Some devices are not designed to surprise you with their capabilities. My short survey among friends showed that many prefer that the iron offers clear and simple functions. In this regard, coming to test the Evolution I-3045 steam iron is an excellent way to check what such a reliable and simple device can offer.
Characteristics
Manufacturer | Evolution |
---|---|
Model | I-3045 |
Type | steam iron |
Country of Origin | China |
Guarantee | 1 year |
Life time* | 2 years |
Declared power | 3000 W |
Sole coating | ceramic |
Control type | mechanical |
Indicator | LED |
Automatic shutdown | Yes |
Constant steam supply | 50 g/min |
Steam boost | 150-170 g/min |
Number of steam outlets | 73 |
Peculiarities | dry ironing, boost of steam, constant steam supply, mode adjustment, self-cleaning system, spray function, rotating thermostat, vertical steaming |
Accessories | beaker |
Water tank volume | 450 ml |
Cord length | 1.9 m |
Iron weight | 1.4 kg |
Iron dimensions (W×H×D) | 32×18×13 cm |
Weight of packing | 1.6 kg |
Packaging dimensions (W×H×D) | 33×18.3×13 cm |
* Contrary to popular belief, this is not the time limit after which the device will necessarily break down. However, after this period, the manufacturer ceases to bear any responsibility for its performance and has the right to refuse to repair it, even for a fee.
Equipment
The Evolution I-3045 arrived for testing in a compact white box with a silver print of the brand name, logo, main characteristics and advantages in English and Russian. The box indicates the features of the ceramic coating, equipment, legal information about the manufacturer and importer, as well as service life and warranties. The plastic handle and slot on the lid make transportation convenient.
The dimensions of the box correspond to the dimensions of the device. Inside are:
- iron
- measuring cup for water 150 ml
- user guide
At first sight
Evolution I-3045 has a stylish appearance with a black and white design that adds elegance to it. Its classic shape and stable base with a smooth transition to the handle create a recognizable look. The wide ceramic soleplate with a tapered pointed tip is ideal for ironing small parts of clothing such as folds, darts and cuffs. The handle may feel a little chunky but fits comfortably in an adult's palm, although children may require some adjustment.
The top of the iron, from the spout to the base, contains the following parts: a spray nozzle, a wide and durable transparent tank lid, a steam control lever, a spray button and an LED indicator. The nozzle is located high, which increases the spray range. The reservoir lid fits tightly to the body and requires some effort to open and close, accompanied by a noticeable click.
The steam adjustment lever is very easy to use, no measuring scale, just a movement from zero to maximum. The spray button also requires some force to press, preventing accidental activation. Next to it, on the back of the handle, there is a smooth trigger for supplying steam. The lower part of the body is made of black plastic, and the upper part is made of transparent, which allows you to control the water level in the large 450 ml tank. On the body, under the handle, there is a round temperature regulator, and next to it there is a button for the self-cleaning function, which is typical for modern models of steam irons.
The temperature regulator indicates the modes in English and are indicated by standard dots: one dot — delicate ironing, two dots — normal ironing, three dots — steam mode. The first mode is designed for materials such as acrylic, nylon, nylon, polyurethane, viscose, polyester and twisted fibers. The second mode is for silk and wool, and the maximum mode is for cotton, linen and thick fabrics. Usually two modes are used: delicate and steaming.
One of the body panels indicates the features and advantages of the model: anti-drip system, automatic shutdown, intelligent temperature control, filtration and self-cleaning function.
The cord fastening hinge in a rubber casing is located on top of the handle, next to the base. The cord length is almost two meters, which is more than enough for comfortable work.
The Evolution I-3045 iron has the advantage of a large 450 ml water tank. Water is easily poured into the tank and distributed evenly, and excess is conveniently drained onto the body. This volume is enough to use the iron for 35-45 minutes, depending on the intensity of use of the steam function, including vertical.
Taking into account the presence of water and without it, the Evolution I-3045 iron does not have a critical weight, which ensures comfortable use for a long time. However, vertical steaming may be a little less convenient due to the positioning of the steamer further away from the user's hand, although this is possible.
Instructions
A small A5 brochure consisting of 14 pages contains all the necessary information for the user. It contains a description of the device, technical characteristics, advantages, a detailed diagram of the device, safety measures, operating instructions, rules for filling the water tank, a table for selecting ironing modes for various fabrics, temperature settings, effective use of the steaming function, features of a steam boost and vertical steaming, information about the auto shut-off system, dry ironing, care, self-cleaning, as well as storage, transportation and disposal. At the end of the brochure there is legal information and a warranty card. The manual is written in Russian, contains clear and understandable instructions, without unnecessary advertising.
