Steam generator for home: a versatile unit that ensures order

The home appliance market is constantly updated with new appliances that make household chores easier. So, a steam generator for the home will not only iron out wrinkled clothes, but also clean contaminated furniture, freshen a suit before going out and disinfect various surfaces. Steam will help to smooth even vertically hanging curtains, which will significantly save cleaning time. When choosing a device, you must carefully read its characteristics.

Design features and the principle of operation of steam generators for ironing linen, clothes and cleaning

Before deciding which steam generator to choose for your home, you should understand its design and understand how it works. In general, the device consists of a nozzle and a boiler, interconnected by a flexible hose, as well as a power cable.

Interesting information! In appearance iron with steam generator is practically indistinguishable from a conventional device, it also has a grip, a sole and a button that regulates modes. Due to the lack of a built-in water tank iron with a steam generator has less weight and size.

The boiler is represented by a container made either of plastic or metal, inside which there is a heating element or other heating element. On the body there is a panel with which you can adjust the feed rate and the temperature of the outgoing steam. The principle of operation of a steam generator with a boiler looks like this:

1. Water is poured into the boiler tank. It is recommended to use distilled water for the device to last longer, although the option of using regular tap or bottled water is not excluded.
2. The device is connected to the network, and within a few minutes (from 4 to 8) the liquid is converted into a vapor state.
3. Steam under pressure at a high speed through a hose enters the nozzle or sole of the iron, from where it comes out of the holes to the surface, as a result of which even the most wrinkled folds are smoothed out and surfaces are disinfected.

The main function of an ironing steam generator is considered to be ironing any fabrics, including thick or delicate ones. The high pressure and temperature of the steam helps to smooth even heavily wrinkled fabric after the electric dryer. The high power of the appliances allows you to iron bulky items such as duvet covers, tablecloths or sheets folded in several layers, which can significantly reduce the time for household chores.

In addition, most iron steam generators are equipped with a vertical steaming function, which makes it possible to level clothes on the weight without touching the fabric, which is especially convenient for hanging volumetric curtains. Some models are equipped with attachments that allow you to clean and refresh the surfaces of upholstered furniture and remove unpleasant odors that have been absorbed into the fleecy fabric.

Before choosing a steam generator or a regular iron, you need to pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of each model. So, if you need a device for ironing a small amount of clothes, it is more practical to purchase an ordinary iron with a built-in water tank. In a situation where the family is large and every day you need to iron a large amount of linen and clothes, it is better to give preference to the steam generator, which allows you to iron more things at a time without adding water. The steam generator produces steam at high pressure, which reduces ironing time.

The main types of steam generators for clothes and cleaning

To understand which steam generator is better, you should study the main varieties, which differ not only in functioning, but also in the method of use. Domestic steam generators are mainly used for two purposes.

For ironing. Clothes look much better after being treated with a steam generator than after using an iron. Most often, special attachments are included with the ironing steam generator, which help to put the curtains in order without removing them from the cornice, or dresses and suits hanging on a trempel.

To put things in order. A steam generator for cleaning most often looks like a conventional vacuum cleaner, in which a water tank is built in instead of a dust collector. Conveniently, with the help of the device it will be possible to rid the carpet or upholstered furniture covering from stains, while not using aggressive agents and abrasives that spoil the surface.

Useful information! A steam generator is a device that allows you to cope with some types of contamination without the use of chemicals.

In retail outlets, you can find a wide variety of steam generators.

Steamers. Suitable for most fabrics. The working temperature is between 98-99 ° C, which is enough to soak the fabric fibers. Suitable for woolen, knitted and synthetic fabrics. It is mainly used for vertical ironing without using an ironing board. The main advantages are compactness and mobility.

Steam generators. They are used for complete cleaning of surfaces without the use of detergents. Due to the peculiarities of work, they are used for ironing, cleaning and washing surfaces of any materials. Steam supply temperature - 140-160 ° C, at which not only cleaning, but also surface disinfection is carried out. One of the advantages is the ability to clean in hard-to-reach places.

