How to choose a modern iron for home use? How to choose the right iron for home use

An iron is not a luxury, but a necessary thing in every home. That is why the owners and hostesses devote a lot of time and effort to choosing this device. After all, no one wants to go to work in an unironed shirt, trousers or dress, and a bad iron can break all of a sudden, or even worse, burn through your favorite thing. That is why, we have compiled a rating of the best models of 2017, and also give recommendations on choosing this good iron.

Which brand of iron is better?

One of the most important parameters in choosing a good iron is choosing the right brand. In our markets, imported companies are more popular, which have been producing devices for many years and value their reputation. Below we will consider the most popular brands among buyers.

	Peculiarities: high-quality and reliable Steam Glide sole, which is not susceptible to scratches and other damage. Philips irons are also considered the safest.
	Peculiarities: ceramic sole with the addition of various metals, which has a perfect glide on the surface.
	Peculiarities: Famous German quality, good materials. Otherwise, they are in no way inferior to analogues.
	Peculiarities: Equipped with textile protectors to protect delicate fabrics. Skillfully shaped irons help to quickly iron clothes.

How to choose a good iron for home?

First you need to decide on the type of iron. The choice between steam or conventional is no longer relevant, since the former are practically no longer produced, while the former are divided into 2 types: with a built-in or with an external water tank.

Steam stations (with an external water tank) are usually used in industries (studios and the like), so they are expensive, but they have a lot of power. A conventional steam iron is much cheaper and has enough power for home use.

Choosing a sole

This is the most important characteristic, on which the quality of ironing directly depends. The most popular sole materials at the moment are aluminum, cermet, stainless steel and teflon.

Aluminum mainly used in budget options. It is an inexpensive and relatively light material. Irons with this coating heat up quickly and glide well, but it is better not to use them on delicate items. Due to the fact that aluminum is a soft metal, damage quickly appears on it (scratches, notches, and so on).

The alternative is stainless steel. This material is much stronger than aluminum, so after ironing there are no marks and no scratches. But the weight of the device at the same time increases significantly.

Ceramics is a more modern material, therefore it can withstand any temperature conditions very well, is well suited for delicate fabrics and does not stick to clothes. The only drawback is the increased fragility.

Another modern sole material is teflon. It is used on expensive models, which should be especially good at smoothing rumpled things. But, like ceramics, Teflon is quite fragile, so you should avoid zippers, fasteners, and the like.

We select the required power of the device

There are several main groups into which irons are divided by power.

1. < 1500 Вт - these are usually cheap models that are not designed for ironing thick fabrics (towel, bathrobe). Basically, this power is enough for camping irons.
2. 1500 - 2000 W- most of the modern models can be attributed to this group. They will be able to cope with almost any type of clothing.
3. > 2000 W- professional options, which are mainly used in production.

Additional functionality

Modern devices can be equipped with wide functionality, but in fact, out of all the functions listed in the specifications, you may need only a few.

The most useful features are:

• Continuous steam. Pay attention to this characteristic, because the higher the value (can be from 10 to 150 g / min), the better things will be smoothed out.
• Spray. If you need to wet things, then you need a sprayer.
• Drop-stop system. Prevents the release of water droplets from the holes on the sole.
• Auto power off. A very important parameter that can one day save from a fire in your house.

All other parameters are equally important, but you can easily do without them. You can see the detailed characteristics of the most popular models below.

The best irons for home - Rating TOP-10

Photo	Name	Power	Cord length	Our rating	Price
		2400 W	2.5 m
		2400 W	2 m
		1800 W	1.8 m
		2300 W	2 m
		2400 W	2.5 m
		2600 W	2.5 m
		2200 W	1.8 m
		2800 W	2.5 m
		2400 W	1.8 m
		2400 W	No

In our rating, the build quality, specifications, price, expert opinion and, of course, user reviews played a decisive role. If you have any comments or additions to the rating, write in the comments.

1. Braun TexStyle TS785STP is the best model of 2017

With the Braun TexStyle TS785STP iron, you will surely forget about the problems that haunted you while ironing delicate fabrics. Special nozzles Textile Protector and Soft Textile Protector minimize the risk of sheen on black delicate fabrics, and cauterization of the fabric from high temperatures.

