What is better: a steam generator or a steamer? And how are they different?

Modern manufacturers of household appliances offer a wide range of steamers and steam generators.

These two household appliances have similar functions and purposes, but they also have some significant differences.

In this article, we will determine the difference between these two useful household devices and answer the questions: what is better for clothes and home use - a steamer or a steam generator, and how one device differs significantly from the other.

What is the difference: the main differences between the two devices

Both devices are designed for ironing textiles. They easily handle all types of fabrics, smooth and renew the appearance of clothes, curtains, tablecloths and bedspreads. In addition, they can be used for deep cleaning of dirt and dust from all types of surfaces.

In this case,
the following main differences can be identified.

Is a steamer a substitute for an iron?

You can replace the iron with a steamer only in one case - if the owner often needs to tidy up clothes with a complex cut or items made from delicate fabrics that can be damaged by high temperature: dresses with frills and decorative trim, suits, chiffon blouses, etc.

If you mainly iron bed linen, baby diapers, and clothes made from cotton fabrics, an iron will do a better job of this task.

Advantages and disadvantages

To better understand how these devices differ, you should study in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each device.

Steam generator

The advantages of the steam generator include the following features of this device :

generates a powerful jet of dry steam at high temperature, which makes it possible not only to iron and disinfect the surface of any type of fabric, but also to remove various dirt and stains;
has high productivity , which allows the housewife to cope with a large volume of work in a short time, quickly and efficiently smooth out complex surfaces, draw arrows, smooth out pleated products;
multifunctionality : modern models are complemented by a large set of different attachments that allow you not only to iron, but also to clean the apartment, clean any surfaces, care for furniture, curtains, your own car, clean the homes of pets and much more;
has a large water container, so it does not require frequent refilling;
complemented by a control panel that allows you to regulate the pressure and temperature of the steam supply;
has an “anti-drip” system , which ensures automatic shutdown if liquid gets on the inner surface of the iron sole.

The disadvantages of this device include:

bulk and heaviness;
high cost;
rapid formation of scale on the walls of the container and hose, which requires additional effort to clean them, but more expensive models have a self-cleaning function from scale.

Steamer

The advantages of this device include:

maneuverability and ease of transportation, which allows you to take this device on the road and easily use it outside the home if necessary;
takes up little space;
the presence of a telescopic pipe or a lightweight manual model allows you to easily and quickly process the product by weight;
consumption of a small amount of energy;
relatively inexpensive cost;
versatility, the device copes not only with ironing, but also with cleaning, and is capable of removing simple stains from clothes and other surfaces;
works with wet steam, which allows you to give the product a renewed appearance and eliminates foreign odors from the item.

The disadvantages include:

low productivity in comparison with a steam generator, the speed of processing products with a steamer is much lower;
low power of the steam jet, so it is more suitable for working with delicate fabrics; it is not always able to smooth out harder surfaces with large creases and complex folds;
the relatively low temperature of the steam does not provide reliable disinfection of the surface.

Which is better: a steamer or a steam generator?

Both devices have advantages and disadvantages, so before we talk about which one is better, we need to take a closer look at their functionality, strengths and weaknesses.

Advantages of the steamer

Let's start with the fact that a steamer is an excellent alternative to a regular iron. This device has many advantages.

These include:

ease of operation;
a large number of steam supply modes for different fabrics;
convenient telescopic handle for steaming;
high speed of water heating and steam generation;
the ability to process products made from natural fur and suede;
removal of surface contaminants;
disinfection of fabrics.

The device is capable of ironing any clothes, cleaning curtains from dust, refreshing bedding and performing other household tasks. This is an indispensable device that can be used in many ways at home.

The steamer has a large number of applications and can be used not only for ironing clothes

Disadvantages of a steamer

This device has few disadvantages, but it is still better to take them into account before purchasing the device. The main nuance of use is the ability to work only in a vertical position. In addition, the power of the hot air flow of the device is not enough to smooth out dense natural fabrics such as linen. If the item is heavily wrinkled, then the steam temperature will not be enough to give the item an ideal look.

Otherwise, the device copes well with the function of ironing linen and delicate items, so it will be an excellent alternative to a standard iron.

Advantages of a steam generator

The steam station belongs to the category of professional household appliances. This does not mean that it is more difficult to use than a steamer, it just was not originally developed for domestic use. Nowadays, stores sell many models of these devices that can be purchased for ironing at home.

