What is the difference between a steamer and a steam generator and what is better to choose?

When the iron breaks down or it is necessary to facilitate the ironing process, you can purchase a new housekeeper. Currently, there are many household appliances that can help ironing clothes and linen. One such device is, for example, steamers and steam generators. Let's see which model is best for you to iron at home.

The steamer is an electrical appliance that consists of a water tank, heater, rack tube, flexible hose, brush head, clothes hanger and protective glove. In some units there is an additional device - a frame frame for smoothing trousers.

There are two types of steamers:

• manual;
• floor vertical.

Manual differs in small weight (no more than 1,2 kg) and mobility therefore it is irreplaceable on trips. He copes well with lightweight fabrics, but natural fabrics are no longer within his power due to low power. And it only functions for 20-30 minutes without a break, and then he needs to rest. The floor looks a bit like a vacuum cleaner, it is used to iron things in an upright position. The vertical floor steamer also has varieties - some models have a telescopic tube stand, while others have a stationary one. It is more convenient to use devices with telescopic tubes at home.

The device can perform the following household functions:

• Ironing
• cleaning tiles and sanitary ware;
• refreshment of the upper wardrobe (down jackets, coats, fur coats);
• removal of complex old spots from upholstered furniture;
• getting rid of dust mites and the smell of dust;
• disinfection of soft toys, playpens, strollers;
• washing windows;
• processing complex clothes from delicate fabrics, with a tangible amount of ruffle, frills, embroidery, beads;
• cleaning suede items, including shoes and jackets;
• restoration of the texture of knitted products.

The operating principle of the steamer is similar to the old way of ironing clothes through a damp cloth. When steaming things, the fabric does not deform, which helps to extend the service life of clothes.

• Purified water is added to the container.
• The device is plugged in.
• In less than a minute, the water begins to boil.
• Wet steam is supplied through the hose to the nozzle.
• A steam jet heated to 98–99 degrees smooths wrinkles.

There is the possibility of electronic adjustment of operation, several operating modes and various nozzles, which greatly simplifies the operation of the device.

Using a steamer, you must be careful when holding the item from the inside with a special mitten, which, as a rule, is included in the kit. If there is no such mitten, then you can use a simple knitted mittens or tack.

After use, allow the unit to cool, remove the brush, ring, pour out the remaining water from the tank, remove excess moisture with drainage. Then fold the stand (if it is telescopic) and remove the device.

Another device that can iron clothes and underwear is a steam generator. It is an electric appliance consisting of an iron directly, a flexible hose made of silicone, a water tank, a boiler, various nozzles. A more correct name for this unit is an iron with a steam generator. There are models that can only iron horizontally, but some can function vertically. Modern types of steam generators:

• models with a separate boiler for vaporization;
• appliances with a thermocouple to which water is supplied and steam is instantly generated;
• units with water pumping and separate containers for cold water and steam.

Different models of steam generators are different from each other. Therefore, when buying a device you need to consider some points.

• Comfort (ergonomics) and weight. With large volumes of ironing, a convenient and lightweight electrical appliance is needed.
• Power (in different models from 1.6 kW or more). For infrequent use, you can purchase a medium power steam generator. For regular use, you need to take a device with high power.
• Liquid container capacity (minimum 0.7 L). Depends on the frequency of use.
• Steam productivity (range 70 to 140 g / min).
• The strength of the steam boost is from 130 to 360 g / min.
• Cord quality (long, flexible and durable).

Steam generator functions:

• ironing of dense fabrics that are folded into several layers;
• shaping things (arrows of trousers, pleats of skirts);
• ironing of cut-out parts of products on an industrial scale;
• when the steam function is turned off, it can play the role of a conventional iron.

The principle of operation of the steam generator is as follows.

• Purified water is poured into the container.
• The appliance is plugged in.
• After 6-8 minutes, the water begins to boil. The device creates a pressure that provides a continuous supply of steam.
• After turning on the iron button, dry, heated to a temperature of 140–160 degrees, the steam enters the iron through the hose and out through the holes in the sole under pressure. Steam boost occurs.

Brief summary information to help you choose a home helper - a steamer or steam generator.

• The steamer produces steam naturally, but with high humidity at a temperature of 98–99 degrees. A steam generator under pressure produces dry steam at a temperature of 140-160 degrees.
• The steamer starts to work already after half a minute after activation, the steam generator - only after 8-10 minutes of heating.
• The water flow rate for the steamer is from 20 to 55 ml / min., For a steam generator - already from 80 to 120 ml / min.
• The steamer has high mobility, and the steam generator is low.
• The mass of the steamer is lower than the mass of the steam generator.
• The steamer functions exclusively vertically. The steam generator can function vertically and horizontally. The iron platform is specially designed for the ironing board.

• Externally, the steamer is similar to a vacuum cleaner, and the steam generator is similar to an iron with advanced functionality.
• The steamer copes with smoothing wrinkles, with dirt and disinfection. The steam generator will quickly cope with a significant amount of laundry.
• A steam generator is more expensive than a steamer.

The whole difference is how you plan to use this device. The steamer is used to clean outer clothing, surfaces and for vertical ironing. The steam generator is mainly used only for horizontal ironing things. The dimensions of the devices also play a role - the steam generator is bulky and clumsy, and the steamer is more mobile. Only the person who will use this device can solve the question of choosing one of these devices. But you can give some advice.

The steam generator will be needed to a greater extent by people who want to make the ironing process easier and at the same time to disinfect the laundry. A steam generator is still an iron, albeit an advanced one. But the steamer is a completely new device, the analogues of which have not yet been.

At home, it will be enough to have a high-quality iron and steamer. But the owner of the studio or boutique will additionally have to purchase a steam generator. With the final choice, feedback from those who already use this technique can help.

The steamer is a very useful device - right on the hanger, any dress or skirt irones perfectly. A very worthy assistant in the store. Crumpled jackets, coats become smooth in two counts. Water heats up quickly, after a few seconds the steamer is ready for use.

A steam generator is an iron that connects with a tube to a large stand. Up to 1.5 liters of water is poured into the tank. She basks for ten minutes. Well, it smooths everything. You can on the board, you can weight. The steam generator is more powerful than the iron, perfectly iron natural fabrics, smoothes bedding in 4 additions. The result is wonderful! Steams in vertical and horizontal position.

In the next video you will find a detailed overview of the Tefal steam generator.