Steam Irons

• There are two basic varieties of steam iron -- those that include a water tank and those that get steam from a separate boiler. This boiler is referred to as a "steam generator." The best variety of iron for your household's needs depends on how much ironing has to be done each week and how much ironing is done at one time. If you iron several times a week, dealing with just a few items on each occasion, a steam iron with a built-in water tank combined with a good ironing board will meet your needs. However, if you iron for six or seven people at once, or do the entire week's ironing in one go, a steam generator iron will make the job easier. The amount of steam generated means it irons both sides of an item at once. It is also much less heavy to work with, as the water tank is separate.
  
  

Steam Cleaners

• There are three basic types of steam cleaner -- steam mops, canisters, and hand-held models. To choose the best type for your home, consider how much flooring you want to steam clean. Steam mops and canister steam cleaners are both used on floors, but steam mops have a larger cleaning head. You may find one of these quicker on floors if you have large areas to clean. Combine your steam mop with a hand held steamer for above-floor cleaning. A canister steam cleaner offers the advantage of being able to switch from floor to above floor cleaning without having to switch machines. One of these may prove more suitable if you clean the house from top to bottom every week.
  
  

Food Steamers

• Steaming is regarded as a healthy way to cook food. Consider carefully whether you will use a food steamer to its full potential before making the purchase. If you believe you will, then consider what size steamer you need. If you normally cook for just two or three people, there's no point in buying one capable of preparing banquets for 10 guests. The best food steamer for your home is one you can use to prepare the quantities of food you normally cook on an everyday basis.
  
  

Added Benefits

• If you are considering purchasing any of these steam machines, look for the one which gives you the most added benefits. In the case of a steam iron, look for a vertical ironing function. This gives you the option of ironing curtains while they hang at windows and ironing jackets without taking them off their hangers. In the case of a steam generator iron, look for a tank with a large capacity to avoid the need to refill while working through a pile of laundry. A steam cleaner has the added benefit of greatly reducing the amount of money you spend on cleaning fluids. However, some also come with an iron and convert into a steam generator ironing system. Some food steamers can also be used to cook rice.