Innovations in household appliances have also affected irons; a device with a cord is being replaced by a wireless device. An iron with a charger makes ironing comfortable, quick and convenient. There is no longer any need to unwind and adjust the power cord, to make sure that it does not cling to the corners of the ironing board or wrinkle the neatly smoothed folds.
Operating principle^
Such a device consists of two parts: the iron itself and the docking station (base).
The base is a stand equipped with a clamp for mounting on an ironing board (or any other user-friendly surface), a power cord and a contact device for connecting a heating element.
The heating element is built into the design of the device. On the back panel of the device there is a mating pair of contacts, through which it is connected to the docking station.
The ironing process is as follows:
- The docking station is attached to the ironing board using a clamp. In this case, the optimal angle of its inclination is selected;
- using a power cord, the base is connected to the internal power supply;
- An iron is installed on the docking station. To ensure contact with the base, it is pushed back as far as it will go. As soon as the connection has occurred, the heating elements begin to heat the base of the device;
- while the device is warming up, the user can lay out the item to be ironed on the ironing board;
- The corresponding indicator of the device will indicate when the set heating temperature has been reached. Now you can remove the iron from the base and get to work.
The temperature must be set before the device is placed on the base
Depending on the power of the device, the operating time until the next “recharge” ranges from 15 seconds to one and a half minutes. At first glance it may seem that this is not enough.
But this opinion arose for a very simple reason: we never think about how many seconds or minutes it takes us to smooth out a section of fabric laid out on the surface of an ironing board.
The ironing process can be developed into several operations:
- laying out fabric on a board;
- actual ironing;
- putting the device aside;
- moving the next section of fabric to the working area.
The process is then repeated until the item being ironed is completely processed.
The developers of devices without wires have studied the ironing process well and are convinced that it is possible to abandon the constant connection of the device to an outlet, taking advantage of its downtime at the time of straightening the fabric.
It was this period of time that they used for the next heating of the sole.
By the way, in addition to cordless irons, we also recommend paying attention to ironing systems, for example, from the German company Karcher - the combination of a special board, an iron and a powerful steam generator makes the ironing process easier and speeds it up by 2 or more times! A detailed article about such devices is here.
Operating principle
Let's look at how a cordless iron works:
- The device has a stand, during which the iron accumulates heat while standing on it.
- After removal from the stand, the ironing process occurs directly.
- Return the iron to the stand to recharge, which takes a few seconds.
Scientists have calculated that the time a person spends on one ironing cycle is 23 seconds. It was these data that made it possible to create a wireless model, the charge of which lasts for an average of 25 seconds.
Advantages of an iron without a power cord ^
The most important advantage of such a device is its high mobility.
This is especially important for owners of small apartments: it often happens that it is not possible to place the ironing board at a convenient distance from the power outlet.
It is necessary to use additional extension cords, as a result of which the room becomes literally entangled in wires.
The usual ironing process turns into a painful procedure when household members strive to trip over the cable laid out on the floor.
And if we add to this the constant twisting of the iron’s power cord as it moves across the fabric, then the overall situation becomes simply catastrophic.
A device without a wire is a different matter: the base is installed in close proximity to the outlet, and the ironing board is installed somewhere nearby in a free area, without causing inconvenience to family members.
Since the device does not have a cord, the user can turn it an infinite number of times without having to deal with the problem of the cord getting twisted. This circumstance plays a huge role in smoothing hard-to-reach places on clothes.
Manufacturers take care of the electrical safety measures of their products, but still the potential danger of electric shock remains: the protective sheath of the cable may fray and collapse , which will lead to exposure of its current-carrying cores.
From this point of view, the wireless device is absolutely safe: firstly, the docking station cord is not subjected to constant mechanical stress, and, therefore, there is no reason for the destruction of the shell, and secondly, the device is not connected to the power supply during ironing.
Thus, a high level of electrical safety in this case is evident.
To form a more complete opinion about devices without wires, and the money they ask for, we recommend reading the article The most interesting information about cordless irons: how to choose, price, design; it describes the main technical characteristics of these types of devices. Pay only for the features you really need.
One of the most famous manufacturers of such devices is the Tefal company, and its most popular iron is the Tefal FV9920 Freemove. What the French offer and how much this engineering miracle costs can be read here, buy only the best!
