Steam generator or iron: how to choose and what is better?
How to choose a context for clothing? How to choose an iron? We compared the steam generator and iron and give advice on choosing.
If the iron has long entered the daily reality of Russians, then the steam generator has not yet become widely distributed. We experience both devices according to one test program, so they can be compared with each other. In general, they have the same types of parameters affecting the choice, but the steam generator is used for a wider Spectra tasks. In addition to ironing clothes, steam generators are used for vertical steaming and disinfection of heavy outerwear. Given the tasks for which you purchase an iron or steam generator, you should pay attention to these main parameters.
Read more about the research program here.
Power and temperature regime
The power of the ironing devices is very different. The speed of heating of the sole depends on the power. It also affects the formation of steam. High power irons will consume more energy. For simple ironing, there may be enough 1,500 watts. Models with a capacity of 2000–2500 watts will iron faster and already cope with bedding. Power over 2500-3000 W will provide effective vapor production. Such models will be able to do any clothing.
Type of sole
Used on the most inexpensive models. Advantages. Very quick heating and ease. Sometimes additional nozzles from other materials go to such irons. Disadvantages. Fragile material that can quickly crack. In addition, sometimes irons with such a sole leave stains on the clothes.
Usually used on expensive irons. This material is endowed with anti.Stick properties and very durable. Its main disadvantage is that it glides poorly, so the ironing irons with this coating show the worst results in ironing.
Slides very well along the fabric. In addition, it has increased heat capacity. A large drawback is a very fragile material. It can be easily damaged. And if a crack has gone somewhere, then this will cause exfoliation of the entire coating material.
STEAM Flat Irons. Are they BETTER?
Reliable material with quick heating. Very durable and reliable. In addition, the soles of steel provide the best sliding quality.
Steam characteristics
Hot steam is served through holes in the sole of the iron. Such holes of different sizes are located over the entire surface, from heels to nose and along the sides. A powerful and uniform supply of steam will help to better iron crumpled or overdred things better. The supply of steam can be adjusted by the switch, but there are also models with an automatic mode.
Each model has the maximum steam shock indicator. It is expressed in grams per minute. In low.Power irons, it can only be 70 g/min, in powerful. 270 g/min. For example, a steam blow of 200-300 g/min is suitable for ironing and disinfecting sweaters, jeans and sweatshirts. For thin fabrics (flax, synthetics, x/b), 150-200 g/min will be enough.
Weight, size and mobility
Depending on the power of the iron weigh on average from 750 to 1600 g. Accordingly, when ironing from a heavy iron, the hand will get tired faster. In addition, the iron filled with water will become even heavier. The irons are more compact because the steam generator still has a docking station with a water tank. When stored, they will take up more space than ironing.
Mobility will depend on the length of the wire, which should be chosen taking into account the location of sockets in the house. Excessively long wire can become both salvation and an obstacle.
Protection against scale
Many modern irons and steam generators have the function of automatic cleaning from scale. The device can report on the need to clean. After that, just turn on the desired mode, and the device will do everything itself. In steam generators, special cartridges can be used as additional protection that will clear the incoming water.
Speed and quality ironing
Most of the irons heat up very quickly: while you sort clothes, the device will already be ready to work. Boillery steam generators need 10-15 minutes to heated. But the quality of ironing will depend on the entire set of parameters. High occupy higher places than steam generators for 20,000. The advantages and disadvantages of each model of the Roskachestvo rating read in the cards of the goods.
What is the difference between an iron and a steamer
The steamer and iron are not only externally different. The design and principle of operation is also different.
So, the iron has its own characteristic features:
- The heating element is hidden in the metal platform.
- To fasten the network cord, the contact block is used.
- A water container is located inside the case.
- Temperature adjustment is carried out by the thermostat.
- The pair is made by a special button, the supply intensity is set by the regulator.
After turning on, the sole is heated to the required temperature. After pressing the steam strike button, water from the container in small portions enters the tank. Hidden Ten instantly heats water, it turns into steam and goes through the holes in the sole. After including the network, the iron, on average, is heated for 2-10 minutes.
The design of the steamer is similar to a steam generator, however, there are also features here:
- Lower steam temperature. Up to 90 degrees.
- Working nozzle is not intended for ironing.
- The output of the steam occurs naturally or under slight pressure.
Unlike the iron, the steamer does not stroke, but drops things hanging vertically, removes unpleasant odors.
What is the difference between them?
Studies conducted by the Swiss Laboratory of Scitec Research SA showed that dry steam Laurastar kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and completely destroys dust mites. Thus, steaming not only improves the appearance of things, but also allows disinfection.
The steam processing allows you to smooth the folds on delicate fabrics, refresh clothes and remove the extraneous smell.
