Going on a trip, we always take with us a huge amount of things. Naturally, they have a property to crumble after a long trip in a suitcase. In this case, the issue of their appearance becomes topical. However, it is not always possible to take a regular home iron with you, which is notable for its considerable weight and dimensions.
But technology is developing, manufacturers are not standing still. As a result, a mini-road mini-car designed specifically for travel was developed. Unlike his fellow, he is small in weight and small in size, so easily fit in a suitcase or bag.
How to choose a collapsible road steam iron?
When choosing a travel iron for travel, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- weight: most weight of the road iron does not exceed one kilogram;
- shape of handle: cast with body or folding;
- capacity: for ironing on the road there will be enough power in 600-700 W;
- number of ironing modes;
- a storage place for the cord;
- volume of the water tank;
- covering of the sole: Teflon or ceramic. Preference should be given to ceramic coating, as Teflon can be made poorly and in that case will not slide on the fabric, but "cling" to it;
- length of cord;
- self-cleaning from scale: this function will increase the service life of the iron;
- automatic shutdown;
- voltage switching function: European countries use 220 V voltage, in America and Asia - 110 V;
- warranty period: since the road iron is not used every day, but only a few weeks a year, it is possible to identify the defect just during the trip. Therefore, it will be important that the guarantee is still in effect. In this case, you can repair the product without additional spending.
Some road irons have in their complete set an additional brush for cleaning outer clothing, which is worn on the soleplate of the iron. Thus, the road steam iron is converted into a vertical steamer .
As a rule, a road iron does not have such a variety of built-in functions that can be found in conventional models. He does not always have a self-cleaning system, anti-scale, automatic shut-off, anti-drip system.
The smallest road iron in the world is Euroflex Iron Fly, which features a light weight of the product (420 grams) and is no bigger than a computer mouse. However, with its small size, it has its own functionality:
- presence of steamer;
- sufficient volume of the water tank (40 ml);
- a sole made of aluminum;
- built-in thermostat;
- voltage switch.
Since such an iron is designed for travel, all models have a special travel bag in the kit, designed just to transport the iron for long distances. However, do not rely on such a cover. It is not solid enough and with the slightest damage to the suitcase, the road iron in such a case can simply break down.
Since the road iron is not used so often, after its operation it is necessary to drain the water from the tank in order to avoid the formation of scale, which is not easy to clean . When abroad, it is desirable to pour "soft" water into the iron. Mineral water should not be used, because it is quite "tough".
If you plan a long trip far from home, then the road iron will be an indispensable assistant on the road, providing a presentable look to your things.