Built-in ironing board: what types are there, which mechanism to choose

Hi all! Many of you are very familiar with the problem of small apartments. Because of this, we have to look for more rational solutions in terms of furniture and equipment of the house, choose transformable elements, etc. All this for the sake of saving space.

One such solution is a built-in ironing board. Everyone needs to iron things, but doing it on the kitchen table or coffee table is completely inconvenient. In order not to take up space with a classic board, a built-in structure comes to the aid of a practical person.

I will try to tell you what they are, what mechanism is used, their strengths and weaknesses. Plus I’ll give you some useful tips on choosing built-in ironing boards.

You take an active part in the discussion, express your own opinion and share your personal experience in using such solutions.

What types of built-in ironing boards are there?

There are 4 main types of cards. The choice of one of them depends on the desired installation location and the preferences of the apartment owners.

Product types:

1. Folding. This arrangement of the ironing board is considered classic. It is practically no different from a conventional device, but has a special lifting mechanism. It can be used to lift the table into a vertical position.
2. Built-in mirror. An original solution to hide the board. Mirrors can be solid or made in the form of swing doors.
3. Retractable. These structures are located in cabinet drawers. Due to limited space, they can be folded in half. This product is considered the least reliable, but at the same time the most compact.
4. Built-in wardrobe. These models are heavy and large in size, but are highly reliable and have good stability. Such devices are made to order or purchased ready-made (for example, the Rocket built-in board). A wardrobe with a built-in table looks beautiful and neat in the interior.

Purpose

The steam cabinet is designed for refreshing and smoothing various things:
thanks to steam treatment, wrinkles on clothes are smoothed out, allergens, foreign odors, dust, lint, wool are eliminated: if necessary, the unit not only smoothes, but also creates folds - creases on trousers; in the steam cabinet you can dry clothes after rain or washing, refresh worn items; the unit provides for getting rid of static electricity; some items or parts can be ideally ironed only with an iron, but pre-treatment with steam will make this process easier; a steam cabinet is extremely effective for over-dried laundry; steam treatment ensures sterilization of things, which is especially important for children's clothing and linen, toys; Another area of ​​use is steam treatment before washing, which is necessary for heavily soiled items: under the influence of steam, the dirt is broken down, this makes subsequent washing effective. The functions of the unit and the principle of its operation are displayed in this promotional video:

The functions of the unit and the principle of its operation are displayed in this promotional video:

How to choose the right built-in whiteboard

Buying an ironing board is a complex matter that requires many nuances. It is better to seek help from specialists who will tell you about the features of each model and warn about their shortcomings. If you choose a product yourself, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Measurement. It is necessary to purchase a board that, after installation, does not interfere with the free movement of people around the apartment. To eliminate the possibility of error, it is necessary to make all the necessary measurements in advance.
2. Weight. This indicator is important when choosing products that will be attached to a thin cabinet wall. If the weight is too heavy, the device may fall and break something in the apartment.
3. Stability. Burns can never be ruled out when ironing. To prevent this from happening, the foundation must be stable. In addition, an incomprehensible design will cause inconvenience to the owner.
4. Maintain quality. To prevent the product from falling out of the cabinet or niche, it must be equipped with a reliable lock. This structural part is made from a variety of durable materials.
5. Reliability of the mechanism. The device that allows you to raise and lower the table should work without problems. When purchasing a product, you should ask the seller about the material from which the mechanism is made. It must be strong and durable.

The lineup

On the Russian market, the product is presented in three models: white, coffee and black. These are Styler S3WER and S3RERB with a steamer and dimensions 185x44.5x58.5 cm and weighing 83 kg. And a slightly more massive S5BB with dimensions 196x60x59.6 cm and a weight of 95 kg.

All models have the following technical characteristics:

• power supply 220V, maximum power consumption 1850 W;
• inverter compressor for drying with a 10-year warranty;
• 1 year warranty on other parts;
• electronic, touch and mobile control;
• mobile diagnostics Smart Diagnosis, which monitors the operation of the device and, if necessary, sends fault messages to the consumer and the service center;
• 3 mobile hangers, removable shelf and trouser hanger;
• aroma cassette;
• special fluff filter;
• 2 tanks - one for water, the other for condensate.

Rating of the top 5 best built-in ironing boards

There are 5 main models of boards that are in demand among buyers. All these devices are compact and have good performance characteristics. The choice of one of them depends on the needs of the person and his financial capabilities.