As for the soles, the manufacturer did not sell too cheap, and installed one of the highest quality soles in the world - Saphire. Compared to stainless steel (which is found on most irons), Saphire is 4 times stronger, scratch resistant and looks like new for a long time.

Braun TexStyle TS785STP can also be used for vertical steaming (mainly used for steaming curtains or clothes). Just press the “extra steam” button and a powerful burst of steam will be able to smooth out even the most difficult creases. A large water tank (400 ml) allows you to iron a large number of things without being distracted by “refueling” the iron.

The auto-off function will create the safest and most energy-saving conditions for ironing. In a horizontal position, the device turns off after 30 seconds, and in a vertical position after 8 minutes.

In general, this is a very powerful device (2400 W) made of quality materials. Overheating protection, anti-scale system, leakage prevention, high-quality coating, wide functionality - this is what distinguishes a really best iron from mediocre ones.

• 2 additional nozzles for delicate fabrics
• Quality sole
• Steam is evenly distributed
• Auto power off function
• long cord

• High price

2. Philips GC 4510/30 - faster, lighter and smarter

Another steam iron with a vertical steam function is the Philips GC 4510/30. Unlike the previous model, here the steam boost is a little more modest, it is 170 g / min, nevertheless, things on a hanger or curtains are steamed quite easily.

The ironing surface is made using the unique SteamGlide Plus technology. This is a ceramic sole that provides the best possible glide. Steam holes are located in those places that allow you to smooth out even hard-to-reach places on clothes.

The Philips Azur Performer spout is specially designed to reach the most hidden places on clothing. The pointed shape, the thin surface and the button hole allow you to iron even around the buttons. For quick and easy movement of the iron, the manufacturer has chosen the optimal weight, which allows you to iron and put the device on the board without much effort. Cleaning the device is as easy as using it. To remove scale, manufacturers have equipped the device with an automatic cleaning function, which allows you to keep the desired steam power at a high level.

Like all modern irons, Philips GC 4510/30 is equipped with an automatic shutdown function in case of real estate (it turns off after 5 minutes). All in all, a very good option for the money and the customer reviews of this product are mostly positive.

• Reliable build
• Weight only 1.45 kg
• 300 ml water tank
• High power, due to this fast heating
• Automatic steam regulation

• Not found

3. Bosch TDA 2325 - the best price / quality ratio

The most important part of an iron is the soleplate. The quality and results of ironing depend on it. Therefore, this is the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing the best iron for your home.

Bosch TDA 2325 is equipped with a ceramic coating that does not leave things shiny after ironing and does not scratch. This is a proprietary development called “Palladium-glissée”, which allows the sole to glide well over the fabric, regardless of what the clothes are made of. Steam holes are located in those places that will provide the most efficient steaming. The “nose” was made narrower so that hard-to-reach places (collars, pockets, buttons, etc.) could be reached.

Bosch also makes sure that their products do not fail after a few months of use. Special System 2 Anti Calc softens tap water by replacing negative calcium and magnesium ions with special granules. Thus, tap water can be poured into the Bosch TDA 2325 without damage to the iron. The special Self-clean function will remove the formed plaque on the dosing device. The manufacturer considered it necessary to equip the Bosch TDA 2325 with a vertical steam function. But with a steam boost power of 55g/min, it will take a long time to steam curtains or things, so buyers often complain about this feature.

Nevertheless, despite its minor flaws, the TDA 2325 is an excellent option for permanent use at home. Thanks to high-quality materials and Bosch quality, the device will serve you for a very long time.

• You can not be afraid of scale
• Heats up quickly
• A light weight
• Capacious water tank - 220 ml
• Quality Palladium-glissée outsole

• No "antidrop"

4. Tefal FV 3930 - a powerful device of European assembly

The French company Tefal also likes to please us with good irons with high-quality assembly. This time, the FV 3930 model got into our rating with vertical steam, self-cleaning function, automatic shutdown and much more.

