Steam and not get steamed: what is better for the home – a steam generator or a steamer?

Gone are the days when things had to be ironed with a hot stone or heated with an iron on the stove. Modern technology has made life easier. Folds are increasingly being smoothed out with steam - using a steamer or steam generator. For those who are not familiar with this miracle technology, we suggest you figure out how a steam generator differs from a steamer, and which is better for use at home.

What is a steamer?

The simplest and most inexpensive steamer looks more like a kettle than an iron. It consists of a water tank, a heating element and a head through which the generated steam is released.

The main feature of the steamer is that it smoothes things in a vertical position without contacting the fabric.

The following types of steamers are distinguished:

• Manual. A compact device that fits comfortably in your hand. Consists of a handle, a heater and a water tank. They can easily steam curtains, T-shirts before going out, dresses, and small items.
• Vertical. It looks like a trempel with a water tank. A steam pipe and a nozzle for steam release extend from the tank. On average, the volume of the water tank is 1 liter, and the length of the tube is 1 m.Features high power. You can steam a lot of clothes with it, as well as clean upholstered furniture, pillows and curtains.

Typically, the devices supply wet steam. It turns out that the fabric becomes somewhat moisturized when smoothed. It is necessary to ensure the purity of the water used so that no stains remain. In addition, the clothes may remain damp for some time (usually 10-20 minutes).

Dry steam steamers are considered the most modern.

The steam in them is heated twice, so there is practically no moisture at the outlet. Dry steam is supplied at high speed and under high pressure, and its temperature reaches 100 degrees.

What is a steam generator?

Steam generators are irons with an improved steam function.

You should not compare them with models that came before - with a weak “zilch” and an insignificant effect of smoothing the fabric. Steam generators are powerful, characterized by an abundant steam cloud that works even at a distance.

The device consists of a regular iron, which is connected by a thick tube to a station consisting of a water tank and a steam converter. The steam is supplied through the tube to the soleplate of the iron and exits through small holes to the outside.

In steam generators, you can regulate the steam supply:

• turn off steam;
• use steam constantly;
• use a steam "blow".

In the latter case, steam flies out under pressure, penetrating deep into the fabric and instantly smoothing it. In parallel with this, you can use a metal sole by selecting the desired temperature.

Steam generators convert water into steam heated to 130-160 degrees. At this temperature it acquires the properties of dry. Things are not moistened and are thoroughly disinfected from germs and dust mites.

What is the difference between them?

Research conducted by the Swiss laboratories Scitec Research SA has shown that Laurastar dry steam kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and completely destroys dust mites. Thus, steaming not only improves the appearance of things, but also allows for disinfection.

Steam treatment allows you to smooth out wrinkles on delicate fabrics, refresh clothes and remove foreign odors.

Both a steam generator and a steamer do an excellent job of this. But there is a significant difference between them:

• The steam generator combines the functions of a steamer and an iron; the steamer only affects things with steam (not counting steam stations with a metal iron).
• The steam generator requires an ironing board. Additional accessories are not required for the steamer.
• The steam generator must be held horizontally. Use a steamer to “iron” things only vertically, otherwise water may leak out.

The main difference between a steam generator and a steamer is the principle of smoothing the fabric. When using an iron, the fabric is flattened due to direct contact with the hot soleplate. Steam in this case only enhances the effect. The steamer smoothes out wrinkles using steam, and only steam. Its effect is more gentle, does not damage the fibers and does not create a shiny effect.

comparison table

To clearly determine what is more convenient to use in everyday life, you need to understand how often you have to iron your clothes, and what kind. Comparing a clothes steamer and a steam generator in the table will help you make your choice:

Pros and cons of a steamer

First of all, steamers are valued for their compactness, portability and gentle effect on fabrics. The products cannot be “scorched”, “burned” or damaged in any way. Such devices are often used in clothing stores, where there is no time to bother with ironing on an ironing board. But the device has both pros and cons.

For convenience, we consider them in the table:

Advice. To smooth thick fabric with a steamer, you need to stretch it.A heat-protective glove should be used when working.

Pros and cons of a steam generator

Steam generators have become widespread due to their advantages over conventional irons.

Let's look at their pros and cons in the table:

Which is better to choose?

Steamers are less popular than classic irons and steam generators. Most housewives are more familiar with them, and therefore more convenient to use.

For the average family, it is better to choose a steam generator. It is an excellent replacement for an iron; it allows you to steam and iron things.

In what cases should you take a closer look at a steamer:

• If you often need to iron things with a complex cut, thin fabrics, or many decorative elements.
• When the apartment is critically short of space, and there is no way to place an ironing board in it.
• For a single man or teenager who finds it difficult to master the intricacies of ironing.

Reviews

The devices receive different reviews. Much depends on the functionality of the model and the assigned tasks. Reviews allow you to understand why the steam generator and steamer are used:

Varvara:

“I bought a hand-held steamer for my daughter’s stage costumes. The main thing is to get used to the principle of steam supply. It comes in portions. You need to press the button every few seconds.Smoothes fabrics well. I even ironed my husband’s shirts a couple of times.”

Konstantin:

“I haven’t used an iron for 5 years. Steamer only. It takes up little space and irons things perfectly. No scorches or creases. But you have to wait until it warms up, otherwise it will splash water.”

Faith:

“My mother-in-law gave me a cheap hand-held steamer. For the needs of a family of 4 people, this is a toy. I persuaded my husband to buy a steam generator. Now I'm enjoying it. In seconds, it smooths out T-shirts, shirts, blouses, trousers, towels, and folded bed linen. Without any effort or inconvenience. I use one ironing mode – the minimum is enough to solve all problems.”

Questions and answers

Is it possible to “iron” shirts and trousers with a steamer?

Yes, but only with a vertical steamer with a tank and a metal iron. You will also need a special heat-resistant board on which to place the collar, and an attachment with clips for creating creases on the trousers.

How can you use a handheld steamer in a non-standard way?

If you drop a few drops of essential oil into water, you can use it for inhalation. A hand-held steamer can be used instead of a kettle (to boil water for tea). It will also help cook the eggs. To do this, you need to pour the liquid below the upper mark, lower 2 eggs, bring the water to a boil, and wait 5-10 minutes. Steamers also easily remove price tags and any stickers from dishes and plastic. Using the device, you can kill moths by treating clothes and the inside of kitchen cabinets with hot steam.

Everyone decides for themselves what is better, a steamer or a steam generator for the home. To make a choice between them, it is enough to study their features. The devices are different both structurally and functionally.A steamer is better for keeping delicate clothes clean and looking neat. The steam generator is a comrade in arms and a faithful assistant, capable of ironing all the bedding and clothes in the house. Typically, a steamer is purchased in addition to a regular iron to solve specific problems.