How to choose a steamer for your home, characteristics, tips

There are certain things that help a modern person work and do household chores faster, neater and easier. These can easily include a steamer.

It is convenient, reliable and absolutely safe. In a matter of seconds, it will rid any clothing (from the most delicate silk, capricious chiffon and even thick jeans, drape) from the slightest wrinkles and will not cause any harm.

A modern steamer is a necessary thing, practical and versatile. It is used not only for ironing, but also to remove unpleasant odors, germs and dust that accumulate on the surface of clothes, carpets, curtains, textiles and upholstered furniture.

The TekstilTorg store provides its customers with a large selection of modern steamers, which are always in stock. But before you make a choice, you need to understand what a steamer is and how it works.

Today, the Internet is full of information, but its form is quite complex for people who do not have a technical education to perceive. All kinds of tables, diagrams and figures do not provide a complete understanding of all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular steamer. The main goal of our article is to convey to the end consumer complete information about products such as steamers. We hope it will help you easily navigate the current variety of models and make the right and informed choice by investing in truly necessary and useful equipment.

Classification of steamers: types and features of each

There are two main types of home steamers: small (handheld, compact) and large (stationary) steamers.

• Hand steamers.
  They are ideal for travel as they are small, lightweight and fit perfectly into a travel bag. Depending on the model used, water flow can vary from 13 to 20 milliliters per minute. A distinctive feature of hand steamers is the use of closed heating element technology. The same system is used in a home kettle. Which, if necessary, will allow you to use a hand-held steamer to brew a cup of tea. The main disadvantage of manual models is that if it is turned horizontally by 90 degrees, you can get burned if the tank is completely filled. Another drawback is the undesirable use of the device for more than 30 minutes without breaks. Therefore, it is advisable to buy a manual steamer when you need to process a small amount of things or for travel.
• Stationary vertical steamers
  are about 180 centimeters in height and weigh from 3 to 12 kilograms, depending on the model. Such steamers are used mainly at home, in a store, in an office, in general, where it will stand permanently and will not require transportation. These steamers are not much more expensive. The price of various models depends on many factors, such as the model of the steam iron, the type of stand, the presence of additional accessories, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of technology

Steamers come in different types, so positive and negative characteristics are inherent to one degree or another in each device. In addition to the listed qualities, use reviews of a specific model before purchasing.

Advantages of the steamer:

• Smoothes even the most delicate fabrics without damaging their appearance.
• High speed.
• Compact (applies to manual models).
• Light weight.
• Fabrics become softer to the touch after steam treatment.
• Elimination of foreign odors, incl. tobacco
• Disinfection of furniture, toys, etc.
• Duration of work – from 20 minutes to 2.5 hours.
• Fast water heating - from 20 seconds.

Disadvantages of steamers:

• The quality of processing of small items of clothing is not the best.
• Work only in a vertical position. To iron the bed linen, hang it on a line.
• The need to use distilled water. Over time, the heating element deteriorates due to exposure to chemical impurities contained in tap water. Its service life is reduced. Also, scale gradually clogs the tank, which affects the life of the product. For this reason, manufacturers do not recommend adding vinegar, perfume, or other chemicals to the water tank. You can find out how to get rid of scale here.
• Weak steaming of leather and high-density fabrics.
• Manual models have a small reservoir volume, low power and short operating time, so they are used only for ironing light items.
• Stationary models take up a lot of storage space.

What is more important: power, dryness or steam flow?

Firstly,

The more powerful the device, the more steam you will get.
This rule always works. Many buyers complain that they buy powerful steamers, but in reality the results are disastrous. This happens because manufacturers deliberately inflate the power rating to increase sales. The TekstilTorg company cooperates with trusted manufacturers, who for many years have confirmed their reputation as reliable and conscientious suppliers. Our clients can sleep peacefully and be confident that all the parameters indicated in the model passport reflect real indicators.
Secondly,

pay attention to the flow of steam. Depending on the price of the steamer, the steam flow may also vary. All steamers can be divided into three categories:

