The vertical steam iron is a household appliance designed to iron textiles. The device is universal, suitable for work in different planes. Solves complex problems - non-contact processing of delicate fabrics and things of an unusual cut (bows, ruffles, sequins). Minimizes the risk of damage that often happens with traditional irons.
The device works with steam. A specially designated compartment is filled with distilled or tap water. A powerful heating element heats it up, the temperature rises to 100 degrees in 1-2 minutes. The steam generator generates a hot stream, releases it outside under high pressure.
Advantages:
- Steam is used to work on synthetic, natural fabrics, without the risk of sticking the sole, the formation of marks.
- Suitable for refreshing expensive fur products. Eliminates unpleasant musty, musty odors.
- Smoothes hard-to-reach places covered with sequins, buttons, rivets, beads.
- Convenient steaming of heavy items: curtains, curtains, carnival costumes, bed linen.
- Disinfects, destroys dangerous ticks, microbes, fungus inside furniture.
- The use of an ironing board is not required, all manipulations are carried out using hangers or at the place of drying or permanent location.
- Disinfection, softening of children's things.
There are many advantages to steam ironing, all of them are undeniable, but it is worth pointing out the negative characteristics of the device. The price is higher than for standard irons. The large dimensions of the steamer create problems with its storage.
Device types
Manufacturers improve developments, supplement with useful functions, a wide range of steam generators is offered on store shelves. There are three categories:
- Steam station. The package includes 3 main elements: a familiar-looking iron, a water tank and a steam supply hose. High performance device. Due to the large volume of water, it allows you to steam heavy, dense items and iron them in the traditional way. Additional settings are provided.
- Steam iron with built-in vertical steam function. Built-in water refill. With the help of a drain, water flows to a heating element, which converts it into hot jets, releasing it from the holes at high speed.
- Professional steamer. Multitasking steam generation system. The main instrument is on the floor. A hose with a convenient long nozzle resembling a vacuum cleaner goes up. It has a wide functional purpose - ironing all kinds of things, wet cleaning, refreshing textile pieces of furniture. Easy to use, suitable for long continuous operation.
Each variety is characterized by advantages and disadvantages. For connoisseurs of compactness, a standard iron with a vertical steam function is suitable. A steam station is suitable for the care of heavy curtains, textiles, delicate fabrics. This technique is convenient in shops and ateliers.
A steam generator is used for professional cleaning of premises, dry cleaners, and other places that require ironing and steaming during the day.
What features to look out for
It is necessary to find out what characteristics and functions should be studied in detail before buying, so that the home appliance will please with the result:
- the duration of the process, the capacity of the tank. Standard irons are equipped with a small water tank. Its volume does not exceed 250 ml. With continuous steam operation, the reserve will last only 15-20 minutes. In steam generators, the tank holds up to 2.5 liters, which allows processing within 1.5-2 hours. The larger the tank, the longer the device works;
- steam flow and power. The heating rate of the heating element depends on the power of the iron. The faster and better it heats up, the less electricity the device consumes, the steam is released faster. For domestic use, the optimal power rating is 1800-2000 watts. This is enough to smooth out delicate and rough material. For down jackets, blankets, dense tapestry, a more powerful device is required;
- steam mode. A useful feature is the ability to independently regulate steam depending on the type of fabric. The feature costs extra money. Many housewives note that one built-in mode is enough for them. Some models have the option of using a steam boost. It helps to smooth out strong creases on rough materials. For standard steaming, 10-80 gr. steam, with thermal shock, this figure increases to 140-350 gr. in a minute;
- temperature. If the steam generator for vertical ironing has steam within 100 degrees, it is only suitable for things. For disinfection of furniture, at home, values \u200b\u200bin the range of 120-150 degrees are needed;
- additional options: the ability to clean the device from scale; anti-drip system that prevents getting wet during processing; automatic shutdown if the iron is not used for 20 minutes; built-in filters that allow you to pour tap water; indicator of the amount of liquid in the tank.
What may be included in the kit:
- Clip for forming arrows, folds.
- Brush for cleaning clothes from fibers, hair, threads, dirt during steaming.
- Protective glove. Prevents burns when operating the device vertically.
- Rack hanger. For the convenience of straightening heavy things.
- Heat-resistant board for processing collars, cuffs, pockets and products from several layers of ruffles.
If the necessary ironing accessory is not included in the package, it can be purchased separately.
Check with the seller for the possibility of service in your city.
Overview of popular devices
Home appliance stores offer a wide range of vertical steam irons, but only a select few makes and models are ranked among the best.
