Power
Rated power consumed by the steam cleaner 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 productivity, 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” steam cleaners, and besides, they load the mains more.
The second point related to power is the calculations of the load on the wiring and various electrical equipment (protective automation, AVRs, generators, etc.).
Max. steam pressure
The maximum steam pressure at the outlet of the working nozzle that the steam cleaner can create.
High pressure has a positive effect on the intensity of impact and the depth of penetration of steam; this is especially important when removing old dirt, as well as when processing carpets, upholstery and other similar materials. On the other hand, an increase in operating pressure affects the weight, price and power consumption of the device.
As for specific figures, pressure up to 3 bar is considered very low; such indicators are found mainly among steam mops (see "Type"), as well as in the simplest household steam cleaners (including manual varieties). 3.1 - 4 bar – average figure; it, in particular, corresponds to most household devices, as well as the simplest professional models. And more than 4 bar can be found mainly in advanced units, although there are exceptions to this rule.
Boiler tank volume
The volume of the water boiler used in the steam cleaner.
First of all, we emphasize that you should not confuse the boiler and the water tank (see below). A boiler is a tank in which water is heated to form steam; in some models, such a tank is supplemented by a cold water tank, in others, the entire supply of water is located directly in the boiler. Accordingly, the meaning of this parameter depends on whether the unit has an additional tank or not.
If there is a separate tank in the design, then the volume of the boiler is rather a secondary indicator: it is selected in such a way as to provide the claimed performance characteristics, primarily productivity (and it is worth focus on these characteristics when choosing). If there is no tank, then the volume of the boiler directly depends on how much water will fit in the unit and how long it can work on one such “charge”. At the same time, an increase in volume allows you to work longer without refueling, but it affects the dimensions, weight, price, and often also the power consumption of the device (a more capacious boiler requires a more powerful heater).
Water tank volume
The volume of the water tank provided in the device.
This parameter 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 tank - see "Options" for details. tank for water". As for volumes, a large capacity, on the one hand, allows you to work longer without refuelling. On the other hand, it affects the dimensions, weight and cost of the unit. Therefore, in handheld devices and steam mops (see "Type"), the volume of the tank does not even reach 1 litre — for such devices, compactness and light weight are more important than the ability to do without unnecessary refills. Similar tanks can also be found among household steam cleaners, but most of this equipment still holds 1 - 2 litres. And tanks of more than 2 litres are used mainly in powerful professional units.
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.
Note that the actual heating time may be less than the claimed one. For example, if the main tank is not filled full, 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 characteristics.
Child lock
Safety system in case a curious little child gets to the steam cleaner. The specific way the
child lock works may vary. So, often it provides blocking the opening of the water tank — during operation, there is high-temperature steam under high pressure in the tank, and opening it, a curious baby can easily get a serious burn or injury. In some models, the controls may also be locked so that the child cannot turn on the device or, taking advantage of the inattention of adults, change its mode of operation.
Power cord length
The length of the power cord with which the steam cleaner is connected to the mains. The longer the power cord- the farther from the outlet the device can operate, the more freedom of movement the user has. On the other hand, an unnecessarily long power cord can create difficulties both during operation and in storage/transportation. And when working away from the outlet, you can use an extension cord. Therefore, even in units designed for large areas (such as steam mops - see "Type"), the length of the power cord rarely exceeds 5 - 6 m.
