More usable water
A 3.4L usable fill gives the Barbara 31FS more capacity than compact tabletop boilers, reducing interruptions during bigger pressing jobs.
Battistella Barbara 4.5L Free Standing Boiler & Iron Combo
$1,289.00
$1,399.00
Battistella Barbara 4.5L Free Standing Boiler & Iron Combo - is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Battistella Barbara 31FS | Freestanding boiler + EOS iron
Longer steam sessions without giving up bench space
A freestanding steam generator with a 4.5L stainless boiler vessel, 3.4L usable capacity and weighted EOS iron. The tall, compact footprint keeps the boiler beside your workstation while providing the capacity needed for dressmaking, alterations, embroidery finishing and serious garment pressing.
- Approximately 4–5 hours of steam use, depending on the steam setting and how frequently steam is released.
- 2.8-bar working steam pressure delivers controlled steam through the EOS iron.
- Visible water level and no-water indicator make boiler status easier to monitor.
- Built-in drain tap makes regular emptying and flushing more convenient.
- Compact 25 × 29cm footprint preserves valuable worktable space.
3.4Luseful water capacity
2.8 barworking steam pressure
2250Wtotal installed power
Approx. 4–5 hrsdepending on steam use
Built around a more productive pressing routine
Freestanding format
The slim upright boiler sits beside the workstation, leaving the ironing surface and sewing table clear.
Weighted EOS iron
The NZ listing specifies a 2kg iron, combining heat, weight and adjustable steam for seams, hems and garment shaping.
Capacity that stays out of the way
A full-size boiler in a narrow 25 × 29cm footprint
The Barbara 31FS stands 89cm high and places the controls, pressure gauge, water-level window and drain point within easy reach. It is a strong fit for sewing rooms and alteration workspaces where floor space is available but bench space is precious.
For work that benefits from sustained, controlled steam
Alteration shops
Move through repeated repairs, reshaping and finishing with fewer pauses to refill.
Dressmaking studios
Open seams, set hems and shape garment sections throughout construction.
Embroidery finishing
Press finished garments and stabilised projects with adjustable steam output.
Serious home sewing
Gain a larger boiler and dedicated floor-standing format for regular project work.
A clear six-stage start-up
Position
Stand the unit upright on a level, stable, heat-safe surface beside the work area.
Assemble
Fit the cable support and organise the iron cable and steam hose without twists.
Fill cold
With the unit off and unplugged, close the drain tap and add distilled water to no higher than the MAX mark.
Connect
Secure the safety cap and connect directly to a correctly earthed 230V outlet.
Heat
Switch on the boiler, then the iron, and wait for the boiler indicator to show it is ready.
Prime
Point the iron safely away from people and fabric and release four or five short steam bursts.
4.5L vessel, 3.4L usable fill
| Specification | Guide | What it means | Important qualifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler vessel | 4.5 litres | The physical stainless boiler volume. | This is not the amount of water to pour in. |
| Useful capacity | 3.4 litres | The usable water volume stated by Battistella and Direct Sewing. | Fill only to the MAX mark; the boiler needs headspace for steam. |
| Steam use | Approx. 4–5 hours | Longer pressing sessions before refilling. | Actual time depends on the steam setting and how frequently steam is used. |
| Working pressure | 2.8 bar | Pressurised steam delivery through the EOS iron. | Wait for the ready indicator before pressing. |
| Total power | 2250W | 1450W boiler plus 800W iron. | Connect directly to a suitable, correctly earthed 230V outlet. |
A complete, organised pressing station
Barbara 31FS boiler
Freestanding stainless boiler with 3.4L usable water capacity.
EOS steam iron
800W weighted iron with cork handle and steam microswitch.
Cable support
Raised support and spring help keep the hose and cable clear while pressing.
Steam hose
Connects the pressurised boiler to the EOS iron.
Rubber iron rest
Provides the correct resting place for the hot iron between passes.
Drain tap
Makes routine boiler emptying and flushing easier to manage.
Use distilled water and flush the boiler weekly
Simple care for reliable steam
Distilled water helps minimise scale and residue from minerals and treatment chemicals found in tap water.
- Drain and flush the boiler once a week.
