How to choose a good iron - types of modern irons for the home, their pros and cons. How to choose an iron: types, characteristics, functionality

An iron is an indispensable household appliance in any home. Thanks to him, you can look neat, sleep on smoothed sheets and not be considered a slob.

If earlier in Rus', a hot cast-iron frying pan coped with the function of an iron, then in the modern world one can get confused by the variety of models. Therefore, you should know how to choose the right iron for your home.

All models of irons offered in stores can be divided into three large groups:

1. Ordinary irons that are not equipped with a steam system. Now they are practically not used. These are the same models, when using which gauze moistened with water was placed on the fabric.
2. Simple steam irons. These are models with a built-in water tank. They periodically need to add liquid.
3. Steam generators. In turn, these models are divided into two subgroups:

• Models with built-in steam generator. These irons have a more complex steam supply system than simple steam irons. As a result, the cost also increases. But ironing with steam generators is equal to professional and allows you to get rid of wrinkles even on rough and heavily wrinkled fabrics.
• Models with a separate steam generator. These are professional irons found in specialized salons. They are able to smooth any fabric pretty quickly.

Iron power

From such an indicator as power, it depends on how quickly the iron will heat up and what complexity of the fabric it can smooth out.

Depending on how much time is spent on ironing, choose the power of the iron. They can also be divided into several types:

• Road irons. Their power is about 1000 watts. It is impossible to smooth heavy materials with such models, but they are convenient for travel, as they have small dimensions. They work well with suits, t-shirts or dresses made of lightweight fabrics.
• For a small family of one or two people, irons with a power of 1000-1500 watts are suitable. They iron almost any fabric, but they heat up for a long time.
• For a family of three to four people, irons with a power of 1500-2000 watts are suitable. heats up quickly, also smoothes even heavily wrinkled linen, without requiring effort from the owner.
• For those families where ironing is given at least two hours a week, models with a power of 2000 watts or more are suitable.

Video how to choose an iron:

Which soleplate is better to choose an iron

One of the main elements of the iron is its soleplate. You will have to choose the sole according to:

• production material,
• form,
• the number and location of steam holes.

sole material

When ironing, the sole of the iron is in direct contact with the product, so the material from which it is made should be given special attention.

Aluminum

The cheapest are irons, the soles of which are made of aluminum. This material does not weigh down the device, it is also easy to clean it from contamination. Aluminum heats up pretty quickly.

However, soles made of this material also have disadvantages.

Firstly, aluminum is fragile, so it is easy to damage it on metal buttons and zippers on clothes or when hitting something, and in the future, the deformed surface can ruin the fabric.

Secondly, the aluminum sole should not be used to iron delicate fabrics. If the temperature is not chosen correctly, synthetics can simply melt.

Ceramics and cermets

Ceramic soles are a fairly popular model. This material heats up quickly and glides well over the fabric. In addition, it is difficult for them to spoil the thing, even if they violate the temperature regime.

However, ceramic is not the most durable material. It is easily damaged by metal items of clothing, such as buttons or zippers.

Teflon

Teflon soles can serve for a long time, they iron delicate fabrics well and do not allow them to melt. However, Teflon deteriorates from contact with metal surfaces.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an inexpensive and high-quality material for the soleplate of an iron. Practically does not deform and is resistant to scratches, which increases the service life of the iron.

Suitable for quick ironing, as it glides easily over the fabric. The stainless steel soleplate is also easy to clean.

Titanium

Titanium coating on the steel sole of the iron is a modern technology that helps to increase the strength and, accordingly, the service life of the iron. Titanium provides ease of sliding during ironing.

The disadvantages include a long cooling and heating of the working surface, and the high cost of such irons.

Also, a special nozzle can be supplied with the iron, which replaces wet gauze when ironing trousers, etc.

Sole shape

With the choice of the shape of the working surface of the iron, it will be easier than with its material. If you choose a sole of a large area, then the ironing process will be faster, but you will have to suffer with hard-to-reach places for high-quality smoothing.

