Useful features of a modern iron

Iron is the main household tool for ironing clothes. There are other tools for this procedure that work on the principle of steaming and pressing, but they are far from the popularity of the iron. The speed and quality of the device is directly dependent on the characteristics and a set of useful additional options. Manufacturers offer various functions of the iron, which will help to make the process of ironing simple and pleasant.

Types of irons

Modern ironing devices are divided into the following types, depending on the design:

• simple;
• with steam generator;
• steam.

The first practically do not occur on the market due to the lack of demand for them, although they are distinguished by high reliability of the structure. Steam generator equipped industrial plantswhich stand in the laundry. With their help, you can handle a significant amount of clothing.

Steam devices - almost all modern household models, which are equipped with useful additional options.

Work with steam

The possibility of vaporization has long become the standard for household models. Steam allows:

• speed up the process of smoothing at times;
• protect fabric from overheating and damage.

Steam supply

Modern iron on the sole of the heating element has holes through which steam enters the fabric. The more holes, the more steam gets on the fabric. And this affects the speed of ironing, especially coarse fabrics.

The location of the holes on the surface of the element is also important: for this reason, each company strives to patent its unique design.

The main parameter of this function is feed rate This indicator varies in the range of 10-150 g / min and depends on the power of the heating element.For everyday ironing, usually up to 30 grams.

Too much steam affects:

• water consumption;
• overwetted tissue.

In turn, a greater flow of water will require a large tank, which leads to an increase in the size and weight of the device. In domestic use, such an iron will be inconvenient.

Steam strike

This is instantaneous steam supply under pressure. Relevant if you need to correct the folds on a soft cloth. Is used for:

• smoothing curtains;
• eliminate large folds on outerwear.

Pressing a special button leads to the instantaneous release of a large amount of steam through high-pressure feed holes. He sharply hits the fabric, which immediately softens the fibers, and heating with the sole of the iron immediately fixes this state.

The technical characteristic of this function of irons is the steam supply rate. A good indicator is from 90 g / min. In industrial steam generators the minimum rate is 120 g / min.

In order for the pressure required for steam supply to form in the domestic device, a certain time is required. Because of this, the blow can be carried out about once every ten seconds.Industrial steam generators are distinguished by their ability to drive continuous steam strikes. This is due to the presence of a separate reservoir of water with a heater.

Self-cleaning steam supply system

The water constantly contains a certain amount of solutes. Since steam is formed by heating, the dissolved substances (often lime) are deposited on the steam supply channels and heating elements. Not all people have access to distilled water, and most simply forget about it. Therefore, manufacturers equip their irons with this function, which allows them to remove lime deposits from the elements of the device.

The system is:

• separate;
• combined with steam blow.

In the first case, there is a separate button on the body of the iron, which feeds the water in large quantities into the channels without heating it. This allows you to wash out the accumulated dirt. In the second variant, a steam blow occurs. self-cleaning. But it is fraught with dirt on the fabric. Some manufacturers share this feature: it turns on the steam boost button by long pressing.

Anti-droplet system

Due to the technical features of the operation of the vaporization system, water may leak out. This is usually due to the fact that when you turn on the iron does not rhinestone gains operating temperature. The use of an anti-droplet system is important when storing a device with a reservoir filled with water. When ironing, this function will protect the fabric from the ingress of unnecessary water droplets that can leave stains.

Vertical steaming

This function is used when ironing outwear when she hangs on a hanger. An important aspect: with vertical stripping, the heating element does not contact the fabric. It is used to smooth extremely temperature sensitive tissue.

Other optional systems

In addition to having a vaporization system in its various forms, modern irons are equipped with other systems to simplify ironing and increase user comfort.

Dry ironing

Required to work on delicate fabrics that can not steam around. For example, silk due to exposure to steam will twist and melt. In fact, this function only controls the temperature of the heating element at a parameter close to the minimum value.

Auto power off

Serves for fire safety. Since the iron contains a heating element, it may cause a fire if the safety instructions are not followed. A special fuse allows you to turn off the device if it:

• 30 seconds stands motionless in a horizontal position;
• about 10 minutes fixed in a vertical position.

These parameters have become the standard of safety among manufacturers of irons.

Wireless current supply

On most models of electricity, which serves as energy for the heating elements, is supplied with the help of a wire coming from the mains. But more and more popular conquer models that are able to work without wires. They are equipped with a battery, but still the device will have to be put on charging to a special station. The advantage of this decision is controversial - it all depends on the conditions of use and the wishes of the client.

Removable water tank

This feature allows you to greatly facilitate the iron itself. You can hang the tank on the device only when you need to use steam.