Finding a great iron can occasionally feel like a difficult and somewhat taxing task. It’s important to keep in mind a number of factors to ensure that you get an iron that fits your situation and preferences best. The durability of the materials used to make the iron, an iron’s safety features that prevent accidents, the power of the iron, and a number of other factors are very important to take into consideration when searching for the best iron for you and your clothes.

After reading through this guide, you’ll have a much better idea of what to look for in irons, and of what it is that draws your attention to specific irons. Whether you’re looking for a temporary replacement for an iron that’s malfunctioning, or you’re looking for a long term replacement for an iron that’s stopped working, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this guide!

Rowenta is known for its amazing products—in particular, its irons—and this Rowenta Eco Energy Steam Iron is definitely not an exception.

This Rowenta iron is a great purchase for anyone looking for an iron that is positive all-around, but not particularly amazing in any specific aspect. The iron is able to dispense a significant amount of steam that can be used for simply ironing clothes, or for helping to keep clothes smooth and straight that haven't been fully created or sewn.

Instead having a multitude of modes and settings, this iron has a limited number of settings—namely the eco setting, which allows for a meaningful amount of energy conservation, while ensuring you’ll still be able to get the same amount of power and steam for ironing. The tank of the iron can also store enough water to enable an hour and a half of ironing. The iron also has an internal rinsing system, ensuring that you’ll be able to consistently use the iron even if you don’t constantly maintain it.

As long as you’re someone looking for an iron that its efficient in all areas, but doesn't particularly excel in any of those areas, you’re sure to be pleased by the Rowenta. The only issues with this iron are its limitations—it doesn't have many modes that can be used for ironing, isn’t particularly powerful in its dispensing of steam, and is not made to be particularly durable. But other than these issues, it’s sure to be an iron that is effective for a reasonable amount of time, and will definitely be enough for those looking for a quick but temporary solution to an ironing problem.

Key Features
  • Allows for continuous ironing thanks to removable tank
  • Eco-friendly and multipurpose
  • Offers five bars of pressure to eliminate all wrinkles
  • Eco-setting saves on energy
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 12.21 pounds
  • Auto Shutoff?: Not Specified
  • Brand: Rowenta
Pros
  • Large water storage tank
  • Evenly dispenses steam
  • Eco-setting equipped
Cons
  • Not many options in terms of modes
  • Not very powerful

PurSteam’s 1700W steam iron for clothes is definitely one of the best available irons that you can get for use in your household.

In a number of ways, PurSteam is just as effective as it is efficient. First and foremost, PurSteam employs the ideology that less is more in terms of the amount of holes needed for an iron to efficiently dispense steam. Rather than increasing the amount of holes, PurSteam focuses on increasing the size of the holes and being specific with each hole’s placement, creating an effective and uniform wave of steam. Between this factor and the iron’s 1700 watts, this iron is able to minimise the amount of time you need to iron clothes, while ensuring you’re able to reach those hard-to-reach areas.

This iron is also equipped with an easily usable dial, allowing you to choose from a variety of useful settings. Fitted with an anti-calc mode to reduce the potential for excess minerals, with a vertical steam setting, and even with an anti-drip mode, you’re sure to find the setting that best suits your needs without having to think twice. This iron is also equipped with durable and useful materials that will make a huge difference in the long term, ensuring that you won’t need to replace the iron for a very long time. In addition, the iron comes with a safety system that works preventatively by automatically turning off the iron when there’s potential for any kind of iron-based accident.

Key Features
  • Evenly dispenses large quantities of heat
  • Equipped with large amount of power (1700 Watts)
  • Multiple heat settings
  • Anti-drip feature to avoid water spills
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Auto Shutoff?: Yes
  • Brand: PurSteam
Pros
  • Will last a long time
  • Reaches hard-to-reach areas
  • Strongly and evenly dispenses heat/steam
Cons
  • Frequent use may decrease effectiveness
  • Should have more settings/modes on dial

The Sunbeam classic iron is one that comes with a number of different features—but that is, in some ways, more limited than it is useful. There’s no doubt that it’ll serve the purpose that you intend to use it for, but it simply is lacking in certain departments that are truly important.

In terms of the pros and benefits of using this iron, there are definitely quite a few. This Sunbeam iron comes equipped with a shot of steam feature, allowing for different types of ironing based on your particular situation (e.g., you can iron clothes that are either hanging or laid down).

This iron has an anti-drip mode, ensuring that no water will leak from the tank regardless of the iron’s potential heat. In addition to this, the iron comes with a self-cleaning function that helps to keep the iron in good condition without the necessity of constant maintenance. And possibly most important of all, the iron comes fitted with safety systems that ensure the iron turns itself off after an extended period of time without use. 

