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How to Choose a Steam Iron

Here are some hints and tips on some of the things to consider when choosing and buying an iron:

Iron or Steam Generator?

In the past few years there have been significant strides made in the development of iron technology. This has led to a new type of iron, the steam generator, becoming available to the general public.

Steam generators are now becoming more common and the market is becoming increasingly competitive. This is great news for consumers, as firms are trying to undercut each other’s prices in an attempt to win your custom.

One of the first decisions to make when looking for a new iron is whether you want to buy a standard iron or a steam generator. The steam generator has a much higher steam output than a standard iron, but this is reflected in the cost. If you have a large family or use an iron for professional reasons, a steam generator could be for you. However, if you need an iron for standard loads of ironing, then the generator may not suit your needs, especially at the price.

Steam Output

Your iron should have a healthy constant steam output, together with a steam jet, which should be around twice the output of the standard steam setting.

Water Tank

With any steam iron, you will need a fair sized water tank to keep you going. Ensure that the water tank of your chosen model can handle your needs, so that you don’t have to stop to refill it all the time.

Steam Iron Soleplate

The soleplate should be stainless steel and scratch resistant so that it will be durable and protect your garments - accept nothing less!

Heat Settings

Make sure that your iron has a range of heat settings, so that it’s suitable for delicates as well as stronger garments.

Cord Length

There’s nothing worse than the iron not reaching all parts of the clothes due to the cord being too short. A cord of at least 1.4 meters should ensure that you have freedom of use.

Other Features

• Soft-grip handle: Many irons now have ergonomically designed, soft-grip handles for comfort, helping to make ironing feel less like a chore.
• Rapid heat-up: This function is extremely useful if you are buying a steam generator, as these models can take quite some time to be ready for use. If you can get one which is ready for use within five minutes, this is very reasonable.
• Auto Clean: Many irons have an anti-scale/auto-clean setting, which is vital for the durability of your iron.
• Safety features: Check the product descriptions carefully to ensure that any model you are considering has enough safety functions to give you peace of mind. Many models of iron have features such as auto-shut off, which means that if you forget to switch the iron off when you’ve finished it will automatically turn off after a certain time period.

Warranty

Check to see how long the model of iron or steam generator that you are considering is guaranteed for, as warranties can vary depending on the brand and model.

Price

Have a clear idea of the amount of money that you are prepared to spend and stick to your budget.

Steam Irons and Generators - Extras

Some irons come with extras such as a refilling water jug. Check the product descriptions when you are choosing your iron to see whether or not any extra items are included, as these can provide added value.

Further Information

If you want to buy an iron, you can find out more about some of the top online suppliers, including details of their delivery times and postage and packaging costs, in our Where to Buy section.

You can find out about specific brands and models of iron in our Brands and Top Models sections.

You can learn more about other types of kitchen appliance in our Types section.