Tool Reviews

An ironing board is a table whose working surface is designed for mechanical ironing of fabrics using pressure force, high temperatures and water vapor.

Types of ironing boards

Ironing boards are divided into two groups.

Portable

Such ironing tables freely change their location in space. Various sizes allow you to place them not only on the floor, but also on a table, chest of drawers or cabinet.

Kinds:

• Folding. Compact in storage. There are modifications from floor to placed on any other surfaces.
• Clumsy. They require a separate place – a working area; occupy an area corresponding to the surface of the ironing table. Non-ergonomic, found in private ateliers and sewing shops.

Stationary

Such equipment is fixed to the base, and its location during operation remains unchanged.

Kinds:

• Folding. The end of the working surface of such a model is attached directly to the walls, external projections of furniture and building structures.
• Retractable. They are part of the interior or functional niches. They are built into kitchen tables, cabinets in dressing rooms, hallways, wide window sills, chests of drawers or secretaries.
• Embedded. They combine the principle of folding and retractable ironing systems. The transformation mechanism is located in cabinets, niches, dressing rooms or pantries. Easily camouflaged behind vertical panels or structural elements of the interior.

Depending on functionality and configuration allocate:

1. Luxury category. Equipped with accessories for high performance and durability.
2. Professional equipment – durable and wear-resistant.
3. Budget models – have classic functionality, without technological devices aimed at speeding up the process. Recommended for home use.

By participation in the process of wet-heat treatment ironing boards are:

• Active. Equipped with a set of additional functions. They belong to complex systems that facilitate and speed up the process of ironing fabrics. Active participation is expressed in the heating of the surface, the possibility of ventilation, the absorption of steam, the creation of a vacuum effect. Typical for luxury models.
• Static. Ordinary ironing boards that do not actively participate in the ironing process; do not affect its duration, but provide comfort.

Specifications, functions and equipment

Characteristics of floor ironing boards:

• length of the working surface – from 110 to 145 cm;
• width – from 30 to 45 cm;
• surface – heat-resistant, withstands temperatures up to 250 ° C;
• equipped with a cover.

Table boards are characterized by smaller sizes: length up to 100 cm and width up to 45 cm.

All kinds of ironing boards can be used for:

• wet-heat treatment when sewing;
• bringing textiles in a neat appearance;
• heat treatment for the purpose of disinfection – this function is important for infants and newborns.

Standard ironing board includes:

• heat-resistant surface;
• legs or supports;
• case.

heat resistant surface in different modifications of ironing boards is made from:

• Chipboard or fiberboard. A budget option. It is used in different forms: from portable to built-in.
• tree. It is rarely used, since the material is characterized by a high price and massiveness.
• Metal. Used in the form of a grid or solid perforated sheets, it ensures the unhindered passage of steam and the durability of the structure.
• Thermoplastic. The working surface of this material is characterized by low specific weight, ergonomics and durability.

Case sewn from:

• Synthetic fabrics. Budget option, has a low melting point of the material.
• natural fabrics. The most common option; used in both economy and luxury configurations. Sometimes it is supplemented with inclusions of metallized threads.
• Heat-resistant non-stick materials: Teflon or silicone. Waterproof, they provide double-sided heat treatment.

Manufacturers equip systems special functionsaccelerating and facilitating the ironing process:

• Airing. It is carried out due to the ventilation of air masses in the case or inside the working surface. Assumes the free passage of air masses, is aimed at regulating the temperature and humidity regime of ironing.
• Steam absorption. The function is combined with ventilation. By adjusting the system, it extracts excess water vapor and hot air.
• Surface heating. To do this, the board is equipped with sections in the form of a grid with wires. The system provides double-sided heat treatment, speeding up the ironing process. The temperature regime varies between 40-90 ° C.

Accessories for ironing boards

• Underarm. It is a version of the ironing board reduced to the size of 12×54 cm. It is produced removable so as not to take up space on the main surface. It is used for heat treatment of small parts – sleeves, long bells and clothes for babies.
• Linen shelf. Mounted on legs or support parts. Allows you not to make additional physical efforts and not be distracted from the process.
• Bracket for shirts. The comfort of such a device will be appreciated by people who prefer a business style of clothing.
• Stand for iron or steam generator. Hot equipment requires a separate place for placement during its operation, otherwise it is fraught with injuries and burns.
• Wire clamp. Loose wires slow down the ironing process, so modern boards are equipped with clamps.
• Built-in sockets. Ironing boards are placed in close proximity to power sources, which reduces mobility. The built-in socket allows you to freely change the location, and the power can be supplied with an extension cord.
• Height adjuster. Regulators are designed for several positions – for people of different heights.

pros

Portable:

• big choice;
• affordability;
• adjustable height;
• ease of storage – a free niche in the pantry, closet, behind doors, on mezzanines, behind massive interior items is suitable.

Desktop – a compact variety of folding. Custom sizes are an advantage in a cramped living space and a limited budget.

