The differences between a steam generator, steam iron, and clothes steamer
Comparison steam generators, steam irons, and clothes steamers
| Steam generators | Steam irons | Clothes steamers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam output | High | Medium | Low |
| Ironing need | Large amount of laundry | Small amount of laundry | A few items of clothing |
| Stubborn wrinkles | Always | Sometimes | No |
| Stiff fabrics | Always | Sometimes | No |
Iron load and steam output
Steam generators: large amount of laundry
Steam generators are real powerhouses, thanks to their high steam production. That's why they're suitable for small and large loads of laundry. The steam production and the steam pressure play a large part in the power of the device. We indicate the steam pressure in bar. The higher the steam pressure, the more powerful the steam is. With a high pressure of at least 6 bar, you can completely iron a clothing item on 1 side.
Steam irons: small amount of laundry
Steam irons have a higher steam output than clothes steamers, but a lower one than steam generators. Do you want a steam iron that can iron stubborn wrinkles? Check the steam burst. This has to be at least 150g per minute if you want to remove stubborn wrinkles. Steam irons have a smaller water tank than steam generators. This makes them less suitable for large loads of laundry.
Clothes steamers: a few items of clothing
Clothes steamers have a low steam output, so they're not suitable for all iron loads. A low steam output has little effect on thick fabrics and stubborn wrinkles. Clothes steamers are useful if you quickly want to freshen up or remove wrinkles from clothing. It's also easy to take a clothes steamer with you on vacation. This way, you can also enjoy clothes without wrinkles at your destination.
Conclusion
A steam generator is suitable for every ironing job. Large amounts of laundry and stubborn wrinkles are no problem for a steam generator. The iron is also lighter, because the water is in a tank instead of the iron itself. Do you want a device to iron large loads of laundry often? Choose a steam generator. Do you have less laundry or don't you iron often? A steam iron or a clothes steamer is also a good option.
