Product test
Laurastar: Ironing for dummies
by Vanessa Kim
"What is beautifully designed is crap."
7.2.2019
The Scandinavian brand Steamery not only focuses on a chic design with its "Pilo" fabric shaver, but also declares war on pilling. I take a closer look to see if this is true.
"What's that?" I'm asked non-stop by passing work colleagues. "Is that a sex toy?" No, it's "Pilo", which has been waiting to be used on my desk for a few days. I only realised the striking resemblance to a sex toy at second glance. The oval-shaped thing is actually a pretty fabric shaver that removes pills, also known as pilling, from your knitwear. No wonder the Scandinavian brand Steamery, which combines design with functionality, is behind it. In my eyes, skilfully, because it takes a lot to get me excited about a banal household object. I now want to find out whether the inner values of Pilo are also right. [[productlist:9486946]]
The manufacturer's specifications
- 50 minutes of continuous fabric shaving
- automatic switch-off when the aluminium shaver cover is removed
- USB charging (USB cable supplied)
- Battery charging time: 5 hours
- Power output: 5 W
- Suitable for fabric types such as wool, cashmere, merino or alpaca
In addition to the device, the scope of delivery includes a cleaning brush, a manual and a USB cable. Thanks to the latter, I don't need a battery for charging as I never have one to hand.
The feel
Not only the look, but also the feel is convincing: The surface has a velvety soft touch finish, which makes the fabric shaver easy to grip. What I don't understand is the ergonomically pre-shaped finger recess. If I hold the Pilo as the manufacturer intended, my hand cramps after just a few seconds. To prevent the whole procedure from becoming a feat of strength, I hold it as I see fit. [[image:18751301 "According to the manufacturer, you have to hold the pilo like this. ",18751302 "But it's more convenient this way."]]
Here we go
I switch on the device and am surprised by a loud whirring noise. Wow, I wouldn't have thought it could do that. Is it because of its supposed power? I'm curious. As I'm a little suspicious, I try my first test on a light beige jumper, the fabric of which makes a robust impression. I can't say any more about the material as I cut off the (apparently scratchy) label. [[image:18740620 "Before.",18740621 "After: The dark shadows (pilling) are almost gone."]]
Important: Do not wear the garment while shaving. Instead, lay it on a flat surface and smooth it out. That's good to know, because I've always shorn my jumpers on the go while standing up. I slowly run my hand over the knit and apply light pressure. The result is okay. I would have expected more for the price. Is it because of the white fluff? I get a lint remover in roller form from my cleaning cupboard and run it over the jumper again in rough movements. Ah, the whole thing looks better. I don't notice much of the alleged extra power in Pilo. Will it work better with a fine knit top? [[image:18714377]]
Next up is my cashmere jumper, which looks as if it has suffered badly. It's only been in my possession for three months. Once again, I run Pilo over the individual pilling and stretch the areas I'm currently working on. Lo and behold. The endeavour works better here. The luxury egg apparently only works on high-quality materials. My jumper looks like new. Yass. [[image:18799674 "Before. ",18741331 "After."]]
The promise
I want to know whether the device actually has 50 minutes of juice. To do this, I charge the Pilo for five hours and let the pink device run until it switches off on its own. I use my mobile to stop the time. While the Pilo is buzzing, I watch a Netflix series. At first I'm not sure if I'll even notice when the device stops, but with the noise, the experiment can only work. I'm proved right: After exactly 41:08 minutes, the fabric shaver goes silent. Close is also over. Dear manufacturers: Next time, round the definitive shaving time down rather than up, otherwise consumers will be disappointed.
Second opinion
I want to know for sure and ask my editorial colleague Simon Balissat if he would like to test the device for me spontaneously and without any expertise in front of the camera to see if he shares my opinion. Here you can see the result: [[video:101378]]
Conclusion
The initial euphoria quickly subsided and my fears were realised: The device is more appearance than reality. Pilo unpicks my expensive fine knitwear, but not my other jumpers. What's more, the process takes too long for me. For 49 francs, I expected more and wanted a device that could tame fine and coarse knitwear and was faster than cheaper competitor products. Because several promises were not kept by the manufacturer, I cannot recommend Pilo to you.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.
Interior
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Fashion
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Beauty
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
2 comments
later