What iron is better to buy an iron, just likeshoes, you can not buy "by description". Be sure to hold it in your hands, assess the reasonableness of the structure. The device should be comfortable, "sit" in the palm of your hand. Although the important role is played by the power of habit - many housewives will never exchange a heavy old-fashioned iron for a modern light one.
Irons are different
Household ironing devices can be dividedinto several types. Conventional irons. Modern models are distinguished by impressive power (1500–2400 W) and low weight (1–2 kg), their sole quickly heats up to operating temperature (150–200 °C). Almost all such devices allow steam treatment of fabric – both in continuous steam production mode (20–50 g/min) and briefly, in the so-called steam boost mode (up to 100–120 g of steam per minute). All models are equipped with automatic safety shut-off, which makes their operation virtually safe. Depending on their “coolness” and design complexity, such irons cost from 400–500 to 2–3 thousand rubles. Travel irons. In terms of the number of functions, they are not too far behind “simple” irons, but are compact, lightweight, and have low power. Travel devices are usually not intended for intensive daily use. They usually cost around a thousand rubles.
Compact travel iron with steam moistening function and ergonomic handle. Model GC 651 (Philips), 1100 rubles.
Steam iron NI-A235TSPTQ (Panasonic) is equipped with a spherical Round Ride sole with a titanium coating, 750 rubles.
Powerful (2400 W) steam iron with functionvertical steaming. Model VT-1248 (Vitek), 1500 rub. Ironing systems with a remote steam generator. These devices are close in design to similar professional units and cost only slightly less - from 3-5 thousand to 8-12 thousand rubles. But the costs justify themselves, especially if you have to iron the hostess a lot. Remote steam generator provides continuous production of steam in a much larger quantity than the most powerful iron. A large water tank (1–1.5 liters or more) allows you to work for a long time without “refueling”. Temperature, pressure and humidity of steam can be regulated, and the steam generator strictly maintains the set parameters (irons, as a rule, are not capable of it). Finally, it is easier to operate with such a device than with a regular iron, since the “iron” part of the system with a steam generator weighs less. Many companies are involved in the production of irons and ironing systems, including the German BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte (Bosch, Siemens trademarks) and Braun, the French Groupe Seb (Tefal, Rowenta, Moulinex trademarks), the Dutch Philips, the Italian De'Longhi (trade brands De'Longhi, Ariete, Kenwood), Japanese Matsushita Electric Industrial (trademark Panasonic), etc. What kind of water can be poured into irons? Irons with the function of moistening with steam can be poured only boiled (and preferably distilled) water. Otherwise, with intensive evaporation, no less intensive scaling occurs. And this leads to a decrease in the efficiency of heating, clogging of the holes in the sole. In the end, the iron can fail. Some models provide protection against the formation of scale - in such irons, you can pour regular water from the water supply.
What is the sole made of?
All materials used for productionworking surface of modern irons can be divided into three large groups. These are metal, a coating of particularly strong enamel (ceramics), and a polymer coating. Each option has its own characteristics, strengths and weaknesses.
For those who believe that the process of ironing should not be boring, the designers have developed a new series of colored irons. Model TDA 2433 (Bosch), 1390 rubles.
Using a new ironing system, no needwait until the heater cools to top up with water. The device is equipped with a transparent removable tank for continuous monitoring of the water level. Model 4390 (Ariete).
Steam iron with automatic functiondisconnect and ceramic sole. Model VT-1243 (Vitek), new.Metal. Most often in irons use stainless steel. This material is famous for its durability and wear resistance (even if the surface is scratched, it can be re-sanded). In addition, the massive steel plate is uniformly heated and holds the desired temperature well. It is no coincidence that steel soles are used in most professional models of irons and ironing systems, for example, Ariete, De’Longhi; Elna (Switzerland), Kärcher (Germany). In household models, there are both pure steel soles - a number of models from Scarlett (UK), Vitek (Austria), Rolsen (Korea), and nickel-plated (Panasonic NI-U755 iron), chrome, etc. For greater strength, steel is subjected high-pressure treatment (Inox Glissee sole, sensixx spotlight models TDA 8391 from Bosch, TB 11319 from Siemens). Often, stainless steel is combined with aluminum (budget option) or titanium (more expensive). Metal ceramics. However, in such an indicator as ease of sliding, a purely metal sole is inferior to a metal-ceramic (or metal with an enamel coating). “Slippery” is the main advantage of the sole with a ceramic coating (for example, Palladium-glissee, Granit glissee from Bosch; Ultragliss from Tefal; Platinum from Braun). In addition, the ceramic coating, as a rule, has a high wear resistance. And its only drawback is relative fragility (ceramics may crack from impact). To avoid accidental damage to the sole, its side faces in many models are protected with an additional edge (rim).
