The Battle of Garment Steamer vs Iron
Ironing, as one of the most boring household chores, can leave you exhausted and frustrated. Luckily, in this era of rapid technological advancements, we have access to more efficient and innovative tools to tackle this task.
Garment Steamer: What is it?
A garment steamer, commonly known as a clothes steamer, is a device that uses hot steam to remove wrinkles from your clothes. It works by heating water in a tank to create steam, which is then expelled through a nozzle onto the fabric. Garment steamers are typically faster in operation and gentler on delicate fabrics. They also reduce the risk of burning or scorching your clothes compared to an iron.
The Iron: What is it?
An iron, on the other hand, has been the go-to option for a long time. It uses heat and pressure to remove wrinkles from your clothes. An iron has a flat metal surface (the soleplate) that is pressed to the fabric to smooth out any creases. The iron can be used on most fabrics, although it requires more attention to avoid burning the clothes or causing scorch marks.
Pros and Cons of Garment Steamer
Gone are the days of being stuck with only the option of an iron for your clothing care. The advent of the garment steamer provides households with an alternative. Garment steamers give an easier and faster option to ironing, doing away with the need for an ironing board. However, the fabric must be hand-held as it is steamed which can be inconvenient. Garment steamers can also be pricier than an iron and have a shorter lifespan for the same expense.
Pros and Cons of the Iron
Using an iron first thing in the morning doesn’t excite anyone. However, they’re affordable, reliable, and have been around for decades. Irons are versatile and can easily iron most materials. They also come with convenient features like auto shut-off, so you never have to worry about whether you’ve left it on. One disadvantage of irons is that they are time-consuming and require an ironing board. Ironing large items like bed sheets can be very tiring and strenuous.
The Verdict
While both the garment steamer and iron have their advantages and disadvantages, it ultimately boils down to which tool best suits your needs. For the fast-moving millennials with busy schedules, the convenience of a steamer that requires zero ironing experience ticks all the boxes. On the other hand, traditionalists might gravitate towards the iron’s reliability and ease of use.
