Safe, easy-to-use steam irons and garment steamers highlighted

	In moving upmarket, makers of steamers enhance models to raise product value accordingly.

In moving upmarket, makers of steamers enhance models to raise product value accordingly.

China suppliers of garment steamers and electric steam irons are stepping up to advanced models to offset slowing demand in the low end. About 20 to 30 percent of factories offering the latter type have stopped operating or moved on to high-end selections to increase margins. This shift drives R&D efforts to boost safety and user convenience further. In line with the former objective, companies utilize ABS and PC for tanks in garment steamers to improve durability and prevent parts from breaking and spilling hot water.

Makers are likewise incorporating safety features. Several models shut off automatically when there is insufficient liquid and to avert overheating. More steam irons come in drip- and leak-resistant shells. Meanwhile, Teflon-coated plates and adjustable thermal settings are adopted to help protect fabrics.

Some releases have up to nine temperature options.

To increase user convenience, new garment steamers come with water tanks larger than 2L, extending the operating time to 1hr and reducing the need to refill often. The greater capacity also facilitates utilization on curtains, bedsheets and plush toys. Some units can kill mildew, sterilize and deodorize. Recent models produce vapor exceeding 90 C, which straightens clothes quickly.

Garment steamers have stems with adjustable height. These may be disassembled as well, reducing required storage space.

Feature upgrades in iron types likewise aim to ease operation. Automatic water supply systems powered by a temperature-controlled motor propel the liquid to the plate to produce constant steam. Such versions are available from Xiamen Yea-Sincere Import/Export Corp., which carries both standing and iron variants.

	This handheld steamer from Shenzhen Luckystar consumes 700W, and complies with CE and RoHS requirements.

Midlevel releases are equipped with 1 or 2L water tanks that produce nonstop steam for 60min at most. These utilize aluminum stems strong enough to support 10kg. Such appliances consume 1,200 to 1,500W and are quoted from $19 to $30.

High-end alternatives have the same power consumption as less expensive counterparts. Tanks boast a capacity of 1.5 to 2.5L, which is good for 1hr of use. Aluminum and stainless steel are the options for the stem, while steamer tubes are made of PVC with insulation. Some variants are designed to maintain the exterior temperature within 55 C.

Several versions heat up fast, taking less than 1min to turn liquid into vapor. Products in the segment boast sealed tube connecting points to prevent water leakage, and sprayers with a control panel. The latter utilizes stainless steel to avoid warping under high temperature, and the panel has 1mm-thick sheets of the metal. Prices are above $30.

As for steam irons, those in the low end go for $3 to $5. Such releases adopt basic designs and features, and incorporate three thermal levels. ABS and transparent acrylic are used for the base, the plastic becomes brittle, possibly causing water leakage. The power cords are typically shorter than 1m.

Priced from $6 to $10, midrange models have ABS or PC/ABS housings. Variants made of the latter do not break easily. Plates come in stainless or regular steel. A layer of Teflon is an option. The power cords use swivel bases and are 0.8 to 1.6m long. There are five or more temperature settings.

The number of thermal levels may be greater in high-end releases. Such versions utilize PC/ABS or PP shells. Some tanks are transparent to show the content level. Stainless or regular steel is used for the plates, which are coated with Teflon. The power cords are more than 1.5m long and adopt swivel bases. Several units may boast extra features, including an automatic water supply system. Prices are above $10.

Prices are expected to increase about 10 percent in the next six months due to inflation in China and the yuan’s appreciation. The former has a huge impact on mandated minimum wages, causing labor outlay to soar by 20 to 30 percent in the past year.

Spending on employee welfare and lodging rose as well.

As for the foreign exchange rate, the US dollar’s value against the yuan declined by more than 10 percent in 1H11, squeezing exporters’ profit margins.

Despite these challenges, suppliers are optimistic about the garment steamers line, which they consider a young industry. The positive outlook is based on 30 and 33 percent YoY growth in output and exports in March this year. In 1Q11, yield climbed 49 percent compared with the same period in 2010.

Related article:
Electric irons: Multifunction, user-friendly models gain ground

SIP Gaiwei High Polymer Co. Ltd

Model: GTJ341
Description: Standing garment steamer; 2.2L; 1,100 to 1,500W, 50/60Hz

Shenzhen Luckystar Electrical Co. Ltd

Model: LS-518B
MOQ: 3,000 units
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $9
Description: Handheld steamer; 700W; 110/120V, 220/240V, 50/60Hz; CE, CB, RoHS

Xiamen Yea-Sincere Import/Export Corp.

Model: GS609D
MOQ: 700 units
Delivery: 45 days
Price: $27.50
Description: Standing garment steamer; adjustable power; 45s to generate steam; 1,450W; CB, GS, ETL

Zhejiang Yueli Electrical Co. Ltd

Model: YPZ-7868
MOQ: 3,000 units
Delivery: 90 days
Price: $22.15
Description: Wireless steam iron with dry ironing, water spraying functions; PC/ABS; LED display; drip-resistant; auto shut-off; CE, GS

Zhejiang Yueli Electrical Co. Ltd

Model: YPZ801
MOQ: 3,000 units
Delivery: 90 days
Price: $14.60
Description: Steam iron with dry ironing and water spraying functions; PP, PC/ABS; LCD; nine temperature settings; drip-resistant; auto shut-off; CE, GS

Zhejiang Yueli Electrical Co. Ltd

Model: YPZ-7688
MOQ: 3,000 units
Delivery: 90 days
Price: $11.05
Description: Steam iron with dry ironing, water spraying functions; PP, ABS; negative ion generation; drip-resistant; auto shut-off; CE, GS