Which steamer to buy: handheld and floor-standing garment care appliances

The steamer is a modern garment care device. It was first invented in the USA in the 40s of the XX century, it was used to care for felt hats, which were in fashion at that time. Only one brand was involved in the release - Jiffi Steamer. The hostess decides which steamer to buy. Before purchasing, you need to study the technical characteristics of the device, its advantages and disadvantages in order to choose a useful and convenient model.

Advantages and disadvantages

The device is suitable for any fabric. It removes wrinkles without damaging the fiber structure. The clothes are ironed without removing them from the hanger. The steamer can be used for garments with complex finishes:

• draperies;
• ruffle;
• folds;
• embroidery;
• beads;
• beads;
• lace;
• sequin;
• sequins;
• applications.

Powerful devices handle the processing of suits and outerwear. The curtains are ironed directly on the cornice. The device is post-use, saves time spent on homework.

The stores offer a selection of models from various manufacturers. There is a wide price range for the product - there are expensive and budget models.

The device has several disadvantages. The steamer does not replace the iron, it does not iron the perfect arrows on the trousers. Powerful models are quite expensive, most of them only work in an upright position.

Low-power devices cannot cope with rough fabrics and heavily wrinkled clothing. A simple steamer will not remove odors and stains; this requires a combined steamer and steam cleaner model.

Types of steamers

Currently, manufacturers offer a wide range of models, so it is difficult for a simple buyer to understand this variety and choose the right product. Types of steamers for different parameters:

1. Principle of operation. The gravity flow devices have a simple design. The water is heated in the boiler, then steam is formed, which enters the hose without pressure. The jet of steam is not strong, so it is not always possible to smooth clothes well. The device is inexpensive and easy to use. There are pressure devices. Their steam accumulates in the boiler, and then comes out under a certain pressure. The device operates in this mode for several minutes, and then again generates a powerful jet of steam. This steamer effectively removes creases, but costs more than a gravity steamer.
2. Design. There are hand-held and floor-standing steamers. Handheld models are cheap, low-powered, and often overheat. It is necessary to take a break from work as they have a small water tank. The devices are compact, simple in design and light in weight. Handheld garment steamers are suitable for home, business trip and travel. They will help smooth lightweight fabrics. Floor-standing appliances are more powerful, can work longer without interruption, and cope better with tricky folds and dense fabrics. The design of the model assumes the presence of a bar for a hanger. Such devices can be gravity and with steam pressure. The efficiency of the work depends on the power. Floor models take up more space in the apartment.
3. Functions. Simple models allow you to steam clothes only vertically and do not always smooth out folds perfectly. Universal - the most common steamers that have the function of a steam cleaner. Various attachments are sold with them. The devices are powerful, do a good job, and help remove stains and odors from clothing. Can be used for cleaning furniture and carpets. Universal models are expensive and require dedicated storage space.

Important instrument characteristics

The steamer for the home is powered by electricity. Liquid is poured into a special container with heating elements, it heats up and turns into a powerful jet of steam. Before purchasing, you must familiarize yourself with the important characteristics of the device:

1. Power. Appliances with high power heat up the water faster, the steam jet is strong and intense. It is better to purchase a device of at least 1800 watts.
2. Steam pressure and intensity. If steam is supplied under pressure, it takes less time to work. An instrument with a pressure of 3.5-5 bar would be ideal. Effective devices should have a steam supply force of at least 35-55 ml / min. The higher the number, the better the folds are smoothed out.
3. The volume of the water tank. The larger it is, the longer the device works without adding liquid. If the tank is very large, the steamer will be heavy. The best option is 1.5 liters. It is better to choose a model that has the ability to fill in water without turning off the device.
4. Water quality. The devices operate on plain distilled water or special steamer liquid. You need to clarify this information before buying so as not to spend additional funds.
5. Ironing material. Its surface is plastic and metal. Models with a metal iron are stronger, more reliable and more durable.

You shouldn't skimp on the purchase. High-quality devices are quite expensive, but over time, the costs will be justified. Cheap models do not always effectively cope with their tasks.