What to choose for ironing clothes - an iron, a steamer or a steam generator?

Doing household chores as quickly and efficiently as possible is the dream of any housewife. In many ways, modern household devices make housework easier. For example, to better organize ironing, use a steam generator, steamer or iron as an assistant. But here the question often arises: which device to choose? Looking ahead, it is impossible to say unequivocally that one of them is better and the others are worse. These are different types of household appliances that are ideal for a certain type of work.

Iron - for those who like to iron the old fashioned way

It’s hard to imagine that even at the beginning of the 20th century, irons that were fueled with hot coals or heated in a stove were used to iron things. Only in 1935 did electric models, including steam ones, begin to appear in everyday life en masse. After all, even then it was clear that for good ironing you need not only heat, but also moisture.

However, steam irons did not gain high popularity back then - they broke quickly, spoiled things due to the appearance of scale, and left creases. But housewives liked the classic electric models. Today they have been improved to the maximum: they are light in weight, have a non-perishable sole with a pointed nose, heat up quickly and are protected from overheating, and are suitable for ironing various types of fabrics. Moreover, all modern models are equipped with a steam boost function and, to a greater or lesser extent, can steam things.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of a classic iron is mobility. It is lightweight and can be used for ironing on almost any hard surface. This is a reliable assistant that can quickly iron a small amount of clothing. What is important for the older generation is that a regular iron is familiar to use.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then they all mainly relate to the lack of all sorts of “bells and whistles”, for example, an improved steam function.

There are only 3 really important disadvantages:

• slow ironing of large surfaces;
• the iron is not suitable for ironing expensive delicate fabrics;
• to one degree or another, it spoils fabrics - over time, the material loses its original structure.

Steam generator - a modern take on ironing

This device is an iron with improved steam supply. If the classic model can produce a small cloud for a short period of time (steam boost), then the steam generator “soars” constantly. It is not the iron itself that is filled with water, but a special water tank - a boiler with a capacity of 1.5 liters or more. There, the liquid turns into steam and, when you press a button, it flows under high pressure through the cord to the sole of the iron. It is worth noting that the steam generator produces dry steam. Things are smoothed out instantly without becoming damp. The device can iron any fabric – from silk to wool and linen.

Advantages and disadvantages

Many people choose a steam generator in hopes of speeding up ironing by steaming multiple layers of clothing. However, in reality, even the most powerful model will not cope with such a task. This is nothing more than a publicity stunt. The second, and even more so the third and fourth layer of fabric will remain wrinkled.

The main advantage of the steam generator is the quick smoothing of fabrics of any degree of delicacy.

In general, there are 7 advantages of the device:

• high-quality disinfection;
• the ability to iron clothes on any surface (for example, on a bed) and even in a vertical position;
• high-quality steam function: continuous exposure, high pressure, large-scale liquid tank;
• maneuverability and low weight of the iron itself;
• fast smoothing thanks to a combination of temperature and powerful steam;
• delicate ironing;
• If you leave the iron on your clothes, they won't burn.

The steam generator also has disadvantages:

• heavy weight of the iron together with the boiler (from 4 kg);
• noisy work;
• high price (from 7 thousand rubles).

In addition, the steam generator has more parts that can break. And in the reviews you can read complaints that the iron with a steam generator is not able to dry clothes and cannot be placed on the “heel” - only on the station.

Steamer - cleaning and ironing, 2 in 1

A steamer is a device for ironing on a completely different level. It consists of a water tank with a hose and a nozzle through which steam comes out. Mainly designed for handling things in a vertical position, often equipped with a stand and hanger. With the steamer you do not need to use an ironing board or iron; the clothes are ironed by weight. Once you go through the device, the wrinkles disappear, all kinds of odors and minor dirt are removed. But there is one caveat - only expensive models are capable of high-quality steaming. Hand steamers work very slowly and are not capable of smoothing even more or less dense fabrics well.

Advantages and disadvantages

When faced with the choice “steamer vs steam generator”, many prefer the first. And there are many reasons for this:

• you don’t need to be an ironing expert - shirts and other things can be made even and smooth with a simple movement of your hand;
• Odors and minor dirt are removed from clothes;
• the steamer takes up less space than an ironing board laid out;
• high-quality steam function;
• delicate processing of any fabrics;
• the material does not deteriorate and retains its original structure and appearance for as long as possible;
• quickly and efficiently putting things in order.

But at the same time, the steamer has significant disadvantages:

• to smooth collars and cuffs, as well as create creases on trousers, special attachments are needed;
• bed linen can only be steamed by weight (with the exception of some models for horizontal use);
• after treatment, the clothes are slightly damp and should not be immediately put in the closet;
• Fabrics that are too dense, such as linen, cannot be steamed;
• high cost of the device.

What to choose?

Each housewife has her own views on everyday life. Some prefer to use time-tested, reliable irons. Others keep track of innovative technologies and try something new all the time. Still others don’t see any point in ironing bedding and some clothes. Therefore, it is impossible to say unequivocally that a steamer, or a steam generator, or an iron is better. You need to choose the technology for yourself.

Please note:

1. the number and nature of items requiring ironing;
2. budget;
3. ease of use.

If you need a device for clothes made of simple fabrics and little ironing, you can limit yourself to the classics. If there is a large volume of work and there are delicate items, you should make a choice between a steam generator and a sender.

Before purchasing, you need to carefully weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of different equipment and specific models, or even better, test the devices personally. For example, visiting a friend.

To summarize, we emphasize that a steam generator, a steamer, and a modern iron do an excellent job and make clothes look attractive with a minimum of effort. Of course, the steam function significantly speeds up the smoothing process, but such devices are more expensive and break down more often. Therefore, when thinking about what to choose, you should start from your needs and financial capabilities.