Please note that to buy a good and most suitable model for your needs, you should consider a number of additional functions, price / quality ratio, reviews from other buyers and tips from professionals. We tried to collect the most useful data in one place so that you can get useful and good steam generator for your home. First, let's talk about the types of existing devices that generate steam, and highlight the advantages of the type of technology that interests us.
What are the steam generators?
Currently, there are several types of devices equipped with a steam generation function. And this must be understood when choosing a steam generator for the home in an online store. Many resources are incorrectly called devices, which is why users buy devices with a narrower scope. Consider the main types of such equipment:
- Steam mops are multifunctional appliances designed for cleaning rooms. Provide for cleaning tiles, floors, windows with steam. However, these inventions do not cope well with steaming clothes;
- Steamers - More efficient apparatus for the vertical steaming of clothes. Cope well with cleaning and ironing carpets, jackets, jeans. Some models allow you to clean windows and mirrors. Do not use chemical components, but do not provide for cleaning floor coverings;
- Steam irons - have a narrower scope than classic steam generators. Judging by customer reviews, such products iron well soft tissue and even remove complex dirt from clothing. However, they are not so functional and effective when working with carpets, pile, and other dense fabrics;
- Steam cleaners - An excellent solution for removing contaminants from different coatings: from ceramics to fabrics. Advanced models include disinfection. However, they are not at all suitable for ironing clothes.
Thus, if you do not know which steam generator to choose, you should first make sure that the device is equipped with all the above functions. Otherwise, there is reason to believe that you paid attention to a device that does not meet your description.
Basic selection options
A key characteristic of this type of technology is power. The heating rate, productivity and efficiency in cleaning and ironing depend on the specified parameter. Judging by the available range of equipment, the power range can vary in a wide range from 800 to 3100 watts. But, if you are trying to figure out how to choose a steam generator for your home, it is better to pay attention to models with power from 1600 to 2000 watts. Such devices do not consume too much electricity, have an optimal sole heating rate and efficiency.
Steam Supply Quality
In addition to power, the method and intensity of steam supply should be considered. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, we recommend that you consider the following points:
- pressure - in modern steam generators this parameter can vary in the range from 2 to 6 bar. The more, the faster the cleaning of surfaces. If you want to choose a good steam generator with steaming, buy products with a pressure of 6 bar. Budget models are not good enough for ironing outerwear;
- steam supply intensity - the power of the jet or steam boost. In the first case, the indicator is from 90 to 140 g / min. The second parameter allows you to quickly and efficiently clean carpets, as the indicator is from 100 to 260 g / min. Here it all depends on financial capabilities.
Do not underestimate the significance of these characteristics. If you intend to choose a good steam generator, focus on the maximum performance.
Type and volume of water tank
Another important parameter is the volume of the water tank. As a rule, small models are equipped with a 0.7 liter tank. Advanced inventions have a capacity of 2.2 liters. If you plan to use the device not too often, do not overpay for the volume. For a large family, the device of 2 liters or more is the best choice. At the same time, when choosing a good steam generator, you should pay attention to the quality of the performance of this structural element. It is advisable that the tank is transparent, and you have the ability to track the displacement. Measuring scale is a very convenient addition.
However, there are 3 types of boiler design:
- Remote tanks connecting the steam pipe to the sole. Such models heat up in 10-15 minutes;
- Built-in tanks for instant steam and steam boost. If you want to choose the best steam generator, we recommend paying attention to this particular type of boiler design. The downside is that such models are heavier;
- Double boilers that allow you to pump cold water and dispense volume - heavy and less effective when working with a lot of clothes.
It is also important to consider the financial potential of the user and the amount of free space in the house.
Tips for choosing a steam generator for the home
Finally, we suggest considering reviews from experts who will help you choose the right steam generator for domestic needs. In addition, the following recommendations will help determine a truly effective, reliable and durable model:
- Outsole Material There are currently many aluminum models that include scratching and difficulty in operation. For obvious reasons, it is better to overpay, but get a high-quality device with a stainless steel sole. Such devices can achieve uniform heating. The most expensive models are equipped with a Teflon or ceramic sole. Titanium-coated devices are even less common. It is really a reliable metal, but it does not have the best thermal conductivity.
- Lever. When choosing a steam generator, pay attention to the quality of this component, because the usability of the device depends on its quality. It is better to rely on your feelings;
- Weight. The larger the capacity, sole and body, the more difficult it is to operate the model. The problem is that saving on these parameters is not worth it;
- Network cable length. It is advisable that the cable is long enough to plug it into a power outlet. It all depends on the layout of your house or apartment. It is nice if there is a compartment for placing the cable inside the case;
- The shape of the nose. Experts say that the best are steam generators with pointed noses.
Additional functions
- protection against scale - a very useful component, which helps to prevent premature wear of the device due to the use of low-quality tap water;
- automatic operation mode - it is more convenient and efficient to manually adjust the steam supply;
- vertical steaming is a useful feature that some budget models are not equipped with. If you plan to clean and iron suits, curtains take care of the availability of the specified option;
- spraying - allows you to moisten the fabric before further ironing;
- anti-drop system - an additional module that prevents the accumulation of drops, the occurrence of stains;
- dry ironing - an option that provides for the use of a steam generator as an ordinary iron;
- auto power off is a very important function for novice users, which involves turning off the device 30 seconds after the termination of its operation.
We hope you understand how to choose a steam generator for your home, and will be able to put the contents into practice. Good luck