The smaller the sole and the sharper its nose, the easier it will be to get to uncomfortable areas for smoothing, for example, between buttons, but the ironing time will also increase.

holes

The third parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing a soleplate is the number and location of the steam holes.

This parameter does not have any specific strict standards. The holes can be 20, or maybe 100. It is desirable that they be located on the entire working surface.

When choosing a good iron model, you should pay attention not only to the technical characteristics, but also to the nuances that make its operation more convenient.

Iron functions

A modern iron is no longer just a primitive device, it is the concentration of a large set of various technologies that facilitate and speed up the ironing process.

Let's look at the most common features in modern electric irons.

Continuous steam function

To facilitate the smoothing of heavy fabrics or simply dry linen with caked folds, water was used by splashing onto the fabric.

Now irons have steam supply functions both forcibly when you press the button, and constantly. The more holes in the soleplate, the more steam enters and the easier it is to iron.

The holes should be located over the entire working surface of the iron, it is also good if there are grooves that contribute to the uniform distribution of steam.

The measurement characteristic of this function is the amount of water in grams converted into steam in 1 minute. Continuous steam supply can be from 10 to 150 gr/min.

For an ordinary, not overdried fabric, an iron with a steam supply of 20-30 g / min is enough, and for heavy fabrics it is better to choose an iron with a constant steam supply of 80 g / min.

Pay attention to the water tank. It should be transparent or translucent, which will allow you to monitor the level and add water in time.

It is also worth paying attention to the volume of this tank, the greater the steam supply, the more capacious the water tank should be. There are models that can hold 150-250 ml.

steam boost

A steam boost is used on particularly difficult fabrics that cannot be smoothed out with a simple steam supply.

The steam rate in irons with a steam boost must be at least 100 gr/min.

Vertical steam

Vertical steaming helps to cope with such things as curtains, outerwear, etc.

The ironing process takes place in a non-contact way using steam, when things are in a vertical position, for example on a hanger, and not on an ironing table.

Anti-drip system

The anti-drip system prevents water droplets from flowing out through the steam holes when ironing at low temperatures, which can lead to stains on the fabric.

Self cleaning system

The self-cleaning system cleans the iron from scale, it turns on with a special button after heating in the steaming mode.

If the iron is equipped with this function, then there is no need to fill in special water for irons and buy cartridges that prevent the formation of scale.

Automatic shutdown of the iron

Auto-off is a very useful feature that prevents the possibility of a fire due to a forgotten iron that is not turned off.

If the iron is in a vertical position motionless for about 10 minutes (for different models in different ways) or in a horizontal position for 30 seconds, it will automatically turn off.

The main criteria for choosing an iron are listed above, but for greater convenience, some more features should be taken into account.

What should I pay attention to to make ironing more comfortable?

• Cord - it is better to choose a model in which the power cord is attached to the iron with a hinge that can rotate in all directions. The braid of the cord must be fabric. Also, do not forget that the length should be at least 2 meters. This will allow you not to touch the wire when ironing.
• The handle of the iron should fit comfortably in your hand, not slip, it is better if it is rubberized.
• Weight should be about 1.5 kg. If it is easier, then when ironing, you will have to press the iron harder and, accordingly, apply more effort. If it is heavier, then the hand will tire faster.
• Temperature regulator - the larger the temperature range, the more different types of fabrics can be ironed.

Rating of manufacturers and models

At the moment, according to customer reviews, there are several manufacturers of irons that have been on the top lines of popularity for several years now.

Which manufacturer of irons to choose is up to you, here is the rating of world manufacturers according to reviews:

• Philips
• Tefal
• Brown
• Rowenta
• scarlett
• Bosch
• Vitek

Choosing an iron from any manufacturer from the above rating, you will not be disappointed in either quality or reliability.

