Rating of the best steam irons

An iron with a steam generator will allow to eliminate a stack of ironed clothes 2 times faster, provide disinfection and help clean surfaces. We learn from this article how to choose such a device and which models are included in the rating of the best devices.

An iron with a steam generator is a device consisting of a steam station and an iron. They are connected by a steam hose. Water is heated and steam is formed at the station, from where it moves to the iron. The latter has a sole with many perforations, from where the steam comes out. Due to the high temperatures of steam, such a device not only smoothes tissues, but also destroys bacteria, and in some cases allows stains to be removed.

The soleplate may be made of aluminum. In this case, the device usually has a democratic cost. However, it should be remembered that such a sole is quickly scratched, which causes puffs and spots to appear on the fabric. Another type of metal surface is stainless steel. This is a more durable and reliable coating. The stainless steel heats up quickly and holds heat for a long time, it is optimal for ironing dry laundry, dense fabrics.

One of the popular types of coatings is ceramics. Such an iron easily glides on different types of materials, characterized by low weight. However, ceramics are fragile material, so an iron with such a sole is vulnerable to physical damage. The best option is a combination of metal with ceramics or Teflon. Many well-known manufacturers produce irons with cermet sole.

To highlight the best devices, you should determine the criteria by which they are evaluated. In this case, it is power, tank volume, sole features, operating mode, weight and other functions. Products from the brands Philips and Tefal were included in the review, not much inferior to them Bosch and Braun. Consider the most popular models, which are appreciated by experts and preferred by customers.

That is the model Philips GC 9222, which is a steam station with an iron. The unit has a power of 2400 W, which allows it to quickly heat water, turning it into steam and dispensing 120 ml of steam per minute. There is a function of thermal shock, steam intensity - 300 ml / min.

Of the advantages of this model, users note a long power cord, a self-cleaning system from scale (however, even if it is available, use a special liquid or at least boiled water). The ceramic sole easily glides over all fabrics, leaving no traces and clues, and the automatic heating system will independently select the desired temperature, taking into account the composition of the fabric. The device can be used for vertical steam. At the same time, thanks to the anti-drip system, water from the iron will not drain down, trying to burn your hand or leave a stain on things. The cost is from 17,000 rubles.

A little less expensive is the model Tefal gv8461, however, in its functionality, it almost does not differ from that described above. This is a stable and reliable unit with a long self-winding wire. The device has a removable water tank and a ceramic sole developed by the brand itself. It is equipped with a self-cleaning function, but you will have to select the heating temperature in manual mode. However, a number of users see this as a plus.

By its power, the model Tefal gv8461 inferior to the model described above, in this case, this figure is 2200 watts. In this regard, the steam supply force also decreases, in the model from Tefal it is 120 ml / min, with a steam boost - 260 ml / min.

The next favorite buyers - iron with a steam generator Bosch TDS 6010. It can also be attributed to the premium segment models. The power of the device is 2400 W, so the steam supply is 120 ml / min. It is possible to activate a powerful steam boost, the strength of which is 350 ml / min. The unit boasts a capacious boiler of 1.5 liters, while if necessary, you can add water directly during operation. Filters are built into the system, which prevents the formation of scale, and there is also a function of automatic cleaning and auto power off.

It is possible to use the model for steaming in a vertical position. We should also talk about the sole, which is a ceramic-metal coating. This makes it possible to quickly heat up and retain heat for a long time, the sole glides ideally over different types of materials and is not afraid of mechanical damage.

Another steam generator, which is in demand and trust of customers, is presented by the model Braun IS 5043WH. The sole of the device is oxidized aluminum, so we can talk about the reliability and durability of the device. In general, this model is considered the most successful in the line of this brand. This is largely due to the characteristics of the sole. The latter has raised edges and evenly distributed perforations for the release of steam. Together with excellent technical characteristics, this allows the model to cope with different types of fabrics, over-dried linen and makes vertical steaming real.

Power model Braun IS 5043WH - 2400 W. The force of continuous steam supply is 120 ml / min, with a steam boost it increases to 340 ml / min. The volume of the boiler is 1.4 liters. Of the useful functions are the presence of a self-cleaning system from scale, the function of automatic shutdown at a certain time of inactivity of the iron. However, there is no system for automatically selecting the operating temperature. The average cost of the last two models described is 15,000 rubles.

