Top 15 Best Clothes Steamers and How to Choose the Right One
The first steamers were invented in the United States in 1940 to store felt hats. Over the years, the device has been improved and has become a practical tool for ironing and disinfecting clothes and furniture. Steamers appeared in stores in Russia at the beginning of the 21st century and became in great demand due to their ease of use and wide possibilities. In the rating of popular steamers for clothes, products of Russian and world brands, we will try to choose the best model.
Appointment
The steamer was designed to smooth out tough creases and crushes on fabrics and felts. Now the functions of the device are not limited to this. It is successfully used for various purposes..
Ironing clothes by weight
If there is no ironing board, clothes can be ironed on a hanger using a steamer. It is convenient for outerwear, jackets, pleated skirts, blouses with many intricate details, embroidery, decorative elements, which are often impossible to iron with an iron. The steamer is indispensable when traveling, when it is difficult to find an iron and a suitable place to iron. The device brings stuff stuck in a suitcase into a decent look. At the same time, the time spent is minimal.
Important: The steamer is not able to replace the iron - you can iron bed linen, you can only use the iron to point the arrows on the high quality pants.
Smoothing the curtains
Hanging curtains are ironed directly on the cornice, you do not need to remove them. Crumpled areas are smoothed with steam, the curtains take on a fresh and neat look.
Eliminate unpleasant odors from things
The high steam temperature kills unpleasant odors that have accumulated during wear or use. After steaming, all products acquire a smell of cleanliness and freshness.
Cleaning of upholstered furniture
Refreshing upholstered furniture, removing old odors from fabrics is another function of the steamer. It is not easy to deal with it otherwise.
Toy disinfection
Children's toys are constantly migrating from the ground into children's mouths. It is impossible to wash every day.A steamer is a convenient way to remove dirt, germs and protect your child from possible infection.
Window washing
The steamer will quickly remove dirt and whitish streaks from glass and mirrors. Steam is applied from top to bottom, then the surface is cleaned with a rubber brush. This is how they clean windows without chemicals, especially if households are allergic.
Design and principle of operation
All steamer models consist of the following parts:
- Heating element;
- the iron;
- support, pipe - for floor models.
The water poured into the container of the steamer is heated by an electric heating element and brought to the state of vapor. Then it is fed with iron, which has holes. The rest of the parts of the device are secondary and simply facilitate the work - a mitten, a brush, a hanger.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of a steamer are:
- soft effect on fabrics and objects;
- disinfection;
- the ability to iron complex clothes, curtains on the eaves;
- elimination of odors.
The disadvantages of steamers are:
- the need for careful handling of the device, the possibility of scalding from steam;
- they cannot fully review all things;
- do not work horizontally;
- small container size for portable models - operating time is 15-20 minutes.
Stationary steamers are large, take up a lot of space and are heavy.
How to choose the right one
In order to make an informed choice and not regret it, it is useful to know the capacities of the steamers of the latest models.
Power
The indicator determines the rate of water heating and the amount of steam supplied.Efficiently smoothes appliances over 1500 watts. Ironing the thickest fabrics requires over 1700 watts of power.
Steam generation level
If the steam is supplied under pressure, the penetration properties are improved, all materials are smoothed. The optimum pressure indicator is 3.5-5 bar. Another indicator of vapor production is intensity. 35-40 milliliters per minute - the quality of steaming is average, it is better to choose 55 and above.
Water tank volume
The main indicator that determines the duration of work. Hand steamers with a small container work for 10-20 minutes.
Volume options:
- manual - container 50-800 milliliters;
- stationary - 700-3800 milliliters.
For longer use, a tank of considerable volume is required. With a 1.5 liter container, the steamer works for more than 90 minutes. These are devices equipped with wheels and a vertical support. In expensive models, it is allowed to add liquid during operation.
Descaling function
The presence of this function makes it possible to use any water for filling the tank of the steamer, not necessarily filtered and distilled, as in simple devices.
Material of the ironing sole
The surface of the steamer iron is made of several materials - metal, plastic or ceramic. Plastic is a cheap, lower quality option with a short shelf life.
Metal
Metal is considered the most reliable and durable material that retains its properties during long-term use. Metal irons in expensive models are supplemented with a heating element.
Ceramic
Advantages of ceramic - easy to clean and glide, does not wrinkle fabrics.Chips often form because the material is brittle. Ironing is difficult if the surface is chipped.