- Tefal. A well-known brand with a good reputation among consumers. Its products meet the high requirements of quality, functionality, and are included in the category of goods of an average price category. Model GV6733 is comfortable to use. Heating is carried out in just 2 minutes, effectively smoothes the inside and outside of things. Saves up to 20% electricity. Equipped with 270g/min steam boost function. Turns off automatically. The unit has a large water tank, which guarantees long-term use during operation.
- Bosch. The company attracts customers with a stylish design, high quality. Expensive, but smoothes any type of fabric well. After processing, the clothes are perfectly smooth, dry thanks to the anti-drip function. The disadvantages include the noise of the device, a lot of weight.
- Phillips Azur Performer. It has a small mass, which allows you to put things in order for a long time without feeling tired. Steam power reaches 40gr. in a minute. The total power of the iron is impressive - 2400 watts.
- Braun IS 5043WH. Modern, compact, convenient device that makes ironing pleasant and fast. Able to automatically determine the type of tissue. Equipped with a large water tank for long-term processing. Produces powerful steam.
- Tefal FV3925EO. The device is among the best-selling products. Its power reaches 2300 W, and steam is supplied from 35 gr. in a minute. The manufacturer has provided a thermal shock function with an indicator of 120 gr. in a minute. Automatically turns off when left in a quiet state for a long time. It has a drawback in the form of a small water tank - 270 ml.
These popular manufacturers offer other worthy products that have vertical steam. Their characteristics may be lower, but for home use it is enough.
Secrets of use for different types of fabrics
Vertical steam ironing significantly speeds up the process and reduces the risk of accidental damage to the product. But a hot vapor cloud can leave nasty marks. You need to know what materials and how to properly steam.
Clothing with shrink effect, polyester, chiffon cannot withstand steam treatment. This harms their appearance, leaves stains and ugly marks.
Pure cotton requires long steaming with wet steam. For cotton with polyester, the mode is minimal. Smooth the viscose from the wrong side with low steam.
Linen, cotton with the addition of linen, drape and tweed, knitwear require a lot of powerful steam. A denim shirt, pants require an average power jet. Most of all, vertical steam is preferred to wool, wool mixture, nylon.
For many decades, no home can do without an iron. Keeping up with the times, manufacturers improve and adjust models to the needs of consumers. Irons have come a long way from being a heavyweight charcoal iron to modern irons with a vertical garment steamer. Not so long ago, irons with vertical steaming have earned the recognition of many housewives. What is special about them?
The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. Water poured into a special container is heated to a certain temperature. When the evaporation process begins, excess steam escapes through special holes in the soleplate of the iron, and when you press the button, a burst of steam occurs.
The beauty of steam ironing is that you can work with even the most capricious and thinnest fabrics without fear of damaging them. Steam acts very gently on the fibers, unlike a hot sole.
The predecessor of these models could only produce steam in a horizontal position. It was very convenient. The steam boost helped to smooth out strong creases on clothes, making ironing much easier.
Modern models have received the function of not only horizontal, but also vertical steaming. In fact, the principle of operation does not change - pour water, wait for heating and start ironing. But with modern models, an ironing board is no longer needed, and everything is done much faster.
What is it for
Well, now you have decided and bought (or were given to you) a vertical steam iron-steamer. What to do with him? Why apply?
So, as with the predecessor, we pour water into the tank, plug it into the outlet and wait for it to heat up. Depending on the capacity, the average waiting time will be 1.5 - 2 minutes. It is necessary to select the ironing program (mode). It depends on the degree of wrinkling and the density of the fabric. Accordingly, for silk, a minimum power is needed, and for jeans, more.
Now we hang a hanger with clothes so that it is convenient for you to work with it and, of course, the iron gets out. Slightly pull the fabric down, as if straightening the folds, and run the iron with steam along the fabric, from top to bottom. The steam softens the fibers of the fabric and at the same time fixes them in a straightened position.
With this method, you can easily process not only a jacket or shirt, but also a coat and a silk blouse, while there is no risk of leaving a stain on your favorite thing.
Pros and cons of vertical steaming
Like any technique, a steam iron for vertical ironing has its advantages and disadvantages. In order not to learn about them from your own experience, it is better to familiarize yourself in advance.
The advantages of the device can be safely attributed to the following:
- does not harm the fibers of the fabric;
- removes small dirt and odors;
- disinfects clothes due to the high temperature exposure;
- greatly facilitates the ironing process;
- can also be used for furniture, curtains, pillows and other things that you cannot iron with an ordinary iron;
- saves space (no ironing board needed) and hostess time;
- light weight makes the process even more comfortable.