The basis of this iron is the Durilium soleplate, which provides the most comfortable and easy sliding of the device over clothes. This is a ceramic-metal sole with special steam holes. These holes are positioned in such a way as to effectively cope with the most difficult folds. And in order not to damage delicate things with steam, automatic adjustment, depending on the temperature regime, will select its optimal amount. A narrow “nose” and a special groove for buttons allows you to get to the most secluded places (collars, pockets, buttons, and so on).

So that tap water does not affect the operation of the device in any way, the manufacturer provided for the presence of an anti-lime rod. Also, the long-term operation of Tefal FV 3930 is facilitated by the Anti Scale System anti-scale function and the self-cleaning function.

In general, this is a very high-quality model with a French assembly, which is equipped with all the necessary functionality for ironing clothes in both vertical and horizontal positions.

• Powerful device, perfectly smooths out any bumps
• Heats up quickly
• glides well
• Beautiful design
• Button groove

• Not found

5. Braun TS745A - with unique Eloxal sole

Do you want to buy a stylish iron with good functionality? Then pay attention to Braun TS 745 A. This model is equipped with a steam boost function (180/min), adjustable steam supply, anti-scale and anti-drip system.

The Eloxal outsole has an aluminum base that is highly durable and scratch resistant. In addition, it glides well on the surface of the fabric and does not leave shiny marks on it. The Braun TS745A also boasts a high power output of 2400W. Such power allows you to quickly heat the sole to the desired temperature, and effectively smooth out even the most wrinkled things.

Thanks to the steam boost function, you can smooth things without even removing them from the hanger. It can also be used on curtains, which are much easier to iron vertically than horizontally.

The “anti-drop” system will not allow a single drop of water to get on your clothes. This can be useful for delicate clothing that is usually very sensitive to dripping (e.g. silk). Automatic shutdown system will help save your nerves and apartment. If you forget to turn off the iron and go about your business, the iron will automatically turn off after 30 seconds, while being in a horizontal position. But this is a small minus of the device, you need to constantly make sure that the iron does not turn off during ironing, and once every 30 seconds put it in a vertical position, and this is not very convenient.

• Powerful device
• Large water glass
• High quality vertical steam
• Auto power off function
• long cord

• Humming while working

6. Tefal FV 9640 - patented scale collector

A feature of this model is the presence of a special collector for collecting scale. Thus, powerful steam supply remains to please you for many years. All the scale that has formed remains inside the iron, so cleaning it is also not difficult.

Otherwise, this is a powerful device for ironing even the most rumpled things. The power of this device is a record for our rating of 2600 watts. Auto-off will allow you to maximize the safety of using the device at home. If you forget to turn off the iron and go about your business, it will automatically turn off the power after a few minutes. Vertical steam is designed for fast and efficient ironing of things in a vertical position (on a hanger).

In general, Tefal FV 9640 copes well with any kind of fabric, which is why buyers highly appreciated the performance. Let's now take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this model.

• Comfortable in using
• Auto power off
• Heats up to desired temperature in less than a minute
• Plaque protection rod
• long cord

• a bit heavy

7. REDMOND RI-C224 - with ECO function

Not every manufacturer cares about the utility costs of buyers. Manufacturers of REDMOND RI-C224 paid much more attention to this than their competitors.

The ECO function allows you to automatically set the balance between the heating temperature of the soleplate and the amount of water used to generate steam. Due to this, the sole cools down much more slowly, so much less electricity is spent on heating. In addition, there is protection against scale and leakage, a special ceramic coating provides good gliding on the surface of any fabric, as well as the ability to steam any thing in an upright position.

Otherwise, this is the most common iron, which is equipped with all the necessary functionality for comfortable use at home.

As users note, despite the presence of the “drop stop” function, water leaks noticeably when steaming. Be careful when choosing an iron with this feature.

• Saves electricity
• Auto power off
• Large water tank - 300 ml
• Ceramic sole

• Water leaks while steaming

8. Philips GC 4924/20 - safe for all types of fabrics

This iron is equipped with all the necessary functionality for comfortable and fast ironing at home.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the OptimalTemp technology. It is designed to automatically adjust the temperature and steam power to create the most suitable conditions for ironing all types of fabrics. Now you can remove wrinkles from denim, silk, linen and so on without having to manually adjust the temperature.

