Top 10 Irons 2023
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#1
10.0
PurSteam 1700W Max Professional Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 14 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1700 watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Auto Shut-Off: 8 minutes vertical, 30 seconds horizontal
Picked by 740 people today!
#2
9.1
Rowenta Access Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 8.5 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1725 watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Auto Shut-Off: 8 minutes vertical
#3
9.0
Rowenta Focus Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 11 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1725 watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Auto Shut-Off: 8 minutes vertical, 30 seconds horizontal
#4
8.8
Chi Steam Professional Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 4 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1700 watts
- Soleplate: Titanium-infused ceramic
- Auto Shut-Off: 30 minutes
#5
8.7
Rowenta Pro Master X-cel Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 12.7 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1775 watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Auto Shut-Off: 8 minutes vertical, 30 seconds horizontal
#6
8.6
Sunbeam Classic 1200 Watt Mid-size Iron
- Water Tank: 8.5 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1200 watts
- Soleplate: Non-stick
- Auto Shut-Off: 30 minutes
#7
8.4
BEAUTURAL 1800-Watt Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 11.5 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1800 watts
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Auto Shut-Off: 8 minutes vertical, 30 seconds horizontal
#8
8.3
Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 8.5 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1400 watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Auto Shut-Off: 15 minutes vertical, 30 seconds horizontal
#9
8.2
Oliso M2 Pro Mini Project Iron
- Water Tank: Not indicated
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1000 watts
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Auto Shut-Off: None
#10
8.1
Beautural Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 11.8 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1500 watts
- Soleplate: Double ceramic coated
- Auto Shut-Off: 8 minutes vertical, 30 seconds horizontal
We also considered 1 other:
Our Top Choice
#1
10.0
PurSteam 1700W Max Professional Steam Iron
- Water Tank: 14 oz
- Steam: Vertical & horizontal
- Power: 1700 watts
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Auto Shut-Off: 8 minutes vertical, 30 seconds horizontal
Picked by 740 people today!
About Our Rankings:
Our recommendations are based on expert comparisons between available products in each product category. For iron, we chose the topics that we think matter most to our users, and provide consise, clear comparisons of the features that matter. Our rankings change day-to-day based on our proprietary algorithms, that crunch data to identify top-performing products and tailor recommendations to exactly what our readers are looking for.
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Iron Buyer's Guide
Remove wrinkles from your clothing to refresh those fabrics and make each outfit appear its best with a dependable iron. Having the right iron can make the job go by quicker, easier, and safer. A good-quality iron that heats up fast, has a comfortable ergonomic grip, and has multiple fabric settings is essential if you want to enjoy a streamlined ironing experience, while ensuring that your clothing always comes out looking sharp. While a steamer can remove wrinkles, a clothes iron can give you crips lines for pleats and creases and supply enough power to remove wrinkles from heavy fabrics. Many irons have timed auto-shutoff features as well.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at different clothes iron features and functions. Consider how often you’ll need to use your iron and what kind of garments or fabrics you’ll use it for as you learn about different water tank and sole plate types, iron wattage, and steam and auto-shutoff features.
Considerations
Water Tank
The water tank is where water is stored on a clothes iron. It allows the heat to create steam, which helps remove wrinkles quicker and easier. The water tank on a steam iron should be large enough to complete your ironing job and easy to fill. Water is usually filled through a small hole near the iron’s handle with a cover to prevent spilling. The most convenient irons have see-through water tanks that let you see how much water is left while you iron and prevent you from overfilling the tank. Some models have removable tanks that simplify refilling and can be washed when needed. Iron water tank capacities are usually around 8-14 ounces.
Most irons have water spray features that allow you to spray a fine mist onto your fabric while you iron. This can be helpful for heavy fabrics or difficult areas like collars, pockets, and sleeves. It’s also beneficial when ironing delicate fabrics that can’t be steamed.
If you do a lot of batch ironing or are a sewer or quilter who frequently presses material, you might consider purchasing a steam-station iron. This type of iron attaches to a large, independent water tank that supplies long-term continuous steam. Steam station tanks hold around 35-60 ounces of water, so you never have to worry about running out of steam halfway through your job. The only drawback to this type of iron is that it is bulky and not as easy to store.
Steam
There are two types of clothes irons: dry irons and steam irons. Dry irons are the most basic and least expensive. They do not have a water tank to produce steam, so usually, you will need to sprinkle or spray water on your fabric for the best press. You can also find small portable irons in dry or steam types that are ideal for travel.
Steam irons are more common, more effective, and have a broader range of features. These types have a small water tank built-in which produces steam for a faster, better press. They’re also heavier than dry irons, so you don’t have to press as hard. When choosing a steam iron, a stronger, longer stream of steam is best for getting tough wrinkles out of fabrics.
A steam burst is important if you often iron heavy fabrics like denim, linen, and heavy cotton. A heavy steam burst can remove wrinkles from tough-to-iron fabrics and is usually activated with the push of a button. Many irons also have vertical steam features, enabling them to work like a handheld steamer. It allows you to release steam while the iron is in the upright position and helps smooth out wrinkles in drapes, bed linens, and other vertical fabrics. Some models have touch-sensor technology that releases steam as soon as you grip the handle.
Power
When it comes to irons, the higher the wattage, the better the performance. Wattage will determine how long it takes the iron to heat up and how easily it will remove wrinkles and creases from fabrics. The best-performing irons usually run at 1700-1800 watts, although mini portable irons can be as low as 100 watts. If you’re the type of person who needs to quickly press a collar before running out the door, a fast-heating iron is essential, so look for a higher-wattage model.
