Everything about steam irons: from choice to care

An iron with a built-in steam generator is a productive and functional system that is used for both horizontal and vertical processing of fabrics by means of influencing them with steam. The design of this device includes a capacious water tank, which, with the rest of the system, is clad in a case that acts as a stand for the iron. The latter, in turn, is connected to the water tank by means of a special cable in which the wires are located through which current, steam or water passes.

Modern steam generator

What is better than a conventional iron or steam generator?

Regardless of how often you have to use this appliance to iron things, the steam generator is a more functional device, the use of which in any case will lead to a better result. They can not only give a neat appearance to bedding or any other textiles in the house, but also to smoothly clean business suits, evening dresses, as well as provide the required disinfection of children's underwear. The only drawback of the steam generator compared to a conventional iron is its large size, which can cause certain problems with its storage.

If in the house, in addition to the usual iron, there is a powerful steamer for clothes, then with these two devices you can replace the steam generator. But in this case, their storage in cramped conditions will also be problematic. Therefore, if it is possible to replace iron and steamer on a multifunctional professional iron with a steam generator, this must be done.

Possibility of using a steam generator as a vertical steamer

Types of steam generators

Currently, there are two main types of steam generator, namely:

• gravity, in which water first enters the iron, which houses the heating element, under the influence of an elevated temperature of which the liquid turns into steam;
• pump-action pumps, in which water is heated directly in the tank, where it turns into steam, and only after that it enters the sole of the iron under pressure.

The first option is more acceptable for ironing a small amount of laundry, the quality of which, after performing this procedure, is not subject to increased requirements. The second will become a more acceptable device, if necessary, to get things in perfectly smooth condition without the presence of wrinkles and kinks.

Main parameters of steam generators

When choosing a device with this purpose, in search of an answer to the question which is better and which is worse, you need to pay attention to all its technical characteristics, which will be the parameters when choosing. The main ones include:

• • power, which affects the rate of heating of water for its transition to a gaseous state, as well as the rate of formation of the vapor itself. The larger it is, the faster you can use a steam generator after inclusion in the power grid, and the quality and simplicity of the process will be higher. It should be borne in mind that the greater the power of the device, the greater the amount of electricity it will spend during the work. But at the same time, a less powerful iron with a steam generator will have to be used longer to achieve a good result. The average power is a value equal to 2100 watts.An excellent example of such a device is the Perfect Care Aqua Pro GC9315 steam generator from Philips. The minimum power of such devices can be less than 1000 watts, the maximum - more than 3000 watts. The time for heating the water in this case varies from 2 to 10 minutes, respectively;
    

    Perfect Care Aqua Pro GC9315 Steam Generator from Philips

  • maximum steam pressure, which is indicated by the manufacturer in two main quantities - continuous steam supply and steam boost. In most cases, the first indicator is in the range from 80 to 140 grams per minute and indicates the maximum steam output when using the device. The higher this indicator, the greater the amount of steam leaving the sole of the iron. In addition, the pressure measured in bars is of great importance for the steam supply rate. The higher the pressure, the more intensively the steam is supplied. This can be especially felt when the steam generator iron is used in an upright position, for example, when ironing jackets, suits or hanging curtains. The more powerful pressure generators allow you to cope with this work faster and better.
  • Steam boost implies the release of the highest possible amount of steam with high intensity. This indicator for modern models can be from 90 to 360 grams per minute. But it should be borne in mind that this steam supply when using the device is not carried out continuously, but for a sufficiently short period of time when you press the corresponding key on the device. The unique technology of Pulse Steam is possessed by the new ironing systems of the Bosch manufacturer, thanks to which the steam boost is performed not in a single version, but in a triple right away, while ensuring perfect smoothing of even the most “heavy” fabrics;
    

    Bosch Steam Generators with Unique Pulse Steam Technology

  • Capacity and material of the water tank. When choosing an iron with a built-in steam generator based on the material of the water tank, it is necessary to be guided only by its transparency. If the amount of water in it can be checked visually, then the use of the device will be much more convenient and safe, since in this case it will not allow to turn on the device in the tank of which the liquid has run out. The volume of the tank can be from 0.7 to 2.2 liters, and this indicator will affect only the time of use of the device without the need for water filling. The smaller the water tank in the steam generator, the more compact and convenient it will be during storage and vice versa;
    

    A transparent water tank makes it possible to visually control its presence

• The sole material of the iron, which can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, ceramics, cermets, glass ceramics and titanium. Aluminum in this case is the simplest and most unreliable option, since during operation it can quickly deform under mechanical stress. A stainless steel sole is more reliable, but at the same time its use can cause adhesion of certain types of fabrics to it. In order to avoid this, manufacturers apply special coatings on stainless steel that eliminate this drawback, but can be erased with prolonged use. More fragile, afraid of strong shocks, are soles made of various types of ceramics, but they do not cause adhesion, they heat up and cool down very quickly. The titanium sole is practically devoid of all the shortcomings and is by far the most reliable, with the exception of those options when manufacturers combine different materials together to obtain a more advanced type of coating on the bottom of the iron. An example of this is the unique Ultragliss Diffusion sole in tefal ironing systems, which is not stronger today.

