Power consumption
The power consumed by the device during operation.
In general, more powerful models are considered more advanced — at least because the high power speeds up the time to heat up to operating temperature and allows you to achieve higher steam performance. On the other hand, such power significantly affects the dimensions, weight and price.
Among classic irons, power up to 1500 W corresponds to the entry level, it is mainly typical for travel models. An indicator of 1500 – 2000 W is considered average, and values of 2000 W and more are typical mainly for professional devices. In the presence of a steam generator, the power increases noticeably, and among ironing systems and presses there are models with a power of up to 6 – 7 kW.
Steam supply power
The steam supply power provided by an iron is essentially the amount of steam supplied by the device per minute. In most modern irons, the intensity of steaming can be adjusted, so this item usually indicates the maximum power value.
The more steam the iron supplies, the more intense the effect on the fabric, the more dense and rigid materials can be effectively smoothed out without resorting to a steam boost (see below). On the other hand, high performance significantly affects the price, dimensions and weight of the iron. Accordingly, it is worth choosing according to this indicator taking into account the planned method of application — especially since the full power of steam is far from always required, and in special cases the same steam boost can be used.
In travel and simple household irons, the productivity is about 15 – 30 g/min. More than 30 g/min corresponds to enhanced steaming, and the most advanced devices, mainly for professional use, are capable of producing 60 g/min or more (the so-called “turbo mode”).
