In everyday life, a steam generator is used as an alternative to an iron, a surface cleaner, a device for cleaning and disinfection. In most cases, it is impossible to perform all of the above actions with one device: each modification is more suitable for one type of activity. That is why it is important to understand how to choose the right steam generator for the house, so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions and get the necessary ones. Before choosing something, let’s understand what steam engines are and what they are intended for.

Types of devices

All household devices that generate steam can be conventionally divided into 4 main types:

  • Evaporator . Designed for smoothing things in a vertical position with steam up to 98˚. Unlike an iron, it quickly evens out any unevenness on clothes, has a delicate effect on the fabric due to the lack of direct contact with it. Such devices are usually small in size and convenient to use, besides, the steamer is ready to work in less than a minute after switching on.
  • Stationary steam generators . Productive, powerful systems designed for large volumes of laundry and long-term operation. Some models are made in the form of an ironing board with an iron. Steam is supplied to it from an external tank, which makes it possible to increase the capacity, thereby increasing the duration of continuous work.

How to choose the right steam generator for the house

  • Steam cleaners. As a rule, these are compact devices designed exclusively for cleaning and disinfection. With their help, it is hardly possible to level anything properly, and even more so to do it delicately: the temperature of the steam generated by the steam cleaner reaches 140˚.
  • Steam mops and vacuum cleaners. Another type of household appliances for indoor cleaning. The steam mop is mainly intended for floor coverings. The vacuum cleaner, in addition to the qualities inherent in this class of devices, is capable of performing steam cleaning.

Technical characteristics of steam generators

The choice of steam technology directly depends on the tasks that are expected to be solved with its help. To quickly iron two shirts, it is not at all necessary to buy a stationary unit with a power of 2 kW and a consumption of 150 ml of liquid per minute. Of course, it has a large reserve in terms of functionality and performance, but unfortunately, the price of such machines is an order of magnitude higher than compact vaporizers.

It is much easier to make the right choice by focusing on the parameters of steam generators, namely what specific characteristics affect and how this will affect the cost.

Power

The amount of steam generated depends on the power of the heating element and how quickly the device will be ready for operation after switching on. Modern household models are equipped with heaters from 0.7 to 3 kW. Low-power heaters (0.7-1 kW) are usually equipped with small evaporators or steam cleaners.

As for larger equipment, for example, a vertical steamer or a stationary steam generator, 1.5-2 kW is quite enough for home use, if, of course, there are no plans to engage in steaming on an industrial scale.

Steam supply

It is characterized by two parameters – volume and pressure at the outlet. In normal mode, the device provides a pressure of about 3-4 bar, with a steam blow up to 6 bar.

The volume of steam generated by the device is measured in milliliters per minute, and this does not mean the actual volume of gas produced, but the amount of water required for its generation. Compact vaporizers or low-cost, small-sized equipment provide a supply of 70-90 ml/min. More productive high-pressure units: 90-130 in standard mode, steam blow – up to 260. You should definitely not save on the intensity of steam supply: the performance of the device and its functionality directly depend on it.

The steam generator must support the function of vertical steaming. Working only in a horizontal position makes it impossible to perform a number of tasks, for example, cleaning curtains or washing windows.

How to choose the right steam generator for the house

Water container

The more water tanks, the longer the duration of the device. At the same time, as the volume increases, mobility and ease of use decrease. In small devices, the tank is mounted directly in the body of the manipulator, so its capacity does not exceed 1 liter. This is quite enough to steam two or three light things, a pair of small curtains. If there is a lot of laundry, it is not easy to process it with a manual steamer.

Larger tanks are equipped with powerful vertical evaporators and stationary steam generators. The capacity of the latter exceeds 2.7 liters. This has a positive effect on the duration of work, which can last up to an hour and a half or more, since it is enough to simply add water to the tank during the process.

Protection against scale

Manufacturers of high-quality generators equip their products with special protection against scale. The principle of operation of such systems is different, most often they are rods for collecting limestone formations. On some machines, there are indicators that inform about the need to clean the barrel to avoid the formation of scale.

Recommendations for the use of distilled water refer to products in which there is no protection. However, the use of filtered water will avoid frequent cleaning of the tank from extraneous accumulations.

Modes

When choosing a steam generator for use at home, you must pay attention to the operating modes available on specific equipment:

  • With regulation;
  • Without such an opportunity;
  • Determines the mode automatically depending on the type of material.

On some models, the mode is selected using a rotary switch or buttons. When buying a personal steam generator, it is better to choose devices with mechanical adjustment of the mode selection. Automation works less predictably.

Dimensions

Dimensional characteristics of steam appliances are divided into three types:

  • Manual The name speaks for itself. Such a unit can be held completely by one hand, its weight is up to 3 kg, it is equipped with a built-in water tank. Quite comfortable for clothing, but functionally limited. It is problematic to process large and medium volumes with their help.
  • Compact. Usually consist of two elements: a platform with a built-in tank and irons. In some cases, they look like a miniature vacuum cleaner. For daily use in the apartment – the best option.
  • Big ones. Relatively massive powerful devices, sometimes equipped with wheels for more convenient movement. Functional, have many additional nozzles and devices. All professional steam generators are, as a rule, large.

Sole

This element is not mandatory for all types of steam generators, for example, mini-devices are not equipped with them. If the device is equipped for ironing, the sole will also be in it. The most suitable material for it is stainless steel combined with aluminum. All other options are either expensive or impractical.

How to choose the right steam generator for the house

Complete set

It is good when a steam generator with a brush and many additional nozzles. If the boiler is not budget-friendly, the kit must include nozzles for floor cleaning, cleaning in hard-to-reach places, and for manual cleaning. A manufacturer who cares about his customers always pays attention to the little things.

Additional functions

  • Ten. Metal heaters last longer than plastic ones, and there is no difference between a brass heater and a steel one.
  • Dry steam Dry steam treatment does not leave stains on the laundry and prevents its excessive moisture. The temperature of dry steam is about 140˚, which is especially good for disinfection.
  • Absorption. A steam generator with a vacuum cleaner function will help you cope with cleaning faster and better.
  • Detergents. In some models, it is possible to add cleaning chemicals, which also speeds up the collection process and makes it possible to remove stubborn dirt.
  • Security. The quality of the assembly, the reliability of the elements, the automatic shutdown and blocking of the supply of hot steam – all this is essential for the safe use of the device.

Conclusion

In everyday life, a steam generator will be especially useful for families with small children and pets. People with respiratory diseases will feel a noticeable relief. When choosing, pay attention to the main technical characteristics, functionality and reputation of the brand.

How to choose the right steam generator for the house