Steamer in the test: Expensive does not smooth better

We admit it: before we laboriously unfold the ironing board, we prefer to leave the house a little crumpled. It doesn’t have to be: a Steamer is quickly ready for use and ensures a flawless appearance. Another difference to the conventional iron: since a steamer does not work with pressure but is guided loosely along the clothing, it does not flatten the fibers but gives them to them natural volume back. Even slight odors and bacteria are eliminated by the hot steam, so you don’t have to wash the parts right away.

Is it worth spending more?

We put three models to the test: the Steamery Cirrus 2the Tefal PurePop and the Grundig ST 7950. The price range in our comparison leads Steamery with the Cirrus 2 by a long way: the Swedish company wants to see 130 euros for it. Although Tefal states an RRP of 90 euros, it offers the Pure Pop for around 50 euros shortly after the market launch. The Grundig has been available for a long time and costs less than 40 euros instead of 90 euros.

How do the devices differ? Is it worth investing more or are the inexpensive alternatives just as good, if not better, in everyday life?

How well do the test candidates iron?

All three had to contend with neatly crumpled T-shirts, wool sweaters, thick cotton shirts and linen napkins. And lo and behold: As far as the results are concerned, the test showed them no essential differences. All three did a good to very good job, depending on the material. We were even able to put the previously crumpled serviettes on the table without shame. Of course, after the steamer treatment, the parts are not as smooth as they were when they were ironed.

Ergo: What the ironing performance is concerned price do not decide. But there are other points in which the distinguish candidates and she for different uses recommend.

Tefal Pure Pop DT2026: good for on the go

With bright colors (Yellow, green, coral, blue) the Tefal Pure Pop causes a stir. He is suitable thanks to his compact, lightweight design take away; a black bag for transport is included. The Operation is easy: Water is filled directly from the tap into the container. Since tap water contains lime, Tefal recommends a run with a vinegar-water mixture if performance decreases. How exactly is described in the manual.

The water tank is transparent, so you can always see how much water is left. His However, the 70 ml capacity is not exactly generous, you have to refill quickly. The steam head is also significantly smaller than the other two candidates, but this does not detract from the performance. Plugs in front reversible attachment: The velvety side protects the clothes when smoothing, with the other hair and fluff can be brushed out.

© connect

After switching on, it takes a good 15 seconds until the heating light on the back of the device goes out, then you can start. The Tefal evaporates the water evenly from five holes and delivered a convincing result: it reliably blew away the wrinkles not only on thin shirts and shirts, but also on thicker cotton fabrics. Although it cannot be operated horizontally, which allows more manual pressure, but only vertical or with a slight tilt of 90 degrees, he also brought the linen napkins to an acceptable level. From time to time a few wet spots formed on the laundry.

The framework data at a glance:

• Dimensions: 14.1 x 5.7 x 31.8 cm
• Weight: 710 grams
• Water tank capacity: 70 milliliters
• Power‎: 1300 watts
• Steam output: up to 20 g/min
• Cable Length: 2m

Conclusion Tefal Pure Pop

The Tefal Pure Pop is, with its narrow steam head and light weight designed to take away, can also be used at home if there is a moderate amount of ironing. The fresh design is fun that Operation is easy.

Grundig ST 7950: for domestic use

The Grundig is more of the domestic type. He comes without a bag, but is the only candidate for it with stand for storage. And with Display: This shows when the steamer is ready and with which setting it is being operated – in normal or eco mode. It takes around 35 seconds to get up to temperature after switching it on.

Good for larger ironing jobs: The start button clicks with the other two you have to hold it down. The steam flows evenly with power from the ceramic-coated heating plate with seven holes, this is how the Grundig gets to work with the most power. We were accordingly satisfied with the ironing results. Thanks to the drip-stop, no water stains formed on the textiles. Only after longer breaks did he spit a little at first.

© connect

The Water tank holds 230 ml and is by far the largest in our comparison. There is also a A cup with which tap or distilled water can be easily filled. However, there is no transport bag.

Grundig is packing next to the cup two essays in the box: one with brushes for thicker fabrics and one with a soft pad for finer items.

The framework data at a glance:

• Dimensions: ‎20 x 13 x 5 cm
• Weight: 930 grams
• Water tank capacity‎: 230 ml
• Power: 1600 watts
• Steam output: up to 25 g/min
• Cable length: 250 cm
• usable vertically and horizontally
• LC display with two settings (Eco / Normal)

Conclusion Grundig ST 7950

The Grundig ST 7950 is with its practical stand and the large water tank also suitable for larger ironing jobs. The two attachments and a filling cup ensure comfort, the powerful steam outlet for very good results. The Grundig is not really suitable for taking away.

Steamery Cirrus 2: expensive designer piece

The one by far most expensive candidate in the test comes from Sweden. No wonder that the function has been poured into a special form here. Who Scandinavian design loves, enjoys the device, which lies comfortably in the hand with its velvety feel. The textile-coated cable also looks valuable.

Filling the Cirrus 2 with water is less fun: The opening of the water tank is tiny, moreover, the inlet is blocked by the rubber mount of the bolt. Tap water can be used in areas with soft water, otherwise distilled water is recommended. In the instructions, Steamery expressly warns against descaling the device, which has a coating on the inside to prevent limescale and minerals. This is not ideal for a travel iron, which the manufacturer describes as the Cirrus 2 – at least for trips to areas with hard water. Who has a canister of purified water in their luggage?

The Capacity of 90ml fine with me. That the Tank not transparent is good for design, but annoying in operation – because you don’t see when you have to refill. The only thing that helps here is pull it off and shake it.

© connect

Clever on the other hand: The Transport bag is heat resistant and helps with ironing of shirt collars, sleeves, button plackets and the like. Simply put your hand in the bag, hold it under the textile and gently guide the Cirrus 2 over it. You can also place the bag and the steamer on heat-resistant surfaces horizontally like a conventional iron to use. Handy for stubborn fabrics that require more pressure.

Steamery does not show the steam output. After the warm-up phase, you have to wait briefly with the start button pressed until the steam flows out of the wide stainless steel heating plate. The ironing results were good to very good like the Tefal, the Steamery sometimes produced water stains on the textiles.

The framework data at a glance:

• Dimensions: ‎ 33 x 15 x 9.5 cm
• Weight: 780 grams
• Water tank capacity‎: 90 ml
• Power: 1500 watts
• Steam output: kA
• Cable length: 190 cm
• usable vertically and horizontally
• heat-resistant pouch serves as an ironing glove

Conclusion Steamery Cirrus 2

The Steamery Cirrus 2 shines with chic design and very good feel. A plus is the heat-resistant transport bag. Not ideal: The small opening of the water tank, which is also not transparent.