The T-ionicGlide outsole is scratch resistant and glides perfectly on any surface. The steam holes, which are designed to quickly remove creases of any complexity, are evenly spaced for even distribution of steam over the entire surface of the ironed fabric. The special cleaning system prevents the creation of scale. Special capsules prevent the creation of plaque.

Leaving irons switched on can create a fire hazard. That is why the manufacturer has equipped Philips GC 4924/20 with circuit breakers (in a vertical position, a complete shutdown occurs after 3 minutes, and in a horizontal position after 2 minutes).

Instruction

Exactly the power iron is the first thing to pay attention to. If the iron is too powerful, then the wiring in your home may not be able to cope with it, and if it is too weak, it will not cope with some types of fabric.
The optimal power for home use is 1500 watts. Devices with a power of 1800-1900 W will cope with almost any crease and quickly heat up to the temperature you need.
Irons with a power of two kilowatts or more are used only for industrial purposes; you should not spend money on such a thing for home use.

Having chosen the power that is optimal for you, pay attention to the material from which the sole is made. iron. The most common are Teflon, aluminum and stainless steel.
Each of them has its own advantages. So, Teflon soles protect the fabric from burning, but at the same time reduce the ease of ironing. Aluminum soles slide easily and heat up quickly, but are very prone to warping and scratching. Stainless steel is a very durable sole material iron but very often gets dirty. Ceramic soles glide well, do not deform, do not burn fabric, but significantly exceed the cost of the rest.

Learn more about the next step iron such as steaming, spraying and steaming. Many irons today are equipped with a spout and steam holes in the soleplate. iron. These features make ironing much easier, but when choosing an iron with a steamer, it is better to take one with holes distributed over the entire area of ​​​​the sole, and not just on the sides. Some irons are also equipped with a steam boost and vertical steam.
Of course, you can do without these additional features if you have a limited amount for the purchase, but thanks to them you can iron curtains and jackets without directly removing them from the curtains or hangers, and they will not lose their shape, and you will save a lot of time and effort.

Steam and spray irons come with a water tank, and the bigger the tank, the better because you don't have to worry as much about filling it up.
IN iron x, not equipped with a special replaceable anti-calc cartridge, it is better to use distilled or boiled water. Irons with a replaceable cassette can be filled with ordinary tap water without fear of damaging it. It is enough to change the cassette once every one and a half to two months.

All housewives know that if you do not drain the water from the tank iron, then when ironing a fabric that requires a low temperature, water will still flow onto it through the holes.
Modern manufacturers have taken care and solved this problem by equipping the irons with an anti-drip system that shuts off the steam valve at low temperatures.
This feature can greatly ease your pain when ironing clothes that require delicate ironing, but will add a little extra cost. iron.

In one of our articles, we told you,. This time we decided to tell you about such a useful thing in everyday life as an iron. We use an iron almost every day to make our clothes look nice and tidy. To choose the right iron, you need to have some knowledge. We will tell you what you need to know in this article.

Important characteristics when choosing an iron

Iron power

One of the main parameters that you need to focus on when choosing an iron is power. What influences power? First of all, the more powerful the iron, the faster it heats up and it will be easier for it to cope with difficult types of fabrics. In addition, a powerful iron contributes to rapid steam generation and better smoothing of “naughty” fabric fibers. In the end, you will save time when ironing, and this process will be much easier.

As a rule, modern models of irons have a power of 1500 to 2400 watts. If you don’t know what power iron you need, then take a look at your wardrobe, what fabrics prevail in it. The more “complex” the fabric, the higher the power of the iron. For a family, as a rule, an iron is suitable, the power of which is in the region of 1800 watts. If you have a large family and ironing takes a lot of time, then buy an iron with a power higher than 2000 watts.

iron soleplate

The second important indicator when choosing an iron is the sole. Why is sole choice important? A good sole is a guarantee of quality ironing, it should not be prone to scratches that spoil the fabric. Secondly, the durability of the iron depends on the sole. Now consider the types of soles in more detail.

Stainless steel. A fairly common material for iron soles. The advantage of this sole is its low price compared to its competitors and a good degree of slip.