1. Steamers with a power of 1500 W consume about 20-25 ml of water per minute, price up to 4500 rubles. This is an economy class representative that can easily replace your home iron.
   It works quite slowly, and you will need a lot of time to cope with even a small amount of things.
2. Steamer with a power of up to 2300 W, steam flow from 30 to 50 ml per minute. Such models cost up to 11,000 rubles on average. This option is considered the most optimal. Since it best combines the “price-quality” parameters.
3. This includes new generation steamers with a steam flow of 55 ml per minute. It uses a new steam supply technology, different from gravity steamers. In such steamers, water is supplied dropwise from the boiler using a pump, which pumps water from the tank into the heating element. In this section, the drop is heated and turns into steam, where it remains until the steam button on the iron lever is pressed. On average, the cost of such steamers is up to 11,000 rubles. A clear advantage of the new generation of steamers is the absence of the possibility of getting burned. Since steam is supplied only after pressing a special button, unlike previous models in which steam is supplied continuously.

As scientists have found,

This steam flow is the most optimal for the ironing process. If you increase it to 70-80 ml per minute, you can achieve the opposite effect. The clothes will be oversaturated with steam, which will make them wet rather than smooth.

Third,

There is another important point - the
degree of dryness of the steam
. Unlike a steam generator, a clothes steamer produces more humid steam, which allows you to achieve such results. The steam generator, in turn, can generate from 80 to 120 ml of steam per minute, but it will be very dry.

As a conclusion,

The third group of steamers allows us to get the largest amount of steam in the shortest period of time. This is what should guide you in choosing this type of equipment.

The cheaper the model is, the slower it will work,

if you have nowhere to rush and you have a small amount of things, then you can safely take the model of the first type. But if you have to deal with a lot of things every day, for example, you work as a salesperson in a clothing store and you need to keep it in proper shape, then it would be more advisable to choose a new generation model that will allow you to get the job done in 5-10 minutes. Your experience also influences the results. The steaming technology is different from the regular ironing we are used to. The more you practice, the better and faster you will be able to do your job in the future.

Top 5 vertical steamers

There is a wide range of steamer models on the modern market; the buyer should pay attention to the products of well-known and reliable manufacturers: Mie, Maxwell, Grand Master, Philips, GM, Endever, Polaris, Kromax, Kitfort, Zimber. To make it easier for the buyer to navigate, we offer a rating of vertical steamers based on popularity in 2016 and 2022.

The first place rightfully belongs to MIE Compatto - it is called a successful new product for 2022. However, the model appeared on the market in 2015, and 2 years later it was improved by the manufacturer (the included ironing board became more stable and convenient).

The advantages of MIE Compatto include:

• high steam pressure - 3.5 bar;
• three operating modes for installing the ironing board;
• a good volume of water tank is 0.9 l.

MIE Compatto can be used as a classic vertical steamer, an iron and a portable unit - in the latter case, you need to remove the case and fix the device on your shoulder. The high price of the unit is fully justified by its quality - this is the ideal solution for home needs.

Second place goes to a unit from the same manufacturer - MIE Magic Style is designed for the care of thin and delicate fabrics. The device is equipped with a double adjustable stand designed to place clothes; the iron is equipped with heating. MIE Magic Style is a leader in the care of fur, light fabrics, and furniture. It perfectly eliminates odors, is highly effective and will not spoil a single thing. A large water tank (1.7 l) and high power allows you to use MIE Magic Style both at home and for industrial purposes.

The third place is taken by the Grand Master GM-S-205LT - this model has surpassed its “colleagues” in terms of the size of the water tank (3 l). Sufficient power (1950 W) and good steam pressure (3.5 bar) give the unit the ability to cope with a large amount of clothing - the continuous operation time is 150 minutes. 9 operating modes allow you to choose the optimal one for any type of fabric. The presence of a clamp and a brush in the package makes working with the steamer more convenient.

The advantages of the Grand Master GM-S-205LT include:

• thoughtful equipment;
• large water tank;
• sufficient power;
• presence of 9 modes;
• high-quality steaming.

We will give fourth place in the rating of floor-standing models to the best-selling model in Russia in 2014 - MIE Deluxe. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a horizontal steaming function. The unit can be used for clothes, curtains, tulle, toys; the sliding stand allows you to tidy up long evening dresses.

