Steam irons: features, subtleties of choice and repair

A steam iron is not a luxury, but a means of operational struggle with a mountain of ironed linen. In its power, it is much more effective than the traditional "brother", and is also optimal for delicate fabrics.

Smoothing creases and creases on the fabric when using a steam iron is carried out not due to contact of the sole of the device with the material, but due to the hot steam. Such an iron-steamer necessarily has heating tens and assumes the presence of a reservoir with water. Water in the latter is heated by Ten (and those due to electricity) and turns into steam. It is released from the hole on the sole and acts on the textile fibers, straightening them.

Due to this feature, the steaming device does not require a horizontal surface for work and great physical activity. Steaming can be carried out on weight, and the result of the process does not depend on the weight of the iron. The lack of contact between the sole of the iron and the surface of the fabric allows you to use the device for the most delicate products - there is a minimal risk of stains, new creases, burns. In addition, the steam iron is optimally used for smoothing products with a complex decor, a large number of buttons. It is convenient to use such a device for steaming curtains and tulle.

Based on the design features and functions performed, the following types of steam irons can be distinguished.

• Iron for horizontal ironing with vertical steaming function. Today, most irons have a similar function, but their main purpose is traditional ironing, which implies the contact of the sole of the device with a thing. In principle, a slightly wrinkled fabric can be smoothed vertically using steam.

• Iron with a steam generator. The device has another name - steam station, and consists of three parts. This is a boiler in which there is a heating heater and in which water is poured, in other words, steam is formed in this tank. The next part is the iron, which does not differ in appearance from the usual one. These elements are connected through a hose, through which steam is supplied from the boiler to the iron. Such a device is suitable for both vertical and horizontal ironing.

• Steam generator. It has the same components as the steam station. However, the boiler is usually characterized by a large volume and can remain on for a long time. Instead of the usual iron - various nozzles, brushes. The hose is usually longer because the device uses a floor boiler.

Due to the high power and variety of nozzles, the device is convenient to use for smoothing curtains, textiles, a large number of things, as well as cleaning furniture and carpets. The disadvantages of the steam generator are their higher cost and the inability to use on a horizontal surface. It is worth noting that today there are also manual steam generators, characterized primarily by compactness. Their special variety is a road wireless battery powered steam generator. However, there is an electrical analogue with steam humidification.

According to customer reviews and demand in household appliance stores, steam irons from brands such as Philips, Vitek and Tefal can be called the best. Consider the most popular steam models of each of the firms.

For domestic use, you can choose a model Philips GC 1029. Stylish design, ceramic sole and a long cord are the obvious advantages of the device. The iron is equipped with an automatic shut-off and self-cleaning system, as well as a steam striking function. Power - 2000 W, large enough that it will not be too economical if you rarely iron clothes in small quantities. The average cost is from 2500 to 3500 rubles.

A more powerful model (2400 W) is a model of the same brand Philips GC 3569. Not only power, but also a larger tank for water (400 ml) will allow you to use the iron for longer, and ironing - faster. The speed and volume of steam and steam boost in this model exceeds the same parameters compared to the previous one. The sole is ceramic, the cord is long. The cost of such a model reaches 5000-6000 rubles.

Model Philips GC 4521 It has more weight, but it copes better with strong creases, thick fabric. This is due to the titanium coating on the soleplate and a more powerful steam boost. The power of the device is 2600 W, while it has a rather thin nose, which makes it easy to smooth out children's things, clothes with a lot of decor, buttons. Automatic shutdown and self-cleaning systems make using the unit even more convenient. The average cost is 5500-9500 rubles.

The product line of the Vitek brand is quite diverse, but the model deserves attention VT-1234. For a very modest amount (the cost of the device is about 2,000 rubles), the user receives a functional unit with a ceramic sole, powerful steam and steam boost function, as well as equipped with automatic shutdown and self-cleaning systems from scale. The Tefal GV5246 is more capable, which is not surprising, since it is a steam station. The design power is 2135 W, there is a steam power regulator. The cermet sole is optimally suited for dense fabrics. The cost is quite affordable for these devices - 8,000 rubles.

