Top Pick for
Overall steam iron
Top Pick for
Overall steam iron
Top Pick for
Cheap iron
Top Pick for
Iron for vertical steaming
Top Pick for
Iron beginners
A steam iron is a handy household appliance that uses hot steam to remove wrinkles from clothes and fabrics. It works by heating water in a separate chamber and emitting it as steam through small holes in the iron's flat surface. This steam helps soften the fabric, making it easier to iron out creases and ensure smooth, fresh-looking clothes.
To choose the best steam iron, consider the steam output (measured in g/min) for effective wrinkle removal. Opt for a stainless steel or ceramic soleplate for smooth gliding and even heat distribution. Weight is a factor, too - lighter irons are easy to handle but may require more pressure for deep wrinkles, while heavier irons offer better results with less effort.
Don't forget the water tank size - larger tanks allow longer ironing without refilling. Additional features like anti-calcium systems and auto-shutoff add convenience and safety to your ironing experience.
The team at Finder has assessed steam irons from various brands to help you find the perfect fit. We analysed various factors, including performance, ease of use, durability, and cost.
Read more detail on our methodology below.
The Philips Azur Steam Iron stands tall as our best overall steam iron pick. This handy appliance is quick to heat and boasts an adjustable steam output and a vertical steam boost for those stubborn wrinkles. It packs a potent punch of constant and powerful steam, ensuring your clothes are always at their crispiest best.
The inclusion of a calc-clean function is a bonus; it effectively breaks down limescale particles, which are automatically collected in a removable container. This feature ensures the iron maintains top performance even after extended use – a quick wash every 15 seconds keeps it as good as new.
With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 9,000 Amazon reviews, it's clear that this iron does more than just impress us. However, it's worth mentioning that it's a bit pricier, and the cord could have been a tad longer. But overall, the Philips Azur Steam Iron is a superb choice for all your ironing needs.
Considering the budget-friendly options in the market, the Philips 3000 Series Steam Iron is our pick, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Its superior steam power effortlessly takes on stubborn creases, making ironing a breeze.
The ceramic soleplate ensures a smooth glide on all types of fabrics, and the 300-water tank means you can iron more pieces between refills. Plus, the vertical steam function is a lifesaver for sprucing up hanging garments. Running on ordinary tap water, it's a practical solution for everyday ironing needs with the added benefit of a calc-clean function to prevent calcium buildup.
But, as with any product, there are a couple of cons to note. It doesn't come with a steam level setting, so you'll need to be careful when dealing with delicate fabrics that require lower settings. A few users also reported issues with leakages and difficulty with the cord.
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We recommend the Hamilton Beach Durathon Nonstick Soleplate Iron for those looking for an option with a retractable cord. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Its durability guarantees a long-lasting nonstick experience, 10 times longer than traditional nonstick options.
Plus, it boasts an 80% increased steam output for optimal wrinkle removal. The iron is user-friendly and equipped with straightforward fingertip controls for temperature and power. Additionally, an invaluable feature is the 3-way auto shutoff that ensures safety from potential accidents.
This iron stands out specifically for its retractable cord, which adds a level of convenience and tidiness that is often overlooked. The anti-drip feature is another plus, ensuring your clothes remain pristine during the ironing process.
However, some users have reported that the iron is on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for those who prefer a lightweight iron. Additionally, for those who like to keep track of water levels, the water compartment is not entirely transparent, which could lead to some guesswork.
The Tefal FV6550 Freemove Cordless Steam Iron is the best cordless iron option on the market, earning a solid 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
With its sleek design and advanced features, this iron offers a seamless, stress-free ironing experience. Its cordless operation means never worrying about a cord getting in your way or creasing what you've already ironed. Plus, its ceramic soleplate is super smooth, making it glide effortlessly over your clothes.
The horizontal base matches your natural ironing motion, and the quick recharge time means your iron is always ready when you need it. The smart light on the base is a handy guide for when it's time to recharge, ensuring you'll never run out of power during your ironing session.
