Today, steam generators are an excellent alternative to irons. They make it possible to carry out the same actions as irons, only several times faster and more convenient. The choice of a steam generator is not an easy task, but everyone can control it. The main criteria for this are just presented in our article. In addition, "Expert.Quality" invites readers to view the TOP of the best steam generators for home with a simple principle of operation and effective ironing.
- How to choose a steam generator for your home
- Best inexpensive steam generators
- 1. Philips HI5914 / 30
- 2. Bosch TDS 2120
- 3. Polaris PSS 7505K Retro
- 4. Tefal SV6020E0
- The best steam generators in the middle price segment
- 1. Philips GC7920 / 20 PerfectCare Compact Plus
- 2. Tefal GV9071 Pro Express Care
- 3. Philips GC8930 / 10 PerfectCare Expert Plus
- 4. Tefal GV8977
- 5. Philips GC9315 PerfectCare Aqua Pro
- 6. Bosch TDS 6540
- Which steam generator is better to buy
How to choose a steam generator for your home
Choosing a good steam generator for home use is not difficult. Let's consider the main criteria:
- Power... It affects the rate of heating of the liquid in the tank, as well as the amount of steam. The optimal indicator is considered to be from 1.5 kW or more.
- Pressure... This parameter is responsible for the depth of penetration of steam into the material. The minimum value is 3.5 bar.
- Steam flow rate... It is this possibility that the steam generator differs from a conventional iron. Experts recommend considering options with a speed of 100 g / min or more.
- Outsole material... The heating temperature of the sole and its strength depend on it. Today Teflon and ceramics are considered the best.
- Service warranty period... It is worth looking at the manufacturer here, since a conscientious brand provides its products with a fairly long warranty. The standard figure is 2 years, but sometimes longer periods are found.
Teflon sole in steam generators is extremely rare and expensive, so you should not look for it for a long time, since ceramics have similar abilities and are considered to be no less durable.
The listed criteria will help you figure out which steam generator is better to buy without sparing money. Next, let's move on to the list of leaders that meet the highest user requirements.
Best inexpensive steam generators
Let's start our ranking of the best steam generators for the home with budget models. Despite their low cost, such products are considered universal, since they perform the functions of several other devices at the same time. In addition, they are easy to operate, capable of efficient tissue disinfection and last much longer than the manufacturer's warranty period.
Next, consider the four real leaders in the category of inexpensive steam generators. They deserve attention based on customer reviews and their technical features.
1. Philips HI5914 / 30
This stylish home steam generator comes with a high stand. The design is designed in two colors - white and purple. The wire is fastened in a ball manner, while it is not too high, so nothing will interfere with the user during work.
The 2400 W device delivers a maximum pressure of 5 bar. The constant steam index here reaches 100 g / min, and the steam shock - 180 g / min. The fluid reservoir holds about 1100 ml. Additional functions in the considered model of the steam generator are: protection against limescale, self-shutdown when idle, vertical steaming. The length of the steam hose and the power cord is the same - 1.6 m. The model of the steam generator is sold at an affordable price - 70–77 $
Pros:
- the container for liquid is easily removed;
- excellent steam output;
- long warranty;
- lack of unnecessary functions;
- ease of use;
- perfect smoothing of creases on cotton material.
Minus only one was found here - a non-removable mesh in the water tank.
The mesh quickly clogs up, and it is possible to clean it without removing it with a cotton swab or a tampon moistened with peroxide.
2. Bosch TDS 2120
The small two-color steam generator gets positive reviews due to its comfortable handle, connected to the body on one side only. It is comfortable, does not slip out of hands and does not bend. The wire for connecting to the network is hidden in the stand.
The Bosch steam generator works with a power of 2400 W. As a result of prolonged inactivity, the automatic shutdown function is triggered. Additionally there are: steam boost with a flow rate of 200 g / min and constant steam - 110 g / min. The sole of this model is made of ceramic.
Benefits:
- convenient placement of the steam button;
- capacious reservoir for liquid;
- quick transition to a different operating mode;
- sufficient power;
- high-quality materials of manufacture.
Disadvantage the power cord protrudes to prevent it from standing upright.
3. Polaris PSS 7505K Retro
The retro-styled steam generator will certainly appeal to all modern housewives. It has a large stand in which the wire is folded. It also provides the main indicators necessary for the convenient operation of the device.
The steam generator model with a maximum pressure of 7.5 bar has a power of 2400 W. It is capable of vertical steaming. The capacity of the water tank here reaches 1200 ml. Of the features of the functional, it is worth noting the ECO mode and the possibility of adding liquid during operation. In addition, the manufacturer has provided a technology for uniform heat distribution over the ceramic sole. The average price of the model under consideration reaches 10 thousand rubles.
Advantages:
- large water tank;
- accelerated heating;
- improved ironing;
- strong enough pressure;
- creative design.
The only one disadvantage can be called the formation of scale, albeit in a minimal amount.
4. Tefal SV6020E0
Completing this category is an inexpensive steam generator from the famous French brand. Tefal has been successfully manufacturing household appliances since the middle of the last century, and therefore consumer confidence in it has long been at the highest level.
The Tefal steam generator model has reliable protection against scale, thanks to which it does not have to be cleaned after each use. The power of the device reaches 2200 watts. Regarding the steam function, the flow rate for constant steam is 100 g / min, and for steam shock 130 g / min. The power cord is durable and is 1.6 meters long.
