Review of the best vertical steamers

Purpose of the device

It is worth noting! The device is not an alternative to an iron, as it does not iron things perfectly if they are heavily wrinkled.

However, the device can refresh the overall appearance of the fabric, provide gentle care for delicate fabrics, and also smooth out minor wrinkles.

Its application is quite extensive :

At home. For smoothing curtains, caring for outerwear, delicate fabrics. Helps eliminate the smell of dampness and rot.
In clothing stores. This device cannot be replaced in such retail outlets, since things that are often tried on become wrinkled and do not look well-groomed. Using a steamer, you can quickly refresh fabrics and make things presentable.
In hotels. For hotels, the speed of cleaning, as well as its quality, is very important. All textiles should be washed regularly. And if you still use an iron for bed linen, then, for example, for curtains it is better to use a steamer. It significantly speeds up the process of bringing textiles into proper shape.
In laundries and dry cleaners. These establishments bring things of different types and from different fabrics. Therefore, the device should be in the arsenal of laundries and dry cleaners in order to clean things as quickly as possible and hand them over to their owners in perfect condition.

Main types of steamers

There are several types of steamers. The main ones are presented below.

Manual

Such devices are quite lightweight and at the same time very compact.
They are suitable for light fabrics and underwear , as they have a small power reserve and an insignificant steam jet, so they cannot cope with complex fabrics.

You can take a hand steamer while traveling. Due to its small size, it will not take up much space.

And on a trip it will become an indispensable device, as it can not only refresh clothes, but also smooth out small wrinkles.

Pros:

weight;
possibility of transportation;
dimensions.

Minuses:

power;
not a long time of continuous operation;
impossibility of caring for natural dense fabrics.

Vertical

Such devices are placed on the floor.
Its body consists of a liquid container that is inserted into the body. A hose with an iron comes out of it, which is attached to a special stand.

You can also hang things on hangers on it. This simplifies the operation of the device.

There are two types of vertical steamers:

with steam pressure;
gravity flow.

Such devices are quite powerful, so they can cope with different types of fabrics. They are used for a variety of purposes.

Some of the vertical steamers are equipped with wheels, which makes them easy to transport and eliminates the need to carry clothes to the device.

Pros:

power;
long operating time;
possibility of vertical processing of fabrics (including curtains);

Minuses:

dimensions;
Doesn't steam (and smooth) hard-to-reach areas well, including cuffs and sleeves.

Pump-action

In such steamers, not all the water in the flask is heated.
Using a pump, the liquid is supplied to the heated heating element in small portions, so the release of steam is quite sharp and powerful (akin to an explosion).

Thus, the steam comes out under high pressure, which allows you to care for even dense natural fabrics . For these purposes they are purchased.

Pump steamers are used in outerwear and curtain stores. Also, such devices are often purchased for hotels.

Pros:

high power;
steam penetration deep into tissue;
possibility of ironing dense fabrics;
manual steam control;
long operating time of the device.

Minuses:

steam pressure drops quickly;
high price of the device.

Gravity

These steamers are similar in principle to manual steamers.
They are also unable to smooth out dense natural fabrics, but are very easy to use and are not bulky.

However, unlike a manual device, gravity steamers usually have a larger boiler volume, which increases their operating time.

Pros:

duration of work (compared to manual);
ease of use;
insignificant price.

Minuses:

low power.

Types of clothes steamers

Manual

The most compact models often look like a clothes brush (only without lint) or a small teapot with an ironing spout. The small body does not allow you to hide powerful heating elements or a capacious water container inside. But such steamers easily fit into a travel bag.

Vertical

All budget models of floor steamers have a gravity steam supply system. Formed in the boiler of the lower box, it is pressed through the hose to the ironing nozzle. Because of this short journey, the outlet temperature drops a little - to +98..+99 ° C, but the steam still works. Such devices are suitable for caring for medium-weight fabrics.

Also in this family there are steamers operating under pressure. They produce a stream of steam of about 3 atm, which allows it to penetrate deeply even through thick coat fabrics.

Pros:

The large volume of the tank increases the duration of work on one refill to 1–2 hours;
Ease of handling - you only need to hold a light iron in your hands;
Simplicity and reliability of design;
Affordable price.

Minuses:

Quite small sizes;
High power consumption;
You need to wait until the water heats up (and the required pressure builds up).

Vertical models are very convenient for ironing everyday clothes. They always come with a tripod on which you can attach hangers and hang things for steaming.