1: Belsi Verona

The most correct solution is considered to be a board embedded in the mirror. It can be installed in any room and can be easily hidden from prying eyes. The most interesting model of this device is Belsi Verona. In its passive state it is difficult to distinguish it from an ordinary mirror. However, if you do some manipulations, the owner of the room will have the opportunity to iron various items of clothing.

The base of Belsi Verona is made of moisture-resistant plywood coated with a special heat-reflecting material. The length of the product is 128 cm, width 38 cm. The board has a felt lining and a removable cover made of natural material.

Main advantages:

• large selection of colors;
• the presence of decorative stucco;
• ability to withstand up to 20 kg;
• compactness;
• good looking.

In addition to its advantages, Belsey Verona has several other disadvantages. Among the most important are the lack of iron support and the complexity of installation.

2: Asko HI 1152 W

An ironing board built into the closet saves space. This is especially important for a small room where every square inch counts. One of the most interesting representatives of this class of boards is Asko HI 1152 W. It is produced by a well-known Swedish company that produces various household appliances.

The main advantage of this model is the built-in ironing board mechanism. It is very reliable and durable. Owners of Asko HI 1152 W can use various additional accessories that will make ironing easier and more enjoyable.

Advantages of the model under consideration:

• ease of installation;
• availability of clear installation instructions;
• compact size (length 93 cm, width 31 cm);
• duration;
• ability to change the length of the working surface;
• long warranty (24 months).

The main disadvantage of Asko HI 1152 W is its high price compared to other boards. Also, the device is not universal. This can only be corrected by additions made by Asko.

3: Astra Mini Eco

This is the best Russian ironing board. Good quality and reasonable price. The design meets all safety requirements and has a special lock that prevents accidental disassembly. Astra Mini Eco can be quickly disassembled and installed in any room.

The base of the product is made of wood. Its width is 38 cm and its length is 128 cm. When folded, the device fits into a cabinet 8 cm wide.

Advantages of this model:

• compactness;
• safety;
• the presence of a reliable latch that prevents the card from falling out of the cabinet;
• relatively low cost;
• large selection of colors;
• stability.

Astra Mini Eco has only one drawback: heavy weight. Depending on the configuration, it can vary from 13 to 15 kg.

4: Janov Temise Eco

This wall mounted ironing board is versatile. It can be hidden not only in a special niche, but also in a closet. The body is finished in white oak, which allows the product to be adapted to almost any interior.

The table is made of chipboard and covered with cotton fabric. Its dimensions are 114 × 35 cm, it can be easily hidden in a closet or in an 8.5 cm wide niche. By purchasing Janov Temise Eco, the buyer receives several additional accessories. The most important of these is the non-stick coating.

Product advantages:

• ease of installation;
• can withstand up to 60 kg of weight;
• it is possible to install a mirror;
• small size;
• elegant design.

The disadvantages of Janov Temise Eco include the lack of support and support.

5: Hafele Ironfix

This product is attached to the wall or hidden in a special niche. Even in working position it takes up little space. Therefore, Hafele Ironfix is ​​often chosen by owners of small residential premises.

Main advantages of the model:

• presence of cotton lining;
• beautiful appearance;
• small size;
• fast deployment;
• color selection;
• ease of installation;
• compactness.

The disadvantage is the inability to independently adjust the height.

Filling corner wardrobes

Corner storage systems benefit from the fact that thanks to them, the maximum space in the room is filled, including the corner area.

If you make the corner closet deep, it turns into a mini dressing room. It is convenient to place not only a clothes rail, but also open shelves, closed drawers, shoe baskets and long upper shelves for storing suitcases or hats.

Types and device

The design of the built-in ironing board includes three main elements: an ironing board, a stand, and a transformation mechanism. There are two types of opening of the working surface: folding and retractable.

Folding board

The tilting option becomes available after opening the cabinet door.
The folding design is equipped with a supporting metal frame, which is attached to one of the shelves or to the cabinet wall. A lifting mechanism with vertical guides is attached to the frame, providing folding and opening. The surface support is the metal support or the support frame itself.

The option for attaching to a shelf involves cutting the upper shelves so that the structure is positioned without interfering with the doors. In the closet, folding options can be placed in a separate niche. This option is the most convenient, but it significantly hides the functional space of the wardrobe.

The version with a rotating mechanism can be attached to the external wall of the cabinet. To open the ironing board, pull the board towards you and rotate it 90 degrees around the board. This option is relevant for saving space in the closet; it is suitable for modular furniture, between which there is an opening at least 8 cm wide.

Built into the mirror

The folding ironing surface must not be placed in a closet.

