Rating of the best steam irons
An iron with a steam generator will allow you to eliminate a stack of non-ironed linen 2 times faster, provide disinfection and help clean surfaces. How to choose such a device and which models are included in the rating of the best devices, we learn from this article.
Primary requirements
An iron with a steam generator is a device consisting of a steam station and an iron. They are connected with a steam hose. The heating of the water and the formation of steam occurs at the station, from where it moves towards the iron. The latter has a sole with many perforations, from where steam comes out. Due to the high temperatures of the steam, such a device not only smoothes the tissues, but also destroys bacteria, in some cases allows stains to be removed.
The sole of the iron can be made of aluminum. In this case, the device usually has a democratic cost. However, it should be remembered that such a sole is quickly scratched, which causes puffs and stains to appear on the fabric. Another type of metal surface is stainless steel. This is a more durable and reliable coating. The stainless steel quickly heats up and keeps heat for a long time, it is optimal for ironing dry linen, dense fabrics.
One of the popular types of coating is ceramics. Such an iron glides easily on various types of fabrics, and is characterized by low weight. However, ceramics is a fragile material, so an iron with such a soleplate is vulnerable to physical damage. The best option is a combination of metal with ceramics or Teflon. Many well-known manufacturers produce irons with sintered soles.
Many requirements can be imposed on irons with a steam generator, but the main ones are high power indicators, the presence of several modes of steam supply, safety and ease of use.
Top best devices
To select the best devices, you should decide on the criteria by which they are evaluated. In this case, these are power, tank volume, features of the sole, operating mode, weight and other functions. The review includes products of the Philips and Tefal brands, Bosch and Braun are not much behind them. Consider the most popular models that are appreciated by experts and preferred by buyers.
This is the model Philips GC 9222, which is a steam station with an iron. The unit has a power of 2400 W, which allows it to quickly heat water, turning it into steam and giving out 120 ml of steam per minute. There is a thermal shock function, steam intensity - 300 ml / min.
Of the advantages of this model, users note a long power cord, a self-cleaning system from scale (however, even despite its presence, you should use a special liquid or at least boiled water). The ceramic sole slides easily over all fabrics, leaving no marks or snags, and the automatic heating system will independently select the desired temperature, taking into account the composition of the fabric. The device can be used for vertical steaming. At the same time, thanks to the anti-drip system, water from the iron will not flow down, trying to burn your hand or leave a stain on things. Cost - from 17,000 rubles.
Slightly less expensive is the model Tefal GV8461, however, in terms of its functionality, it almost does not differ from that described above. It is a stable and reliable unit with a long self-winding wire. The device has a removable water tank and a ceramic sole designed by the brand itself. It is equipped with a self-cleaning function, but you will have to select the heating temperature manually. However, a number of users see this as a plus.
According to its power, the model Tefal GV8461 inferior to the model described above, in this case the figure is 2200 watts. In this regard, the force of steam supply also decreases, in the model from Tefal it is equal to 120 ml / min, with a steam shock - 260 ml / min.
There is a vertical ironing function. Generally speaking, the iron copes even with complex fabrics, dry laundry and strong creases. It is suitable for processing delicate materials, complex shapes.
The next favorite of buyers is an iron with a steam generator. Bosch TDS 6010... It can also be classified as a premium segment. The power of the device is 2400 W, therefore the steam output is 120 ml / min. It is possible to activate a powerful steam blow, the force of which is 350 ml / min. The unit boasts a spacious 1.5 liter boiler, while, if necessary, you can add water right during operation. The system has built-in filters that prevent the formation of limescale, and there is also an automatic cleaning and auto-off function.
The model can be used for steaming in an upright position. Separately, it is worth talking about the sole, which is a metal-ceramic coating. This makes it possible to quickly heat up and retain heat for a long time, the sole glides perfectly on different types of fabrics and is not afraid of mechanical damage.
Another steam generator that is in demand and trusted by customers is represented by the model Braun IS 5043WH... The sole of the device is oxidized aluminum, which makes it possible to speak about the reliability and durability of the device. In general, this model is considered the most successful in the line of this brand. This is largely due to the characteristics of the outsole. The latter has raised edges and evenly spaced perforations for steam outlet. Together with excellent technical characteristics, this allows the model to cope with different types of fabrics, dry laundry and makes vertical steaming a reality.
Model power Braun IS 5043WH - 2400 W... The force of continuous steam supply is 120 ml / min, with a steam boost, it rises to 340 ml / min. The volume of the boiler is 1.4 liters. Of the useful functions - the presence of a self-cleaning system from scale, an automatic shutdown function for a certain time of inactivity of the iron. However, there is no system for automatic selection of the operating temperature. The average cost of the last two models described is 15,000 rubles.
