What is a Steam Iron?
A steam iron uses superheated water to eliminate wrinkles in clothes and fabrics which may not be suitable for traditional dry ironing. Distilled water is usually poured into a holding tank and special heating elements convert it to steam. This hot mist comes out through a number of holes in the soleplate (bottom heating element) of the steam iron. As the steam loosens the individual fibers of the clothes, the steam iron’s pressing action smooths out wrinkles. Many traditional dry irons contain a steam iron option. Water is poured into a small reservoir and superheated until it becomes usable steam. A mechanical switch on the handle of the iron allows the user to select the steam setting. The steam itself should come out of small holes located near the tip of the pressing plate. For most conventional ironing needs, this combination of dry and steam iron settings should suffice. The steam generated by a traditional dry iron may not be overwhelming, but it will loosen wrinkled fibers. So
A steam iron is just like any normal iron that you would use to remove the wrinkles / creases on your garment except that it comes with steam, which emits from the soleplate (the bottom metal part that provides the heat) Steam iron eliminates the need for you to spray water before you iron. It incorporates a water storage compartment that allow you the adjust how much water is dripping into the soleplate, hence produces steam for your garment. By adjusting the amount of water, you get the steam rate (units is grams per minutes g/min). How much grams of water is being converted into steam in one minute. This is what will be the manufacturer’s claim on the performance & it is also what you should look for if you’re getting one. The higher the better. Of course it goes along with the price. Steam iron in that sense is more convenience and it is also a great way to remove odor from your garment.
