Water tank volume
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.
Continuous operation time
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
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.
Limescale protection
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).
Power cord length
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.