In terms of the downsides, its important to note that the safety measure only turns off the iron after 30 minutes—which is quite a long time for there to be potential for hazards or accidents. The iron is not made from particularly durable materials, and doesn't have very much power in terms of its steam dispensing. Lastly, the iron will not last as long as some of the more durable models, and thus may also start to show signs of deterioration after an extended period of use.

Overall though, for those looking for a pro that will last them a sufficient amount of time and accomplish necessities for an iron, this sunbeam iron will definitely not disappoint you!

Key Features
  • Low maintenance with self-cleaning feature
  • Allows for versatile ironing with shot of steam feature
  • Includes anti-drip feature
  • Include auto shut-off feature after prolonged periods of no use
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Non-stick soleplate
  • Weight: 2.8 pounds
  • Auto Shutoff?: Yes
  • Brand: Sunbeam
Pros
  • Glides easily over any fabric
  • Anti-drip feature prevents water leaks and drips
  • Shuts off after 30 minutes for safety precautions
Cons
  • Not the most powerful at 1200 Watts
  • May not last as long as its competitors

For someone who’s been looking to get a particularly effective iron that offers maximum versatility, the Beautural Steam Iron is definitely a great choice. It comes with many more benefits than it does drawbacks.

Made from a number of durable materials, the Beautural iron will not be easily damaged, and will remain easy to clean throughout a period of extensive use. The durable materials ensure that the steam will remain evenly dispensed over an extended period of time. Furthermore, this iron is equipped with nine different modes for ironing—this includes temperature based settings for clothing types, such as wool, nylon, denim, and more. This is where the product truly shows its strength and effectiveness; being able to choose between that many different modes and presets will allow anyone to easily steam iron their clothes.

Similarly to many other great irons, the Beautural iron is equipped with preventative safety measures to ensure that accidents won't happen. However, the Beautural iron goes a step further an includes a measure that most other irons don’t have—after a period of 30 seconds to 8 minutes (depending on how the iron is positioned), the iron will turn itself off to reduce its hazardous potential.

This iron has 1800 Watts, which is more than the standard 1700W for most other irons, and has been tested with customer satisfaction 100% in mind. If you’re looking for an effective and efficient product that not only will allow you to perfectly iron your clothes, but also to iron your clothes in whatever way you please for a very long period of time, this iron is definitely the best option for you!

Key Features
  • Offers large variety of modes for ironing
  • Evenly dispenses steam
  • Equipped with an LCD screen
  • Comes with an auto shut-off feature
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Double Ceramic
  • Weight: 2.98 pounds
  • Auto Shutoff?: Yes
  • Brand: Beautural
Pros
  • Extremely durable
  • Offers nine different modes
  • Tested for efficiency and durability
  • 1800 Watts for ironing power
Cons
  • Effectiveness may deteriorate with time
  • Must be well maintained

For anyone who’s looking for an iron that was made with utility in mind above all else, the Black+Decker digital advantage steam iron is definitely one of the best options available.

Equipped with a handle made for easy and ideal grip, and with durable and strong materials, this iron is easy to maneuver into those occasionally hard-to-reach areas. These durable materials also ensure that the iron will remain effective for an extremely long amount of time.

In terms of utility and versatility, this iron truly excels. The digital interface allows easy navigation of the different settings and modes that you may want to use depending on how you want to go about ironing particular pieces of clothing. The screen also updates according to the heat of the iron, notifying you when the iron is fully heated and ready to be used.

In addition to the different settings and modes you’ll be able to use, you’ll be able to modify the strength of the steam and the temperature of the iron. This level of customizability makes ironing an entirely new process—one that places you much more largely in control than with any standard iron. Of course, this iron also comes equipped with a safety system that turns off the iron if it’s left on and not used, ensuring that accidents will be prevented.

Overall, the Black+Decker iron is definitely worth purchasing to use as a daily iron. Since it was made with utility and versatility in mind above anything else, it’s truly one of the most useful irons available. You’re sure to feel a difference from your old iron from day one, and definitely will not regret getting such an effective, new iron!

Key Features
  • Effective iron with multitude of modes
  • Adjustable temperature controls
  • Comes with an LCD screen
  • Equipped with customizable digital settings
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 0.64 ounces
  • Auto Shutoff?: Yes
  • Brand: Black+Decker
Pros
  • Equipped with a number of safety measures
  • Durable
  • Strong handle for grip

  • Digital interface for modes/settings
Cons
  • Steam strength deteriorates after extensive use
  • Could dispense steam stronger than expected

The Maytag M400 is a top of the line iron for its ease of use and multi-purpose abilities. There are a number of different benefits to using this iron, and you’re sure to feel fulfilled with your purchase as soon as you decide to get this!

First and foremost, the Maytag M400 is particularly effective with reaching optimal heat. In less than one minute, the M400 is able to reach its top temperature, allowing for clothes to be ironed quickly in cases of emergency or in last minute scenarios. The strength of its steam allows for ironing of different types of clothes (e.g., clothes that are hanging).

