Iron with a steam generator: features, selection and repair of equipment

Devices with steam generators have a rather high price when compared with conventional models. Therefore, before purchasing, people try to carefully study the characteristics of the devices, weigh all the pros and cons of such a product, and then decide whether to buy it. It is important to familiarize yourself with the aspects of using such an iron in order to choose a high-quality and safe option that will serve its owner for many years.

Before choosing a device with a steamer function, it is necessary to study its design in order to know how the model works. The device consists of several elements: iron, boiler, hose (which securely connects the iron and boiler), power cable. The device is quite simple and looks like a regular iron. It has a comfortable grip, good sole and mode dial. But since there is no built-in liquid container in the device, it has a lighter weight than the steam counterpart.

Boiler - a container made of plastic or metal. It has a reservoir for liquid and a heater, which can make steam out of water. You can adjust the feed rate and steam temperature using a special panel, which is located on the body.

The principle of operation of such an iron is quite simple. Liquid is placed in the tank. After that, you must connect the device to the mains.The water will heat up after six to eight minutes, then turn into steam with six percent humidity, which moves to the sole of the device with a hose and then leaves the holes. Hot air is able to penetrate into the structure of the fabric extremely deeply, so it evens out the strongest folds.

This type of iron is a great option for people who very often iron a lot. They are incredibly powerful, easy to use, have a fairly high speed of ironing and a large capacity for liquid, which allows you to iron things for a rather long time without the need to add water.

As with any other household appliances, irons with steam generators have negative qualities:

• high price;
• heavy weight of the whole structure;
• models are massive, so some of them are inconvenient to store.

To choose a product that will last for many years and become a real helper, you need to consider some factors. First you should carefully study the sole. It is better to choose a strong, wear-resistant, durable. It should have high resistance to temperature extremes.

A bad option is an aluminum sole. Various defects and scratches may appear on it. It has a short life if the iron is used very often. The most good and high-quality model will have an aluminum alloy sole with ceramics, Teflon or steel. Such coatings can protect the device and make it more reliable and strong.

We offer a few more recommendations for selection.

• It is important to think in advance whether there is a need for additional moistening of the fabric or whether it will be more convenient to work with dry steam. If you need the first option, you should buy a device that has a built-in steam generator. In the second - a portable device that will be installed separately.
• You should read the instructions to understand what water the iron will work on. If it is necessary to process the liquid, you will have to purchase special equipment. It is better to immediately buy a model with filter cartridges that filters the water on its own.
• It is worth paying attention to whether the handle is convenient. It is better to choose a device whose handle rests well in the hand, as otherwise the use of the iron will be uncomfortable. It is worth trying the device in practice: take it and hold it two or three times in the air, simulating the ironing process. If the pen will seem thick or very narrow, you need to look at other options.
• There are models with a special button that should be kept in the process of ironing so that steam continues to form. They are not too convenient, so it is not recommended to purchase them. It is better to choose a device in which you can switch modes.

For the device to last a long time, you need to learn how to use it correctly. If you treat the technique carelessly, you can spoil it, as well as harm your health. Use the iron carefully, be careful not to drop the device. After finishing work, you do not need to immediately wrap the iron with a wire and put it in a storage place, you should wait until it completely cools down. To save electricity, you should first iron those items of clothing that need low temperatures.

When the device slides along the fabric, you need to try to move in one direction. To smooth out synthetic things that are unable to withstand too high temperatures, you need to use a thermostat, and it is better to iron them moist. It is not necessary to place excess liquid in the tank, since there must be some amount of space so that steam can form. When the "Steam" indicator goes out, pour water into the boiler.

Today there are a large number of manufacturers offering interesting and decent options for technology. Among the popular and sought-after, you can see German, Italian and Turkish models.

We bring to your attention an overview of the most worthy models.

• Philips GC 9222 - a device that has a very original and stylish design. The model consists of two parts that are connected using a flexible hose. The steam generator generates steam, maintains pressure and temperature. The device is powerful enough, able to iron and steam two or four layers of tissue and sterilize children's clothing.