Built-in and retractable:

• improve the functionality of small apartments;
• fit into any stylistic decision;
• not limited to standard sizes;
• do not require separate storage space;
• a furniture console with such boards also allows you to place accessories, irons, steam generators, carriers and covers.

Folding wall:

• not limited in size;
• have increased stability;
• provide quick folding and placement;

Ironing board that replaces the lid of the cabineta chest of drawers or a drawer with linen, also has a number of advantages.

• Serves as a direct surface for ironing, moreover, it is operated both in folded form and for the full possible length.
• Carries a stylistic load, being part of the interior.
• Used as a stand for other items.

Minuses

When using a work surface made of different materials, the following problems may arise:

1. Chipboard and wood are characterized by a risk of fire hazard, are subject to deformation during long-term operation in conditions of humidity and heat treatment. They are characterized by a large weight, which limits their mobility. With the constant action of steam and temperature changes, they crack, go in waves, and dry out.
2. Solid perforated metal sheets make the table heavy, which limits portability and use on delicate flooring. Careless handling leads to chipping and corrosion of the metal.
3. Perforation problems arise if there is not enough of it or it is too large. In the first case, steam removal is difficult. In the second, it causes deformation and creases on the cover and reduces the quality of ironing.
4. In the process of regular use, the metal mesh goes in “waves” along the tension points, loses its hardness and sags, which leads to deformation and damage to the cover.
5. Thermoplastic is not suitable for fabric treatment with a steam generator.

Problems with the use of covers made from different materials are expressed in the fact that:

• synthetic melt quickly, spoil textiles and the surface of thermal equipment;
• natural ones are short-lived, require washing, cleaning or replacement if they lose their appearance;
• non-stick coatings (silicone or teflon) do not guarantee the fixation of the fabric, it slides on them.

For built-in boards, operational problems are due to the fixed location. If you provide in advance the availability of free access to the working surface, the supply of electricity, the reliability of the support and the fastening mechanism, then inconvenience in use is minimized.

How to choose an ironing board

Landmarks:

1. Ease. Ease of use is determined primarily by the ease of construction, as weight affects the ability to move.
2. Strength. Massive ironing systems are associated with stability and reliability.
3. Compactness. Folded dimensions are important in terms of the possibility and convenience of subsequent storage.
4. Possibility of height adjustment. Produced models are equipped with nodes that allow you to change the level relative to the floor up to six options.
5. Convenience. Wide boards are suitable for interior and linen textiles, ironing clothes requires smaller sizes and a certain configuration. It is desirable that at one end the table has a rounding or a smooth transition in the form of a cone. The optimal size is considered to be the size of the ironing board, on which men’s trousers are completely placed when folded in the direction of the arrows.
6. Staffing. The list of additional accessories does not include brackets and shelves for linen, however, the iron stand and the electric cord holder will make it much easier to put textiles in order.

Otherwise, the choice is based solely on financial possibilities: luxury equipment, fully equipped with high-tech accessories, requires extreme caution in operation and loses in this to economy options.

Which is better

General parameters, which are independent of the specifics of use, allow you to find common ground for optimal selection.

Case

• The budget and natural option is pure cotton. It fixes the fabric, does not stain its surface. With prolonged use, it loses its appearance, but the availability of the material allows it to be easily replaced.
• Heat-resistant, non-stick materials are recommended for regular steaming: the temperature effect on the fabric will be bilateral due to its water-repellent properties.
• A durable and reliable lining for the cover will be felt or other dense fabric, which is folded in 3-5 layers and fixed with textile glue or contour stitch.

Support

• The structural elements of the support, fixed with bolts, are preferable – they are reliable and not subject to loosening.
• The boards are supplied with stepped and smooth regulation mechanisms. The former are more reliable, because they break less often. The latter are convenient, but they are not so reliable.

How to use

1. Do not attempt to use the board in an upright position. To get started, it is first laid out, and the supports or legs are placed strictly on a flat horizontal surface.
2. Before use, the height of the board is adjusted according to the height of the user. The level is considered correct if a standing person can rest his fists of arms extended along the body in the plane of the working surface.
3. The equipment requires careful handling – it is unacceptable to drop it or subject it to mechanical stress that leads to a violation of its integrity, and it is also impossible to turn it over during operation.
4. It is structurally provided that the unfolding and adjustment mechanism does not require the use of excessive efforts, so all actions are carried out carefully, without tension. It is permissible to use grease in the moving parts of the device.
5. The storage mode of such equipment involves a dry place with a relative humidity of not more than 65%, subject to a temperature regime of at least 10 °C.
6. It is unacceptable to expose the ironing board to atmospheric precipitation, open air, heat sources and ultraviolet radiation.
7. Use only for its intended functional purpose to avoid contamination and premature wear of the working surface.
8. The static load on the work surface is up to 10 kg.
9. In the event of contamination, divorce, stains, the cover is subjected to washing or dry cleaning, and the table material is wiped with dry soft natural fabrics.
10. Ironing equipment and accessories should be kept out of the reach of children.