Aluminum. The aluminum soleplate has the highest heating rate, but this is perhaps the only advantage, since the aluminum surface will inevitably be subject to scratches, after which the quality of ironing will deteriorate.

Metal ceramics and ceramics. This type of soles have good sliding properties and perfectly smooth the fabric. A good option, but the only thing you will need to consider is that the ceramic sole suffers from brittleness, if you accidentally hit it somewhere and a crack forms on it, then the iron will become unusable.

Teflon and glass ceramics. A sole that will serve you well for several years and has good ironing performance.

Steam

The steam function ranks third in the iron selection list. This function is necessary for easy ironing of difficult areas of clothing.

Pay attention to such an indicator as the steam supply rate. The larger it is, the faster and more difficult fabrics you can smooth out. The optimum constant steam rate is 30 g/min. It is good if the model of iron you have chosen is equipped with a steam rate adjustment knob.

Steam attack. A useful feature for high-quality smoothing of deep folds and thick fabrics. If there is not enough power to smooth with continuous steam, the steam boost function will deliver powerful steam at once to soften the fabric. A good indicator of steam boost speed is from 90 g/min.

Water tank volume

The water tank in irons is necessary for the function of spraying water and, of course, for the production of steam. Keep in mind that the more things you iron, the larger the volume of the water tank you need in order not to constantly add water during the ironing process. If you often use constant steam supply, and especially the steam boost function, then select a model with the required tank volume in advance. If you iron a little or rarely use steam, then do not particularly focus on this.

Self cleaning function

Thanks to this function, by supplying a strong stream of steam, scale particles will come out of the iron, which will ensure a long work.

Auto-off function

Describing this function, the phrase “Oh, did I turn off the iron !?” is immediately recalled. Now you don't have to worry about it anymore. Modern models of irons may include an automatic shutdown function if the iron is not moving for 30 seconds. A very convenient feature, as you can freely be distracted and not worry about the onset of negative consequences.

Length of cable

When buying an iron, pay attention to the length of the cable. The longer it is, the more comfortable it will be for you. Firstly, you can install the ironing board in a place convenient for you. Secondly, it will be more convenient for you to pick up the iron from different sides, ironing a complex thing.

Considering the maximum allowable amount for the purchase of an iron, choose it in the same sequence as we described above. Then, when the choice has narrowed, pay attention to the firm of the iron. The best and most popular are such companies: Bosh, Philips, Tefal, Braun, Moulinex.

Steam release holes should be distributed around the entire iron, this is necessary in order to distribute steam evenly on clothes.

It is very good if there is a water dosimeter scale on the water tank. In addition, it should be possible to drain the remaining water from this tank, after the end of ironing, if any.

Be sure to take the iron in your hand and appreciate the convenience of the handle. The hand should be comfortable to hold and maneuver the iron. Pay attention to the weight of the iron, it should not be very heavy, because when ironing a large number of things, your hand will get very tired.

The mode dial should spin comfortably and clearly, making the transition through the modes. It's good if all modes have their own picture and duplication of the name in Russian letters.

In addition to all this, the iron should have a special recess in order to iron the fabric well under the buttons. You may also need a special nozzle for ironing delicate types of fabrics that are “afraid” of irons.

Steam iron

Separately, we want to note irons with a steam generator, which are beginning to gain great popularity. A steam iron consists of the iron itself and the so-called steam nozzle, but outwardly it looks more like a vacuum cleaner. This iron provides contactless and vertical steaming of things. It is best to iron outerwear with such an iron: raincoats, coats, suits, as well as curtains.

The handle of the sprayer should be comfortable, as well as with an anti-slip surface. The hose connecting the handle and the base must be flexible, for ease of ironing, and high-strength (made of high-quality material), in order to eliminate the possibility of cracks and twists in the future.

Of the functional features, it is worth noting the presence of a steam power regulator, a self-cleaning function and protection against scale. The water inlet hole should be large to make this process more convenient.

Here, in principle, are all the selection criteria, both for an ordinary iron and for a steam one. Finally, we want to advise you to pay attention to the guarantee, which should be at least one year. It is also very important that it last as long as possible.

Happy shopping!

