To date good steamers offer about 10 manufacturers in the CIS, and it is difficult to say how many different models are produced. Obviously, among such a variety of devices it is rather difficult to complete how to choose a steamer for the home, especially for novice users. Therefore, we propose to deal with important characteristics, taking into account the opinion of dealers and repairmen.
Types of garment steamers
There are two types of steamers - manual and floor. They differ in size, cost and time:
- Hand steamer - The main competitor of a travel iron, because it is easily placed in a bag and transported. With it, you can effortlessly iron clothes on a business trip to look presentable at a business meeting. It is important to consider that such models have relatively low power, in the region of 1000 watts. In addition, they are equipped with a small water tank, which is enough for an average of 15 minutes of work. But this is enough to iron, for example, trousers, a jacket and tie;
- Vertical steamer - A more powerful type of steam technology, which is able to work from 1 to 2 hours without adding water. They also have more scope. In one session, you can iron from 3 to 5 kilograms of clothing. Moreover, such devices cope with the tasks more effectively than small-sized analogues.
Optimum power selection
When choosing a vertical steamer for the home, it is important to give due attention to the power of the model. This parameter determines how much steam will be released per unit of time, which means ironing is faster and more thorough. In addition, the more productive the model, the wider its scope:
- From 1000 W - a budget option for soft tissues, because such models do not leave creases;
- From 1500 W - smooth out curtains, kill pathogenic microflora, which can act as a peddler of various diseases;
- From 2000 W - 5 times faster than ordinary irons iron clothes, including jackets, things with lining. In addition, the most productive models are able to remove contamination.
Everything is simple here - the more power, the better and more efficient the device. But its cost is higher.
Steam Iron Material
Budget models are equipped with plastic soles that fail faster and retain steam properties worse. More expensive models have a ceramic iron that does not emit an unpleasant odor when spraying water. There are also metal soles that are most expensive, but have faster heating, more efficient ironing.In addition, when choosing a vertical garment steamer, you need to pay attention to the number of holes in the iron: the more, the faster the model heats up and iron delicate things.
Operating modes
Number of steaming modes - what does it mean? There are multi-mode models, and simple devices. The first provide for the regulation of steam power. Accordingly, with their help, you can ideally approach the ironing of different materials: from jeans to pile. For some delicate fabrics, this is important. For example, synthetic things are best ironed at a reduced steaming mode. Of course, in most cases, 1 operating mode is enough. But, if you are careful about your things, it is better to choose a steamer for the home with adjustable steam supply.
Garment Steamer Tips
When buying this type of steam equipment, be sure to check with the seller what type of water you need to use for the tank. As a rule, budget models work on the basis of distilled water. Otherwise, they fail faster. More expensive models can run on a flowing coolant from a tap. Please note that such devices are equipped with special filters that need to be descaled from time to time. As for optimal capacity, there are no standards. But, the larger the tank, the less often you will have to be distracted during the operation of the device.
Additional functions
When choosing a garment steamer, you will come across an extensive assortment of different equipment: from hand held instruments to upright appliances that can be equipped with a special hanger. In this matter, your wallet is the best ally. As for the most useful features and additions, these include:
- Mitt to prevent burns;
- Switches for regulating steam intensity;
- Special brushes for cleaning things.
Other options, judging by the reviews, negatively affect the price / quality ratio. We hope this is enough for you to make a bargain. Good luck.