Of course, it is difficult to choose the perfect, inexpensive iron, but after analyzing many models, we can recommend the Philips GC 1029, its cost is about 2500 rubles. This model has absorbed all the modern and necessary functions:

1. power 2000W,
2. powerful steam boost (100 gr/min),
3. steam supply 25 gr/min,
4. anti-drip system,
5. auto power off,
6. self-cleaning,
7. ceramic sole.

This iron is ideal for home use.

Despite the variety of models, you can always choose the right iron that will be easy to use and last a long time.

If you have any questions, complaints or want to leave your positive feedback, you can do it below! Leave your feedback and suggestions in the comments!

If you rarely iron and by and large you don’t need additional functions, then a simple iron with a minimum number of options will be the best purchase option. These irons do not have a steam mode, it provides only dry ironing.

Steam have a more diverse set of functions. The degree of ironing of the fabric in them is at a higher level than in simple counterparts. In addition, thanks to special settings, you can almost any mode for different types of material. The steaming mode is an integral element here.

An iron with a spray arm is extremely rare on modern store shelves. It is difficult to iron with their help, and they are most effective only for dense fabrics. Thin material can be damaged or even burned. Please note that in this case we are not talking about a multifunctional with an additional option for spraying water, but about the first models in which this function was considered a technical innovation.

There is also a separate variety of compact ones, which are distinguished by their small size and a sufficient number of options. It's about the road version. The main advantage of such an iron is that it can be used in any place where there is electricity. When traveling, it is simply irreplaceable. You can, for example, put your clothes in order on the train, in a hotel or in the country.

Irons for large volumes

If you need an iron that can easily handle large volumes of a wide variety of fabrics, then the best option in this case is the station. These are the most expensive and powerful irons. However, they are rarely used at home. They can cope with any type of fabric - heavy curtains, coats, bed linen, everyday wardrobe items. If you iron infrequently and in minimal quantities, then there is no great need to purchase equipment of this level.

General points

After selecting the desired model of iron, carefully inspect the appliance. The sole of the iron can be made of aluminum, cermet or steel. The first option is considered the most inexpensive. Metal-ceramic is more suitable for delicate and thin fabrics. Steel soles are the most durable and strong.

Estimate the volume of the water tank. The smaller this compartment, the more often you will have to add water. Moreover, small tanks are more likely to become clogged, which leads to the inevitable breakdown of the entire device. The ideal option is an iron with a water compartment located throughout the entire volume of the appliance and a soleplate with a large number of steam holes. Such an iron will cope with any functions efficiently and efficiently.

One of the most convenient options provided in modern irons is protection against power failures. This feature will help you out if you forget to turn off the iron. There will be no fire, because the device will turn itself off.

Today, with the development of technology, irons have not lost their relevance. The home appliance market is overflowing with offers of all kinds of models with different functionality. To choose the best, we compare different models.

The most popular products are currently recognized by the manufacturers Tefal, Fillips and Brawn. Housewives prefer to choose appliances from among them.

What are irons

All of them are divided into:

1. Simple. They don't have any extra features. All there is is temperature control. You have to spray your own clothes. Such models are very rare to find now on sale.
2. Sprinkler models. These are the same simple irons, supplemented with a water sprinkler. They do not do well with heavily rumpled clothing, so they are not very popular with consumers.
3. Steam. Perhaps this is the most popular type of ironing equipment. They can carry out both dry and wet ironing with steam. They are very comfortable and multifunctional, they can handle even a very crumpled surface, they glide perfectly over any fabrics. Special devices allow you to iron the product in the places where locks, buttons and buttons are located.
4. Steam generators. The group includes various steamers and steam cleaners. Models are presented in high quality, but can boast of high cost. They are used, as a rule, for the processing of large batches of products, for example, in laundries or ateliers. This is professional equipment. Very functional in ironing things of complex design.
5. Road. All of these types can be used here, but they differ in their compact size and minimal set of features.

How to make a choice

Before proceeding with the selection of the presented assortment, it is necessary to determine what the iron is for and what fabrics will have to be processed. If the mass of things is small and a little complicated, then you should not purchase a steam generator. It can be replaced by a conventional steam model. So where to start?

