Picture this: you take out your iron, heat it up, run it over your shirt, get out half the wrinkles, run out the door, get in your car, and sit down at your work desk. But when you look around, everyone’s shirts are much neater, crisper, and wrinkle-free than yours. Why?
Probably because they have one of the best steam irons and know how to rock it. Not to worry — we’re here to recommend the top 10 steam irons out there, so you can look good too.
Before creating this list, we studied real customer reviews and expert advice for hours. We studied each steam iron’s construction, power, capacity, and temperature control to ensure we recommend only the best. Keep reading to meet the steam iron of your dreams.
- 1500-watt steam
- Spacious water tank
- Temperature control freedom
- Powerful steam iron
- Wide range of settings
- Compact iron
- Perfect glide ability
- Precise ironing
- Effortless vertical cleaning
- Seven temperature settings
- Glides easily
- Simple and effective
- Top temperature control
- Powerful and even steam
- Modern style design
- Durable non-stick soleplate
- Top quality steam
- Useful for various projects
- Stainless steel soleplate
- Steam and spray settings
- Three-way auto shut-off
- Stainless steel soleplate
- Variable control temperature
- Vertical steaming
- Horizontal and vertical steaming
- Three-way auto shut-off
- Non-drip anti-stick soleplate
- Durable stainless steel soleplate
- Great for crafting
- Adjustable steam levels
The Best Steam Irons of 2024
When getting ready for a date, wedding, or interview, you need crisp, wrinkle-free clothes. Check out our 10 favorite steam irons based on real customer reviews, expert advice, and our own experience.
Shark Steam Iron
Best Overall
The Shark steam iron is our top pick for a steam iron! You can’t go wrong with this one.
This iron can work wrinkles out of all your fabrics. If you want a professional finish with minimal effort, this can smooth out wrinkles in seconds.
The steam is amazing for clothes, upholstery, curtains, and hanging items. Yes, you can steam vertically and horizontally with this gadget!
What We Like
1500-Watt Steam
This powerful iron provides 1500 watts of power, giving you fantastic steam to tackle the wrinkles and creases in your clothes. The steam shot has a good kick to it — hold it over a tough spot to quickly zap out wrinkles.
Spacious Water Tank
The water tank on the Shark steam iron is 9.15 ounces! This generous size allows for a good length of ironing time, depending on how much you use the steam button. The water door is wide, making it easy to refill the tank when needed.
Temperature Control Freedom
One of the top priorities when choosing a steam iron is the freedom to choose your temperature. This iron has a handy dial to choose your specific temperature.
Plus, there are steam control settings. You can decide how much steam to emit when you press the button.
Even Heat Distribution
The stainless steel soleplate with dozens of steam holes allows for even heat and steam distribution. This provides a smooth finish — plus, the soleplate is super easy to clean.
Great for Ironing Shirts
Complete with a button-fit tip, this iron is easy to glide and maneuver around buttons. If you wear shirts and blouses, this is a must-have feature.
What We Don't Like
Spits Out Water
A common complaint for this iron is that it spits and sputters out water. Sometimes, when you press the steam or spray button, water might dribble out. This isn’t ideal for fabrics like silk since it might stain the garment.
Weird Popping Noise
This iron might make a loud popping noise as you iron. These strange noises are enough to freak out the most experienced ironer. It feels unsafe like something is wrong with the iron.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Stainless steel |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 9.15 ounces |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a dial |
| Anti-Calc System | Yes |
Our Ratings
Ivation Mini Steam Iron
Best Travel Steam Iron
Let’s face it — most hotel irons are not the best. For those who travel a lot, it’s good to invest in a quality travel steam iron. You can keep your crisp shirts and wrinkle-free dresses with the Ivation mini steam iron.
You’ll come to love having this travel iron with you in your suitcase. It’s compact and portable but also very effective at removing wrinkles. It’s comfortable to use because of its unique handle shape.
