Bought this steamer the other day and finally got to use it this afternoon! I LOVE it! It hardly spit and steamed everything quick and good! Makes a change from the last one I had that spewed water everywhere. I thought this one looked a bit cheap and plasticy but I found it to be quite well made and sturdy when I took it out of the box. Definitely a keeper! YAY! Lei
That looks like one I saw in a discount store around here (different brand, but also plastic and with the same general components). Do all steamers look like yours, but with different results depending on quality/brand? (Sorry if that's a really dumb question . I've known I ought to get a steamer for ages, but keep putting it off because I also know that any weaknesses in the design will be amplified by my domestic-arts-challenged use. I'm looking for the equivalent of an idiot-proof camera, I guess...) Anyway, I'm glad you found one you like!
Steamers are the cat's pajamas!!! A tip to help keep spitting from messing up garments is to take an old piece of nylon / pantyhose and slip it over the steam head. I haven't done it but I heard it helps. Someone also suggested putting scented "laundry water" in the water tank to help with the smell that can come off of vintage when steamed ~ again, haven't tried it, but it's on my to do list~
It's made by Conair so it's an international brand so it may be the same one as you saw in the discount shop. It's hard to get steamers over here- the last one I had was Conair too but it was a different model, same basic shape though. This one seems alot better made though. I steamed a bunch of stuff today and only had a few drops on a few non staining things but I think for the iffy pieces, I will do that stocking trick just to be sure! Lei
thanks for the info, Lei (and the stocking tip, Sharon!). Think I will screw my courage up and buy one soon...
Good news about the steamer, Lei. I find mine has been spitting up a lot, I will try that stocking trick.
I am a sucker for TV "infomercials" and I bought a steamer I saw on one today. I think it's called "Tobi" Has anyone tried it? I really should have done more research, but it does have a 60 day money back guarantee and a 1 year warranty (3 year optional warranty=$) But those darn TV things :wow: I have to say that some things I have bought from infomercials have been GREAT (caruso curlers, a set of pots and pans I have used for over 10 years) and others, not so much (an ironing board pad, gem setter,etc.)....
LOL, I love infomercials too. If they have a money back policy, then it's no harm in trying it especially if it turns out to be a good steamer.
My god guys, steamers are INDISPENSIBLE....!!!! We have one in the shop--a JIFFY industrial model. Practically everything gets steamed before it hits the rack, and the men's suits often get a final steam before they walk out the door. The only fabric that's better with ironing is cotton. Crepe---no iron shine, and the wrinkles just fall out! Velvet--a breeze! Silk--instant results. HEAVEN on hats!!!! I can't imagine doing business without one!
One thing I have done when mne starts to spit is fill the tank with 1/2 water & 1/2 white vinegar, fire it up and let it go until the tank is empty. I use distilled water but still end up with "crud" so it often needs a wipe after I use it and a vinegar treatment maybe every other week - depends on how much use it gets.
Tks Sharon, I'll try the vinegar & water bit as well...I have put the stocking on and that helps a lot!
Glad to help~ just remember to close the steamer off in another room or near an open window. I usually do the vinegar thing in my work area when I want to be left alone, as the kids, husband and even the cat hate the smell ;)
I'm in the market for a steamer, too. I iron everything and I actually really enjoy ironing! But I can definitely see the advantages of steaming. Does anyone here use a handheld one? Or are the floor models really better? Jen
Steamers are like cashmere. They both spoil you for life! I have had my Jiffy steamer for years now and use it nearly everyday! Enjoy Lei, your life just got easier. Melody
I just bought a Conair Pro Model, after returning the Conair compact model (which I absolutely hated) I love the Pro Model, it's amazing how much time I save and how much better the clothing looks as opposed to ironing it. Plus I can now press rayon, satin and tafetta without worry of discoloring or ruining it! I don't know how I have survived without my steamer this long! To answer the question about handheld vs. floor model: I haven't tried a handheld, but the biggest issue would be that the handheld will not hold a large amount of water, so you'll have to refill probably once or twice for each garment I'd imagine. I sometimes can use half a tank on a gown, so I could imagine that you'd be constantly running back and forth to fill it up on a handheld. I'd just go for the floor model
Good point! I don't have running water in my studio and I already carry things back and forth to the house for washing, etc.. So that's definitely something to consider. It seems like a decent floor model costs about $150 on average, though, is that right? Jen
If you're comfortable with a refurbished model you can get them for around $50 or less. I got mine on ebay for about $50 incl. shipping. When I need a big ticket item I usually check out THIS SITE also~
