Steam Generator vs Steam Iron, Which is Better?

Many people simply compare the different iron options like Rowenta DW5080, Black+Decker D2030, CHI 13101 before the choosing the iron. A better way to pick the right iron is to 1st look at the various types of irons which are available. There are numerous options available like steam generator irons or steam irons or traditional irons. You have to always compare the different types in order to make the right decision about choosing the iron.

In fact, most of the people simply have no clue regarding the classification of irons. There is a misconception that steam generator irons are the same as steam irons. This is not true at all. You have to 1st and foremost find out about both these types of irons and then choose between the options like Black+Decker IR40V, Maytag M200, Rowenta DG8520.

We will today compare the 2 types of irons and find out which one is a good option.

Before we compare both of these options, it is a good idea to know about the basic difference between these irons. We will highlight this below.

Steam Production

The steam production in steam generator iron is on the higher side as compared to a steam iron. This is because the steam generator iron has a bigger water holding chamber in the base unit. Since the amount of water is more, the steam which can be generated is on the higher side. Moreover, the steam generator iron also consists of a separate boiler unit which ensures that steam can be produced at a faster pace as well. On the other hand, there is a small tank in the steam iron unit itself when you use it. There is no separate boiler in the steam iron.

Design

When you look at the design of the steam iron, it consists of a single unit. The ironing unit itself consists of the tank as well as the heating plate. The tank is just above the heating plate. Once the water pours onto the heating plate, the steam is generated. Each and every time, you push the steam button, the waterfalls on the heating plate and steam are generated. Since you have to deal only with a single unit, you have to just attach the electrical cord protruding from the iron, to turn on the iron. You will not have to worry about dealing with a separate unit.

When you look at the design of the steam generator iron, it consists of 2 parts. One is the base unit and one is the iron unit. When the iron is not in use, it can be kept on the base unit. On the other hand, when it is in use, the cord of the iron is attached to the base unit. The iron in itself is similar to the traditional iron with holes in the sole plate. The tank is contained in the base unit. The tank is connected to the boiler. When you release the pressure button, the water flows from the tank to the boiler. Once the steam is generated, it flows through the cord to the iron. The steam is released at high pressure in order to make it reach the inner side of the garment.

As you can see, there is a distinct difference between the steam iron and the steam generator iron.

Capacity

The steam generation capacity of the steam generator iron is on the higher side. This is because the tank is bigger in the base unit. Similarly, the steam which is generated by the steam generator iron is pressurized. This means that the steam will be able to reach a greater depth in the garments. This is another advantage.

Capacity-wise as well as pressure-wise, the steam generator iron is a much better option.

Now that you are familiar with both the options, we will highlight some of the cases when the steam generator iron is better and some in which, the steam iron is better.

When is a Steam Iron better?

When you’re looking for iron for home and personal usage, the steam iron is a much better option. It generates more than adequate steam for personal usage. Also, at home, you might not be required to iron the thicker fabrics. That is why the steam which is generated by the steam iron is proper.

Another case in which steam iron is better is when you’re looking for a portable iron. The cord can be easily wrapped around the steam iron and you can carry the steam iron wherever you want. You will not have to worry about the base unit. The model size of most of the steam irons is pretty small and compact. This means that you will be able to carry it in your bag or backpack quite easily. It is one of the perfect irons to have if you travel a lot.

If you’re looking for the even higher amount of portability, you can opt for the cordless steam iron. This ensures that once the iron is charged, you will not have to worry about searching for a socket nearby. You can simply turn on the iron and start using it without having to connect it to any kind of electrical socket. Thus, if portability is one of your requirements, you should definitely choose the steam iron over the steam generator one. It scores highly in this regard.

Thus, when you’re searching for iron for personal use or when you’re searching for a portable iron, the steam iron is the perfect choice for you.

When is a Steam Generator Iron Better?

When you’re looking for a heavy duty steam iron, it is a much better option to go for the steam generator iron instead. The amount of steam which it generates is on the higher side. Moreover, with the help of pressurized steam, you can be sure that you will be able to iron the thicker fabrics as well. If you often deal with thicker fabrics or bed sheets or curtains, buying a steam generator is a much better option.

Moreover, if you want iron for commercial usage applications, like in the motels and hotels, it is a much better option to opt for the steam generator iron. You will not have to worry about filling the water tank again and again. The steam will be pressurized and therefore you will be able to save a significant amount of time by getting the perfect ironing done in the 1st attempt itself. In spite of the fact that the water tank and the boiler is in the base unit, the steam is released within seconds of pressing the button. Thus, it will not take you a lot of time to get the amount of steam which you desire. You have to just set the dial to the right fabric settings and press the pressure release button.

Even though the steam generator irons are portable as well but they are a bit on the bulky side. That is why; the steam generator iron is a much better option when you want one for stationary applications.

So, the 1st thing which you need to do while choosing a steam iron is to compare the steam generator irons vs steam irons. One type is not essentially superior to the other. It all depends on your use. When you compare both of these iron types, you will realize the perfect iron for your needs. Only once you are clear about the iron types, you can compare the different models like SINGER Magic ESP-2, Rowenta DG7530, Maytag M1200 to pick the right one.