Best Steam Irons

Buying guide for Best steam irons

When you want to look sharp, you need crisp, wrinkle-free clothing. The best tool for that job is a steam iron. A steam iron could mean the difference between getting your dream job and just dreaming about getting a job. But only if you purchase a steam iron that has all the features you need to make a positive lasting impression.

You want a steam iron that can hold a consistent temperature and has a sizable tank so you don't have to keep adding water. Non-stick stainless steel is a stalwart option, but ceramic heats well and glides effortlessly across the fabric. You will also want your steam iron to have variable controls and an automatic shutoff, especially useful features for those who tend to find themselves in a rush.

The first steam irons from the 1800s weighed about 15 pounds. The heaviest on our short list is still under 4 pounds.

Considerations

Steam power

Steam is steam. It's water boiling at 100°C (212°F). No matter how powerful your steam iron is, you can’t make the steam hotter. So if even the cheapest steam irons make steam, why is power important? A few reasons:

• A powerful steam iron is ready to use more quickly.

• A more powerful device keeps the temperature constant at both high and low settings.

• A powerful iron always has steam on tap, and if you need to refill, it's ready to use again faster.

• To maintain a high volume of steam, you need a good-sized water tank. Top models hold 10 ounces (300 ml), so you won't have to add water every few minutes.

Soleplate

Once you've got heat and steam, you need to apply it to your fabric. The soleplate is the metal plate at the base of the iron. You want a soleplate that distributes steam effectively and glides smoothly when dry. Soleplates come in several different materials.

Stainless steel: The most popular soleplate material, it’s bright, durable, and easy to clean. Stainless steel is prone to scratching, but all soleplates are, and minor marking won't affect performance.

Anodized aluminum: Lighter than stainless steel, anodized aluminum is a cheaper option that distributes heat well but isn't as durable or easy to clean. Anodized aluminum can get sticky over time.

Non-stick: This type of soleplate is aluminum or plastic that has been coated with PTFE or a similar “non-stick” layer. It’s lightweight and often used for portable models. The coating is effective when in good condition, but it can chip or peel on more inexpensive steam irons.

Ceramic: This is also a coating, but modern ceramics are hard, excellent at heat distribution, easy to clean, and very smooth, so they glide well.

Steam holes

The size and shape of the holes on the soleplate affect how evenly steam is distributed. Some manufacturers use lots of small holes; others use shaped holes.

Because ceramics are naturally more slippery than other soleplate materials, these models usually have fewer holes than their stainless steel and aluminum competitors.

Shape

Not many of the items we iron are perfectly square, so soleplates are shaped to make it easier to get into pleats, collars, and cuffs. Many have grooves at the front to get in and around buttons.

Traditionally, the heel (or rear end) of the soleplate is flat so you can stand the iron up when you're not using it. But some manufacturers make both ends pointed, claiming better maneuverability. These irons have “outriggers” as stands.

We look at the size of each steam iron’s water tank, as this determines how often you would need to refill it. For most consumers, a tank that holds at least 10 ounces of water is desirable.

We consider how long it takes a steam iron to heat up. Our preference often goes to steam irons that heat in a maximum of 15 seconds.

We find out the weight of each steam iron on our research list. The appliance’s weight, especially when filled with water, can affect how easy it is to maneuver at different angles.

We look at the size and shape of the holes on each iron’s soleplate, as this determines how evenly steam distributes. Some models have up to 400 tiny holes.

We note the type of metal the soleplate is made of, keeping the pros and cons of each material in mind. Common materials include stainless steel, anodized aluminum, nonstick aluminum, and ceramic.

When researching steam irons, we look at both cordless and corded models, noting the pros and cons of each and thinking about who would benefit most from each type.

We research how easy a steam iron is to clean. Some include a self-cleaning option; others must be manually cleaned. Not cleaning your iron could result in a buildup of calcium, which could eventually block it.

Some steam irons can “sense” the type of fabric you’re ironing and automatically adjust to the appropriate setting. When this feature is offered, we research its reception by consumers. We want to know if it’s a “lifesaver” or simply a nice-to-have feature.

We research each iron’s capacity for automatic shutoff because it is an excellent safety feature. Some models offer simple shutoff, while others turn off when tipped over and when the tank runs dry.

A few steam irons work when held upright, allowing you to steam curtains and hanging clothes. This is a helpful feature that can simplify the ironing process.

Steam iron features

Variable controls

Steam irons with variable controls dispense with traditional dials and sliders completely. Instead, they "sense" the fabric and adjust the iron’s settings automatically. They claim to be safe for any ironable garment, which is definitely a plus, but this new technology is expensive.

Whether variable settings are worth the extra money is very much a matter of individual preference.

Extra steam and a fine spray

A “pulse” of extra steam through the baseplate is a basic necessity, as is a fine spray. All but the very cheapest steam irons have them.

A few models also work upright, allowing you to steam curtains and clothes on hangers.

Corded or cordless

The overwhelming majority of steam irons have a cord. Some are retractable, though feedback tells us they're not always popular, with jamming a frequent problem.

There are also cordless irons available, but they need to be regularly reheated on bases — an unnecessary step for many users.

Automatic shut-off

Automatic shut-off can switch off the iron if it's left alone for a certain period, if it's tipped over, or if the tank runs dry.

How many of these features you get varies from model to model.

Other features

A number of steam irons claim to have non-drip or anti-spitting functions, though effectiveness varies. The same is true of self-cleaning options.

Some also prevent the buildup of calcium, which can eventually block your iron. See-through tanks or water-level windows are useful visual aids.

Steam iron prices

You can find a steam iron for as little as $15. It will get hot, and it will turn water into steam, but in our experience, it won’t do so very effectively or for very long.

A good-quality steam iron can be yours for $25. Models with a digital readout or ceramic soleplate will cost more, but even at the high end, you're unlikely to spend more than $100.

Steam iron dos and don'ts

• Always read your steam iron’s manual. Follow any steps suggested before first use.

• Most steam irons work perfectly well with tap water. In fact, some say not to use distilled water at all — but it's important to check.

• Avoid ironing over metal fastenings like zippers. Damage to some nonstick steam irons makes them all but unusable.

• Never use laundry softeners in your iron.

• Clean or drain your steam iron after use if recommended by the manufacturer.

• If you use starch, don't allow residue to build up, as it will impair the effectiveness of your iron.

• Clean following the manufacturer’s instructions. A warm, damp cloth with a dash of detergent is often sufficient. Never use abrasive creams or scouring pads.

Portable steam irons have low power, small tanks, and not many features — so why would you want one? Well, good ones are surprisingly efficient and very compact. Not only are they indispensable if you travel frequently on business, they're great for vacations.

Facts and figures

• The first electric steam iron was patented in the U.S. by Swiss inventor Otto Walker in December 1924. It went on sale in 1926 for $10.

• Modern ironing boards and pads are designed to work with your iron, enhancing its performance. They help control reflected heat, are usually non-stick, and are often anti-static, making the whole process quicker and easier.

• A wall-mounted ironing-board hanger and steam-iron rest lets you put your iron away while still hot.

• As you iron, heat is absorbed by the material you're ironing, as well as the ironing board itself.

• Steam irons are available with up to 3,100 watts of power or more, but some would argue that 1,500 watts is all you need.

• Many steam irons offer a “burst of steam” option for extra wrinkle removal. This function works best when there are a lot of steam vents distributed in a wide pattern across the heater plate.