The steam station is a modern iron with advanced features. Such a modification shows excellent results not only in domestic use, but also in industrial production. What is it - a trick of marketers or a really useful scheme? Let's try to figure it out and find out all the pros and cons of devices, as well as find out the opinion of users.
General information
The term "steam station" sometimes evokes associations with a bulky and voluminous device that should produce a working mixture almost at the level of a steam locomotive. In fact, these devices are the prototype of a home (household) ironing, steaming and cleaning system. The design is based on a steam generator, and additional convenience provides a variety of functions.
Modern steam station is equipped with a module with a special boiler and water share tank. The liquid is placed in a container, heated and transformed into a vapor state. Further, water is supplied through a special hose to the sole of the iron and sprayed onto the processed items. The device works from a conventional electrical network, it is connected to a power outlet. Usually,wire and hose are supplied as a set and assembled in a fabric sheath.
Features
Separate generator provides continuous steam supply for a long period. The performance depends on the configuration of the model, which is responsible for usability and practicality.
In the steam station, the mixture is pressurized, reducing the labor intensity of the ironing procedure, saving the user's effort. Such a system allows you to optimize the ironing process at home, including the processing of bed linen. When choosing a device, you should pay attention to the functional parameters of the device, its additional features and safety in operation. Consider a few popular modifications.
Tefal Pro Express Total GV8961
The Tefal steam station looks like a big sneaker. In functional terms, everything is done here so that the user performs the provided operations quickly and without negative emotions. The design of the device has a thermal controller responsible for heating the soleplate and steam intensity.
Three types of settings are available for consumers to optimally select ironing. In the normal mode, the processing suits most things, in the delicate range, delicate fabrics are processed, and there is also a special program for jeans. All the nuances of the functioning of the installations in question are provided in the instruction manual. The control buttons are located on the front panel of the steam generator. There is also a power button and lightindicators that indicate an insufficient amount of water or the need to clean the heating elements. To get rid of scale, it is enough to unscrew the metal tank from the case, rinse it and install it back. The removable water tank is easy to fill, even without turning off the steam generator.
Bosch TDS4550
The popular Bosch steam station is one of the leaders in the presented segment. The configuration of the model differs from the analogue described above. The device slightly resembles a moon rover, ready to iron things tirelessly.
The sole of the device is made of cermet, equipped with three compartments of steam vents, which ensures optimal sliding and steam distribution. The unit guarantees a constant supply of steam in the Intelligent Steam mode (continuous action). This possibility is provided in the horizontal and vertical position of the iron. The effectiveness of the device can be seen when straightening creases (three powerful blows of steam quickly deal with them).
Application
Instructions for a steam station, regardless of model, say that when choosing, you need to pay attention to the capacity of the boiler. It can vary from 0.55 to 3.7 liters. In a conventional iron with a steam function, you can pour no more than 400 ml. Large volume indicates a long heating time and readiness for use. For a steam station, this will take from 2 to 6 minutes. Such efficiency is due to the fact that the water is not heated all at once, but in portions, depending on the required amount forsingle steam supply.
Another important feature of the devices under consideration is the supply of the working mixture under a pressure of 3-5 bar. The higher this indicator, the faster the desired effect is achieved. In the domestic market, the weakest steam release parameter is 2.5 bar. The most popular modifications with an indicator of 4-5 bar.
Vertical steam
This mode allows you to achieve maximum comfort when caring for things: there is no need to adapt to ironing complex cut wool jackets and similar products. Everything can be done by simply hanging them on a coat hanger. The vertical steam supply must be strong to achieve the desired effect. The pressure allows you to create dense jets that smooth the fabric. This design makes it possible to use the device from a distance, without touching the clothes with the iron soleplate.
The instructions for the steam station indicate the possibility of using it in a vertical position. In addition to ironing, the unit gives products freshness, which is comparable to home dry cleaning. In the domestic market, the Philips GC 9140 steam station (200 g/min.) has one of the highest values in terms of attack.
Additional accessories
Working with the unit in question is more difficult than with a conventional iron. With a mass of 4-6 kilograms, the device is not very convenient to carry around the house. To facilitate the process will allow the arrangement of a special place for ironing. It is best to adapt a special board with a slatted base and a moisture-resistant coating(wood will not work). You will also need to purchase an active analogue with a blowing function, which will also participate in ironing. The price of the issue is from two to seven thousand rubles.
Popular Manufacturers
The following are the manufacturers of the best steam stations popular in the domestic market (except those listed above):
- "Combustion" (SIT 2400 SG). The volume of the boiler is 0.8 liters, the operating pressure is 3.5 bar, and the cost is about two and a half thousand rubles.
- "Shinbo" (SSI 2852). The technique holds 800 milliliters of liquid, produces a steam force of 3 bar.
- Clatronic (DBS 3162). The device has a 1 liter boiler, provides a constant supply of steam of 40 grams per minute, the continuous operation time is 15 minutes. Working pressure - 3 bar.
- "Delongs" (VVX 380). Tank volume - 1 liter, flow rate - 80 g/min., pressure - 3.5 bar, weight - 4 kg, price - from four thousand rubles.
- Daewoo (DI 9214). With a capacity of 0.6 liters, the station can run for 11 minutes without interruption, providing a pressure of 90 g/min.
- "Lelit" (PS 09 D/I). Volume - 2 liters, pressure - 2.5 bar, weight - 8.2 kg.
- "Bork" (IS NVP 1321 BK). Capacity - 1.2 l, steam supply - 85 g / min, weight - 7.4 kg.
Steam station reviews
This device, with all its advantages, has one significant drawback - a high price. Customer feedback confirms this one hundred percent. However, the rest of the complaints are practicallydoes not occur. Consumers note that ironing has become not a torment, but a pleasure, the most problematic folds are removed in a matter of minutes.
Among the benefits: no need to add water, reduced processing time for any item, including a winter coat. In addition, the owners point to the fact that the station cannot be compared, even with the most modern and "fancy" iron. The average price of a device is from 6 to 12 thousand rubles.
Finally
Today, any housewife has an iron in her arsenal. Modifications of this device have been improved every year, now no one is surprised by the automatic fuse and the steam supply function. However, manufacturers of ironing equipment have made another leap forward by inventing special steam stations. They combine an iron and a steam generator, significantly reduce the time for processing any type of fabric, and have the function of vertical steaming. Such a unit will be useful not only at home, but also in various areas of business related to the manufacture and repair of clothing or textiles.