Both the steam generator and the steamer do this perfectly. But there is a significant difference between them:
- The steam generator combines the function of the steamer and iron, the steamer acts on things only by steam (not counting steam stations with a metal iron).
- The steam generator requires an ironing board. For a steamer, additional devices are not required.
- The steam generator is properly kept horizontally. The steamer “stroke” things only vertically, otherwise water flow may occur.
The main difference between the steam generator and the steamer is the principle of smoothing the fabric. When using the iron, the fabric is leveled due to direct contact with the hot sole. Steam in this case only enhances the effect. The steamer smoothes the folds by means of steam, and only it. Its effect is more careful, does not damage the fibers and does not create a glossy effect.
What is better to choose for clothes
For clothes it is better to purchase both an iron and a steamer. At the same time, the iron remains in the priority, since without it it is impossible to perfectly iron the fabric, riding it of a crumpled state. The main advantages of the iron:
- It works with almost any fabric;
- Removes folds without effort;
- Smoothes even dense matter;
- Can serve steam in different modes.
- Allows you to take care of clothes;
- Well smoothes delicate fabrics;
- Used in hard.To.Reach places;
- Allows you to process even hanging clothes.
Why do you need an iron? Can a steamer replace the iron?
Compare the iron and the steamer is like choosing between the microwave oven and the stove. A steam device can be entrusted with a silk blouse and a satin dress. Irons are good for heavy fabrics. They do a great job with ironing bedding, towels, trousers, shirts. If you need to smooth the tight.Fitted seams on the washed jeans or a linen canvas, then the iron has no equal.
In addition, modern irons have a function of vertical steaming. It is convenient when there is no ironing board at hand. You can even use it to process the upholstery and curtains with steam. Great selection. An iron with a steamer and a ceramic sole Leben with a capacity of 2600 watts.
What is the conclusion? Two household appliances will come in handy on the farm. The steamer is suitable for delicate things and outerwear. If you need to smooth down a down jacket, coat, jacket, school uniform, steam device. What you need. It perfectly refreshes things, cleanses of hair and pollution, kills microbes and smells. It is easier to iron bedding and bath textiles with an iron. In principle, only a powerful steam tool can compare with the iron. Weaker models act only as assistants. The price is also important. The iron will cost unequivocally cheaper.
And the gala center recalls: in the LEBEN household appliance catalog, irons and steamers with a set of useful functions are presented for comfortable ironing of any things-from dense curtains to underwear. Choose first.Class equipment at a budget price, and free delivery is for us.
Comparison of an iron, a steamer and a steam generator in different parameters
Compare these devices among themselves in different characteristics: efficiency, convenience, financial benefit.

Table: Comparison of technical characteristics
Characteristic | Description | Iron | Steam generator | The steamer |
Power | Power determines how quickly the device is preparing to work (heating the platform or boils water), as well as how much electricity it consumes. | About 2,300 watts | about 2 900 watts | about 1,500 watts |
Steam supply intensity | Measured in grams per minute. The higher the intensity, the more efficient the device smoothes the folds with steam. | Up to 50 g/min | up to 200 g/min | up to 100 g/min |
Equipment | The necessary additional accessories in the kit can take place, make use not so convenient. However, they expand the functionality and make the device suitable for different works. | Usually supplied without additional accessories | Some models have a nozzle for delicate fabrics | Usually comes complete with several nozzles for steaming (narrow and wide nozzles, nozzles, and so on) |
Functional
Consider why each of these devices is best suited:
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The steamer can be used for quick smoothing out clothes on a hanger, bringing the costume in perfect condition, as well as for steaming heavy and bulky things (curtains, bedding). He is able to smooth things well with small decorative elements (ruffles, lace, buttons). The low steam supply intensity does not allow it to cope with complex folds. It is not suitable for independent use. Only as an addition to the iron;
Due to the features of their functionality, steamers are more often found in clothing stores or dry cleaners
The iron copes well with its work, but if you at least have a few sets of bedding, you probably would like to find a simpler and fastest way to smooth out the fabric
If you are engaged in knitting, then the steam generator can very quickly bring a new product to proper form.
The steam generator can even process the most delicate fabrics, because there is practically no thermal exposure
Weight, size, mobility
The dimensions of the device are an important factor, especially if you live in an ordinary Russian apartment, where every meter is in the account:
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The iron has the most compact case. Formally it can also be called the lightest. It can be stored anywhere and simply get before the next use;
On the market you can find models of ironing various shapes and sizes
The steam generator really takes up more space in the house, but its ironing iron is light and compact
There are compact manual models of steamers, but they have very low efficiency and are more often used as steam cleaners, and not as ironing devices.
