Best Steam Irons

Steam irons are the key to well-pressed, professional, and presentable looking outfits. Whether you’re a grab-and-go ironer or you're managing large weekly loads of clothing for a big family, there’s a steam iron out there to suit all needs and iron all suits. We know that choosing one from from so many options can get a bit wrinkly, so allow us to smooth out that process with our helpful shopping guide!

There are three main types of home irons: steam irons, steam generator irons, and travel irons. We have compared them below to help you determine which is best for your needs:

Steam irons: Steam irons are the standard iron you will find in homes today. Unlike the simple hot metal plates of old, steam irons today add the power of steam to relax fabric and remove stubborn wrinkles like a pro. They work much faster than standard irons and offer numerous heat and steam settings for plenty of flexibility. Whether it’s a delicate blouse or cotton linens, your clothes will get the right treatment, every time, from a steam iron.

Travel irons: Modern travel irons have many of the same features as full-sized steam irons, but are far more compact! Great for freshening up your clothes while away from home, a lightweight, trusty travel iron is the perfect addition to your business trip or vacation packing list.

Steam generator irons: These irons operate on the same principle as steam irons, but use a separate, pressurized water tank to blast your clothes with a stronger burst of steam. They require more space, but their increased pressure lets you iron both sides of your fabric at once, saving time and effort! They’re particularly suited for families with a lot of ironing to do.

Based on all the consumer reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

1. Quick heating: Ironing is a chore that shouldn’t take any longer than necessary. Steam irons that take less time to reach the desired temperature are crowd pleasers with great reviews. Irons that take long to heat up can cause frustration. Look for an iron that boasts quicker heating to ensure satisfaction.
2. Steam: More steam means less ironing! Many steam irons have variable steam settings that let you adjust the amount of steam to suit your different fabrics and wrinkles. A useful, time saving feature!
3. Iron head: Consumers who are happy with their steam iron purchases point out the shape of the iron head. Look for an iron with positive comments about the shape of its head and you'll ensure a good fit around your buttons and other clothing parts.
4. Gliding: A steam iron that feels like it sticks to your clothing and takes extra effort to use is no fun, and the reviews show it. Models with smooth gliding soleplates have happy owners, and ceramic and non-stick soleplates routinely get the best marks in this category.

• Vertical streaming: A steam iron with vertical steaming helps pull wrinkles from fabrics that you can’t otherwise put on your ironing board, like curtains, or from delicate fabrics that you might not want to iron with heat, such as silk. Vertical steaming adds versatility and saves on trips to the dry cleaners for any otherwise un-ironable items!
• Steam output is a useful metric for comparing steam irons. Measured in grams per minute, a higher steam output means faster ironing. Steam generator irons measure their output in bars of pressure (instead of grams per minute), but in both cases, a higher number means faster, more efficient ironing that saves you valuable time.
• All modern steam irons should have an auto shut-off feature that prevents accidents when the iron is turned on but not used after time-saving. Ensure that the model you’re buying includes this feature to keep your beautiful wardrobe protected!
• Consider cord length when shopping for steam irons. Longer cords are more versatile when moving around your ironing board, while cordless irons provide the greatest freedom of movement. Cordless models are fantastic for small jobs, though corded versions are best if you routinely iron larger loads.
• Look for ceramic or non-stick coated soleplates. A soleplate is the metal base of your steam iron, and high quality ceramic or non-stick soleplates will glide over fabrics the best. These are also the most scratch-resistant. They’re easy to use and durable, and a great home investment!

Black & Decker: Founded in 1910 by Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker, Black & Decker invented the first portable electric drill and are now at the forefront of home electronics, including steam irons.

Rowenta: Rowenta, a German manufacturer of small household appliances and irons, follows “Intelligent Beauty” as their guiding motto.

Panasonic: Beginning in 1918 in Japan, Panasonic’s goal is to contribute to the progress and development of society and the well-being of people worldwide. Panasonic’s brand is associated with high quality electronic and home appliances including irons.

T-fal: T-fal invented the non-stick frying pan in the 1950s. Currently headquartered in New Jersey, they strive for unique engineering and striking designs in irons and other house-ware.