Ironing is one of the most common household chores that we all have to do. Whether it’s for our office wear, casual clothes, or formal attire, we want our clothes to look neat and wrinkle-free. But not all irons are created equal. Some are too heavy, some are too slow, some are too expensive, and some are just plain ineffective.
Must Read: Best Steam Irons Prices in Pakistan 2023
What is a Steam Iron?
A steam iron is a type of iron that uses hot steam to remove wrinkles from fabrics. These irons have a water tank that heats up and produces steam that is released through holes in the soleplate. The steam moistens and relaxes the fibbers of the fabric, making it easier to smooth out the creases. Steam irons also have a spray function that can be used to dampen dry or stubborn fabrics.
Steam irons are more effective and efficient than dry irons, as they can handle a wider range of fabrics and reduce the ironing time. Steam irons also have other benefits, such as:
- They can be used vertically to steam curtains, drapes, or hanging garments.
- They can be used to sanitize and deodorize fabrics by killing bacteria and germs.
- They can be used to remove stains and odors from fabrics by using vinegar or baking soda in the water tank.
Types of Steamers
There are two main types of steam irons that you can choose from: steam irons and steam generators. These differ in features and performance, but also in price, so the amount you want to spend may well influence your decision.
Steam Irons
Steam irons are the most common and affordable type of iron. They have a water tank inside the iron that heats up and produces steam that is released through holes in the soleplate. The steam helps to moisten and relax the fabric, making it easier to smooth out the wrinkles. Steam irons can also have a spray function, a steam burst function, and a vertical steam function for different fabrics and needs. Steam irons are usually lightweight, easy to use, and suitable for most ironing tasks.
Steam Generators
Steam generators are more powerful and expensive than irons. They have a separate water tank that is connected to the iron by a hose. The water tank heats up and produces high-pressure steam that is delivered to the iron. The steam output is much higher than a steam iron, which means it can penetrate deeper into the fabric and remove wrinkles faster and easier. Steam generators are ideal for heavy-duty ironing, such as large batches of laundry, thick fabrics, or quilting.
How to Choose the Best Steam Iron
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best steam iron in Pakistan. Some of the most important ones are:
- Power: The power of a steam iron is measured in watts (W). The higher the wattage, the faster and hotter the iron will heat up and produce steam. A higher wattage also means a better performance and a longer lifespan of the iron. The best steam irons in Pakistan have a power of at least 2000 W.
- Soleplate: The soleplate is the metal plate that comes in contact with the fabric. The soleplate should be smooth, non-stick, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. The soleplate should also have enough holes to distribute the steam evenly and effectively. The best steam irons in Pakistan have ceramic or stainless steel soleplates.
- Water Tank: The water tank is where the water is stored and heated to produce steam. The water tank should have a large capacity, so that you don’t have to refill it frequently. The water tank should also have a transparent or indicator window, so that you can see the water level. The water tank should also have an anti-drip system, so that it doesn’t leak water on your clothes or ironing board. The best steam irons in Pakistan have a water tank capacity of at least 300 ml.
- Steam Output: The steam output is the amount of steam that the iron can produce per minute. The steam output is measured in grams per minute (g/min). The higher the steam output, the more effective and efficient the iron will be at removing wrinkles. The best steam irons in Pakistan have a steam output of at least 25 g/min.
- Steam Burst: The steam burst is a feature that allows the iron to release a powerful jet of steam at once. The steam burst is useful for dealing with stubborn wrinkles or thick fabrics. The best steam irons in Pakistan have a steam burst of at least 100 g/min.
- Cord Length: The cord length is the length of the wire that connects the iron to the power socket. The cord length should be long enough to allow you to move freely and reach all parts of your clothes or ironing board. The cord length should also have a swivel or pivot function, so that it doesn’t get tangled or twisted. The best steam irons in Pakistan have a cord length of at least 2 meters.
Pros
- A Stem iron can remove wrinkles from fabrics more effectively and efficiently than a dry iron, as it moistens and relaxes the fibbers with hot steam.
- Can also be used vertically to steam curtains, drapes, or hanging garments, without having to take them down or lay them flat.
- Sanitize and deodorize fabrics by killing bacteria and germs with high-temperature steam.
- Remove stains and odors from fabrics by using vinegar or baking soda in the water tank.
- A steam iron can have safety features such as automatic shut-off, indicator light, and overheat protection to prevent accidents or damage.
Cons
- A steam iron may not work well with heavier or thicker fabrics, such as polyester blend or wool, as the steam may not be enough to remove creases.
- May require frequent refilling of water, especially if it has a small reservoir or a high steam output.
- May produce loud popping noises when steaming, which can be annoying or disturbing for some people.
- May cause dripping or leaking of water on the clothes or the ironing board, if it does not have an anti-drip system or if it is tilted too much.
- May require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent lime scale, rust, or clogging of the soleplate or the holes.
Tips for Using a Steam Iron
- Read the instruction manual. This will help you to understand the features of your iron and how to use it safely.
- Fill the water tank with distilled water. This will help to prevent the build-up of minerals and scale, which can damage the iron and reduce its lifespan.
- Set the correct temperature for the fabric you are ironing. You can usually find this information on the care label of the garment.
- Start with a low temperature and increase it gradually as needed. It is better to start with a lower temperature and avoid burning the fabric.
- Iron in the direction of the grain of the fabric. This will help to prevent the fabric from stretching or puckering.
- Use the steam setting to remove wrinkles. Steam is more effective than heat alone at removing wrinkles.
- If you are ironing a delicate fabric, use a pressing cloth. This will help to protect the fabric from the heat of the iron.
- To remove stubborn wrinkles, use the steam burst function. This will release a powerful burst of steam that can help to remove even the most stubborn wrinkles.
- Empty the water tank after each use. This will help to prevent the build-up of minerals and scale.
