A steamer or steam cleaner is better for ironing things. Comparison of steam cleaner and steamer

06.10.202027.05.2017

Even though modern irons equipped with many useful functions, they are gradually being replaced by more practical household ironing devices, which include steam generators and steamers. These two devices are based on the same operating principle, they have the same capabilities and at first glance it may seem that they are one and the same. Then questions arise about how a steam generator differs from a steamer and what is better to choose.

We will tell you more about the difference between these devices, their advantages and disadvantages below.

What are the differences between the devices

Before talking about the differences between the devices, it is worth talking about their general advantages. Firstly, you don't need an ironing board to use them. Secondly, they do not take up much space when folded, and thirdly, they are very easy to use. In addition, both the steam generator and the steamer are universal devices that can be used for ironing clothes, bed linen, home textiles, upholstery, etc.

But as mentioned earlier, these are not the same household appliance. Both devices operate by exposing fabric to a stream of hot air and are designed for ironing textile surfaces. The main differences between the two devices are the method of steam supply and the principle of operation.

How the steamer works

Most devices are gravity-fed, that is, hot air is supplied continuously from the tank. Modern models are equipped with many operating modes, but the principle of steam generation is the same for all types of devices.

It is as follows:

water is poured into a tank, where it is brought to a boil by heating;
evaporation in the form of a stream of hot air continuously rises up the hose;
The wet steam is discharged out through the nozzle, thereby smoothing the fabric.

The differences include the presence of a rack with a clothes hanger. Ironing is carried out in a vertical position due to steam, which is supplied in the direction of movement of the nozzle. The kit may include a surface that makes horizontal ironing possible, but not all models are equipped with this component.

The principle of operation of the steam generator

These devices have many modifications. There are models in which the nozzle is made in the form of an iron, which is capable of smoothing fabric in both vertical and horizontal positions. There are devices with narrow, cone-shaped and elongated nozzles, but the same removable components may be included in the set of standard models.

The operating principle is as follows:

water is poured into the tank and brought to a boil;
steam under pressure is supplied to the hose, from where it is discharged through the nozzle to the outside with sharp emissions.

The main difference between a steam station and a steamer is that it creates dry steam rather than wet steam. Its temperature is higher, so it smoothes the fabric faster and more efficiently.

Which is better: a steamer or a steam generator?

Both devices have advantages and disadvantages, so before we talk about which one is better, we need to take a closer look at their functionality, strengths and weaknesses.

Advantages of the steamer

Let's start with the fact that a steamer is an excellent alternative to a regular iron. This device has many advantages.

These include:

ease of operation;
a large number of steam supply modes for different fabrics;
convenient telescopic handle for steaming;
high speed of water heating and steam generation;
the ability to process products made from natural fur and suede;
removal of surface contaminants;
disinfection of fabrics.

The device is capable of ironing any clothes, cleaning curtains from dust, refreshing bedding and performing other household tasks. This is an indispensable device that can be used in many ways at home.

Disadvantages of a steamer

This device has few disadvantages, but it is still better to take them into account before purchasing the device. The main nuance of use is the ability to work only in a vertical position. In addition, the power of the hot air flow of the device is not enough to smooth out dense natural fabrics, such as linen. If the item is heavily wrinkled, then the steam temperature will not be enough to give the item an ideal look.

Otherwise, the device copes well with the function of ironing linen and delicate items, so it will be an excellent alternative to a standard iron.

Advantages of a steam generator

The steam station belongs to the category of professional household appliances. This does not mean that it is more difficult to use than a steamer, it just was not originally developed for domestic use. Nowadays, stores sell many models of these devices that can be purchased for ironing at home.

Their advantages include:

generation of dry steam, which has a higher temperature and better smoothes out bruises;
high power of air flow, capable of penetrating through several layers of fabric;
a large number of temperature conditions for different types materials;
quick preparation of the device for operation;
tissue disinfection;
ability to work in horizontal and vertical modes.

In other words, a steam generator is more powerful and practical than a steamer.

Disadvantages of a steam generator

Despite all the advantages, the device has disadvantages that should be taken into account when purchasing a device.

These include:

the presence of a metal heating surface that can damage delicate fabrics;
need to use an ironing board.

