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 boiler volume
The volume of the water boiler used in the steamer.
First of all, we emphasize that you should not confuse the boiler and the water tank (see below). A boiler is a reservoir in which water is heated to form steam; in some models, such a reservoir is supplemented by a cold water tank, in others, the entire supply of water is located directly in the boiler. Accordingly, the meaning of this parameter depends on whether the device has an additional tank or not.
If there is a separate tank in the design, then the volume of the boiler is rather a secondary indicator: it is selected in such a way as to provide the claimed performance (and it is worth focus on these specifications when choosing). If there is no tank, then the volume of the boiler directly depends on how much water will fit in the device and how long it can work on one such refill. At the same time, an increase in volume allows to work longer without refueling, but it affects the dimensions, weight, price, and often also the power consumption of the device (a more capacious boiler requires a more powerful heater).
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 power adjustment
A controller that changes the power of the steam coming from the device, in other words, the overall speed and flow rate at the outlet. Do not confuse this feature with humidity adjustment: the change in power is carried out mainly by changing the operating pressure, while the humidity may remain unchanged (and vice versa).
Steamers with power adjustment can be easily adjusted to the specifics of the situation, choosing the optimal mode depending on the tasks and materials.
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.
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.
