For devices that contain powerful heating elements, in particular steam cleaning systems, reliability and safety are especially important. Therefore, preparing for the purchase of this equipment, it is worth first of all to consider the features and assortment of the best steam generators and steam cleaners from Germany.
Features
The main difference between German steam cleaning and ironing systems from most analogues from China, the USA or other European countries is the highest quality standards. A steam generator from Germany can last several years longer than an analog from another manufacturer. Another feature of modern German household appliances is electronic and touch control systems that allow you to fine-tune most of the parameters important for efficient operation, such as temperature and steam pressure. Finally, most large German manufacturers have official representative offices in the Russian Federation and the CIS countries, providing warranty and post-warranty service.
Affordable service compares this technique favorably with its counterparts from Asian countries, for which the question of acquiring the necessary parts and accessories periodically arises.
Brands and their range
The most famous brand of steam cleaners from Germany is, of course, Kärcher. The assortment of this company has a huge number of models of various formats, sizes and power.
Of the manual steam cleaners of this brand, the most popular model SC 1 EasyFix. It has an ergonomic design with a capacity of 1.2 kW and a water tank capacity of 0.2 liters. The heating time is up to 3 minutes, and the maximum vapor pressure is 3 bars (which is quite a lot for a portable model).
Of the Kärcher floor steam stations, the most popular SC 2 EasyFix Premium. It has a power of 1.5 kW and a tank capacity of 1 liter. The heating time is 6.5 minutes, and the steam flow pressure reaches 3.2 bar. The kit includes a set of brushes and nozzles for different materials.
In the premium segment of home steam cleaners, the leading position is Kärcher SC 5 Premium. With a power of 2.2 W, this device provides a vapor flow of 4.2 bar, with a heating time of only 3 minutes. The volume of the water tank is 1.5 liters, which is enough for a full cleaning in a standard apartment.
At the request of the client, the system can be equipped with an iron with a power of 0.7 kW, which turns it into a universal complex for cleaning the house and caring for things.
Although Kärcher has traditionally been involved in the production of cleaning systems, there are also steam ironing system SI 4 EasyFix Premium. The complex consists of an ironing board, an iron and a removable steam generator, which can be used both for ironing things and for cleaning the house. System power - 2 kW, maximum steam pressure –3.5 bar. The generator is equipped with a 0.5 L main tank and a 0.8 L removable secondary tank.
Another well-known German manufacturer of household appliances is Rowenta. The company specializes in the manufacture of steam irons. The most popular model in her assortment is an iron DW5127F1, characterized by a power of 2.6 kW, which allows for a steam supply rate of up to 40 g / min. The device supports steam boost function (190 g / min).
The third most popular among German manufacturers is Clatronic. The most popular models in her assortment - hand cleaner DR 3653 (power 1 kW, tank 0.25 l, steam pressure 3.5 bar) and iron DB 3705 (2.6 kW, 0.38 l).
Certain popularity in the Russian Federation is gaining irons of the German company PowerStationwhich, with a power of 0.8 kW and a tank volume of 0.25 l, can provide a vapor pressure of up to 6 bar.
Selection tips
Choosing a specific model of steam iron or steam cleaning system for the home, It is worth paying attention to a number of characteristics.
- Power - it is from this parameter that all important secondary indicators will depend, such as the heating temperature of the soleplate, the feed rate and steam temperature, and the time of continuous operation. On the other hand, the higher the power, the more electrical energy the device will consume, and the more expensive it will cost. It is advisable to choose models with a power of more than 1 kW. At the same time, the optimal power for home conditions will be about 1.5 - 2.5 kW. Systems with more power should be purchased only if you are going to clean complex dirt or iron very large volumes of linen and clothes.
- Water tank volume - for irons it should be at least 0.35 l, for ironing systems - from 0.5 l, and for steam cleaners a volume of 1 l or more is desirable.
- Equipment - for ironing systems, it is worth paying attention to the presence of a protective nozzle for working with delicate types of fabrics. For cleaning systems, it is worth giving preference to options that are equipped with the largest assortment of nozzles for different types of surfaces (carpets, tiles, wood, stone, plastic, fabric).
- Steam flow pressure - The effectiveness of mechanical cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, as well as the degree of smoothing of clothes will depend on this parameter. The pressure value should be at least 3.5 bar, preference should be given to products where the adjustment of this parameter is provided in the range from 1 to 6 bar.
- Steam heating time - this parameter depends on the power and design of the heater and for most household models is in the range from 0 (for models without a tank) to 10 minutes.
- Dimensions and weight - they determine the convenience of storage and operation of the device, therefore, with equal power and functionality, preference should be given to more miniature models.
- For stationary cleaning systems, important indicators will be length of steam line and power cord - the more they are, the more different types of work can be performed.
On the useful functions of the steam generator, see below.