Despite its many pros, the Freemove Air does require frequent refilling due to a smaller water tank. Additionally, some users have reported that it takes a while to heat up to the maximum temperature.
The Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra Copper Iron is our pick for vertical steaming. It is integrated with faster heat-up technology that expedites ironing time, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
The ceramic non-stick copper soleplate is a standout feature, distributing heat evenly for smooth, efficient results. Its easy maneuverability around button holes makes it perfect for detail-oriented ironers. The self-cleaning function is a huge plus, making maintenance a breeze. Furthermore, it emits 45g of continuous steam and a powerful 210g shot of steam, making wrinkle removal virtually effortless.
While this iron is highly rated at 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it does come with a couple of disadvantages. At $195, the price point is a bit steep, especially for those on a budget. Another minor con might be the weight, as this iron weighs in at 2.2kg.
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The Tefal UltraGlide Anti-Calc Plus Steam Iron FV5873 is an excellent choice for those just starting their ironing journey. It holds a commendable rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from users on Appliances Online.
The iron's user-friendly features, which include a 45g/min continuous steam output and the 185g/min steam boost for tougher creases, make it the ideal tool for beginners. The Durilium Airglide soleplate technology ensures smooth gliding across fabrics, and the scratch-resistant feature extends its life, ensuring a worthwhile investment. However, every product has room for improvement.
The Tefal UltraGlide Anti-Calc Plus Steam Iron could benefit from a more detailed user manual for absolute beginners. Due to its high-performance features and technology, it might also be heavier than other basic models. Nonetheless, it's a top pick for those ready to make their first foray into ironing.
The Braun TexStyle 5 Steam Iron SI5184BK is our top recommendation when it comes to ironing business shirts. Its unique FreeGlide 3D Technology ensures the iron glides over buttons and pockets with absolute ease, making it perfect for maintaining the sharp, crisp look of your professional attire. The Eloxal soleplate offers superior glide-ability, making ironing faster and more efficient, which is a real time-saver for busy professionals.
The iron comes with a convenient refill function that makes the chore of ironing less cumbersome, thanks to its larger water tank opening and ergonomic lid. You'll also appreciate the Smart iCare mode that protects your fabrics by maintaining a safe temperature, ensuring your shirts stay in top-notch condition.
Despite its powerful 2400W output, the open handle ensures comfort and excellent grip, making the ironing process less fatiguing. That being said, no product is without its cons. The Braun TexStyle 5 is no different, with some users finding the water tank's refill frequency a bit high for their liking. Others have noted that the iron's weight is slightly heavier, which may be a factor for those who prefer a lighter iron.
The Braun TexStyle 5 Steam Iron SI5184BK holds a remarkable 4.65 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and Myer, which speaks volumes about its effectiveness and popularity among users.
The Oliso TG1600 ProPlus Textile Steam Smart Iron is an excellent choice for all sewing enthusiasts. Its remarkable 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Amazon testifies to its excellence.
This iron is a perfect blend of modern technology and user-friendly features, making it the best choice for any sewing task. The enhanced iTouch® auto-lift technology ensures safety and makes ironing quicker and easier.
The Smart Sensor auto shut-off feature is a brilliant addition, providing an extra layer of safety by turning the iron off if tipped over. Its diamond ceramic-flow™ soleplate ensures optimal heat performance while the easy-clean feature amplifies its convenience. The iron's 2-in detailing tip is perfect for seams, bias tape, and other tricky corners like cuffs and pleats.
Plus, the Triple-Play professional steam system offers three steam settings to suit your needs, and the side-fill water tank with a flip funnel significantly reduces spillage. Add the 3.7m cord with 360° pivot offers a full range of motion, accommodating both left and right-handed users.
But despite its amazing features, there are two aspects to consider. Its price might be a bit steep for some budgets, and it can remain on standby use for only 30 minutes. However, with a 2-year limited warranty, the Oliso TG1600 ProPlus Textile Steam Smart Iron guarantees peace of mind and is an investment truly worth considering for your sewing projects.
