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Iron Buying Guide
Innovations in ironing technology deliver performance and convenience features that almost make pressing pleats and smoothing shirts fun. With advances like “vertical steam” and hassle-saving perks like retractable cords, you may find yourself skipping trips to the dry-cleaners in favor of doing the job at home for a fraction of the cost. Whether you like to face each day looking crisp and professional or just need to de-crease your denim for that big date, Pronto’s Iron Buying Guide will help you choose an iron that fits your lifestyle and budget without getting you hot under the collar.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Steam power
The more steam an iron produces, the faster and more easily it gets rid of wrinkles. Frequent ironers should invest in high-end irons that steam more effectively, while occasional users can get by with basic steam irons. Look for a “burst of steam” feature for stubborn creases and “vertical steam” to smooth curtains or hanging garments.
Weight and feel
Irons weigh anywhere from 1 ¼ to 4 pounds when empty. Add water and the heftiest irons tip the scales at five pounds. Choose a weight you know will be comfortable for you. Nonstick or enamel-coated soleplates will “glide” more easily over fabric. For more control over your iron, choose one with a stainless-steel soleplate.
Convenience factors
Your iron’s water tank should be easy to fill, big enough so you don’t have to constantly refill it, and work with tap water. Cordless irons sound great, but recharging them every few minutes is more of a hassle than the cord. Choose an iron with a cord that pivots or retracts for the most convenience. More wattage means faster heating and less variation in heat while you’re ironing.
Safety features
Most irons come with an auto-shutoff feature that powers down the iron after 8 to 15 minutes of inactivity. A three-way auto-shutoff offers even more protection, switching the iron off in as little as 30 seconds if it tips over or is left sitting on the soleplate.
Durability
Irons typically last just two to three years, so base your spending on what you think is reasonable. High-end irons break as often as inexpensive ones, but durability increases with self-cleaning and anticalcium features. Nonstick soleplates are more vulnerable to nicks and scratches than their stainless-steel cousins.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
We like the Rowenta DX1900 Iron with Auto Shut-off, which was hailed by Real Simple Magazine as Best Overall Iron. Testers were impressed by how quickly this 1500-watt iron banished tough wrinkles, and by the smooth glide of the stainless-steel soleplate. We’re fans of the cord-reel feature that retracts the 8-foot power cord with one touch of a button. The three-way, smart auto-shutoff feature provides additional peace of mind.
experts say
Real Simple Magazine – Best Overall Iron - Rowenta Effective Cord Reel DX1900“This 1,500-watt model blew (all right, steamed) past the competition, leaving yards of smooth fabric in its wake. Taking just over a minute to heat to maximum temperature, the stainless-steel soleplate (the part of the iron that touches the fabric) eliminated wrinkles twice as quickly as other models.”Source: Real Simple Magazine
Good Housekeeping – Category Winner: Best Overall. “The Black & Decker Digital Advantage D2030 aced our wrinkle-removal tests. Plus, the digital control offers you the choice of seven fabric-appropriate settings.”Source: Good Housekeeping.com
Slate.com - T-Fal Aquaspeed – “What's absolutely killer about the T-Fal, though, and the reason it's our overall winner, is how it moves over the fabric. The soleplate is coated with enamel and it glides like a dream, better than any of the other irons. Most wrinkles are gone in one pass. When you use it after using a lesser iron, the difference is dramatic.”Source: Slate.com
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of irons?
If you’re serious about ironing, the Miele Rotary Iron takes wrinkle removal to a whole new level. Have a seat – this is an iron you operate with a foot pedal, feeding your garments and linens between a 34 ¼-inch-wide roller and a heating plate. It easily and efficiently presses everything from jeans to tablecloths to duvet covers 30% to 50% faster than handheld irons. Of course, time is money – the Miele Rotary Iron retails for $1,999.00.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Irons) |
| $ | Budget irons are basic, no-frills irons that still get rid of wrinkles but require you to put a little more muscle into your ironing. These irons may feature a “steam burst” but little else in the way of extras, although most will have auto-shutoff. | |
| $$ | Irons in the midrange offer more steam holes for better overall performance and wrinkle removal, higher-quality soleplates, steam burst, self-cleaning, retractable cords and auto-shutoff. Higher-end features like “vertical steam” are just now beginning to appear at this price point. |
Compare prices at 11 stores $45 - $100 |
| $$$ | Top-dollar irons deliver excellent steam power and distribution, along with high-end features like vertical steam, anticalcium features, and three-way smart auto-shutoff. They tend to be heavier than less-expensive irons, so be sure to check the weight specifications (empty and full) before buying. |
Compare prices at 13 stores $135 - $200 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Anticalcium
This feature, found on high-end irons, increases durability by removing minerals from water, preventing buildup that can clog the steam holes.
Auto shutoff
A safety feature that automatically turns an iron off after 8 to 15 minutes of inactivity. Some irons offer three-way auto-shutoff that switches the iron off in less than a minute if it’s left sitting horizontally or gets knocked over.
Burst-of-steam
An iron feature that delivers an extra blast of steam for use on particularly tough creases.
Soleplate
The flat metal surface on an iron that glides over fabrics. Some soleplates are stainless steel or aluminum, while others are coated with a nonstick material.
Variable steam
This feature automatically adjusts the volume of steam to match the iron’s selected heat setting, so delicate garments won’t get oversteamed.
Vertical steam
A feature that lets you generate steam while holding your iron upright, so you can remove wrinkles from drapes or hanging garments.
Wattage
A measure of an iron’s power, with most falling within a range of 1100-1800 watts. The higher the wattage, the faster the iron will heat up and the less the temperature will fluctuate while you iron.
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