Steam Iron or Steam Generator Iron?
For more detailed information on the differences, read our buyers guide
gtboiler Product Page
Steam Iron Top Tips Summary
1. Weight
Some irons can weigh 1.5 kilos or more - and that's before you add any water.
If you iron for long periods of time, check the weight of the iron or consider steam generators which generally have more lightweight irons (around 1 kilo).
2. Soleplate
A ceramic soleplate is the smoothest and most damage resistant (stainless steel is also good, aluminium or non-stick are the poorest).
Some manufacturers coat their ceramic soleplate with another material to give even better gliding or scratch protection.
3. Continuous Steam Output
While most irons have a larger 'burst shot' which delivers a short, large puff of steam, it's the continuous steam output that matters.
To be able to tackle a wide range of fabric types, 35g or more is ideal.
4. Cord Length
The maximum length is around 3 metres, though some irons only have 2 metres. Think about where you will be ironing most and how accessible the plug sockets are.
5. Auto Off
More and more irons are coming with this handy safety feature that cuts off the power after a period of inactivity. Read more on that here
Steam Generator Iron Top Tips Summary
1. Bar Pressure
Pressure is measured in Bar with around 6.5bar being the current maximum. Anything over 5 bar should be plenty for every day ironing.
2. Water Tank Size
A steam generator uses much more water so a big water tank will mean less time stopping to refill. A 1.5 litre tank is ideal, though some models have a giant 2 litre capacity.
3. Descaling
With all the extra water use, a steam generator is more likely to suffer from limescale in hard water areas.
Make sure there is some kind of filter or calc-clean system. Tefal use a very clever calc-collection system, while others use replaceable cartridges to filter the water.
4. Auto Controls
An increasing number of steam generators (and some hand irons too) are equipped with automatic controls, doing away altogether with buttons and dials. These systems work well and are appearing even on entry level models.
5. Your Ironing Board
Steam generators are heavier and bulkier than hand irons and will require an ironing board that is designed for such a unit.
Alternatively you could position the unit on a nearby table or worktop as long as it's safe and stable.
You've made the decision to have a steam room in your home. Next is buying a steam generator.
When you buy a steam generator, it's really important to choose the right one in the right size so you have the best possible steam experience. That way, you can relax assured that your steam generator isn't wasting resources creating steam for your steam bath, and you won't waste time waiting for your steam shower.
Size matters. You see, the size of your steam shower enclosure as well as the materials your steam shower was built with matter when selecting a steam generator.
The dimensions of your bathroom affect your choice of a home steam shower generator. These include how high the ceiling is, as well as the width and length of your shower enclosure (in other words, you need to find out the volume of the space). You want a steam generator to fill the volume of the
enclosure with steam. Too small a generator, and you'll barely get enough steam to steam your pinky. Too large, and you'll have too much steam.
Steam Iron or Steam Generator Iron?
For more detailed information on the differences, read our buyers guide
Steam Iron Top Tips Summary
1. Weight
Some irons can weigh 1.5 kilos or more - and that's before you add any water.
If you iron for long periods of time, check the weight of the iron or consider steam generators which generally have more lightweight irons (around 1 kilo).
2. Soleplate
A ceramic soleplate is the smoothest and most damage resistant (stainless steel is also good, aluminium or non-stick are the poorest).
Some manufacturers coat their ceramic soleplate with another material to give even better gliding or scratch protection.
3. Continuous Steam Output
While most irons have a larger 'burst shot' which delivers a short, large puff of steam, it's the continuous steam output that matters.
To be able to tackle a wide range of fabric types, 35g or more is ideal.
4. Cord Length
The maximum length is around 3 metres, though some irons only have 2 metres. Think about where you will be ironing most and how accessible the plug sockets are.
5. Auto Off
More and more irons are coming with this handy safety feature that cuts off the power after a period of inactivity. Read more on that here
Steam Generator Iron Top Tips Summary
1. Bar Pressure
Pressure is measured in Bar with around 6.5bar being the current maximum. Anything over 5 bar should be plenty for every day ironing.
2. Water Tank Size
A steam generator uses much more water so a big water tank will mean less time stopping to refill. A 1.5 litre tank is ideal, though some models have a giant 2 litre capacity.
3. Descaling
With all the extra water use, a steam generator is more likely to suffer from limescale in hard water areas.
Make sure there is some kind of filter or calc-clean system. Tefal use a very clever calc-collection system, while others use replaceable cartridges to filter the water.
4. Auto Controls
An increasing number of steam generators (and some hand irons too) are equipped with automatic controls, doing away altogether with buttons and dials. These systems work well and are appearing even on entry level models.
5. Your Ironing Board
Steam generators are heavier and bulkier than hand irons and will require an ironing board that is designed for such a unit.
Alternatively you could position the unit on a nearby table or worktop as long as it's safe and stable.
You've made the decision to have a steam room in your home. Next is buying a steam generator.
When you buy a steam generator, it's really important to choose the right one in the right size so you have the best possible steam experience. That way, you can relax assured that your steam generator isn't wasting resources creating steam for your steam bath, and you won't waste time waiting for your steam shower.
Size matters. You see, the size of your steam shower enclosure as well as the materials your steam shower was built with matter when selecting a steam generator.