1. The choice of any mechanism begins with a visual inspection. And here you need to turn to your preferences, because design is a matter of taste. At the same time, it is important to inspect the handle of the device, take it and try how comfortable it is.
2. In addition, you need to determine the weight of the equipment. A weightless one will not cope well with a dense fabric, and a hand gets tired quickly from a heavy one. The most suitable weight would be an iron of 1.5 kilograms.
3. Power plays a big role. For work at home, it will be enough for up to 2 kW. Stronger power is used for heavily wrinkled linen and complex products.
4. The quality of the soleplate of the iron determines the efficiency of the work performed. When choosing a suitable product, you need to check the material of its manufacture. Basically, the sole is made of stainless steel. And it has many advantages: durable and easy to clean. But everything spoils the large weight of the device with such soles.
   There are also soles made of aluminum. They quickly warm up and also cool down, get dirty a little, but at the same time they are deformed and can damage the fabric.
   The ceramic outsole provides good gliding but is very brittle.
5. The electrical connection of the mechanism should be checked. If the electrical wire is installed on a ball joint, then it may be damaged at the base. In addition, it can interfere with ironing a thing.
   If the device goes without a wire, a special station is provided for it. Such a mechanism has to be heated all the time, putting it on it.
6. Find out if the device has an automatic shutdown that protects against possible fires. This function periodically turns off the iron, allowing it to cool slightly.
7. Check the size of the water tank. Its volume varies from 200 to 400 ml. The larger it is, the less often you will have to replenish it. It is better if it has a lime insert, it will protect against scale. In its absence, it is better to fill in boiled or purified water. A tank made of transparent material will allow you to control the level of liquid.
8. Moistening of the product occurs either by injecting water through a channel located above the spout, or through holes in the sole. The second option allows you to cover most of the treated surface and steams evenly.
9. An anti-drip system is desirable in the ironer. It prevents liquid leakage when the water temperature drops.

What are the differences and similarities of Tefal, Fillips and Brawn brand irons

In products of any brands, it is possible to choose a suitable device that can satisfy the needs of the purchaser. Models are endowed with optimal strength, weighing about two kilograms, endowed with the possibility of steam ironing, good sliding on the surface.

Manufacturers Brawn, Tefal, Fillips can boast of an effective product. All manufacturers are developing new features for the iron in order to provide the buyer with something out of the ordinary. Therefore, the choice remains with the consumer, who may prefer certain additional features.

For example, Brawn appliances (320/SI2020, 320/SI2040) have stainless ironing surfaces, Fillips soleplates (GC 2045/40, GC 2046/20) and Tefal (FV 5333) are covered with ceramics. But the most advanced finish aluminum finish is only available in Phillips variants (GC 4810, GC 3551).

All brands are equipped with channels for the release of steam in the soles. Tefal devices turned out to be the most thoughtful, they provide an additional drain for collecting it. It forms a steam cushion to help process very delicate fabrics.

Fillips mechanisms offer the highest power, its models GC 4870, GC 4850, GC4860 operate with a power of about 2500 watts.

An important role in the ironing process is played by the weight of the equipment and the convenience of the handle. And then the most successful models were from the manufacturer Brawn. Their ergonomics proved to be the most comfortable to use. Although, it's a matter of taste!

Which iron is better - Fillips or Tefal?

For comparison, the most popular brands of the same price level were selected and their parameters, advantages and disadvantages were considered.

It should be noted that the characteristics of TEFAL are slightly inferior to the capabilities of PHILIPS, but their cost is different. So they are practically the same.

According to technology users, the advantages of the PHILIPS model include:

• very good glide;
• does not catch the surface of clothing;
• saves pile;
• very comfortable handle;
• powerful steamer, with which the most difficult creases are easily smoothed out.

The disadvantages were identified:

• makes a noticeable noise when steam enters;
• a lot of water is wasted, it quickly ends due to powerful evaporation;
• turns off automatically.