With 1500 watts of power, this iron is not one of the most powerful on the market, but is sure to be able to take care of all of your ironing needs. The iron is also able, after a brief break of use, to return to max heat much more quickly than most market-standard irons. Its large water tank allows for extended use without having to refill the iron—while its self-cleaning function will ensure that the iron does not experience any sort of malfunctions or issues.

It even comes equipped with a reliable but comforting grip that ensures you’ll be able to access those hard-to-reach places. Overall, the iron is a great purchase, and definitely will be able to handle all of the tasks you’re looking to buy it for. However, its strength is a bit lacking; it’s limited in terms of modes that can be used for ironing, and it’s not made from the most durable materials. But aside from these factors, it’s a great iron that will surely help you keep your favorite clothes wrinkle free!

Key Features
  • Specialty iron for different fabrics including nylon, wool, silk, etc.
  • Self cleans; low maintenance
  • Iron and steamer all-in-one
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 3.3 pounds
  • Auto Shutoff?: Not specified
  • Brand: Maytag
Pros
  • Self-cleaning function
  • Large tank for water storage
  • Reaches maximum temperature in less than one minute
Cons
  • Not powerful enough for the steam feature
  • Doesn't offer many modes or settings

Steamfast’s mini steam iron is an effective iron that can work well in a multitude of situations with different needs and circumstances. There are quite a few drawbacks in terms of the iron, but overall, its benefits are extremely efficient and worth considering.

It’s important to take into consideration the fact that Steamfast made these products with customer satisfaction completely in mind. Therefore, there is a 2-year warranty and extremely reliable customer service.

The iron heats up a relatively small tank in an extremely short amount of time (i.e., less than half a minute), allowing you to iron in a pinch. This iron comes equipped with controls for altering the settings and steam mode, via an easy-to-use display/control. Though the iron doesn’t use a very large amount of power, it’s still able to accomplish what most other irons with significantly more power do.

The handle on this iron is perfectly fitted and designed for an ideal grip, while the iron itself is made small enough to be easily transported and brought along with you on any trip that you may need it for.

Overall, this iron is definitely a reliable and worthwhile purchase. There are a very limited amount of drawbacks—not very durable, not extremely powerful, and not equipped with any particular safety measures—but if you’re looking for a quick-to-purchase iron, or an easy-to-transport iron, then this will be a great purchase for you!

 

Key Features
  • Effectively irons clothing without using large amounts of power
  • Can be easily transported with you wherever you go

  • Backed with a 2-year warranty
  • Anti-slip handle allows for easy grip
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Non-stick soleplate
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Auto Shutoff?: No
  • Brand: SteamFast
Pros
  • Quickly heats up water
  • Offers variety of modes/settings
  • Small size for easy transportation
Cons
  • No added safety measures
  • Not as powerful as one may expect

The T-fal iron is a simple product that is made simply to get the job done—an ideal purchase for someone who’s recently had issues with their iron and is looking for a quick replacement.

First and foremost, this iron is equipped with useful and durable materials that help not only make ironing easier, but assist you in reaching more difficult-to-reach areas (through making the shape of the iron sleeker and easier to manipulate). Unlike many other irons, this iron is fitted with a large amount of power to ensure that clothes will always be adequately ironed—ensuring that there's no need to worry about residual wrinkles after ironing.

In addition to this noticeably strong amount of power in the iron, the iron also generates a significantly larger amount of steam, ensuring that you’ll never have to worry about wrinkles even with much more difficult to iron types of fabrics (e.g., linen, wool, etc.). This iron is equipped with a number of important and useful features—anti-drip function, making sure that there’s no leakage from the iron’s water tank; self-cleaning function, ensuring that the iron won’t have to be closely maintained to keep it running at an optimal level.

Finally, the iron is equipped with safety measures that turn off the system in response to idling and lack of use while on. Overall, this product has a few drawbacks, but is mostly an effective and worthwhile purchase that is sure to make an immediate difference in your everyday ironing tasks!

Key Features
  • More steam and power than the average iron
  • Low maintenance with self-cleaning functions
  • Scratch-resistant iron
  • Includes anti-drip feature
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Ceramic
  • Weight: 3.33 pounds
  • Auto Shutoff?: Yes
  • Brand: T-fal
Pros
  • Layered with aluminum for even distribution of heat/steam
  • Can be used on different fabrics including wool, nylon, silk, etc.
  • Auto shut-off feature for safety
Cons
  • Heat is not long lasting
  • Iron may not be as long lasting as expected

Rowenta’s Micro Steam Iron is definitely one of the best irons available for purchase! Its many positive aspects make it a purchase that’s impossible to ignore, and hard to decline.