It has a handy temperature dial and a non-stick ceramic soleplate for smooth results. Just keep in mind that ceramic soleplates age quicker than stainless steel. But for occasional use, while traveling — this iron is wonderful.
What We Like
It’s Powerful at 420 Watts
Small doesn’t always mean a lack of power. This mini iron has 420 watts, giving you super smooth results very quickly. In fact, the iron itself heats up in only 15 seconds!
Customers love that the iron gets very hot very quickly. This little tool is a powerhouse for on-the-go ironing.
Many Settings To Choose From
The large handle makes ironing comfortable. But this pick also hosts a wide range of steam and temperature settings.
There is a one-touch steam control so you can apply steam with the touch of a button. Plus, the temperature dials allow you to go from 140˚F to 428˚F easily, making it safe for all fabrics.
It Fits Anywhere
The Ivation iron is tiny. Like, seriously tiny. You can fit it anywhere.
It can go into your suitcase, hand luggage, purse, or camera bag. So for compactness — this definitely wins.
Non-Stick Ceramic Soleplate
The ceramic soleplate on this little guy is a nice feature. It’s non-stick, ensuring your garments are protected. Plus, the ceramic finish ensures your clothes are entirely smooth and wrinkle-free.
Included Cord Storage
Firstly, we want to commend the 7.5 feet long cord, which is excellent for such a small device. Secondly, we think you’ll love that the cord wraps around the iron handle, making it easy to store.
What We Don't Like
No Steam Burst
If you have a steam iron, you might be obsessed with your handy steam burst function. This iron, unfortunately, does not have it.
You either emit steam while ironing, or you don’t. There’s no option just to let out a few pumps of steam every now and then.
Won’t Last Forever
This iron has quite the reputation for reaching the end of its life just past the warranty period. The warranty is one year, and many users reported their irons stopped working around 13 months. Keep in mind that it’s not the most durable, but we think it’s worth it for the price.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Non-stick ceramic |
| Power | 420 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 1.1 ounce |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a dial |
| Anti-Calc System | No |
Our Ratings
Rowenta 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron
Best Professional Steam Iron
If you came here to find a professional-grade steam iron, you’ve got it! The Rowenta 1700-watt micro steam iron is our top recommendation for you.
Many professionals use this iron for everyday ironing. We’re confident that you won’t be disappointed.
This iron has over 400 micro steam holes that emit 100 grams of steam per minute. This gives you powerful steam with excellent distribution. Plus, you get an easy control thermostat knob so you can choose the steam output you want based on fabric type.
What We Like
Perfect Glide Ability
Smoothness is the key to getting out any kind of wrinkle. The stainless steel soleplate on the Rowenta steam iron is excellent.
You’ll glide easily across any fabric, emitting wrinkles and creases as you go. Plus, they’ll disappear quickly, which is great for large loads of laundry.
Precise Ironing (Great for Shirts)
This steam iron has an angled precision tip. So you can easily navigate and iron around hard-to-reach places, like buttons, collars, and edges. If you do professional ironing, you’ll get the best results for your clients with this clothing iron.
Effortless Vertical Cleaning
Another box this iron ticks is vertical cleaning. It’s perfect for steaming furniture, hanging garments, curtains and upholstery. The powerful steam will give you wrinkle-free and fresh results.
10-Ounce Water Tank
We love a large water tank. At 10 ounces, this gives you enough water to iron for longer between refills. Fewer trips to the taps means more efficient ironing.
On that note, all you need is tap water. This comes with an anti-calc system for hard-water users. We also love the easy-fill hole and anti-drip lid to prevent leaks.
Shuts Off, Even If You Forget
Busy professionals might forget to turn off their iron after use. This iron will turn itself off after eight minutes of being on the base. But it will turn off after 30 seconds if it’s face down or lying on its side — this is a super safe feature!
What We Don't Like
Inconveniently Placed Dial
A common complaint from customers is that the temperature dials are inconveniently placed. You might find your knuckles nudging these during the ironing process.
This can accidentally change the temperature. And, if you go too hot, you could ruin your fabric.