- Drain only when the generator is cold, unplugged and the gauge reads 0 bar.
- Wait at least one hour after switch-off before draining.
- Never add fragrance, starch, special ironing water or chemical treatments.
- Never fill above the MAX mark or spill water onto the machine.
- Check that the drain tap is fully closed before filling and starting.
Safe everyday operation
Connect the Barbara 31FS directly to a correctly earthed 230V outlet suitable for its 2250W load.
- Avoid multi-boxes and unsuitable extension leads.
- Never open the safety cap while the generator is operating or pressurised.
- The gauge must read 0 bar before the cap is carefully removed.
- Keep cables away from hot iron and boiler components.
- Always return the hot iron to its supplied rubber rest.
- Stop using the unit if the machine, hose, iron or cable leaks or is damaged.
Barbara 31FS, Vaporino or Silver Star SR-5800?
Barbara 31FS
3.4L usable capacity, freestanding format, drain tap and approximately 4–5 hours of use depending on steam output.
Review Barbara SpecsVaporino Inox Maxi
2.3L usable capacity in a compact tabletop boiler-and-EOS-iron system.
View VaporinoSilver Star SR-5800
A 2.3L tabletop steam generator and iron for customers wanting a smaller station.
View SR-5800The quick reference
| Brand / model | Battistella Barbara 31FS |
|---|---|
| Product type | Freestanding steam generator with EOS iron |
| Power supply | 230V / 50Hz |
| Total installed power | 2250W |
| Boiler power | 1450W |
| Iron power | 800W |
| Boiler vessel size | 4.5 litres |
| Useful water capacity | 3.4 litres |
| Estimated steam use | Approximately 4–5 hours, depending on steam use |
| Working steam pressure | 2.8 bar |
| NZ-listed iron weight | 2kg |
| Total system weight | 15.5kg |
| Overall dimensions | Approximately 25 × 29 × 89cm high |
| Recommended water | Distilled water |
Build a better Barbara pressing station
EOS Teflon shoe
Compatible anti-sheen shoe for delicate, dark or shine-prone fabrics. Confirm that the iron is marked EOS.
View EOS Teflon Shoe →Eolo Maxi vacuum table
A heated vacuum surface helps remove excess steam and reduce water marking during pressing.
View Eolo Maxi Table →Battistella Barbara 31FS FAQs
Is the capacity 3.4L or 4.5L?
Both figures describe different things. The stainless boiler vessel is 4.5L, while 3.4L is the published usable water capacity. Fill only to the marked MAX level so the boiler retains the space required to generate steam.
How long can it provide steam?
Allow approximately 4–5 hours of use from a correctly filled boiler. The actual time depends on the steam setting and how frequently steam is released through the iron.
Who is the Barbara 31FS best suited to?
It is a strong choice for alteration shops, dressmaking and embroidery workrooms, sewing studios and serious home users who want more capacity than a compact tabletop boiler.
Why choose the freestanding version?
The 25 × 29cm floor footprint keeps the boiler and its 3.4L usable water capacity beside the workstation instead of occupying valuable bench or ironing-board space.
Can I refill it while hot?
Never open the safety cap while the generator is operating or pressurised. Switch off, unplug, follow the manual’s pressure-release procedure and confirm the gauge is at 0 bar before opening the cap carefully.
Why is distilled water important?
Distilled water reduces the minerals and treatment chemicals entering the boiler, helping limit scale and residue. Do not add perfume, starch, special ironing water or chemical treatments.
How often should I drain the boiler?
Drain and flush it once a week. The machine must be cold and unplugged, the pressure gauge must read 0 bar, and at least one hour should have passed since switch-off.
Why am I seeing circular water marks?
This can occur when using plenty of steam on a non-vacuum board. Reduce the steam flow and consider pairing the generator with a heated vacuum ironing table.
What electrical connection does it need?
The Barbara 31FS is rated at 230V / 50Hz and 2250W. Connect it directly to a suitable, correctly earthed outlet and avoid multi-boxes and unsuitable extension leads.
Larger boiler. Freestanding footprint. Weighted EOS iron.
Give regular pressing work a dedicated steam station.
Build a capable workspace for crisp seams, smooth hems, garment shaping and confident finishing—with more time between fills.