Comparison Rowenta Clean & Steam RY 7557 WH vs Hotpoint-Ariston VS S15 AAW

Devices that combine the capabilities of a traditional steam cleaner and a washing vacuum cleaner. In other words, such a device is capable of not only treating various surfaces with hot steam, but also carry out suction of softened contaminants. This greatly simplifies cleaning: you do not need to separately remove dirt with napkins, the cleaner will also cope with this. In addition, such devices can also be used like conventional vacuum cleaners – for traditional dry cleaning. On the other hand, this versatility has a noticeable effect on weight and cost, despite the fact that in fact it is required relatively rare. Therefore, there are few steam vacuum cleaners nowadays.

Note that any type of devices (see above) can have this feature, except for garment steamers (due to application specifics) and handheld models (due to size/weight restrictions). The format of the steam vacuum cleaner can also be different. Most often, steaming is carried out first, then suction, however, some devices are able to perform two functions at the same time – this can significantly speed up the process.

Rated power consumed by the steam cleaner 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 productivity, 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” steam cleaners, and besides, they load the mains more.

The second point related to power is the calculations of the load on the wiring and various electrical equipment (protective automation, AVRs, generators, etc.).

The volume of the water tank provided in the device.

This parameter 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 tank - see "Options" for details. tank for water". As for volumes, a large capacity, on the one hand, allows you to work longer without refuelling. On the other hand, it affects the dimensions, weight and cost of the unit. Therefore, in handheld devices and steam mops (see "Type"), the volume of the tank does not even reach 1 litre — for such devices, compactness and light weight are more important than the ability to do without unnecessary refills. Similar tanks can also be found among household steam cleaners, but most of this equipment still holds 1 - 2 litres. And tanks of more than 2 litres are used mainly in powerful professional units.

The capacity of the dust collector installed in the steam vacuum cleaner (see above).

As in vacuum cleaners, the dust collector in such devices is a bag or other container for collecting garbage (we emphasize that this container has nothing to do with the boiler/water tank). A larger capacity, on the one hand, allows you to work longer without emptying the dust collector. On the other hand, it significantly affects the dimensions and weight of the entire unit. So this parameter is selected by the manufacturer depending on the type (see above) and the overall level of the steam cleaner. In steam mops and handheld models, dust collectors of more than 0.9 litres are extremely rare. Among household steam cleaners, values of 1.5 - 1.8 litres are not uncommon - this is comparable to the capacity of a traditional home vacuum cleaner using a cyclone system. And in professional units, this figure can exceed 10 litres.

Approximate time that the unit is able to operate without interruption. This parameter is determined primarily by the performance and capacity of the boiler/tank (see above): 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 control (also see above), 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 will be useful to clarify this possibility separately.

Heating time until steam is generated. The duration of the heating process directly depends on the power of the device and the volume of the water tank.

Note that the actual heating time may be less than the claimed one. For example, if the main tank is not filled full, and the design does not provide an additional tank for cold water. For a full guarantee, you should still focus on the value directly stated in the characteristics.

A system that prevents the formation of scale inside the steam cleaner's 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 pipes, hoses and attachments of the steam cleaner. Thirdly, upon contact with the washed surface, such particles can form new contaminants, sometimes they will be 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 against this phenomenon.

To avoid all this, modern steam cleaners provide limescale protection. This function is usually performed by a special filter that removes calcium salts from the water; in other words, scale still settles in the device, however, not on critical structural elements, but on a part specially designed for this purpose. Note 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).

The possibility of power cord rewind on a special device installed directly on (in) the body of the steam cleaner. This ensures at least additional convenience in storage/transportation – tthe power cord does not interfere with cleaning..

Note that for winding, a special coil is most often used – like those that are installed, for example, in vacuum cleaners. To unwind the cord from such a coil, you need to pull it, and the winding occurs automatically at the touch of a button. At the same time, the power cord does not have to be pulled out completely – you can choose the length so that it is guaranteed to reach the socket and at the same time does not create inconvenience. This provides additional comfort also while using.

The length of the power cord with which the steam cleaner is connected to the mains. The longer the power cord- the farther from the outlet the device can operate, the more freedom of movement the user has. On the other hand, an unnecessarily long power cord can create difficulties both during operation and in storage/transportation. And when working away from the outlet, you can use an extension cord. Therefore, even in units designed for large areas (such as steam mops - see "Type"), the length of the power cord rarely exceeds 5 - 6 m.