Iron and steam perform one function - ironing of clothes. Both are used for this pair. What is the difference between them, it is better to choose and evaluate what criteria.
Steam iron and steam generator are designed for ironing, they use steam and have a sole with holes. That's where the similarity ends. The difference in appearance, principle of operation and ease of use. The first thing that is felt at work, a lot of weight steam iron. Par ends quickly, need to be interrupted to refill the water tank.
After ironing remove iron only after cooling. In the steam generator base is not heated strongly enough to put it on the base, and hide.
Iron
Designed for horizontal ironing things, heating the fabric and pinning her soles. Classic models have changed. They placed the heating elements with a temperature controller. Added water tank and the fabric during processing is further softened by steam.
Device
The steam iron has the structure:
- outsole with holes;
- housing;
- heating element;
- the water tank;
- regulator;
- handle;
- power cord.
The soles made of stainless steel or ceramics are openings for steam outlet. Heated to 170-220 °, depending on the model.
The temperature of the heating element - heating element is regulated on the housing. The number of programs may be different.
Principle of operation
Prepare iron for use:
- pour water into the tank;
- insert the plug into the socket;
- select the mode by turning the knob on the housing;
- start ironing when the full heating soles.
On the fabric to hot sole, smoothing it. The steam exits the holes and softens the effect is slightly moistened. Can in a short time to produce a lot of steam with a "steam".
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- small size;
- a simple device;
- mobile;
- convenient, wipe hands and folds;
- low price.
Disadvantages:
- work only in a horizontal plane;
- a long time preparing for work;
- Sole contact with the tissue;
- long ironed;
- damage delicate fabrics;
- not smoothes decorative elements;
- from a couple may remain yellow spots;
- It can be burned;
- short cycle with steam.
When the smoothing thin, temperature sensitive fabric hot sole may burn them. Every thing necessary to lay on the ironing board, move and turn, it takes a lot of time. The tank is small, the water quickly ends and have to wait until the iron is again ready to go after topping.
In the case of clothing decorated with rhinestones, embroidery and other elements, there is a problem with their smoothing.
steam generator
In the steam at the base station 100 to the steam outlet holes, it does not differ in the steam generator from an iron appearance. Ironing performed without touching the tissue sole, dry steam in different planes.
Device
Iron steam station smaller and lighter. It consists of:
- soles,
- Handle with regulators,
- housing.
Instead, the cord connected to an iron pipe through which steam is supplied from the station. The floor of the steam generator consists of:
- water tank;
- heating element;
- steam generator;
- a steam generator;
- an electrical cord;
- hose leading to the iron.
During operation of the steam generator is on the floor, iron irons in different planes. On the handle of the power button and a pair of steam blow.
Principle of operation
Water from the boiler enters the steam generator. There it is heated above the boiling temperature, and dry steam is formed. It accumulates in the generator and fed into the openings on the bottom after the creation of high pressure.
Dry steam flows through the hose in the iron and acts on the tissue. The sole can be used for horizontal ironing, but the basic operation is performed with steam.
Advantages and disadvantages
In the steam plant steam is supplied at a pressure of 3-5 bar, depending on the power. Smoothes the folded sheets and duvet covers, pillowcases once more. High performance accelerates.
Benefits:
- pressing in a horizontal and a vertical plane;
- without bending the fiber, it gives them volume;
- delicate tissues are not damaged;
- high performance;
- big tank, long-term operation;
- can be used with tap water;
- smoothes the cleaning surface;
- processing upholstery;
- cleaning and disinfection of tiles, curtains and carpets;
- It stains from the water;
- smoothes and disinfects the kind of thing;
- can be ironed rhinestones, embroidery, ruffles and other small parts.
When ironing the steam generator is not necessary to disconnect the equipment and replace thing on trowel or settings when switching from one tissue to another. You can iron the folded linen sheets or jeans, and immediately go to the chiffon blouse or sofa upholstery.
The sole is not much heated and steam dry. This eliminates burns when working with steam. The ability to cleaning eliminates the frequent washings.
In just a few minutes tidies garments, disinfects linen and bedding kids.
Minuses:
- high price;
- large size.
What better to give preference
Ferry operate both units. Steam iron or steam iron better than usual to cope with ironing. The steam generator irons much, disinfects and cleans upholstery, tidies clothes with stains and odor. He clears away the smell and stains uniforms children, disinfects kids clothes and bedding animals.
If you have an electric mop or vacuum cleaning is sufficient steam iron with several modes. Iron cope with the sides of a jacket or a light blouse. Linens have ironed longer.
Choose according to their needs, the volume of work and the price. Good to have it all: a steam iron, steam generator, washing vacuum cleaner, and the remaining units are comfortable. If you choose one unit, it is better to steam.