Pros:
- ease of use;
- high-quality assembly;
- quick ironing;
- compact dimensions;
- optimal power.
Minus is only uneven steam supply.
Steam can burn your hands at maximum power, so use this function with care.
The best steam generators in the middle price segment
More expensive steam generators do an excellent job of ironing fabrics folded in several layers. They are subject to any durable materials, for example, towels, blankets, etc. Such devices are allowed to be safely used for processing any clothes, bed linen, curtains, etc. With them, users do not have to think about the type and thickness of the fabric, and their smoothing will take a minimum of time.
Our experts have collected the 6 best models according to the owners' reviews. Each of them is unique in its own way, so when choosing, you will have to pay attention to all the nuances.
1. Philips GC7920 / 20 PerfectCare Compact Plus
Understanding which steam generator is better, you should definitely pay attention to the model that took first place in the category of the middle price segment. It was created under the name of a brand based in the Netherlands and supplies its products to most parts of the world.
The compact steam generator is equipped with a ceramic soleplate.It is protected from limescale, has an automatic shutdown function and the possibility of vertical steaming. The power of this device is equal to 2400 W, the consumption with steam shock reaches 430 g / min, with constant steam - 120 g / min.
Benefits:
- removable water tank;
- compact size;
- self-cleaning function;
- sufficiently strong steam flow;
- automatic determination of the required temperature;
- glides perfectly on fabric.
Disadvantage excessive noise during operation is considered.
2. Tefal GV9071 Pro Express Care
The steam generator for the home is decorated in dark colors, which is why it looks truly modern. The main control buttons are located on the stand, so it is convenient to press them, and you can set the basic settings right before work.
The model works with a power of 2400 watts. It has an anti-drip system as well as a vertical steaming function. Additionally, the manufacturer has provided an automatic shutdown with a warning sound signal. The length of the wire for connecting to the socket is 1.8 m.
Advantages:
- quiet work;
- increased ironing quality;
- intuitive control;
- convenient compartment for storing the wire;
- removable fluid reservoir.
Disadvantage buyers call regular limescale.
The self-cleaning system of the steam generator does not cope with its functions in the best way, because of which the user will have to remove plaque on his own.
3. Philips GC8930 / 10 PerfectCare Expert Plus
A small steam generator in black and white looks modern. It has a large water tank with a transparent lid to control the flow during operation.
The power of the device reaches 2100 W. The flow rate for constant steam is 120 g / min, with steam shock - 420 g / min. The sole is made of stainless steel. The construction weighs about 4 kg.
Pros:
- price quality;
- durability;
- convenient weight;
- excellent vertical ironing;
- capacious reservoir for liquid.
Minus one can only name the difficulty in smoothing dense fabrics - this will take more time.
4. Tefal GV8977
The unusual Tefal steam generator with an elongated wire looks like an ordinary iron. It sits on a compact stand that houses virtually all of the controls and indicators.
The device receives positive reviews due to its technical characteristics: power of 2400 W, consumption at steam shock 420 g / min, 1600 ml water tank, automatic shutdown function. The self-cleaning system should be noted separately, which greatly simplifies the task for the user.
Benefits:
- a sufficiently long power cord;
- increased steam supply;
- fast self-cleaning from scale;
- adding water during operation;
- durable outsole does not scratch things.
Disadvantage here is one - few holes for steam outlet.
5. Philips GC9315 PerfectCare Aqua Pro
A quality steam generator from a renowned manufacturer has an enlarged water tank built into the base. The wire for connecting to the outlet is automatically wound and located at the very bottom of the structure.
The Philips steam generator has a maximum pressure of 6.5 bar. The liquid container holds 2500 ml. The length of the hose through which the steam is supplied is 1.7 m, the length of the power cable is 1.8 m. The whole structure weighs only 4.2 kg.
Advantages:
- light weight;
- availability of a universal mode for processing any material;
- excellent steam supply;
- fast ironing;
- large water tank.
Disadvantage we can assume that there is a high probability of scalding of hands while working with the steam generator.
6. Bosch TDS 6540
The last place in the rating is occupied by a steam generator with a three-color design. The cord, as in other models, can be hidden in the stand, moreover, this is done automatically. In form, it is not much different from competitors, but the characteristics are really special here.
The technical features of the steam generator draw the attention of even the most fastidious users to it: power 2400 W, steam boost 450 g / min, constant steam rate - 120 g / min, water capacity 1300 ml. In addition, it is worth noting the possibility of manual and automatic adjustment of the steam supply. The sole here is made of ceramic. It is possible to buy such a device for an average of 16 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- enough steam;
- there is no need to constantly adjust the temperature;
- ease of ironing;
- accelerated fight against creasing of any fabric;
- steam does not burn things.
The only one minus owners call excess noise during operation.
Due to the high power, the steam generator starts to make a lot of noise even at the lowest temperature.
Which steam generator is better to buy
Having sorted out the criteria and reviewed the list of the best models, most users may still have a question about how to choose a steam generator for the home. At first glance, it seems that the choice is worth the price, but in reality, our experts highlight two important points that you should definitely pay attention to when a dilemma arises. They are - power and steam boost. So, in the first parameter, Philips HI5914 / 30 and Tefal GV8977 are in the lead, in the second - Tefal GV9071 Pro Express Care and Bosch TDS 6540.