Iron: varieties, selection and repair

It turns out that choosing a good iron for your home is not an easy task. For the device to become a universal assistant, you need to take into account a large number of nuances. The complexity of the work depends on the technical characteristics of the device. In stores you can find various models with a wide range of functions. To become the owner of a durable device, you need to know the positive and negative aspects of such devices.

The nichrome coil, located inside the case, is heated by an electric current. Heat is transferred to the outsole. A large number of details are included in the construction of the iron. Among them, those playing the main role in the operation of the device are:

• spiral;
• thermostat;
• Temperature regulator;
• indicators.

The front panel of most irons is equipped with two buttons: one adjusts the steam output, the second dampens the fabric by spraying water through a small hole on the nose of the iron. Water turns into steam after it enters a special chamber in which high-power heating elements are located. Steam enters the heating chamber under pressure. From it, through the holes in the sole, it will fall onto the fabric.

This part is considered the main part of the device. The quality of work depends on her condition. Even wet clothes can be ironed with a good soleplate for quick drying. Manufacturers produce modern appliances with soles made of different materials:

• teflon;
• ceramics;
• sapphire coating.

A special nichrome spiral equipped with additional ceramic rings heats the sole. A special thermostat is installed to set the heating temperature. It cuts off the power supply, performing the specified mode.

The ironing parameters are set by turning the iron wheel. After the temperature reaches the maximum, the thermostat contacts open, the voltage disappears. The electrical circuit of the device includes bimetallic plates. Due to the unequal coefficient of expansion during heating, deformation of the metal begins to occur. As a result, the plate rises, the electrical contact is interrupted, and the anti-drop system ceases to function. All heating devices (kettles, boilers, relays) work according to the same principle.

The classification of modern irons is quite extensive. The main types that are very popular are several designs:

• classic;
• with thermostat;
• with a sprayer;
• with anti-drip system;
• steam;
• road;
• with auto shutdown.

Ordinary (classic devices) have little functionality. There is no dampening system here. An electric thermostat is installed, which is responsible for the heating temperature of the sole. It is impossible to iron thick linen with such an iron, therefore, manufacturers produce such a device in small batches. They practically don't buy it. Smart appliances with automatic shutdown, with a humidification system, and other functions are considered the most popular. Housewives like irons with auto shut-off.

Before you buy a good iron for home use and for ironing various linens, you need to study its most important technical parameters. After all, we often choose an iron only based on the brand name and its appearance. The study of technical characteristics will help to make the right choice of a modern model. Each housewife decides for herself which sole suits her best. The cost of the device depends on its material. The ceramic sole is installed on the most expensive models. They are easy to slide and never scratch. This soleplate is easy to clean. The ceramic surface stays warm for a long time.

Aluminum is considered an excellent heat conductor. Such a sole heats up quickly and also cools down quickly. The cost of such a device is low, but it breaks down quickly. Scratches form on the outsole surface. They spoil delicate fabric, forming puffs, sometimes cuts. Teflon coating is considered excellent. It has excellent sliding properties, does not stick, and there is no possibility of burning. One of the disadvantages of Teflon is its low strength. Any metal button can scratch it.

To make the ironing process easier for the hostess, manufacturers produce special coasters for the hot iron. For some models, special wall holders are made. Modern models are equipped with an additional soleplate. It allows you to iron fine silk, as well as other items that require special handling. The nozzle stays on the sole thanks to the special clips.

Steam is supplied through the perforations in the sole. Thanks to the large number of holes, the fabric is perfectly moisturized.The position of the holes affects the smoothing performance. The standard option is a large number of micro-holes on the nose as well as the heel of the sole. Large diameter holes are located on the sides. The spray function is used to moisten the material with a special spray nozzle. Spray is usually used for ironing delicate fabrics when no steam is required.

The steam generator is a separate unit with a heaterinstalled in a boiler where steam is generated. Only expensive professional models are equipped with such a system. Ironing speed is considered the main advantage. It is several times faster than a conventional electric iron. The only drawback is its large size. The power of the device is in the range of 200-3200 W. At the maximum value, the sole heats up much faster. It takes less time for steam to form and the ironing process itself. In a large family, it is better to use powerful appliances (2500 W), in a small family, you can use an iron of medium power (1000-2000 W). On the road, low-power products (1500 W) have proven themselves well.

