Irons are a handy little appliance that every home should have, especially if you want to look smart and not look like you’ve been sleeping in a bush for the past week! But many people are overwhelmed when they see how many options are included on these devices. Irons range from small, travel size pieces that can handle removing simple wrinkles to high-end models that iron clothing along with serving double duty as a steamer for your hanging garments, drapes, curtains, and upholstery. Combine a top quality iron with one of the latest ironing boards on the market and you’ll have the best ironed garments in town!
Many now come standard with specific safety features, and most include helpful things like indicator lights and water level windows. Use the following information to find the best iron for your individual needs.
Tips for Choosing The Best Iron
• Look for smooth gliding soleplates that easily glide over fabrics without snagging or catching. Stainless steel soleplates won’t rust over time.
• Irons with self-cleaning features will automatically remove calcium and mineral debris from inside of the iron which can ruin the effectiveness of the device.
• Look for safety features like three way auto shut-offs. These types of systems will automatically shut the iron off after being left unused for a certain length of time or if it tips over on its side.
• Eight to ten foot cords give you more room to work with, and swivel cords won’t become wrapped around your hand.
Here’s our top ten list of the best irons
1200 watt Multi-Directional Iron From Panasonic. Model No.NI-E250TR
The Panasonic NI-E250TR Iron has an ultra-smooth, stainless steel soleplate that reduces the amount of snagging, tugging, and sticking you may experience with other models. The three steam levels allow you to use a high concentration of steam on heavy fabrics, low on delicate items, and no steam at all for quick touch-ups. The large water window tells you at a glance when the water is getting low, and the precision temperature dial makes it easy to maintain an even heat. It includes a one-touch spray mist button and a clog free steam vent system that reduces sediment and clears out calcium. When finished, this iron is easy to store with the automatic reel that retracts the cord in a neat, quick, tangle free manner with one push of a button.
Black & Decker IR03V – Comes with Easy Steam and a Iron Nonstick Soleplate
The Black & Decker IR03V Easy Steam Iron takes advantage of Smart Stream Technology that allows you to select the exact amount of steam you need. It can be used flat in a traditional manner or vertically as a steamer for hanging clothes, curtains, or drapes. The non-stick True Glide Soleplate easily glides over all types of fabrics as it quickly removes the wrinkles. Use the fabric guide found on top of the iron to locate the perfect temperature for any garment, and get rid of tough wrinkles with the steam surge feature. The push-button mister releases moisture for targeting specific areas, and the translucent water tank makes it easy to see when the iron needs refilling.
Black & Decker D2030 Auto-Off Digital Advantage Iron
The Black & Decker D2030 Auto-Off Digital Advantage Iron has a clear-view display that allows you to see at a glance what mode the iron is currently in. Use the variable temperature and steam dial to set it for any type of clothing. Once you begin to iron, you’ll see how the stainless steel soleplate easily glides over the fabric as it presses out the wrinkles quickly. This iron is ergonomically designed with your comfort in mind. This includes special features like the comfort grip handle. The three-way shut-off provides safety by turning the iron off after eight minutes or after 30 seconds on the soleplate or sides without use. An auto-clean system and anti-drip feature make it easy to care for.
Sunbeam Steam Master GCSBSP-201-FFP
The Sunbeam Steam Master GCSBSP-201-FEP 1400 watt Iron has a large, hassle-free stainless steel soleplate along with a large water tank. Water leakage is prevented with the anti-drip system no matter what temperature setting you are using. The steam shot feature gives you that extra little burst of steam when ironing flat surfaces or it can be used vertically as a steamer for hanging clothing or drapes. Safety is top priority with the auto-off system, and the eight foot retractable cord allows for easy storage when not in use. The self-clean and anti-calcium features will keep this iron free of deposits for optimum performance.
