This document describes the Tefal Express Anti-Calc steam generator iron, a household appliance designed for efficient and convenient ironing. The iron features a sleek design, primarily in black and white, with a separate water tank base unit connected to the iron via a flexible hose.
Function Description
The Tefal Express Anti-Calc is a steam generator iron that produces continuous steam to effectively remove wrinkles from various fabrics. It operates by heating water in the base unit to generate steam, which is then delivered to the iron's soleplate. The "Express anti-calc" feature highlights its focus on preventing limescale buildup, which is crucial for maintaining performance and longevity.
Usage Features
The iron offers several modes and settings to cater to different ironing needs:
- Power On/Off: The device is turned on by pressing the power button (represented by a circle with a vertical line). Once powered on, an "ON" indicator illuminates.
- Warm-up Time: After switching on, the iron typically takes around 2 minutes to heat up and be ready for use, indicated by a "2min max" timer.
- Ironing Modes: The iron provides multiple ironing modes, selectable via a "MODE" button:
- Eco Mode: This mode is designed for energy-saving ironing, suitable for lighter fabrics. It is represented by a leaf icon.
- Normal Mode: This is the standard ironing mode, suitable for a wide range of everyday fabrics. It is represented by icons of various clothing items.
- Vertical Steam Mode: This mode allows for vertical steaming of hanging garments, such as shirts, jackets, and curtains. It is represented by a vertical steam icon.
- Steam Boost: For stubborn creases, the iron offers a "STEAMBOOST" function, which delivers an extra burst of powerful steam. This can be activated by pressing a button, often indicated by an "x3" symbol, suggesting multiple steam shots.
- Temperature Control: The iron features a thermostat control, allowing users to adjust the temperature according to fabric type. The manual suggests setting the control within a "coloured zone" or to "MAX" for optimal steam production.
- Water Tank: The base unit includes a removable water tank, which can be filled with untreated tap water. The tank has a "MAX" fill line to prevent overfilling. It's important to empty the water tank after every use and not store the steam generator with water inside.
- Cord Management: The power cord and water connection cord should be fully unwound before use and kept away from heat sources or sharp edges. The iron also features a cord storage area on the base unit for neat storage.
- Safety Features:
- Auto-Off Function: The iron has an automatic shut-off feature for safety and energy saving. If left unattended, it will turn off after a certain period (e.g., 8 minutes or 30 minutes, depending on the mode or inactivity). An "AUTO OFF" indicator will appear.
- Stable Placement: The appliance must be used and placed on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface. When resting the iron on its base, ensure the surface is stable.
- Hot Surfaces Warning: Surfaces marked with a specific symbol can reach very high temperatures and cause burns. Users are advised not to touch the hot soleplate or adjacent plastic parts until the appliance has completely cooled down.
- Unattended Use: Never leave the appliance unattended when connected to the mains.
- Damaged Appliance: Do not use the appliance if it has been dropped, visibly damaged, leaks, or functions abnormally. It should be examined by an Approved Service Centre.
- Children Safety: Children aged 8 and over can use the appliance with supervision and proper instruction. The iron and its cord should be kept out of reach of children under 8 years old when energized or cooling down.
Maintenance Features
The Tefal Express Anti-Calc is designed with specific features to simplify maintenance, particularly concerning limescale:
- Anti-Calc System: The primary maintenance feature is the "Express anti-calc" system, which helps prevent limescale buildup. This system involves an anti-calc cartridge and a collector.
- Anti-Calc Cartridge: The iron uses a replaceable anti-calc cartridge. The "anti calc" indicator will flash when the cartridge is no longer efficient and needs to be replaced. After replacing the cartridge, the reset button must be pressed for a minimum of 3 seconds until the light stops flashing. It's crucial to press the anti-calc button only after changing the cartridge. The cartridge should be removed from its plastic bag just before use to ensure efficiency.
- Calc Collector: The base unit includes a "CALC COLLECTOR" that gathers limescale. To clean the collector, it must be unscrewed after the appliance has completely cooled down (wait over an hour) and unplugged. This operation should be performed near a sink as some water may flow out. The appliance should never be operated without the scale collector installed.
- Self-Cleaning Procedure (Semi-automatic): The iron may feature a semi-automatic self-cleaning procedure. During this process, the iron should be placed on its cleaning stand, over a sink. The scale collector must be properly installed and locked. Users should not touch the iron or cleaning stand during self-cleaning and wait at least 15 minutes before handling the accessory after cleaning.
- Water Type: The appliance is designed for use with untreated tap water. Users are advised against using water from clothes dryers, scented or softened water, water from refrigerators, batteries, air conditioners, rain water, boiled, filtered, bottled, pure distilled, or demineralized water, as these can cause spitting, brown staining, or premature wear.
- Cleaning: Before cleaning the appliance, always unplug it and allow it to cool down. Do not immerse the appliance in water or any other liquid.
- Storage: After use, allow the appliance to cool down completely (around 1 hour) before storing it. The iron can be stored on its base unit, and the cords can be neatly managed.