Iron: varieties, selection and repair

It turns out that choosing a good iron for the home is not very simple. To make the device a universal assistant, you need to take into account a large number of nuances. The complexity of the work depends on the technical characteristics of the device. In the stores you can find various models that have a large set of functions. To become the owner of a durable device, you need to know the positive and negative sides of such devices.

The nichrome spiral located inside the case is heated by electric current. Heat is transmitted to the sole. The design of the iron includes a large number of parts. Among them, playing a major role in the operation of the device are:

• spiral;
• temperature regulator;
• Temperature regulator;
• indicators.

The front panel of most irons is equipped with two buttons: one controls the power of the steam, the second moisturizes the fabric by spraying water through a small hole on the nose of the iron. Water turns into steam after entering a special chamber in which heating elements of high power are located. Under pressure, steam enters the heating chamber. From it, he will fall onto the fabric through the holes on the sole.

This part is considered the main part of the device. The quality of work depends on her condition. An iron with a good sole can even iron wet items for quick drying. Manufacturers produce modern devices with soles from different materials:

• teflon;
• ceramics;
• sapphire coating.

A special nichrome spiral equipped with additional ceramic rings heats the sole. To set the heating temperature, a special thermostat is installed. It turns off the power supply, performing the specified mode.

Turning the iron wheel sets the ironing parameters. After the temperature becomes maximum, the temperature controller contacts open, the voltage disappears. The electric circuit of the device includes bimetal plates. Due to the unequal expansion coefficient, metal deformation begins to occur during heating. As a result, the plate rises, the electrical contact is interrupted, the drip system ceases to function. All heating appliances (kettles, boilers, relays) work on the same principle.

The classification of modern irons is quite extensive. The main types that are very popular are several designs:

• classic
• with a temperature regulator;
• with a sprayer;
• with anti-drip system;
• steam;
• road;
• with auto power off.

Ordinary (classical devices) are characterized by low functionality. There is no laundry wetting system. An electric temperature regulator is installed, which is responsible for the temperature of heating the soles. It is impossible to iron dense linen with such an iron, so manufacturers produce such a device in small batches. They practically do not buy it. Smart devices with automatic shutdown, with a humidification system, as well as other functions are considered the most popular. Irons with automatic shutdown are very popular with housewives.

Before you buy a good iron for home use and for ironing different types of laundry, you need to study its most important technical parameters. After all, we often choose an iron only on the basis of the brand name and its appearance. The study of technical characteristics will help to make the right choice of a modern model. Each hostess decides for herself which sole suits her best. The cost of the device depends on its material. Ceramic sole is installed on the most expensive models. They are distinguished by easy gliding, never scratched. This sole is easy to clean. The ceramic surface remains warm for a long time.

Aluminum is considered a great heat conductor. This sole heats up quickly and cools quickly too. The cost of such a device is low, but it quickly breaks. Scratches form on the surface of the sole. They spoil delicate matter, forming puffs, sometimes cuts. Teflon coating is considered excellent. It has excellent glide, does not stick, there is no possibility of burning. One of the disadvantages of Teflon is its low strength. Any metal button can scratch it.

To facilitate the hostess's ironing process, manufacturers produce special stands for a hot iron. For some models, special wall holders are made. Modern models are equipped with an additional nozzle on the sole. It allows you to iron fine silk, as well as other products requiring special handling. The nozzle is held on the sole thanks to special clamps.

Steam is supplied through perforation on the sole. Due to the large number of holes, the fabric is perfectly moistened. The location of the holes affects the smoothing efficiency.The standard option is a large number of micro-holes on the nose, as well as the heel of the sole. Large diameter holes are located on the sides. The spray function is used to moisten the material with a special spray. Spraying is usually used to iron fine fabrics when steam is not required.

The steam generator is a separate unit having a heaterinstalled in the boiler where steam is generated. Only expensive professional models are equipped with such a system. The main advantage is ironing speed. It is several times faster than a conventional electric iron. The only drawback is the large size. The power of the device is in the range of 200-3200 watts. At maximum value, the sole heats up much faster. It takes less time to steam and the ironing process itself. In a large family, it is better to use powerful devices (2500 W), in a small family you can use an iron of medium power (1000-2000 W). On the road, low-power products (1500 W) proved themselves well.

