What is the difference in pressurised or non-pressurised steam generator irons?

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 at 5:26 am

Kamia Asked:

I am considering which steam generator irons to buy but I can't find out what is the major difference in a pressurised or non-pressurised steam generator. Can anyone out there enlighten me or advise me on what features to look for in one?

Reply:

Pressurized steam is hotter steam. Water boils at 212F at normal air pressures. When you raise the pressure 3 lb (typical steam iron pressure), the boiling point increases 9F. Thus, the steam will be 9F hotter. They are considerably more expensive.

Car radiators are pressurized to 15lbs, raising the boiling point of the water to about 256F.

Internet web sites