Power
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.).
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.
Detachable water tank
The presence of a water tank in the device, which has a removable design.
For more information about the tank itself, see "Additional water tank". And the detachable design makes refueling much easier. In particular, it allows you to fill the tank under the tap, while with a non-detachable tank, this possibility is often not available. And some models with this feature can be refueled during operation, without turning off the heating and without relieving pressure in the boiler (although it still will be useful to clarify this possibility). In addition, a
detachable tank is much easier to clean or wash than a non-detachable one.
Dust collector capacity
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.
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.
Power cord rewind
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.
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.
Noise level
The approximate noise level generated by the unit during normal operation. Specified mainly for models with a steam vacuum function (see above) - more traditional steam cleaners are generally very quiet, and for them, this parameter does not need to be specifically specified.
The lower the noise level, the more comfortable the use of the steam cleaner, especially during prolonged use. On the other hand, an increase in power and performance inevitably leads to an increase in noise levels. this moment can be partly compensated for by various design tricks — but they affect the cost. As for specific values, most modern steam vacuum cleaners have a volume ranging from 67 dB (comparable to the sound of a busy street) to 85 dB (the level of a loud scream).