Manufacturers offer an interesting option - an ironing surface built into the mirror. This is a design in the form of a narrow hanging box with swinging or sliding panels, on the facade of which a mirror panel is fixed.

The board is attached to the wall with brackets, equipped with a support and clamps for fixing it when not in use.

The ironing board behind the mirror is invisible when folded

The option hidden behind the mirror helps save valuable space in the closet. These models decorate the wall well, visually expand the space of the room and play the role of a mirror in the bedroom or hallway.

The facade of the wall cabinet can be decorated in different styles. These options are indispensable when a mirror is not appropriate in the interior. The ironing board is sold complete with a drawer; you just need to find a place and securely attach it to the wall.

Folding options are adjustable in height, have magnetic or plastic inserts for fixation when assembled, and are equipped with iron supports, extensions and sockets.

Rotating models can be positioned at different angles.

Selection options: what should you consider when purchasing?

The main selection parameter is the required functionality. There is no need to expect a miracle from an ironing cabinet: it is not capable of replacing a full machine wash or ironing.

What you should pay attention to when purchasing:

1. List of basic and additional programs. You need to check on site whether the smartphone supports the unit control program (if there is a remote control function).
2. Capacity. Units from V-ZUG and LG can simultaneously process 3 bulky items of clothing (for example, a jacket, shirt and vest) and one trousers. It is better to place down jackets separately in the machine. Maximum loading weight – up to 5 kg.
3. Ease of control: touch panel, contactless control and the ability to correct problems from a smartphone, backlight, indication, presence/absence of Russian language in the menu.
4. Dimensions.
5. Noise level in different operating modes.
6. Power.
7. Warranty period and service.

Balcony is a favorite place

Since such structures appeared, people have used them to store necessary things, and not quite necessary ones either. But, if you use the balcony for growing plants or as a place of privacy, then you can build a small cabinet or shelf where small appliances, including a vacuum cleaner, will be stored.

Related links: How to adapt a pantry into a dressing room

design

LG Styler really looks like this. Our review unit came with a black glass front door, but there is also a white option. It's quite tall (1850mm) and narrow (449mm) with a depth of 585mm, meaning it's hard to get into the position you want. The LG Styler also weighs over 80 kilograms, which also poses a problem for you if you live upstairs and don't have a lift. It's bulky in its packaging, and the cardboard and polystyrene protective material is simply heavy.

LG's promotional images show the Styler looking super cool in posh apartments, with a dedicated walk-in closet or walk-in closet being the perfect spot for it. You can also tuck it into built-ins if you want a seamless design feel. Keep in mind that the LG Styler generates heat, so it needs space for air to circulate. The manual provides a handy guide to tolerances.

Filter sheets allow the LG Styler to add a touch of fragrance to your clothes (Image credit: Rob Clymo)

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The unit comes with a foot box that includes leveling options if you are installing it on hard floors. There's also a pair of pointed carpet feet that are designed to push through fibers and backing to keep the unit securely in place.

LG Styler creates a certain vibration. During our time, the steam engine seemed to almost oscillate, which is probably due to the suspension mechanism inside, which rocks back and forth as the appliance does its job. The Styler is fairly quiet, although it has a displacement of 40dB(A) thanks to its inverter motor, which is as good as they come. So, on the hard floor, the LG Styler gets a nod on the operational front.

Operating rules

Before installing the equipment, you must unpack all accessories, removing their protective film. If dust has accumulated inside or outside, it is worth treating the surface without using strong chemicals that contain alcohol or chlorine. Wait until the device is completely dry, and only then connect it to the power source. The cabinet is connected using a socket, and the help of a specialist is not required. When installing in a narrow space, it is necessary to leave 5 cm of empty space on the sides for free air circulation. The hinges on the door can be moved to the side that is convenient for opening.

Before placing clothes inside, you should make sure that they do not need to be washed first - no program can handle heavy stains. A steam oven is not a washing machine. Each textile item must be fastened with all buttons or a zipper. When the steam cycle is turned on, the hangers move and if items are not secured properly they may fall off.

The equipment does not need to be connected to a constant water supply - there are 2 containers below: one for tap water, the second for collecting condensate.

The collected capacity is enough for 4 cycles of operation. It is necessary to periodically clean the lint filter, which collects hair, threads, wool - everything that may be present on things before they are processed.

The manufacturer guarantees the safety of the loaded property, but pay attention to the labels and make sure you select the correct mode. If you are sure that you did everything correctly, press start

When work is completed, a beep sounds. This means the process is over, empty the closet, leaving the door open.

