EmailHere's what reviews say to look for in a steam iron. The important detail that emerged in our research is that all irons have durability issues eventually. Every iron, regardless of price, receives at least some complaints about leaks or breakdowns. We looked for steam irons that received fewer complaints than their peers. Experts say that for occasional ironing, an inexpensive iron is fine. If you iron more often, or enjoy sewing or crafting, you may want to spend more on an iron that has better steam capabilities and a heavier build (the weight of an iron also helps press out wrinkles).
- Non-stick soleplates are easy to clean; starch buildup wipes right off. Most steam irons have nonstick soleplates, but a few use stainless steel, which is more durable.
- Variable steam automatically adjusts the amount of steam for the heat setting, ensuring that you do not get high steam on fabrics that are more delicate. Owners are split on this feature; some prefer to manually adjust the steam to meet their own preferences.
- Vertical steam allows you to use the iron like a steamer to remove wrinkles on hanging garments or curtains. While many irons offer this feature, the amount of steam produced isn't always sufficient for heavy fabrics and drapes.
- A steam burst feature gives you an extra surge, allowing you to tackle particularly nasty wrinkles. This is by far the favorite feature of reviewers.
- Auto shutoff is a must for most consumers. However, you can still find irons without this feature, since people who do a lot of sewing prefer the iron to be on all the time. Be sure to read the box to know what you're getting.
- A self-cleaning feature enables you to shoot air through the steam vents to clear mineral buildup, which prevents clogging and leaks from plugged-up steam holes. While most owners appreciate this feature, some say it's ineffective if you use hard water in your iron.
- An anti-calcium feature helps prevent mineral buildup, which can clog steam vents. Higher-end models, such as the Rowenta Advancer, generally have this feature.
- The weight of the iron may not affect performance much, but it can make a huge difference in how comfortable the iron is to use. Managing a heavy iron can be difficult for those with less arm/hand strength or for anyone who needs to do a lot of ironing. Try out the handle as well to make sure that it fits the size of your hand. On the other hand, seamstresses, quilters and crafters actually prefer a heavy iron, since the weight helps set creases and folds in fabric.
Almost all irons have flexible cords, a spray or mist button, five or more temperature settings and at least a one-year warranty. Some models offer power cords that pivot out of the way, while others are retractable. In addition, today's irons are meant to be used with ordinary tap water. With few exceptions, distilled water is no longer necessary, and in some cases it may even damage your iron. Be sure to check the box and owner's manual to determine whether or not to use distilled water.
Tips on avoiding leaks
Reviews say there are a few things you can do to avoid leaks. Editors of Good Housekeeping suggest ironing delicates first, using a lower temperature setting, then turning up the heat for cottons and linens. This can be helpful because leaks can sometimes occur as an iron cools down. ConsumerReports.org suggests emptying the water tank every time you finish ironing in order to reduce the chance of drips the next time you iron. The editors also say it's a good idea to empty the iron while it is still warm, so that residual heat will evaporate remaining moisture.