Remember the children's riddle: "Floating boat, then back, then forward, and behind him so quiet, no wrinkles can not see?" It's about him, about the Iron - irreplaceable thing in the economy and necessary. Of course, every house has an iron (and sometimes more than one!), But it happens that either the iron fails or hostess intends to acquire a more modern model of the iron. And maybe so that the new iron sold to someone as a gift. In any case, we direct the course go to hardware store and choose what we like. And at this point the question arises, how to choose the iron, so that the price was suitable, and we are satisfied with the quality.

A problem of choice actually becomes almost unsolvable: how to understand the diversity offered to us today irons? Moreover, at first glance, they are all the same. However, the choice will still have to do, so you should find out what is it that they (irons) are different, and how to choose a suitable model of the iron. But first, let's find out what types generally have irons.

Types of modern irons

According to the purpose they certainly do not differ: the task of any iron - iron. But depending on how easy it irons with the task of coping, they can be classified into simple and advanced models.

The simplest irons - the cheapest. They are not provided with additional features that make the process of ironing easier and more comfortable. Their only additional function - a temperature controller for various kinds of fabrics. Lack of simple irons: the need for additional (manual) humidification products. Advantages - low price and high reliability compared to more complex models. But for some reason manufacturers now produce a very small amount of simple models, preferring the iron with extra features.

Iron with cooking spray (without stripping). You are also unlikely to find in stores a large variety of these irons. This is due to low demand for such models. Their cost is higher than that of ordinary irons and spray function is not very efficient: such as iron and just be able to smooth out much crumpled tissue without additional manipulation.

Steam iron. Here are the most popular model. These irons and willing to buy, and produce active. What explains the great popularity of steam irons? Such iron versatile: it can be used for both dry and wet ironing. It is certainly very easy to use: has special grooves for proglazhivaniya tissue under the clasps, and a high degree of slip. Ideal otglazhivaet any thing, and thanks to the stripping - even badly wrinkled cloth. And the price of steam irons is quite democratic.

There are steam station irons or steam generator. They are much more expensive than steam irons and are, as a rule, not for household and professional use (in the studio, laundries, workshops). And one type of iron that you can see on the shelves - road drags. They are compact (small size and have a retractable handle) and are indispensable in a business trip or on the road. But, at the same time have a minimum set of functions and low power, which is also an important factor when choosing the iron.

Power or heating capacity of the iron

Before there were electric irons, people used for heating the ironing tools embers, kerosene, alcohol or gas burners. Modern irons are heated by electric heaters that have different power, measured in watts (W). This information is listed in the data sheet. How to choose an iron, depending on its power?

Irons low power (less than three hundred thousand watts) are quite rare today. In operation, they are not very comfortable - a long hot, do not support the high temperature mode stripping. And the need for them is only in that case, if the wiring is weak in your home.

The average thickness of the iron - from six hundred thousand to two thousand watts. Today, it is probably the most economical and at the same time quite a good choice. This iron is quite cope with small amounts of things and perfect for a small family. As practice shows, these irons are the most "running" the goods.

The maximum capacity of the iron - more than two thousand watts. This is a very expensive irons. They are designed for very large volumes of work, but also consume a lot of electricity. As a rule, for everyday use such a power of iron is unnecessary and expensive purchase is not justified.

Temperature range

This is another important characteristic of the iron. The heating temperature of the sole of his (work surface) is regulated by a special slider with divisions located on the body of the iron. This thermostat allows you to set the desired temperature for ironing various fabrics. This is especially significant when dealing with "soft" fabrics (synthetics and silk).

Division-tips for adjusting the temperature designated marker points or inscriptions. To determine the temperature of a specific product, it should look at the label - there is sure to be specified to heating iron. What does the markers on the thermostat?

• One point (or the inscription «nylon» (synthetic), «silk» (silk) - mode for light fabrics that are ironed at low temperature: nylon, silk, chiffon, crepe de chine.
• Two dots (or inscription «wool» (wool) - a temperature suitable for wool and wool blend fabrics.
• Three points (or inscription «cotton» (cotton) and «linen» (flax) - a mode to work with fabrics that require high temperatures: cotton, linen, drapes, etc. tweed.

