Steam generator irons have become extremely popular lately. Their scope of application is not limited only to clothing and home textiles. They can also be used in large studios, showrooms, and textile production. With the help of steam devices, a variety of fabrics are perfectly ironed. You can also clean sofas, carpets, rugs and much more.
A special point: it is very important to have a special board - a multifunctional design designed directly to work with the steaming unit.
Do I need a special ironing board for the steam generator?
If you wish, you can process clothes with a steam generator on a regular board. But it is better to purchase a special surface - it will improve the quality of ironing and make the process of using the unit more convenient.
For a steam generator with an iron, you need a board that is directly involved in processing clothes. It differs from the usual one primarily in its design. If a simple tabletop consists of a rigid frame covered with fabric, then a special one is represented by several layers. The first of them is a fabric cover, the second is made of foam material, which is responsible for particularly smooth sliding of the device. The third porous layer is designed to absorb steam, and the fourth repels moisture and promotes its evaporation.
A special board not only allows you to lay out clothes and conveniently place an iron with a steam generator, but also has useful additional functions. Many models support heating, supercharging, and vacuum options.
Features of active devices
The larger the wardrobe, the more acute the need for a steam generator in the house. An active board can provide the necessary functionality with maximum effect. In addition to the special design, the device has a number of attractive parameters:
- The heated surface makes it easy to dry wet clothes. The moisture evaporates in a matter of seconds, and the hot tabletop remains completely dry;
- With blowing, you can very carefully process products made from thin, delicate, artificial fabrics. Thanks to the air flow, a protective shell is created, and as a result the iron glides as if through air;
- steam adsorption allows you to align the canvas as rigidly as possible and form folds or arrows. Blowing and “suction” of steam are mandatory options; all devices equipped with fans have them, including the active board for a vertical steamer.
It should also be mentioned that active boards are the heaviest in weight, in addition, they have child protection: the control panel is equipped with a child lock.
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How to choose an ironing board for a steam generator
To understand whether an ironing board is suitable for a steam generator, you need to study its technical characteristics. When choosing a surface, you need to pay attention to several points.
Board material
The main surface of the ironing board can be made of chipboard, multi-layer plywood, perforated metal or heat-resistant plastic. The last two options are considered the best. They do not suffer from hot steam, dry quickly after using a household appliance and improve the quality of ironing.
Height adjustable
The most convenient to use are countertops with height adjustment. They can be adjusted individually to suit your own height or even set in such a position that you can iron clothes while sitting rather than standing.
Board type
The cheapest ones are ordinary boards for a steam generator. But more convenient, although expensive, are surfaces with active functions. They support vacuum suction of clothes to the tabletop, automatic blowing and additional heating coming from bottom to top.
Equipment
Some ironing tabletops come complete with additional accessories. These include extension cords and cord brackets, built-in sockets and shelves for linen. Accessories included in the package increase the price of the product, so before purchasing a board, you need to think carefully about whether they will actually be useful.
TOP 5
It is worth familiarizing yourself with the rating of the best active boards - this will help you make your choice.
5th place – multifunctional model TDN1700P from Bosch
It can be used with both a steam iron and a steam generator (weight limit – 7.5 kg).
Stylish, solid, high quality. Seven height levels, 81-93 cm, tabletop width 45 cm. Set of functions: heating, vacuum, blowing.
The disadvantages include the lack of a shelf for linen and a platform for processing sleeves, as well as the black color of the cover (it gets dirty).
4th place – Italian model ADS 3600 from De'Longhi
Equipped with plastic wheels for easy movement and can be stored in a vertical position. Height adjustment up to 95 cm, tabletop width – 50 cm.
Set of functions: supercharging, heating, vacuum. In addition to the area for installing the iron, there is a heat-resistant strip where you can put the iron aside for a while. The modes are activated using switches located directly on the board.
Disadvantages - heavy weight (15 kg), lack of a platform for sleeves.
3rd place – Duetto Base from the Bosnian company Metalnova
The model is perfectly compatible with any devices. Six steps in height up to one meter, tabletop width – 45 cm.
Set of functions: heating, vacuum, supercharging. Reversible fan, the steam generator has a powerful platform. Ease of movement is provided by rollers in the legs.
The disadvantages include the lack of some accessories.
2nd place – multifunctional PA 71N from the Italian brand Lelit
Due to its characteristics, the model is in demand not only in the home, but also in the professional sphere. Compact design, there is a universal large stand for the steam generator. Height adjustment 75-97 cm, tabletop width 40 cm.