Price from 10,000 and excellent technical capabilities - this is how you can describe the model from the already mentioned French brand. Iron Tefal GV6733 has a power of 2200 W, the force of continuous steam - 100 ml / min, with a steam shock - 240 ml / min. The volume of the water tank is 1.5 liters. But if there is not enough fluid during operation, it can be topped up without turning off the unit. One of the useful "bells and whistles" is the automatic selection of steam depending on the type of fabric.
Supermodern model can be called Tefal GV9080 with a steam supply of 120 ml / min and a heavy-duty steam boost. Indicators of the latter are 500 ml / min. The device has many useful functions that not every model of other well-known brands has. Among the most beloved by users are the automatic selection of the intensity of the steam supply depending on the characteristics of the fabrics, the eco-function, the ability to add water during operation, the ability to steam vertically arranged things and the presence of a groove for buttons on the sole of the iron.
The metal-ceramic surface glides easily over fabrics and is safe for all types of material. Automatic cord rewind, self-cleaning and self-shutdown system, as well as the presence of a special case for storage make the use of the model even more convenient.
How to choose?
When choosing an iron with a steam generator, you should evaluate it according to the following criteria.
Device power
This indicator affects the heating rate and the intensity of the steam supply. The higher the power factor, the greater the specified parameters. At the same time, more powerful devices absorb more electricity. The minimum power is 800 W, the maximum is 3100 W. For a home, a model with a power of 1700-2000 W or a little more is enough. In the considered models, this figure is in the range of 2200-2400 watts. If we are talking about a cordless iron with a steam generator, then its power must be at least 2000-2200 W.
The use of more powerful irons for household purposes is impractical from the point of view of economy.
Steam intensity
This indicator determines how quickly things are ironed, as well as the ability of the iron to smooth dry fabrics, strong creases. The higher the steam intensity, the better and faster the device steams. The average for continuous steam supply is a force of 100-120 ml / min. It is important that the device has a steam boost option, that is, the ability to increase the intensity of the steam supply once. As a rule, the intensity of the steam shock exceeds the indicators of continuous supply by 2-3 times.
Tank volume
The higher this indicator, the longer you can use the steam generator without adding water. If we are talking about irons with a steaming function, then the volume of the tank is on average 200-500 ml. Boilers of more powerful models hold up to 1.5-2 liters of water. Consider this criterion as the main one only if you iron often and in large quantities. In this case, it makes sense to look for devices with the ability to add water during operation.
Sole
It can be made from various materials. The features of each variety were discussed above. When buying, it is important to assess the condition - there should be no burrs or damage on the surface. There are models with a uniform distribution of perforations for steam outlet, as well as devices in which the most holes are concentrated in the bow. The choice of one or another option is everyone's business. The nose of the device should be pointed.Then it will be easier for you to iron children's clothes, small details, the space between the buttons.
Security
Most of the modern models of world manufacturers have the option to automatically turn off the device after a certain period of inactivity. It is good if a steam generator designed for vertical steaming also has a protective mitten and a rubberized handle.
Anti-scale system
An important function for steam irons that prolongs the life of the device and protects fabrics from stains. Despite the presence of this option, it is not recommended to pour tap water into the boiler, as this provokes the formation of limescale. It is better to purchase a special liquid or take distilled or boiled water.
Various operating modes
The device must provide the ability to adjust the temperature and the intensity of the steam supply based on the type of fabric. Some users prefer units where this function is performed automatically, others say that such a setting can only be done manually. Which option to choose is up to you, but one thing is clear for sure - for each tissue, the device should make it possible to select its own mode.
As for the functions, you should understand which of those presented in a particular device will be most necessary for you. There is no point in overpaying for options that you will hardly use. It is also worth evaluating the length of the steam hose or power cable. The larger it is, the more mobile and maneuverable the iron will be. Take the iron in your hands, hold it, make movements that simulate ironing. If the device seems heavy, the grip is too thick or too thin, please refuse to purchase. Pay attention to how the steam release function is activated. If you need to press or hold a tight button to do this, it's best to take the time to find a device with a lighter switch.
Finally, it is always safer to purchase a device from well-known brands, if only because they provide service guarantees, they have offices throughout the country.
Reviews
Most of the users purchase irons from well-known brands. According to user reviews, Philips irons demonstrate functionality, reliability and durability. Some complain about excessive noise during water topping up, although this can hardly be considered a serious drawback. There are accusations on the Internet against the Philips GC 9222 model that cotton clothes and underwear are badly ironed.
Products from the manufacturer Tefal have good reviews. However, it is not uncommon for users to say that even after 4-5 times of use, a plastic smell is felt during operation.
There are also reviews that tap water can be poured into the devices, which in no way contributes to the formation of scale. In this, users see the merit of a powerful protection system, but the manufacturer strongly recommends abandoning such experiments.
For information on how to choose an iron with a steam generator, see the next video.