How to choose a clothes steamer

A clothes steamer could be the answer you’re looking for if you want to keep your clothes looking new and streamline your laundry routine. Without the inconvenience of an iron and ironing board, these useful gadgets are made to smooth out wrinkles and revitalize clothing. With the correct steamer, you can sanitize your clothing and remove creases quickly, giving it a brand-new appearance.

Selecting the ideal clothes steamer requires taking into account a number of important aspects to make sure you get one that meets your needs. Making an informed choice will enable you to purchase a steamer that will be practical and efficient, from comprehending the various kinds to assessing their features and performance. Having the correct steamer can significantly improve your clothes care routine, whether you’re a busy professional or just someone who appreciates a polished appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages of steamers

A steam generator not only cleans and irons clothes, but also gets rid of bad smells. The tool will additionally assist:

• clean upholstered furniture;
• wash windows;
• clean carpets and kitchen appliances.

With the proper attachments, the aforementioned functions can be put into practice.

Using a universal steam generator to clean upholstered furniture

When compared to steam irons, these gadgets offer several benefits.

• no need for an ironing board;
• it is possible to steam clothes in a vertical position without removing them from the hangers;
• It is easily processed by matter that the iron can damage;
• the presence of additional functions – cleaning and disinfection;
• the liquid tank has a volume that allows you to add water less often.

The curtain steamer will assist in keeping the curtains neat.

Another drawback of steamers is that they can’t be used for:

• process things in a horizontal position;
• smooth out thick fabrics, such as bed linen, towels;
• form creases on trousers and folds on fabrics.

When comparing steaming devices to steam generators—which also include irons and separate water tanks, sometimes called boilers—the latter are more advantageous because they can also be used to steam clothes. Irons are less portable and a little heavier than steamer attachments at the same time.

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An iron and steam generator make up the steaming ironing system.

Which is a better household appliance, a steam cleaner or a steamer? Let’s compare these devices’ functionalities to achieve this:

1. The cleaner produces a stream of hot dry steam under high pressure, the temperature of which is not less than +130 … 140 ℃. The steaming device produces wet steam heated to a lower temperature (about +100 ℃), coming out of the holes under pressure or by gravity.
2. The steam cleaner heats up for a long time, from 2 to 10 minutes. The steamer is brought into working condition in 30-40 seconds.
3. The cleaner can treat and disinfect any surface with steam, regardless of its location in space. The steam generator can only work in a vertical plane and cannot destroy all microbes on the surface, since the temperature of the emitted steam cloud is not high enough.
4. A cleaning device can clean any material: tile, ceramics, wood, metals, stone, textiles, etc. The steamer is used only for processing fabrics.

Home steam cleaner on a floor

As you can see, compared to other steam-generating devices, the steamer is not as versatile. However, it is less expensive, which is a big plus when making a decision.

Types of steaming devices

The following categories of steam generators are based on the features and attributes of their designs:

1. Hand-held devices are compact, have a small water tank. The weight and dimensions of the devices are small, they are easy to operate. Such steamers are inexpensive, but due to the small volume of the boiler, they can work without adding water for only 10-15 minutes. The devices are well suited for use on the road.
2. Floor-standing units include a boiler with a water heater located on the floor. A stand with a hanger is attached to the boiler, on which it is convenient to steam clothes, and a fairly long hose with a nozzle. As a rule, the kit comes with several replaceable attachments, including an iron. These systems are stationary and are used for home and professional use.
3. Gravity-flow steam generators have a simple design, typical for hand-held devices. The operating principle is simple: when water turns into steam and expands in volume, a steam cloud comes out of the holes (like in a kettle when water boils). At the same time, the supply intensity and steam pressure are low.
4. Devices, injecting steam under pressure, steam fabrics better, have a wider range of applications. The steam flow is restrained by a valve until the pressure exceeds the set value. When the valve opens, the steam bursts out.
5. Devices with one function are capable of processing only fabrics hung on hangers. This is typical for inexpensive hand-held steam generators.
6. Multifunctional steam-generating systems perform the functions of steam generators with irons, steam cleaners and steamers. Such a variety is characteristic of stationary floor systems equipped with several interchangeable nozzles. The only drawback of these devices is the high price.

Floor steam generators equipped with clothes hangers and racks

Main characteristics of steam generating systems

In order to select the ideal steamer for your house, consider the following:

