Steam cleaner to clean the house recently joined the list of usual household appliances. Because of the relatively high price for his choice should be approached responsibly. A normal user is the possibility of bad, design and main characteristics of this device depends on why his choice.
In order to decide whether such a device is needed for house cleaning, you need to get acquainted with the basic functions. A good steam cleaner is easy to cope with many problems. And his the main function - the removal of mud stains from the surfaces of any type of directional vapor stream, which in addition to cleaning disinfection conducts due to the high temperatures.
For floor steam cleaner indispensable thing because it copes well with any type of floor covering. The only limitation - the moisture sensitive flooring.
The unit is also suitable for cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms. He is easy to clean:
- covered tiled walls;
- hob;
- interior of the oven, a microwave, a refrigerator;
- plumbing.
In the living room it can be used for cleaning:
- upholstered furniture;
- carpets;
- houseplants;
- curtains;
- clothes.
Above all, the steam generator is suitable for cleaning windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces. Unlike other methods, steaming does not leave stains and makes the window perfectly transparent.
Design
The design of steam cleaner, acquired to restore order at home, simpler and more compact than a professional analog. Nevertheless, it has all the basic elements:
- a reservoir which is filled with water;
- spots for heating and steam generation;
- the trigger device for opening the outlet valve;
- a nozzle for outputting a steam jet to the outside;
- heterogeneous nozzle for cleaning of different surfaces.
Household steam cleaners are divided into two main types: outdoor and portable. The first larger core unit with a capacity of the steam generator and provided with wheels for moving, the trigger is mounted on a long gun parovyvodyaschem hose. Such devices are multifunctional and are available with a wide selection of nozzles.
More modest size in its manual a competitor. It has less storage capacity, a reduced set of nozzles, not much room, but this option is easier to use and much cheaper. He is better suited for smaller spaces where maneuvering larger aggregates difficult.
Criterias of choice
To pick up steam cleaner, fit for home, you need to consider the question, "how to choose" from the point of view of the technical parameters of the device. The main features include:
- tank dimensions;
- heating method;
- display capacity;
- pressure level;
- parovyvodyaschego length of hose;
- power cord;
- Bit set.
Consideration of these parameters will help determine the best steam cleaner for home, able to work effectively in a particular room.
Storage tank
Its volume determines the rate of heating and continuous operation. When small capacity heating rate increases, but the operating mode without the need for refilling is reduced. A large tank on the contrary longer heated, but provides a more long-lasting. By the size of the container for cleaning large areas of carpet steam generators are better suited. Their manual counterparts are optimal for small areas.
Volume:
- Floor units - from 1 to 5 liters;
- hand - from 0.2 to 1.5 liters.
Important characteristics of the tank structure - material. The tank may be of steel or aluminum. Among the best of this pair will be aluminum. It is less sensitive to scale, heated faster.
steam generator
This item may be performed in a continuous-flow embodiment, when steam is generated upon receipt for letting out the nozzle. An alternative method of vnutrikotelny - steam generated inside the container. An important component of functionality - heating time, after which the machine is ready for operation.
In different models, depending on the capacity and power of heating may take from several seconds to several minutes. To expedite the process and the generation of steam user reviews recommend the use of pre-heated water.
power rating
Further heating rate, the intensity power provides steam. Its maximum level is different from the portable and outdoor devices. The former is usually a minimum of 700 W, maximum - 1600 watts. Power outdoor units is between 1300 and 2300 watts. The recommended rate for portable models is not less than 1000 watts, Flooring - 2000 watts.
Pressure
The maximum pressure level in the steam generator vessel 6 bar. But when moving to the nozzle is reduced, because to pick up the unit of this parameter is necessary to reserve. Large appliances are usually more than three indicator bars. Transportable apparatus also approximately in this range. A level enough to be the minimum needed for efficient steam cleaning.
The length of the hose parovyvodyaschego
Long hose is useful when you want to clear high-lying surface. But the maximum length does not always support the functionality of the device.
At low power and low pressure hose is more than six meters would be excessively long. The steam will cool, condense and leave water stains on the surface.
The optimum length of 3 to 6 meters, depending on the technical parameters of the model.
Power cord
It is also important for comfortable work characteristics. Long cable to provide access to the most remote from the outlet of objects within the room. To select the length you need based on the area of the largest room. Depending on the machine type and model, the power cord can be between 4 and 6 meters.
Equipment
Included with the device is supplied by a set of accessories:
- funnel for filling of the tank;
- beaker for the same purpose;
- different tissues.
Very important tips and brushes:
- floor stripping, with clips under the napkin;
- cleaning windows and other glass surfaces;
- cleaning of sanitary ware and tiles in the kitchen and in the bathroom;
- removing challenging soils by increasing the power of the jet of steam;
- and vertical steam ironing (ironing).
In overall floor devices broader set of accessories. Portable models are not so rich in tips, they are often only one or two.
Choosing a brand
To understand how a steam cleaner is better suited for certain conditions, need to examine the specific models of different manufacturers. Workable and easy to buy a machine much easier to have well-known brands.
In the CIS, one of the most popular brands - German «Karcher». They made different and not the most expensive steam generators for the home.
Other well-known manufacturers with a good reputation among users include:
- German company «Becker», «Clatronic», «Tien Versand»;
- Italian «Ariete», «G3 Ferrari», «Polti»;
- Anglo-Dutch «Elbee»;
- Dutch «Philips».
TOP household steam cleaners for home
The proposed rating is based on consumer reviews. Based on it, the steam cleaner to pick up for themselves will be easier.
Karcher SC 4
Outdoor instrument with the option of stripping tissue and valet services, to include a complete set of special iron. Effective in cleaning all surfaces, avoids the use of cleaning chemicals.
Pros:
- significantly accelerates the cleaning;
- possible to add water during operation.
Minuses:
- uncomfortable floor nozzle;
- you need to buy more special napkins.
Karcher SC 1
Portable model with a standard set of nozzles. Ease of operation is provided by small size.
Benefits:
- easy to get into hard to reach places;
- quality assembly.
Disadvantages:
- small water tank;
- high price.
Philips GC535 / 35
Best hand-held device for ironing and steaming. It equipped with a removable water reservoir. There is an automatic winding the cable.
Advantages:
- Quick steps;
- easy to use.
Disadvantages:
- enough smoothes things badly mauled;
- No power control capabilities.
Ariete Multi Vapori MV 6.10
Floor model with adjustable steam. Container of 1.3 liters is enough for a full cleaning.
Pros:
- good job with cleaning in corners and hard to reach places;
- with the help of cleaning is fast.
Polti Vaporetto Pocket
Powerful home steam cleaner with protection against overheating and a safety valve. Large set of nozzles.
Benefits:
- compact;
- easy to use;
- inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- bad removes ingrained oil;
- a small water tank.
Only a detailed understanding of all aspects of the selection, you can choose a durable and functional steam cleaner.