Panasonic Cordless NI-L70SR

Unlike most cordless appliances, cordless steam irons aren't charged and then used until the battery is drained. Instead, cordless irons are placed on the base whenever they aren't in use -- even for just a minute or two -- while the soleplate heats up. The main advantages of this type of iron is that the cord doesn't cause drag while ironing and the base can be placed near a wall so there's less risk that children or pets will trip over the cord and knock over the heated iron. The downside is that the iron can only be used briefly -- for about 10 minutes -- before it must be returned to the base to reheat. Cordless irons also don't get as hot or produce as much steam as corded models, but owners say the Panasonic NI-L70SR does a perfectly good job getting wrinkles out. The detachable water tank makes refilling the steam iron from the tap more convenient; you won't need to lug the whole iron to the sink. If you don't mind using a corded iron, the Rowenta Focus DZ5080 (*Est. $80) has more steam power.

The Panasonic NI-L70SR is included in a recent professional test of steam irons from Good Housekeeping magazine. We also found numerous owner reviews for this model at Amazon.com, Buzzillions.com and Buy.com.