Sole or the working surface of the iron

Surprisingly, but in today's irons soles are different: stainless steel, aluminum or metal-ceramic (ceramic). What requirements must meet the working surface of the iron? This, above all, careful impact on the tissue, good slip durability, uniform heat distribution. How to choose an iron with these requirements? What are the qualities of the soleplate of different materials?

The most common irons with stainless steel soleplate. The advantages of this material: durability, ease of cleaning, good slip, quick heating. Disadvantages: irons with steel soles are heavy, get dirty. Modern manufacturers produce irons with improved qualities of steel slip soles. To this end, the soles do special recesses (hollows) for the formation of an air cushion or a titanium coating is applied. All this reduces friction and increases the speed of the sliding iron.

Aluminium sole. Advantages of irons: lightness, good slip, quick heating and cooling, low price. The lack of a single, but very significant: exposure to strain (occurrence of scratches and metal burrs). But even invisible to the human eye damage on the soleplate may damage the fabric, leaving a tightening or cuts. While some manufacturers of irons to make the soles of anodized aluminum, which has a high strength. Furthermore, some irons have special removable aluminum nozzle, which also form the air cushion and prevents shiny areas.

The ceramic base is also quite common in modern models irons. Its advantages: high degree of slip, high quality ironing, very easy cleanability of the pollution. The main drawback - fragility. Irons with ceramic soles require particularly careful treatment, but the hostess will reward the excellent quality of work.

A recent know-how in the development of iron - ribbed working surface. This effect is achieved by applying to the sole of thin transverse strips of heat-resistant enamel. It focuses on them the highest temperature and the main force of the pressure. These irons easy to mess up even the much-dried laundry.

Another point the quality of the iron surface - holes for stripping. The main thing to remember is paying attention to this option is that the more of these holes, the better the result of ironing.

Stripping and splashing

Despite the fact that the objective of these functions is one of the iron (hydration), a few ways to implement it: the constant steam, turbopar, vertical steaming, spray (splashing).

Continuous steam occurs at a high temperature which converts water into steam. This steam can be controlled (automatically or manually), or irregular. It is best to purchase an iron with the possibility of adjusting the vapor. As a rule, are equipped with modern irons mnogostupenchanym mode stripping. Each individual step - steam pressure, measured in grams per minute, and the thicker or more wrinkled fabric, the more intense the treatment required for its stripping.

Turbopar or steam blow. This function is necessary for the smooth denim items from flax and cotton, as well as of dried laundry. Steam boost (enhanced steam) is adjusted manually by pressing a button. A very handy feature, especially as it is used only when necessary.

Steam in a vertical position, or vertical steam iron gives you the opportunity (to steam) clothes and curtains without removing them from the rack or eaves. The function is relatively new but very popular, but because almost all manufacturers produce models with vertical steam irons.

Spraying is necessary for ironing of dried laundry or items made of thin fabrics. The water is shallow and thin streams ejected before the nose of the iron and moistens the fabric. This is very handy when ironing cuffs, pockets, pleats, and other small parts. To activate this feature, you can also by pressing a button.

How to choose the function of iron stripping or spray? First of all, you need to pay attention to the water tank. Ideally, its capacity must be at least two hundred and three hundred milliliters at most. Yet it would be good that this tank was transparent. And another important detail when choosing the iron with stripping - protivoizvestkovaya cassette that protects the sole of the iron from scale. Well, if such a tape not, just to be used for stripping distilled or boiled water.

Other factors are the choice of iron

In addition to the basic characteristics of the iron, when you select should pay attention to other "little things" that can influence the quality of the product, and the comfort of working with him. What look?

1. Weight. Despite the fact that the heavy irons now do not produce, take in hand to choose the model and determine how hard it is for you.
2. A pen. Having defined the weight of the iron, check how easy it handle: whether it fits in your hand does not slip out of it you can not be reduced if your fingers cramp?
3. Cord. It should be long enough, not less than one and a half meters. And it would be nice to buy iron and heat-resistant cord and hinged to the body.
4. Manufacturer. Choose a brand well-established in the market of household appliances. But remember that even branded appliances may be of poor quality, if manufactured under license from somewhere in China. Therefore, ask the place of production.

Here, perhaps, all the main points that you should pay attention when choosing the iron. Well, some irons to choose in terms of design - it is a matter of taste. Manufacturers are trying their best, providing us with all kinds of models of irons: for every taste and wallet thickness. So what to choose, you can (and should!) Exactly what you want in all respects.