Question to those who use wallpaper steamers to steam hay

[Kezza]

We're now on steamer number 3 from b and q as they start cutting out after warming up even though it's full of water. This steamer has not lasted long despite me only letting it run out of water once. I went for a different make as well but it's lasted even less time than the other 2. I'd say I've used it about 30 times. Emptied water out completely and that kick started it at weekend but today it's cutting out again. I'm gonna try a descaler even though it doesn't appear scaly. Has anyone else found they do this and is it something I'm doing wrong? Thanks

 

[algeredge]

I am still on my first one, bought from EBay for about £20 from memory. It is like a small box on wheels. We attached the pipe to the tap on the bottom of a water butt, and put a metal pipe the other side of the tap (on the inside) with holes in it so the steam can move round better. I put a BBQ rack at the bottom of the butt and load haynets in, put the top on the butt and hey presto, steamed hay after about 30 mins per net.
I only have one horse so it works well for me and only cost £50. Had it since last summer and it has never let me down.
Not sure what kind of steamer you are using, maybe you've just been unlucky with loose connections to the heating element or something? Until we can afford a very nice Haygain steamer (which will never happen), I'm going to have to put up with this method!

 

[mil1212]

Can't really help except to say I have had mine about 2 years and it's absolutely fine, despite having frozen a few times, never having the water emptied out and generally not well looked after. It has been used for 2 horses 1 net each - so about 1 hour a day, it's a bog standard one from Focus. Sounds like you are having bad luck...