Brand overview
Many manufacturers have tried to bring cordless irons to their consumers, but only a few have achieved success. Companies that produce similar models:
- Tefal.
- Phillips.
- Panasonic.
- Zelmer.
As you can see, there is not a single domestic manufacturer on this list.
Most cordless irons are manufactured in China. This is explained by the fact that the technology for their production costs a lot of money, so the production of such models is not profitable for small firms.
Steam cordless irons^
Particular attention should be paid to varieties with a steaming function. Such devices can operate in three modes:
- dry ironing;
- horizontal steaming;
- vertical steaming.
The latest models of cordless steam devices are equipped with a self-cleaning soleplate and an anti-drip system. The latter prevents the formation of stains on clothes from water droplets.
The vertical steaming mode is of greatest interest. Combined with the absence of a power cord, this feature provides unique mobility to the user.
In this mode, you can easily tidy up your clothes in the morning before going to work. There is no need to waste time setting up the ironing board: just hang your dress or blouse on hangers, warm up the machine on the base - and you can get to work.
It is very convenient to iron curtains in this mode without removing them from the curtain rod.
If you have not yet decided which device you need, we recommend reading the article, which is called: Which iron is better to buy, it lists all types, types of devices, advantages and disadvantages, prices and everything that can influence the choice one model or another. Make the right choice!
As for the varieties with the function of vertical ironing using steam, a detailed article about them is here. Iron your laundry directly on the hanger, disinfecting it at the same time!
But if you want your clothes to have an elegant appearance even while traveling, we recommend paying attention to hand-held mini steamers; they have sufficient power even for small cleaning of clothes. Read more about them here: https://proodezhdu.ru/clothing_care/steamer_for_clothes/ruchnoi-otparivatel-dlya-odezhdy-otzyvy.html, always be confident in yourself and your appearance!
Best models according to WiFiGid
Let me make a reservation right away: the rating of models is compiled solely for my taste. The producers didn’t pay me a penny, so I’m counting on this material to be paid back by advertising only because of the honesty of the selection. At the time you read this article, new revolutionary irons could have appeared that could easily outshine any representative of this list - I recommend reporting this in the comments.
The selection includes only one model from each manufacturer - it’s more honest. If he has any other interesting models that are worth paying attention to, I will provide a separate link.
Model 1 – Polaris PIR 2457K
~2300₽
Polaris is one of the most popular brands in this niche. Personally, for some reason I haven’t used their irons before, but the 2457K model is quite worthy of consideration. And yes, this is the most popular and affordable model in Russian stores (I’ve already looked at all the major online stores in the country).
- Power – 2400 W
- Sole – ceramic
- Water reservoir – 380 ml
- Steam boost
- Heating indicator
- Self-cleaning and anti-scale
- You can use it both wired and wireless. And with a stand it’s even more familiar - if you don’t like the wireless solution, it’s a great option to try the know-how without restrictions.
- Power
- Steam works great
- Heats up quickly
- Vertical steaming
- Doesn't leak even if you shake it
- The water level is VISIBLE!!! (otherwise some fellow reviewers write about an alleged problem)
- The temperature is calibrated abnormally - at low values it is still hot, you can burn something
- There is a smell after purchase, but it dissipates
Another interesting model from the manufacturer with approximately the same numbers is Polaris PIR 2444K (a little more expensive, autonomous – up to 40 seconds, heating – from 5 seconds).
Model 2 – Philips GC3675/30
~3000₽
I have used Philips and trust them in many areas of home life - from a kettle to a vacuum cleaner. A very interesting model, which usually costs around 6000-7000 rubles, but right at the time of the review in our local store it was on sale at half price. Very competitive with the top-end Polaris.
- Power – 2400 W
- Sole – ceramic
- Water reservoir – 300 ml
- Steam boost
- Automatic shutdown
- Button tray
- Indicator for all conditions (you need to try it)
- Self-cleaning and anti-scale
- Heats up quickly
- Vertical steaming
- Doesn't leak
- Powerful steam blast
- No smell
- Narrow spout
- Interesting stand design
- Auto shutdown
- Not inferior to wired
- Very light
- There is no option to use with a cord - just get used to the wonders of wireless heating
Model 3 – Scarlett SC-SI30K39
~1700₽
Scarlett is another company I'm familiar with, but I've only used their irons. More budget than Philips, but the quality is quite up to par.