Operating modes
Most household steamer models operate in one mode, which is sufficient for ironing. In sophisticated or expensive professional appliances, the steam flow is regulated. Thick fabrics (denim, drapery) and delicate fabrics are ironed in different modes. Choosing lower vaporization settings protects silk and organza from the aggressive action of a powerful burst of steam.
besides
Most steamer models come with attachments for hand protection and ease of use.
Accessories
Small accessories improve ironing efficiency by stretching out small parts and cleaning items and protecting your hands.
mitten
A mitten is intended for the hand not occupied with the iron. The protective element protects the hand from burns, by supporting and stretching the parts of the garment.
bristle brush
With the help of a brush, they remove dirt, dust, hair.
Collar and pocket plates
Heat-resistant plates are placed under small parts to straighten them and improve the quality of ironing with a steamer.
Hose length
The size of the pipe gives freedom of movement, the possibility of reaching the upper parts of the curtains. With a long hose, the iron of expensive models is equipped with a heating element so that the steam does not cool down and does not turn into drops.
Dimensions (edit)
The powerful steamer is comparable in size to a vacuum cleaner, complete with a stand with a hanger. When buying a small apartment, you will need to allocate part of the living area for the new device.
Kinds
There are several types of steamers that differ in their functions, design, and steam supply methods.
By the principle of work
The way the steam is delivered determines the power and efficiency of the garment steamer and whether the machine will iron anything.
Gravity
In the simplest models, water is brought to a boil and steam is emitted into a stream, like from the spout of a kettle. Due to low flux intensity, it will not work to smooth out dense fabrics, overdried and stale things with creases.
Most hand steamers and some stationary models with a small heating element power work on this principle. They are practical on the road and for handling slightly crumpled objects.
Under pressure
Pressure is created by special valves that delay the release of steam until a certain amount is set, or special pumps (pumps). The pressurized steam supply complicates the design, the steamer is out of the budget category. These models are the most expensive, but they are not afraid of any fabric. Steamers with pumps that constantly supply pressurized steam are usually an integral part of steam generators.
Intentionally
Structurally, steamers are divided into stationary (floor) and manual models.
Manual
Handheld steamers are like large, lint-free clothes brushes. A heating element and a water tank are hidden under the body. The models are light, mobile. With this device, it is easy to iron the top of curtains or clothes on the go. For home use, it is convenient to iron wrinkled items from the wardrobe.Some models are battery operated and do not need a power supply.
Disadvantages - short period of operation (10-20 minutes), low steam output intensity. You can't iron a mountain of clothes with a handheld steamer.
Stage
The best option for large quantities of laundry. In the hands of the worker there is only a light iron, but it is possible to move away from the device only by the length of the pipe, which limits mobility. With gravity flow through the pipe, the temperature on the iron is 98-99°. Choose a steamer for ironing heavy fabrics. Free-standing models are the most comfortable - with a vertical bar for placing things, hangers, a continuous cycle of up to 2 hours.
By function
Additional functions are provided only in stationary steamers.
With a
Economic models only do one job: to iron objects in a vertical plane.
Universal
The combination of the properties of a steamer and a steam generator is implemented in universal models. In such devices, the steam generator provides disinfection, deep cleaning (steam is supplied under pressure). The device is used to clean the house. Some models include an iron and ironing board. Such a device is more expensive, larger in size and consumes a lot of electricity.
Important: after processing with a steamer, the thing is dried on a hanger, only then it is put in place or sent to storage.
Review of popular models
The rating is compiled according to the preferences of buyers - these are the most popular and purchased models of different types and prices.
Kitfort KT-928
An economical model of a hand steamer, convenient for travel.On the body there is a window for monitoring the water level with graduations. Power - 600 W, cord length - 1.7 meters, weight - 0.6 kilograms.
Kitfort KT-925
Stationary model with 6 levels of steam supply, removable 1.8 liter tank. Hose length - 1.5 meters, complete set of accessories. Steam power - 1800 W.
MIE magic style
Floor steamer with two modes. Operating time - 50 minutes, tank volume - 1.7 liters. Steam supply with regulation - up to 85 grams per minute. Telescopic support, anti-drip system. On the iron there are control keys.
