What to choose for ironing clothes - an iron, a steamer or a steam generator?

Doing housework as quickly and efficiently as possible is the dream of any housewife. Much of the housework is facilitated by modern household devices. For example, to better organize ironing, assistants take a steam generator, steamer or iron. But here the question often arises: which device to choose? Looking ahead, it is impossible to say unequivocally that one of them is better, and the other worse. These are different types of household appliances that are ideal for a certain type of work.

Iron - for fans to iron the old fashioned way

It is difficult to imagine that even at the beginning of the 20th century, irons were used to iron things, which were filled with hot coals or heated in an oven. Only in 1935, electrical models, including steam ones, began to appear in large numbers in everyday life. After all, even then it was clear that for good ironing you need not only heat, but also moisture.

Nevertheless, steam irons did not win high popularity - they quickly broke, spoiled things due to the appearance of scale, and left creases. But the classic electric models pleased the hostesses. Today they are improved to the maximum: they are lightweight, non-perishable sole with a pointed toe, they heat up quickly and at the same time are protected from overheating, they are suitable for ironing different types of fabrics. Moreover, all modern models are equipped with a steam boost function and, to a greater or lesser extent, can steam things.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of a classic iron is its mobility. It is lightweight and can be used to iron on virtually any hard surface. This is a reliable assistant who is able to quickly overload a small amount of clothing. What is important for the older generation, an ordinary iron is familiar in use.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then all of them mainly relate to the absence of all kinds of "bells and whistles", for example, improved steam function.

Really important minuses only 3:

• slow ironing of large surfaces;
• the iron is not suitable for ironing expensive delicate fabrics;
• to one degree or another spoils the tissue - over time, matter loses its original structure.

Steam generator - a modern look at ironing

This device is an iron with improved steam flow. If the classical model can produce a small cloud for a short period of time (steam boost), then the steam generator “hovers” constantly. It is not the iron itself that fills with water, but a special water tank - a boiler of 1.5 liters or more. There, the liquid turns into steam and when the button is pressed under high pressure it enters through the cord to the sole of the iron. It is worth noting that the steam generator produces steam dry. Things are smoothed instantly and at the same time they do not become wet. The device can iron any fabrics - from silk to wool and linen.

Advantages and disadvantages

Many choose a steam generator in the hope of speeding up ironing by steaming clothes in several layers. However, in fact, even the most powerful model can not cope with such a task. This is nothing more than an advertising move. The second, and even more so the third and fourth layer of fabric will remain embossed.

The main advantage of the steam generator is the quick smoothing of fabrics of any degree of delicacy.

In general, there are 7 advantages of the device:

• high-quality disinfection;
• the ability to iron clothes on any surface (such as a bed) and even in an upright position;
• quality function of steam: continuous exposure, high pressure, volumetric reservoir for liquid;
• maneuverability and low weight of the iron itself;
• fast smoothing due to the combination of temperature and powerful steam supply;
• delicate ironing;
• if the iron is left on the clothes, it will not burn.

The steam generator also has disadvantages:

• big weight of the iron together with a boiler (from 4 kg);
• noisy work;
• high price (from 7 thousand rubles).

In addition, the steam generator has more parts that can break. And in the reviews you can read the complaints that the iron with the steam generator is not able to dry clothes and can not be put on the “heel” - only at the station.

Steamer - cleaning and ironing, 2 in 1

The steamer is a device for ironing at a fundamentally different level. It is a water tank with a hose and nozzle through which steam escapes. It is mainly designed to handle things in an upright position, often equipped with a rack and a hanger. There is no need to use an ironing board or iron with a steamer; clothes are smoothed out by weight. It is worth a walk with the device, and the folds disappear, all kinds of smells and small impurities are removed. But there is one caveat - only expensive models are capable of high-quality steaming. Manual steamers work very slowly and are not capable of smoothing out more or less dense matter.

Advantages and disadvantages

Facing the choice of “steamer vs steam generator”, many prefer the former. And there are many reasons for this:

• no need to be an ironing ace - shirts and other things can be made even and smooth with a simple movement of the hand;
• odors and minor impurities are removed from clothing;
• the steamer takes up less space than the laid out ironing board;
• quality function of steam;
• delicate processing of any fabrics;
• matter does not deteriorate; it retains its original structure and appearance for as long as possible;
• quick and high-quality putting things in order.

But at the same time, the steamer has significant disadvantages:

• for smoothing collars and cuffs, as well as creating arrows on trousers, special nozzles are needed;
• bedding can only be steamed by weight (except for some models for horizontal use);
• after processing, the clothes are slightly wet, they can not be immediately folded into the closet;
• too dense fabrics, such as linen, cannot be steamed;
• the high cost of the device.

What to choose?

Each mistress has her own views on life. Some people prefer using time-tested reliable irons. Others keep track of innovative technologies and try something new all the time. Still others do not see the point of ironing bedding and some clothes. Therefore, it cannot be said unequivocally that a steamer, or a steam generator, or an iron is better. You need to choose the technique for yourself.

Please note:

1. the number and nature of things that need ironing;
2. budget;
3. convenience in work.

If you need a device for clothes made from simple fabrics and ironing a little, you can limit yourself to classics. With a large amount of work and the presence of delicate things, a choice should be made between the steam generator and the sender.

Before buying, you need to carefully weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of different equipment and specific models, and even better - test the devices in person. For example, visiting a friend.

Summing up, we emphasize that both the steam generator, and the steamer, and the modern iron do an excellent job and bring the clothes in a nice look with a minimum of effort. Of course, the steam function significantly speeds up the smoothing process, but such devices also cost more and break more often. Therefore, reflecting on the question of what to choose, one should proceed from their needs and financial capabilities.