- Power – 2400 W
- Sole – ceramic
- Water reservoir – yes
- Steam boost
- Button tray
- Heating indicator
- Self-cleaning and anti-scale
- Lots of steam - great!
- You can iron with or without a wire - another transitional option
- Vertical steaming
- Didn't find it, maybe you'll have better luck
Scarlett has many analogues - in some places they changed the color, in others they changed the shape. But in general everything will work approximately the same. I won’t list the other items I saw here due to their quantity.
So what should we take as a result for the current day? My opinion:
- If you want to save money – Scarlett
- We need an average option for all occasions - Polaris
- I want a luxury and completely wireless solution - Philips
The main thing is to make the right choice^
Whether the device has a wire or not, the main working part is still the sole in contact with the fabric.
Therefore, first of all, pay attention to what material it is made of . The safety of your clothes depends on this.
The general requirement for the sole is that it should glide easily over the fabric without making any snags. As for the material, the following are used to make soles:
- aluminum (or rather, its alloy);
- stainless steel;
- ceramics.
Aluminum soleplates are used in low-cost device . They are very light, but fragile. They easily leave scratches, which, when ironed, leave puffs on the fabric.
In more expensive models, aluminum is hidden under a layer of various coatings and coatings. They protect the sole from mechanical damage, and the fabric from sticking and scorching.
The most common coating is Teflon . But users should keep in mind that this coating does not strengthen the base itself - aluminum. Therefore, such devices must still be handled with care.
Options with stainless steel soles take longer to warm up, but take longer to cool down. Steel soles differ from aluminum ones in their greater mechanical strength, and, consequently, in a more careful attitude towards the fabric.
High-quality polished stainless steel glides perfectly on textiles of various origins: from cotton to synthetics. To increase the strength of the sole, some manufacturers chrome plate it. Options with a chrome surface are more expensive than without.
Ceramic means a steel sole coated with ceramic enamel. Such devices have excellent glide, are easy to clean and maintain temperature well. But ceramics are a fragile thing. Therefore, it is better to choose a device with a metal-ceramic coating.
Operating rules
In order for this device to last as long as possible and please its owners with high-quality work, you must follow the instructions:
- To make ironing faster and to use heat correctly, you need to start ironing things that do not require high temperatures.
- When changing the temperature setting, the iron must be charged again.
- When working with mixed fabrics, iron at low temperatures.
- Before starting operation, it is necessary to adjust the steam supply. This can be achieved by setting the thermostat to maximum power and then switching it to minimum.
- Clean your iron at least once a month.
Conclusion
Now we move on to the end of the article, where you can watch some videos in which professionals in their field will talk about how to choose the right iron. Only the best irons for 2021 have been added. If you have questions, don't forget to leave comments. We wish you good shopping and a happy mood!
Manufacturers of household appliances always strive for perfection. Serious competition pushes them to do this: whoever is better is first. Buyers are only becoming more picky every year. A few centuries ago, an ironing device could start a fire in a house, but today an innovative cordless iron has appeared on the market. There are two types of wireless devices: with and without an electric battery.
pros
The main advantage of cordless irons is the absence of a rope structure.
This greatly simplifies the use of the electrical appliance and allows ironing to be done in any place convenient for the user.
However, models without a network cable have many other advantages , including:
- increased functionality;
- well-thought-out scale protection system;
- an impressive list of useful options;
- intuitive controls;
- optimal volume of water tank;
- no possibility of wire twisting and subsequent breakage;
- high quality steam treatment;
- protection from moisture getting on clothes;
- compactness and light weight;
- attractive appearance.
Flaws
Before purchasing a cordless iron, which costs slightly more than a conventional device, it is important to consider some disadvantages:
- the device is not suitable for professional wet-heat treatment;
- inability to properly steam wool trousers or drape coats;
- you cannot place the iron vertically, which is especially emphasized several times in the operating instructions for the device;
- the cordless iron needs to be constantly charged and monitored when it needs to be reheated;
- The iron is heated only on a special attachment, without which the device simply will not work.
Despite the small number of shortcomings, they should be taken into account, otherwise the new purchase may simply not live up to expectations.