In turn, the positive aspects of TEFAL are:

• good warm-up
• high power;
• ease of ironing;
• strong release of heated steam;
• reliable auto-off.

Cons were noticed:

• poorly smoothes even plain linen;
• low heating temperature;
• short electric wire;
• long cooling;
• the heating temperature of the sole does not correspond to the one declared by the manufacturer;
• if water remains in the iron, after a few days, when ironing, rusty liquid pours out of it;
• the mechanism leaves stains on things.

These are the opinions of living people who have already used these models.

Which iron is better - Brawn or Philips?

Both brands represent very high quality products. But which iron is better? We warn you that all descriptions are made by people, so the assessment can be very subjective and depend on many factors. One reassures that the assessment was given by people who tested the models in practice.

It is impossible to recommend any iron more than others - they are all worthy of use. The most important thing is to determine what requirements it must meet and what it will be used for. Based on your preferences, you need to make a choice.

An iron is a necessary assistant in every home, no matter what they say! Its purpose is ironing, and so that this activity brings pleasure, and not troubles - we choose the right iron!

The modern market offers a huge variety of household appliances, both small and large. On the one hand - good, on the other - an extra headache. And whatever it comes to, I will try to simplify the process of choosing an iron as much as possible, taking into account all the moments and nuances.

Types of irons - pros and cons

Let's start, perhaps, with varieties, because this is the first point that should be decided on!

Simple irons- Designed for dry ironing only.

Spray irons- slightly different from simple ones, designed for dry ironing and wet, but the latter is ineffective for dense, heavily wrinkled fabric.

Steam irons- designed for dry and wet ironing, are considered the most functional and in demand.

Travel irons- they are small in size, which allows you to take it on trips, it has a minimum set of functions.

Work surface - iron soleplate - pros and cons

The work surface is the most important detail that you should pay attention to first. Therefore, we consider the varieties, as well as their disadvantages and advantages.

Aluminum

It is worth noting that despite the harsh disadvantages of the aluminum sole, manufacturers still make efforts to improve the quality of this metal. Heat-treated (anodized) aluminum is used. As a result, the strength of the metal is higher, as is its sliding.

Stainless steel

Manufacturers are also trying to improve the stainless sole, by sapphire sputtering, chrome plating, for greater strength and resistance to damage, and also enameled to prevent corrosion.

Ceramic and cermet

Ceramics- despite its demand, it is still considered the most fragile material. Manufacturers are working on this problem and one of them solved the problem by creating Durillium material, which is more durable and resistant to damage.

Steam system, spray system, water tank

Choosing an iron steam function, pay attention to the holes, it is important that there are at least fifty of them in total, if more - even better. Also, keep in mind the intensity of the steam supply, it is measured in grams per minute (g / min). The supply of steam directly depends on the power of the iron.

There are several types of steaming - these are steam boost and vertical steaming.

As for the steam boost, this function is an indispensable assistant in ironing overdried and heavily wrinkled things.

Vertical steaming is useful in that you can iron things right on the hanger, and also allows you to refresh furniture, pillows, curtains, etc.

The location of the holes also plays an important role, because the iron, in which the holes are concentrated in one place, as they say - in a pile, there will be no high-quality ironing. The holes should be evenly spaced throughout the soleplate.

Spray system the good thing is that with the help of it you can easily cope with the folds around the cuff.

water tank, it is advisable to choose a roomy one, and even better - a removable one, so you are guaranteed not to spoil the iron and collect water, it will be much more convenient! The capacity of the tank depends on how often you have to draw water.

Power

There are three types of power −

irons with small power (below 1600 W) - designed for a small amount of laundry, one person or a small family, it will be enough!

Middle power (1600-1900 W) - designed for ironing a sufficiently large volume, suitable for a family of three to five people, more or less economical.

Greater power (1900-2400 W) - not economical, designed for large volumes of ironing.

