To combat creases and wrinkled clothes, it is essential to have a steam generator or a steam straightener. However, deciding between them remains a matter of debate.
Most people understand that steam generators (or irons) and steamers work by using a hot steam jet system to remove wrinkles from their clothes.
However, they do not fully understand their differences in terms of usage. Indeed, these two devices do not have the same efficiency depending on your laundry needs.
In this article, we will answer the following question: what is the difference between a steam generator and a steam iron? And which of these two types of devices will allow you to remove wrinkles in a minimum of time (and effort).
When to use a steam generator?
A steam iron, often called an iron, is a tool that uses heat to remove wrinkles (or iron) from a garment, which is usually placed on an ironing board. The soleplate of the iron is a flat, roughly triangular surface. With or without steam, the heated surface of the iron flattens and conforms to any type of fabric that is under its heating plate. Irons are very effective for ironing dresses, pants, and any other garment that requires removing unsightly wrinkles.
The advantages of a steam generator
Effectiveness on thick fabrics:
Heavier fabrics (twill or pima cotton) respond well to the steam generator's hot plate.
The precision:
Ironing with a steam generator allows you to obtain intentional creases, clean cuffs and hems.
Pressing mode:
In addition, some steam generators are equipped with a pressing function which allows the steam flow rate to be temporarily increased from 180 g/min to 500 g/min and thus reinforce the penetration of moisture into the fabric.
The disadvantages of a steam generator
Requires some learning effort:
Learning how to iron clothes properly is not easy. It takes practice, and sometimes, ruining a few clothes to get the hang of it.
Ironing accessories required:
There are a few extra accessories you need when buying an iron. These include an ironing board and maintenance brushes. In addition, steam generators that have unlimited autonomy come with an additional water tank that must also be able to store.
Putting away the ironing board:
It seems like a small task, but it's a real headache to find a place that can accommodate your ironing board storage.
When to use a steam iron?
An iron will not work well on a sweater or jacket. It will not be optimal for bringing them back to life, removing wrinkles, or getting rid of odors and dust. For this, you will need a steam iron that will be perfect for treating your particular clothes and fabrics.
A steam iron is a device that uses hot steam to relax the fibers of clothing. A jet of steam is directed toward the clothes that you hang on a hanger. The main feature of this device is that it will remove unwanted wrinkles without coming into contact with the fabric.
The steam head, located at the end of the hose, is held a short distance from the fabric, allowing vertical steaming of clothes without applying burning heat to them. Small and portable, the "steamer" fits in one hand.
Also called a vertical steamer , a steamer is ideal for soft and delicate fabrics such as silk, satin, polyester and jersey. The risk of burning a garment is very low since the steamer does not actually touch the clothing. The steam can also smooth out sleeves and wrinkles that can be difficult to treat with irons.
The advantages of a steam iron
No ironing board needed:
One of the great things about using a clothes steamer is that you don't have to get out your ironing board (or deal with a big tank of water). It's a quick fix for wrinkled clothes. As a result, you'll save a lot of time with a clothes steamer.
Practical :
Given its small size, you can take your portable steamer directly in your luggage. A model with a 200 ml water tank is more than enough.
It makes it easier for you:
If you don't like or have trouble using an iron, a garment steamer is a great choice. You don't have to worry about turning clothes inside out, following a certain order, or damaging delicate fabrics.
It is faster:
An upright steamer is generally faster than an iron in terms of setup and use; 45 seconds of heat-up time on average. If you notice that a shirt or dress pants on the hanger are wrinkled, you don't even have to remove them from the hanger to straighten them out with a steamer.
Other uses:
A steamer doesn't just steam your clothes. When the steam flow is high (around 30 g/min), it can also get rid of mites, bacteria and bedbugs. So you can use it on your mattress or duvet.
The disadvantages of a steam iron
Removing unsightly wrinkles is not perfect on cottons:
You won't get these clothes as crisp and clean as you would with an iron.
It is difficult to get a deep fold:
If you like deep pleats and hems, an iron will do a better job.
Your arms may get tired:
This tool may show a limit on large quantities of laundry.
Difference between steam generator and steamer: the conclusion
| Features | Steam generator | Steam defroster |
| Heating time | 2 to 3 minutes | 30 to 45 seconds |
| Effective on thick fabrics | Very effective | Less efficient |
| Precision (folds, hems) | Allows you to create clean folds | Does not create marked folds |
| Use on delicate fabrics | May burn or shine | Ideal for delicate fabrics |
| Easy storage | Bulky, requires accessories | Compact, easy to store |
| Portability | No, too bulky | Yes, ideal for travel |
Garment steamers are portable , convenient for traveling, and easier to use than an iron, but they don't give you a perfect finish. Steam generators will give you cleaner, more precise results, especially on thick cottons.
However, it takes a little practice to master them. You might even ruin a few clothes in the process.