In addition, a steam generator is more expensive than a steamer.

What to choose

When choosing between these two devices, be guided by personal preferences. A steam generator is a steam iron. To use it, you need an ironing board or any other hard surface to thoroughly iron the fabric. At the same time, it copes well with bruises and has many uses. In turn, a steamer is a fundamentally new type of equipment, designed specifically for domestic use. It also has many functions and takes much better care of your clothes than a regular iron.

It is worth noting that both devices have many good reviews and will be a godsend for those who do not like to iron clothes.

Video

If you still have questions about how the devices in question differ, we recommend watching a video on the topic:

Text: Chizhik Anna

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Interesting!

Washing machines equipped with the “No Iron” or “Easy Iron” functions can wash clothes with little to no wrinkling. This effect is achieved through a special approach to spinning - it is performed at low speeds, with long pauses, and a small amount of water is retained in the tank.

In the 19th century, washing ladies' toilets took a lot of time. The dresses were first ripped open, and then each part was washed and dried separately so that the fabric did not become deformed. After washing, the clothes were sewn again.

There is a washing machine “for bachelors”. Linen washed in such a unit does not need to be ironed at all! The thing is that the device does not have a drum: some things can be placed inside the container directly on hangers (for example, jackets and shirts), and smaller things (for example, underwear and socks) can be placed on special shelves.

For washing small items on the road or in a hotel, it is convenient to use a regular plastic bag. Socks or tights are kneaded inside a tied bag along with water and a small amount of detergent. This method allows you to pre-soak things and wash them without damaging the fabric or wasting a lot of powder and water.

There are a variety of balls that are used in the washing machine. Antistatic ones will prevent the fabric from sticking to the body after washing, balls with special loops will “comb out” the lint and prevent the appearance of pills, and silicone ones with pimples will prevent fluff from matting during washing outerwear.

The first officially patented washing machine was made of wood and was a box with a frame half filled with wooden balls. Laundry for washing and detergent were loaded inside and the frame was moved using a lever, which, in turn, made the balls move and grind the laundry.

History knows the fact that a kitten fell into the drum of a washing machine and, after going through a full wash cycle on the “Wool” program, got out of the unit unharmed. The only trouble for the pet was an allergy to washing powder.

Astronauts, while in Earth orbit, solve the problem of dirty things using an original method. Clothes are dropped from the spacecraft and burn up in the upper atmosphere.

Washing machines have something to do with the origin of the expression “money laundering.” In the 1930s, American gangsters used a network of laundries as a cover for their illegal activities. By passing off the proceeds of crime as proceeds from cleaning clothes, they turned “dirty” money into “clean” money.

The world is changing rapidly. Today it is no longer possible to imagine our life without numerous technologies, gadgets and devices that make everyday life much easier. Modern housewives can devote more time to themselves, their health and leisure, because the lion's share of household chores is taken on by all kinds of washing machines, electric ovens, blenders and mixers.

In the recent past, ironing clothes took a lot of time and effort. Our grandmothers, armed with heavy, heavy irons, suffered for a long time before endless rows of brand new imported irons appeared on store shelves. Today, every housewife can afford this indispensable household unit.

However, now we are faced with another problem. If previously there was no choice, and one had to be content with only one product, now there are such a huge number of models, modifications and manufacturers of irons and various ironing systems that the buyer is instantly lost at the sight of endless store shelves. What to do in such a situation? Which product should you choose - steam iron, powerful steam generator, gentle steamer? What's ideal for your home? So...

You need an iron if:

you stroke often, but little by little
Saving space in your apartment is important to you
Are you a supporter of traditional appliances?

The iron is compact and ready for use almost instantly. If every morning before you go to work, you prefer to quickly run an iron over the clothes you plan to wear - best assistant can't be found. The main thing is not to forget to turn it off when getting ready in a hurry, otherwise you will have to run home from work in a panic. However, today this is not so important if you have purchased an iron with an auto-shut-off function, thanks to which it becomes completely safe.

In general, to avoid the many problems that housewives face, you just need to be more careful when choosing your future iron. Complaining about their irons, many housewives note such problems as water leakage, “burning” of the fabric, an inconvenient (short) cord, and the inability to “get” the nose of the iron into the folds of the fabric. When choosing an iron, pay attention to all these details.

