Power consumption
Rated power consumed by the device during operation. Usually, it is indicated by the maximum power consumption when used in normal mode, without abnormal situations.
In general, this parameter is secondary when choosing: manufacturers select power in such a way as to provide the necessary indicators of performance, pressure, etc. However, some practical points are also associated with power. So, with the same performance (see "Steam intensity"), a more powerful device will spend less time heating water and generating steam; it can also be provided with a more capacious boiler (see "Water boiler volume"), which is useful for long-term continuous operation. On the other hand, such devices turn out to be more expensive, and often also heavier and larger than relatively “weak” steamers, and besides, they load the mains more.
The second point related to power is just the calculations of the load on the wiring and various electrical equipment (protective automation, AVRs, generators, etc.).
Max. steam pressure
The maximum steam pressure at the outlet of the working nozzle that the steamer can create.
High pressure has a positive effect on the intensity of impact and the depth of penetration of steam; this is especially important when removing old dirt, as well as when processing carpets, upholstery and other similar materials. On the other hand, an increase in operating pressure affects the weight, price and power consumption of the device.
Water tank volume
The volume of the tank for the water supply provided in the device.
We emphasize that this indicator should not be confused with the volume of the boiler (see above): in this case, we are talking about a reservoir with a supply of cold water, from which such water enters the boiler for heating. Not every steam cleaner is equipped with such a reservoir.
Steam flow
Steam flow provided by the device. For models with power and/or humidity adjustment, this item indicates the maximum possible value.
When choosing according to this indicator, it should be borne in mind that the steam flow characterizes only the amount of water vapor produced by the device per minute. The intensity of the impact of this steam on the treated surface/product can be different, first of all, it depends on the working pressure. Therefore, only devices with similar pressure indicators can be directly compared by this indicator. When making these comparisons, it's worth assuming that higher steam flow allows to handle a large amount of work faster, but requires more powerful heaters and larger tanks – which, in turn, affects the dimensions, weight and price of the entire steamer.
Continuous operation time
Approximate time that the device is able to operate without breaks. This parameter is determined primarily by the performance and capacity of the boiler/tank: when the water supply is exhausted, the work will have to pause to replenish the stock. At the same time, for models with humidity and/or power adjustment, both the average time of continuous operation (at a certain standard mode), and the longest (at minimum intensity) or the shortest (at maximum) can be indicated; these details should be clarified separately.
It is worth saying that some models allow refueling with water right in the process of operation, but it also does not hurt to clarify this possibility separately.
Limescale protection
System that prevents the formation of scale inside the steamer boiler.
Scale – insoluble limescale – produces several undesirable effects at once. Firstly, it reduces the efficiency of the heating element, and over time it can completely disable it. Secondly, particles of scale can peel off the surface of the boiler and contaminate the pipelines, hoses and nozzles of the device. Thirdly, when they get on the surface to be washed or on the clothes to be steamed, such particles can form new contaminants, that are sometimes very difficult to remove. Scale is formed especially quickly when using "hard" water, with a high content of calcium salts; however, even "soft" water is not insurance from this phenomenon.
To avoid all this, modern models provide
limescale protection. This feature is usually performed by a special filter that removes calcium salts from the water used; in other words, scale still settles in the apparatus, however, not on critical structural elements, but on a part specially designed for this purpose. It should be borne in mind that filters have a limited resource and require periodic replacement (and the harder the water, the more often such a replacement will have to be done).
Steam hose length
The length of the steam supply hose included with the steamer.
The longer the hose, the farther you can reach without moving the device itself. On the other hand, a large length can create inconvenience during storage and transportation, as well as when working at short distances.
Power cord length
The length of the cable with which the device is connected to the mains. The longer the power cord — the farther from the socket the device can operate, the more freedom of movement the user has. On the other hand, an unnecessarily long cord can create difficulties both during operation and in storage/transportation; and when working away from the socket, you can use an extension cord.