When choosing, you should evaluate the model you want to buy according to several criteria.

The heating rate of the heating elements, the quantity and volume of the generated steam, as well as the energy consumption depend on the power. The stronger the heater heats the water, the more powerful the steam will be. For home use, the device with a power of 1800-2000 watts is considered optimal. More powerful will form an excessively strong steam flow, which is irrational. Less powerful - can not cope with smoothing thick or rough materials.

This indicator determines the duration of steam generation. The smaller it is, the shorter the time period the device can function. As a rule, devices with a steaming function are equipped with a 200-250 ml tank, so they can continuously steam things for 10-15 minutes. Steam generators have a larger tank with a capacity of 1.5-2 liters. This allows them to work without interruption for 1-2 hours.

In simpler models, steam is produced with the same strength, while in more expensive devices, steam strength can be adjusted. This is a very useful feature because it allows you to smooth creases of varying intensity. For dense and strongly crumpled materials, it is correct to use the heat stroke function. It implies the release of a powerful steam stream in large quantities in a short time period. For comparison, if on average 70-80 g of steam is released per minute, then during thermal shock, up to 130-150 g of steam is generated and released during the same time.

These parameters are basic, but you should pay attention to other features of the steam iron. Useful can be called a drip system. If the device is equipped with one, then things will be protected from the risk of getting wet with condensation collected in the device. If you have an indicator of the amount of liquid in the boiler, as well as the auto-shutdown function of the device when idle for 20-60 seconds, you can reduce the risk of overheating of the heating elements and their decommissioning.

It is allowed to fill in some devices only with a special liquid, while in others with ordinary water. However, it should be remembered that the latter can provoke the formation of scale in the device. This is partially prevented by a special function - the descaling system.

If it is supposed to contact the sole of the iron with a cloth, you should pay attention to the features of the first. Among household units, ceramic and teflon soles are common. The advantage is ease of sliding, no traces on the fabric. For personal use, irons with ceramic or teflon coating are quite effective - they cope with creases. If a ceramic sole is installed in the device, then fall of the device should be avoided - a piece of ceramic may break off.

If more intensive operation of the iron or steam station is supposed (for example, in the conditions of a sewing atelier), then an iron with a chrome sole should be preferred. He will also cope with heavy dense tissue and strong creases, but it should be understood that such a device will be heavier than the analogues described above. Be sure to turn the iron over and appreciate the features of the location of the steam outlet openings. Their maximum concentration should be in the area of ​​the nose of the sole, so that it is possible to smooth out creases with ease in hard-to-reach places.

They have many nozzles. At least 2 will be required - wider and smoother for smoother things. It is convenient to work with it in small areas, to steam things that are difficult to cut with an abundance of decor. For fleecy fabrics such as coats, it is useful to have a brush head. It will help eliminate pollution, straighten and give the desired direction to the pile, remove threads.

Various clamps allow you to quickly make perfect arrows. There are also their special varieties - clamps-brushes. Another recommended accessory for a steam generator is a clothes rack. She resembles a coat hanger. For heavier things, it is desirable to use double racks, they are more durable. It is good if the device has a protective mitt. The steam release rate, like its temperature, is high, so there is a high risk of burns. When steaming, there may be a need for horizontal work surfaces (for example, when steaming collars, cuffs), so it is advisable to purchase a special board.

Before using the device, you need to pour special liquid or water into the iron tank, only after that it should be plugged into a power outlet. You should not immediately direct the steam stream at the laundry, it is better to first let off steam (the first portion) and only then proceed to ironing. After the process is completed, you should drain the remaining liquid from the tank, switch the position to the "no steam" mode and store the device vertically. This will prevent spillage of liquid residues onto the sole of the iron.