Sunbeam Steam Master 1400 Watt Iron. This Mid-size Iron is both Anti-Drip and Non-Stick. Exceptional Soleplate Iron – Model Number GCSBCL-202-000
The Sunbeam Steam Master provides you with a no mess, no leak experience due to its Anti-Drip Technology and the Three-Way Motion Smart Technology that will shut the appliance off automatically when it is left unattended or falls into an odd position. Wrinkles come out quickly with a variable steam option, spray mist, and fabric dial setting. Hanging clothes, drapes, and upholstery can be freshened up with this irons vertical steam feature, and the pointed tip makes detail work like cuffs, collars, and lapels and hard to reach spots such as inside pants and around buttons a breeze. The soleplate has a lifetime warranty, and a three year limited warranty is available on the rest of the iron.
Rowenta DW5080 Focus 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron Stainless Steel Soleplate with Auto-Off, 400-Hole, Brown
The 1700 watt Rowenta DW5080 Micro Steam Iron features a stainless steel soleplate that smoothly glides over fabric and a precision tip for all of those hard to reach areas. It includes the patented Micro Steam 400 hole design that evenly distributes the steam while ironing. The thermostat knob is clearly marked, and the auto steam feature provides a quick burst of steam for hard to remove wrinkles. It can also be used vertically for steaming garments. A level indicator tells you exactly how much water is left in the 10 ounce water tank. The anti-calcium system and self-cleaning feature allows you to use tap water, and the three-way automatic shut-off keeps the iron safe to use.
Sunbeam Classic GCSBCL-317-000
The Sunbeam Classic 1200 Watt Mid-Size Anti-Drip Non-Stick Soleplate Iron includes the Shot of Steam feature that gives you that extra burst of steam needed for stubborn wrinkles. It can also be used vertically to steam hanging garments and drapes. Water leaks are prevented by the Anti-drip system, and the auto-off leaves you with peace of mind by shutting off when left unattended for 30 minutes. Minerals are removed automatically from inside of this iron by the self-cleaning feature which results in longer lasting performance. It comes with the Sunbeam lifetime soleplate and three year limited warranty.
Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800 Watt Compact Non-Stick Soleplate Travel Iron, GCSBTR-100-000
The Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800 watt Compact Iron is perfect for travel. It has a dual voltage system that includes 240V and 120V. The non-stick soleplate glides easily over fabric while removing wrinkles quickly. The Shot of Steam system allows you to press out even those hard to get wrinkles as well as put in crisp creases. The indicator light warns you when the iron is ready to use, and a variable temperature control provides flexible heat settings for a variety of fabric types. Comfort is provided by the soft touch handle and dial.
Value Steam & Spray Iron, 1000W, 180ml Tank, 360 Swivel Cord – Vertical & Variable Steam – ETL Listed
The Value Steam & Spray Iron is perfect for that occasional piece of clothing that needs ironed. You get plenty of features in a budget minded iron with this appliance. It includes variable steam as well as vertical steaming capabilities for hanging garments, curtains, and drapes. The 180ml water tank lets you iron for extended periods without stopping to re-fill. The eight foot cord swivels 360° for added versatility, and a light indicator provides safety. The size and price point makes this iron ideal for students, travelers, or as a second iron for the RV or vacation home.
Sunbeam AERO Ceramic Soleplate Iron with Dimpling and Channeling Technology, 1600W
The Sunbeam AERO Ceramic Soleplate Iron has channeling technology that offers you five times the steam coverage for easier wrinkle removal. You’ll find a 27% smoother glide over fabrics with the unique dimpling design when compared to other Sunbeam products. The ceramic soleplate is durable and resists scratches. You can use the spray mist trigger to finely mist stubborn wrinkles, and the Shot of Steam feature can give an extra burst of steam when needed. It can be used vertically to steam hanging garments and drapes, and a three way Motion Smart Auto-Off provides additional safety. Water leakage is prevented with the Anti-Drip System and the self-cleaning feature removes mineral deposits and calcium build-up. There is a ten foot cord, and it also includes a lifetime soleplate and three year iron limited warranty.