Their advantages include:

generation of dry steam, which has a higher temperature and better smoothes out bruises;
high power of air flow, capable of penetrating through several layers of fabric;
a large number of temperature conditions for different types of materials;
quick preparation of the device for operation;
tissue disinfection;
ability to work in horizontal and vertical modes.

In other words, a steam generator is more powerful and practical than a steamer.

The steam station can be used for both vertical and horizontal ironing of clothes

Disadvantages of a steam generator

Despite all the advantages, the device has disadvantages that should be taken into account when purchasing a device.

These include:

the presence of a metal heating surface that can damage delicate fabrics;
need to use an ironing board.

In addition, a steam generator is more expensive than a steamer.

What to choose for your home?

The steam generator is the most powerful and versatile device that effectively and quickly copes with ironing and cleaning. But it is more expensive, consumes more energy, and is less maneuverable.

This device is suitable for solving large-scale problems related to:

ironing large amounts of clothing;
cleaning difficult stains on furniture and curtains;
cleaning kitchen surfaces;
removing greasy stains and deposits on kitchen tiles;
sanitization of pet cages;
cleaning hard-to-reach places using special attachments;
cleaning the car interior;
processing pillows, blankets and upholstered furniture.

If the housewife is faced with less voluminous tasks and she needs a maneuverable, convenient device for daily use, as an assistant in everyday cleaning or ironing, then a steamer will be the best option.

The steamer is convenient to store or transport. It starts working almost immediately after switching on, so it can easily and quickly handle small amounts of work and make the housewife’s daily work easier.

If you need an assistant, primarily in ironing, then the best choice would be a household steam generator, which will allow you to iron and clean clothes at the level of dry cleaners from any type of fabric. This is a professional device that can provide high quality ironing in record time.

Steamer

The main difference between a steamer and a simple iron with a steam generator is its dimensions. He is massive and seems clumsy. When you look at it, the question arises: where should I put you to stroke it? You can’t take such a unit on the road, and it’s not particularly convenient to wear with curtains. In general, doubts arise at first glance whether it is worth replacing the iron with a steamer. And when you look at its cost, the same goes for the second one.

Let's explore this miracle of technology in more detail. Let's carefully consider its functions and features.

Storage tank

A large boiler that holds up to 2.5 liters of liquid (10 times more than an electric iron!) means you don’t have to worry about running out of water soon. In addition, steam is supplied under pressure, which allows you to iron even fabric folded in several layers or thick: this significantly saves ironing time and your effort. Electricity, by the way, too.

The cord from the outlet goes to the boiler, and from it comes a combined steam hose and a new cable. The total distance from the outlet reaches 3 meters, allowing you to choose a convenient place for ironing.

Iron

The weight of the iron in the steam generator is small, as is its size: all the liquid is heated separately. The hand does not have time to get tired for several reasons:

low weight of the iron;
powerful emanating steam;
no need to press on the surface of the clothing.

The design of the iron is simple: a sole with a heating element and a thermostat. There is no difference between the soles of different types of devices. They are made of steel, ceramic, titanium or aluminum with protective layers for improved glide.

The initial temperature on the steam generator iron is set immediately in accordance with the type of material that will be ironed. This protects the fabric from the danger of being burned. The indicator light turning off will indicate that the steam generated is sufficient to begin the process.

Can a steamer replace an iron?

The answer to the most important question, whether to buy a steamer instead of an iron, depends on what you use the iron for most often.

If you have to show up at the office every day in a formal suit, and your children at school are required to wear formal clothing, then you definitely have something to iron. There is no question as to whether it is more convenient to iron shirts, a steam generator or a steamer. The steam generator will handle it faster, and less energy will be spent. What remains is the price.
When there is nothing special to iron, there is no point in spending money on buying a state-of-the-art unit: it will simply gather dust without use. Modern irons with a built-in water tank can handle a couple of shirts and trousers. And new technologies for supplying and distributing steam will delight you with the device’s ability to smooth out wrinkles.
If your work involves business trips, and you have a family waiting at home, then you don’t have to choose between an iron or a clothes steamer, but make a smart move: for the family - a steam generator, for trips - a small steam iron. And everyone will win.

In general, a steam generator can successfully replace an iron almost always, except when traveling.