device with a portable one, which will be installed separately.
• You should read the instructions to understand what kind of water the iron will work with. If it is necessary to process the liquid, you will have to purchase special equipment. It is better to immediately buy a model with filter cartridges, which filters the water on its own.
• It is worth paying attention to whether the handle is comfortable. It is better to choose an appliance whose handle fits well in the hand, as otherwise the use of the iron will be uncomfortable. It is worth trying the device in action: take it and hold it two or three times in the air, simulating the ironing process. If the handle feels thick or very narrow, look for other options.
• There are models with a special button that must be held during ironing so that steam continues to form. They are not very convenient, so it is not recommended to purchase them. It is better to choose a device in which you can switch modes.

In order for the device to serve for a long time, you need to learn how to use it correctly. If you treat the technique carelessly, you can ruin it, as well as harm your health. You should use the iron carefully, be careful not to let the device fall. After finishing work, you do not need to immediately wrap the iron with a wire and put it in the storage place, you should wait until it has completely cooled down. To save electricity, you should first iron those garments that require low temperatures.

When the device slides over the fabric, try to move in one direction. To smooth synthetic things that cannot withstand too high temperatures, you need to use a thermostat, and it is better to iron them wet. It is not necessary to put excess liquid in the tank, as there must be some space for steam to form. When the "Steam" indicator goes out, pour water into the boiler.

Today there are a large number of manufacturers offering interesting and worthy options for equipment. Among the popular and demanded are German, Italian and Turkish models.

We bring to your attention an overview of the most worthy models.

• Philips GC 9222 - a device that has a very original and stylish design. The model consists of two parts that are connected with a flexible hose. The steam generator generates steam, maintains pressure and temperature. The device is powerful enough, capable of ironing and steaming two to four layers of fabric and sterilizing baby clothes.

The housing has a separate compartment for the electrical cord and hose. The peculiarity of this iron is that it does not have a thermostat. A built-in processor helps keep the temperature at a safe level for clothing.

• Tefal GV8461 - a high-quality model that is not too expensive. This wonderful device will cope well with complex folds and will smooth any fabric. The sole is made of metal-ceramic and has a palladium coating. The self-cleaning function allows the hostess to easily rid the iron of dirt.

• Braun IS 5043 WH has a simple scheme of work, very quickly solves even the most difficult problem, calmly smoothes very wrinkled things. The device is practical, strong and efficient. The steam is evenly distributed, so the fabric is flat and smooth. The sole is durable, glides easily and pleasantly, and is not capable of damaging the fabric. The large liquid container makes ironing even easier.
• DeLonghi VVX ​​1420 - an option that allows its owner to be as neat and tidy as possible. This steam station will help you iron out large amounts of clothes or bedding incredibly quickly. For the perfect look of the fabric, you do not need to put much effort, the device will do everything on its own. The steam will smooth out every unevenness, even the strongest. The vertical steaming function will help to tidy up a suit, a light airy dress and even massive curtains.

• Electrolux EDBS 2300 - a convenient and efficient iron, not too expensive, with decent technical characteristics. It is arranged quite simply, it is compact, comfortable and lightweight. Rapid heating of the model and production of the required amount of steam will help the hostess not to waste extra time.

• Loewe Premium Power Station - German model, small enough, does not have any additional accessories and large reservoirs for liquid. Decorated stylishly and aesthetically, it will take up little space during storage. Built-in compact boiler. With the help of an iron, things can be ironed not only horizontally, but also vertically. This model allows you to return the attractive appearance of your favorite jacket without removing the item from the hanger.
• Rowenta - a German company that produces quiet and efficient models capable of smoothing any thing quickly and efficiently. They are made of reliable materials and therefore have a long service life. Ideal for those who need a decent helper.

• Beper (Italy) - high-quality appliances that can perfectly iron and dry clothes. They have a fairly large boiler capacity, so there is no need to refill the liquid during ironing. The brand is extremely popular and has won the hearts of many housewives.
• Silter Super mini 2035 (Turkey) - the model is easy to carry, it is very compact. Easy to use, can be stored anywhere. Smoothes even the toughest folds and very wrinkled clothes.It has high quality and long service life.

You need to know about some options for malfunctions and how to fix them yourself, to be able to quickly repair the iron if necessary.

• The electrical appliance is ready for use, but when the button is pressed, no steam is supplied. This means that the button should be replaced.
• If the steam generator does not receive warm air, then it is worthwhile to carefully study the heating element, fuse, solenoid valve and clean the steam pipe. If any of the elements is damaged, you need to get rid of the scale in the boiler, and then replace the thermostat or hose that allows steam to flow to the iron.
• If the pressure switch does not work correctly, a multimeter should be used. With its help, it is necessary to check whether the parts are in good working order. If there is a breakdown, then you need to replace the parts and install a working microswitch.

• If pressing the buttons on the control panel does not work, you need to check if the wiring is intact. Most often it needs to be replaced.
• The low liquid level indicator in the tank is constantly flashing, which means you should carefully monitor the water level. If it is normal, the reason lies in the water volume sensor. It needs to be replaced.
• A slight pressure of warm air can be observed on the sole of the device - it is worth examining the regulator. If it's broken, get a new one.
• If water is leaking from the soleplate, then the owner of the product has used the steam boost function too often for a short amount of time. Fluid builds up and flows out. It is worth giving the appliance a rest.

Quite often, many owners of such irons may have a situation in which problems arise due to some kind of mechanical damage. A person may not use the device incorrectly or some parts of the device will wear out. In this case, the malfunction can be easily noticed. For example, the cord breaks, the sprinkler gets clogged, or the thermostat breaks (the iron often overheats). In such cases, you do not need to fix the breakdown with your own hands at home, but it is better to turn to professionals who will perform high-quality repairs.

You will learn how to clean the sole of the iron from carbon deposits in the following video.