Buying a steam iron. Guide to find out which to choose
For some people, the process of ironing clothes is a boring and hindering activity. Others may describe it as nearly unnecessary, but ironing is nothing of the above. There are indeed many very good reasons as to why using an iron. Some people need their wardrobe recently ironed, it being for work reasons, the necessity of having an orderly household, or simply for having the laundry clean and wrinkle free.
How to choose an adequate iron
Hygiene is another reason that may determine us to iron our laundry.Clothing is one of the primary transmittors of viruses and bacteria, even after having washed it accordingly. Modern irons have heat and steam control, which are capable of eliminating up to 99.9% of mites and bacteria, which may have influence on our health or be present in our clothing.
Now we ask ourselves: which iron will be the ideal one for us in order for us to dress in an elegant way? Fortunately, many different varieties exist on the market. A big variety of models with different characteristics and prices that reach out to the most detailed one you can imagine, must all be thought about when wanting to purchase one. Therefore, we would like to provide you with best advice in order for you to make the perfect decision.
In the following you will find the definite guide to buying a steam iron which best fits to your needs.
What is a steam iron?
Steam irons are very similar to normal irons, which we have always been using, but with fundamental differences which make them to more useful and practical electric devices while ironing your laundry.
Steam irons consist of an internal deposit, which allows them to create steam through tiny openings in the metallic part of the iron, while it is in touch with the laundry. This makes the ironing process much easier and improves the quality.
The steam that determines the iron depends on a water tank (capacity of approximately one liter depending on the model of the iron). The water heats up to steam within a time limit of two to three minutes. The amount of steaming arising, can be regulated according to necessity and the characteristics of your laundry that you are about to iron. This water tank can always be refilled as you need it.
Types of steam irons
Ironing machine
This is the ideal solution for households with very big volumes of laundry to be ironed. It allows high speed, efficiency and quality while ironing. It has its own steam generator tank, independent of your ironing, which produces more steam depending on the pressure you use for the regular clothing. This allows the ironing process to be much faster.
Steam irons
They are practical, cheaper than an ironing machine and easy to use. They are versatile as they consist of different programs for a large amount of materials and types of clothing.
Vertical steam irons
These types of irons belong to the newest technology in ironing. They allow ironing without an ironing board, instead one must only hang up the clothing and pass the vertical steam iron along the surface area in order to obtain excellent results. Thanks to the pressure with which the iron produces steam, this enters into the entire fabrics allowing them to be entirely wrinkle free. This revolutionary ironing method is extremely expensive, for which reason we are searching for something cheaper and according to our expectations, vertical steam irons are not the most convenient.
Characteristics you should look out for
In order to select an iron, which functions according to our needs, it is important to keep the following advice in mind:
- Adequate weight of the iron: Those irons with much weight are a torture when needing to iron something. Therefore, no doubt, the weight of the iron is an important factor when deciding which model to buy.
- Low electricity consumption: An iron is one of the electric devices that consumes most of the energy in your household. In case we don’t want a big surprise concerning the next electricity bill, we should choose an iron with low electricity consumption.
- A good base material: Until not long ago, it was very frequent to find aluminium as the base material of irons. These have been replaced by other materials, such as coating via teflon or ceramics, which show better characteristics. They are anti-adherent, more resistant and cleaner.
- A cable with optimal length: The cable should have a length that allows comfortable movement during the ironing process without hindrance as a too short cable can cause a lot of discomfort.
- Safety system including thermostat: Containing a safety system is a very important characteristic if you want to avoid shock situations and accidents as it can always happen that we forget to unplug the iron.
The most sold brands
Below please find some of the best brands:
Rowenta
The models of this brand are resilient and always among the most purchased due to their excellent results and functionality.
Bosch
The tradition of this German brand counts for quality and persistence. Regarding purchases around the world, these electric devices are among the most sold. With iron models that use the newest technologies to fulfill all needs of also demanding customers.
Siemens
This brand stands for quality, technology and design regarding the tasks in the ironing process, making the process pleasant and efficient. Including innovative products.
Where to buy your steam iron
If you are asking yourself, where to buy the steam iron that best fits to your needs, the answer is, using your computer. Using eBay or Amazon you can make your purchase online. Thus you can compare prices, find offers, read opinion and advices, which may help you to buy the iron that you need for the best price.