How to choose an iron for home use, selection tips from experts

How convenient or inconvenient to use an iron is largely determined by the correct purchase of a household device. A large number of various models are presented on the modern market. Therefore, it is so important to answer the question of how to choose an iron for home use.

What to pay attention to?

Household ironing devices provide the opportunity to select the most suitable model.

In order to answer the question of how to choose a good iron, you should analyze the following important parameters before buying:

1. The size.
2. Weight.
3. Sole (form and material of manufacture).
4. Power.
5. Modes of operation.
6. Equipment.

According to the design features and the principle of operation, they can be divided into several groups:

• simple;
• steam;
• road;
• with built-in spray system and temperature controller.

Selection parameters: operating modes and equipment

Models that are currently available may have several modes of operation.

Dry ironing

When working in this mode, smoothing is done due to the weight of the hot sole plate and its good glide. Power can range from 60 to 200 degrees. Temperature is set by adjusting the controller on the housing.

Dry ironing

Note! This function can be applied to delicate materials that are not advisable to steam and wet.

Steaming

This is a convenient mode that allows you to quickly cope with the ironing process. The function of a steam generator makes it possible to influence the surface of matter not only by the weight of the most heated iron, but also by steam. Heat steam iron can be up to 99 degrees.

For steaming in the sole of the iron are designed holes. The more of them, the easier it is to steam a thing.

Another parameter that is important during operation is the speed at which steam is supplied. For homework, 35 grams per minute or less is suitable.

Steaming

If you need to iron heavy dense materials, then this speed may not even be enough. In models that can spray 80 grams per minute, large water containers are provided on the device. At the same time, the weight of the iron increases significantly, which can complicate its use in everyday life.

Advice! If you need daily normal ironing and tidying up heavy fabrics, it is advisable to choose two irons for home use.

Functions must be present in devices with steam generation:

• self-cleaning for descaling;
• “drop-stop” option - prevention of condensate leakage;
• filter for purification of poured water;
• anti-lime rod, which will have to be cleaned periodically.

Filters and other water purifiers make it possible to use ordinary tap water. Their presence increases the price of the device.If these filter elements are not present, then only purified water should be poured into the tank. If you violate this rule, the iron may become unusable.

We will also help you find out: why water can flow from the steam generator.

Note! Steamless irons are less effective.

Steam boost

This mode is needed when even the maximum steam power is not enough. It turns on using the control on the case. In this case, steam enters under significant pressure. In most types of irons there is the possibility of generating a powerful steam jet with a frequency of half a minute.

Steam boost

Advice! If steam boost is not enough, then you should pay attention to steam generatorscharacterized by the ability to create steam strokes in a continuous mode.

Vertical steaming

This mode of operation is very convenient, making it possible to refresh and smooth the thing located on the trempel. Most often this applies to coats and suits.

Vertical steaming

Spatter

This is an additional function that allows you to moisten a thing during ironing by spraying a small amount of water on it. Its ejection is made by pressing the button.

Auto shut off

This function is the peace of the housewives. The automatic device turns off the iron when it is in a horizontal position for a long time without movement. Switching off is a guarantee that when the iron is turned on, a fire does not occur.

Temperature controller

The iron must necessarily have a temperature regulator, which ensures effective work with various tissues. This will iron a weightless chiffon, as well as a dense curtain and jeans.

Temperature controller

Optional accessories

Additional accessories may include the following:

• heat-resistant cover;
• a nozzle on the sole for ironing thin materials;
• measuring cup for water, etc.

Unit power

According to their characteristics, irons are divided into the following groups:

Powerful units are considered optimal. which allow you to quickly iron out a large number of things. For a small family and for those. Who rarely strokes, you can choose a medium power device.

Note! Low-power models are ineffective for regular use. And very powerful - they consume a lot of electricity.

Ergonomics

In addition to purely technical parameters, ergonomics of the device are very important for the average user. That largely affects usability.

Weight

Weight advantage is given to mid-range models. It will be difficult to use a heavy iron regularly, and a very light model will not cope with ironing of heavy matter and very crumpled things.

A pen

It should have a nice shape and not slip. For this, manufacturers use cork or rubber inserts. Before buying, you need to hold the device in your hands to make sure how comfortable the model will be in your hand.

Cord

A long cord makes it easier to handle the iron than a short one. Its length should be from 2.5 to 3.5 meters. It is also important to pay attention to the method of attachment. Correct fasteners will allow you to avoid excesses and fracture of the cord. Swivel mount - optimal. The cord itself must have a fabric winding made of heat-resistant material.

Swivel Cord

Note! Some models have an auto winder function.

There are also models without a cord. They heat the sole by contact with a special stand. To maintain the temperature of the working surface, such an iron must be periodically placed on a stand in order to heat up again.

Iron sole: important points

The sole of the iron is one of the most important elements of the device. Its properties directly affect the quality of ironing.

The main parameters for which you need to make a choice:

• surface shape;
• material of manufacture;
• the number of holes for the exit of steam.

Material

The sole can be made of the following materials:

• aluminum;
• ceramics;
• steel;
• cermets;
• teflon etc.

With which coating the iron is better, it is necessary to consider in more detail.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel has high strength and is easy to maintain. Smooth surface, which is not prone to damage, provides comfortable sliding for work. Among the minuses of choosing the sole in favor of stainless steel is the long time required for heating and the considerable weight of the unit.

Aluminum

This material has many advantages. It has light weight and good thermal conductivity - the hostess will not have to wait long for the iron to heat up. The price is also small.

But the cons are no less significant:

• short term of operation;
• often scratches and other damage to the sole;
• on the wool and some other fabrics when ironing leaves shiny marks.