The housing has a separate compartment where the power cord and hose are placed. A feature of this iron is that it does not have a thermostat. The integrated processor helps keep the temperature safe for clothing.

• Tefal gv8461 - A high-quality model that does not have a very high cost. A wonderful device will cope with complex folds and smooth any fabric. The sole is made of cermet, has a palladium coating. The self-cleaning function allows the housewife to easily rid the iron of dirt.

• Braun IS 5043 WH It has a simple scheme of work, extremely quickly solves even the most difficult problem, quietly smooths very wrinkled things. The device is practical, strong and efficient. The steam is evenly distributed, so the fabric is even and smooth. The sole is durable, glides easily and pleasantly, and is not able to harm fabrics. Spacious liquid container makes ironing even easier.
• DeLonghi VVX ​​1420 - An option that allows its owner to be as neat and tidy as possible. This steam station will help to smooth out incredibly fast large volumes of clothing or bedding. For the perfect kind of fabric, you do not need to put a lot of effort, the device will do everything on its own. Steam will smooth out every, even the strongest bump. The function of vertical steaming will help to put in order a suit, a light airy dress and even massive curtains.

• Electrolux EDBS 2300 - A convenient and efficient iron, not too expensive, with decent technical characteristics. It is arranged quite simply, is compact, comfortable and light. Rapid heating of the model and the generation of the right amount of steam will help the hostess not to waste too much time.

• Loewe premium power station - The German model, small enough, does not have any additional devices and large tanks for liquids. Decorated stylishly and aesthetically, it will take up little space during storage. Built-in compact boiler. Using an iron, things can be ironed not only horizontally, but also vertically. This model allows you to return the attractive appearance of your favorite jacket without removing the thing from the coat hanger.
• Rowenta - A German company that produces quiet and efficient models that can smooth out any thing quickly and efficiently. They are made of reliable materials, so they have a long service life. Ideal for those who need a worthy assistant.

• Beper (Italy) - high-quality devices that can perfectly iron and dry clothes. They have a rather large boiler capacity, so there is no need to re-fill the liquid during ironing. The brand is extremely popular and won the hearts of many housewives.
• Silter Super mini 2035 (Turkey) - The model is easy to carry, is very compact. Easy to use, can be stored anywhere. Smoothes even the most severe folds and very wrinkled clothes. It has high quality and long service life.

You need to know about some options for malfunctions and how to fix them yourself, to be able to quickly fix the iron if necessary.

• The electrical appliance is ready for use, but when the button is pressed, steam is not supplied. This means that the button should be replaced.
• If the steam generator does not receive warm air, then it is worthwhile to carefully study the heater, fuse, solenoid valve and clean the steam pipe. If any of the elements is damaged, you need to get rid of the scale that is in the boiler, and then replace the thermostat or hose that allows steam to enter the iron.
• If the pressure switch does not work correctly, use a multimeter. Use it to check if the parts are working. If there is a breakdown, then you need to replace the parts and install a working microswitch.

• If pressing the buttons on the control panel does not work, you need to check whether the wiring is intact. Most often it needs to be replaced.
• The indicator of a low liquid level constantly flashes in the tank, which means that you should carefully monitor the water level. If it is normal, the reason lies in the water volume sensor. It needs to be replaced.
• On the sole of the device you can observe a slight pressure of warm air - it is worth studying the regulator. If it is broken, purchase a new one.
• If water flows from the sole, it means that the product owner has too often used the steam boost function for a small amount of time. Fluid builds up and flows out. It is worth giving the appliance a break.

Quite often, many owners of such irons may have a situation in which problems arise due to any mechanical damage. A person may not use the device correctly or some parts will wear out in the device. In this case, a malfunction can be easily noticed. For example, the cord breaks, the sprinkler becomes clogged or the temperature regulator breaks (the iron often overheats). In such cases, you do not need to fix the damage with your own hands at home, but rather turn to professionals who will perform quality repairs.

You will learn about how to clean the sole of the iron from soot from the next video.