How to choose a travel iron?

Going on the road, out of the mass of things, people must single out for themselves several of the most necessary, which will certainly be needed on a trip. Often an iron becomes such a thing, but the dimensions of a standard electrical appliance do not always allow you to take it with you. A travel iron is a great way out of the situation. It will take up a little space in the bag, while you will always have a perfect look.

A travel iron is intended for caring for clothes outside the home (on a business trip, traveling, in the country, etc.). Since the device involves transportation, it has some features. Firstly, it has a small weight, which ranges from 0.5 kg to 1 kg. Secondly, it is quite compact. Some models fit in the palm of your hand and have a length of up to 20 cm.

As for the handles of such "kids", their designs are also aimed at saving space in the bag. They can be in the form of a protrusion on the surface of the device body or act as a separate element. Preference is given to the second option, since the standard handle significantly simplifies and speeds up the ironing process.

The advantage of mini irons is ease of use. They are equipped with only the most necessary functions that allow you to quickly put things in order. This category includes a steaming system and steam boost, thanks to which any folds on clothes are smoothed out.

A prerequisite for this option is the presence of a water tank. It is most often built into the handle of the device and has a small volume (up to 100 ml).It is closed with a silicone lid, protected against leakage by a special gasket. Such containers are built-in and removable. However, the latter are not particularly welcomed by customers, as they quickly fail.

Additional features in travel irons include steam boost and sprinkler. They are not present in all models.

Devices have several modes of operation, designed for various types of tissues:

• cotton;
• silk + synthetics;
• wool + mixed materials.

This is very convenient, since it allows you not to waste time choosing the right temperature for a particular type of matter. Simpler models are not equipped with similar modes. They offer a temperature range that also helps smooth out various types of fabrics. In some models, the temperature regulator is completely absent, which makes it impossible to care for delicate things.

In most cases, camping irons have similar characteristics, namely:

• light weight;
• compactness;
• the presence of a steaming function.

But still there are small differences. Irons differ in power, weight, size, volume of the liquid container, sole material, etc. Devices differ in the design of the handle. It can be folding and stationary.

Models with a folding handle are divided into positions:

• "push";
• "to yourself".

In the first version, the handle folds, clinging to the body of the iron. In the second case, it also fits top or side to the body, but this position is achieved by pressing a button in the back of the device. A variant is possible when the handle, making a revolution of 180 °, turns into a brush for vertical steaming. Preference is given to devices with a folding handle, as they take up less space.

A special type of travel iron is presented by the USB model. This portable mini-device fits not only in a travel bag, but also in a ladies', and even in a pocket. Its feature is that it runs on batteries. If the device is pre-charged via a USB cable, then it can do without them.

Another special type of camping iron is a handheld steamer. In fact, it is a steam generator that works exclusively with steam. The easy, convenient and graceful device is simply irreplaceable on a trip. It will take up very little space in your suitcase, and the benefits of it are invaluable.

It allows you to iron things in an upright position. And although he can’t cope with too coarse and dense fabrics, he will perfectly smooth such capricious elements as frill, pleated, flounces, ruffles and other small details. The device is capable of continuous operation for 15 minutes. This is not much, but as a business trip this option is very good.

When choosing an iron for traveling, first of all, focus on your needs, financial capabilities and the amount of luggage. Here are some tips on what you need to pay attention to in order to purchase a quality device at an affordable price.

• Weight. Extra load on the road is useless, but you should not buy a device with a very low weight, because it can not cope with dense fabrics. Choose a device weighing 700-800 g.
• Compactness. It is provided by the small sizes, but an important element is the folding handle.
• Power. The best indicator for a travel iron is 1000 watts. An important point in the functioning of the mini-iron is the ability to work both from 220 V and from 110 V. A special switch makes it possible to adjust the modes.
• Capacity for water. Preference is given to a larger volume.

• Steam supply, which is measured in grams per minute. Possible options: from 10 to 30 g / min. Take the device with an average.
• Steam boost. The maximum amount is up to 100 g / min. This indicator copes with heavy fabrics. You can choose between 60-75 g / min.
• Cord length. This is an important guideline, since you cannot be sure of what conditions you will be in. The optimal figure is 2 m.
• Case. Well, if the device comes with a special case. It is necessary for safe transportation.

One of the important criteria for choosing a camping iron is its sole, or rather, the material from which it is made.

• Aluminum. Very lightweight material that instantly heats up and also cools easily. Its significant disadvantage is increased softness, which is why accidental contact with metal accessories makes the surface unusable. To slightly protect the coating, it is sprayed: gel, teflon, ceramic or stainless steel.
• Stainless steel. Reliable, durable coating. Durable, not injured. High-quality smooths any folds. Heats up a bit longer than aluminum, also exceeds its weight. Despite the pretty good performance, manufacturers are trying to improve such soles. They add chrome, sapphire chips, aluminum, titanium. This ensures the durability of the material, improves slip and thermal conductivity, and gives strength.

A significant minus is the increased fragility. The material is easily injured, and deposits accumulate in the damaged area.

If you decide to choose a manual steamer for yourself, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• power - 1500 W;
• pressure - 3.5 bar and above;
• steam supply - the more the better;
• case - metal;
• minimum of additional functions.

Let these tips help you choose a worthy assistant, but still do not forget to focus on your wardrobe first of all. Perhaps you will make some derogations from the recommendations.

The modern market is represented by a wide variety of models of mini irons, differing in characteristics and price. But usually preference is given to trusted, world-famous manufacturing companies.

• weight - 600 g;
• power - 800 W;
• non-stick coating;
• network switch;
• steam flow - 30 g / min;
• folding handle;
• streamlined shape;
• cost - 1600 rubles.

• power - 1100 W;
• steam supply - 15 g / min;
• steam boost;
• stainless steel;
• capacity for water - 40 ml;
• price - 1700 rubles.

• weight - 700 g;
• power - 800 W;
• non-stick coating;
• rubber inserts on the sole;
• vertical steaming;
• case;
• cost - 1800 rubles.

• ceramic sole;
• voltage switch 220/110;
• steam blow - 90 g / min;
• weight - 450 g;
• capacity for water - 70 ml;
• measuring cup, case;
• cord - 2 m;
• steaming in an upright position;
• cost - 1600 rubles.

• stainless steel outsole;
• 200 steam holes;
• long nose, button groove;
• high power
• folding handle;
• case;
• the cost is 2900 rubles.

When buying a mini iron, you can rely on the ratings of various companies. But it will be useful to find out the reviews of real users who have already tried their purchase. According to customers, two models are especially good.

Vitek VT-1227. This iron has received many positive reviews. It has small dimensions and a folding handle, easy to transport and use. The device is equipped with the most necessary functions. The sole has a non-stick coating with holes for steam. Additional exits evenly distribute it on a surface. In addition to regular steam supply, there is a steam boost option. The device allows you to select the temperature regime, equipped with a spray. Its power is 1000 watts. Cost - 1250 rubles.

Scarlett SC-1135S. The device has a constant steam supply with a regulator of its impact.

Power - 800 W, cost - 1200 rubles.

Thus, we can conclude that the most practical are devices with high power, high-quality outsole and a minimum set of functions. Only the most necessary characteristics are taken into account. In pricing, devices with an average cost are preferred.

A mini travel iron will become an indispensable device for you if you are often on business trips or traveling. With it you no longer have to rack your brains, choosing less picky things. The iron will allow you to capture your favorite and comfortable clothes for you, as it will maintain its condition in good condition throughout the trip.

For the pros and cons of road irons from different manufacturers, see the video below.