Steamer Vs Iron: Which Is Better For Your Clothes
The Great Dewrinkling Debate: Steamer Vs Iron Showdown
The choice between a clothes steamer vs iron depends on the fabric you want to smooth. A clothes steamer is versatile and suitable for delicate fabrics like silk and wool. It's easy to use and great for travel. However, it offers less precision and may take longer on heavy fabrics.
On the other hand, an iron provides a sharp finish, especially on sturdy fabrics like cotton and linen. It's excellent for creating sharp pleats and creases but requires an ironing board and carries a risk of scorching delicate materials.
Consider your fabric types and personal needs when choosing between a steamer vs iron. Understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your wardrobe and lifestyle.
What is a Steamer?
A steamer is a lightweight, portable appliance that is easy to store. Given its compact size, you can stow it in your luggage and carry it while travelling. This is a handheld device with a reservoir for water, a cool touch handle, and a power cord. As the water boils, the steam is released from the small holes in the ceramic sole plate. Some garment steamers also have overheat cutoffs and multiple heat settings that enhance safety and efficiency.
Advantages of Steamer
While the never-ending debate about garment steamer vs iron continues, steamer enthusiasts spell out the various benefits of using it. Here are a few of these:
Quick Fix Smoothening
When you are in a hurry, ironing your garments may seem cumbersome. In such situations, a steamer can come in handy. You have to glide it on your clothes as they are put up on the hanger. This does not take more than a minute, saving you a lot of time.
Ideal for Varied Garments
A steamer is a great choice to smoothen clothes that cannot be ironed. For example, knitwear, structured jackets, clothes with embellishments, etc.
Simplified Housekeeping
Freshening up the draperies and upholstery can be a time-consuming chore. However, with a garment steamer, this can be done in minutes. What’s more, you won’t have to take them down.
Disadvantages of Steamer
Now, let us take a look at some of the drawbacks of a clothes steamer.
Crease Issues
While a steam iron can easily smooth out the wrinkles on your garments, it cannot give the creases on your clothes a crisp edge.
Frequent Refillings
The water reservoir in a handheld steamer is small. So, if you are using it to iron a lot of clothes, you may have to refill it often.
What is an Iron?
An iron is a home appliance that is used to remove wrinkles and perfect the creases of the clothes. It features a wide metal soleplate, multiple temperature settings, and a long power cord with a 360𝆩 swivel. As the power supply is turned on, the soleplate slowly heats up, which can then be used to smooth out the wrinkles. Most irons these days have an auto-cutoff feature that prevents overheating of the appliance.
Advantages of Iron
If the argument about fabric steamer vs iron has left you indecisive, learn about the benefits of iron.
Multiple Thermal Settings
An iron offers you a range of temperature settings that can work on various fabrics. A delicate fabric like silk requires a low setting, whereas a stronger fabric like cotton will need a higher thermal setting.
Sets the Creases and Pleats
If you want crisp pleats and creases on your clothes, ironing is the way to go. Its heavy-weight design makes it easier to press it down on the creases, giving them more definition.
No Refills Required
Unlike a garment steamer, an iron does not require refilling of the reservoir.
Disadvantages of Iron
Here are some of the drawbacks of using an iron:
Setting Up Needed
Before you start ironing your clothes, you need to spend some time setting up an ironing table or a flat surface. This can be a task when you are in a hurry.
Challenging Navigation
While ironing, you may find it hard to de-wrinkle the hard-to-reach spots like collars, cuffs, and other curves.
Steamer Versus Iron: Make a Smart Choice
Before you put your money into buying a garment steamer or an iron, here are a few factors that you should consider.
Fabric Matters
Fabrics that are prone to wrinkling easily require moisture to relax the fibres. A steamer is ideal to smoothen these. However, an iron should be used to de-wrinkle the clothes that require crisping of creases.
Frequency of Usage
If you are accustomed to ironing a big load of clothes regularly, you should opt for a steamer as it is handheld and gets the job done easily. If de-wrinkling clothes is an occasional task, then an iron is a better choice.
Preference is Key
When it comes to choosing between steamer vs iron, it depends on your preference. If you want a convenient and quick option, opt for a steamer. However, if you are particular about getting crisp creases, you should opt for an iron.
Cloth Steamer vs Iron: The Final Verdict
The battle of the ironing devices continues because the distinction between the two is not clear. Since both de-crease and smoothen fabrics, they seem to be interchangeable. However, this is not the case. Your choice should solely lie on your preference, requirement and convenience. So, when entangled in a confusion of steamer vs iron, consider these factors. These will help you make the right decision.
FAQs
Can I use a garment steamer on cotton?
Yes, you can use a steamer on cotton. It produces steam that moistens the fibres of the fabric and softens them. This makes it easier to smooth out the wrinkles on cotton.
Why is steamer faster than iron?
A steamer is faster than an iron because it does not require the setting up of an ironing board or manoeuvring the garments to get to all the creases. However, iron is more efficient in working the pleats to give you a crisp look.
What are the fabrics that should not be ironed?
Fabrics like velvet, corduroy, wool and lycra should not be ironed. Additionally, sequins and beads on your clothes can be damaged if ironed. It is advisable to use a steamer to smooth out the wrinkles on these.