Today on the market there are models with an elongated spout, a leak-proof function, a cord up to 3 meters, auto shut-off and an eco mode. And they solve two problems at once: they have an innovative steam supply and temperature control system, and also provide quick descaling with the Quick Calc Release system, which allows you to get rid of yellow spots on clothes while ironing.

You need a steam generator if:

you have to iron a lot of things
saving time is important to you
you need to iron silk, synthetics or other fabrics that are easy to burn

What exactly is a steam generator? This is an ironing device in which steam is generated separately from the device itself - in a boiler, and then supplied under pressure to it. Thus, powerful constant steam is supplied. Clothes are ironed faster and with less effort. In addition, compared to a conventional iron, the steam generator irons 2 times faster, produces 3 times more steam, is lighter and easier to use. This is the ideal solution for all types of fabrics.

High-pressure steam penetrates deeply into the fabric, ensuring fast and easy ironing of even difficult fabrics. If there is a large stack of laundry in front of you, the steam generator will help you deal with it as quickly as possible. Thanks to powerful steam, the steam generator can iron up to several layers of fabric in one go. Moreover, the big plus is that they can be used to iron any fabric without temperature regulation thanks to the unique OptimalTemp technology. This means that you can iron jeans, a chiffon blouse, a raincoat, trousers with creases and much more at once, without worrying about choosing an ironing mode.

“In addition, you can choose a silent steam generator (for example), which has the ideal combination of power and low noise level. Plus, the largest water tank allows you to iron clothes for up to 2 hours without refilling.”

You need a vertical steamer if:

you have a lot of clothes with complex elements: lace, frills, sequins, etc.
you iron mostly finicky fabrics such as knitwear, silk, jersey, wool
you not only need to smooth things out, but also remove unpleasant odors from them

Vertical steamers are gaining more and more fame and popularity. They quickly remove even the strongest wrinkles from all kinds of delicate fabrics: wool, knitwear, silk, chiffon, synthetics, and also refresh and remove unpleasant odors from clothes. In addition, it is perfect for housewives whose wardrobe contains many dresses of complex cut, as well as for professional seamstresses. The Philips steamer is a prime example of this. This device offers five different modes for different types of material. Powerful steam allows you to smooth out creases in just a few strokes. For optimal results, you can use a brush, a lint pad, crease and collar attachments, and a mitt for added safety.

The undoubted advantage of this solution to the problem is that a vertical steamer will iron clothes of any cut, since they do not need to be laid out on the ironing board, just hang them up. But, unfortunately, such devices are not designed to work with hard fabrics, such as linen. However, you can easily use a steamer to tidy up a wool jacket or even outerwear: refresh a down jacket or fur coat.

After all, who said clothes can't look like new for a long time? In order for it to serve you for a long time, you just need to treat it more carefully, approach the choice of ironing device more carefully and trust such a delicate task only to high-quality and trusted manufacturers, whose products will help you extend the life of your favorite things. Also, there is no choice necessarily implies one thing. Perhaps a combination of an iron and a steamer will be ideal for you. Or are you more inclined to use a steam generator?

The time of simple irons is gradually passing, and they are being replaced by more modern ones. household appliances for textile care - steam generators and steamers. Without knowledge of how these devices differ from each other and what their strengths and weaknesses are, make right choice quite difficult. So, what are these marvels of engineering and which of the two units is better to choose?

What is a steam generator

A steam generator is a device that consists of a water tank, a flexible hose and an iron. In other models, instead of an iron, you can attach a cleaning brush or a conical nozzle to the tip of the hose, designed to remove difficult stains.

The operating algorithm of the steam generator is simple: water boiling in a tank turns into steam, which is released into a hose under pressure. Before starting work, pour clean water into the tank, turn on the unit and wait 5–10 minutes. During this time, the required pressure will be created in the tank. The steam generator produces dry steam, its temperature varies from +140 to +160 °C. This steam easily smoothes even thick fabric. Using a steam generator, you can remove stains from textiles without washing them, or clean carpets, tiles, tiles, and plumbing fixtures.

A steam generator can even difficult spots, for example, old traces of red wine, coffee or blood. Some models on the market today have a vertical steam function, which helps you quickly tidy curtains or clothes without using an ironing board.