Leaks Become an Issue
While leaking might not be common when you first unbox this iron, it becomes an issue after a few months or years. The leaking tends to happen near the cord, meaning it’s a design flaw, not a user fault. When the water is hot, this can be a burn risk.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Stainless steel |
| Power | 1700 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 10 ounces |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a dial |
| Anti-Calc System | Yes |
Our Ratings
Black+Decker Classic Steam Iron
Best for Quilting
The Black + Decker classic steam iron is our top pick for quilting. If you are into this fun hobby, you need a heavy-duty iron. This iron weighs 3.2 pounds which is ideal for pressing your quilts with ease.
We also love this iron for quilting because it’s safe to use on any fabric. It has a built-in fabric guide which eliminates the guesswork. You don’t have to worry about ruining your favorite items or accessories on your quilts!
What We Like
Seven Temperature Settings
This iron has seven temperature settings. They’re listed on the body of the iron, so you can easily switch between them.
They are categorized by material type — including acrylic, silk, cotton, and more — so you can choose the setting based on the fabric. This is necessary for quilting, especially if you use many different fabrics.
It Glides Easily
Easy glide ability is always important, as smoothness in the iron equals smoothness of the fabrics. The soleplate is aluminum with a smooth, non-stick finish, so it’s made to last. It also has a groove near the tip, so you can easily iron around collars and buttons.
Simple but Effective
The classic design of this iron might remind you of irons from the 60s. It is simple, like those, but much more effective.
The temperature and steam settings are easy to see and use. It’s heavy enough to press out wrinkles. And it heats up really easily!
Automatic Shutoff Included
This iron will turn itself off if rested on the heel base after eight minutes. If you leave it lying on its side or soleplate, it will power down after 30 seconds to minimize burn and fire risk.
What We Don't Like
It Might Leak
A significant drawback to this iron is that it might leak. The water hole doesn’t close, so water might dribble or spit out while you’re ironing.
No Water Indicator
Customers complain that it’s hard to see how full the tank is. You only know it’s empty when the iron stops emitting steam.
Too Heavy for Some Users
For quilting, the weight is great. But for regular ironing, the iron feels clunky and cumbersome. You might want to choose something lighter.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Aluminum |
| Power | 1100 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 4.9 ounces |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a lever |
| Anti-Calc System | No |
Our Ratings
Chi Steam Iron for Clothes
Best Heavy Steam Iron
A heavy steam iron is a turn-off for some people because it can be hard to maneuver. But for others, a heavy steam iron is an absolute must.
The Chi steam iron for clothes is a heavy iron weighing 4.15 pounds. Weight is great for some folk because it means they have to put less elbow grease into their ironing.
What We Like
Top Temperature Control
This steam iron is also great because of the temperature control dial. You can choose the temperature according to your fabric type — eliminate the guesswork.
The steam lever lets you slide from no steam to full steam. Plus, the handle is textured, which makes this a comfy and easy-to-control iron.
Powerful and Even Steam
The Chi steam iron prioritizes powerful steam. Not only is this iron 1700 watts — it has over 400 steam holes! This gives you the most powerful steam imaginable for quick ironing and effective wrinkle removal.
Modern Style Design
This iron has a soleplate like no other. It combines titanium and ceramic to make an ultra-strong and scratch-resistant plate. The iron itself is pretty smart, too. It has matte chrome accents and a sleek design to give it a futuristic look.
Retractable Power Cord
Storing an iron’s cord is tricky. Typically, people tend to wrap it around the unit, but this can bend the cord — plus, if the iron is still hot, it will melt the cord. This eight-foot power cord is retractable, stored completely inside the iron, and out of the way.
What We Don't Like
Not for Every Fabric
Because of its unique soleplate, we don’t recommend this for every fabric. Titanium can melt some fabrics.
One customer complained that it melted their tulle garment. So, we’d say: always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Also, the soleplate is challenging to clean and is prone to wear and tear quite quickly.
