</td></tr><table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td class="pageHeading">complete set of accessories</td> </tr> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/46928cc51133af17/49da415318431036/46928cc553787a03/5f86304f/-cpid/c65dac473ffd47d/autostart/false/widget.js"></script> Before You Purchase....A Steam Vapor Cleaner Useful information in making your decision - Bigger is not always better - In looking for a steam vapor cleaner, a larger boiler may sound like the better way to go for longer running time but remember.....when pressure is released during the cleaning process, the longer you will wait for it to recover pressure and more power is needed to heat larger mass. Hence, the smaller the capacity, the better the ability to maintain pressure and temperature consistently with less power consumption. Smaller boilers (2 qt.) or continuous fill boilers also heat up far quicker (5-9 min) for very little "down time". Larger boilers will also take longer ( Avg. 20+ min.) to heat for use, and of course heavier to move around. For average cleaning, chances are you`ll run out of steam before your machine does. Heavy commercial users can be recommended to look at continuous fill or single boiler units meeting their needs.
- Pressure is important - but it doesn`t have to blow the roof off - Typically homeowners and light commercial users should look for 58 psi (4 bar) and above from a Vapor Cleaner. While some of your jobs will require to maximize your pressure, much of your cleaning will require you "turn it down" instead of up. More is not always better! Remember, the clean is in the steam and the temperature. If you are using your cleaner for commercial cleaning you may need a heavy duty high temperature, high pressure unit designed for really tough jobs. Look for that temperature -
low priced "Steam" cleaners will always yield a lower temperature and pressure. Temperature = Pressure - - We know that you see different temperatures and pressures stated by various steam vapor cleaner retailers, which becomes confusing. Looking at the saturated steam tables will simplify this for you. Here are standard measurements that you should see: Pounds Per Sq. Inch /Pressure | Bar (European measure) | = Internal Boiler Temp | 50 PSI | 3.5 | 281 F. | 58 PSI | 4 | 293 F. | 65 PSI | 4.5 | 298 F. | 72 PSI | 5 | 305 F. |
- Overall, almost all steam vapor cleaners you will see on the market are designed by the mfg. for 65 psi or less unless specifically designed for commercial use with a heavier gauge boiler.
Specifications of Steam Vapor Cleaners that are advertised as having "upgraded" or "enhanced" pressure above 65 psi are most likely misrepresentations or after-factory "tweeking" thus compromising the safety approvals and standards to which the equipment was designed. Confirm with your retailer if their advertised specifications match the manufacturer`s stamped specifications on the bottom of their machines, then you can purchase with confidence. One rule of thumb, machines with aluminum boilers should never exceed 4 bar (58psi). If you are unsure, please ask the retailer what pressure is displayed on the pressure gauge on their machine. - What function does a pressure gauge have? Machines offering pressure gauges will either show Bars, PSI or both. A pressure gauge will help you to be assured that your machine is functioning properly, and that you are maintaining your desired temperature for proper operation. It is anyone`s guess if you feel there may be a problem with your product and have no indicator whether it is operating properly or not at the expected temperatures.
- Stainless Boilers vs. Aluminum Boilers - What is the difference - Aluminum is cheaper to manufacture and lighter in weight than steel. Aluminum is also a better conductor of heat therefore heat loss will occur at a faster rate than a stainless steel boiler. Pitting and deterioration will also occur at a faster rate than stainless steel. Stainless steel has far more industrial integrity for this type of equipment. than aluminum. Ultimately, there is only one reason that aluminum boilers are used in "steam" or "steam vapor" cleaners - lower manufacturing costs.
- Hand Nozzles, buttons, switches or triggers - Just what is the difference and are they safe? - Absolutely, all "steam vapor cleaners" on the market must adhere to strict guidelines or they would not achieve their CE, ETL and / or UL certifications required. Wiring in the internal insulation of hoses range from 3v to 12v - equal to a battery. There are 3 basic designs of the nozzle handles on the market. Button, switch or trigger. All are clearly functional in their own design but you may want to look closely at the type of cleaning that you will be doing when considering your purchase.
- Hose Length - Does it matter? - Manufacturer`s recommend for optimal pressure and temperature to maintain the standards of sanitizing and cleaning test results, a 7 -8 ft hose is the length of choice by primarily all manufacturer`s. Extending length beyond can compromise temperature necessary for sanitizing and optimal cleaning.
- Mono-block (detachable hose) systems vs. attached hoses - Detachable hoses make far more sense and mean less repairs. Storage is easier, and if you have to send in for repair, quite often it may just be a switch on the hose. Why send the whole machine in for service? Mishaps occasionally occur, we have had to replace chewed hoses (new puppies), crushed nozzles (spouse backed over it with the car) and so on......Pulling cleaners by the hoses of direct wired machines can put stress on the connection eventually loosening the connections and wiring of attached hoses. Detachable hoses "lock" into place thus relieving the stress and potential repairs.
- Plastic, Stainless or Painted Metal - Most models on the market today are plastic or stainless. There are a few painted metal models available. Remember "non-stainless" steels can and most likely will rust in time. Plastic or stainless is perfect for home use, however we never recommend plastic in any commercial use. Stainless is far more durable, acceptable, and quite often required within the commercial marketplace. From a manufacturing standpoint, stainless steel is the most expensive material to use when designing this type of equipment therefore going the extra step in constructing a quality piece of equipment inside and out.
- Don`t make a decision based on bad information - - While the internet is an amazing gateway to a world of information and exciting possibilities, it can also become nothing more than a forum for bad business and inaccurate information. We at Vapor Clean Products pride ourselves in offering informative, helpful insight and facts while maintaining integrity in a somewhat confusing new market.
It has come to our attention that competitors are degrading our products in order to inflate their own. We apologize for these "bad business tactics" and hope that it will not sour your view of a truly unique market. read more We feel it is necessary to address these negative claims, as they are cheating the consumer from making an informed, fact based decision. - Steam Vapor vs. Steam Vapor/Extractor - This is a decision based primarily on what your needs are. Do not however, hold true to companies that state you cannot clean carpet with a Steam Vapor "Extractor" System. Yes, you can, with the proper machine or process. Please call us for more information at 800.758.3141 and read the consumer reviews on our equipment
|