A steam generator is a device consisting of a water tank, a flexible hose and an iron.

The range of steam generators is extremely wide, models vary in price and quality characteristics. Thus, steam generators vary in power - from 1.6 kW and above; tank size – from 0.7 to 2.2 l; steam productivity – from 70 to 140 g/min; the strength of the steam boost (a special mode that can smooth out very dense fabric) - from 130 to 360 g/min.

What is a steamer

A steamer is a home electrical appliance designed for quickly ironing textile items. The steamer produces wet steam, the temperature of which is approximately +98 °C. The device is ready for use literally half a minute after switching on. There are manual and vertical models.

The former are most often purchased for traveling or for caring for clothes made from light fabrics. The weight of the handheld steamer does not exceed 1.2 kg, it is affordable and very easy to use. With its help you can quickly iron clothes directly on the hanger, refresh and disinfect them soft toys, clean upholstered furniture and get rid of unpleasant odors(mustiness, tobacco) ingrained in fabrics various types. Some of the disadvantages of a hand steamer include: low level power and a small volume of water tank (usually it does not exceed 500 ml).

The vertical steamer is ideal for working with very dense fabrics; in addition, it indispensable assistant when washing windows. A home vertical steamer weighs 6–8 kg. The price of such a device is significantly higher than that of its manual counterpart, but the difference in cost is easily explained by the greater functionality and performance of a vertical steamer. Thus, the reservoir in the vertical model holds several liters, which is enough for 2–3 hours of continuous operation, and the power of the unit reaches 1.6 kW. In almost all models, you can independently adjust the level of steam supply depending on the type of surface being treated.

Main differences

When choosing which is better – a steam generator or a steamer – you need to know exactly how these units differ from each other and how they are similar. When making a decision, refer to the comparison table - it will help you choose exactly the option that is needed.

Properties	Steam generator	Steamer

Temperature	140 … +160 °С
Steam supply	Under pressure	Natural
Time to prepare for work	Up to 10 minutes	Up to 1 minute
The need for an ironing board	Yes (almost all models)
Possibility of creating folds on fabric (collars, cuffs, etc.)
Disinfection function
Dust removal
Mobility		Yes (manual models)

What's better to buy?

Steamers and steam generators have their pros and cons. It is impossible to say unequivocally which is better, it all depends on what goals you are pursuing. So, opt for a steamer if you need a small unit for quick ironing and easy cleaning of simple fabrics, and buy a more serious steam generator if you work with finicky fabrics. For quick home use, a handheld steamer is best suited for big family or an enterprise (atelier or clothing store) - a vertical steamer or a large steam generator.

Among common household appliances, devices such as steamers and steam cleaners are increasingly common. Both devices use the same principle of operation, based on heating water, generating steam and releasing it through a special device. But although there are similarities, these are different devices that differ in:

purpose;
functionality;
design features.

Steamers were originally created to care for felt hats in the first half of the last century. Over time, the tasks were significantly expanded. The list of fabrics recommended for steaming now includes corduroy, synthetics, and knitwear, which are difficult to iron with a regular iron.

A jet of heated steam straightens the fibers of fabrics, giving them a neat appearance. The first steam cleaner was created to combine the functions of wet cleaning with disinfection, which are relevant in medical institutions.

This method has shown its effectiveness and has become in demand for cleaning private homes. Such devices are capable of cleaning different types of floors, furniture upholstery, tiles, and other hard surfaces. Some models can be used to steam laundry.

Possibilities

The answer to the question what is the difference between these devices is revealed in more detailed analysis their functionality. Regardless of the model (hand-held or floor-standing), steamers cope well with:

cleaning soft fabric surfaces from dust and fine lint;
straightening difficult-to-iron fabrics (curtains, bed linen, etc.);
ironing collars, shoulders, cuffs, and pockets that are difficult to iron;
updating outerwear that is difficult to put in order in the usual way.

The list of steam generator capabilities is wider, which corresponds to the abundance various options nozzles The functions of such devices include:

When it comes to hybrid models, they can combine steaming functions with steam cleaning or vice versa. Due to their design features, steam cleaners with a compressor most often have additional functionality. This allows you to regulate the pressure of the steam jet and combine the ability to remove dirt stains with steaming clothes.