Even in folded form, the steamer takes up a lot of space
Speed and quality ironing
The most burning question is how quickly and efficiently these devices smoothing the laundry:
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An unambiguous leader in this competition is a steam generator. Due to the intensive supply of steam, the device is able to just a couple of seconds in just a couple of seconds, the bedding or curtains folded several times. The steam generator does a great job with small details: collars, cuffs, s, ruffles and lace. The user will not have to spend much time, carefully processing decorative elements of clothing. On the other hand, the device is preparing for a long time for use. The user needs to pour fresh water into the tank, turn on the steam generator and wait for the water to heat to the desired temperature. This usually takes from one to five minutes;
Before use, it is necessary to fill out the tank with water, we fill in the filtered tap water (in the instructions, we are advised to use precisely tap, rather than distilled water), there are risks of min and max. When turned on on the iron, the light indicator begins to flash, when the blinking stops, you can start work (about 2 minutes).
Murrchetta
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As a novice lazy housewoman, the gadget from Phillips was convenient. I don’t put it in a closet at all. I just prepared my husband’s shirt in the evening (if you cook in the morning, my husband risks in a damp shirt to go to work, since it should dry for 10 minutes), left her hanging on these shoulders.
Kristina_921
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The complexity of use
Compare the iron, steam generator and the complexity of the complexity of the correct operation:
Iron vs. Steamer: Which is Best for Your Menswear Wardrobe?
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Iron. The easiest to use the device. The risk of scale appearance in it is minimal because it consumes little water. Most of modern devices are equipped with a steam supply function, so pour the liquid into it when using it will still have to. The iron has a very small tank, and therefore it will have to be added to water often (up to five times for ironing);
The advantages and disadvantages of the steam generator
These devices are often called steam/ironing stations/systems. The steam generators serve a powerful stream of dry steam, which allows you to quickly and effectively smooth even dense, strongly crashed, overdried and folded fabrics several times. The device eliminates the bruises on clothing exclusively due to the power of steam supply and its temperature, and not the pressure of the sole on the material. We add that you can take care of the products in an upright position without taking out the ironing board.
Structurally the steam generator consists of the following nodes.
- Station (stand), inside which is a water tank and a boiler. We advise you to purchase models with a removable tank, as it is easier to serve it. The station also has a variety of indicators and control panel.
- War with steam holes in the sole. It looks like a traditional device, but smaller and lighter, since there is no water container in it.
- Heat.Resistant hose connecting the boiler and iron.
Some models can be equipped with additional nozzles to perform different functions. For example, a nozzle for delicate fabrics.
Steam generators have the following principle of operation.
- In the boiler, water heats up until steam is formed.
- Dry steam enters the heat.Resistant hose in the iron.
- The user presses a special button on the iron, and a powerful stream of steam under high pressure leaves the holes on the sole of the iron. Steam penetrates deep into the fabric, instantly smoothing the folds of any complexity.
Steam stations help maintain cleanliness at home without using household chemicals. Ferry processing is the safest and most quick way to disinfect. The device will perfectly cope with cleaning and disinfecting not only clothes, but also carpet surfaces, rugs, curtains, curtains and upholstery of upholstered furniture. Multifunctionality. The obvious advantage of the device.

- Increased steaming efficiency and high speed. Steam penetrates deeply into the fabric, smoothing complex folds and creases. The device easily copes with thick, very heavy and voluminous materials.
- Spacious tank with water. The volume of the tank can reach 4 liters. This will allow you to steal clothes for a long time without refueling.
- Lowel treatment without risk of burning or damage.
- Dry steam leaves no trace of clothes.
- In vertical steaming mode, it is easy to process textile products with a lot of accessories, applications and lace, as well as smooth the folds in hard.To.Reach places, for example, between buttons.
- Light weight ironing. This is due to the lack of water tank in it.
- The steaming function works in a vertical and horizontal position.
- You can turn off the steam feed and use the device as a traditional iron.
- Disinfection of processed products.
- You can iron things folded several times. For example, towels and bedding.
- Big dimensions. The device requires a lot of space for storage and ironing. The device is difficult to transfer through the apartment due to the large weight (average 4 kg).
- High noise in the process.
- Great electricity consumption.
- High).
Popular models of steam generators
Is it possible to leave water in the device
If when processing, steam clothes that do not have labels, white stripes will remain on the inside of the fabric. To avoid this, you should process clothes in a cold steam mode, using water.
In this case, it is necessary to constantly monitor the amount of water in the iron. If moisture remains in the vessel, then the device can fail, in connection with which only distilled or purified water should be used, for which it should be poured into special containers.
If you plan to process a plot of synthetics or polyester with a steamer, then before that you should definitely put it in a plastic bag. In the future, these fabrics can be treated with hot steam at maximum iron power.
If you need to steam things treated with adhesive, then in these cases only the steaming mode must be used.