Pump-action

These devices also work with a forced supply of steam under pressure, but it is formed somewhat differently. Here the entire volume of water poured into the tank does not boil - it is pumped drop by drop onto a hot heating element and evaporates sharply. This results in a kind of mini-explosion that increases the pressure in the boiler chamber. Then everything works as standard: the valve opens and steam rushes out with force. You control this process yourself - using the button located on the iron.

Pros:

More intense steam flow;
Fast and efficient smoothing of things;
Steam under pressure easily penetrates even through thick fabric;
Convenient feed control;
Unlimited continuous operation time (as long as there is enough water).

Minuses:

The pressure of the released steam drops quickly;
Quite a price.

Pump steamers work best when ironing heavy items made of fur and thick fabrics (drape, tweed and felt).

Combined

They are a hybrid of a clothes steamer and a household steam cleaner, which makes them more efficient and functional. Here, steam is supplied under constant pressure (from 3 atm and above) and can be used not only for ironing, but also for safely cleaning the house or cleaning heat-resistant surfaces.

Pros:

Ability to process heavy fabrics;
Disinfection and elimination of unpleasant odors;
A large number of replaceable nozzles included;
Functionality.

Minuses:

High price.
Produces excessive steam.

Perfectionists and lovers of absolute cleanliness without the use of chemicals will appreciate the capabilities of combined steam cleaners. By changing the attachments, you can use the same device to put naughty things in order and wash grease off the tiles in the kitchen.

Based on what parameters is the choice made?

Keep in mind! Steamers are selected based on various parameters that are important to consider.

Also, these parameters depend on the purpose of using the device.

Steam intensity

This indicator determines what fabrics and how quickly the steamer can iron them.
Low intensity is typical for manual and gravity-fed devices that are unable to work with dense things.

Their functionality is greatly reduced because of this.

Tank volume

The volume of the tank determines the amount of water that can be poured into the device.

Stay up to date! The more liquid, the longer you can work with the steamer without interruption.

Since a small volume will quickly evaporate and the operation of the device will stop.

Iron heel material

It can be plastic or metal . Also, some steamers are equipped with a special coating for improved glide over fabric.

The plastic sole is short-lived, unlike the metal one.

Equipment

The following may be included with the steamer:

trouser clips (for forming creases);
dust and lint brush (mainly for outerwear);
protective mitten for hands (for user safety);
special bar (for ease of ironing collars and cuffs).

Not every device is equipped with such devices.

Therefore, before purchasing, you need to carefully study what is included in the device.

How to choose the right hand steamer

There are several recommendations that will allow you to choose the optimal model that will completely. Meet the requirements in a specific case. Here's what to pay attention to:

Tank volume. This determines how long you can work without a break.
Device power. The larger it is, the easier it will be to deal with strong folds.
Overheating protection and automatic shutdown in the absence of water. This is an important function that will extend the life of the gadget.
Weight. If you plan to use the steamer for quite a long time, then this is a very important parameter.
The kit includes a protective mitten and a brush for cleaning clothes.

These are the most important parameters to consider when purchasing. But it is not necessary to study all this, since when buying a product from the rating above, you can be sure of the quality.

Video - How to choose a clothes steamer

Choice depending on purpose

Each type of steamer is suitable for different purposes and copes with certain functions better than others.

To refresh clothes

To freshen clothes at home, give them a presentable look or lightly iron them, for example, after using a dryer, you can use a manual or gravity steamer.

They have low power and are not suitable for large fabrics (curtains, outerwear, sweaters).

However, they will do an excellent job with thin, light and delicate things.

Also, similar devices are used in lingerie stores , since the fabrics there are very light and delicate and do not require significant steam treatment.

For the care of your entire wardrobe

A vertical steamer is perfect for caring for your entire wardrobe .

It is convenient both from a technical and functional point of view. The presence of a stand will ensure ease of use of the device.

You should know! The power of the vertical device is high enough to handle even outerwear.

And the presence of wheels can be a convenient addition that will allow you to take care of things in any corner of the apartment.

For the studio

For the studio, the most powerful steamers are suitable - pump-type, sometimes vertical steamers.

Where regular care of a wide variety of fabrics is required,
the versatility of the device, various modes, and additional devices included are important.

Additional features worth noting

Important! It is worth paying attention to such parameters as:

Power. The intensity of steam supply and the duration of operation of the device depend on it.
Number of modes. The more there are, the more functional the device is; accordingly, it is capable of steaming various fabrics and being used both to refresh laundry and as an ironing device.
Automatic shutdown. This parameter is important for safety, as a steamer left turned on may burn out after the water in the tank runs out.
Weight. Depending on the type of device, the weight differs. So, a handheld steamer should be light enough to be taken with you. But for a pump-action or vertical iron, only the weight of the iron itself is important, so that it is convenient for them to work, and the body with the tank can weigh more.
Price. Depending on the purpose of such a purchase, you should pay attention to the cost. For example, for home, infrequent use, there is no point in purchasing an expensive model.

