Power consumption
Rated power consumed by the device during operation. Usually, it is indicated by the maximum power consumption when used in normal mode, without abnormal situations.
In general, this parameter is secondary when choosing: manufacturers select power in such a way as to provide the necessary indicators of performance, pressure, etc. However, some practical points are also associated with power. So, with the same performance (see "Steam intensity"), a more powerful device will spend less time heating water and generating steam; it can also be provided with a more capacious boiler (see "Water boiler volume"), which is useful for long-term continuous operation. On the other hand, such devices turn out to be more expensive, and often also heavier and larger than relatively “weak” steamers, and besides, they load the mains more.
The second point related to power is just the calculations of the load on the wiring and various electrical equipment (protective automation, AVRs, generators, etc.).
Water tank volume
The volume of the tank for the water supply provided in the device.
We emphasize that this indicator should not be confused with the volume of the boiler (see above): in this case, we are talking about a reservoir with a supply of cold water, from which such water enters the boiler for heating. Not every steam cleaner is equipped with such a reservoir.
Steam power adjustment
A controller that changes the power of the steam coming from the device, in other words, the overall speed and flow rate at the outlet. Do not confuse this feature with humidity adjustment: the change in power is carried out mainly by changing the operating pressure, while the humidity may remain unchanged (and vice versa).
Steamers with power adjustment can be easily adjusted to the specifics of the situation, choosing the optimal mode depending on the tasks and materials.
Continuous operation time
Approximate time that the device is able to operate without breaks. This parameter is determined primarily by the performance and capacity of the boiler/tank: when the water supply is exhausted, the work will have to pause to replenish the stock. At the same time, for models with humidity and/or power adjustment, both the average time of continuous operation (at a certain standard mode), and the longest (at minimum intensity) or the shortest (at maximum) can be indicated; these details should be clarified separately.
It is worth saying that some models allow refueling with water right in the process of operation, but it also does not hurt to clarify this possibility separately.
Heating time
Heating time until steam is generated. The duration of the heating process directly depends on the power of the device and the volume of the water tank.
We also note that in some situations the actual heating time may be less than the declared one. For example, if the main tank (boiler) is not completely filled, and the design does not provide an additional tank for cold water. For a full guarantee, you should still focus on the value directly stated in the specifications.