In the Russian realities of the 1990s. the iron has become almost a household item. An excellent tool for "hard" negotiations with competitors, according to crime series and detectives.

However, first of all, the iron is still a household appliance for ironing garments and other fabric products. And if you still need it for its intended use, let's try to figure out what to look for when choosing.

A bit of history

In the distant past, the role of an iron was played by flat stones, metal hammers, heated metal rods, wooden devices of a special design, etc. For example, the ruble shown in the photo below.

Gradually, they are being replaced by irons filled with coals or heated over an open fire, as well as gas and alcohol models. Irons of different years looked, for example, like this (on the left is a gas iron, on the right is an alcohol model).

The electric iron was patented on June 6, 1882 by the American Henry Seeley. However, such models did not immediately reach the masses. Moreover, the design of the electric iron during the XX century. has undergone a number of changes.

In Russia, the first written mention of irons in everyday life is dated 1636. And electric irons gained popularity in the Soviet era and looked something like this:

Similar specimens can still be found in the grandmother's chest of drawers.

What's inside the iron

The design of many modern irons looks something like this.

The main types of irons

Simple irons have a classic design and do not produce steam, smoothing things due to the dry heated sole. Its temperature is controlled by a thermostat. And this, in fact, is the only option for adjusting the capabilities of the iron.

Such models do not cope too well with dense fabrics and do not carefully iron delicate fabrics. That is, they are suitable only for simple operations. On the one hand, such irons are often affordable. On the other hand, for quite reasonable money it has long been possible to purchase a more "fancy" option.

Steam irons- one of the most popular categories among buyers. Such models provide both dry and wet ironing, so they can successfully cope with different fabrics. On sale they are presented in the widest price range and equipped with a variety of functions.

The main features of steam irons: setting the steam intensity, adjusting the temperature of the soleplate, self-cleaning, vertical steam function, water injection to moisten the fabric, etc. However, not all of the listed functions are implemented equally well in steam irons compared to representatives of other categories.

The vertical steam function is often present "for show", compared to, for example, steam generators or special steamers.

The considerable weight of the iron reduces the convenience and maneuverability, compared with some simple and even more so travel irons.

The small water tank makes it necessary to refill it more often during ironing, compared to steam generators.

Steam generators provide powerful steam. As a rule, they consist of two parts: an iron and a special docking station with a water tank. The iron and the docking station are connected by a hose. Water is heated in the tank to the state of steam, which is supplied to the fabric already in the process of ironing. The iron itself is often not equipped with a water tank.

However, sometimes the steam generator is built into the body of the iron.

The advantages of steam generators: increased ironing speed due to the abundance of high-temperature steam (about 150 degrees Celsius), reduced weight of the iron itself, its maneuverability, good implementation of the vertical steam function, duration of work without adding a new portion of water (due to the volume of the tank in the docking station), good result when ironing thick and difficult fabrics, etc.

But there are also disadvantages: considerable dimensions, noise when heating water, relatively high price, "binding" the iron to the docking station, a relatively large number of elements that can fail, the need for consumables for water purification (not always), etc.

It is convenient when the steam generator can also be used as a regular iron by disconnecting the docking station.

Mobile (travel) irons are intended for use in travel, transportation in bags. To do this, such models must be small in size and weight. In an effort to achieve this, manufacturers reduce power and leave only basic features.

Cordless irons have an important advantage, based on the name. They can be used without getting tangled in the wire. The cordless iron comes with a docking station that heats it up before ironing the fabric. It is the docking station that is connected to the outlet, and the iron itself is freed from wires.

When buying such a household appliance, you need to clearly understand the need for it. Otherwise, you can overpay and be disappointed, because the price of wireless irons is not always democratic. The duration of work without returning to the docking station is not too long. It is not always possible to put such an iron on the heel out of habit, which prevents many users. However, some cordless irons can be plugged into an outlet directly. These are, in fact, hybrid models, in which the docking station is an additional option.