Triple-anti-scale iron: Anti-Calc cartridge, Calc’n’clean descaling system and Self-clean self-cleaning function. Model sensixx B5 automatic TDA 6665 (Bosch), 2000 rub.
When developing the sole of SteamGlide (Philips)maximum attention was paid to the location of the holes for steam. Large holes in the sole allow the pair to better penetrate into the fabric and effectively smooth any wrinkles, and small holes improve glide.
Compact non-stick outsole ironcoating. Model NI-F40NSVTQ (Panasonic), 800 rubles. Polymeric coating. For them use Teflon or similar materials. This coating does not have high wear resistance or durability, but it has non-stick properties. This, as well as low weight and ease of gliding, determine the main scope of application of polymer-coated soles — most often they are equipped with road irons (eg, GC651 from Philips, 1616 from VES, Spain, RN1367 from Rolsen). It is desirable that the material of the sole corresponds to the tasks that you are going to solve with the help of an iron. If you intend to iron mostly coarse fabric - pay attention to devices with a metal work surface. For fine fabrics and synthetics, an iron with a ceramic surface will be optimal. And for small amounts of work in an emergency mode, products with a non-stick sole will suit the best.
Ironing system Stiromatic Instant Pro (Ariete) with cartridge filter for water softening.
The innovative Ultracord system in the new ironAquaspeed will keep the cord at a distance from the surface of the ironing, so it will not disturb you and crush the fabric. A special ribbed coating on the "heel" makes the iron extremely stable. Model Aquaspeed FV 5230 (Tefal), 2100 rubles.
Travel iron with steam power of 840 watts. Model Traveler VT-1230 (Vitek), 600 rubles. Vertical steam Not every iron with steam humidification function can produce steam if you put it vertically. Meanwhile, an iron with a similar opportunity is often required (for example, to “refresh” a dress or a suit hanging on a hanger). Be sure to check if the “vertical steaming” function is available in the selected model. Since with such a procedure, the iron will have to be kept on weight, it is desirable that its weight be minimal.
What are we stroking?
SteamGlide soleplate iron. Model GC-3320 (Philips), 1840 rubles.
- and jackets, trouser legs are easier to iron with an iron with a long and narrow sole.
- Bed linen and curtains are easier to ironiron with a wide sole. For "flow" processing of bed linen, the Elnapress Opal ironing press (Elna) or the B 895 D steam ironing machine (Miele) will be most useful. This is bulky and expensive equipment compared to a regular iron, but the speed advantage it gives is simply fantastic.
- For universal use in everyday lifeirons with a relatively wide sole and a narrow elongated spout are being developed. This combined option allows you to successfully solve a wide range of tasks.
- Small children's things (bonnets, undershirts) are easier to iron with a compact traveling iron.
- Clothing with buttons will be safe during ironing if the edge of the sole is provided with a special notch - button groove.
- For delicate fabrics iron completespecial nozzles. They allow to reduce the temperature of the working surface, but at the same time the device does not lose the ability to produce steam in the required amount. For the same purpose, the iron is supplied with a system that prevents the formation of droplets.
The Fast Heat Up system makes the steam generator ready for operation 2 minutes after switching on. Model Pro Express GV 8120 (Tefal), 9200 rubles.
Steam humidification iron capable of producing steam blow in a vertical position. Model sensixx comfort TDA 8366 (Bosch), 1800 rubles.