Irons with a steam generator. A successful combination of the properties of an iron, a steam cleaner and a steamer in one device, with which you can not only iron, but also clean clothes from stains and unpleasant odors. This appliance allows for both vertical and horizontal ironing. This device can be used equally successfully in production and in an apartment.

Depending on the principle of operation, steam generators are divided into open and closed. In the first case, a system is used in which the condensate is not returned to the generator. In a closed device, condensate re-enters the steam generator, where it is converted back to steam.

Depending on the design, boilers are divided into two types:

1. Autonomous. In this case, as the water is consumed, you have to add it to the tank yourself.
2. Automated. A more convenient option, because work requires a connection to the water supply system, which makes the water supply process fully automated.

Types of industrial steam generators: main characteristics

In addition to household use, the device is often used in production, for example, steam generators can often be seen in tobacco, woodworking, construction, food and other factories. The device has gained popularity due to the ability to process tools and products with hot steam. It is quite easy to remove ice, dirt and even process lumber with a directed jet. In general, several types of industrial devices can be distinguished.

Electric steam generator. A feature of the equipment is the fact that steam appears in it as a result of the conversion of electrical energy.

A device that produces steam using a heating element. The main advantages are simple design, easy replacement of the main element, the choice of various capacities. You can even find videos on the network teaching how to make heating elements with your own hands.

Electrode. This option is based on the electrical conductivity of water. Here steam is formed due to the fact that electrodes are immersed in the water, through which an electric current passes.

Induction or HF steam generator. In this case, steam is generated similarly to the principle of operation of a microwave oven, in which high-frequency waves are irradiated. The main disadvantage of the devices is the need to ensure reliable isolation from the environment. For this reason, the device is rarely used in industry.

Gas steam generator. The principle of operation is based on the use of any type of gaseous fuel. It is especially important to install this version of the steam generator if there is a central gas supply. Here, the main advantages are cost-effectiveness, small size of the device, environmental friendliness and high productivity. When the device is operated at different pressures, steam of varying degrees of saturation is generated. Another advantage is the safety of use. On sale you can find gas steam generators for a hamam or a bath.

Diesel steam generator. It is allowed to use diesel or fuel oil as fuel. The main advantage is high power. Here, the steamer is a continuous coil in the form of a spiral tube. The coil is adjacent to the combustion chamber in which the heating elements are located. Due to its autonomy and compact size, it can be installed in boiler rooms with a small area.

Combined type. The device, thanks to built-in burners of various types, is capable of operating on a variety of fuels, both gaseous and liquid. It is especially often used in large industries.

Helpful advice! For small businesses and household use, it is recommended to purchase mobile steam generators that produce a sufficient amount of steam. In this case, you can choose both a model with a water tank and a device that draws liquid from an external source. At large enterprises, it is better to use stationary devices of high power.

Steam generator for home: the main functions that you need to evaluate when buying

Which steam generator is better to choose in a particular case depends on the main purpose of purchasing the device. If the main task is to iron heavily wrinkled clothes, then it is better to purchase an iron with a steam generator, because only directed steam will not be able to smooth out very wrinkled places. If you want to make cleaning easier, then the best option is a steam cleaner.

Power is considered an important indicator when buying: the higher this indicator, the better the steam supply is provided, and also the faster heating of the liquid in the tank occurs. The most popular are steam generators for the home (consumer reviews confirm this), the power of which varies from 2000 to 3100 W. If the power is insufficient, this will negatively affect not only the rate of transition of water into a gaseous state, but also the duration of maintaining the temperature. Before choosing a steam generator for your home, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. The time it takes to convert water to steam. The best steam generators include those models with which you can start working 45-60 seconds after turning on the network.
2. Number of modes. Devices with the ability to select the desired operating power, adjust the steam flow rate, and an active disinfection option are considered good. In different models, the adjustment can be done automatically or manually.
3. Workmanship, brand reliability. This indicator can be estimated by reading reviews of real buyers on the Internet.
4. Applied pressure. A good result is distinguished by models that emit steam under a pressure in the range of 2.5 to 6 bar, or devices that release a jet of steam with a force of 90 to 140 g / min.
5. Additional functionality. The best are devices that have an anti-drip system, vertical steaming, protection from accidental splashes. The auto-off function is considered especially useful, which automatically turns off the device forgotten on the surface after a few seconds of inactivity.

