Editor’s note. Randy really knows steam cleaning and he knows how a vapor steam cleaner that will really last should be made on the inside. The Ladybug is my favorite steam cleaner of all the ones I have tested and used to date and the one I gave to my own family as a gift.
1. How does the steam cleaner system produce
steam vapor - by way of a high-pressure boiler or just an enclosed
chamber like an iron?
Only a boiler will give you sufficient heat and a true dry steam
vapor.
2. Does it matter whether the boiler on a steam
cleaner is made from stainless steel or aluminum?
An aluminum boiler is more susceptible to degradation from
the minerals in the water. An aluminum boiler will consist of two
halves fastened together with screws over a gasket. Over time due
to heating and cooling, it will likely warp and leak, affecting
other components of your steam vapor system.
3. Is the boiler independently secured to the
lower housing or sandwiched between the upper and lower housings?
Simply sandwiching the boiler between the upper and lower housings
allows the boiler to move inside the system, particularly when it
is set down hard or bumped severely. This may cause severe damage
to the system.
4. Does the boiler have a drain plug mounted on
the lowest point of the boiler or must you turn the system upside
down to drain the boiler?
Tipping the system upside down will allow scale particles into the
steam valve, causing the system to malfunction and not allow the
user to be able to control the steam flow.
5. Is the boiler insulated, and if so, with what
type material is it insulated?
This is very important to keep the heat in the boiler and not over-heat
the interior of the system. Excessive heat can degrade the insulation
on the wire creating a hazardous condition for the user. A form
fitting, solid thermal insulation is best as it resists heat and
moisture more effectively than loose fitting spun fiberglass types.
6. Does the system use an independent detachable
steam hose for employing a variety of tools and accessories?
A. A steam supply hose which is directly wired
into the base unit, can be difficult to store and damage is often
reflected by a broken steam supply hose.
B. Does the hose have an electrical switch mounted on the handle
to turn the steam flow "on" or "off"? Many
less expensive systems use 120 volts to operate the hose switch,
and doing so may subject the user to hazardous electrical shock.
(Hose switches using 120-volt power are required to use a clear
plastic insulating cover to help protect the user – be sure
it is in place before operating the system.
7. Is the base or boiler housing splash proof?
This is a safety feature that protects the user from electrical
shock should water be spilled onto the base unit when filling the
system. Base units with protruding switches, dials, or any other
controls, are not splash proof and require user caution when filling.
8. Is the system continuous fill or are you adding
water directly to the boiler?
This is important for both safety and efficiency. It is important
for the user be able to add more water, anytime, safely to a cold
water reservoir and keep right on working, or be able to complete
a project in a timely manner.
9. Does the system have a steam volume control?
It is important to be able to manage how much steam you are using.
Controlling the steam volume allows you to get the most out of your
system, from delicate work to difficult jobs with the least mess
and best overall performance.
10. Does the system have self-locking tools or
do you have to remember to lock the tools on?
This is a safety feature that is very important and it makes the
system more convenient, easier to use.
11. Does the hose handle remain cool to the touch
even during extended use?
If the steam flow is routed through the hose handgrip, the handle
will become uncomfortable to hold on to, particularly on time consuming
projects. Routing the steam flow so that the heat does not effect
the user is an important functional consideration.
12. Where is the steam volume control located
on the machine? Is it easily accessible to the user?
13. Does the system have an over pressure, safety
release valve? If so, would it release steam in a dangerous direction
through the filler cap, or safely, downward under the system away
from the user?
14. How long is the electrical cord?
Many systems come with an electrical cord that is far too short.
There are many other things to consider, but this
will give you a good educated start while considering a quality
Vapor Steam Cleaning System. Choosing a steam vapor Steam Cleaner
by price alone may not be the safest decision.
Remember, the bitterness of poor quality lingers long
after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten.
See
our Vapor Steam Cleaners Comparison Chart
First Published: May, 2004
Updated: February 2007
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