On the Pricey Side
While it’s not the most expensive iron on the market, it’s over what many people want to spend. Many people think it’s worth the price, but considering how hard it is to keep the soleplate clean, not everybody agrees.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Titanium infused ceramic |
| Power | 1700 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 9 ounces |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a dial |
| Anti-Calc System | Yes |
Our Ratings
Hamilton Beach Steam Iron
Best Iron With Retractable Cord
The Hamilton Beach Steam Iron is an excellent iron for many reasons. It has a durable non-stick soleplate, doubles as a vertical steamer, and it has a retractable cord!
Why is a retractable cord so important? Well, we recommend it if you’re low on storage space. A retractable cord can make your steam iron slightly more compact. The cord goes inside the iron’s body, making it neat and easy to store.
What We Like
Durable Non-Stick Soleplate
Hamilton Beach claims their Durathon non-stick soleplate is 10 times more durable than traditional non-stick soleplates!
This might be the top choice if you’re looking for something to outperform your previous irons. In fact, the soleplate has a 10-year warranty period.
Top Quality Steam
Of course, a steam iron must deliver top-quality steam. But Hamilton Beach outdid itself with this new design. It gives off 60 percent more steam than its previous models.
You can also use this iron for horizontal or vertical steaming. It gives you superior wrinkle removal with its top steam power.
Useful for Many Projects
The Hamilton Beach steam iron can handle many projects. It can get out little wrinkles or the toughest wrinkles of all.
You can iron your work shirt with this iron or use it for quilting and sewing. This is an adaptable steam iron that can handle any job.
Steam Horizontally and Vertically
We love this feature. When an iron is built to iron in any direction, it gives you power to steam your clothes, curtains, mattress, and more.
Self-Cleaning Feature
Spend less time cleaning this iron — it does most of the work for you. The self-cleaning feature removes lint and minerals inside the unit, ensuring that this lasts as long as possible.
What We Don't Like
It’s 3.19 Pounds Heavy
Weight might not deter you, but even the most satisfied customers complain about the weight of this iron. It is on the heavy side, weighing 3.19 pounds. Even more when it’s filled with water.
If you have arthritis or wrist problems, we recommend getting a lighter iron.
Heats Up Slowly
This iron takes a good few minutes to heat up, which isn’t a dealbreaker, but it can be a nuisance for some people.
Not for Left-Handed People
If you’re left-handed, the cord will get in your way. Designed with right-handed users in mind, this is a big drawback for many people.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Durathon non-stick |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 12 ounces |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a dial |
| Anti-Calc System | Yes |
Our Ratings
Black+Decker IR1010 Light 'N Easy Iron
Best Lightweight Steam Iron
Looking for something compact yet classy? Why not try out the Black + Decker modern steam iron?
It comes with a cord management system and SmartSteam Technology. Depending on your chosen temperature, the iron chooses the steam output for you, so you never need to guess the right amount.
At 2.44 pounds, this is indeed lightweight, making for a trusted travel companion. Aside from that, it bears a teal color making it look classy.
What We Like
Stainless Steel Soleplate
We love the stainless steel soleplate on this Black + Decker iron. It’s durable, heavy-duty, and glides smoothly over any fabric type. Say goodbye to wrinkles in the blink of an eye!
The Steam and Spray Settings
The side-by-side steam and spray buttons are fantastic. The steam blasts away wrinkles quickly and effectively. You can customize it to deliver the right amount of steam according to the fabric type.
The spray button is great for dampening the fabric to tackle deeper wrinkles.
Three-Way Auto Shut-Off
Safety should be a priority when it comes to choosing your steam iron. The Black + Decker iron shuts off when left unattended for 30 seconds on its side or soleplate. After eight minutes of no use on the heel rest, it also shuts off. This gives you peace of mind and safety at home.
SmartSteam Technology
As mentioned, this iron includes a one-of-a-kind technology that removes the guesswork for you. Depending on the temperature you’ve chosen, this iron chooses the best steam setting for your fabric. This eliminates most wrinkles while protecting your garment.