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Iron rating: how to choose the best and most convenient option for your home

The materials used to make the outsole. What parameters should you pay attention to. Overview of the main manufacturers.

In addition, popular models include devices with a descaling option. Usually, devices are equipped with an indicator button that signals an excessive accumulation of limescale on the walls of the container, after which it is required to carry out either service or processing with special means specified in the instructions.

Other parameters possessed by Philips, Karcher, Tefal and others steam generators

In the ratings of the best steam generators, models equipped with a steam boost function occupy high positions, which helps to quickly cope with even the most wrinkled fabrics and strong dirt. Such devices, when a button is pressed, switch to the intensive steam generation mode, when steam is released at a speed of 100 to 260 g / min, which is sufficient for the fastest operation. The higher the steam boost, the less time it will take for a complex ironing or cleaning. Other important parameters to look out for when buying:

1. Volume of the tank. This is especially important if you need to iron a large amount of clothing or clean up a large area of ​​your home every day. For long-term operation, the volume should be at least 1-2 liters, with rare use, 500-700 g is enough.
2. Ergonomic model. When buying, you need to pay attention to the size and weight of the device, as well as a comfortable handle, which is especially important when choosing a manual steam generator.Uncomfortable and heavy structures will irritate and create discomfort during work.
3. Steam supply type. If the boiler and steam generator are connected by a pipe, then it will take 5 to 15 minutes to start work. If the heating element is built-in, an instant steam supply is possible when the liquid hits the hot metal.

When choosing a steam generator with an iron, you need to additionally take into account the material from which the sole is made, because the quality and speed of ironing will depend on this criterion. The main options include:

1. Aluminum. The cheapest models, the main disadvantage of which is considered to be slight damage to the surface, especially when in contact with metal accessories on clothes. The main plus is fast heating.
2. Stainless steel. A durable and reliable coating that can be easily damaged without additional dusting. Despite the fact that the device heats up for a long time, its base remains hot for a longer period.
3. Ceramics. The most modern coating with unique properties. Firstly, such irons easily slide over the surface, and secondly, they quickly heat up and cool down for a long time. It is very important to protect the surface from falling, because the ceramic coating may peel off.
4. Teflon. Differs in high consumer properties and durability, but, like the Teflon frying pan coating, it is easy to scratch with metal.

Overview of the most popular Philips steam generators

Understanding the question of which steam generator to choose, you should pay attention to the new PerfectCare GC9682 model, which has a significant power (8 bar). Even in normal operation, steam is delivered at 165 g / min. With steam boost, it reaches 600 g / min. This strength is enough to cope with even the most severe creases on heavyweight clothing. Long-term uninterrupted operation is ensured by a tank of impressive dimensions - a volume of 1.8 liters. According to reviews, the steam generator has the following advantages:

• light weight;
• titanium-coated stainless steel base;
• automatic temperature selection;
• long hose - 1.9 m;
• vertical steaming;
• valve for the accumulation of scale;
• a sensor that stops the supply of steam when the device is inactive;
• a shutdown button located on the handle, which allows you not to pull the cord out of the network;
• automatic shutdown function.

Of the minuses of the model, only a high price can be distinguished, which varies from 32 to 36 thousand rubles. In addition, a special steam generator board equipped with a fan is required for use in ironing mode.

Another popular model is the PerfectCare GC6833 / 30 with an innovative sole for perfect smoothing without creases and a compact 1.3 liter tank. Steam is supplied at a pressure of 5.5 bar and the flow rate is 100 g / min, which is enough to flatten the fabric without getting too wet. The maximum steam boost power is 280 g / min. Of the minuses, a small length of the cord is noted - 1.6 m. The price is from 9 to 12 thousand rubles.