The rules for operating an ironing board are closely related to the implementation of the instructions for using an iron or steam generator. They provide:

• use only pure water, without aromatic and oily additives;
• complete de-energization of all electrical appliances while adding water to the ironing tanks;
• it is impossible to work with such equipment with bare feet: house shoes are recommended, preferably rubberized;
• power outage during work breaks.

Precautionary measures

1. Under the influence of steam, the work surface, additional accessories and wires are heated. Therefore, it is strictly not recommended to touch them with open areas of the skin.
2. Do not leave unattended equipment with an iron or steam generator plugged into the network.
3. During a pause in ironing, the heating equipment is firmly fixed on the stand.
4. Before starting work, the space is inspected and the possibility of wires coming into contact with sharp edges is excluded.
5. Falling the board requires turning off the electricity, for this, the plug is carefully disconnected, trying to avoid sudden movements and damage to the wires.
6. The use of ironing equipment by children is prohibited. Use by the elderly is also associated with risks, in which case supervision should be provided.
7. It is not recommended to use the board in the presence of children and animals.

In addition to precautionary measures, instructions for the use of ironing systems and boards contain categorical prohibitions, namely:

1. The operation of ironing equipment requires dry floor surfaces.
2. Do not direct steam at people, animals, plants, other appliances and equipment.
3. Wet hands must be dried with a towel or hair dryer before use, and wet clothes should be replaced.
4. Do not operate ironing equipment in the presence of a risk of ignition or explosion, in the immediate vicinity of such substances.

Faults and repairs

Equipment in any configuration fails for a number of reasons:

• mechanical damage;
• improper or inaccurate operation;
• natural wear and tear;
• voltage drops;
• manufacturing defect.

Ironing boards in the basic configuration suffer from such malfunctions:

• deformation of the working surface of the table;
• breakdown of the folding mechanism;
• damage to legs or supports.

Their repair is carried out in the last two cases. In case of violation of the integrity, appearance and performance characteristics, it is advisable to change the countertop.

Depending on the material of the working surface, it is changed to a sheet of plywood or chipboard cut into shape. A metal mesh or a perforated sheet of budget models is reinforced and aligned with guides, welded or reinforced with bolts.

Equipment becomes unusable if:

• lack of steam or heating;
• constant steam generation;
• breakdowns of water level indicators in tanks;
• leakage of water or steam from holes with other functionality;
• high or low steam supply pressure.

High-tech models have a specific layout. To restore working capacity and functional purpose, this equipment requires appropriate experience and knowledge.

In addition, to increase the service life of such systems, regular maintenance and periodic cleaning are required.

This must be done at the service centers of the manufacturer of such equipment. In the same place, in the event of a breakdown, they will offer authentic spare parts, repair services and ongoing company support:

• cleaning from scale or dirt;
• replacement of structural elements: seals, plugs, thermostats, heaters, filter wires, etc.;
• restoration of the control system: buttons and switches;
• repair and restoration of body parts and assemblies: work surface, legs, stands, brackets, supports.

Ironing board manufacturers

The market of ironing boards is represented widely. The most recognizable manufacturers are:

1. Bosch. German multi-brand manufacturer of household appliances: bread makers, refrigerators, electric kettles and much more. A small assortment is compensated by quality and high manufacturability: the premium segment is equipped with all existing devices to facilitate household work.
2. De’Longhi. The brand specializes in the production of climate equipment (air purifiers and humidifiers), kitchen appliances (microwave ovens, coffee makers). A small range of textile care devices also includes active ironing boards, equipped not only with the function of ventilation and steam absorption, but also with surface heating. The company also produces static boards, devoid of such functions, but equipped with all the additional accessories that make ironing easier.
3. Dogrular. A Turkish manufacturer with a wide range – more than 40 models of the middle price category and budget equipment. The working surface is made mainly of metal. The range includes not only floor boards, but also table boards. Specialization in textile care equipment allows the company to occupy a large niche in the market.
4. Nika. Russian manufacturer, confidently declaring itself in the middle and economical price segment for almost two decades. It has a wide range of static ironing boards, numbering more than 50 models in different configurations from basic and medium to maximum. The material of the working surface is made of chipboard and metal.
5. Philips. Multi-brand manufacturer from the Netherlands, whose activities are focused on high-tech developments in the field of healthcare, lighting and household appliances. It produces active and static complete sets of models of the middle and high price segments.
6. Velikie Reki. Manufacturer of dishes, kitchen appliances and furniture from Russia. The range of ironing boards is represented by more than 20 models of different configurations. Focused on the low price segment, the material of the countertop is made mainly of chipboard.
7. Vitesse – a French manufacturer that mainly represents dishes and small household appliances on the market. Quality and reliability are at the forefront, so you should not expect ultra-modern devices from their products. The range mainly includes static boards.
8. Leifheit. It presents ironing boards of three lines: Dressfix, Airboard, Starboard, corresponding to German quality. They work in the middle price segment, and also produce premium-class equipment.

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