subject: How is a Steam Generator Iron Different from a Normal Iron? [print this page] How is a Steam Generator Iron Different from a Normal Iron?
The name is a bit of a giveaway, isn' it? Steam irons and steam generator irons must produce steam, right?
Many people think that a steam generator iron is simply the new name for a steam iron but this isn't actually the case. Yes, it is true that both steam irons and steam generator irons produce steam and do the job of removing unwanted creases from your clothes but, beyond that, there are many differences in the way they work.
Let's take a look at some of the differences:
The most obvious physical difference between a steam iron and a steam generator iron is the size and design of each. Whereas a traditional iron is a self-contained, hand-held unit which plugs directly into an electrical socket, a steam generator iron is larger in size and consists of 2 parts - one of which is the hand-held iron, and the other part is the base unit. A tube connects the iron to the base unit and the base is then connected to the electricity socket.
The boiler of the steam generator iron is housed in the separate base unit and this is where the water is stored and heated.
The steam then travels to the soleplate of iron through the tube which connects the hand-held iron part to the base unit.
We can see how both types of iron look different, but are there any differences when it comes to actually using them? Yes, there are - One of the main differences is that a steam generator iron is capable of producing much more steam than a traditional steam iron and it's this vast amount of steam which allows you to get your ironing done in less time than it would normally take.
You could compare using a steam generator iron to using a pressure washer when cleaning your car - both are powerful and make completing a task much easier.
If you then compare using a traditional steam iron to cleaning your car with a standard hose-pipe, you can see that both will get the jobs done but, if you want to make life easier for yourself, you might want to choose the more powerful tool. This should make lighter work of your chores and speed up the process of getting your ironing done.
Of course, these are not the only differences between the 2 types of iron. I have pointed these out as being the most obvious physical and mechanical differences but there are others too.