Unique Ultragliss Diffusion sole in Tefal steam generator irons

In addition, when choosing a steam generator, you must pay attention to the weight of the iron. The larger it is, the better it will cope with smoothing tissues in a horizontal position. A very heavy steam generator iron will not provide the convenience of working with it in an upright position. It is also necessary that the device has all the functions ensuring the safety of its use. The main ones include auto power off, which consists in completely turning off the device when it is in a horizontal position for several seconds without movement or several tens of minutes in a vertical position.

Best iron with built-in In 2018, two models that Philips released were the steam generators, namely the GC 8650/80 and GC 9620 models. Their advantages include a steel sole with a metal-ceramic and titanium-plated coating - T-ionicGlide. The vapor pressure in them is 6.5 bar, and the tank capacity reaches almost two liters. They are very lightweight, made of high-quality plastic, but at the same time very durable and reliable. They have the function of self-cleaning from scale, auto shut off and there are water level sensors.

Steam Generator Philips GC 8650/80

How to clean the limescale from a steam generator?

Timely descaling of the steam generator will extend its life

In order to prevent dirtying and stains and stains on your favorite things when using the iron with a steam generator, it is necessary that limescale is not present inside the device, or rather in the water tank and on all the elements through which it passes. If only distilled water is used in the process of using the device, then nothing of the kind will arise. The same can be said about more expensive steam generators, in which special cartridges are installed - purification filters, which remove all impurities that cause the formation of mineral deposits from water poured even from the tap.

You can find out the answer to the question why water flows from the steam generator following the link.

For descaling steam generators with removable iron for home with the self-cleaning function provided for in them, with its timely implementation, limescale will be periodically removed without disturbing the operation of the device. In order for the self-cleaning function in the steam generator to be sufficient, it is necessary to use it at least once a month. If the iron is used very often, then twice a month. If you do not adhere to this mode, then soon all the elements of the steam generator and iron will have so much scale that it will not allow steam to pass normally, and when ironed on the fabric surface, dirty gray water will pour out.

If the steam generator with the iron does not have the function of self-cleaning, then descaling must be carried out using improvised means. At the same time, before starting this type of work, it is necessary to find out exactly what kind of steam generator is, since pump-operated devices operating under pressure are strictly forbidden to clean independently, and if this problem occurs it will be necessary disassemble the iron, and for this it is better to contact the nearest service center. If the household steam generator is gravity-fed, then in order to clean it from plaque, you can use special means designed to remove it, citric acid or mineral water.

In the event that the steam generator has in its design special elements that need to be replaced to ensure the normal operation of the device, then this can be done at home. An example of this is the presence in some models of filter cartridges designed for water purification and located in special compartments. In this case, it is necessary to disassemble the system by removing the iron from the stand and opening the special compartment.Then replacing the used cartridge, close the compartment cover.

Read also: descaling iron at home.

Compartment for changing the water treatment cartridge

Replacing a water purification cartridge in a steam generator

Descaling with citric acid or mineral water

In order to safely use citric acid to clean the steam generator from scale, it is necessary to dilute it at the rate of 25 g of dry powder per liter of hot water. In this case, it is necessary to check that the crystals of citric acid are completely dissolved in the water, as otherwise they may scratch the device from the inside. Further cleaning is performed in the following sequence, namely:

• prepare an acidic solution in the amount equal to the volume of the water tank and pour it inside;
• allow the solution to stand inside the device for 20 minutes;
• turn on the steam generator and set the maximum heating temperature on it;
• to iron the unnecessary cut of the fabric with the maximum steam recovery turned on until the solution completely evaporates from the tank;
• pour clean water into the tank, turn on the device at maximum temperature and let it stand in such conditions for 10 minutes, turn it off and drain the water;
• rinse the water tank with clean warm water at least 2-3 times.

In exactly the same sequence, the steam generator is descaled using a mineral ode. Only in this case, an ordinary mineral water without gas is poured into the device’s tank, all other actions can be performed in exactly the same sequence.

Descaling with special tools

There are no special means for descaling the steam generator, and for this purpose powders, liquids or tablets of this purpose are used for dummies, washing machines and dishwashers. The processing sequence in this case should be indicated on the package and in order to achieve a positive result, it is necessary to strictly adhere to it.

A steam generator with an iron is a rather complicated device, if it breaks, it will require expensive repairs. In addition, the quality of the result of its use depends on its technical condition. And in order to avoid negative consequences during operation in the absence of filters for cleaning, it is best to always use only distilled water.

Convenience of storage of the steam generator

Thus, if a person is faced with a choice between a steam generator, a steamer or an iron, then, of course, it must be done in favor of the first device. It is more practical in operation, convenient in storage and use. The main thing at the same time is to choose the most suitable model that will satisfy the consumer both technically and financially, and timely carry out all the necessary procedures for caring for the device.

You can also read about characteristics of steam irons popular brands.