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The Sunbeam Pro Steam Compact Iron is our pick for the best option for travel, receiving a high 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Its lightweight design makes it ideal for travellers and those who need a high-performance iron on the go. The non-stick soleplate glides across all types of fabric, preventing any sticking and ensuring a smooth ironing experience. Its dual voltage selection with a 100-120v / 220-240v switch is another testament to its suitability for travel. Additionally, with a push of the fold button, the foldable handle can easily be tucked away, making it a breeze to pack or store.
However, despite its many advantages, the Sunbeam Pro Steam Compact Iron may be a bit too basic for some users who prefer more advanced features. Also, it might not be the most beginner-friendly option on the market as it does require some degree of knowledge and skill.
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We considered the following brands of iron for our list:
We carefully selected products based on customer reviews and ratings (as of August 2023). We then narrowed down our choices based on key product features like ease of use, value for money, heating time, and other functions. We came up with what we believe are the 9 best irons available online.
[/fin_accordion][/fin_accordions]While most steam irons will offer similar functions, not all models are up to the same standard. Here are some things to look for when you are comparing steam iron models:
Main image: Getty
When comparing irons, one of the key features to consider is the soleplate – this is the metal plate at the bottom of the iron that you press onto the fabric. The soleplate material affects how smoothly the iron glides over your clothes, how well it resists scratching, and how easy it is to clean.
There are several different soleplate materials to choose from. Aluminium, non-stick, stainless steel and ceramic are the most commonly available options, but palladium, titanium and other materials can also be used for irons.
In addition to the material, check the size and shape of the soleplate. A larger soleplate will help you cover a big area as quickly as possible, but a narrow tip helps you iron in tight spaces such as on collars and around buttons.
While irons might seem like basic appliances on the surface, there are several factors you should take into account when comparing your options:
When comparing irons, you should also consider these features:
If you spend a lot of time ironing, a garment steamer or steam station could help make your chores quicker.
Garment steamers quickly remove wrinkles from clothes and delicate fabrics. However, they cost more than a standard iron and can't provide the crisp, pressed look that an iron can.
For more information, check out our guide to buying a garment steamer.
Also known as steam generator irons, steam stations feature a large water tank with a boiler designed to heat the liquid up quickly. They generate more steam pressure than a regular iron, allowing you to iron more clothes in a shorter period of time.
If you need to work through a large pile of clothes as quickly as possible, for example, if you're doing laundry for a family of four or five, a steam station could be a wise purchase. However, compared to irons, they're quite expensive with prices generally starting at $200. Steam stations also require much more storage space than irons.
Philips | 8.21 | 4.43 | 4.33 | 4.53 | 4.63 | 4.47 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunbeam | 8.10 | 4.36 | 4.42 | 4.44 | 4.36 | 4.42 |
Tefal | 8.08 | 4.35 | 4.15 | 4.62 | 4.38 | 4.46 |
Russell Hobbs | 8.03 | 4.35 | 4.26 | 4.39 | 4.52 | 4.39 |
Braun | 7.91 | 4.22 | 4.22 | 4.48 | 4.43 | 4.26 |
Kambrook | 7.81 | 4.27 | 4.32 | 4.34 | 4.29 | 4.17 |
Electrolux | 7.72 | 4.14 | 4.07 | 4.36 | 4.14 | 3.93 |
Panasonic | 7.46 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.92 | 3.92 | 3.92 |
Kogan* | 7.26 | 4.00 | 4.29 | 4.14 | 4.00 | 4.29 |
Kmart | 7.18 | 3.80 | 4.24 | 4.16 | 3.78 | 3.82 |
Target Essentials | 7.11 | 3.92 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.58 | 3.83 |
Easy Home (Aldi)* | 7.04 | 3.56 | 4.11 | 4.11 | 3.78 | 3.89 |
Other | 6.88 | 3.70 | 4.00 | 3.70 | 3.70 | 3.70 |
Stirling (Aldi)* | 6.83 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.50 |
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