Which is better: an iron or a steam generator?

Every housewife knows firsthand what ironing is. Sometimes it takes a lot of time for such an activity. But the iron is far from the only ironing tool; you can also use a steam generator. To figure out which is better, we will describe both the advantages and disadvantages of these devices, and also talk about the difference between them.

Visually, the steam generator resembles an iron, however, technically, these are different devices. The fact is that the steam generator is based on the method of throwing dry steam onto the surface, and the iron works thanks to a heating element in the body. If we consider these devices in detail, then there are a lot of differences between them, here are the main ones:

• when ironing, the iron should be in contact with the fabric, when the steam generator can iron over the surface of the clothes without any problems;
• high steam pressure makes the steam generator more efficient when ironing than an iron, and a powerful jet of steam will quickly eliminate all irregularities on the fabric;
• the steam generator can iron clothes in any direction and location, while the iron is intended only for a horizontal surface;
• different capacities in the water tank, the iron will have to be refilled with water more often due to the smaller tank;
• a special platform in the form of a steam station makes the steam generator a more massive apparatus.

When choosing a device for ironing, you need to know for what purpose it will be used, namely what type of fabric and the volume of laundry will be ironed.If you iron a small amount of linen a couple of times a month, then the iron will be an excellent solution for the home, but if you have to iron often and a lot, for example, changing the tablecloth or curtains weekly, then it is better to buy a steam generator and preferably a high-quality one, as this will affect the quality of the ironing itself ...

In order for everything to be maximally combined with the needs of everyone, it is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons. For some, it will be enough to purchase a simple iron, while they have absolutely no need for other powerful appliances. And there are people who need a powerful steam generator for ironing. The most important parameter to consider is the power of the device. You should not buy an iron, especially a low-power steam generator. This will have a negative effect on the quality of ironing. The best option is models from 1500 watts.

The steam pressure must also be taken into account. It is believed that with steam at 4-5 bar, the iron will iron optimally and evenly. The volume of the filled water tank is also important. It depends on it how long the iron will iron without refueling. There are small tanks up to 1 liter and also over 2 liters.

In order not to regret the purchased purchase, it is necessary to consider all the advantages as well as the disadvantages that each of these devices possesses. The main advantages of the iron are as follows:

• there are both budget options and multifunctional devices, however, the iron will cost less, the steam generator loses here;
• the compactness of the device and low weight make the iron convenient to use;
• a wide range of affordable and easy-to-use models.

The main disadvantages of the iron:

• ironing takes longer, while the steam generator copes with it much faster;
• hot soles when ironing can burn through delicate fabrics such as dresses, tulles, shawls;
• the water tank has a smaller capacity, while the steam generator has a large capacity of about 2 liters;
• for ironing, the iron requires a horizontal surface, you must work on the ironing board all the time;
• heats up longer than a steam generator, and requires constant temperature control for different types of fabric;
• for ironing, you need to use distilled water, otherwise the filter will quickly become clogged with scale, and the quality of ironing will deteriorate significantly;
• after ironing, the iron slowly cools down and remains hot, thereby creating a danger to others.

The main advantages of the steam generator when ironing:

• faster ironing process thanks to the supply of high pressure dry steam;
• voluminous water tank, which is designed for longer work;
• thanks to the high steam temperature (on average 150 degrees Celsius), you can iron the fabric folded in half, while all layers of clothing will be ironed better and of higher quality;
• there is no need to fill the steam generator with distilled water, ordinary tap water is quite suitable;
• the device has cleaning filters that purify water from impurities to prevent scale;
• the device can be ironed in any direction, including vertically, after hanging clothes on a hanger;
• the device itself is lightweight and has a convenient handle for releasing steam;
• the coating of the sole of the device is easy to clean when dirty;
• does not require additional cooling after ironing, like a conventional iron, which cools down for a long time due to the heating element.

The main disadvantages of the steam generator:

• it is more expensive than a regular iron, however, the price justifies the quality;
• the steam station takes up quite a lot of space both during storage and during operation - it happens that the apparatus does not fit on the ironing board;
• during operation, the steam generator makes a noise associated with boiling water in the turbine;
• the design of the device contains more parts that are subject to repair;
• when purchasing a steam generator, you need to know that it has a consumable that requires regular replacement (anti-scale cartridges), when using such filters, the difference will be obvious (no dirt will appear on the fabric, and steam will be continuously supplied at the outlet).

If it is difficult to make a choice, then at least a little real reviews will help you choose a good iron and a better quality steam generator. Below we will consider some of the reviews of people who have already bought this product.

This model has a separate steam generator and a compact iron, popular for its affordable price and other benefits:

• a rather large capacity of 1300 ml, providing 30-minute continuous ironing;
• the steam station is equipped with a wide range of functions, including temperature control, shutdown protection;
• a long cord of almost 2 meters will allow you to freely control the device over a large area;
• there is a place to hide the cord.

The disadvantages include a non-removable vessel for water and the lack of automatic steam supply in case of steam shock. By and large, the reviews about this model are positive. Customers recognize the significant time savings, long but effective ironing, and the safety of steam in contact with clothes.

This model differs in that it is an iron with a built-in steam generator. This option is suitable for those who do not like bulky steam stations, but want more compactness. The main advantages of this model:

• 5 functions for temperature control and steam supply;
• the ability to steam in an upright position;
• there is a motion sensor that reacts to the shutdown of steam, thereby saving water consumption.

If we compare customer reviews, then the pros and cons will be roughly equal. Customers note that the iron easily smoothes natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. It also has a powerful steam supply, it is easy to switch the temperature, the disadvantages are mainly a small water tank and a large electricity consumption.

Thus, when choosing an iron or a steam generator, it all depends on your preferences. If a person has a limited budget and needs very little ironing, then there is no point in taking a steam generator; instead, it is better to look for an inexpensive but high-quality iron, preferably more powerful.

Tips for choosing from professionals - in the video below.