A new AI-powered steam iron features revolutionary fabric recognition technology.
DOING the laundry can be a tiring chore. Ironing is another. For me, it is my least favourite chore in the house besides washing, drying and folding.
Ironing takes up a lot of our time. While using a steam iron helps with the pressing process, we can't help but be worried that we will ruin that delicate chiffon dress which we love so much. Oh, don't start on how our grandmothers used a charcoal-heated iron to get the job done.
Well, modern irons have certainly progressed. In fact, Philips can lay claim to having the world's first artificial intelligence-enabled iron.
Launched recently, the Philips PerfectCare Steam Generator 9000 Series iron features revolutionary fabric recognition technology, meaning it can detect and adapt to any fabric.
EFFORTLESS IRONING
The iron features automatic adjustment of steam and temperature. All you have to do is switch on the iron and wait for two minutes until it beeps, which signals that it's ready to be used.
The Philips PerfectCare Steam Generator 9000 Series iron can figure out the type of fabric and starts steaming when the iron brushes over the fabric.
If you prefer manual control, there is a button that allows you to do just that.
The iron glides effortlessly and with the inherent fast-cooling system, you don't have to worry about ruining your clothes. In fact, Philips promised no burns on all ironable garments — even when left unattended!
I deliberately leave the iron on the ironing board face down and the steam automatically shuts off after a while.
As the whole set (iron plus base) is quite heavy at 5.5kg, I strongly recommend that you place them on fixed stable furniture, not on the usual flimsy ironing board with the light-weight stand.
The iron itself is light at just 0.97kg, which is ideal for vertical steaming such as hanging clothes and curtains.
It also comes with a large 1.8L detachable water tank which allows up to two hours of continuous use.
AI TECHNOLOGY
So, how does it work? The iron boasts the world's first fabric sensing technology. It has a built-in camera that works in combination with smart AI technology that scans and identifies fabrics and automatically adjusts the temperature and steam.
With this ActiveSense feature, you can move from jeans to silk instantly.
INTELLIGENT AUTOMATIC STEAM
The iron also has a smart sensor that knows exactly when and how the iron is moving. Thus, powerful steam is only released when the iron is moving, giving
you the right amount of steam when you need it.
Generating up to 180g per minute of continuous steam, the iron is able to tackle the thickest fabrics with ease. Stubborn creases will vanish with an extra steam boost of up to 750g.
BETTER TECH
The iron's improved stainless-steel base is twice harder than the aluminium base, resulting in enhanced durability. The patented six-layer coating with advanced titanium layer ensures a smooth and effortless gliding motion when ironing.
As regular descaling extends its lifetime and ensures good steam performance, the iron's De-calc Plus system has an indicator light as well as audio signal to tell you when the tank needs emptying. The iron also comes with an integrated scraper.
With all the technology built inside the iron, the RM2,999 price tag is justified. Well, those with mountains of clothes to iron daily will definitely appreciate this wonder iron.
Verdict: 4.5/5