The advantages of MIE Deluxe include:

• a large number of different attachments;
• high power - 2600 W;
• good volume of water tank - 2.6 l;
• sliding functional stand;
• horizontal steam function;
• long period of continuous operation - 85 minutes.

The Kitfort-910 model, which ranks fifth in the rating, earned good reviews and became the choice of buyers in 2016. The steamer has low steam pressure (only 1 bar), however, with a power of 1500 W and a 1.8 liter tank, it can work without refilling with water for about an hour.

The presence of overheating protection extends the service life of the device. The set includes clips for trousers and skirts, a clothes hanger, two brushes (microfiber and fluffy). The advantages of the model are successfully complemented by an affordable price and stylish design, which made it the choice of last year and does not allow it to lose ground this year.

Accessories: basic and additional

If you want the assistant you purchased to work with full efficiency, and not demonstrate only 30% of the functionality provided by the manufacturer, provide it with useful devices and accessories. Everything that is offered for the steamer upon first purchase is called a basic set of accessories, which is more for testing the product - and cannot be used as the main one.

Recommendations for the buyer

After reading the review of the TOP 10 popular steamers on the household appliances market, the buyer will be able to navigate the characteristics and advantages and decide on their needs. Many buyers attach great importance to owner reviews - however, they are often contradictory and do not reflect the real picture. Negative reviews are usually associated with inflated demands or incorrect expectations regarding the steamer model.

Before purchasing, you should carefully read the characteristics of the device, or better yet, test its operation.

The correct choice of a steamer depends on the functions that are important to the buyer, the quality and reliability of the device guaranteed by the manufacturers, and financial capabilities.
You can find your “model” both among powerful vertical devices and among compact hand-held ones that are convenient to take with you on the road. Do not be mistaken that a steamer can completely replace an iron - the equipment should be used as an equal “brother” of the iron, correctly using its capabilities. back to all articles

What is a must-buy and what is it for?

• Water for the steamer
  is your guarantee against scale formation in the steamer. Many housewives are well aware of how scale in steam irons clogs the holes, causes incorrect operation of the device and increases the risk of its breakdown. Special water goes through several stages of purification; it does not contain salts or their compounds. Using such water, you can be sure that your steamer will work at full capacity and without failures.
• Eau de parfum
  will not only provide you with impeccable cleaning of upholstered furniture or carpets, but will also give them a pleasant aroma, eliminating pet odors and absorbed home aromas. Excellent for processing outerwear.
• care kits
  are universal and will come in handy when using a steamer. You won't have to look for rags, brushes, or cleaning fluids suitable for caring for your device when you have a professionally designed set at hand.

How to use a clothes steamer

Before steaming any clothing, be sure to read the label and follow the directions on the label. However, as a rule, the device is suitable for every type of fabric, including delicate ones. To operate, fill the device with water, turn it on and after heating, check whether it produces a lot of steam.

Hang the clothes on a hanger and place a thick piece of fabric on the back. Start steaming the products at a distance of 15-20 centimeters from the surface, while stretching the material. We steam outer clothing from the wrong side. Do not use a steamer to clean dirty items, as the device will not be able to remove stains and dirt. Be careful when working as the steam can scald and burn you.

Some clothes, such as knitted items, can only be steamed horizontally. To do this, lay the products on a thick piece of fabric, straighten the material and steam. For more information on how to steam knitted items, see the link.

Rack

This is one of the main additions to the steamer. Depending on the place of use, racks can be stationary or telescopic.

• Regular or stationary stands
  have the same diameter along their entire length, with a height of 164 to 185 cm. As practice shows, it is more convenient for a person to use a steamer with a stand that is 10-20 centimeters higher than his height.
• Telescopic stands
  are equipped with a convenient locking and rotating mechanism, which increases their stability. Each sector of the rack has a smaller diameter, which allows it to be folded, carried and height adjusted.

Obviously, such a device will be useful in any home where there is a steamer. You will receive the ideal accessory for storing the device and for its comfortable operation.

Top 5 Handheld Steamers

The rating of the best manual steamers for clothes and curtains opens with a small but stylish Mie Piccolo unit, which is not inferior in steaming quality to floor-standing devices.