Set of functions: heating, vacuum, supercharging.
There is also a removable durable cover and a shelf for linen.
Disadvantages include the lack of rollers and heavy weight (19 kg).
HAUSHALT XL
- Surface - metal;
- Height - from 70 to 98 cm;
- Length and width - 123 x 46 cm;
- Weight - 8.3 kg;
- Cover - cotton;
Another model of my TOP is a Russian ironing board, made taking into account European standards. Its frame is made of lightweight furniture pipe, and intersecting legs connected by hinge bolts are responsible for stability. A wide working surface will help the housewife spend less time removing wrinkles from large items. The wide iron stand can support a weight of up to 7 kg, so it can accommodate not only an ordinary iron, but also a system with a steam generator. For convenience, this stand has special holes for hangers. It is worth keeping in mind that this model does not provide sleeves or shelves for things. I note that this board has a convenient height lock and rubberized legs. Overall, this is a durable, high-quality ironing board that has a lot of positive reviews from customers. This is a worthy option for a reasonable combination of price and quality!
Additional criteria
Designers develop all sorts of types and configurations and come up with original solutions. If you live in a cramped apartment, you can purchase an ironing board built into the closet. When folded, it looks like a decorative element. Another option is a small chest of drawers, the top of which is intended for ironing clothes, and the lower part can be used to store various things. If you only iron small items at home and send large items to the cleaners or laundry, you can purchase a compact tabletop design.
To make the housewife's work easier, additional functions have been introduced into some models. The fan is useful when working with synthetics and stretchy fabrics: it creates an air layer that does not allow the iron to press tightly against the fabric. Forget about shiny stains and splash marks, throw away the steaming cloths, now you won't have to worry about these problems. A steam gun or brush will help remove stains from the fabric, remove small dirt and remove foreign odors.
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For forgetful housewives, automatically adding water to the tank will be a good help. With this function, you will never have the steam supply stop on half of the sleeve, and you will never have to stop working and replenish the liquid supply. Self-cleaning descaling makes caring for the device much easier. But even in this case, it is advisable not to use too hard and contaminated water; pass it through a filter.
Leifheit AirBoard Compact M Plus
- Surface: thermoplastic with perforation;
- Height - from 78 to 98 cm;
- Length and width - 120 x 38 cm;
- Weight - 5.1 kg;
- Cover - cotton;
Another model I included in the selection is a comfortable ironing board from the European brand Leifheit, a modification of the AirBoard Compact M Plus. It is equipped with a fixed iron stand with a network connection system and a cord holder. A special feature of this model is the working surface made of perforated thermoplastic with high reflective properties. Thanks to this, the laundry is ironed on both sides at once and is 33% more efficient. Judge for yourself, you save both your time and energy costs! In addition, when using the steaming function, a steam cushion is formed between the board and the fabric, which facilitates the sliding of the iron sole and ensures ideal smoothing and preservation of the most capricious and complex types of fabrics. Adjusting the ironing board in height allows you to set a comfortable position in which you can iron without straining your back and arms.
Customer reviews indicate that this model is convenient for folding and unfolding, literally with one movement of the hand. Consumers note the quality of workmanship and stability of the design. Perhaps the only negative is that a steam station is unlikely to fit on this board; it’s not big enough. Otherwise, it’s a strong and high-quality ironing board from a German manufacturer, which has received a lot of positive feedback online.
Characteristic equipment differences
Of course, good manufacturers care about the quality of raw materials, the convenience and simplicity of designs. However, if you try to use an iron with a steam generator on a regular board, you may not only not get the desired result, but also ruin the thing - it will become stained, get wet, and overstretch in the most unexpected places.
The board for the steam generator and the device itself are a single complex that provides high speed and high-quality processing of things.
Which ironing board for a steam generator should you choose? To do this, you need to know that there are two main types: classic and active.
Classic products allow moisture to quickly evaporate and provide easy sliding for the sole of a steam generator or a special iron. This is achieved through a special flooring, combined from four layers:
Active boards have a built-in electric fan. They are also divided into two types.
The first type is with fans that create an air cushion. With blowing, ventilation and supercharging, such products not only protect delicate fabrics, but also allow complex seams to be ironed more thoroughly and improve the appearance of clothing. Even on very delicate fabrics there are no creases or rough folds.
Advice! Professional craftsmen advise purchasing a board and a steam generator from the same manufacturer. In this case, the devices will be compatible, successfully combining with each other.