What We Don't Like
Not for Quilting
Overall, this iron is great for daily use, such as jeans and shirts. On the downside, it is not appropriate for quilters as its soleplate has larger grooves and holes.
Doesn’t Provide Speedy Results
Because it’s lighter, it doesn’t press down on wrinkles as much. You might have to use some force or pass over wrinkles a few times to eliminate them.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Stainless Steel |
| Power | 1200 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | N/A |
| Temperature Control | Dial |
| Anti-Calc System | No |
Our Ratings
Black+Decker Allure Professional Steam Iron
Fastest Heat Up
The Black + Decker Allure steam iron heats up in only 30 seconds. That’s amazing for a larger steam iron with this much power behind it. This iron has 1600 watts and leading technology.
Black + Decker implemented Dynamic Steam Technology. It produces over 30 percent more steam than other leading brands to give you quick, crisp, and long-lasting results on your clothes.
What We Like
Stainless Steel Soleplate
The Black + Decker Allure model is sticking to a classic stainless steel soleplate. It’s durable, heavy-duty, and glides easily over all fabric types. It also resists minor scratches, so this iron should last a long time.
Variable Control Temperature
This iron has five pre-programmed temperature settings — you can iron all fabric types!
The digital display shows you the selected temperature and recommends the best amount of steam for each item. Just keep the instruction manual, as it tells you what fabric each number is for.
Vertical Steaming
This iron doubles as a vertical steamer — just what you need for hanging clothes, upholstery, and curtains. The steam boost button makes this function super effective. The powerful steam will evenly emit from the macro-holes, emitting wrinkles and freshening up fabrics.
Dynamic Steam Technology
This patented technology delivers 30 percent more steam than other brands. This was designed to blast through stubborn wrinkles, leaving clothes crisp and professional. Use this feature for shirts, dresses, linens, and more.
What We Don't Like
Can’t See Water Level
Customers find that the Black + Decker Allure’s water lever is difficult, if not impossible, to see. It’s hard to see how full it is until you place it on the heel. At that point, you might have already reached the max level and need to pour it out and start again.
No On/Off Switch
Is it weird that there’s no on and off switch? Some customers think so. This is a bit of a safety hazard because as soon as the iron is plugged in, it’s on.
You need to remember to unplug it when you’re done. However, it does automatically shut off after eight minutes without use.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Stainless steel |
| Power | 1600 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 13.5 ounces |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a dial |
| Anti-Calc System | Yes |
Our Ratings
Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron
Best Soleplate
Stainless steel is our favorite type of soleplate, but what if you could find one that was non-drip and non-stick, too? Here you go! The Sunbeam Steammaster ticks all those boxes.
This iron uses a whopping 1400 watts of power, so wrinkles disappear quickly. You also get a steam shot button for emitting bursts of steam whenever you’d like. And yes, feel free to use this steam iron vertically!
What We Like
Horizontal and Vertical Steaming
It’s awesome to find a budget iron with the feature of horizontal or vertical steaming. Of course, a steam iron will work horizontally. But not all work vertically.
With the Sunbeam iron, you can use the steam shot button to emit steam onto hanging garments, furniture, or curtains.
Three-Way Auto Shut-Off
Safety sure is essential when it comes to ironing. Obviously, you don’t want to leave your iron hot around your kids or when you leave the house.
The Sunbeam iron automatically turns off after 30 seconds if it’s not sitting upright. If you leave it on the base, it will turn off after 15 minutes which is great if you’re super forgetful!
Non-Drip Anti-Stick Stainless Steel Soleplate
Now that’s a mouthful! But it’s true. This iron boasts a non-drip, anti-stick, stainless steel soleplate. In our opinion, that’s the best of the best.
We all hate water dripping from our iron and staining our clothes. Plus, anti-stick is always dreamy, making this safe for all fabrics. Stainless steel means easy and quick ironing.