MIE Piccolo
Manual steamer with 1200 watts of power. Supports loose fabrics, is practical on the road and in the countryside. Weight - 1 kilogram, cord length - 2.1 meters. The set includes a mitten, a board for straightening small parts, a brush.
Polaris PGS-1611VA
Standing model with shelf for hanging clothes. The power regulator ensures the operation of the steamer in 3 modes. Water tank - 1 liter, scale protection allows you to fill any water. The maximum power is 1600 W.
Philips GC670/05
Floor steamer with touch control panel. 5 operating modes, anti-limescale. The size of the water tank is 2.1 liters. Accessory set, cord reel, steam release valve.
Speed VS-693
Floor model on wheels with a power of 1580 W and a tank of 2.8 liters. 4 operating modes. Complete set - mittens, vertical support, clips for objects, accessories. Steam temperature - 98 °.
KitFort KT 910
Floor model of a steamer with a power of 2200 W.The clothes rail is telescopic; when not in use, it takes up minimal space. Includes 2 brushes - nap and microfiber, trouser clips. The volume of the water tank is 1.8 liters, the steam outlet temperature is 120-130°. The disadvantage of a steamer is a short cord (1.2 meters).
Grandmaster GM-S-205LT
Professional steam model, recommended for shops, workshops, theaters, shops, curtains. Power - 1150 and 2300 W (there is a regulator). The frame hanger straightens and stretches your clothes. Steam productivity - 80 grams per minute, gravity flow. Ironing soleplate - stainless steel. Tank volume - 2.5 liters, work without refueling - 2 hours, adding water is allowed.
Luxury MIE
Stationary steamer with double storage rack and ironing area. The electronic display informs about the operating time, the availability of steam, informs about the water level. The volume of the container is 2.5 liters, or for 80 minutes of steaming. There is an integrated water filter.
Provided for automatic cord winding and steamer safety shutdown. In the iron there is a heating element.
Maxwell MW-3704
Lightweight hand steamer (770 grams) with 0.2 liter tank. Leak protection is provided to prevent staining. Iron with metal soleplate.
UNIT SKU-126
Vertical stationary steamer with 2 steam supply modes. Power - 1800 W, hose length - 1.4 meters. Water make-up during operation is provided. Telescopic support, hanger.
SuperJet 100A6
Floor device with a power of 2000 watts. Iron without heating. Continuous working time - 50 minutes. Works in only one mode. Vertical support, hanger.
ENDEVER Odyssey Q-410
Hand steamer weighing 2 kilograms. The length of the cord is 2.2 meters. Power - 800W.The tank holds 200ml of water, providing 20 minutes of continuous operation. 2 steam cooking modes. Heating to maximum temperature (98°) occurs in 2 minutes. There are no mittens in the kit, you will have to buy them yourself.
Manufacturers rating
Steamers for home use are produced by many companies that produce home appliances. The most popular, combining high quality and a reasonable price, are the models of the brands below.
Phillips
The Dutch company has been around since the end of the 19th century and manufactures household appliances, electronics and healthcare products. Most of the steamers are manufactured in the company's factories in China. All models are smartly designed, energy efficient and efficient.
kitfort
The name of the company combines two English words - kitchen and comfort. The company produces convenient kitchen appliances - ovens, juicers, steamers. The central office is in St. Petersburg, the factories are in China.
Products are distributed through chain stores - Citylink, O'Key, Telemax and others.
Polaris
The country of the brand is Russia, 250 service centers in all regions. Steamers are distinguished by reliability, dynamic and elegant design and high technical characteristics.
Mie
The Mie company (Italy) produces steam generators, vacuum cleaners, ironing systems. The range of steamers is wide - from portable steam generators to powerful Mie Bello steam generators.
eternal
The Swedish company produces consumer electronics for the home. The clothes steamers are distinguished by an elegant design, functionality and a well-thought-out set of accessories, which can also be purchased separately.
Karcher
The German company Karcher (Kärcher) is a leader in the production of many types of products for cleaning and maintaining cleanliness at home and on the street. Steamers are distinguished by power, ergonomics, reliability and a long period of trouble-free operation.
Steamers that have come to the rescue of irons make it much easier to iron difficult fabrics and clothes. They do not replace irons, but they do make ironing faster, more convenient and more efficient. Portable devices help when traveling and around the country. Powerful stationary steamers, in addition to smoothing complex outfits, curtains, help maintain cleanliness in the home, disinfect and eliminate odors.