If you often have to go on business trips, travel, then you probably had to think about purchasing a compact iron more than once. The fact is that in bags and suitcases the clothes are wrinkled strongly, and hanging on the shoulders does not always ensure its full smoothing. But if you have a travel iron, then it can greatly facilitate the task of smoothing things. Moreover, a huge selection of these devices is on sale. But before you purchase them, you should carefully consider the main features.
Technical features of road irons
When buying a travel iron, you should carefully study all the characteristics of this device. Still, these devices are not so cheap, but they buy it more than once, for this reason it is necessary to be able to choose the right devices of this kind.
Dimensions
Probably, many have heard that devices for ironing things on the road are called ironing, the fact is that they are quite small in size. The lightest models weigh on average half a kilogram, but the products are a little heavier and weigh 700-800 grams. But if you consider the dimensions, the device can fit in the palm of your hand, sometimes there are products that are 2-3 cm larger than the brush.
It is advisable to choose a medium weight iron. Lightweight devices cannot iron all folds and bumps during ironing. But the heavier models will cope with this task quickly and without much difficulty.
Outsole Features
In mini irons, as well as in standard devices, the sole can have a different basis. On sale you can find devices with the following types of coatings:
- from aluminum alloy;
- from stainless steel;
- from ceramics;
- from cermets.
The aluminum sole is very light, but it is of poor quality. This material is subject to deformation, which can occur even after a slight pressure. At the same time, scratches and damage during the ironing process may leave snags and puffs on clothing.
Products with stainless steel soles have high strength, good slip. They can also be easily cleaned from contamination. Many surface manufacturers make small recesses that create an air cushion during the steaming process. And she, in turn, facilitates the smoothing of clothes and linen.
An iron that can be taken on the road may also have a ceramic sole or cermet sole. This version of the framework is considered to be in demand and high quality. In the process of ironing, it gives a good glide, warms up to the required temperature regime, copes well with smoothing any fabrics. But cleaning can be done with water and a sponge. But ceramics has one significant minus - high fragility. The sole may be damaged by contact with zippers and buttons.
A pen
You should choose a travel iron, which has a convenient handle.
It is she who provides comfortable ironing of various things. But still it is worth paying attention to several criteria:
- the device should have just a pen, and not a protruding tubercle or knoll, which you have to hold on to, like a computer mouse. And this can cause discomfort, especially when smoothing a large amount of things;
- in road models, open handle designs are often found - “on yourself” or “away from you”;
- a handle with a self-designed design is more familiar, it is often found on ordinary iron models.Its folding is done by pressing it to the body, but it saves little space in height;
- folding the handle "on my own" is carried out by pressing a button on the "heel" of the iron, it is also pressed against the body or laid sideways. At the same time, it saves space in height by almost 4-5 centimeters;
- Some models of road-type devices have an interesting version of the handle "on their own." It can be rotated 180 degrees, while turning the iron into a steam brush. The device provides smoothing of clothes in an upright position.
Read also: "What is the best sole for iron«.
Modes
Travel irons have a standard set of modes that you can use while smoothing things. These include:
- The first mode is synthetics and silk;
- The second mode - mixed fabrics and woolen material;
- Cotton and linen.
But at the same time it is worth paying attention to power, its indicator should correspond to these types of tissue, especially before the third mode. The fact is that clothes made of cotton and linen are especially relevant in the summer at resorts.
Steam
All camping appliances are equipped with a constant steam function. Additionally, some models may include steam boost.
The main features of this function:
- steam supply is carried out only subject to the maximum temperature regime;
- if you press the steam supply button until the device warms up, water will pour out of the holes in the sole;
- Travel irons are equipped with small containers for water, their volume is only 40-50 ml, the maximum can be 65 ml. It is used only in emergency cases, and it is enough to smooth out only one thing;
- steam allows you to smooth out various folds, bruises on clothes from any fabric.