In fact, the advantages are obvious, and you can list them almost indefinitely. With the cons, the situation is quite different:
- fragility. It is highly not recommended to drop such irons, otherwise you will be left without an assistant,
- sometimes the price is too high.
That is, if you handle the device carefully, it will serve you faithfully for many years, making your wardrobe well-groomed without much effort.
Choosing an iron with a steamer: important points
So, nevertheless, we decided to please ourselves (or someone) with a convenient assistant in the struggle for accuracy. How to make the right choice and not make a mistake? Indeed, from the number of models presented in stores, the head is spinning.
There are several key points to consider when choosing:
- power;
- the volume of the water container;
- the number of modes and the presence of a regulator;
- cord;
- additional functions;
- manufacturing material.
Now let's take a look at each of the points step by step.
Power
The power of modern models can be from 1200 to 2400 watts. There are three categories of devices:
- 1200 - 1500 W. Models of small size are mostly travel. It is convenient to take them on trips, but such power is not enough for vertical steaming;
- 1600 - 2000 W. Suitable for home use, small volumes can be easily handled;
- 2100 - 2400 W. Suitable for complex, heavy fabrics, but this is not at all an economical option.
The higher the power, the faster and better the item will be steamed.
Pressure
This indicator can be from 10 to 150 g/minute.
For home use and normal fabrics, 30 to 60 g/min is sufficient.
For heavy, dense fabrics, the pressure should be at least 90 g / minute.
Each device has a continuous operating time that it can withstand. If you want to buy a unit for your home, you don’t have to spend much, for sure you are not going to use it daily for 5 hours in a row.
If you are going to steam a lot of different things, for example, in production or in an atelier, then it is already worth taking a closer look at more powerful units.
Sole
Despite the fact that we are talking about vertical steam irons, this surface is also important, because in the first place this unit is an iron. And you will also use it for its intended purpose.
There are three types of soles:
- stainless steel. Durable and easy to care for, it is still much heavier than other materials;
- aluminum. Light but fragile - easily damaged or scratched;
- ceramics. Excellent slip and protection against sticking are provided with such a sole, but it is rather capricious in care and fragile.
It is also worth paying attention to the number and location of holes. There should be a lot of them, evenly spaced over the entire surface of the sole.
Water container volume
Here, too, it all depends on your volume of linen. The smaller the capacity of the container, the more often you will have to add water to it.
Cord
Here length and fastening are important.
To ensure that you are comfortable when steaming, the cord must be at least two meters long. The attachment to the instrument must be rotatable. There are models in which the cord rotates 360 degrees. This will save you from twists and creases.
Additional functions
Be sure to check the convenience of working with the iron before buying. No matter how wonderful it is signed by consultants, if the device has an uncomfortable handle or it is heavy, steaming will turn into an unloved and hard work.
Additional features increase the cost of the device, but some of them can be very useful, for example:
- auto power off. Now you will not run home halfway to turn off the iron, as it will turn itself off;
- stop drop. The anti-drip system will not allow hot liquid to leave the tank. Only in the form of steam;
- buttonhole. It will allow you to iron small details without problems, bypassing buttons and buttons;
- self-cleaning. Such models calmly relate to ordinary tap water.
Conclusion
We hope that our article shed at least a little light on the need and choice of an iron with steam.
Easy ironing and always fresh clothes!
To date, there are several types of household appliances that are designed for smoothing textile products: regular and steam irons, steam generators, steamers and others. Models can perform one or more tasks, depending on how they are designed. The vertical steam iron is a versatile device because it processes fabrics in different planes.
Principle of operation
A conventional iron smoothes the surface of the fabric in a contact way using a hot soleplate. A vertical steam iron works differently.
The design of the device includes a built-in or separate container with a heating element. The water poured into it under the influence of electricity boils and becomes steam. There are holes through which the steam escapes and penetrates into the fibers of the textile, aligning them.
The classic sample cannot work on weight. To use it, you need a horizontal surface. Not the least important is the severity of the device and the efforts of the hostess, which she makes to iron the clothes with high quality.
Steam ironing with a vertical iron eliminates the need for a support: the product can simply be hung on a coat hanger and processed in stages. To smooth out the creases, you do not need to shift the item several times, as when ironing with a conventional iron, processing on one side is enough.
Pros and cons
The steam iron for vertical ironing (clothes steamer) has the following advantages.
The question of how to choose an iron can confuse many housewives, because the assortment in modern stores is very large. In fact, everything is not so difficult - at the time of purchase, you just need to pay attention to some parameters that will affect the quality and convenience of ironing. Well, the durability of equipment directly depends on the chosen brand.
How to choose an iron for home use?