While most clothes irons are corded for continuous power, an iron with a cordless/corded option can offer the ultimate versatility. When removed from the power base, cordless irons supply around a minute of continuous heat and steam. Then, you place the iron back on the base to reheat quickly. These types of irons offer the best mobility and are excellent for quilting or craft work but aren’t the best for batch ironing.
Many irons have fabric selection dials that let you choose how much heat and steam are delivered to your garment. You wouldn’t want to burn a delicate silk shirt with a high-temperature setting or work unsuccessfully at a wrinkle in a denim jacket with too little heat. Different temperature settings allow for a more customized ironing experience by letting you choose your type of fabric. Most irons have 3-6 fabric settings. Some are signified by fabric type, while others have a simple numerical scale. A lighted fabric selection dial can be especially helpful for knowing exactly what setting you’re on. Meanwhile, some irons have a smart temperature function instead of a selection dial. This is designed to iron all fabrics at optimal heat, just turn it on and go.
Soleplate
The soleplate is the part of the iron that comes in contact with the fabric when you’re ironing. It’s also known as the heat plate. A good sole plate should be durable, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and heat evenly. It should be non-stick to prevent you from snagging the edges of the fabric, which could be catastrophic with delicate fabrics like silk and polyester.
The best soleplate will be wide with a thin, tapered head to help you reach into tight spaces. However, there are different materials used for soleplates, each of which has its pros and cons. The three main types are:
- Aluminum: This is a popular material for soleplates because it’s lightweight, affordable, and heats up quickly. However, aluminum soleplates can get scratches on the surface from zippers and buttons, diminishing glideability and heat distribution. They can also get sticky from a buildup of burnt lint and must be cleaned regularly so they do not leave marks on clothes.
- Ceramic: Ceramic-coated aluminum or plastic soleplates have the smoothest glide on all fabrics. They eliminate static, distribute heat evenly, and won’t scorch fabrics at high temperatures. However, ceramic soleplates are prone to chipping and peeling, so they must be protected from damage.
- Stainless Steel: These sole plates have excellent heat conduction and even heat distribution. They have a smooth glide on any fabric, are extremely durable, corrosion- and scratch-free, and are easy to clean. The drawbacks are that glue from fabrics or decals can stick to the soleplate, and it can melt silk and lightweight materials at high temperatures.
Auto Shut-Off
Many people have their own concerns about remembering to turn their irons off after being done. While this was an issue with older irons, today’s irons are much safer. Many have auto shut-off features that automatically turn the iron off if it sits for a certain period. This is an excellent feature for beginners, forgetful or overtaxed people who have a million things to think about before running out the door. With most irons, the auto shut-off feature kicks in after the iron sits untouched vertically for 8-15 minutes. The iron will also shut off if it sits facedown or on its side for 30 seconds. This helpful aspect can prevent you from accidentally burning a garment if you step away for too long or if the iron is knocked over. Some irons have an auto-shutoff bypass so that you can iron large batches without worrying about losing heat.
FAQS
Can steam irons be used without water?
Yes, it is safe to use a steam iron without water. It is best to iron without water when working with fabrics prone to water damage, like satin, silk, and velvet. For these applications, remove the water from your steam iron’s water tank when it is unplugged and fully cooled. If your iron has a dry/stem setting, use this setting. If it does not, set it at the lowest heat setting.
How often should I self-clean my iron?
Many irons have a helpful self-clean function. It removes scale and impurities from the iron by releasing boiling water and steam from the steam vents. Self-cleaning can keep your iron looking new for years. You should use the self-clean function on your iron once every 1-2 weeks or more frequently if the water in your area is very hard. If your iron doesn’t have a self-clean function, you should descale it every 1-4 months and empty the water after each use.
What is the difference between an iron and a steamer?
A steamer is a device that uses heat and moisture to remove wrinkles from fabrics, while an iron is a device that relies on heat and pressure. Handheld steamers are good for removing wrinkles from vertical surfaces, like drapes, bed linens, and hanging garments, and does not come in direct contact with the fabric. Meanwhile, irons are usually used horizontally, pressing the fabric down on an ironing board, although many have vertical steam functions. You can use steamers on various fabrics since they will not burn or scorch the fabric. However, an iron is more effective at removing difficult wrinkles in heavy fabrics. Many find a steam iron the more effective device since it can do the job of both.
ABOUT BUYER'S GUIDE
Navigating the many choices for every consumer purchase can be challenging. Our team spends hours doing research, combing through forums, and reading consumer reviews on even the most basic of household items, and we summarize that information in clear, precise comparisons.
Join the millions that have trusted Bestreviewonline.com to help them make smarter buying decisions. We help our readers spend their money wisely and find the right product to suit their specific needs. Our independent expert reviews and data-driven shopping recommendations empower you find the product that’s right for you.
We leverage user data to understand decision-making and put the best products in front of each user. We tailor our comparisons to what matters to our user’s needs, specific or broad. We keep our content up to date, we are constantly looking for new merchants and products to compare, and we are quick to remove any that are outdated or no longer meeting our standards.
Our rankings change day-to-day based on our proprietary algorithms that crunch data to identify top-performing products and tailor recommendations to exactly what our readers are looking for.
Written By Ryan W.
Ryan graduated with a degree in journalism and spent years building his writing career in the tech media field. An avid fan of gadgets and tech in general, Ryan has spent years testing and reviewing a wide array of devices. He specializes in reviewing everything from laptops and smartphones to more niche items like smart home devices and security cameras.
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