Its advantages include:

• good power for hand-held devices - 1200 W;
• fast heating - 90 seconds;
• overheat protection;
• presence of a nozzle for cleaning lint;
• compact sizes.

The steamer has a stylish design - made in the manufacturer’s traditional orange and black color scheme. The package includes a Teflon mitten to protect your hands from burns and a board for placing under small items of clothing. Mie Piccolo is suitable for home use, convenient for trips and trips - the steamer can additionally serve as a kettle.

The second place is deservedly occupied by the Polaris 1412 model - a compact and convenient portable device that is convenient to use at home, on vacation or on a business trip. The device has decent power - 1200 W, and is ready for use 25 seconds after switching on.

The advantages of Polaris 1412 include:

• filter for protection against scale formation;
• fast heating - 25 seconds;
• lint cleaning attachment;
• light weight - 0.7 kg;
• ergonomic design.

Third place in the ranking is held by the small but multifunctional Kromax ENDEVER ODYSSEY Q-420 - it is suitable not only for cleaning clothes, but also for disinfecting any surfaces and household items. A distinctive feature of the model is the presence of a rotating head, which allows steam to penetrate into any hard-to-reach places. The steamer has compact dimensions and low power (800 W), the tank is small - 0.25 l, and the continuous operation time is 12 minutes. However, the operating efficiency of the Kromax ENDEVER ODYSSEY Q-420, its compact size and stylish design, which is clearly visible in the photo, allows it to confidently occupy this level of the rating.

The fourth stage was occupied by a household appliance called Philips GC332/80. It is distinguished by gentle care of delicate fabrics, and also copes well with steaming items with complex cuts.

The benefits of the Philips GC332/80 include:

• horizontal steam function;
• heated sole - smoothing of fabrics occurs without the appearance of wet spots;
• SmartFlow technology;
• ergonomic design.

The model has good power - 1200 W, and you can work with it 45 seconds after turning it on. The package includes a brush and a protective case.

Zimber ZM-10085 closes the top five leaders in hand-held devices - this simple and functional device is convenient to take with you on the road or use it at home as an alternative to an iron. Thanks to its good power of 1300 watts, the device will quickly and efficiently tidy items made from thin or thick fabrics (synthetic sweaters, trousers, bedspreads, etc.). The main advantage of the model is its affordable price - buyers appreciated the device, where the cost is lower than its high functionality. For little money, the owner gets the opportunity to use convenient and modern equipment, and also take it on the road as a kettle.

The advantages of Zimber ZM-10085 include:

• good power;
• high-quality steaming of different types of fabrics;
• compact dimensions;
• light weight.

The package includes a nozzle for textiles.

Steam iron

It is simply impossible to imagine the full operation of a steamer without such an important accessory. The steam iron can be made of plastic, metal plate, metal sole, ceramic sole. Depending on the price and quality, it can be with or without heating. When choosing a steam iron, remember that metal and ceramic soles heat up faster. This means that a certain amount of condensation that did not have time to evaporate will remain on things. But just wait a couple of minutes and it will pass.

Pay attention

that in new generation steamers there is no such problem. The additional heating element, which is located in the handle of the steam iron, has a constant heating system that will eliminate unwanted condensation.

Equipment disadvantages

When choosing a steamer, it is important to be guided by its technical characteristics . Often they are the cause of many disappointments. It is advisable for the consumer to seek the help of a sales consultant who would accurately indicate the main differences between the devices.

It is believed that the steamer copes worse with linen and cotton products than a conventional iron. When purchasing a device with high power, you will have to provide sufficient space for its storage. Such models have impressive dimensions. Obviously, in a small apartment this may pose certain problems.

Steamers with rich functionality will definitely cost more than standard devices. There is no need to buy luxury equipment if you plan to use it in exceptional cases. We should not forget about compactness . With such steamers it leaves much to be desired. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to take a 7-kilogram device on a trip. In addition, manufacturers recommend using a special liquid instead of ordinary water, which is not always cheap.

And a couple more...

Obviously, it is difficult to imagine normal operation of the steamer without the above additions. However, if you want not only to increase the functionality of the device, but also to create comfortable conditions for its operation, you just need to stock up on a couple more useful additions.