Handy Extra Features
We could go on and on about all the terrific features this iron has, but let’s name just a few. Firstly, it has a precision tip for ironing every part of detailed clothes, like blouses. It also has a retractable cord making for easy storage.
We also appreciate the self-clean function, helping you with your regular cleaning schedule. Last but not least, it also has anti-calc technology to lengthen the lifespan of your iron.
What We Don't Like
Fewer Steam Vents
This iron has 15 macro steam holes. Top steam irons usually have hundreds of micro steam holes for better distribution.
The Sunbeam Steammaster is not as effective at emitting steam evenly because of its macro holes. Keep this in mind when ordering this iron!
Small Print Settings
The temperature settings on this iron are small and hard to read. If you already struggle with sight, this is a big drawback. Plus, if you get the temperature wrong, you could damage your fabric.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Stainless steel |
| Power | 1400 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 5.7 ounce |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a dial |
| Anti-Calc System | Yes |
Our Ratings
Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless
Best Cordless Steam Iron
Go cordless with the Panasonic steam iron. For example, a cordless iron is an excellent choice if you have a wall-mounted ironing board. You don’t need to build a new socket near your board. Just charge up this iron and get down to business.
Because it doesn’t have any cords, you can now iron freely and have great flexibility. There’s no cord in your way!
Customers love this for ironing in odd and tight places. You just have to pop it back onto the plate for reheating or recharging.
Do keep in mind that you need to recharge it while it’s still hot. This is for quick ironing jobs only. We don’t want you to be disappointed.
What We Like
Durable Stainless Steel Soleplate
The Panasonic NI-WL600 rocks a durable stainless steel. This equips you with a smooth, seamless iron that glides right over your garments. It also ensures that this iron will last a long time.
Adjustable Settings
A clever button allows you to choose between three steam levels — or no steam at all. You can use the burst button to let out puffs of steam which is great for vertical ironing.
Great for Crafting
Sewers, crafters, and quilters love this iron. Even though it doesn’t stay hot for long, it’s just enough for a quick project. The best part is that the cord doesn’t get in the way of finicky projects.
What We Don't Like
Needs Recharged Often
The Panasonic cordless iron is not intended for long periods of use when going cordless. It needs to be recharged and reheated, and then it can be used before returning to its base.
You definitely need to have patience for this iron. It doesn’t stay hot long.
Water Reservoir
To prevent rust build up, it is recommended that the water container be removed every after use. This is something to consider to keep the iron last longer, unless you wanted a different steam iron.
Product Specs
| Soleplate | Stainless steel |
| Power | 1500 watts |
| Water Tank Capacity | 4.7 ounce |
| Temperature Control | Yes — a dial |
| Anti-Calc System | Yes |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Soleplate | Power | Water Tank Capacity | Temperature Control | Anti-Calc System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Steam Iron | Overall | Stainless steel | 1500 W | 9.15 oz | Dial | Yes |
| Ivation Mini Steam Iron | Travel Steam Iron | Non-stick ceramic | 420 W | 1.1 oz | Dial | No |
| Rowenta Micro Steam Iron | Professional Steam Iron | Stainless steel | 1700 W | 10 oz | Dial | Yes |
| Black+Decker Classic Steam Iron | For Quilting | Aluminum | 1100 W | 4.9 oz | Lever | No |
| Chi Steam Iron for Clothes | Heavy Steam Iron | Titanium infused ceramic | 1700 W | 9 oz | Dial | Yes |
| Hamilton Beach Steam Iron | Iron With Retractable Cord | Durathon non-stick | 1500 W | 12 oz | Dial | Yes |
| Black+Decker IR1010 Steam Iron | Lightweight Steam Iron | Stainless Steel | 1200 W | N/A | Dial | No |
| Black+Decker Allure Pro Steam Iron | Fastest Heat Up | Stainless steel | 1600 W | 13.5 oz | Dial | Yes |
| Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron | Soleplate | Stainless steel | 1400 W | 5.7 oz | Dial | Yes |
| Panasonic NI-WL600 | Cordless Steam Iron | Stainless steel | 1500 W | 4.7 oz | Dial | Yes |
Which Type of Iron Is Best for Clothes?
