Panasonic Cordless NI-L70SR

Unlike most cordless appliances, cordless steam irons aren't charged and then used until the battery is drained. Instead, they must be placed on the base whenever they aren't in use -- even for just a minute or two -- to maintain a hot temperature. The primary advantages of this type of iron are that the cord doesn't drag across clothes while pressing (which can cause more wrinkles) and it weighs less than corded models. The downside is the iron can be used for only about 10 minutes before it must be returned to the base to reheat.

While critics say cordless irons generally don't have enough wattage or steam power for heavy fabrics, users really seem to like them. Among cordless steam irons, the Panasonic NI-L70SR gets the most kudos thanks to its features, which include three heat settings, a sturdy charging base (which has a retractable cord), an anti-drip system and stay-clean steam vents, a stainless soleplate, adjustable and vertical steam functions, and burst-of-steam and spray mist buttons. Editors of Good Housekeeping evaluate this 1,500-watt model and say while cordless is "a great idea in theory," this iron has a weaker steam output than traditional cord models. Nevertheless, they find the NI-L70SR does an acceptable job taking care of wrinkles, and they appreciate its ergonomic handle-top controls, auto shutoff and removable water tank.

Reviewers on Amazon.com agree, with more than 150 owners saying the Panasonic Cordless heats up quickly, stays hot long enough to do the job, glides smoothly and is easy to maneuver. Sewers and quilters say it works especially well for pressing quilts and handmade piecework because there's no cord to get in the way. One tip: This iron works better if you leave it in its charging base between items you're pressing; that way, there's no wait time for it to heat up again. Users say they like its transparent, removable water tank, as well as its heat-resistant carrying case so you can put it away while still warm. There are a few complaints; one poster says more temperature settings would be an improvement, while another says the iron doesn't hold heat long enough for larger jobs. Overall, however, Amazon posters frequently use words like "wonderful" and "great" to describe this iron.