Like any device, a steam iron is prone to breakage. Among the most common, the following problems can be distinguished.

As a rule, it cracks or tears in places of torsions - near the plug or at the entrance to the device connector. Typically, such a malfunction is manifested by periodic flashing of the bulb and may not always occur. Such a “wink” means that the terminals are oxidized due to the lack of regular contact.

A more serious problem with the power wires is a short circuit. It provokes wear of the insulating layer due to friction of the wires. A short circuit can be guessed by a sudden short pop and the appearance of a specific smell of burned wiring. Due to overvoltage in the network during a short circuit, as a rule, the rest of the connected electrical appliances are disconnected. In most cases, repair involves opening the back of the iron. After that, you will find that the power cord diverges into 3 wires. When the insulation is worn, it is restored. If the problem is caused by oxidation of the terminals, then they must be cleaned.

In modern devices, such a nuisance rarely happens, since ten is a fairly reliable and durable element. If it breaks, then it is more rational to change the iron than ten. You can check whether the breakdown is connected with a malfunction of the heating element as follows - turn on the iron and look at the "behavior" of the light bulb. If it burns, but the sole of the device remains cold, and the heater really breaks. Such diagnostics become possible due to the fact that the indicator light is connected to the heating element.

The temperature regulator in most cases is a small wheel, the rotation of which allows you to increase or decrease the heating of the iron until the heaters are completely turned off. The device is attached to them using a sleeve or a steel corner, to the case - using latches.The wheel is made of two welded metal plates having different coefficients of linear expansion. When heated, the common plate bends, which provokes the opening of the network and the shutdown of the heating elements. If you suspect a malfunction of the temperature controller, the device will have to be disassembled completely. After opening the case, examine the condition of the wires. In the off state in the cold position, they are closed. After assessing the condition of the wire, you can try to strip, and then re-check the iron.

According to statistics, 40-50% of all iron malfunctions fall on the breakdown of the fuse. Thermal fuses can be of 2 types - disposable (they do not withstand a single heating up to 240 degrees poorly, if this indicator is exceeded, they burn out and the iron needs repair) and reusable (more modern and safe devices with bimetallic parts, so the iron automatically shuts off when extreme heating occurs).

This concept is a whole group of faults. Often, with a weak steam supply, users mistakenly believe that the problem is with the steam generator, but in fact the reason for this condition is the contamination of the sole of the iron or nozzle. This usually happens when using tap water. If the iron flows, it stops steaming and even starts to get dirty with rust, it's time to clean it from scale.

If steam supply is not possible due to a button that has gone down (inside the iron), you will have to open the back cover of the device. A pair of pumps will be found under the cover. The first of them delivers water to the sprayer, in this case the master is not interested in it. The second is responsible for delivering steam to the sole of the iron. This is what you need to remove, at the bottom of the pump you will see a ball adhered to the bottom of the pump chamber. He is there under the influence of scale. This ball should be pushed in, and then collect the iron.

The Philips GC 1029 receives good reviews. Users note usability, good steam quality. Thanks to this, the iron is ideally suited for dense fabrics or overdried clothes. There are reviews on the Internet where buyers talk about the presence of burrs on the sole. However, such an iron can be replaced at the manufacturer's service center. The Philips GC 3569 also receives good reviews. It is called more powerful compared to the previous one, but the device does not have an auto-shutdown system, which is seen by most users as a significant minus.

A lot of positive feedback was collected by the Philips GC 4521 model. It should be borne in mind that the cost of the device is quite high. However, most buyers say that the iron is worth the money. The titanium coating heats up quickly, glides well and copes with strong creases, overdried things. Those looking for an inexpensive but functional iron should pay attention to the Vitek VT-1234. According to user reviews, it includes all the necessary functions, and also has a long wire and stylish design.

See how to choose a steam iron in the next video.