There are many different kinds of irons on the market. However, the two most common are dry irons and steam irons. There are pros and cons to both.
Dry Irons
When it comes to dry irons, they are definitely good products. But they have their drawbacks, too.
Pros
- You can iron most fabrics with a dry iron.
- They are easy to clean.
- Budget-friendly.
- They last for years if well-maintained.
- Less likely to leave marks on clothes.
Cons
- No steam function.
- No spray function.
- Not as effective on stubborn wrinkles.
- No extra features (except temperature control).
Steam Irons
Steam irons, while more innovative and modern, still have pros and cons.
Pros
- Remarkable at removing creases.
- Steam and spray options included.
- Functions as a dry iron, too.
- Vertical ironing is an option.
- You can use it on furniture and upholstery.
- Quicker at removing wrinkles.
Cons
- Heavier to handle.
- Less energy-efficient.
- They can mark clothing.
- More challenging to clean.
- They can leak since they contain water.
Overall, dry irons are good for lighter loads and people who need to iron every fabric — even delicates like silk. Steam irons can double as a dry iron so that you can use them for delicates, too. But just be careful if the water tank is filled; it could leak or leave scorch marks on your delicate items!
What Is the Best Brand of Iron to Buy?
Electric irons have been around since 1882, so there are some really unique and innovative brands out there now (1). We’re here to share some of the top brands from which to buy your iron!
Rowenta
Rowenta is a well-known brand with decades of experience behind them. They’ve been around since 1909 and made their first thermostat-controlled iron in 1949.
They aim to ensure the optimum health of their customers with their vacuums, irons, steam generators, and more. They develop eco-intelligent products to pioneer their product line (2).
Sunbeam
Sunbeam launched its first iron all the way back in 1910. They have a reputation for incredible performance and reliable products.
Nowadays, they develop innovative irons so that you get the most out of yours. They currently sell 10 different irons, prioritizing power, safety, and soleplate design (3).
Black + Decker
Black + Decker began in a small shop in Baltimore back in 1910. Since then, they’ve been at the forefront of innovative products.
They sell an extensive range of products, including gadgets for your car, home, and garden. What’s more, is that they’re on the journey to being ECOSMART™. They are always looking to improve the sustainability of their supply line (4).
Shark
Shark was a leading name when it comes to irons. This company is all about those fine details. They listen to their customers and obsess over new ideas.
When there’s an opportunity, they take it. And they only equip the most talented people to bring dreams into reality.
Shark has over 100 retailers, and over 2600 associates (5). However, they are no longer manufacturing or designing irons anymore. You can still purchase their irons, but be quick — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Hamilton
1910 seems to be the prime time to start your company because Hamilton Beach was also founded that year. They sell award-winning products to consumers around the world.
By studying customers ‘ habits, Hamilton develops their products to best suit customers’ needs. All in all, they design products to make your life that little bit easier (6).
What Should I Look for When Buying a Steam Iron?
It can be overwhelming looking at all the different steam iron options. But there are some key things to look out for when shopping.
Soleplate
The soleplate material is one thing to look out for when buying a steam iron. The most common is stainless steel which is our top recommendation.
Ceramic is also becoming more popular because it doesn’t stick to fabrics as much. However, it has more wear and tear over time.
The other soleplate material to look out for is titanium. Titanium has a fast and even heat transfer, but it can overheat and melt fabrics.
Power
The higher the watts, the more powerful the steam iron. This will help you eliminate those stubborn creases and wrinkles — a top priority if buying a steam iron.
Our recommendations range from 420 watts all the way to 1700. On average, you can expect 1400 watts from a steam iron, but any less than 1000, and it won’t be super powerful. Our 420-watt option is a travel steam iron, so that’s why we made the exception.
Water Tank
The bigger the water tank, the longer you can iron for, which is ideal for big loads of laundry. Nine ounces is average, but we recommend anything from four to 14 ounces.