The main characteristics and capabilities of irons

The power of modern models of irons varies approximately within the range from 500 to 3000 watts. A higher power iron heats up faster and works better on thicker fabrics and heavy creases. In more detail, then:

• power up to 1500 W have travel or basic models that are suitable for ironing a minimum amount of linen;
• power from 1500 to 2500 W - ideal for most household needs;
• more than 2500 W power is typical for iron models with a stronger steam boost and a significant steam supply, which will be appropriate for dealing with dense fabrics and strong wrinkles.

sole material- the most important characteristic of any iron, affecting the convenience, quality and duration of its use. A good sole should glide easily, be durable, heat up evenly and act as gently as possible on clothing.

A relatively popular option is aluminum or stainless steel soles. They heat up pretty quickly and slide easily over fabric. But the aluminum sole scratches easily. In addition, with insufficient care, they can leave marks on clothes. Below is an example of a metal sole (from "stainless steel").

Wanting to improve the consumer characteristics of such soles, manufacturers use special combinations of metals (for example, add nickel) and special processing techniques. The soles are also coated with special compounds (for example, sapphire powder). This increases their strength and reliability.

We often hear that the metal sole is an outdated and budget option. However, for example, stainless steel soles are still used even in professional ironing systems. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the features of the soleplate of a particular iron model. Information about them is often presented on the packaging of the household appliance.

An alternative to the options noted above are ceramic or cermet soles. They are inexpensive to manufacture, glide well, have a gentle effect on fabrics, and look attractive. However, ceramics are highly brittle. Even minor damage or scratches can lead to peeling of the coating and damage to the iron. Below is an example of such a damaged sole.

On sale there are other options for the execution of soles. For example, titanium and teflon. The former are very durable, but expensive and heat up slowly. The latter are very well suited for ironing synthetic fabrics, but are less confident in other conditions.

Assessing the available operating modes, first of all, check the possibility of adjusting the temperature and steam intensity (in the respective models). Often, manufacturers provide additional useful settings. For example, "super economical" ironing modes in terms of energy consumption and / or water consumption. However, sometimes such opportunities are just a publicity stunt.

Steam humidification depends on the power of steam generation (focus on the figures of at least 30-40 g / min) and the design of the sole. A good option is when the steam outlets are located over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe sole.

The steam humidification system may imply a number of additional functions. For example, steam boost and vertical steaming. The first function is needed to deal with particularly difficult areas of tissue. The second allows you to steam the folds in a vertical position (on a hanger). But you need to understand that an iron with such a function will not always replace a special steamer. That is why, when choosing an iron, it is wrong to focus solely on the range of possibilities declared by the model.

In the presence of injection function on the spout of the iron, there is usually an outlet for a special channel for supplying water. This feature allows you to wet the area of ​​fabric before ironing to improve ironing results.

Water tank capacity directly affects the duration of the iron without refilling. If you have to iron often and a lot, we recommend paying attention to models with a larger volume. In modern irons, a volume of at least 150-200 ml will be convenient.

By the way, the ways to replenish the tank can be different. In many models, water is poured through a special hinged lid. There are models in which the reservoir is removed and filled separately. Probably the second option is more convenient, but the first one is perhaps more familiar to many users. In many ways, the final choice depends on personal habits.

Consider the fact that a transparent tank is more convenient. You can see how much water is left.

Different options for filling the water tank and steam generators. Here, a removable tank is much more common.

Iron cleaning system is a set of features that allow you to extend its service life. So, many irons have a special rod against the accumulation of lime or a cartridge for softening water, as well as a self-cleaning function. Relying on the presence of such elements and the capabilities of the selected model, do not forget about the manufacturer's recommendations for iron care, proposed in the instructions.

Below is a photo of the mentioned anti-lime rod.

A few words about additional characteristics of irons which we recommend paying attention to. It is convenient if the model has a long power cord (from 2 m and more). Pay attention to its mount (a ball mount is convenient, allowing you to rotate the cord 360 degrees).

Estimate the weight of the iron. It should be comfortable for you. For example, the types of irons we have identified weigh on average:

• road irons - 0.4-0.6 kg;
• ordinary irons - 0.7-1.8 kg;
• irons with a steam humidification system - 1-2 kg;
• steam generators - 2-6 kg;
• cordless irons - 1-2 kg (without docking station).

The weight of the iron is 1.5-2 kg.

