Are you confused about which one is the best option for you to go with, how to choose an iron? What to look for in an iron? What is a steam generator iron? We tickled pink when someone gets the best product after our effort in research. We are here to help you. Our analysts compare both steam iron vs. steam generator iron and give a clear difference between both. However, both are used for the same purpose that is ironing but with different functionalities.
The main difference between steam iron vs. steam generator iron is that a steam iron is compact and has a water tank built-in. Whereas, the steam generator has a separate water tank and more steam pressure. It depends whether you have more clothes in your laundry or less, so decide according to your need.
So, here we discuss the main differences we inspect. Furthermore, we select five irons from each of the categories and analyze them. We tests the both types of irons on different fabric materials and check how well they removes wrinkles. Even though, you can check our latest research articles on the best steam irons and best steamgenerators if you want a detailed analysis of both.
Key Features to considerbefore buying an Iron: Pros & Cons
Here are some cornerstones discussed which you have to keep in mind before making the final decision:
Water reservoir
Standard steam iron has an internal water tank, which has less capacity to fill water so, it needs refilling after a short span. If you have fewer clothes for ironing, you can go with this option because it produces less steam pressure.
The steam generator is linked with a hose, having two separate parts, a heating element, and a water tank. Contrasting to simple steam iron, they are bulkier because of having separate water tank. Their water reservoir capacity ranges from 1.4 liters to 2.5 liters. By using this resource, you can get better output.
Fast Ironing and Professional Result
Steam generators are a perfect choice for those with a massive pile of clothes for pressing or who want to use them for professional work. Particularly, they press fabric more finely and profoundly and quickly remove the wrinkles and creases from both sides of clothes. Even for the clothes like jeans, bed sheets, curtains, and thick stuff, its works perfectly. Moreover, they have a steam boost feature, which is helpful for most stubborn creases, and remove them in no time.
It takes a bit more time to heat the soleplate as 2-3 minutes because iron is link with boiler, which takes time to heat up, but once iron gets ready, work for a long time as steam iron gets warm up in 30-40 seconds.
Steam Pressure
Types of steam generator irons are on the market: pressurized and non-pressurized. Non-pressurized irons are like a simple steam iron. The main difference is that non-pressurized have higher steam production output than a standard steam iron. In contrast, pressurized iron has more steam production capacity, so these go well with the most unwavering creases on clothes. Steam penetrates in clothes and gives quick and perfect results.
However, pressurized steam iron reduces timings because of extra power.
Sound Production
The steam-generating iron makes a sound while producing steam pressure whereas, a standard steam iron is silent and only produces a hissing sound when it uses the steam burst function. Despite, time progression in technology, the latest steam generators have a silent function too.
Two of our favorites, Philips Perfect Care Elite plus GC9682, and Rowenta DG8962, use silent technology.
Weight
There is a prime difference in weight of both machines as simple steam iron has an internal water reservoir, making it heavy. In contrast, steam generators have a separate tank. So, the iron itself is lightweight, and you can comfortably use it for a more extended period.
In conclusion, we recommend choosing the iron according to your need. On the whole, steam generator irons are the better option to invest in if you have more clothes to press and want to finish your work speedily. These are costly than simple steam and dry iron but keep in mind that it working progress is two times more and is professional as compared to the simple steam iron. So, you feel the worth of paying, later on.
De-scaling System
De-scaling is the removal or draining of calcium and mineral deposits. As, both types of irons have the feature of removing the build-up deposit. De-scaling is necessary, especially in the steam generator, as its water tank fitting is at the side and has a steam boost function.
Steam iron can be clean more often because it has a button to press while swirling water, and the tank gets clear. Hence, removal of deposits and proper cleaning after every month is substantial for long-term usage and increases irons’ productivity.
Price Differences
Steam generator iron is more expensive than a simple steam iron, as the features and functionalities possessed by the steam generator are more. Moreover, if you want to do vertical ironing, wish to use curtains, quilting, bed sheets, and every type of cloth, then spend money on a steam generator is worth it.
Our verdict: Which one to buy a Steam iron or a Steam Generator Iron?
After careful analysis by our team about steam iron vs. steam generator iron. It has been noted that if you want to finish your work in less time and want to remove creases efficiently from every fabric, for pressing pleats, a steam generator is the best option for you. Otherwise, you can get your work done efficiently with a steam iron for general use at home. So, finally, we say decide according to what above feature you need.