Control
The controls of the Evolution I-3045 are intuitive and familiar to modern iron models. After preparing the device and filling the reservoir, we set the required temperature on the round regulator. However, there is a slight inconvenience: to do this you need to focus on the transparent plastic protrusion on the body. The manufacturer calls the device a steam iron and recommends steaming at medium and maximum temperature settings. The white knob is used to adjust the steam intensity. For a burst of steam, press the trigger, observing intervals of 5 seconds.
The operating indicator shows the iron is ready for steaming: blue light indicates the water is heating up, and red light indicates it is ready for use. At the minimum temperature setting, the water may not have time to warm up enough, which will lead to drops instead of steam.
To moisten the fabric, use the spray button. For vertical steaming, set the maximum steam supply, wait for the soleplate to warm up, and press the steam trigger at intervals. It should be remembered that vertical steaming is not recommended for more than 3-5 minutes due to the possibility of water droplets.
The iron's self-cleaning button is located in a separate section from other controls, which eliminates the possibility of accidental pressing. The manufacturer recommends performing a self-cleaning procedure every two to three weeks; detailed instructions for this operation are provided in the user manual.
Exploitation
Preliminary preparation of the Evolution I-3045 before use includes the following steps, standard for most irons: removing all packaging materials, wiping the device with a damp cloth, then drying the body and soleplate. The reservoir is filled with water before connecting the iron to the network.
To fill the reservoir, open the lid and use a measuring cup to pour water through the special hole, being careful not to overfill. The manufacturer recommends using filtered or tap water in a 1:1 ratio for long-term use of the device.
Despite warnings about possible odor or water residue inside the tank, we did not encounter this. However, we noticed condensation forming on the walls of the tank, which is also mentioned in the instructions. After finishing work, it is important to open the reservoir lid and dry the device.
After filling with water, place the iron vertically, select the temperature and ironing mode, then turn on the device. The stable base of the Evolution I-3045 allows you to conveniently install the iron both vertically and horizontally, ensuring a safe and stable position of the device.
We have already noted the good placement of the spray nozzle, which provides fast, uniform and long-range humidification. With its help, you can easily cover the entire ironing surface with just one or two strokes. The water droplets are small and do not leave strong wet marks.
We carried out a traditional test, waving the iron over the ironing board and the floor, and we can confidently say that the water remained strictly inside the device. However, the sole begins to “drip” only in certain cases:
- When using vertical steaming for a long time, more than 2-3 minutes.
- When trying to use a steam boost at the minimum temperature setting.
- If the iron is placed horizontally and turned off, press the steam trigger.
Regarding vertical steaming, it is worth noting that an iron will never replace a specialized steamer. Yet, despite the limitations on operating time and weight, he is able to cope with the task. Our experience has shown that vertical steaming works well on clothes, and the steam boost quickly and effectively removes odors and smoothes fabric.
The soleplate of the iron proved to be delicate: none of the tests carried out damaged the fabric. We even left the device in one place longer than necessary, and in the end the security system worked without leaving any marks on the materials. The iron glides and maneuvers easily, thanks to its clever design with a narrow spout that makes it easy to get into hard-to-reach areas. The weight of the device did not interfere with transferring it from hand to hand.
Tests on thick fabrics were also successful, with the possible exception of duvet covers, which are always difficult to iron. However, the result here was average, although good, but not ideal.
The device fully complied with the characteristics declared by the manufacturer: it ironed dry, steamed, did not let water through and required regular cleaning. The auto shut-off system worked strictly according to the instructions: after 30 seconds in a horizontal position and after 8 minutes in a vertical position. Before the system turned off, a sound signal was turned on, the indicator began to flash red, and if at that moment the iron was lifted from the fabric, the system automatically turned off, returning the device to normal operation.
Care
Caring for this device is extremely simple: turn it off, let it cool, be sure to drain the remaining water, open the lid of the tank for ventilation, and then put it in a box or in a designated place.
It is recommended to use the “Self Clean” self-cleaning function at least 2 times a month, although this recommendation is rather intended for more intensive use of the device. If you use the iron only 2 times a month, this procedure may be unnecessary.
After using the device, the soleplate can be lightly wiped with a damp cloth to remove mineral deposits and dirt. The device should be stored in a dry, dark place, out of reach of children and animals.
Our measurements
The maximum power consumption measured by a wattmeter during testing was 2565 W. During an hour of continuous operation in all modes with an almost constant steam supply, the iron consumed 1.798 kWh.
The average time it took to reach the iron's maximum temperature was 20 seconds. The water tank lasted for 35-45 minutes of continuous operation, depending on the intensity of use of the steam boost.
