Depending on the model you choose, steam generator
irons come with a variety of
features to make ironing as easy and hassle free as possible. Before you buy, make
sure you understand the various features that are available by reading this A-Z
guide to finding your perfect steam generator iron.
Anti-calc
Anti-calc will protect your iron from damaging build-ups of calcium, saving you
cleaning and maintenance time and ensuring a longer life for the iron.
Anti-drip
With anti-drip, even if you accidently overload the steam boost function, there
won't be any unwanted drips of water or nasty spitting, which can stain delicate
fabrics.
Anti-scale
Anti-scale will automatically remove limescale build-ups, so you won't have to buy
expensive cleaning products or spend time removing the limescale yourself. Anti-scale
will ensure a longer life for the iron.
Capacity
The capacity relates to the amount of water the iron can hold. The bigger the capacity
the better because you won't have to refill as often.
Continuous fill
The best steam generator irons
don't allow pressure to build up, so you can refill
the water tank while the iron is still hot. This means you don't have to wait until
the iron cools down before topping up, and there's no waiting around while the iron
reheats.
Cord length
A long cord will give you greater manoeuvrability, making ironing easier and more comfortable.
Detachable water tank
A detachable water tank means you can detach the tank from the iron's base and carry
it to the tap to refill, rather than pouring water in from a jug. Many people find
this more convenient.
Heat up time
A short heat up time means there's no waiting around for the iron to heat up, which
is great when you're in a rush. The best steam generator iron will heat up in
just two minutes.
Pressure
There are two types of steam generator irons: non-pressurised and pressurised. Non-pressurised
steam irons generate as much as double the steam as a conventional steam iron but
without pressure. Pressurised steam irons generate even more steam than a non-pressurised
steam iron and with a pressure up to 5-bar. Pressurised steam irons make ironing
easier and give you better results with less effort because the steam penetrates
the fabric deeper and with more force. The best pressurised steam generator irons
provide 5-bar pressure.
Safety shut off
Some Irons come with a safety shut off so the iron will automatically turn itself
off if you leave it unused for a few minutes.
Sole plate
For great ironing results, the soleplate is a crucial element. Ceramic soleplates
are the best and highest quality soleplate you can get because they are easy to
clean, scratch resistant and slide across the fabric with ease.
As well as the material of the sole plate, the design is equally important because
a wide base will ensure good area coverage and intelligently positioned steam holes
will relax the fabric in all the right places before the hot plate passes over,
making ironing easier and quicker.
Steam brush
Some stream generator irons also come with a stream brush, so you can professionally
steam and refresh textiles such as curtains, delicate fabrics and already worn clothes.
Steam output
Steam output is measured in grams per minute and the higher the steam output, the
better the crease removal. Non-pressurised steam irons offer a steam output between
80 and 108 grams per minute while pressurised steam irons offer a steam output around
100 to 120 grams per minute.
Transport system
Steam generator irons consist of a base and the iron itself, so are naturally a
little heavier and more awkward to carry. A transport system will make carrying
easier and may includes features such as an lock to prevent the iron sliding off
the base and a carrying handle so you can carry the iron and the base as a complete
unit.
Variable steam
The more advanced steam generator irons, such as Hoover's IronSpeed irons will enable
you to alter the humidity, direction and power of steam flow according the type
of fabric you're ironing. This means you can look after delicate fabrics such as
cashmere while also having maximum steam and pressure for those heavily creased
shirts and linen trousers.
Vertical steam
Vertical steam will allow you to remove creases by simply holding the iron in a
vertical position at a short distance from the fabric. This is really convenient
for curtains and difficult to iron clothes, such as suits and jackets. It is also
excellent for delicate fabrics, such as silk and lycra, that can otherwise be easily
scorched with a hot plate.
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the quicker the iron will heat up and the better the performance.
Buy ironing boards and accessories for your iron online directly from the official Hoover Spares shop.