IER-DEC09-PG32-33-34.n:Layout 1 04/12/2009 12:05 Page 34
Irons & steam generators
Tefal Pro Express steam generator
Bosch Sensi
Comfort Protect iron
can encourage consumers to trade-up to decades and while some styling may not ‘easyfill’ iron (see Products to Watch) with
the best products in garment care, be to the UK’s taste, the innovations a patented funnel design to avoid spills.
increase total revenue and generate real occurring over there certainly should be.
satisfaction among consumers. This also French manufacturer Domena has been Soleplate developments
leads to a lower return rate because of at the forefront of innovation using Developments in soleplate technology are
longer lifetime and better performance recyclable materials and its EasyBox available across both types of irons. In
than other products.” steam generator range (see Products to generators, numerous holes concentrated
In short, Philips defines the difference Watch) focuses on energy-saving – it at the tip ensures a higher steam pressure,
as those above 2.5 bars of pressure takes just 30 seconds to be ready to use. while including more holes on the soleplate
(pressurised) and those below 2.5 bar Pascal Bechemin from Domena says of conventional irons gives extra steam
(non-pressurised). despite the gobal turndown, other output. Choice of soleplate material too all
The sector is helped in this by the fact European markets don’t tend to suffer adds to the glideability across the fabric
that consumers are much more aware of from the drop in prices that the UK now and so easing the task.
the concept of ‘bar pressure’ because of sees with steam generators. “Perhaps it is And there really has been thought
the popularity of espresso makers. because there are too many players in the behind these developments. Morphy
Manufacturers have started to flag up the field in the UK which means that no major Richards claims its Advanced Finish
bar pressure – usually up to 5 – much brand is acting as leader in order to push soleplate is the only one to offer three
more and linking that to the increased up prices, which is what we see in other aspects at the same time – extra steam
performance and decreased time it takes European markets.” for stubborn creases, constant steam to
to complete the task. UK based brands over here might not ‘relax’ the garment’s fibres while you iron
agree, but it’s an interesting point. and a hot plate to remove any remaining
Under pressure Italian manufacturer Polti is another moisture encouraging the garment to
The UK market can still look to success on the continent and UK stay crease-free for longer.
Continental Europe to see just how far marketing manager Jennifer Riley says the Jennifer Riley at Polti says stainless steel
this sector can go. Steam generators shift from a conventional iron to a steam soleplates tend to be popular on steam
have been available over the Channel for generator will eventually take place. “It generators because they have a more
has already happened in other ‘domestic’ look and do give good results.
Polti Vaporella
European markets,” she says. “But it “It has to be said however that the real
Forever 1500 is still necessary to educate people ‘professional’ iron is represented by the
about steam generators.” aluminium soleplate (look at professional
As well as bar pressure, key cleaners: they only use aluminium
features in steam generators tend soleplates.) Aluminium is the best
to focus on the ease of use, such conductor of heat (nine times better than
as continuous filling, larger water steel). It reaches a higher temperature in
tanks, convenient cord storage less time and distributes steam evenly.
and handle locks so the whole That’s why aluminium soleplates allow
system can be carried safely. even heat distribution over the surface of
In conventional irons, ease of the iron and allow you to maintain the
use and safety are also key. correct temperature. The result is: drier
Russell Hobbs has introduced the steam and savings on electricity.” a73
34 The Independent Electrical Retailer December 2009
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