In the latest test conducted by the Consumer Council on garment steamers and steam irons, the actual time of steam operation or the rate of continuous steam output of the tested samples was found to be shorter or lower than their claimed values.
The test covered a total of 12 models - 5 garment steamers (with prices ranging from HK$388 to HK$898) and 7 steam irons (with prices ranging from HK$390 to $898).
In the performance test, the actual time of steam operation achieved (with each tankful of water) by 3 garment steamer models was found to fall below their claims; the largest difference was about 29% in one model.
With regard to the continuous steam output of the steam irons, most of the tested models were found to generate less steam than their claims. The variations ranged from 36% to 40% in 2 tested models.
The discrepancies between the test results and the manufacturers' claimed values may arise because the manufacturers' testing methodologies were different from the standard methods, or different supply voltage was applied during testing. The test results have been referred to the Customs and Excise Department for follow up.
Furthermore, for latest models of steam irons which are equipped with a 'steam shot' function for dealing with creases or wrinkles in clothes, their steam output of the steam shots was presented by most manufacturers as quantity of steam released per minute. This is different from the steam output of each burst measured with reference to international standard.
Manufacturers multiply the average output of a steam shot by their assumed maximum number of shots (e.g. 120 shots) that can be made per minute to arrive at the quantity of the steam bursts produced per minute. Some manufacturers add this steam burst output to the continuous steam output and claim the sum to be the maximum output of the steam iron. However, in actual usage, when the steam shot and continuous steam function are in operation at the same time, the steam iron may not be able to achieve this concurrent maximum output because of the limitation of input power.
Hence, a consumer whose main concern is on the shot of steam produced by the steam iron may be misled by the figures presented by the manufacturers. The Consumer Council urges the manufacturers to uniformly adopt the international test method, for presenting the output of steam per shot to reflect actual usage.
The safety tests were conducted with reference to International Standards (IEC 60335-2-85 and 60335-2-3). In terms of safety, 7 tested models of steam irons passed all the safety test items while 5 tested models of garment steamers passed the major safety test items including protection against electric shock, temperature rise, leakage of current, etc. Of the 5 garment steamers, 4 models were found to have room for improvement in their construction and stability, resistance to fire, or wiring for earthing.
In addition, the instruction manuals of 4 garment steamer models were found to have missed some warning statements and instructions as required by the standard. Some of the information carried in the manuals of 2 models have mistakes or did not match the actual products. One of these 2 models claimed the device could be used outdoor but the actual product did not belong to the outdoor category.
Consumers are advised to consider whether or not the product suits their needs before purchasing a garment steamer or steam iron. They can also ask for opinions from friends on the product's performance.
The Council provides the following recommendations to consumers for the use of garment steamers and steam irons:
- As steam / droplets / mist will be formed when the garment steamers and steam irons are operated, consumers should pay attention to the cleanliness of the water being put in the water tank and seek medical advice should there be any doubt if there are family members with weakened immunity using those devices.
- Empty the tank each time after use to minimize bacteria growth in the water.
- Descale the water deposit regularly inside the irons according to the instructions.
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