Review Reviews

For the most part, consumers respond positively to the steam device. Note its compact size and interesting design. However, it is worth noting that the noise generated during operation can be compared to the hum of a refrigerator, so there is no need to place it in the bedroom. It is well suited for ironing items made of viscose, cotton, silk, but blended and linen fabrics are not completely ironed. Things take on a fresh look, but strong wrinkles remain, and you won’t be able to completely abandon the iron. Qualitatively removes traces of mold from leather products, softens overdried, hardened fabric.

It copes with foreign odors very well even without the use of aroma cassettes. Thanks to the generation of steam, a slight smell of freshness remains on the clothes. Allows you to save on powders and conditioner. Consumers appreciated the laundry heating function, which is especially useful in the winter season. TrueSteam steam technology, which removes allergens and bacteria from clothing, is useful when treating children's clothing.

But high power and long operating cycles affect energy consumption. The shortest program lasts about 30 minutes - if you are in a hurry, it is better to think about your wardrobe in advance. The disadvantages include high cost. The average price of the device exceeds 100,000 rubles, a significant amount for household appliances, which will only pay off with frequent use.

Functions, programs

The LG Styler steam cabinet provides gentle drying of items, keeping them warm and dry. The functions include mobile diagnostics - if maintenance is required, a notification will be sent to your smartphone. For safety there is a child lock.

The steam cabinet provides several basic and additional programs. The main modes include:

• refreshment;
• hygiene;
• intensive hygiene;
• drying;
• drying by time;
• removal of odors.

Drying time is set within 30-150 minutes (30 minute increments).

The hangers for things are movable. Vibration allows steam to better penetrate the folds of clothing, which ensures effective smoothing.

Additional programs are available when using the mobile application. After loading, you can use the following modes:

• silent;
• scarves and ties;
• Stuffed Toys;
• after the rain;
• antistatic;
• heating;
• air refreshment;
• additional care for trousers.

Included with the steam cabinet, the manufacturer provides 3 mobile hangers, a separate hanger and trouser press, a shelf for knitwear and accessories, a lint filter and an aroma cassette.

Is it possible to store a vacuum cleaner on the balcony?

If your house has an open balcony without glazing or a canopy, storing the device is not recommended. Excessive dust, rain, and drizzle can damage the unit irrevocably. Like most household appliances, cleaning equipment is afraid of water.

You can store the device on a glazed balcony or loggia. But you need to take into account the climatic features of the area where you live. If in the summer the air outside your window heats up to +40 or in the winter it drops to the same temperatures, before taking it out onto the balcony, take care to pack it tightly. Large changes in temperature can cause damage.

Technical Innovation

As they write in reviews of LG Styler steam ovens, the latest Tag-On tag system is worthy of special attention. 95% of buyers appreciated the presence of the function.

Now owners have the great ability to download cycles designed for specific items or items of clothing, and even program the Styler by controlling it from an app on their phone.

Even if the system fails or a minor problem occurs in the operation of the styler, the intelligent diagnostic device mounted on the phone (Smart Diagnosis) will notify you about this in the form of a notification. So, by calling a technician on time, you will be able to avoid more serious work failures.

Vacuum cleaner care

It is very important not only to clean the house, but also the vacuum cleaner itself, because if it is not washed properly, it itself can become a dangerous source and threaten your health. Therefore you should:

• — wipe all components of the Rainbow vacuum cleaner with a damp cloth;
• - at least once a month - completely rinse all parts, from hoses and nozzles to body parts;
• — undergo a technical inspection by a specialist at least once every six months (this will allow you to identify faults at the initial stages, without bringing the system to a complete breakdown);
• — drying is a mandatory condition for servicing this equipment. After each use, it is necessary to completely dry all components so as not to breed unnecessary parasites and prevent water from stagnating.

It is worth noting that thanks to the instructions, technical inspection can be carried out independently. A visual aid to the use and maintenance of the Rainbow vacuum cleaner, thanks to visual diagrams, allows you to disassemble the body, as well as the nozzles themselves and inspect the internal parts of the entire system.

Such simple recommendations can extend the life of the Rainbow vacuum cleaner, as well as significantly improve the quality of cleaning.

To summarize, we can conclude that, despite its size and fairly rich equipment, the Rainbow vacuum cleaner can be conveniently stored. Constant, timely care will prevent unexpected breakdowns and also ensure safe operation of this equipment.

Find out more about the capabilities of the Rainbow vacuum cleaner...