The best steam generators "Karcher" for home care

The most functional model of the manufacturer is considered to be the SC 5 EasyFix Premium Iron, whose power is 2.2 kW. It features a 0.5 liter boiler and a 1.5 liter water tank. The steam pressure is 4.2 bar and the feed rate is 150 g / min, which is sufficient to combat old and stubborn stains. The model gained its popularity thanks to its non-standard equipment, which includes cleaning brushes, a mop, a point nozzle and a steam iron, which makes the device a real assistant in home care. Other advantages of the device:

• fast heating in 3 minutes;
• tank capacity, which is enough for an hour and a half cleaning or ironing;
• 4-stage regulation of steam supply;
• easy iron slide on the fabric;
• long 6-meter cord and long steam hose (2.5 m);
• convenient storage of attachments in a special compartment.

Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting the high price of the steam generator (about 34 thousand rubles) and not for everyone convenient nozzles.

Another model of the brand - SC 4 EasyFix Premium with a power of 2 kW also has a good package. Unlike the previous version, it has a lower steam output (up to 50 g / min.) And a not so large tank, although the volume of the boiler is also 0.5 liters. The outlet steam pressure reaches 3.5 bar, which helps to deal with dirt in any corner of the house. Main advantages:

• many attachments included;
• convenient steam mop;
• secure attachment of cleaning napkins with Velcro;
• the possibility of adding water during the cleaning process;
• empty tank indicator;
• several strips of descaler included.

The downside is the weight of the model (about 4 kg) and the small volume of the tank - 800 ml. The price of the device is 17 thousand rubles.

Reliable and popular models of Tefal steam generators

In the rating of steam generators, the iron with a steam generator GV8461 occupies a high position, which is distinguished by good quality and an affordable price. The power of the device is 2.2 kW, the steam pressure is 6 bar, while the power of the steam blow is at the level of 260 g / min. The metal-ceramic base is complemented by a durable palladium coating, and the boiler is protected from limescale. The main advantages of the model:

• built-in self-cleaning function, which provides easy peeling of burnt particles without harm to the device;
• capacious water tank - 1.8 liters;
• fast heating of water in 2 minutes;
• simple adjustment;
• vertical steaming.

The GV8962 model is also highly regarded, allowing you to change the settings according to the type of fabric used. The sole of the appliance cleans itself according to the degree of soiling. Continuous steam supply is at 120 g / min. The maximum force of a steam blow is 430 g / min. The maximum pressure is 6.5 bar. Other parameters:

• capacious water tank - 1.6 liters;
• automatic cord rewinding;
• the ability to add water during operation;
• vertical steaming.

Of the minuses, the large weight of the device stands out - about 6.6 kg, the absence of an anti-drip system. Price - 10 thousand rubles.

Popular steam generators from other manufacturers

In addition to the models listed, buyers often choose devices from other manufacturers. Thus, the steam generator "Brown" IS 5043 WH is considered to be a convenient ironing system that helps in the fight against strong creases, its capacity is 6 bar. The even distribution of steam ensures perfectly flat fabric surfaces. The outsole glides easily and is durable. The size of the tank (1.4 l) allows you to iron for a long time, and the digital display makes it easy to track the degree of emptying of the tank. The presence of a large number of indicators facilitates the maintenance of the device.

The Bosch steam generator Sensixx ProHygienic TDS383113H is considered the best in the 2018 rating. It is distinguished by the presence of a hygienic regime that allows you to fight germs and bacteria on various surfaces. Steam blow power - 400 g / min. The iron has a ceramic base, which gently cares for various, even the most delicate fabrics. The power of the device is 310 kW, the pressure is 6.5 bar, and the weight is about 4.5 kg.

The use of a steam generator in everyday life has long been considered justified, since it not only saves time and effort in cleaning, but also makes the process simpler and more comfortable.When buying, it is necessary to take into account the main method of use, on which the choice of the desired characteristics will depend.