Pay attention to the presence of an anti-drip system that does not allow water to flow through the sole and leave marks on the fabric.

In many countries, the habit of ironing clothes after a haircut is gradually relegated to the category of mossy antiquity. Here's another, spending time and effort at home on smoothing out what will still be wrinkled.

On the streets, one can easily notice people who obviously left the house in a shirt that has not come into contact with an iron in its life, and therefore wrinkled, shrunken and looks sad. It doesn’t even occur to many to iron jeans, and even more so bed linen - why? They are happy people, I guess. They don't have to figure out how to choose an iron for their home to make ironing easy and enjoyable...

But our people are used to living differently. We iron sheets and duvet covers, curtains and curtains, carefully iron the creases on the trousers of a business suit and steam the frills on a sarafan. Because it's better, more beautiful and more pleasant. If only there was a good iron at home, with a good sole, and best of all - if there was a steam generator. But the assortment in stores is so large that it becomes a little difficult to choose the right one.

Everything will become easier if you understand the points and answer yourself a number of simple questions:

• How many things do you have to iron at home every week?
• How much time do you have for household chores?
• How much are you willing to shell out for a good iron with (or without) a steam generator?

Criteria for choosing an iron

To know exactly how to choose an iron with a steam generator, you first need to pay attention to power. Only the heating time depends on this indicator, but the power does not affect the quality of ironing. You still don't need much heat anyway: most modern materials need to be ironed at relatively low temperatures.

For an iron with a steam generator, the pressure at which steam is supplied matters. And again: this indicator will not affect the quality of ironing. The power of the iron itself and the pressure of the supplied steam affect only one thing: the time you spend on the process.

The more powerful the iron, the higher the steam pressure provided by the steam generator, the faster things will be smoothed out with such an iron. The energy consumption for the process will be approximately the same.

Some firms produce models that can be called heavy duty. The steam generator quickly heats up to the operating temperature, generates a large amount of steam, delivers it under high pressure (up to 6.5 bar). But in everyday life such capacities are not needed, as practice shows.

The optimal characteristics for a household iron with a steam generator are power consumption up to 1300-1700 W, steam pressure provided by the steam generator up to 4 Bar.

tank capacity

Home appliance companies offer irons for every taste. In some models, the water tank is built into the body of the iron. Steam is needed - press the button, water flows to a hot heating element, turns into steam. Steam escapes from the holes of the sole, the thing is smoothed out. This container is small, no more than a glass of water. Accordingly, it will have to be replenished frequently.

These irons are quite capable of handling small amounts of laundry. Due to the built-in capacity, irons of this type are somewhat more bulky and heavy. But they are cheaper.

Another thing is irons with a separate steam generator. The steam generator is a kind of small boiler. You turn on the device in the network, the steam generator (or rather, the heating elements in it) heats up, the water in the tank begins to turn into steam. Steam enters the soleplate of the iron through a hose. The iron itself in such devices is lighter, and the steam pressure is much higher.

The steam hose may be a bit of an inconvenience, but you can quickly get used to it. The main thing is that this hose is of sufficient length and does not pull the steam generator standing to the side.

The steam generator can be equipped with a fairly solid water tank: up to 2.5 liters. This allows you to iron without interruption for several hours. In some models, the steam generator can be topped up with water without waiting for it to cool down. But often you have to disconnect the steam generator from the network and wait for it to cool down, and only then add water.

It is immediately worth noting that it is worth using distilled water to fill the tank.

For some models, this is a prerequisite, for others it is highly desirable. This will extend the life of your steam iron. Many commercial companies offer bottled distilled water in the same stores where you will buy your own iron for your home.

Sole

The sole is made from different materials. Outdated aluminum, which was easily scratched, is practically not used anymore, it is difficult to find an aluminum sole in stores. But there are a lot of irons with soles made of strong and durable stainless steel.

Irons with soleplates with a ceramic coating behave well during operation, but this material is quite fragile. Throwing such an iron on the floor is highly undesirable, but it is unlikely that anyone would think of doing it on purpose.

When buying an iron with a steam generator, also pay attention to the shape of the soleplate and its spout, as well as the number and location of the steam holes.