You may be hard-pressed to find someone who considers ironing to be anything more than a tedious chore that needs to be completed every laundry cycle. But the ironing process doesn’t need to be time-consuming or stressful when you purchase the best option for the job. When I get the iron out, I quite enjoy it – but it has to to be the right iron!
With so many different steam irons available on the market, it can be challenging to narrow down your options to brands and models worth buying. However, by considering the right features and establishing your ironing needs, you can select the most efficient and effective tool.
Steam Rate & Distribution
Variable steam functions give you the best control over the amount of steam produced when the iron is being used. You can increase the amount released to tackle more difficult wrinkles in fabrics like linen or lower the steam for more sensitive garments.
Vertical steam options help you iron heavier items like curtains without having to remove them from the curtain rails first. Additional features like shot-of-steam functions give you an added burst of steam at the simple push of a button when needed.
Before making your final purchase, it is also worthwhile to consider factors like how the openings in the soleplate are distributed and whether steam is emitted from the tip for more effective use in small creases and folds.
Weight & Glideability
A lightweight iron can move easily across clothing, but does require more downward pressure while in usage. Comparatively, heavy irons will need less pressure to get your garments wrinkle-free but will need more stamina to get through a full load of laundry.
Additionally, leading appliance manufacturer Braun has set a new standard in iron performance and technology by being the first to implement FreeGlide 3D technology in its latest releases. This innovative advancement features a unique upward-curving soleplate that allows the machine to glide smoothly in every direction without getting stuck on buttons, collars, or pockets.
Settings
Different fabrics and materials have different needs when it comes to ironing. Delicate materials often require lower temperatures to ensure they stay undamaged, while tougher fabrics will need high heat to get them wrinkle-free. It is important to select an iron model that can do it all, with multiple settings to suit the specific garment and fabric you are working with.
These settings and controls should be easy to see and understand, with only simple adjustments needed to get started on your task. It should also house a reliable and accurate thermostat that allows you to control the temperature of the soleplate with precision.
Capacity
A higher water tank capacity is incredibly convenient for the simple fact that you can iron more clothing before needing to refill it, especially if you are working with garments or materials that will require more steam to become crease-free.
When assessing tank capacity, ensure that the design of the appliance makes it easy to access the tank when it needs to be refilled. This is particularly important not only to prevent any unnecessary hassle but also to protect you from mishaps that could occur when refilling the machine during usage.
Soleplate
The soleplate material you select is vital for two reasons: it determines how well the iron glides over clothes and your ironing speed. However, a non-stick soleplate is typically much easier to keep clean compared to a standard stainless steel option, although you need to ensure it remains scratch-free, as this could affect the ease with which it moves over the clothes and how long it remains working at maximum performance.
Furthermore, drip protection prevents water from dripping through the soleplate onto your clothes, potentially leaving behind stubborn and unwanted stains, particularly when the iron is operating at a lower temperature.
Cable
Longer cables with a flexible attachment to the iron guarantee more freedom of movement while working, especially if your plug points are in hard-to-reach places or the set up of your laundry space requires you to set up your ironing board away from an electricity source.
Some iron models have specially designed heels to wrap the cord around and clip to secure it in place when not in use. When working with longer cords, it is vital to always be aware of stepping over them when moving around the room to avoid tripping over the cable or knocking the iron onto the floor.
The Importance of Automatic Shut-Off
Automatic shut-off is a crucial safety feature to prioritise when purchasing a new steam iron. It can take the slightest distraction to pull you away from ironing without turning the appliance off, and this incredibly convenient feature will ensure that power to the iron is cut should it be left idle for too long.
Alongside an automatic shut-off system, selecting a model with a power-on light is important. Without one, the only way to tell if the iron has been left on is to feel for heat, which can be dangerous and painful if you accidentally burn yourself in the process.
How to Clean a Steam Iron
If your iron is not equipped with a clever self-cleaning function, some manufacturers recommend using a cotton wool tip dipped in methylated spirits to clean the steam holes before taking a cloth dipped in a small amount of white vinegar to wipe down the entire appliance, including the soleplate. Finally, use a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove any excess vinegar that may cause unwanted stains when heated. However, check the instructions included with your chosen machine and model for more specific recommendations or requirements.