Design

The similarity of the operating principle is complemented general features in the device. Both devices are equipped with:

container for filling with water;
heating element;
steam generator;
depending on the model, a steam outlet element in the form of a hose (floor-mounted) or a short nozzle (hand-held devices);
Both devices can be equipped with an ironing attachment.

The steam cleaner is more complex in design. High pressure is required to release a jet of steam that can remove contaminants. Therefore, a compressor is installed inside the device. In the steamer, heated steam is supplied by gravity, and the operating efficiency depends on the heating temperature.

Its distinctive feature is a telescopic stand on which clothes are hung during processing. The steam cleaner does not need it because it works on hard surfaces. Hence the richer list of attachments, in contrast to the analogue for clothing.

Price

Technically more complex steam cleaners usually cost significantly more than a steamer. The price takes into account not only the features of the device; its increase is influenced by the impressive list of attachments included in the complete set of floor-standing models. A budget analogue, similar in price to a steamer, would be a manual steam cleaner.

Main Differences

To make it easier to choose which device should be added to your home arsenal: a technically complex steam cleaner or a simple, but no less effective steamer in its field, we will summarize all the data obtained in a general table.

Given the difference in the purpose of the devices, it is difficult to determine which one is better. Obviously, a steamer is better suited for caring for clothes, and a steam cleaner for cleaning the room.

If it is possible to purchase, for maintaining household both will come in handy. For homes with limited storage space best choice There will be a steam cleaner with a steam function. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider purchasing a floor-mounted steamer and a handheld steam cleaner.

For a long time, irons were deprived of the function of generating steam. Housewives got out of the situation by putting wet gauze and cloth on their clothes. It helped by using the required amount of water. It is not surprising that they soon came up with the design of an iron equipped with the ability to emit steam from the holes in the sole. Today there are at least 70 holes. The next stage of evolution made us think: a steam generator or a steamer - which is better?

The second term has a historical background, the first does not relate to ironing. Because it takes a long time to pronounce the long lexeme “iron with a steam generator,” the phrase is abbreviated in a convenient way.

Steamer

Device

The idea of steaming items was inspired by professional dry cleaners. Steamer in everyday life - vacuum cleaner. Too lazy to suck in air, the brush shoots out a hot stream that smoothes the fabric. Such a device is composed of several parts:

Housing with steam generator.
Water container.
Steam hose.
Ring.
Telescopic pipe.
Brush.

The telescopic device will help you hang the brush on the ring during breaks between work. The rest is just like twice two.

Operating principle

The container is filled with water and inserted into the housing. Traditionally, we see several operating modes, each with a purpose. Use the switch knob to select the desired one. Bypassing the outlet of the housing and the hose, a hot stream of steam shoots out of the brush, hitting the clothes and leveling the material.

The cleaning mode occurs in a similar way. The steamer container is filled with a weak vinegar solution. The ability of the acid to dissolve fats is fully used to clean the tracts of the device. To completely remove dirt from the steamer, leave it on for half an hour. A telescopic pipe will come in handy to hang the brush. The steam should be shooting into the air.

After work, empty the container using the drain plug and drain the remaining liquid. Now the pipe is folded, the ring and brush are removed. The device is ready to be stored, waiting for the next time.

Description of the work process. The brush is equipped with a number of steam outlets. The hard bristled edge collects dirt. The steamer is designed to iron, but is positioned as a cleaner. Use the device to clean:

furniture;
curtains;
clothes;
carpets.

According to anecdotal evidence, select enthusiasts use steamers to clean window glass in a typical manner. Finally, the surface is wiped dry.

Making the work of a housewife easier, steamers are equipped with hangers and other special devices. For example, a frame frame that simplifies the ironing of trousers. The main advantage of the steamer is the ability to work on weight. The ironing board simply disappears. Professional dry cleaners can inflate items with steam. Folds disappear. It's different at home.

The steamer works easier. Ironing occurs using steam pressure. Avoid touching the item; it is recommended to hold it with reverse side, above. You can buy a special heat-protective glove and you can do this yourself. To work with the steam generator, use a woolen mitten worn over a rubber glove. It is allowed to create sandwiches of three layers. They try not to burn their hands with the steamer.

