Abstract: A pressurized boiler (1) for a steam generator appliance comprises an evaporation chamber (78), an electric heater (60) in good thermal contact with a wall (70) of the evaporation chamber (78), a water inlet (77) arranged in a cover (72) of the evaporation chamber (78) separate from said wall (70), and a pump in fluid communication with the water inlet (77) arranged to supply water to the evaporation chamber (78) through the water inlet (77).

Abstract: A flow heater comprises a heating element (48; 248) and a first heating region (18, 20; 218, 220) heated by the heating element (48; 248) for heating liquid flowing therethrough to a first temperature below boiling. The flow heater also comprises a second heating region (22; 222) for heating the liquid to a second temperature below boiling. The second region (22; 222) has means (25; 225) for permitting the exit of steam therefrom separately from heated liquid. The flow heater cannot be operated so that bulk boiling of said liquid takes place in the second region (22; 222).

Abstract: A steam generating appliance such as an electric iron comprises a base unit and a hand-held mobile unit which can be releasably coupled to the base unit. The base unit comprises a reservoir for water and a pump for pumping water from the reservoir into the mobile unit when the mobile unit is coupled to the base unit. The mobile unit comprises a boiler and an on-board reservoir for water, wherein the on-board reservoir is adapted to store water received from the base unit under pressure and to deliver the water to the boiler under the control of a user-operable valve.

Abstract: A pressurised boiler (1) for a steam generator appliance comprises an evaporation chamber (78), an electric heater (60) in good thermal contact with a wall (70) of the evaporation chamber (78), a water inlet (77) arranged in a cover (72) of the evaporation chamber (78) separate from said wall (70), and a pump in fluid communication with the water inlet (77) arranged to supply water to the evaporation chamber (78) through the water inlet (77).

Abstract: A flow heater comprises a heating element (48; 248) and a first heating region (18, 20; 218, 220) heated by the heating element (48; 248) for heating liquid flowing therethrough to a first temperature below boiling. The flow heater also comprises a second heating region (22; 222) for heating the liquid to a second temperature below boiling. The second region (22; 222) has means (25; 225) for permitting the exit of steam therefrom separately from heated liquid. The flow heater cannot be operated so that bulk boiling of said liquid takes place in the second region (22; 222).

Abstract: A steam generating appliance such as an electric iron comprises a base unit and a hand-held mobile unit which can be releasably coupled to the base unit. The base unit comprises a reservoir for water and a pump for pumping water from the reservoir into the mobile unit when the mobile unit is coupled to the base unit. The mobile unit comprises a boiler and an on-board reservoir for water, wherein the on-board reservoir is adapted to store water received from the base unit under pressure and to deliver the water to the boiler under the control of a user-operable valve.

Abstract: A steam generator e.g. for a hand-held portable appliance such as a domestic iron or steam cleaner comprises a water inlet, a boiler, a valve for controlling the entry of water into the boiler and means for delivering a surge of water to the boiler when the valve is opened. Also disclosed is an adaptor for supplying electrical power to a mobile electrical appliance. The adaptor is operable in a corded mode when secured to the appliance for supplying electrical power and water while the appliance is being used; or a cordless mode when secured to a base unit such that electrical and water connection can be made by placing the appliance on or against the base unit; and broken by lifting or moving the appliance away from the base unit.