Sainsbury's guide to irons
Steam irons: Steam irons ">>Steam irons are better equipped to remove creases. The steam opens up the weave in the fabrics as the weight and shape of the soleplate flattens and smoothes. In general, the greater the wattage of the iron, the more steam is produced and the easier ironing becomes.
Steam irons work by heating water from an internal water tank and funnelling it out as steam. Naturally, larger tanks will have to be refilled less often. To this end, transparent tanks are useful for checking on water levels, while steam irons with detachable tanks can be refilled without turning off the machine.
Typical domestic steam irons express between 30 and 90 grams per minute. Depending on price, generally, steam irons will also have some or all of the following features.
Steam generator iron: Similar to ordinary steam irons but with a separate steam generator, steam generator irons are the domestic versions of professional steam irons. Huge amounts of steam are produced by the generator, generally about 2200w, and ironing time can be halved. Higher steam pressure means that both sides of the fabric are pressed simultaneously.
An iron's soleplate is its metallic underside, where heat is distributed. The material and design of soleplates affects irons' overall performances. Four types of soleplate exist.
Anti-drip systems: particularly useful for delicate fabrics, steam is released at low heat without dripping or spitting.
Anti-scale: the majority of steam irons have this function which ensures the iron can be used with tap water. Calcium is prevented from damaging the iron. Some irons do this by forcing calcium out of the vents with bursts of steam, while others feature a changeable anti-calcium cartridge.
Auto shut-off: for safety reasons some irons turn themselves off after eight minutes upright or 30 seconds resting on the soleplate.
Dimples and steam holes: performance improves the more of these there are on the soleplate.
Narrow tip: useful for ironing between buttons and pleats, this allows the soleplate to manoeuvre into tight spaces.
">>Buy steam irons at Sainsbury's
Steam irons work by heating water from an internal water tank and funnelling it out as steam. Naturally, larger tanks will have to be refilled less often. To this end, transparent tanks are useful for checking on water levels, while steam irons with detachable tanks can be refilled without turning off the machine.
Typical domestic steam irons express between 30 and 90 grams per minute. Depending on price, generally, steam irons will also have some or all of the following features.
- Vertical steam: used to remove creases in curtains or other hanging garments
- Variable steam: for changeable steam output. Heavier fabrics, such as denim, need more steam to be released than lighter fabrics like silk.
- Burst of steam: as the name suggests, an extra burst of steam which helps to iron out difficult creases.
- Spray: a water-mist that can be emitted to make removing creases on very dry fabric easier.
Steam generator iron: Similar to ordinary steam irons but with a separate steam generator, steam generator irons are the domestic versions of professional steam irons. Huge amounts of steam are produced by the generator, generally about 2200w, and ironing time can be halved. Higher steam pressure means that both sides of the fabric are pressed simultaneously.
An iron's soleplate is its metallic underside, where heat is distributed. The material and design of soleplates affects irons' overall performances. Four types of soleplate exist.
- Aluminium: irons with aluminium soleplates are both efficient and effective. The aluminium core distributes heat evenly and quickly but it can stick.
- Coated: a non-stick finish is applied to the soleplate which helps it to run smoothly over the fabric.
- Polished stainless steel: though the steel can be scratched by metal zippers or rivets, polished stainless steel soleplates are among the smoothest and easiest to iron with.
- Ceramic: very smooth and allows starch to be removed easily.
Anti-drip systems: particularly useful for delicate fabrics, steam is released at low heat without dripping or spitting.
Anti-scale: the majority of steam irons have this function which ensures the iron can be used with tap water. Calcium is prevented from damaging the iron. Some irons do this by forcing calcium out of the vents with bursts of steam, while others feature a changeable anti-calcium cartridge.
Auto shut-off: for safety reasons some irons turn themselves off after eight minutes upright or 30 seconds resting on the soleplate.
Dimples and steam holes: performance improves the more of these there are on the soleplate.
Narrow tip: useful for ironing between buttons and pleats, this allows the soleplate to manoeuvre into tight spaces.
">>Buy steam irons at Sainsbury's