Steam iron with automatic winding functioncord. Model NI-U555SRATQ (Panasonic), 1550 rubles. In contrast to ironing systems, irons do not always have an adjustment to the intensity of the steam supply. It is provided, for example, in models GC 4440 (Philips), FV5177 Aquaspeed (Tefal), DZ 9030 Advancer (Rowenta). For the most effective application of "steam blow" the sole of the iron in the area of the nozzle can be supplied with additional holes. In the ProStyle (Braun) model, such a spout allows you to effectively “steam up” even thick denim. Too small holes have a drawback - they get clogged faster. Therefore it is better if the iron is equipped with a anti-scale system. Otherwise, only boiled or distilled water will have to be poured into the device.
Convenience design
The convenience of the iron's design is very importantmeaning. There are no trifles here: a short power cord or a slippery handle can cause huge troubles. Therefore, when choosing a device, it is necessary to consider its ergonomics. The iron handle should be non-slip and not heat up during operation. Handles with a natural cork coating have proven themselves very well, but they are found only on fairly expensive models of ironing systems with a steam generator, for example, 4385, 6292 (Ariete). A coating made of soft ribbed plastic, however, is not much inferior to cork. The rotary handle of the heating mode switch should be quite convenient. But for an iron this is not as important as, say, for a food processor (when ironing clothes, hands are usually not dirty with flour or oil). The water tank should have a convenient wide neck for pouring water, as, for example, in the Program 8 Power Jeans FV 9350 (Tefal) model. The lid should close tightly so that nothing spills. In addition, the water tank should be capacious - so that you do not have to be distracted from work every five minutes. Usually, irons are equipped with a tank of about 300 ml, only some models (VT-1232 from Vitek, SI 17780 from Braun, DX 9100 from Rowenta) can boast a tank of 400 ml. The leader in this indicator is the TDA 1510 (Bosch) model with a capacity of 425 ml.
Steam system “in numbers”: with a steam intensity of 110 g / min, the weight of the iron is only 1.1 kg! Model GC8220 (Philips), 7940 rubles.
Iron with integrated lamp to illuminate the fabricbefore the iron. This decision will help out the housewives, who have to iron when everyone in the house has already gone to bed (for example, in the dim light of a desk lamp or sconce). Model sensixx spotlight TDA 8391 (Bosch), 1800 rubles.
Remote Steam Generator Systems Enoughcumbersome, so a convenient carrying handle would be most welcome. For owners of road irons, a useful option would be a folding handle, as well as a cover or case for convenient transportation. Fastening and cord length. Today, irons with a very comfortable and durable hinged cord can be found on sale, allowing it to rotate freely. A similar mount is used, in particular, in the model FC 651 (Philips). It guarantees the durability of the cable even with intensive use of the iron. The length of the cord is also very important. A short cable (1.2–1.5 m) does not always allow working with comfort. Another thing is a cord 3 m long (model GC 3388 from Philips) or even 3.5 m (TDA 8366 from Bosch). There really will not have to think about extension cords! The power cable can cause a lot of trouble, even when the iron is not in use. It is best of all if the mechanism of automatic cable winding is provided in the device case, as, for example, in models NI-U755, NI-U555 (Panasonic). Then the problem of "excess wire" will be solved simply and elegantly.
The electronic choice of ironing seven types of fabric is provided in the model VT-1242 (Vitek), 1800 rubles.
Thanks to a special valve steam in modelsProStyle (Braun) is applied to the fabric under a higher pressure than in conventional irons, and is used completely, despite the resistance of the fabric and the ironing board.
Fashion iron Philips Limited Edition is made in a trendy design: silver and red lines decorate the transparent case. Helpful tips from Philips
- If the material contains fibers of different types,Always set the temperature control to the position that corresponds to the fibres that require the most gentle treatment. For example, if the fabric is 60% polyester and 40% cotton, it should be ironed at the temperature required for polyester.
- If the material of the item is unknown, try ironing an area that is not visible when worn first.
- Items made from silk, wool and synthetic materials should be ironed inside out to prevent shiny spots from appearing.
- Fabrics that easily develop shiny spots should be ironed in one direction only (with the nap), using minimal pressure.
- Start ironing with items made from synthetic fibres, which require the lowest ironing temperature.
The editors thank the offices of BSH Household Appliances, Braun, De’Longhi, Groupe Seb, Miele, Panasonic, Philips, Vitek for assistance in preparing the article.