Check if the water tank is removable. This isn’t necessary, but it’s helpful, so you don’t have to unplug and reheat your iron between fillings.
Temperature Control
We love when a steam iron comes with temperature control options. This makes it easy to adjust the heat so you can go from ironing linen at high heat to silk at low heat.
Make sure to check if the iron you’re considering has temperature control. You won’t regret it.
Anti-Calc System
The last thing we recommend you look out for is an anti-calc system. This lengthens the iron’s lifespan because it removes mineral build-up.
You’ll appreciate this if you live in a hard water area because you can fill up your iron from the tap. No need to buy fancy water!
FAQs
Which Is Better? Dry Iron or Steam Iron?
Both dry irons and steam irons have their pros and cons. But we do recommend the steam iron because it doubles as a dry iron. So even if you don’t like the steam settings, don’t use them, and there you go — you have a dry iron back!
How Long Should a Steam Iron Last?
We’ve had our steam iron for six years, and it still works well. However, most steam irons we looked at have a one-year warranty.
So, you know it’ll last at least one year, but we wouldn’t expect the iron to last in pristine condition any longer than five. This is based on personal experience.
What Is Better? Stainless Steel or Ceramic Iron?
Steam irons flaunt a range of soleplate materials. Stainless steel is a very common choice for soleplates.
It gives a high shine and lasts a long time. It glides over fabrics easily, is scratch-resistant, and heats up fast.
On the other hand, a ceramic iron is good, too. It has a hard surface, doesn’t scratch, and has a smooth glide. It’s not found on many irons, but it’s still a good choice if you do find it.
However, ceramic soleplates wear quicker over time. They also can’t handle as high a heat as stainless steel.
Stainless steel, though, can get sticky when you iron at high temperatures. Ultimately, still, stainless steel is easier to clean.
So if you’re stuck between these two materials, they’re both excellent, but stainless steel is slightly better.
How to Clean a Steam Iron?
Your steam iron is prone to getting dirty. Both the soleplate and the water tank can get pretty gross. Plus, the steam holes can get clogged.
For a deep clean of the whole iron, follow these instructions:
- Power Up: Plug your steam iron in.
- Fill the Tank: Fill up the water tank with distilled white vinegar. Wait for the iron to heat up.
- Grab a Cloth: Use a clean cloth that you don’t mind getting destroyed. Lay it flat on a hard surface over some towels so you don’t damage your countertops.
- Steam It: Lay the iron flat onto the cloth. Constantly press the steam button. The vinegar will clean the water tank and the steam holes during this process.
- Water: After you’re done, fill the tank with clean water to clean out the vinegar.
- Sponge: Put a wet sponge over your towel.
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda over the sponge.
- Clean the Soleplate: Press hard onto the baking soda sponge with your iron. This will clean your soleplate.
- Power Down: Unplug your iron and let it cool down.
- One Final Clean: Take a dry cloth and wipe the baking soda off the plate. Use cotton buds to clean the baking soda from the steam holes.
Do Steam Irons Consume a Lot of Electricity?
Steam irons consume a lot of electricity because they have a heating element. Most electric irons consume between 350 and 3,000 watts of electricity because they need to convert the water in the reservoir to steam.
Using a 1500-watt steam iron for one hour a day at $0.16 per kilowatt hour would cost around $7.30 per month.
Can You Use a Steam Iron Without Water?
You can use a steam iron without water, provided you only use it with the steam function turned off. Using the iron minus water with the steam setting will burn out the heating element.
Get Steamy With Ironing
It’s time to get steamy with your ironing! By that, we mean — get a steam iron.
With our best steam iron recommendations, you will find your perfect match. Ironing will feel better (and easier) than ever before.
To summarize, make sure to look at the soleplate material. We recommend stainless steel, but that doesn’t mean other materials won’t work just fine.
Check out the number of watts — the higher, the better. Finally, look at the temperature control settings. The more detailed they are, the more control you have over ironing different fabrics.
