Steam generator irons and conventional steam irons look quite similar at first glance – especially the iron part itself. However, steam generator irons are constructed quite differently and have a different mode of operation. They employ a separate base unit which acts as both boiler and water tank. The body of the iron contains no water. Steam is passed from the base unit into the iron using a flexible connecting tube.
Steam generator irons generally cost a little more than standard steam irons – but they have a number of advantages which more than justify this. It’s probably worthwhile taking a moment or two to review the key points to consider when choosing a steam generator iron. The main areas that you should look at when deciding which iron is best for you are water reservoir capacity, steam pressure, soleplate material and design, ease of cleaning, and overall ease of use.
STEAM PRESSURE: The steam causes heat and moisture to penetrate the fabric of the garment being ironed. This makes it more flexible and facilitates the removal of creases and wrinkles. The greater the pressure of the steam, the deeper it penetrates the garment being pressed and the better the finished result will be.
As a rule, steam generator irons will have their output capacity noted in terms of grams of steam per minute (g/min). The higher this number is, the more steam is produced and the easier (and faster) it will be to use the iron. Typical values will range from 70 to 140 grams per minute.
You may also see the steam pressure quoted in bar. Again, a higher number indicates that more steam is produced.
CAPACITY OF THE WATER RESERVOIR: As a rule, steam generator irons tend to have a well sized water tank. This means that you will be able to iron for quite some time before you need to refill it. The exact time will vary according to the type of fabric that you are ironing – but a 1.4 litre tank should be fine for at least two hours of ironing.
If you do a good deal of ironing then you may wish to consider getting one of the larger tanks available. If you have an ironing board which is relatively small, then you might want to make sure that the tube which connects the reservoir to the iron is long enough for you to work with the base unit positioned on the floor rather than on the ironing board itself.
It’s worthwhile considering the ease of filling the reservoir. Some of the better steam generator irons are supplied with detachable reservoirs which make filling easier. Others include the option of filling the iron whilst it is being used – which avoids the need to switch it off and the requirement to wait whilst it heats up again after being topped up.
THE SOLEPLATE: The soleplate of the iron should glide smoothly over the surface of a range of different fabrics – whilst still generating enough friction to remove any wrinkles and creases. It should be durable, tough, scratch resistant and easy to clean. Soleplates with ceramic coatings are widely used these days and are a good option.
EASE OF CLEANING: The vast majority of modern irons, whether stem generators or conventional steam irons, use normal tap water. This will usually contain a number of different minerals – including both magnesium and calcium. These can cause deposits of scale which will reduce the working efficiency of your iron unless they are cleaned and removed.
If you have a hard water supply in your area, then an iron with some type of anti-scale system is essential. Some irons flush the scale out with water. Others have a detachable anti-scale cartridge for ease of cleaning.
USABILITY: As already discussed, you may find it preferable for your iron to be positioned on the floor rather than on the board – which needs a long enough hose connection.
Most people will find a removable water tank to be a convenient feature.
Other features, which may be appealing, include fast heat up systems, easy clean soleplates, auto-rewind power cords etc.
SUMMARY: Be certain to pick an iron with a high enough steam pressure for your needs. Choose a water tank that is big enough for you to complete your ironing without having to stop to top it up. Make sure that the soleplate is well designed and uses a suitable material in its construction. Make sure that some form of anti-scale system is included.
Don’t waste hours on a dull chore like ironing. Cut your time in half with a Tefal steam generator iron – you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one.