Price from 10,000 and excellent technical capabilities - this is how you can characterize the model from the already mentioned French brand. Iron Tefal gv6733 it has a power of 2200 W, a continuous steam power of 100 ml / min, and a steam boost of 240 ml / min. The volume of the water tank is 1.5 liters. But if during operation the fluid is insufficient, it can be added without shutting down the unit. One of the useful “bells and whistles” is the automatic selection of steam supply depending on the type of fabric.

Ultramodern can be called a model Tefal gv9080 with a steam supply of 120 ml / min and heavy duty steam boost. The performance of the latter is 500 ml / min. The device has many useful functions that not every model of other well-known brands has. Among the most loved by users are auto-selection of the steam supply intensity depending on the characteristics of the fabrics, eco-function, the ability to add water during operation, the ability to steam vertically placed things and the presence of a button groove on the sole of the iron.

When choosing an iron with a steam generator, you should evaluate it according to the following criteria.

This indicator affects the heating rate and steam supply rate. The higher the power factor, the larger the specified parameters. At the same time, more powerful devices absorb more electricity. The minimum power is 800 watts, the maximum - 3100 watts. For a house, a model with a power of 1700-2000 watts or more is enough. In the considered models, this indicator is in the range of 2200-2400 watts. If we are talking about a wireless iron with a steam generator, then its power should be at least 2000-2200 watts.

Depends on this indicator how quickly ironing will occur, as well as the ability of the iron to smooth over-dried fabrics, strong creases. The higher the steam intensity, the better and faster the device steams. The average with a continuous supply of steam is a force of 100-120 ml / min. It is important that the device has a steam boost option, that is, the ability to increase the steam supply rate one-time. As a rule, the intensity of the steam boost exceeds the continuous flow rate by 2–3 times.

The higher this indicator, the longer you can use the steam generator without adding water. If we are talking about irons with a steaming function, then the volume of the tank on average is 200-500 ml. Boilers of more powerful models hold up to 1.5-2 liters of water. Consider this criterion as the main one only if you iron frequently and a lot. In this case, it makes sense to look for devices with the possibility of topping up water during operation.

It can be made of various materials. The features of each variety were discussed above. When buying, it is important to assess the condition - there should be no burrs or damage on the surface. There are models with a uniform distribution of perforations for steam output, as well as devices in which most of the holes are concentrated in the bow. The choice of one or another option is everyone’s business. The nose of the device should be pointed.Then it will be easier for you to iron children's things, small details, the space between the buttons.

Most modern models of world manufacturers have the option to automatically turn off the device for a certain period of inactivity. It is good if the steam generator designed for vertical steaming also has a protective mitt and a rubberized handle.

An important function for irons with a steam generator, which allows you to extend the "life" of the device and protects the fabric from stains. Despite the availability of this option, it is not recommended to fill the tap water into the boiler, as this provokes the formation of scale. It is better to purchase a special liquid or take distilled or boiled water.

The device should provide for the ability to regulate the temperature and steam supply rate based on the type of fabric. Some users prefer units where this function is performed automatically, while others say that such a setting can only be done manually. It is up to you to decide which option to choose, but one thing is certain for sure - for each tissue, the device should allow you to select your mode.

As for the functions, you should understand which of the presented in a particular device will be most necessary for you. It makes no sense to overpay for those options that you are unlikely to use. It is worth evaluating the length of the steam hose or power wire. The larger it is, the more mobile and maneuverable the iron will be. Take the iron in your hands, hold it, make movements imitating ironing. If the device seems heavy, the handle is too thick or thin, refuse to purchase. Pay attention to how the steam release function is activated. If for this you need to press or hold a tight button, it is better to spend time searching for a device with a lighter switch.

Most users purchase well-known brand irons. According to user reviews, Philips irons demonstrate functionality, reliability and durability. Some complain about excessive noise while adding water, although this can hardly be considered a serious drawback. There are accusations on the network about the Philips GC 9222 model that cotton clothes and underwear are badly ironed.

There are also reviews that tap water can be poured into the device, which does not contribute to the formation of scale. In this, users see the merit of a powerful protection system, but the manufacturer strongly recommends abandoning such experiments.

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