The power value directly affects energy consumption. Low power devices remain the most economical ones. To reduce energy consumption, manufacturers include special energy-saving modes in the design of the device. They can save up to 20% of electricity. The standard wire size is 0.8-4 meters. The most comfortable is 1.9-2.5 meters. There are models that have a wireless connection. They are placed on a stand equipped with an electric cable. Heating takes place through the stand.

The newest models are available in weight 0.4-11.2 kg. It used to be that the iron should have a lot of weight, so it will iron better. In modern appliances, weight does not matter much, it does not affect the ironing process. The light weight makes it easy to maneuver when ironing things, the hand gets tired much less. The weight of the iron mostly depends on the weight of the sole. The heaviest are steel systems. Ceramic weighs much less, and aluminum devices remain the lightest.

The Russian market mainly contains imported products. European firms produce beautiful and multifunctional devices. The most popular are irons:

• Philips;
• Tefal;
• Bosch;
• Braun;
• Rowenta.

This list includes quite expensive manufacturers. In stores, other devices are offered for sale with similar quality, but at a lower cost:

• Vitek;
• Polaris;
• Scarlett.

The product is equipped with a steam function. The control does not cause any difficulties in work. Any housewife can easily use such an iron. Its package includes:

• translucent body;
• water tank (equipped with level marks);
• temperature regulator;
• buttons responsible for supplying steam (installed on the handle);
• electrical wire.

Advantages:

• robust construction;
• easy ironing;
• low cost.

Disadvantages:

• low power;
• there is no "Antikaplya" system.

A budget option that is not inferior in its technological characteristics to the best prestigious models. Differs in a beautiful appearance. It has a high power of 2400 watts. Allows you to iron any fabrics. Thanks to the "Smart Heat" technology, heat is evenly distributed over the surface of the outsole. Advantages:

• complete self-cleaning;
• prevents the appearance of limescale;
• the Antikaplya system was installed;
• the wire can be rotated 360 degrees;
• vertical steaming is possible;
• there is a heating indicator.

An inexpensive machine equipped with all the features found on similarly expensive systems. Buyers speak only positively about this model. Advantages:

• high power - 2400 W;
• steam supply setting;
• water spray mechanism;
• self-cleaning soles;
• preventing the appearance of limescale;
• auto shutdown;
• ceramic sole;
• low cost.

The failure of the Soviet or imported apparatus is mainly associated with the illiterate operation of the apparatus. Sometimes the iron breaks due to power surges. It is quite difficult to repair the iron at home, since it is not always possible to immediately determine the malfunction. However, there are several characteristic signs that can help you find the problem more quickly.

• After the supply of electricity, the indicator light does not light up, the sole does not heat up. First you need to inspect the outlet. It just might not be giving current. The second source of malfunction may be a break in the mains wire. Sometimes the fuse just blows out due to the high temperature.
• The indicator light comes on, but there is no heating. The cause of the malfunction is related to the heating element. A fuse may have blown. The work of these parts is ensured by the supply of power to the sole.

• After the steam has been applied, debris of scale will become visible on the surface of the soleplate. Rusty water is clearly visible. This problem occurs due to the ingress of water on the electrical parts. When the elements of the switched on device come into contact with moisture, an electrochemical reaction occurs, gradually destroying the metal. This process becomes stronger if the water contains a lot of salts and all kinds of impurities.
• A fairly common breakdown is the failure of the steaming system. It happens that the on / off button for this function is strongly pressed, but steam is not delivered.

To disassemble the iron, you must first unplug it. Then you need to remove the back cover, and then very carefully remove both buttons, on which the regulation of the steam supply depends. The buttons are held onto the bushings by friction. Then the screw securing the plastic handle is unscrewed. A steam supply pump is installed under it, as well as a pump that supplies water to the surface of the sole so that steam is generated.

In order not to repair the iron, you need to follow several mandatory rules for its use. The iron is connected to the network only before starting work. Repairs should only be carried out with dry hands. The disassembly of the device should take place on a solid, heat-resistant coating that does not transmit current.

For information on how to repair an iron with your own hands, see the next video.