For those looking for an iron that will be durable, long-lasting, and that will serve them almost any purpose they could think of involving an iron, Rowenta’s micro steam iron is a great choice. The iron comes equipped with a dial that allows you to choose the amount of steam that fits your particular situation and needs. In addition, the iron comes equipped with both an anti-drip mode and an anti-calc mode, ensuring that you’ll be able to iron your clothes without having to worry about any type of damage.

The strength of the iron’s steam is fortified by the fact that there are more than 400 holes for steam, allowing the iron to dispense large amounts of steam (specifically, 35 G per minute).

This iron has been fitted with preventative safety measures, ensuring that it will instantly turn off in the event of any type of emergency. So, for anyone looking for a safe, reliable, and efficient iron that will last you a long period of use—Rowenta’s Micro Steam Iron should definitely be up for your consideration! This iron is more than just reliable, and will be fully worth the purchase from the moment you start making use of the product. If you’re looking for a new iron because yours feels outdated, broken, or unreliable, the Rowenta is sure to improve your situation right away!

Key Features
  • Strongly and effectively dispenses steam
  • Made with extremely durable materials
  • Auto shut-off feature
  • Equipped with anti-drip lid and easy to fill water hole
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 3.4 pounds
  • Auto Shutoff?: Yes
  • Brand: Rowenta
Pros
  • Durable and automatic safety measures
  • Has a variety of useful modes
  • Large steam holes for even ironing
Cons
  • Could offer more modes
  • Effectiveness may decrease over time if not mantained

The Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron is a great iron that can be used in most of your everyday ironing scenarios.


This iron, though not particularly durable, is extremely low maintenance—equipped with an auto cleaning system, the iron will run with exceptional proficiency for an extended period of use. It also comes equipped with a safety system that allows the iron to turn itself off in cases of potential hazards or emergency.

In terms of features for modes and settings, the iron is relatively limited and only has the standard mode and a ‘shot of steam’ mode, allowing you to send stronger bursts of steam in various ironing situations that could require it. The iron is also equipped with anti-drip features, ensuring that the iron’s water will remain contained. The stainless steel used for the iron is relatively strong and reliable, and thus should last for a long and viable amount of time.

The iron is definitely reliable, but is lacking in a few very important areas. First and foremost, at 1400 watts of power, this iron is significantly less powerful than the standard 1700 to 1800 watt irons you could also find. The iron is also extremely limited in terms of the number of modes and settings for steam that can be used.


For those looking for a useful iron that will temporarily replace a recently broken one, this Sunbeam Steammaster iron is a great choice and will definitely help with all of your ironing needs. It will only last a moderately long amount of time, and isn’t particularly powerful, but it can definitely get the job done.

Key Features
  • Reliable iron with short bursts of steam
  • Self-cleaning; low maintenance
  • Auto-off feature ensures safety
  • Includes anti-drip system to prevent water leaks
Specifications
  • Plate Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 2.95 pounds
  • Auto Shutoff?: Yes
  • Brand: Sunbeam
Pros
  • 3-way motion auto-off feature
  • Self cleaning function gets rid of minerals
  • Large water tank
Cons
  • Not very durable or powerful
  • Limited in terms of modes/settings

One of the most important factors for determining whether an iron is good or bad is the modes and settings that it offers. These modes and settings should allow you to get multiple uses out of an iron—for example, being able to iron clothes that are hanging just as much as clothes that are placed on an ironing board. Certain irons will come with settings that help with the ironing process—for example, certain irons have anti-drip settings which prevent water from leaking from the iron’s tank, or anti-calc settings that can help prevent build up of minerals on clothing or the iron.

In addition to modes and settings, it’s very important to know about the durability of the materials that are used for the iron. If you want to choose an iron that’ll last an extremely long amount of time, then get one that’s been made with stronger materials. A lot of brands focus on using more durable materials so that their irons, as long as they're maintained, will last for a long period of use. When you find an iron that hasn’t been made with durable materials though, it’s sure to show signs of degradation after a few years of use.

The power of an iron is another important factor—while you’ll usually be able to get a good ironing job done regardless of the power, certain levels of power help ensure that the clothes are left completely wrinkle free. In addition, stronger power with steam irons makes it significantly easier to iron hard-to-reach areas.

Last but definitely not least, it’s important for your iron to have sufficient safety features. In cases of potential emergency, it’s extremely helpful having an iron that can automatically turn itself off. Certain irons turn themselves off after a certain period of inactivity, some turn off after a certain amount of time based on the position they’re in, and some turn off when they’ve been being used for too long. Not all irons will have safety features, and most won’t have all of them, so it’s important to find irons that have enough safety features to make you feel comfortable and safe with your choice of iron.

So overall, after having read through this guide, hopefully you’ll have found one of the best irons for you, and if not, you’ll surely have a better idea of what to look for in your ideal iron!

Resources— Apartment Therapy, Good Housekeeping

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