Before choosing the right iron, it is important to study all the possibilities of the device. Ironing equipment differs in sole material, power, and a set of functions. Modern irons can deliver steam through holes, but the level of steam boost is more or less common. The ability of the technique to steam things in a horizontal position is very convenient. Well, they help to iron large volumes of things much faster. Even the length of the cord is important when choosing - a cord of 1.9-2.5 m is considered optimal and convenient.
What is the best iron power?
The choice of an iron for the home should begin with the selection of power - it ranges from 200 W to 3200 W. The higher the parameter, the faster the sole heats up and the more intense the vaporization occurs. This saves ironing time. How to choose an iron by power:
- An iron from 2500 W is suitable for a family with a large amount of laundry.
- Iron 1500 W-2500 W - optimal for an average family.
- Low-power models (up to 1500 W) are purchased for apartments with poor electrical wiring or as road equipment.
Which iron soleplate material is best?
The part of the iron that comes into contact with the fabric should slide easily over the material, not stick to it, and at the same time not deteriorate itself. Which iron soleplate is better:
What is the temperature of the iron?
To choose the right iron, you should pay attention to the temperature regulator on the panel with numbers or dots. Each type of fabric has its own ironing mode. To determine which division to set the temperature controller, you need to focus on the following ranges:
- number 1 or one dot - 75 ° C-115 ° C;
- number 2 or two dots - 105°C-155°C;
- number 3 or three dots - 145°C-205°C.
Steam boost in irons - which one is better?
Before choosing a steam iron, you should pay attention to the location of the holes on the soleplate. The more holes, the better the fabric is steamed. Most of them should be concentrated in the area of the nose and on the heel of the sole. Large holes are located on the sides in 1-2 rows. The "steam boost" function is activated by a button on the handle - steam is supplied to the sole under pressure and evens out wrinkles. For domestic purposes, the speed of its constant supply of 30-35 g / min is enough. To handle heavy fabrics, the steam boost should be 100 g/min.
Choosing an iron with a steam generator eliminates the need to constantly press the button on the handle. Equipped with a separate water tank, it generates steam continuously and helps you iron much faster. For a small family, models with a 0.8-1.6 liter boiler with a capacity of 2200 watts are suitable. For a large amount of laundry, it is advisable to purchase a model with a tank of more than 2 liters with the possibility of topping up.
Iron with vertical steam function
There are interesting functions of the iron, for example, the possibility. It will help smooth out a suit hanging on a hanger, outerwear, a curtain without removing it from the eaves. With its help, you can disinfect upholstered furniture,. How to choose a vertical steam iron:
- A power of 1.6-2 kW is suitable if there is no large amount of clothing.
- The 2.1-2.4 kW device will cope with heavy curtains, jeans, down jackets.
- For light fabrics, a steam power of 35-60 g / min is enough, for heavy fabrics, a higher indicator is needed.
How to choose a cordless iron?
It became possible to iron things without a cord thanks to a special platform. She heats the iron when it is installed on it, one heating of the sole is enough for 45-50 ironing. When the iron cools down, the process repeats. Due to the fact that there is no wire on the technique, it can iron large fabrics and clothes without worrying that the length of the cord will not be enough. This model is very convenient for transportation on the road. Home or travel cordless iron - which one to choose?
- The more power, the faster the device heats up and cools down longer. An acceptable indicator is 1500-1700 watts.
- The convenient weight of the device is 1300-1500 g, the hand will not get tired of it, and the linen will be ironed with high quality.
What brand of irons is better?
When deciding which iron company to choose, you should pay attention to trusted brands that most consumers trust:
Lightweight and comfortable, vertical irons are becoming more and more popular in the home. To work, just hang clothes on a coat hanger and start ironing.
Thanks to the effect of steam, you will get a quick and high-quality result, and things will also be well disinfected. They can handle both synthetics and natural fabrics, without fear that clothes will stick to the surface and stains and burn marks will appear. The vertical ironing iron is a real find!
Let's talk in more detail about the features of such devices, consider several specific popular models and tell you how to purchase them via the Internet.
This iron does not have a sole, smoothing occurs under the influence of steam, which ensures a soft smoothing of wrinkles on the fabric.
- The quality of work will depend on the power- standard and optimal power is 1800 watts. At this power, even a winter coat can be ironed. Smaller values are suitable for shirts, dresses and other items made of loose materials.
- The duration of the device will depend on the volume of the container: the larger it is, the longer you can iron without the next dressing. Reservoir with 100 ml. allows you to iron for five to six minutes, at 200 ml. can be ironed for 15 minutes. Devices with a steam boiler up to 1.5 liters will allow ironing up to 1.5-2 hours.
