Garment steamers appeared not so long ago, but they have already managed to make quite substantial competition to traditional irons. Using this appliance, you can not only iron clothes, but also get rid of old dirt, disinfect toys and fabrics in the interior, clean surfaces, eliminate unpleasant odors, and also destroy dust mites.
The processing process is carried out without the use of chemicals, it is harmless and environmentally friendly. And in order for the result of the work done to really please, you need to know how to choose a steamer.
Important questions
First of all, it will not hurt to arrange a blitz by answering several questions: "For what purposes do you need this device for domestic use or professional processing? What is more important in your case - functionality or ergonomics? At what price are you ready to purchase this device?" And here it does not matter at all whether you buy it for yourself or as a gift to someone. The more accurate the answers to all these questions will be given, the faster you decide for yourself the question of how to choose a steamer?
Any device that focuses on domestic or professional use has a number of parameters that are decisive when choosing a model. Speaking about how to choose a steamer, you need to name its most important characteristics.
Power
According to this parameter, all devices in this category can be conditionally divided into two large groups:
1. With a capacity of more than 1800 watts. Such steamers are able to cope with 98% of all tissues, which is why they are called universal.
2. Power less than 1800 watts. These devices allow you to steam most fabrics, with the exception of down jackets, winter jackets, blankets, tight jeans and more.
The more powerful the unit, the higher its cost. If you are interested in how to choose a steamer for the home, then in this case it is appropriate to purchase any device, but more powerful models will work much more efficiently. Low-power devices can easily cope with knitwear, but overdried jeans can be a real problem for them.
If there is a question about how to choose a steamer for a clothing store or atelier where the process speed is especially important, it is recommended to pay special attention to equipment with a power exceeding 1800 watts, and in all other cases this parameter should be selected depending on specific needs. If you value your time and are not constrained by the means, then it is most correct to give preference to a large capacity steamer. And if there is not enough money for such a unit, then you can be satisfied with a less powerful device. At the same time, the quality of the steaming will not get worse.
Water tank volume
In deciding how to choose a manual steamer, this parameter is not fundamental, but it is not recommended to forget about it. Due to the large capacity, the mass and dimensions of the device become much larger, but this allows you to work longer without pouring water.
Devices with a small tank are very compact, but before acquiring such an option, you should think very well, since constant running around for water during cleaning is not a great pleasure. Therefore, when deciding how to choose a steamer, you should decide what is more important in your case - compactness or autonomy. A compromise can be found anyway.
Dimensions
It is quite convenient to keep the steamer in assembled form, so that at the right time it can be simply plugged into the network and get started. And if you intend to store it outside the door, in a narrow hallway or tight closet, then you need to pay attention to appliances with a narrow case, the height of which does not matter. Hand or travel steamers are the smallest of them all, their compact dimensions make it easy to fit them in your bag. With their help, the rumpled suit or evening dress will again receive a presentable look.
Ergonomics
It is worth raising the question of how to choose a vertical steamer, since today there are a lot of these devices. They may have a retractable bar, sliding shoulders, in addition, there are manual models. The main disadvantage of a vertical hand-held device is the small tank, but with the help of such a device it is quite easy to clean in places characterized by difficult accessibility. Such devices are recommended to be purchased as an addition to the existing main one. With their help it is quite easy to process curtains and curtains, standing on a stool, and you do not need to pull up the entire massive structure.
Single-mode or multi-mode?
At the moment, there is a single and multi-mode garment steamer. Which one to choose depends on several factors. Multi-mode is characterized by the ability to control steam saturation. Of course, this is a rather useful function, but in practice the maximum mode is most often used, which makes the device, in fact, single-mode, and its cost is quite high. It is appropriate to use such models in a professional tailoring company, but domestic use makes it possible to purchase a single-mode unit with a fixed value for the level of steam saturation.
Manufacturers
Only a few years ago, steamers exclusively made in China could be purchased on Russian territory. Now consumers have the opportunity to purchase devices of American and European manufacture. However, the tradition that most devices come from China is still preserved.
Despite the fact that the consumer has a prevailing stereotype regarding Chinese products, which speaks of its low quality, this can no longer be applied to all goods. Steamers have become one of these exceptions. Their production is carried out in compliance with all norms and technologies, the devices have served their owners for many years quite regularly, which confirms a considerable number of reviews and examples. And for the quality and brands of goods from the United States or Europe have to pay a lot.
How to choose a steamer: reviews and ratings
You can imagine several models that managed to not only gain popularity among consumers, but also receive a considerable number of enthusiastic reviews:
- The steamer GM-L2 and GM-D2 are compact models that are designed for cases where there is not enough storage space. This is one of the most compact devices in the line of floor options.
- Steamer SJ-28-BJ Luxe - a combination of interesting design and affordable price. It works slower than the previous model, but the difference on the example of one thing will be 2-3 minutes.
- The GM-A-205 steamer is characterized by the presence of a steam handle similar to professional models. The water tank is made of durable plastic, which will not crack when dropped. The cost of the device is quite affordable.
- The steamer GM-P-202 is a professional model with an average steam flow.
- The steamer GM-P-202S is a more powerful professional-level model compared to the previous one. It is characterized by an average steam flow and the possibility of reducing the amount of steam.
Each buyer independently decides how to choose a steamer, depending on their needs and capabilities.