For example, some steamers have a place where you can hang a hanger with clothes, which means that you don’t have to hold the item in your hand. Agree, when both hands are free, it is much easier to operate the device. The thermal oven will protect your hands from burns, and a special board for steaming pockets will speed up the process of ironing them. A bag for transporting the steamer will come in handy when you move frequently. Using a crease clip to guide your pants will give you a perfectly straight line, and a pants hanger will make working with them easier. When you purchase them and start using them, you will understand that the seemingly insignificant accessories were invented not for fun, but in order to use the steamer with pleasure.

What things should not be steamed?

Despite all their positive qualities, not all types of clothing and fabrics can be treated with a steamer.

1. If the clothing label has a dry cleaning sign, then steam is contraindicated.
2. It is better to take fur items to dry cleaning.
3. Steam may stretch or shrink a wool sweater.
4. The steamer will not smooth out overdried linen and cotton. In this case, it is better to iron the fabric while wet on a medium setting.
5. The crossed out iron symbol indicates that this type of fabric cannot be treated with a steamer.
6. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is not recommended to be steamed, as after treatment stains may remain and the color of the product may change.

A steamer is an easy way to iron your wardrobe and a multifunctional assistant in everyday life. The main advantage of the unit is its simple operating principle, easy care of clothes, and quick assembly. Thanks to additional functions, you can wash glass and mirrors, care for furniture, and remove animal hair. For asthmatics and allergy sufferers, a necessary device that fights dust, lint, mites and foreign odors.

Do you need a steamer?

It should be noted right away that a steamer cannot fully replace an iron, but it has a number of significant advantages.

• Unlike even the highest quality and most expensive branded iron, the steamer is absolutely safe
  even for ultra-delicate items. The steam acts very gently, so that the sweetness disappears, and the fabric becomes soft and silky in a matter of minutes. To achieve such a result using an iron, you will need a lot of experience and knowledge of the technical features of each individual model.
• Steamers can be used not only for ironing and giving outerwear their original appearance. They are good for cleaning upholstered and textile furniture
  , bedspreads, curtains, as well as wall and floor carpets, because hot steam not only smoothes, it kills germs and eliminates odors.
  And if you buy special flavored water
  , the steaming process will be even more enjoyable. Agree, it’s pleasant to do household chores (cleaning carpets, sofas, a dusty jacket or coat) and enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass, tropical forest or the aroma of a blooming garden and meadow flowers. And when the mood is good, things get done quickly and easily.
• The iron is a relic of the 20th century, and today a steam generator copes with its functions much more efficiently. In terms of cost, it does not exceed the usual iron
  .
  But in conditions where using an iron or steam generator is impossible or physically inconvenient, for example, in a store, when after countless fittings, things need to be quickly put in order, a steamer will be an excellent way out of the situation. Practice shows that today many retail clothing stores are adopting steamers that are more convenient to use
  , leaving modern irons in the background.

So, whether you need a steamer or not, everyone decides for themselves. But the undeniable fact is that a steamer can significantly simplify the life of a simple housewife, a business woman and an avid bachelor. When you don’t have time to put on the ironing board and wait for the iron to heat up, you just need to plug in the steamer and start the process after 3-5 minutes. At the same time, you don’t have to be afraid that with some careless movement you can make a hole in your blouse, or, if you linger a minute longer, you can leave a burnt mark in the middle of your favorite trousers.

The steamer is chosen by those who value their time and comfort. Who doesn’t want to spend precious minutes ironing clothes, but would rather spend this time productively? And if you have already decided to buy, do not think about saving. Choose a model that meets the highest requirements. Technical progress does not stand still and new, improved modifications appear every day. They may cost a little more, but they work much better. Pay attention to manufacturer brands. A good brand is always well-known; its reliability and quality are evidenced by favorable reviews and high consumer demand.

Purpose and principle of operation

The name of the technique contains the principle of its operation - cleaning and smoothing the surface is achieved by treating clothes with steam..

A distinctive feature of the design of the device is the presence of a water tank, where, when heated to boiling point, water turns into steam.

The steam flow hits the surface to be treated through the nozzles; thanks to the high pressure and directed steam flow, the material is “softened” and smoothed out.