The power value directly affects energy consumption. The most economical devices are low power. To reduce energy consumption, manufacturers include special energy-saving modes in the design of the device. They save up to 20% of electricity. The standard wire size is 0.8-4 meters. The most comfortable is 1.9-2.5 meters. There are models that have a wireless connection. They are installed on a stand equipped with an electric cable. Heating takes place through the stand.

The latest models are available weighing 0.4-11.2 kg. It used to be that an iron should have a lot of weight, so it would be better to iron. In modern devices, weight does not matter much, it does not affect the ironing process. Light weight makes it easy to maneuver when ironing things, the hand gets tired much less. For the most part, the weight of the iron depends on the weight of the sole. The most severe are steel systems. Ceramics weigh much less, and aluminum devices remain the lightest.

Imported products are mainly found on the Russian market. European companies produce beautiful and multifunctional devices. The most popular are irons:

• Philips
• Tefal;
• Bosch;
• Braun;
• Rowenta.

This list includes quite expensive manufacturers. In stores, other devices are offered for sale with the same quality, but lower cost:

• Vitek;
• Polaris
• Scarlett.

The product is equipped with a steam function. Management does not cause any difficulties in work. Any housewife can easily use such an iron. Its package includes:

• translucent body;
• water tank (equipped with level marks);
• temperature controller;
• buttons for supplying steam (mounted on the handle);
• electric wire.

Benefits:

• robust construction;
• easy ironing;
• low cost.

Disadvantages:

• low power;
• there is no "Anti-drop" system.

A budget option that is not inferior in its technological characteristics to the best prestigious models. It features a beautiful appearance. It has a high power of 2400 watts. Allows you to iron any fabric. Thanks to the Smart Heat technology heat is evenly distributed on a surface of a sole. Benefits:

• full self-cleaning;
• prevents the appearance of scale;
• Anti-drop system installed;
• the wire can rotate 360 ​​degrees;
• vertical steaming is possible;
• there is a heating indicator.

Inexpensive device equipped with all the functions available on similar expensive systems. Buyers respond to this model only on the positive side. Benefits:

• high power - 2400 W;
• steam supply setting;
• water spraying mechanism;
• self-cleaning of the sole;
• prevention of scaling;
• auto power off;
• ceramic sole;
• low cost.

The failure of the Soviet or imported apparatus is mainly associated with the illiterate operation of the apparatus. Sometimes the iron breaks due to power surges. Performing an iron repair at home is quite difficult, since it is not always possible to immediately determine the malfunction. However, there are several characteristic features that allow you to quickly find the fault.

• After supplying electricity, the indicator light does not light up, the sole does not heat up. First you will need to inspect the outlet. She just might not give a current. A second source of failure may be a break in the power cord. Sometimes the fuse simply blows out due to the high temperature.
• The indicator light comes on, but there is no heating. The cause of the malfunction is due to the heating element. The fuse may have blown. The operation of these parts provides power to the sole.

• After the steam is supplied, fragments of scale on the sole surface become visible. Rusty water is clearly visible. Such a problem occurs due to the ingress of water on electrical parts. When the elements of the switched on device come into contact with moisture, an electrochemical reaction occurs, which gradually destroys the metal. This process becomes stronger if the water contains a lot of salts and all kinds of impurities.
• A fairly common breakdown is the failure of the steaming system. It happens that the on and off button for this function is very time-consuming, but steam is not supplied.

To disassemble the iron, you must first unplug it from the network. Then you need to remove the back cover, and then very carefully remove both buttons, on which the steam supply adjustment depends. The buttons are held on the sleeves due to the friction force. Then the screw securing the plastic handle is loosened. A steam supply pump is installed underneath it, as well as a pump that supplies water to the sole surface so that steam formation occurs.

In order not to repair the iron, you must follow several mandatory rules for its use. The iron is included in the network only before starting work. Repairs should only be carried out with dry hands. Disassembling the device should take place on a solid, not passing current heat-resistant coating.

See how to repair an iron with your own hands in the next video.