Ceramics

Ceramic coating gives good glide, does not lead to shine of fabrics and does not stick to it. Ceramics are easy to clean.

Find out, how to get rid of scale on the iron at home.

Ceramic coating

The disadvantages include the fragility of the material, which over several years of operation will acquire scratches and chips. At the same time, the quality of ironing will decrease - a damaged surface will slip worse and may leave puffs. Good pottery is also expensive.

Note! Ceramic is stronger than ceramic.

Titanium

Titanium coating gives high strength to the product. The surface has smoothness which gives excellent glide. In addition, titanium is resistant to damage and easy to clean. Among the disadvantages is a very high price and a long time for heating.

Teflon

The Teflon sole pleases not only with a good slip, but also at a fairly low price. Its disadvantages are very significant - a tendency to damage and a short service life.

Additional processing

To increase the operational parameters of irons, soles are subjected to additional processing. Among the applied technologies:

• laser treatment;
• chrome plating;
• sapphire spraying, etc.

Coatings applied from above can increase the strength of the sole and its resistance to damage. So, the sapphire coating refers to the innovative developments of Braun.

At the same time, the steel surface is coated with an artificial mineral spray, which has high strength and increased resistance to damage. Choosing which sole should have an iron, sapphire definitely deserves attention.

Sole shape

The following form parameters are important in the work:

1. Total surface area.
2. The shape of the nose.
3. The shape of the back.

Sole Shapes

Spout: narrower or wider?

For ironing clothes with ruffles, elegant assemblies and small details, it is convenient when the nose of the iron is sharp. If the sole has a groove on the sides for the convenience of processing the fabric near the buttons, then this is also very good.

What should be the surface area?

When choosing the size of the sole, it is best to give preference to medium models. A small work surface involves maneuverability, but the ironing process will take considerable time. Too much area will be convenient only when ironing bedding, but completely inconvenient when processing clothes.

Back Shape: Does it Matter or Not?

Even the back of the sole differs from model to model. For the convenience of work, when the iron is pulled back, the sole with a smooth rounding is best shown. This allows you to not wrinkle the fabric when moving the iron back.

Holes

About the number of holes was described earlier. You need to pay attention to how evenly they are located on the sole and whether they are on the nose.

Iron or steam generator: which is better to choose?

Most modern irons designed to work at home are steam models. The process of smoothing is not only the effect of the sole on matter, but also its saturation with steam. At the same time, the ironing process is not only faster, but also better.Two main types of steam irons are used.

Steam generator

An ordinary iron with a water tank on its body.

When exposed to high temperature, the flooded water turns into steam with an iron with a steamer and exits through many holes in the sole. When the water runs out, it needs to be added.

With intensive use, this will have to be done approximately every quarter of an hour. The volume of the water tank is usually 0.2-0.25 liters.

Steam generator

A similar design includes a removable iron and a separate container with water, which is connected by a hose. In this case, steam is supplied under strong pressure for a long time. This makes ironing easy.

Of the nuances, the significant dimensions of the device and the great price should be noted. The volume of the water tank is usually from 1.5 to 2.5 liters.

Note! The principle of the apparatus is based on the production of dry steam at a temperature of about 150 degrees. This allows you to clean with stains.

How to choose a good iron with a steam generator?

Before choosing a specific model of iron with a steam generator, you need to determine the specific type that is acceptable specifically for you.

There are three groups of irons with a steam generator:

1. With instant steam production.
2. With a stationary water tank.
3. With a swap system.

In addition, it is important to consider the following parameters:

• a thin sole creates greater maneuverability than a thick one;
• the volume of the tank must be significant;
• the vapor pressure indicator for effective operation should be at least 3 Bar;
• good descaling;
• steam temperature control.

Which iron is better to choose: expert advice

Before the final choice of iron, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the advice of experts. Reliable and well-established in the market, as can be judged by numerous positive reviews, devices of such brands as: Rowenta, Braun, Tefal, Bosch, Philips. In the budget segment, these are companies such as: Supra, Scarlett and Vitek.

Philips GC 4850

Philips

This model has a good power - 2 600 watts. There is a steam boost function, and the steam feed rate is 50 g / min. The iron is equipped with anti-scale and self-cleaning functions.

The ergonomics and narrow shape of the nose allow you to quickly control the iron. Fast heating of the work surface saves time, and a long cord does not provide sufficient freedom of work. Of the minuses - slow cooling and significant weight.

Philips GC4880

This is a powerful model that adapts to various types of fabrics without manual adjustment. High-quality outsole, ergonomic handle and light weight will allow you to control the iron quickly.

Tefal fv3510

This model belongs to the budget segment, has a ceramic sole coating and has a power of 2,000 watts. Using such a household appliance will be very convenient. Among the disadvantages is poor protection against scale. But this feature can be overcome using purified water.

Tefal

Braun TS745A

This model is one of the most spectacular. It has an attractive, stylish design with a predominance of black. Total power - 2,400 watts. The model has an automatic shutdown system, protection against scale formation and other functions useful in the work.

Braun

Bosch TDA 2630

This model belongs to the middle class. Has a power of 2,000 watts and the ability vertical steam. The steam supply is rather weak - 25 g / min, as well as the steam boost function. The sole cover is ceramic. The cord is attached to the housing according to the hinge principle. Of the minuses - not high-quality anti-drip system.

Bosch

Taking into account the recommendations of experts and a description of the parameters of irons, you can choose the right household appliance for yourself. A wide selection of models with different configurations allows you to make a choice in favor of a good unit.