Using a steamer has a number of advantages over regular ironing:

• handles fabric with care - the device is indispensable when delicate care is required;
• removes stains and dirt well;
• neutralizes unpleasant odors;
• does not leave creases or shiny spots on the fabric;
• allows you to smooth curtains and tulles without removing them from the installation site.

This household appliance is convenient to use due to its portability: there is no need to prepare a workplace and remove clothes from hangers - this advantage is highly valued by professional seamstresses and clothing designers. A steamer is indispensable when working with designer items: the steam penetrates well into hard-to-reach places and will not spoil lace, rhinestones, leather, fur or sequins. This technique will not replace an iron, but together with it, a steamer can create a full-fledged tandem, suitable for clothes, curtains, tulles and allowing you to smooth out any fabrics.

Where can I buy a steamer?

Today, steamers have become extremely popular, so you can buy them in almost any hardware store. But there you cannot count on the honesty and integrity of one seller, whose sincerity is highly doubtful.

Only in such specialized stores as TekstilTorg, where all the equipment is thoroughly familiar to sales consultants and managers, will you buy a truly high-quality and highly functional assistant. Our employees will answer all your questions, provide you with a complete package of documents for the selected model, tell you about its advantages and show you in action. Without haste, without being distracted by other buyers, they will pay your attention to every little detail, give practical advice and select a model according to your individual criteria. When planning to purchase complex technical devices with a wide range of functions, trust the professionals so as not to be disappointed in the new item.

Useful tips

1. Before using the device for the first time, be sure to read the instructions for use.
2. It is easier to steam outerwear if it is fastened with buttons or a zipper, and you can place rolled towels in the sleeves.
3. The smallest parts are steamed first - collars, cuffs, pocket flaps. Then the sleeves and the rest are processed.
4. Do not place your palm under the fabric, as you may get burned. For this purpose, use a thermal glove.
5. The steamed product should hang on hangers for some time to cool and dry.
6. Do not steam contaminated items; the dirt will only become more absorbed into the structure.
7. Never use a steamer for products made of natural fur (fur coats, sheepskin coats, hats). When heated above 50 °C, the leather base loses its elasticity and collapses.

Why is it convenient, profitable and easy to order steamers from TekstilTorg?

1. Only current offers.
   The information on the site is updated daily, so you can be sure that all products presented are actually in stock. And you will be able to purchase the latest new products that have just rolled off the assembly line.
2. Help and advice on choosing.
   We try to provide the most complete information about all the equipment available in our store, so that after reading the review, you can immediately decide whether this steamer is right for you or not.
   If during the selection process you have any questions about the technical parameters of products, or about payment and delivery, you can always contact our managers
   , who will be happy to answer all your questions.
3. We value your opinion.
   Unlike regular retail stores, we monitor customer opinions and try to match them. Therefore, we are happy to advise everyone on operational issues before and after purchase, so that you can be confident that you can count on technical support at any time. We'll tell you how to choose a clothes steamer.
4. You can trust us!
   TekstilTorg sells only 100% original products from the best manufacturers of household appliances. We carefully study and test each product before shipping to ensure you receive high-quality, working equipment. We also take care of all concerns related to warranty and post-warranty service.
5. Convenient delivery options.
   We deliver throughout the Russian Federation. And residents of Moscow and the Moscow region can experience the benefits of courier delivery, when your order is delivered directly to your home.
6. Huge selection of models.
   Here every client will find a steamer that will satisfy him both in terms of technical parameters and price.
7. The best prices.
   We work with manufacturers directly, without intermediaries or third parties. And we try to present as many options as possible in different price categories, so that, regardless of your financial capabilities, you can make a profitable purchase and appreciate all the advantages of modern steamers personally.

If you want to get acquainted with the steamer models in person, we invite you to look at our catalog.

A little history

The first steamer, which became the prototype of modern devices, was patented in 1940 by the American company Jiffy Steamer and was intended to restore the shape of felt hats, popular at that time. Subsequently, the device became more focused on clothing, and many models appeared, varying in characteristics, sizes and prices. Steamers became available to domestic consumers only in the early 2000s; they were accepted with great enthusiasm and are still very popular to this day. But initially – it’s all in the bag!