Stop Wasting Time Ironing. Instead, use a Steam Generator Iron -Here’s an interesting article I came across that I thought you might find interesting. By the way, I checked with my dry cleaner, and she told me it’s true that dry steam works wonders.

Written by erniemorse7378422 on Aug-29-10 8:49am
From: chairantiques.technostuff.net

For most people, ironing is a bit of a chore. It’s one of those tasks that simply has to be done, but there can’t be many people who enjoy it. You can watch TV or listen to the radio whilst you iron in order to reduce the boredom a little – but it’s never going to be an enjoyable task.

However, many people now have the opportunity to significantly reduce the amount of time that they spend “doing the ironing” thanks to changes in technology. Steam generator irons have now become available to the general public. In the past, they were the preserve of dry cleaners and professionals. Users commonly report a 50% reduction in ironing time when using a steam generator iron.
In terms of appearance, steam generator irons look quite similar to conventional steam irons – but with a large base unit. It’s the base unit that makes the difference. Steam generator irons don’t have any water inside the iron itself – that large base unit is actually both a water reservoir and boiler which is used to generate large volumes of high pressure steam. This is fed to the iron by means of a hollow connecting tube.

Using the above technique, steam generator irons produce much more steam than a conventional steam iron. It is also at a higher pressure. This large amount of high pressure steam penetrates deep into the fabric of whatever you’re pressing and makes it easier – and faster – to remove creases and wrinkles. The end result is better and, as previously mentioned, you can cut your ironing time in half like this.

Steam generator irons do tend to cost a little more than traditional steam irons. However, considering the time savings, plus the improved quality of the finished garments, you may be quite happy to pay the price. Discounts are often available both online and offline. If you know what you’re looking for then you might just be able to snap up a bargain.

There are five main criteria that you should review when choosing a steam generator iron:

1. The output quantity and pressure of the steam produced.

2. The capacity of the water reservoir.

3. The soleplate design and material.

4. How easy it is to clean the iron.

5. The ease of use.

Steam output is normally measured in grams per minute. Something in the range of 70 – 140 g/min should be sufficient. Steam pressure of something between 4.5 and 5.0 bar is desirable and should see you achieve the time savings already discussed.

Be sure to opt for a water reservoir that is of sufficient size for you so that you don’t need to keep stopping to add more water. A 1.4 litre tank should give sufficient steam for about two hour’s ironing. Larger tanks are also available.

The soleplate should be durable and should glide easily across the fabric to be pressed. Materials such as stainless steel and ceramics tend to make good soleplates.

If your house is supplied with hard water, then you will need to make sure that you avoid any accumulation of scale in your iron. This can reduce the efficiency of the device and also shorten its useful working life. The Tefal steam generator iron range incorporates a very handy scale trap which can simply be unscrewed, cleaned under running water and then replaced back into the iron. Other manufacturers use different techniques, including removable cartridges. Chemical treatment is another possibility, if a somewhat little less convenient one.

When it comes to ease of use, this will be very dependent upon the requirements of different users. However, it’s a good idea to pick a model which has a long enough connection between the base unit and the iron so that you can position the base on the ground should you wish. This is especially useful if you have a small ironing board.

A detachable reservoir which can be taken to the sink for filling directly under the tap might be useful. Many people will find this easier. A fast heat up time after filling is definitely desirable. A heat up time of no more than a couple of minutes should be achievable with the majority of modern steam generator irons. Here are 2 steam generators with excellent user reviews…

Smartek ST-X100N Powerfull Steam Station Iron

Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
5 star:
(3)
4 star: (0)
3 star: (0)
2 star: (0)
1 star: (0)

Affordable 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)
Convenience 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)
Durability 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5 out of 5 stars Goodbye Local Dry Cleaners, December 7, 2009
By Jack Parker

Say goodbye to ironing (and you local dry cleaners) and step into the world of steaming.
This Steam Station does exactly as advertised: “presses dry steam into the fabric of your clothing, softening the fibers, and smoothing out wrinkles in a fraction of the time”.

Although extremely powerful, I used this Steam Station iron on silks and delicate fabrics and it came out beautiful and it kept the fabric like new. At first I was hesitant to try it with delicate clothing.

Calculate the amount of money you spend at your cleaners – this product basically pays for itself!

So long Mr. & Mrs. Local Dry Cleaners

Smartek ST-X100N Powerfull Steam Station Iron

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DeLonghi Stiromeglio Compact PRO 300 Ironing System with Pressurized Boiler

Customer Review Details
4.4 out of 5 stars (76 customer reviews)
5 star:
(50)
4 star:
(13)
3 star:
(11)
2 star:
(1)
1 star:
(1)

86 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Beast!, May 15, 2006
By Laura L. Nagel “Laura” 86 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Beast!, May 15, 2006
By Laura L. Nagel “Laura”

Apparently, I am one of the few remaining individuals who feel the need for freshly ironed clothing. I’ve always used steam irons, Rowenta most recently, with consistently disappointing results. Over the years, I’ve increased my use of spray starch to make up for the power I’ve believed should have originated in the iron. But no more!

After deciding I wasn’t ready for a presser or a mangle for my clothing, and knowing I really didn’t need to press that many tablecloths, I discovered a new genre: steam generating irons. And, after some significant research, I ordered this DeLonghi model.

It is truly a different beast than anything I’ve ever used! What steam production!!! The temperature of the iron sole plate is controlled independently from the quantity of steam desired. Tap water is actually recommended for use. The iron, while substantial in heft, is not heavy. And the old-fashioned looking cork handle is soft, smooth and cool to the touch.

But the bottom line is the job it does on my clothing and linen! While the ads say that this machine will cut your ironing time in half, I cannot say this is true…..mainly because I find myself taking the time to marvel over how each pass with the iron produces such a professional-looking surface! Really, the only thing that’s been halved is my use of spray starch, which is an unforseen and welcome benefit!

Am I happy with my new “beast?” You bet! Would I buy another? No way….I suspect this well-designed machine is going to last me a long, long time. But can I recommend this one for you? Without reservation!

DeLonghi Stiromeglio Compact PRO 300 Ironing System with Pressurized Boiler<