- The more expensive the device, the lower the requirements for water quality. Manufacturers of low-cost devices often recommend using distilled water, while regular tap water is fine for more expensive models.
How to use such a device? ^
- Pour water into the reservoir.
- Connect the device to the network.
- Set the appropriate steam setting.
- Wait for the device to heat up and after 1.5 minutes start ironing. The thing must be placed vertically, for example, on a coat hanger, and a jet of steam should be drawn over its surface.
It is enough to carry out the treatment on one side, because the steam, which is supplied under pressure, perfectly penetrates deep into the fabric and smoothes it, while cleaning and removing unpleasant odors.
What needs to be prepared for ironing? ^
Where to buy an iron for vertical ironing: search on the Internet ^
Such a device is a very expensive thing, so buying it in a regular store can be very expensive. A good device can be found and purchased online.
- Buying online is beneficial for many reasons. It is fast, convenient, comfortable, customers are offered a wide choice at different prices. It is possible to compare different models with each other and choose the best one available.
- For a quality selection, carefully read all information about the product: photo, technical characteristics, terms of purchase and delivery.
- Pay attention to reputable online stores if you want to purchase a quality device. A good store is a guarantee of quality goods and timely delivery. If necessary, you can always return the device back.
Which iron to choose: specific models ^
Devices for vertical ironing differ in power, functionality, cost. On sale you can find simpler devices that have the additional function of more powerful steam compared to conventional devices, as well as full-fledged separate powerful units for ironing a large number of different materials.
We offer 7 popular models to choose from, arranged in ascending order of cost.
Philips GC 3811/77 Azur Performer ($63-77)- a nice blue iron with a power of 2400 watts. Has steam power up to 40 g/min. Comfortable device for constant use at home. It has a comfortable light weight - 1.4 kg. Features include vertical steam and steam boost. Lovely design with narrow spout, ceramic surface, excellent steam performance. Good model for women - easy to use.
Bosch TDI 902836A ($100-145)- “good” according to average reviews on the Internet. It has an attractive design, quickly and efficiently irons various fabrics, a sole sliding on the material, steam in automatic mode. It has a long cord and a narrow spout, a capacious water tank.
Anti-drip system, thanks to which the device does not leave moisture in the form of drops on the fabric. Of the shortcomings, the severity and great noise of the equipment are distinguished.
MIE Stiro 1100 ($133-300)- affordable, high-quality, convenient, simple and understandable in operation. Perfectly smoothes all types of fabrics, constant steam supply. It has a metal case and a high-quality sole, for comfort, you can use the Teflon nozzle, which is included.
There is a large water tank, a powerful steam generator. Of the minuses, some users note the severity and rough design, otherwise the ratings are positive.
Tefal GV6733 ($167-300)- an excellent professional model for those who are accustomed to quality and comfort. Fast heating within a couple of minutes, well-designed temperature setting, 270 g/min steam boost, effective and fast fabric smoothing inside and out, as well as up to 20% energy saving and auto-off function.
Fast and powerful ironing without extra effort, convenient storage and easy use, small size, comfort and safety - easy to store and carry. The unit is equipped with a large water tank, which guarantees a long use of the device, water can be topped up even during operation.
Braun IS 5022WH ($225-447)- high-quality and compact steam generator, high ironing speed, excellent result. The thin soleplate is made of anodized aluminum, which glides remarkably well on the fabric, does not scratch, has non-stick properties and releases steam well in large quantities.
Of the minuses, an unpleasant short crack is distinguished during operation, which can be quite loud and unpleasant to the ear.
Braun IS 5043WH ($260-380)— convenient, reliable, compact, modern. It produces powerful steam, automatically detects the type of fabric, quickly irons any material, a large volume of the water tank, lasts for a long time. It has a convenient cord length, it makes little noise.
In general, reviews about the device are very positive, the shortcomings are mainly revealed as insignificant or in the case of a separate unsuccessful purchase. Standing professional model for family use.
Philips GC 9650 ($353-633)— light, powerful, beautiful. It produces powerful steam, thanks to which it quickly irons various materials, effortlessly and efficiently. User positive ratings are divided into "good steam generator" and "excellent device without flaws."
Powerful steam is one of the main advantages of the steam generator and at the same time its big disadvantage: users note that the ironing board quickly becomes wet under the influence of the device, and the fabric absorbs this moisture. For this reason, many people have to carefully lay out and additionally dry clothes before putting them in the closet so that they do not wrinkle.
Also, among the minuses, the high cost of the steam generator, the flimsy and creaky plastic case, and the inconvenience of storage are distinguished.
