Which is better: iron or steam generator?

Every housewife knows firsthand what ironing is. Such an activity sometimes takes a lot of time. But the iron is far from the only means for ironing, you can also use a steam generator. To understand which is better, we will describe both the advantages and disadvantages of these devices, as well as talk about the differences between them.

Visually, the steam generator resembles an iron, however, technically these are different devices. The fact is that the steam generator is based on the method of ejecting dry steam to the surface, and the iron works thanks to the heating element in the housing. If we consider these devices in detail, then there are a lot of differences between them, here are the main ones:

• when ironing, the iron should be in contact with the fabric, when the steam generator can iron over the surface of the clothes without problems;
• high steam pressure makes the steam generator more effective when ironing than iron, and a powerful steam jet will quickly eliminate all irregularities on the fabric;
• the steam generator can iron clothes in any direction and location, while the iron is intended only for a horizontal surface;
• different capacity in the water tank, the iron will have to be refilled more often because of the smaller tank;
• a special platform in the form of a steam station makes the steam generator a more massive device.

When choosing an ironing device, you need to know for what purposes it will be used, namely what type of fabric and volume of laundry will be ironed.If you iron a small amount of linen a couple of times a month, then the iron will be an excellent solution for the home, but if you have to iron often and a lot, for example, changing the tablecloth or curtains weekly, then it is better to buy a steam generator and preferably high-quality, as this will affect the quality of ironing itself .

To ensure that everything is combined with the needs of everyone, it is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons. Some will have enough to buy a simple iron, while other powerful appliances they absolutely do not need. And there are people who need a powerful steam generator for ironing. The most important parameter to consider is the power of the device. You should not buy an iron, and especially a low power steam generator. This will adversely affect the quality of ironing. The best option, you can consider models from 1500 watts.

It is also necessary to consider the vapor pressure. It is believed that with a steam of 4-5 bar the iron will iron optimally and evenly. The volume of the filled water tank is also important. It depends on him how long the iron will iron without refueling. There are small tanks up to 1 liter and also over 2 liters.

In order not to regret the purchase, you need to consider all the advantages, as well as the disadvantages that each of these devices has. The main advantages that iron has are as follows:

• there are both budget options and multifunction devices, however, the iron will be cheaper, the steam generator loses here;
• compactness of the device and low weight make the iron easy to use;
• A wide range of affordable and easy to use models.

The main disadvantages of the iron:

• Ironing takes more time, while the steam generator cope with it much faster;
• a hot sole when ironing can burn through thin fabrics such as dresses, tulle, scarves;
• the water tank has a smaller capacity, while the steam generator has a large capacity of about 2 liters;
• for ironing, the iron requires a horizontal surface, you must always work on the ironing board;
• heats up longer than a steam generator, and requires constant temperature control for different types of tissue;
• for ironing, you need to use distilled water, otherwise the filter will quickly become clogged with scale, and the quality of ironing will deteriorate significantly;
• After ironing, the iron slowly cools and remains hot, thereby creating a danger to others.

The main advantages that the steam generator has when ironing:

• faster ironing due to the supply of dry high-pressure steam;
• volumetric water tank, which is designed for longer work;
• due to the high temperature of the steam (an average of 150 degrees Celsius), it is possible to iron a fabric folded in half, while all layers of clothing will be better ironed and better;
• there is no need to fill the steam generator with distilled water, ordinary tap water is quite suitable;
• the device has purification filters that clean water from impurities to prevent scale;
• the appliance can be ironed in any direction, including vertically, after hanging clothes on a hanger;
• the device itself is characterized by low weight and a convenient handle for releasing steam;
• the sole cover of the device is easily cleaned in case of contamination;
• does not require additional cooling after ironing, like a regular iron, which cools down for a long time due to the heating element.

The main disadvantages of the steam generator:

• costs more than a regular iron, however, the price justifies the quality;
• the steam station takes up a lot of space both during storage and during operation - it happens that the machine does not fit on the ironing board;
• during operation, the steam generator makes a noise associated with boiling water in the turbine;
• the design of the device contains more parts that are subject to repair;
• when purchasing a steam generator, you need to know that he has a consumable item that needs to be replaced regularly (anti-scale cartridges), when using such filters, the difference will be obvious (no contamination will appear on the fabric, and steam will be continuously supplied to the outlet).

If it’s difficult to make a choice, then real reviews are at least a little, but they will help you choose a good iron and a best quality steam generator. Below will be considered some reviews of people who have already bought this product.

This model has a separate steam generator and compact iron, It is popular due to its affordable price and other advantages:

• rather rather big capacity in 1300 ml providing a 30-minute continuous ironing;
• the steam station is equipped with a wide range of functions, including temperature control, protection during shutdown;
• a long cord of almost 2 meters will allow you to freely control the device over a large area;
• there is a place to hide the cord.

The disadvantages include a non-removable vessel for water and the lack of automatic steam supply during a steam boost. By and large, reviews about this model are positive. Buyers recognize significant time savings, long but effective ironing, and the safety of steam in contact with clothing.

This model is different in that it is an iron in which a steam generator is built-in. This option is suitable for those who do not like bulky steam stations, but want more compactness. The main advantages of this model:

• 5 functions for temperature control and steam supply;
• the ability to steam in an upright position;
• There is a motion sensor that responds to steam shutdown, thereby saving water consumption.

If you compare customer reviews, then the pros and cons will be approximately equal. Buyers note that the iron easily smooths natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. It also has a powerful steam supply, it is easy to switch the temperature, the disadvantages are mainly a small water tank and high electricity consumption.

Thus, when choosing an iron or steam generator, it all depends on preferences. If a person is limited on a budget, and you do not need to iron laundry at all, then it makes no sense to take a steam generator, instead it is better to look at an inexpensive, but high-quality iron, preferably more powerful.

Professional selection tips in the video below.