No hostess wants to devote a lot of time to any household chores, and especially monotonous ironing. Previously, to speed it up, clothes were sprayed with water or wet gauze was applied, and after that they were passed from above with an ordinary iron. Later, these devices were additionally equipped with a steam boost function, which somewhat simplified the task. However, the development of technology does not stand still, and now the steam generator and steamer are on the market, which cope with ironing much faster and better than a conventional iron.
What is the difference between a steam generator and a steamer: a comparative analysis
Despite the similar functionality, these devices differ significantly in terms of operation, mobility and other indicators. This is not to say that one device is worse than another. Their advantages and disadvantages cancel each other out, forcing them to carefully consider the purchase based on the goals of acquiring the equipment.
Principle of operation
Differences in the principle of operation begin with a different device and instrumentation.
So, the steamer usually consists of the following elements:
- housing with integrated steam generator;
- a vessel for water (the material is often plastic or stainless steel);
- flexible hose;
- telescopic tube;
- nozzle (usually a brush).
Steam generation and supply is different in the steamer by its naturalness. The heater heats the water in a tank, which, upon reaching the boiling point, is converted to steam. It enters through the hose to the brush, which is already processing the surface.
Iron with a steam generator is usually represented by the combination:
- vessels for water;
- hose, the material for which silicone is most often used;
- iron;
- accessories nozzles (they are equipped with more expensive models).
The principle of operation is somewhat different from the steamer.. The water heated in the tank by the heating element goes into a state of steam. When the button is pressed, steam under pressure enters through the hose and nozzle openings.
Important!
The steamer produces wet steam, while the steam generator produces dry steam. This criterion must be taken into account if an allergy sufferer or asthmatic will continue to use the device in the future.
The fundamental difference in the device lies in the method of steam supply and nozzles - all this determines their ability to use, as well as features of operation.
Functionality
Many housewives use the steamer and steam generator intuitively, without going into the details of their possible operating modes. This affects the result. Often, due to improper use, a device that was simply not intended to achieve its goal is rejected and thrown into the far corner.
If you do not plan to purchase both devices, then carefully approach the choice of one, having studied the capabilities of each, so that it doesn’t turn out that you bought a useless device for yourself. To do this, you can familiarize yourself with their following differences:
- Working position. You can work with a steamer only by holding it vertically; there are no such restrictions for a steam generator. This paragraph focuses on disability. If you plan to steam only clothes and, for example, curtains, then one vertical position will be enough for you.
- Mobility. For home use, hand steamers are often chosen, which weigh only a couple kilos. They can easily be taken with you on a trip instead of a regular iron simply because they do not require an ironing board. The steam generator is heavy in itself, therefore, when choosing a model, it is worth considering that the hose length is comfortable for work.
- Ironing. That the steamer, that the steam generator do an excellent job with this function, however, the first one will never succeed in giving the product a complex shape, for example, arrows, stiff folds.
- Disinfection. Both devices supply steam whose temperature is sufficient for the death of bacteria and viruses.
- Cleaning. The steam generator does a better job of cleaning the stains. You can try to do this with a steamer, but then you need to add a little vinegar to the water.
- Cleaning. For processing furniture, it is most convenient to use a steamer. But when choosing a steam generator with a large set of nozzles, he also copes with this task. Moreover, some models can be used for tiling and mopping.
Power
Both devices are quite powerful: a steam generator produces steam at temperatures up to 160 degrees, a steamer - up to 98. They also cope positively with surface treatment.
Important!
High temperatures indicate that these devices must be used with extreme caution. You can get a serious burn from short contact with hot steam.
The steam generator is the leader in terms of operation time, as it has a large water tank. However, this also slows down its preparation for work by an order of magnitude: it takes about 10 minutes to heat up the water, while the steamer can be used after only 1 minute of heating.
What to choose: steam cleaner or steamer
They are both useful in their own way. To say that one of them is better than the other is impossible, due to differences in their functionality. Competently approach the choice, you can only clearly defined in order to purchase a device.
We rely on reviews
If possible, it is recommended to purchase both devices.. However, it is expensive, and often in the apartment there may not be a place for all purchased equipment. If finances are not limited, it would be better to purchase an advanced steam generator with a large set of nozzles.
If this is not possible, then it is necessary to clearly distinguish between the scope of the future purchase. For ironing, it will be more profitable to purchase a handheld steamer and an ordinary iron, since even a simple steam generator is not cheap. If you plan to use the device for disinfection and cleaning the house, you should pay attention to the location of the surfaces (remembering that the steamer works only in vertical mode) and their availability (low mobility of the steam generator).
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