Features of water containers
Containers for water in burly irons are on the handle. The liquid is poured into a special hole, which is closed with a silicone insert on a silicone mount, this is necessary so that it does not get lost. Additionally, there may be a silicone gasket to prevent the container from leaking.
Small models can be equipped with two types of containers - stationary or removable. Products that are removed must be removed each time in order to fill them with water. This can adversely affect quality and can quickly lead to wear on the part.
Many road irons additionally have a sprinkler that can greatly facilitate the ironing process. But it is worth considering that the volume of the water container is small, so spraying may be enough to smooth 1-2 things.
Important Usage Recommendations
When using a travel iron, you should follow important tips that will help to maintain the quality of the device for a long time.
In fact, they do not differ from the recommendations for use standard home irons, but it’s worthwhile to carefully study them:
- Traveling irons are suitable for ironing clothes, linen, things from different materials. But when ironing, it is worth choosing the necessary temperature regime, which is indicated in the instructions;
- If steaming is required, namely ironing together with water, then water must be poured into the container before turning on the device;
- It is not worth pouring raw and hard water into the container, it is better to boil it first. Boiled water does not leave scale and prevents the formation of soot on the surface on the sole;
- The handle after use is recommended to be folded into place;
- At the end, the device turns off.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with ways to remove scale from the iron at home.
Browse Popular Models
When choosing the best and high-quality travel iron, you should carefully consider the popular models that are offered in many household appliance stores. Explore features and specifications.
Scarlett-1135s
The budget and most popular model of travel irons.The cost in stores is about 800-900 rubles.
Moreover, the device has a number of positive features:
- a small device has a good power level for road-type models - 800 W;
- compact and light enough, the weight of the product is approximately 860 grams. Small dimensions make it easy to take with him on trips, business trips;
- the sole is made of stainless steel;
- the iron also has a steamer function;
- various colors of the case - white-blue, white-green and white-gray.
Maxwell MW 3012
The small ironing of the Maxwell MW 3012 model will be an excellent assistant for putting clothes in order on the road. And the price of the device will pleasantly surprise you, it is only 800 rubles.
Important technical characteristics include:
- small dimensions and weight (about 700 grams) make it easy to transport the iron with you over long distances;
- power is quite high, its indicator is 1000 W;
- on the surface of the sole there is a non-stick coating;
- can be used for vertical steam and for normal dry ironing;
- on sale found in a small case with blue and white colors.
Kenwood ST-60
Iron Kenwood ST-60 is considered not expensive, but unlike the first two models, its price is almost twice as high - 1500-1600 rubles. The main feature of the device is its unusual doll-shaped rounded shapes.
Product Specifications:
- maximum power is 800 watts;
- the mass of the product is small, only 600 grams. For this reason, it is easy to take an iron with you on trips over long distances;
- the device is equipped with a folding handle and a special groove for buttons;
- high durability of the sole consists in a good non-stick coating;
- the device has a steamer in its configuration to facilitate smoothing of clothes;
- body design is made in two colors - in white and pink.
Philips EG 651
The unusual model of a travel iron Philips EG 651 is of good quality and high cost. In stores, the device is sold for 2700-2800 rubles.
Its technical specifications fully justify the price:
- power rating is 800 W;
- the average weight of the device is 720 grams;
- on both sides there are rubber inserts on the sides of the iron that facilitate the ironing process;
- on the surface of the sole there is a non-stick coating that protects against carbon deposits and plaque;
- the device provides for forced steam supply. It provides smoothing of large folds even in an upright position;
- ball joint prevents bending and damage to the power cord;
- Included is a case for convenient transportation of the device.
Travel irons for many are necessary tools for putting in order clothes and things when traveling. The main thing when choosing devices is to take into account their important technical characteristics - a power indicator, the base of the sole, the presence of a steamer, the volume of the liquid tank, the type of handle. The device should be comfortable and of high quality.
On the site you can also read expert advice - which wireless iron models considered the best.