Nearly all steam irons have anti-scale and anti-calcium functions.They’re a good choice if plug sockets are few and far between at home, but so is an iron with a long cord. Cordless irons can be practical and convenient, but they’re generally not as powerful as corded models and they have to be frequently reheated on the base.Other things to look out forĭepending on your set up at home, there are plenty of other features that may come in handy but aren’t as essential. Your choice will depend on the size of your ironing pile and some personal preferences, including the size of the opening for refilling and whether it's important for you to see the water level through the tank.
Tank capacity: The tank capacity of our recommended steam irons varies from 0.26 to 0.4 litres, but the tanks on steam generator irons are much bigger – anything from 1 to 2.5 litres.
The models in our roundup have steam shot outputs ranging from 110g to 340g/minute. Steam shot: When creases just won’t budge, a powerful steam shot is a must. Anything over 50g/minute would be considered high for a steam iron, with those on our list ranging from 25g to 55g. What should I look for when buying a steam iron?īefore buying a new steam iron, there are a few factors worth looking out for:Ĭontinuous steam pressure: Measured in grams, the higher the steam rate, the more effectively the iron should do its job. They’ll also cost you more, but they’re godsends if you’re forever behind an ironing board.
They’re a lot bulkier than standard steam irons, so you’ll need enough free storage space. These irons have separate water tanks, allowing them to emit more steam at a higher pressure.
If you tend to have a large laundry pile or big items to press (say, a wardrobe full of long sleeve dresses), then consider a steam generator iron instead. Features vary, but even with budget models, a steam shot and self-cleaning capabilities generally come as standard. The higher its steam output, the more effective it will be. These compact models feature a built-in water tank that heats up and releases steam to relax the fabric and remove any creases. When you hear the word "iron", a traditional steam iron is probably the first thing that springs to mind.
Steam irons and steam generator irons explained Best steam iron for style: Tower Ceraglide T22018GLD Steam Iron.Best steam iron for efficient ironing: Tefal Ultimate Pure FV9830 Steam Iron.Best steam iron for tank capacity: Braun TexStyle 7 TS745A Steam Iron.Best budget steam iron: Braun TexStyle 3 TS 355A Steam Iron.Best for a steam generator alternative: Morphy Richards Saturn Steam Pressurised Iron 305000 Steam Iron.Best steam iron for quick heat-up time: Tefal Smart Protect FV4980 Steam Iron.Best lightweight steam iron: Russell Hobbs One Temperature 25090 Steam Iron.Runner-up steam iron: Tefal Ultimate FV5670 Steam Iron.Best steam iron: Tefal Ultraglide Anti-Calc FV2662 Steam Iron.There are a lot of steam irons on the market, but the GHI is here to help – our testers put more than 50 irons through their paces to find your perfect match: The best iron is comfortable and lightweight to hold, with a strong steam shot and a high tank capacity. That said, it can be tricky to find a steam iron that’ll remove stubborn creases both quickly and effectively. Even if you’re a clothes steamer convert, there are some creases that only a trusty iron can banish. Love it or hate it, ironing is unavoidable.