You have probably heard the phrase, “First impression is the last impression”, and it’s true in many aspects of life, especially when it comes to presenting ourselves. The way we look, especially our clothing plays a significant role in creating a lasting first impression. Crisp and wrinkle-free clothes make you appear more professional, confident, and polished look that sets the tone for any interaction.
However, when it comes to achieving the perfect look, it is more difficult than it seems. This is where the garment steamer and iron jumps in. Even though both serves the same purpose, their working is different. In this blog, we will discuss how they works, their key differences, and their pros and cons to help you decide which one would be a better choice for your home.
How They Work?
Even though both the iron and the garment steamer serve the same purpose of easing up the wrinkles, they both function in a different way. The iron uses flat, heated plates to press directly onto the fabrics. The heat combined with the pressure smooths out the fabric. Additionally, some irons come with steam function that when combined with the heat from the iron provides even more effective wrinkle removal. Though iron is a great option, it works best on thick fabrics like cotton, linen, etc. and provides a crisp and sharp look.
On the other hand, the garment steamer utilizes hot steam to relax the fabrics. All you have to do is to fill its water tank and wait for the steam to come out. Then you have to just point the nozzle towards the fabric and let the garment steamer do its magic. This is a quick and effective method, especially for delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, etc. that can be easily damaged by direct heat.
Key Differences Between Garment Steamer and Iron
When it comes to knowing the difference between these two appliances, the list goes beyond just their ways of removing wrinkles from the clothes. For instance, the garment steamer is a lot easier to use and requires little to no setup. All you need to do is fill the tank, turn it on, wait for a bit, and start steaming your clothes. This makes it very easy to use and hassle-free appliance with no ironing board required. With an iron, on the other hand, you need an ironing board and carefully press it against the clothes while ensuring not to damage the clothes.
When it comes to speed, garment steamer gets ready to use quicker than an iron. With this appliance, you don’t have to press it against the fabric to remove the wrinkles from them. An iron requires more attention as you have to carefully iron each section of the clothing, which is a time-consuming process. Additionally, you have to wait for it to heat up before being ready to use.
Pros of Garment Steamer
A garment steamer is a popular option for a variety of its pros. For starters, it is very easy to use as compared to iron. With a garment steamer, all you have to do is hang the garment and start steaming it to quickly remove the wrinkles from the home. Another benefit of the garment steamer is that it does not directly contact the garment. This means that there is a less chance of burning the garments while trying to removing wrinkles from the fabric.
Aside from this, the garment steamer is also a great option when it comes to speed and efficiency. It requires little to no time to heat up being ready to use, and you can steam your clothes while hanging with no need for ironing board. Furthermore, it can be used for bedding, curtains, upholstery, and more, making it a multipurpose appliance.
Cons of Garment Steamer
While the garment steamer has a lot of pros, it also has a few drawbacks. One of its drawbacks are that you won’t get the same sharpness and crisp finish as you get from iron. If you are planning to wear a crisp shirt with defined crease, a garment steamer may not offer you the same look. Another drawback of the garment steamer is that while it works great with light fabrics, they can take more time softening deep wrinkles on heavy materials.
Furthermore, some models require constant cleaning due to material build up, especially when you use tap water. This can affect the steamer’s performance overtime, making it important to constantly clean it for a smooth operation. Lastly, the garment steamer comes with a heftier price tag, making it less affordable for the masses.
Pros of Iron
An iron is a reliable choice for anyone who always wants to get a sharp, professional, and polished finish to their clothes. Unlike garment steamers that only relax the fabric of the garment, an iron applies direct heat and pressure to the clothes, giving it a sharp and polished look. This makes it the best option for formal clothing like shirts, suits, trousers, and pants, giving you a defined and sharp look. Additionally, since with an iron you can apply direct heat and pressure on your clothes, it is a great option for thick clothing. This is very useful for fabrics like denim, cotton, or heavy jackets where steaming may not provide the intended results.
Cons of Iron
While the iron can provide you with a polished look, there are a few drawbacks of this appliance. One of the biggest drawbacks of an iron is the effort and the time required to iron the clothes. You have to prepare the ironing board, heat the iron, and carefully iron each section of the clothes. Because the iron directly heats the clothes, it imposes the hazards of burning the fabric if the temperature is too high. This means that you have to be extra cautious and adjust the heat settings according to different fabrics.
Which One to Choose?
Choosing between a garment steamer and iron depends on your needs, preferences, and type of clothes you wear. If you want a quick and efficient solution to add the final touch ups to your clothes, then a garment steamer is a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a polished and crisp look, then iron is your go-to appliance. It provides sharp finish, removes deep wrinkles, and provides a polished look that is hard to achieve with the garment steamer. Ultimately, if you wear delicate and casual clothing and want a quick and hassle-free way to freshen them up, a garment steamer is your ideal appliance. Similarly, if you tend to wear formal attire or need sharper finish for your clothes, then you need to purchase an iron.
Whether you are planning to purchase a garment steamer or an iron, Al Fatah Electronics is the place you should visit. We have a wide range of these appliances and other home appliances and kitchen essentials that you can purchase at bargain rates from the market. Also, our professionals will guide you throughout your purchase to ensure that you only take home the appliance that is well suited for your home.
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