Many housewives do not like to iron clothes, considering this activity tiring, because it not only takes a lot of time and effort, but also requires special care if you need to get perfectly ironed clothes.
To save the fair sex from tedious activities, household appliance manufacturers offer to buy a steam generator instead of a familiar iron. In addition to it, it is recommended to buy a special ironing board. This set allows the hostess to get perfectly ironed things, while spending a minimum of time and energy.
Features
The main distinguishing feature of the ironing board for the steam generator, in comparison with other devices, is the presence of a special surface that allows you to simultaneously absorb steam and provide a purge. Thanks to such structural features, the ironing process is much easier: steam penetrates into each fold of clothes, as a result of which the laundry is smoothed out evenly, and the steam passes through the surface of the board without creating a “wet effect”.
As a result, there is a significant acceleration of the entire ironing process. The hostess can iron a lot more laundry using a steam station with a special ironing board compared to a regular iron and ironing board.
In addition, linen that is large in size, such as sheets or duvet covers, can be folded into several layers to conveniently place it on a board for a steam generator. At the same time, the quality of ironed linen will remain at a high level, as if you were stroking it without folding.
The surface of the ironing board for the steam station is designed so as to not only let steam through, but also provide a high degree of smooth sliding for the steam generator. The surface of such devices includes 4 layers.
- Base. It is made of waterproof thermoplastic material, which perfectly tolerates the effects of high temperatures. Also, a metal equipped with a special wall for water repulsion can be used as a base. Distinguish a perforated base or containing a mesh layer, due to which there is no accumulation of condensate.
- Foam or felt coating. It is used to distribute steam and absorb excess moisture.
- Substrate made from foam. Gives the surface maximum smoothness, increasing glide.
- Casemade from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen.
Main functions
For ironing it is better to use a board with a steam generator, such a device belongs to the class of active. Unlike a “passive” product, it should be included in the electrical network, as a result of which it will perform additional useful actions.
- Blowing or airing. When this function is enabled, there is a process of blowing in the air flow, which creates a protective shell. It provides a more lightweight ironing mode, which is recommended for thin fabrics, men's shirts, blouses. Often such a function of the hostess is used to refresh outer clothing. Thanks to the blowing function, you protect delicate fabrics from wrinkling and unnecessary dents.
- Steam absorption or absorption. The active ironing board with a steam generator has a special compartment that perfectly absorbs condensate. Wet air will impregnate matter through it and draw it to the work surface, making it much easier to level the laundry. In addition, excess moisture will be removed without leaving wet marks on the board or clothing.
A similar function is most often used to smooth the arrows on trousers or smooth out flowing fabrics characterized by increased gliding.
Board for steam installation ensures the operability of the above functions due to the presence of an integrated ventilation device.
If you plan to purchase an ironing board with a steam generator to use it not at home, but for professional purposes, then you need to pay attention to a function such as heating the countertop to 60 degrees. As a result of bilateral heating of the surface, clothes will be smoothed even faster. This thermofunction provides additional drying of the matter, protecting the surface of the board from getting wet if it is necessary to iron the linen for a long period of time.
The included fan, which is present in active boards, also eliminates the accumulation of excess condensed liquid.
Varieties
Ironing boards for a steam generator come in two varieties:
- active;
- standard.
The active board for the steam system has a number of features:
- the presence of a larger surface for ironing things;
- the rounded edge of the countertop, which allows you to better smooth the laundry;
- iron stand;
- the presence of an equipped fan;
- the presence of a pedal that provides air supply;
- stronger and more stable legs.
Subtleties of choice
In order to choose the right board for the steam generator, a number of parameters must be taken into account.
- The mass of the product. It can range from 5 to 20 kilograms. Often, the fair sex prefer lightweight ironing boards, which are characterized by mobility, as a result of which even a very fragile and tiny girl can easily transfer it and put it in a convenient place.
- Sizes. Consider this indicator when you choose a similar product. The compact size of the ironing board for the steam system will allow it to be hidden from prying eyes when there is no need to use this device.