Steam generator

What is actually called a steam generator is fully referred to as an iron with a steam generator. The device simply expands the capabilities of an ordinary ironing device. The good housewife has heard the term steam boost. The phenomenon implies an increased release of steam. Conventional irons are equipped with a burst of steam; for a steam generator - a cruising mode of operation. The water consumption is small, as you might think, the reserve is enough to work for half an hour, sometimes longer. This is determined by design.

The difference between a steam generator and a steamer is described by its purpose. The first one is for ironing, the second one is more for cleaning various things. The differences don't end there. The steamer resembles an ordinary vacuum cleaner appearance. The steam generator remains an iron connected by a flexible tube to an ordinary plastic box.

Based on the described properties, the second difference is easy to notice. The steamer cannot be used like an ordinary iron. The brush is a plastic product, the steam generator sole is adapted to use an ironing board. Another thing is that you can do without it: by turning on the steam to full, we turn the steam generator into a steamer with one exception - there are no bristles that remove dust well. Therefore, ironing the item will be possible, but cleaning it will hardly be possible.

Steam generator or steamer, what to choose? The answer is obvious:

cleaning - steamer;
ironing without cleaning - steam generator.

Why not be content with one steamer? It irons and cleans so well! Making folds with it looks like an extremely difficult task. The steamer evens out well. To give clothes shape - a steam generator is more suitable for this purpose. But the duration of operation and steam production power will remain with the steamer. Simply ideal for cleaning.

Life example “on fingers”

Of course, it is acceptable to walk around ironing curtains with a steam generator in your hands, but the device is simply not designed to perform such operations. To demonstrate, let’s imagine how an iron with a steam generator or a steamer worked in this situation:

A mobile “vacuum cleaner” can be easily brought to the place where the curtains hang. You just need to start the steamer, move the brush from side to side - the job is done. There is no need to remove the product from the eaves; on the contrary, it will look better in a canopy.
Now let's imagine: there is no steamer. We will place the heavy steam generator on a fairly high table, trying to be sure to reach every corner of the curtain. Only if the product is completely clean! Otherwise, the algorithm looks more complicated. You will need to wash the curtains first, then iron them. Ironing board doesn't fit well large size canvases. Giant curtains cannot be ironed at all. Therefore, the product is hung back, and a long tedious walk around the square begins with an “iron” in hand and a table standing nearby.

The second example concerns a pleated skirt. A steamer can create creases, but at what cost? Complex process. How is a steamer different from a steam generator? Constantly hovers in the air above the thing. Take it and try to secure the clothes properly for ironing and not get burned by the steam.

The steam generator is another matter. Carefully go through fold after fold in a natural manner; if necessary, use steam to enhance the effect. Success is secured by a hot sole pressing down on the surface. A steam generator, a steamer are different things, the examples given fully reveal the aspect.

Conclusion

The steam generator is a device exclusively for ironing. Ironing is fast, high-quality, with the ability to create folds and creases. The device will allow you to restore order by processing a bunch of laundry in a short time.

Steamer is a cleaning device. A thrifty housewife can quickly clean fabric items: furniture, curtains, carpets. Jackets and trousers are not prohibited. The main thing is that the thing is not afraid of exposure to high temperatures.

Steam generator and steamer - the difference is obvious. The first device is designed exclusively for ironing, the second is designed to restore order and iron in parallel.

About contradictions

In the industry, steam generators are special devices for generating steam, so officially it is worth using the phrase iron with a steam generator. In industry, the generated steam drives, for example, the turbines of nuclear power plants. The unit (steam generator) weighs tens of tons and is the size of a small house. Avoid throwing around terms thoughtlessly.

In light of the definition of the concept “steam generator”, the described devices include one in their composition. Therefore, the division takes place at the everyday level: it is easier for people to understand the device under discussion.

It is important to note that steam generators have two power buttons:

One is an iron.
The second is a steam plant.

It is allowed to iron things in the usual manner without steam, and use the product as a steamer. It is possible that there are models without heating. For gentle ironing, it is recommended to purchase a product with a silicone coating.

An interesting model has been invented - a manual steam generator-steamer. A small plastic iron into which water is poured. Avoids getting warm, it only gives off steam. Works exclusively in a vertical position.