Scale protection

When buying an iron, pay attention to the functions that fight scale, because over time, it forms and thereby makes it difficult for steam to form. Fortunately, modern irons are equipped with a self-cleaning function that pre-cleans the water. Or, it has removable anti-limestone ties.

Cord

When choosing an iron, pay attention to the cord. It should be long and soft enough, and also, the mount must be ball-shaped, this allows the cord to rotate 360 ​​degrees, so that the winding does not rub.

Additional functions

Automatic shutdown - the iron turns off after a while, preventing a fire, because everything happens in life - safety comes first!

Continuous steam function, convenient for vertical ironing.

Anti-drip system - provides high-quality ironing at low temperatures. Indeed, at low temperatures, steam does not have time to form, and water will simply flow out onto things - the dripstop system prevents this.

That's all the important points to consider when choosing an iron. Happy shopping and have a nice day!

Competition among manufacturers of household appliances has led to the emergence of a wide variety of products. For the buyer, this means lower cost and the ability to choose a device with the necessary functions.

Long gone are the days when the differences between electric irons were reduced only to the color of the case. At the moment, the buyer is often simply lost among the many models. Structurally, most modern irons consist of an electric heating element (TEH), which transfers heat to the sole and a thermostat, after a certain period of time, depending on the selected ironing temperature, turning off and on the heater.

When choosing an iron, you should pay attention to the power consumption. There are models on the market from 800W to 2400W. The higher its value, the faster the heating occurs, the higher the temperature reached and the more efficient the steam generator (if any). It should be borne in mind that the electrical wiring of the apartment and circuit breakers must withstand such power. The best choice is an iron with a power of 1 to 2 kW.

The next important parameter is the sole material. The quality of ironing and such an unpleasant moment as the possible sticking of some fabrics depend on its characteristics. The simplest soles are made of aluminum. Due to the high thermal conductivity and low weight, they evenly warm up over the entire area. However, due to the softness of the metal, they are easily scratched by metal objects (buttons). To increase the durability of such soles, some manufacturers use their patented technologies, such as Anodilium from Philips. Shiny polished sole surfaces are known to many, because in Soviet times most irons were supplied with just such a polished steel sole. It is a compromise between price and quality. The application of titanium coating or powder of semi-precious stones increases the strength characteristics. Advances in the field of composite materials have made it possible to create soles made of cermet and other special alloys that combine high slip and non-stick properties. Sometimes the surface of the sole is not smooth, but with grooves. This solution further improves gliding over tissues.

Almost all modern irons come with a special swivel connection between the power cord and the body. Despite the simple technical implementation, this solution very effectively and reliably protects the cord from chafing and breaking the wire. A high-quality power cord consists of several layers of insulation: outer fabric sheath, inner PVC and insulation of the wires themselves. Such a "sandwich" is a necessity, as it must withstand a short-term accidental touch to a hot surface.

All self-respecting manufacturers build a “fire protection system” into their irons. Her job is to turn off the heating element with a long absence of movement with the iron. Such protection is auxiliary and one should not deliberately “forget” to turn off the iron from the outlet. It is no coincidence that modern irons are designed to be installed in a vertical position, unlike the old ones, which required a grid-stand. All these measures are aimed at improving safety.

A very convenient and popular function is steaming. For excessively rumpled things, there is “turbo steam”, and for simple ironing, you can use constant steam output. Although it is recommended to use only distilled water for a steam generator, most people use ordinary tap water or, at best, filtered water. Such water, when heated, creates scale. Therefore, for descaling, special self-cleaning modes (Calc) are provided, during which the scale is washed out with a large amount of steam. There are models of irons that allow ironing at low temperatures with the steaming mode turned on, in this case the so-called anti-drip system is incorporated into the design. When choosing an iron with steam, you need to pay attention to the volume of the water tank (50-400 ml) and use distilled water.

In addition to the steam generator, you can often find models with a water sprayer. On the plastic nose of the iron is a classic spray gun that sprays water droplets when you press the pump button. Allows you to moisten the fabric before ironing.