Practice tests
For testing, we used a fairly wide range of fabrics and tasks, the main emphasis was on testing the real performance of the device.
Bed sheets
In a world where most people do not iron, bed linen is traditionally ironed in hotels, inns and some families.
Poplin
This iron is a common choice for mid-priced laundry thanks to its durability, pleasant texture, resistance to wear and tear, and fast drying time in regular apartments. We used the medium mode and the spray function, which allowed us to quickly and efficiently process the laundry, spending only a few seconds.
Result: excellent.
Satin
Another popular material that wrinkles easily does not usually cause ironing problems. However, we decided to complicate the task by over-drying the laundry. Using the medium heat setting and the spray function, it took us less than a minute to get the pillowcase clean.
Result: excellent.
Thick duvet cover (several layers)
A problem that any housewife faces: even a satin duvet cover, folded four times, always remains unsmoothed on one side. We did the standard test: ironed one side first, then turned it over and ironed the other, then folded it in half again and repeated the process. In this case, medium temperature conditions and a little steam were used.
Reverse side after first ironing
Result after double ironing
Result: good.
Cotton
Children's shirts, T-shirts, underwear and summer clothes: wears well and wrinkles easily. Medium temperature and dry ironing.
Result: excellent.
Basic items (white T-shirt with printing)
White linen has its own problems: wrinkled fabric looks especially sloppy, but it can be easily ironed, but frequent heat treatment can cause yellowing. To correct this problem, we chose a medium temperature setting, spraying and using steam. Separately, we carried out a sensitivity test to ensure that the applied materials will not smear.
Result: excellent.
Woolen scarf
Wool does not like heat treatment, but needs it for better storage. We used the maximum mode and steam, tested the delicacy, and were very pleased.
Result: excellent.
Velveteen
This time we used coarse corduroy with large ridges and mainly used the iron to remove dust from the fabric, rather than to smooth it out. We chose the maximum temperature setting and used steam. We took a specially close-up photo of the purified material for greater clarity.
Result: excellent.
Cashmere badlon
Needs steam, restoration of shape and renewal of color rather than smoothing. We chose the maximum mode and steam, the result turned out to be delicate to the fabric.
Result: excellent.
Polyester
We wanted to check how the iron works with fabric that is extremely fragile to heat treatment. Minimum mode, dry ironing, fast and delicate results.
Result: excellent.
Jacket and vertical steaming
We have already described this experience above. The jacket fabric needed easy cleaning and color restoration. The iron did a good job, and in order to film the result, we shaded it with a yellow badge.
Result: excellent.
Jeans
Mandatory and demonstrative testing, we checked how the iron works with rough denim. Maximum mode, a little steam.
Result: excellent.
Viscose knitwear
We chose a teenager’s old, favorite sweater for testing. The task was not so much to smooth it out as to refine the fabric and return things to shape. Medium mode, a little steam.
Result: excellent.
Basic shirt
Another indicative test: white, cotton with additions, cuffs, folds, fabric that tends to turn yellow from heat treatment. Maximum mode and par.
Result: excellent.
Jumper
Testing the operation of the iron with delicate items. Maximum mode and par.
Result: excellent.
Polyester and cotton (fine fabrics)
Favorite materials of the older generation, another test of delicacy. Medium setting, a little spattering.
Result: excellent.
Inexpensive knitwear
Fabric that easily and readily deforms and loses color. The task is not only to smooth it out, but also to check how the iron processes it. Medium mode, a little steam.
Result: excellent.
Shawl fabrics
Silk
Traditional delicateness test, minimum setting, dry ironing.
Result: excellent.
Atlas
Minimum setting, dry ironing to test the iron. Satin is often a capricious material and loves moisture. The device managed without it.
Result: excellent.
Chiffon
Delicacy test: left the iron on the fabric longer than usual, the fabric remained intact.
Result: excellent.
Synthetics
The standard test for the minimum regime did not encounter any difficulties.
Result: excellent.
Trousering
The few things that are ironed almost everywhere. Maximum mode, par.
Result: excellent.
Pavlovo Posad shawl (pure wool)
A little exotic — pure wool, an expensive item is usually treated with steam, here we tested the maximum mode and the steam boost.
Result: excellent.
conclusions
The Evolution I-3045 steam iron successfully completed all assigned tasks without causing any problems and standing securely on its base. The LED light was on, all functions and systems worked properly, and the large reservoir provided enough water for worry-free testing of the device.
Pros:
- 450 ml water tank
- nice design
- ease of use and maintenance
- stable base
Minuses:
- tight water tank cap
- poorly visible temperature regulator markings