1. Power (W, kW) – a characteristic on which the heating time and the volume of the generated steam cloud depend. For hand-held steam generators, this indicator fluctuates around 1 kW. The minimum power of floor-standing stationary systems is 1.5 kW, but with this indicator it will not be possible to iron outerwear made of thick fabrics. Optimal parameters for such devices are from 1.8 kW and more.
2. Intensityof the released steam (g/min) directly depends on the power. Determines the amount of steam generated in grams per minute. If the steam -former has this parameter less than 30 g/min, it is unlikely to be able to smooth dense fabrics made of flax or cotton (for example, jeans). Inexpensive handheld models emit a steam cloud with an intensity of 15-20 g/min, which is only enough to process thin textiles.
3. Pressure (bar) is another indicator on which the efficiency of ironing clothes depends. When choosing gravity-fed handheld steamers, this characteristic is not taken into account at all. For systems that generate a steam flow under pressure, parameters from 3 bar and more are considered good. The higher the pressure, the more efficiently and quickly the device will steam outerwear, clean various surfaces.
4. Tank volume for water (ml, l) is a characteristic that affects the operating time. If the boiler is small, the steam generator will not be able to work for a long time without adding liquid. This means that the device will need to be periodically turned off, water added and wait until it warms up again. In handheld models, the volume of the water tank ranges from 100 to 800 ml. In floor systems – from 0.8 to 3.8 l.
5. Options for the iron heel material – metal, ceramic or plastic. Inexpensive devices are produced with plastic working surfaces. Plastic is not durable, but it heats up quickly, and condensation does not form on its surface. Durable stainless steel and steel with a ceramic coating heat up longer, and moisture accumulates on cold heels made of these materials. Therefore, advanced models have a heating function for the working surface.
6. The presence of several steaming modes determines the degree of versatility of steaming systems. Cheap hand-held devices have only one operating mode. More expensive ones are equipped with manual or automatic program selection. In fact, the choice of parameters is important when the system works as a steam cleaner. In cases of steaming or ironing clothes, one mode is used, usually the most effective.

Steaming clothes is also easily accomplished with a steam generator and iron.

Make sure the clothes steamer you select fits your needs by paying attention to features like steam output, water tank capacity, and heat-up time. Steaming can be more efficient with a larger water tank and a higher steam output, and you can get started on your tasks more quickly with a quicker heat-up time. To achieve the best results for your wardrobe, take into account extra features like adjustable steam settings and attachments for various fabrics.

Additional parameters and accessories

The hose length that connects the boiler to the nozzle or iron should be such that working comfortably and conveniently is ensured. Here’s some more helpful advice, though: avoid systems with lengthy steam hoses because the steam will cool down and condense into drops on the iron.

You can replenish the tank with water without having to turn off the steam-generating apparatus. When you have to complete a lot of work, this feature is crucial.

The steamer’s compact size and detachable folding stand increase its storage possibilities.

Super Jet steam system featuring a telescopic stand that can be removed for hangers

For those who frequently forget things, automatic shutdown is a very useful option. The gadget automatically shuts off after a predetermined amount of time if it is not used. When the tank’s water runs out, the automatic shutdown function also functions.

The steamer’s range of applications is determined by its equipment. Its potential applications are increased by a variety of attachments and extra devices.

With a set of attachments and the ability to add water, the MIE universal steam system doubles as a steam generator, steam cleaner, and steamer.

Best steamers

We provide you with a summary of the top steam-generating products available in the retail trade network, based on user reviews.

MIE Piccolo

A cheap portable steam generator that will be useful when traveling. Appears to be a boiler. Principal attributes:

• power – 1.2 kW;
• steam generation intensity – 40 g / min;
• tank capacity – 0.5 l;
• operating time without refilling – 15 min.

Additional features include overheating protection and auto power off. Included as accessories:

• brush with bristles;
• a board for easy steaming in hard-to-reach places;
• protective glove that protects against burns.

MIE Piccolo steamer along with some add-ons

Kitfort KT-907

In terms of cost, performance, and quality, this floor steam generator with a vertical stand ranks among the best. Principal variables:

• power – 1.6 kW;
• steam supply intensity – 30 g/min;
• boiler volume – 2.5 l;
• continuous operation time – up to 1.5 hours;
• steam temperature – +98 ℃.

Kitfort KT-907 steam system with accessories included

Kitfort KT-910 Professional Series

The greatest floor steamer for swiftly and effectively smoothing clothing. possesses the ideal balance between cost, quality, and attributes:

• power – 2.2 kW;
• steam supply – up to 35 g/min;
• pressure – 1 bar;
• temperature – up to +130 ℃;
• tank capacity – 1.8 l;
• operating time without refilling – 50 min.

High steam temperature is an advantage. The 1.2 m short power cord is a drawback.

Completely configured Kitfort KT-910 Professional Series model

Finally, we would like to point out that you can select a sender based on functions, quality, and price thanks to the range of models available.

Feature	What to Consider
Steam Output	Higher steam output means quicker and more efficient steaming. Look for a steamer with adjustable steam settings for better control.
Water Tank Capacity	A larger tank allows for longer steaming sessions without frequent refilling. Consider how often you’ll use the steamer and choose accordingly.
Heat-Up Time	Faster heat-up times mean you can start steaming sooner. Check the specifications for how quickly the steamer reaches operating temperature.
Portability	If you need to move the steamer around, look for one with a lightweight design and easy-to-handle features like wheels or a long cord.
Additional Features	Some steamers come with attachments for different fabrics or built-in features like auto shut-off. Consider what additional features will be useful for you.

Your daily routine may change significantly depending on the clothes steamer you choose. You can locate a model that just right for you by taking features, capacity, and steam power into account. There are many options available, depending on your needs—you can get a heavy-duty steamer for frequent use or something small for occasional use.

Don’t forget to consider maintenance and ease of use. A steamer with detachable water tank and easy-to-use controls can streamline your chores and make cleanup much simpler. Furthermore, look for accessories and features that can increase the versatility of your steamer, such as adjustable steam levels.

Ultimately, you’ll save time and effort if you purchase a high-quality steamer that meets your unique needs. You can minimize the hassle of keeping your clothes looking new and well-maintained by making the right choice.

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