- Height. In most models, the height can be adjusted, so that all members of the family can use such an ironing board, regardless of their height. A similar product can be equipped with step or stepless control of the level of placement of the countertop. Please note that the stepped mechanism is one of the most durable, but thanks to the lever mechanism, you can set the ironing board in a larger range of heights. Certain models are characterized by a minimum height, which is 40 centimeters, so you can iron clothes while sitting.
- Dimensions and shape of countertops. The best option is to purchase an ironing board, which has a fairly large countertop. Thanks to this, you can almost completely place clothes. And if a textile product is large, then you will move it much less times, which will greatly speed up the ironing process. A worktop with a pointed edge will allow you to better wear clothes for smoothing.
- Reliability and stability. Often the frame is made of plastic, characterized by increased reliability, and steel pipes. The stability of a certain model of ironing board for a steam generator can be checked if it is assembled in a working position. It is better to choose a model that has a larger surface of the legs for support: it will be characterized by increased stability. If the supports extend beyond the contours of the countertop in width, this will be the best option. Pay attention also whether rubberized or corrugated caps are put on the legs: they will protect the entire device from sliding on the floor.
If you plan to frequently move such a device, then opt for models equipped with additional wheels.
- The material from which the ironing board is made. Consider the fact that if the entire structure is made of wood, then the product will not last you very long. If the countertop is made of perforated metal, then it is worthwhile to purchase a device with a rather thick cover, since otherwise there will be traces of holes on the clothes during ironing. The best option is to buy a product that is made of thermoplastic. When you iron clothes, heat and steam will be reflected evenly, as a result of which clothes will be much smoother.
- Cord length. If the cord is quite long, you will not need to place such a board next to the outlet, but you can put it in a convenient place.
- The presence of additional equipment. This can be a basket for placing small accessories, a coat hanger to steam shirts, a shelf where ironed items will be placed.
Rating of the best models
Now you need to highlight the popular models of ironing boards, which received the largest number of positive reviews from customers who purchased this product.
- Bosch An ironing board from such a brand has an excellent price-quality ratio. A similar model is distinguished by such parameters: 140 centimeters in length and 45 centimeters in width, so that the most necessary things are placed in the process of ironing. This model has additional functions for heating, and also blows in and out air, as a result of which you can iron things made of delicate fabrics. The cotton cover is removable, so it can be easily washed if necessary. Such a device has a special stand for a steam generator. There is a built-in outlet in which you can turn on the iron.
- Philips It has a rather large size: 120 centimeters in length and 45 centimeters in width.The surface for ironing is made of cotton fabric, foam, and also felted wool. You can adjust this model in height in 6 positions. There are removable coat hanger, as well as hangers for ironing. They can also be used to iron clothes in an upright position. Manufacturers have included special protection against children, so the baby will not be able to fold and decompose a similar product. It features a low weight, which is 8.8 kilograms. When folded, it takes up a minimum of space.
In some user reviews, you can find the opinion that such a product is characterized by insufficient stability.
- Hausmann. This device is distinguished by functionality and convenience. The countertop has a length of 125 centimeters and a width of 42 centimeters. Such an ironing board for a steam generator can be adjusted at various levels, reaching a maximum height of 90 centimeters. Has a removable cover made of cotton fabric. On a special stand, you can place a steam system or iron. The table top is made of perforated metal.
- Type Special. Belongs to active devices. The surface of the countertop is evenly heated, as a result of which the clothes dry faster and better. The presence of vacuum aspiration allows you to save the product from swirling steam, as a result of which the condensed liquid does not accumulate under the board and the cover is not wet. Such a board can be adjusted in height to make it convenient to use.
- Lelit. It has a large countertop, the length of which is 122 centimeters and a width of 38 centimeters. Thanks to the equipment with a powerful electric motor, such an ironing board can work in 3 modes: vacuum aspiration, air blowing, and also countertop heating. You can switch between different modes by pressing a special button on the work surface. The frame is made of metal. There is a removable cover made of cotton fabric.
In the reviews, some users note that such a product has a rather large weight (17 kilograms), as a result of which it is difficult to move such an ironing board around the apartment.
Now you know what kind of boards are for steam generators, and you can choose the right one for yourself.
See how to choose a steam ironing system.