What to pay attention to first

When heading to a household appliance store, decide on the type of machine and its functions.

The power of a home assistant depends on the number of things you are going to process with it. Piece work can be done with a hand-held device with a power of about 1000 W. If you plan to use it daily, processing different types of materials, the power must be appropriate. A floor-mounted option with a good volume of water tank is appropriate;
For the same reasons, pay attention to the number of modes so that delicate fabrics are not spoiled, and heavy fabrics, furniture, shoes are not left unkempt;
Ask the seller what kind of water is poured into the container. As a rule, expensive models are less demanding on its quality;
For steam generation, heating elements, boilers or a flow system are used. It will depend on its type and configuration whether you can descale the unit yourself or whether you will have to take the device to a service center;
The material of the steam iron (metal, ceramic or plastic) affects the steam output and its temperature. If additional heating is provided for the ironing, and this happens only for metal and ceramics, then the steam is guaranteed to be hot without unexpected drops of condensation;
With a hose length of 2 m, heating the iron is necessary. The steam will cool down after traveling such a distance, especially in a cool room. When choosing a cheap option with plastic, make sure that the hose is no more than 1.5 m;
The height of floor-standing models is adjusted by telescopic stands, which are equipped with hangers, and some even have a mini ironing board. The shape and size of the racks are selected individually.

Manufacturers equip some models with attachments and additional functions. The nozzle is needed for textiles in order to simultaneously remove dirt, pellets, and animal hair along with steaming. There are options with a detachable steam hose and the ability to work with other nozzles.

Popular companies and models

There are many different companies that produce household appliances, in particular steamers.
However, not all of them are popular and proven to be the best.

Phillips

Philips is one of the best technology manufacturing companies.

The design of their devices is ergonomic, and the prices are very diverse.

The most popular models of steamers from this company include:

Philips GC524/60;
Philips GC507/60;
Philips GC299/40;
Philips GC361/20;
Philips GC557/30.

Kitfort

Kitfort produces its devices in China. Models from this company have high build quality .

However, it is the vertical steamers of this manufacturer that are most popular.

Popular devices:

Kitfort KT-919;
Kitfort KT-926;
Kitfort KT-915;
Kitfort KT-928-3;
Kitfort KT-927.

Tefal

Tefal is a well-known brand that produces household appliances; the irons of this company are especially popular. However, their steamers are no worse.

Best models:

Tefal 2 in 1 IXEO QT1020E0;
Tefal Fashion Steam IT3440E0;
Tefal Access Steam Minute DT7005E0;
Tefal Fashion Steam IT3460E0;
Tefal Pro Style Care IT8460E0.

Polaris

Polaris produces relatively inexpensive equipment. The same applies to steamers. However, the price does not affect the quality, and it remains high.

Popular models:

Polaris PGS 1821VA;
Polaris PGS 1611VA;
Polaris PGS 1415C.

Scarlett

Another well-known brand of equipment.
Scarlet produces a wide variety of devices , however, their range of steamers is not as extensive as that of other companies.

Best models:

Scarlett SC-GS130S09;
Scarlett SC-GS135S10;
Scarlett SC - GS135S03.

conclusions

When choosing a clothes steamer, it is important to consider the following points:

A steamer is an excellent device for caring for various types of fabrics..
Types of steamers have different purposes and functionality , their choice depends on the purpose.
The use of such a device is quite extensive; it is used not only at home, but also in hotels, studios, shops , etc.
Steamers can have a large number of different functions and modes, which makes the devices multifunctional.
The device can refresh and iron things using steam.

Additional selection options

When listening to the advice of a professional on choosing a steamer, you should pay attention to the following features of the models:

Length of power cord and steam hose. If the sleeve is short, steaming the curtains will become a real problem. To reach the top of the canvas, you will have to raise the boiler with the base to a height. A short cord also limits the mobility of the device, preventing you from placing the steamer far from an outlet.
Compartment for storing cord and attachments. Saves storage space and prevents loss of accessories.
Removable water tank. Allows you to add water at any time without turning off the steamer.
Mobility, wheels and carrying handles.

The choice of a clothing steamer largely depends on the manufacturer. Famous brands, for example, Philips, Tefal, provide a two-year warranty on their equipment and offer a variety of options for every taste and budget.

Do not forget that a steamer is not a complete replacement for an iron. It rather serves as an additional device for caring for delicate items and upholstered furniture than as a stand-alone ironing device.