How to choose an iron for home use - tips: what to look for? Which sole is better?

The iron is one of the most important household appliances, because without it it is impossible to smooth out crumpled clothes. In our article we will tell you how to choose the right iron.

Content

The ironing process should give pleasure and not create any problems. So many housewives think. In many ways, the convenience of work depends on the iron. Today, in stores of household appliances, many models are represented, among which it is very difficult to choose the right one. All models differ in characteristics, functions and other parameters. Let's figure out how to choose the right iron for home use.

How to choose an iron for home - characteristics, functionality: review

Almost all models of ironing are steam today. Thus, ironing will be carried out not only by interacting the sole and surface, but also a couple. There are special holes to the sole to enter the sole, which can be of a different amount. This approach allows you to quickly get rid of folds even on too dry products, and without special effort.

There are two types of irons with the possibility of steaming:

With a reservoir. Such models have a small container under water and it is built into the case. From it, the liquid enters the heating element, where it becomes steam and penetrates through the holes to the sole. Water will need to be constantly added, about half an hour.
With a steam generator. This design involves the presence of a separate tank under water with a heating element. Additionally there is a hose that supplies steam, and also the iron itself.

The steam generator gives steam with high pressure for a long time, and therefore the ironing process becomes simpler. Among the shortcomings of such a device, its high cost is distinguished, and even larger sizes.

There are certain criteria to determine the optimal iron model for use:

For a simple iron, a capacity of 200-250 ml is enough, and for a steam generator it should not be less than 1.5-2.5 liters
Steam power steam 30-50 g per minute
The power of steam strike will be optimal if its level is 90-200 g per minute
If you would like to process the fabric not only on the ironing board, but also on the hanger, then choose a model with vertical steaming
Self -cleaning option makes it possible to quickly eliminate the scale from the iron
Some irons have the “Stop Stop” function, which does not allow condensate to form. As a result of this, water does not drip from the sole
The presence of an anti -core rod allows you to accumulate calcium salts from water on it and it does not get to the clothes. Periodically it must be removed and washed
If there is no rod, then you can look for models with built -in water filters
If there is a rod or filter in the iron, then for work you can use tap water. Otherwise use at least boiled water

When choosing a suitable home for a home, keep in mind that models in which there is no steaming function show less effective results during work. Although, their cost is not at all high, and they weigh much less. The ideal option in this case is the presence of a container for spraying water.

How to choose an iron depending on the sole - which is better?

Often the choice of an iron is carried out on its work surface - sole. And this is not surprising, because it is she who sets the quality of work. The main parameters when choosing are:

Material

The form
The number of holes
Material

The quality of the sliding on the surface, as well as its reliability, depends on what material is made on what material. There are several materials from which the sole of the iron can be made:

Stainless steel. Among its advantages, a low price, high strength, as well as ease of cleaning and excellent sliding can be distinguished. Despite this, she weighs quite a bit and heats up for a long time.
Aluminum. This material heats up very quickly and is relatively small. That's just it scratches strongly and cannot serve for a long time. Many housewives note that such a sole can damage a thin fabric and reserves glossy areas.

As a rule, in order for the sole to be more functional, but at the same time it remains accessible, different spraying is applied to it. To figure out which one to choose the coating, you need to learn about what properties the most popular options have:

Ceramics. Such a coating will always slide well, it is convenient to clean and it does not stick to the fabric. However, you have to fork out for such a model, because its price will be very high. Moreover, the iron will have to be handled extremely carefully, because any blow can lead to chips.

Teflon. It glides somewhat worse than ceramics, but at the same time it is cheap. Among the shortcomings, we can highlight that gradually the coating is thinner, can scratch and cooled.
Titanium. A strong coating, glides perfectly and is easily cleaned. However, it is heated for a long time, and its price is rather big. Despite the long heating, the titanium should still be considered as the optimal option, since it is it is the most resistant to wear.

Typically, manufacturers combine different options and they manage to find the optimal ratio of cost and efficiency. For example, stainless steel can be connected to ceramics and silicon.

The form

When choosing a suitable form, two criteria must be taken into account:

Cape design
The total surface area

The sharper the mouse will be at the iron, the easier and more comfortable it will be in use. He can easily smooth the surface near buttons, collars, ruffles, as well as other complex places.

Some irons have a depression at the junction of the sole and body. This approach allows you to make a simpler ironing buttons.

If we talk about the surface area, then you should not choose a too large and too small iron. Yes, undoubtedly, it’s easier to handle a small iron, because it is more maneuverable. That's just time to spend more time, especially if you want to stroke bedding or curtains.

Holes

It is best to choose such models that have many holes for steam. It is better that they are located on the surface evenly, even in the zone of the nose. Thus, the sole should have at least 50 holes. The best option is when there are 80-100.

Power

It is extremely important when selecting a suitable iron model to look at power. High power devices quickly heat up, in fact, it should be. Yes, and they work much more effective in terms of smoothing complex folds.

However, if the power is too high, then the device can overload the network, and it needs more energy for work.

Depending on the power, the irons are divided into different categories:

Up to 1.5 kW. These devices are ideal for working with a small amount of clothing made of thin material. This is a road option. Such models have small sizes and easily fit in a bag.
1.6-2.2 kW. The average option. It is most often chosen for domestic use.
From 2.2 kW. Recommended for use in cases where you need to constantly iron a lot of underwear

Before going to the store, decide how often and how many you have to iron. Get power depending on this.

How to choose an iron depending on the design, ergonomics?

In addition to the above criteria, it is important to pay attention to other characteristics that increase comfort from use. These are parameters such as:

The weight. It is best to choose the average option. If the iron is very light, then it is unlikely to be able to straighten the creases on the fabric, and it will be difficult to work with heavy, as the hand will constantly get tired. For road models, small weight is an obligatory criterion.
A pen. The most convenient handle is made of cork material or rubberized. If you are a left -handed manner, then you should not take a rubberized handle. It will be inconvenient for use. Before buying, it is better to take the iron in your hands and keep a little to understand what is convenient for you. If you want to buy a road option, it is better to choose a model with a folding handle.
Lenger and fastening of the cord. Due to these parameters, the iron may be maneuverable or not. It is best to choose models with a cord 2.5-3.5 meters. And the most optimal method of fastening is a hinge. It provides circular rotation and the wire always remains intact. Some models have even automatic cord rolling. It is important to note that the winding must be fabric and heat -resistant.

Some irons can work even without a network. They heat up from the stand, like electric kettles. Accordingly, it is more convenient to use them, because the wires do not interfere, but at the same time they will have to be periodically put on the heating site.

By the way, stores represent many different options for designing irons and they differ in color, shape and even have light effects. Usually, the more original the design, the higher the price. But this does not apply to functionality.

How to choose an iron for home use: additional characteristics

Additionally, you should look at other parameters that, although not defining, are also important:

Safety. The device must have an automatic cessation of power supply, which is activated literally after a couple of minutes when not used. Such an option allows you to prevent fire from overheating. Some irons have special legs that come out of the case and the device lifts, as a result of which contact with the surface is interrupted.
Working modes. The temperature controller is also useful for the iron, as well as the steam supply intensity. This makes it possible to work with different fabrics, starting with the most delicate and ending with complex thick ones.

Even in configuration, sometimes other accessories can be - a glass of water, a nozzle for protecting the surface, a cover and others.

As you can see, the characteristics of the irons are quite extensive and for choosing the optimal model you should think about each of them.