As mainstream ironing tools, ironing machines and electric irons have significant differences in working principles, applicable scenarios, and usage experience. When choosing, you need to make a comprehensive judgment based on the material of the clothes, the need for wrinkle removal, and the usage habits to achieve efficient clothing care.
The essential difference in the working principle determines the wrinkle removal method. The electric iron directly contacts the fabric through a metal bottom plate (the temperature can reach 80-220℃), and uses high temperature and high pressure to smooth the wrinkles. It is suitable for dealing with stubborn creases on thick fabrics (such as suit trouser lines). The bottom plate material (ceramic, stainless steel, Teflon) affects the smoothness, and the Teflon coating can reduce fabric wear and tear, which is suitable for delicate fabrics. The ironing machine softens the fiber through the continuous spray of high-temperature steam (temperature 100-150℃), and stretches the wrinkles with the help of the nozzle pressure. It is a "non-contact" ironing, which causes less damage to the clothes, especially for fabrics that are afraid of pressure (such as silk and chiffon).
Applicable fabrics and wrinkle removal effects have different focuses. The heavy pressure characteristics of the electric iron make it perform better on heavy fabrics (wool coats, denim clothes), and it can quickly shape straight lines. The wrinkle removal efficiency is about 30% higher than that of the ironing machine. However, for elastic fabrics such as sweaters and lace, they are easily deformed due to pressure; the high temperature bottom plate may also burn chemical fiber fabrics. The steam penetration of the ironing machine is strong, which is suitable for handling large items such as curtains and wedding dresses. Its vertical design can easily iron difficult parts such as shoulders and necklines, and the steam can remove odors and mites from clothes at the same time, and it has more additional functions. However, in the face of stubborn creases, the ironing machine needs to be ironed repeatedly, which takes a long time.
The convenience of operation and the use scenario are obviously different. The electric iron is small in size (weight 1-2kg), suitable for travel, and can be operated by placing it flat on the ironing board. The learning cost is low and it is suitable for novices. However, water needs to be added frequently during use (the water tank capacity is usually ≤300ml), and it is necessary to wait for the bottom plate to heat up (preheating time 2-5 minutes). Garment irons are divided into handheld models (weight 0.5-1kg) and vertical models (weight 3-5kg). The handheld model has a small water tank capacity (≤200ml), which is suitable for daily small items of clothing; the vertical model has a water tank capacity of 1-2L and can work continuously for 30-60 minutes, which is suitable for centralized ironing at home. Its feature of turning on and ironing (preheating time 30 seconds - 1 minute) is more time-saving, but the vertical model takes up a large storage space.
Energy consumption and maintenance costs need to be considered comprehensively. The power of an electric iron is usually 1000-2000W, and the power consumption for a single use (30 minutes) is about 0.5-1 degrees; the power of a garment iron is 1500-2200W, and the power consumption for the same time is 0.75-1.1 degrees, which is slightly higher than that of an electric iron. In terms of maintenance, the bottom plate of the electric iron needs to be cleaned regularly (to avoid scale residue), otherwise it may stick to the fabric; if the ironing machine uses tap water, the steam hole needs to be unblocked every month (to prevent scale clogging), and the use of purified water can extend the maintenance cycle.
Purchase recommendations follow the principle of "scenario adaptation": for daily handling of small pieces of clothing and pursuit of portability, choose a handheld ironing machine; for families with many large pieces of clothing and attention to shape protection, choose a vertical ironing machine; for frequent ironing of heavy clothing and precise shaping, choose an electric iron. The two are not substitutes, and their use together can cover more care needs, which can not only ensure that the clothes are crisp and stylish, but also reduce fabric damage. It is an ideal combination for modern family clothing care.