The dimensions of your bathroom affect your choice of a home steam shower generator. These include how high the ceiling is, as well as the width and length of your shower enclosure (in other words, you need to find out the volume of the space). You want a steam generator to fill the volume of the
enclosure with steam. Too small a generator, and you'll barely get enough steam to steam your pinky. Too large, and you'll have too much steam.
The materials that your shower enclosure was built with affect the steam generator you buy. Steam reacts to the walls, ceiling and the ambient temperature of your bathroom. If your steam enclosure is made from a non-porous material such as fiberglass, acrylic or other formed plastic, you can probably opt for a smaller steam generator. On the other hand, porous materials (natural stone, marble, concrete, etc.) will require a larger steam generator.
(You may also want to read How to Size a Steam Shower Generator? Try Our Virtual Spa System for additional perspective.)
Given the company's tremendous experience with steam and steam showers (see The History of Steam and Steam Showers in New York City), Mr.Steam recommends that you look for the following 13 features in a steam generator:
Disclaimer - all Mr.Steam steam generators come with these features.
1. Make sure that your steam generator features stainless steel inside and out for long life.
2. We recommend a compact size for your steam generator for ease and flexibility of installation. (This is what makes Mr.Steam so perfect for small bathrooms! See Yes, You Can Have a Steam Shower in a Small Bathroom.)
3. Precision connectors for easy plug-and-play installation of multiple steam generator features (example: AutoFlush. See Why Bother with Steam Shower AutoFlush Technology?)
4. A microprocessor-controlled water monitoring and delivery system
5. Self-diagnostic LED indicators on the steam generator for hassle-free, smooth steam operation
6. Unique seven-second electronic steam generator shut-off safety feature
7. Steam generator with anti-hammer, low voltage water Solenoid valves for a quiet, safe steam shower
8. A 24-volt transformer for safety and protection
9. A standard ½' full port ball valve for ease of service
10. Exclusive Express Steam® factory-installed steam generator option that maintains water temperature to start steaming more quickly
11. Easy installation and service of your steam generator
12. Eco-friendly, incorporating recycled materials. Furthermore, the steam generators themselves can be recycled!
13. UL listed in the US and Canada, allowing you to relax and buy a steam generator with confidence
(Also check ou 5 Tips For Buying a Steam Room Generator.)
If all of this sounds complicated, have no fear! Mr. Steam is the only steam generator manufacturer to make sizing both simple AND precise with a free steam shower sizing app available for designers, remodelers and installers. Answer a few questions, and your bathroom remodeling professional can be assured that you won't be wasting power'or experiencing an unsatisfying steam. Making sure your professional uses Mr. Steam is the key to receiving the relaxing steam that you've always wanted.
Let us know if you have any questions about buying a steam generator for your home steam shower!
The materials that your shower enclosure was built with affect the steam generator you buy. Steam reacts to the walls, ceiling and the ambient temperature of your bathroom. If your steam enclosure is made from a non-porous material such as fiberglass, acrylic or other formed plastic, you can probably opt for a smaller steam generator. On the other hand, porous materials (natural stone, marble, concrete, etc.) will require a larger steam generator.
(You may also want to read How to Size a Steam Shower Generator? Try Our Virtual Spa System for additional perspective.)
Given the company's tremendous experience with steam and steam showers (see The History of Steam and Steam Showers in New York City), Mr.Steam recommends that you look for the following 13 features in a steam generator:
Disclaimer - all Mr.Steam steam generators come with these features.
1. Make sure that your steam generator features stainless steel inside and out for long life.
2. We recommend a compact size for your steam generator for ease and flexibility of installation. (This is what makes Mr.Steam so perfect for small bathrooms! See Yes, You Can Have a Steam Shower in a Small Bathroom.)
3. Precision connectors for easy plug-and-play installation of multiple steam generator features (example: AutoFlush. See Why Bother with Steam Shower AutoFlush Technology?)
4. A microprocessor-controlled water monitoring and delivery system
5. Self-diagnostic LED indicators on the steam generator for hassle-free, smooth steam operation
6. Unique seven-second electronic steam generator shut-off safety feature
7. Steam generator with anti-hammer, low voltage water Solenoid valves for a quiet, safe steam shower
8. A 24-volt transformer for safety and protection
9. A standard ½' full port ball valve for ease of service
10. Exclusive Express Steam® factory-installed steam generator option that maintains water temperature to start steaming more quickly
11. Easy installation and service of your steam generator
12. Eco-friendly, incorporating recycled materials. Furthermore, the steam generators themselves can be recycled!
13. UL listed in the US and Canada, allowing you to relax and buy a steam generator with confidence
(Also check ou 5 Tips For Buying a Steam Room Generator.)
If all of this sounds complicated, have no fear! Mr. Steam is the only steam generator manufacturer to make sizing both simple AND precise with a free steam shower sizing app available for designers, remodelers and installers. Answer a few questions, and your bathroom remodeling professional can be assured that you won't be wasting power'or experiencing an unsatisfying steam. Making sure your professional uses Mr. Steam is the key to receiving the relaxing steam that you've always wanted.
Let us know if you have any questions about buying a steam generator for your home steam shower!
The company is the world’s best Electric Steam Boiler supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.