The “white” base is the natural satined aluminium base which has not been subjected to any treatment. The “black”base is the iron base which, after the standard working, has been subjected to a particular treatment of anodization of the material. This treatment deposits on the metal a coating which makes the surface of the steam iron stronger (abrasion resistance) and anti-shining. Both the iron bases are produced with a special aluminium alloy.
Some precautions are necessary when you iron special types of cloth in order to avoid any damages to the item. Sometimes it is not enough to set the right temperature of the steam iron but it is necessary to interpose a protection between the iron base and the textile for saving it from any mechanical and chemical treatments. The teflon shoe is the tool used for this purpose since it avoids that some types of cloth are “polished” by the contact with the heat of the metal of the iron base. Besides it allows to adjust the thermostat at a temperature higher then the one suitable for ironing some types of textile (for example for a hotter and dryer steam)
The anodised (black) iron base presents two great advantages since it is more resistance to the scratches and avoids the cloth to become polished during the ironing. However it is not so efficacious like the teflon shoes which presents a greater efficiency in preventing the shine on the cloth.
The choice depends exclusively on aesthetical preferences and habits since there are no substantial differences in the functioning
We start by saying that under the nylon cover it is always fitted the standard stainless steel chromed cover. Anyway in order to increase the safety and comfort of the steam iron it is possible to have a nylon cover. The models provided with this special optional avoid any burns in case of accidental contact with the metal cover and increase the comfort during the works by preventing the coming up of the heat to the hand of the operator
The mechanical thermostat that is fitted on most of the steam irons presents a problem that is binding in particular ironing requirements. The thermal inertia is quite high, in fact, when you settle a temperature with the thermostat knob, there will be a difference between the maximum and minimum temperature of some ten of degrees (for example if we set 160°, the temperature will vary of +/-15 or 20°). Naturally in some case this can damage the cloth or can reduce the quality of the ironing. The difference with the electronic thermostat is reduced (for our iron +/- 1°) and therefore it is much more precise.
It is possible to use the water of the water network. Unfortunately, in many areas, the water is very hard and deposits, inside the tank, a coat of mineral salts (limestone) which can reduce, in time, the performances of the machine.
It is absolutely NOT recommended to put , in the boiler, chimical products which can damage some components of the generator or of the steam iron.
It depends on the time that passed between an ironing and the other. In case the machine will not be used for several days or weeks it is suggested to empty it. It is also recommended to rinse the tank with water and a little bit of vinegar.
Unfortunately, in many cases, this important operation is neglected even if it is important for the safety. Furthermore it allows to save time and money by making use, at maximum, of the performance of the machine.