Posted: Dec 23, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

Ironing; love it or hate it, it has to be done sometime. If you find yourself regularly ploughing through an intimidating pile of ironing on week nights and at weekends, you’ll be almost certainly looking for a way to reduce ironing time. Most of us who have been responsible for the domestic ironing have already discovered the joys, if that is the right word, of steam ironing. Steam ironing is definitely preferable to the conventional variety, making the job easier and quicker. More recently the steam generator iron has joined the fray and for those with large amounts of ironing to complete on a daily basis, it can offer even more advantages than its humble cousin. However, steam generator irons are generally more expensive than the standard steam iron – so what are the advantages and should you invest?

The advantages of the steam generator iron
A steam generator iron works on the same principle as a standard steam iron – using heated steam to make fabric more flexible; this makes it easier to remove creases and reduces ironing time. The most significant differences between the two are as follows:

• Steam generator irons use pressurised steam which means they are more powerful and enhance the benefits of the standard version.
• They are lighter than a normal steam iron as the water tank is separate to the iron itself.
• In terms of efficiency the steam generator iron holds up to three times as much water and can get through more ironing, much quicker than other versions.

Ultimately the main advantage that the generator model has over the standard steam iron is
There aren’t, it has to be said, any major downsides to the steam generator iron. They are most suitable for those who have a lot of ironing to do and on a regular basis and there are a few points to consider when choosing whether to upgrade or not.

• Steam generator irons are bulkier and require more storage space, although they are not huge, this might be a consideration for some people.
• These irons can take slightly longer to heat up because the tank capacity is bigger – if you’re only ironing a blouse or shirt it is worth the few seconds wait as ironing time will be quicker with a more professional end result.
• Mesh ironing boards are better with both types of steam iron as they allow better circulation of the steam and avoid leaving clothes damp. If you don’t have one already, then you’ll probably need to invest in one.

The actual iron part of the generator iron is light and easy to use – this can make it ideal for older people, although it’s pretty good whatever age you are. The steam generator iron is also easily used in a vertical position, meaning curtains can be given a quick once over in-situ, which saves time and hassle. Although generally more expensive than the standard steam iron, some models are now available that compete well on price and in terms of functionality and will make at least one of the daily/weekly chores almost enjoyable and far, far quicker.

For effective, efficient and best of all fast ironing, a steam generator iron is a great solution. With greater capacity than the traditional steam iron, these models are easy to handle and allow you to speed through large piles of ironing in record time.