Ironing is one of the most tedious and hateful household chores. This work is especially difficult when smoothing curtains after washing, items made from quickly wrinkled materials, thin and delicate fabrics. There is a way out - buy a steamer. But in order to acquire a truly high-quality and reliable device, you need to know how to choose a steamer.
Content
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Features of using the device
- Areas of use
- Advantages and disadvantages
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Making the right choice of model
- Universal devices
Features of using the device
This device was first patented in the 40s. This was done by Jiffy Steamer. The original purpose of the device was to restore the shape of felt hats. Then they began to be often used for processing clothes, a large number of models appeared on the market, which differ in size, performance and cost.
For Russians, this equipment has become available only since 2000. Since then, they have not lost their popularity and are used not only in household, but also in the professional field.
Areas of use
A steamer cannot replace a quality iron, but it will be very useful if you go on a trip. Numerous reviews from travelers indicate that the travel iron is less effective than the portable version. Moreover, the iron is quite heavy.
Use a handheld device to iron wrinkled clothing in your suitcase. Can this be done with a travel iron?
In addition, a similar device can be used as a boiler to make coffee or tea. And if you catch a cold on the road, then the device can function as a real inhaler.
Very often with steamers are also used in the professional field. Boutiques, hotels, dry cleaners and bridal salons use these devices to serve their customers without the risk of damaging or drying out their clothes. After all, the temperature indicators of steam are not more than one hundred degrees Celsius.
Advantages and disadvantages
Portable handheld steamers have become very popular. This is due to the following advantages:
- Affordable cost;
- Compact dimensions and low weight;
- Versatility.
But, like any type of equipment, steamers also have a "reverse side of the coin". Their disadvantages include:
- Low power;
- Small container for water.
For home or professional use, it is better to take more productive and powerful models that will allow you to easily smooth out any curtains and curtains.
The pressurized stream of hot steam can be used to disinfect soft toys, bedding, home furnishings and other substances. In addition, steam treatment removes unpleasant odors embedded in the fabric. Steam treatment it is much easier to remove all kinds of stains and dirt.
When thinking about which steamer to choose, you should understand the characteristics of such equipment.
Making the right choice of model
There are many models of garment steamers on sale today. How to choose the right device?
The design of such a device includes a vessel for water, a heating element, a steam generator, a steaming iron and a hose that is responsible for supplying steam. Water is supplied to the generator by a pump-pump or by gravity. Pump-type models are distinguished by their high operating speed.
And you should also pay attention to the power indicators of the device, which determine how quickly the steam generator heats up and how much energy is consumed. For domestic use, there is enough power in the range of 1300-1700 W.
But only the speed of work depends on the power, while the quality is determined by other characteristics. If you do not need to perform prompt steaming, then there is absolutely no point in spending money on a device with high power.
Before choosing a handheld garment steamer, you need to pay attention to the material from which the steaming iron is made. The plastic outsole breaks quickly. It is better to give preference to ceramic or metal models.
The most convenient are steamers with several processing modes. That is, the user has the ability to adjust the intensity of the steam, guided by the type of fabric being treated. However, such devices are considered the most expensive.
Stationary steamers equipped with several operating modes are often bought by cleaning companies, clothing stores and ateliers. For home use, such equipment should be used only with huge volumes of ironing.
The package for good steamers includes special devices that increase convenience. These include clips, hangers, and brushes for cleaning clothes.
Universal devices
Some steamer models have universal functionality. They combine a steam iron, steam cleaner and steamer. These expensive and complex devices are advisable to use in a large house where many people live with pets.
If you are thinking about how to choose a steamer for clothes, then the advice of professionals will definitely help you with this. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask sales consultants about all the features of the models you like.
