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In this report

See Also

Steam Irons: Ratings of Sources
Total of 14 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. Good Housekeeping
Not Dated
Steam Irons: Best of the Test
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
5 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Good Housekeeping tests 11 steam irons for consistent temperatures, steam production, stability when upright, wrinkle removal and ease of use in this review from the April 2009 issue. The three top picks are discussed in this slideshow; an accompanying article, "Affordable Steam Irons," discusses the other eight tested models.
2. Amazon.com
As of Oct. 2009
Steam Irons
by Contributors to Amazon.com
4 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Most professional reviews of steam irons are very outdated, so instead we turned to the hundreds of user ratings at Amazon.com to help identify reliable irons. The Black & Decker D2030 Digital Advantage receives a 4.5-star average rating from more than 1,000 owners, but is now discontinued. Other highly rated steam irons include the Rowenta DZ5080 and the Rowenta DG5030 Pressure Iron & Steamer.
3. Slate Magazine
Oct. 24, 2006
The Pressing Question
by Tom Bartlett
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

Back in 2006, Tom Bartlett tested seven irons on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk and a polyester blend. In this review, he rates the irons on ease of use, the "feel factor," steaming power and… how well the iron eliminates wrinkles. Bartlett writes, "I ironed until my wrist became tired, my back achy, my soul deadened." This is an excellent comparison review of irons, but many of the tested irons have since been discontinued.

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4. ConsumerReports.org
Not Dated
Steam Irons
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment ConsumerReports.org has removed the date from this article, but it's clear to us that it hasn't been updated in three years since several of the recommended irons, including both top-rated steam irons, are no longer available. Tests included ironing on linen, cotton and a polyester/wool blend. To measure durability, each iron was filled with water and used for more than 250 hours of ironing.
5. The Wall Street Journal
July 28, 2006
Catalog Critic: A New Way to Keep Shirts Crisp
by Roberta Bernstein
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Three testers review five different steam irons that can also double as vertical steamers. This excellent article provides detailed pros and cons for each of the models tested. While the testing is excellent, most of the tested steam irons have now been discontinued.
6. Which? magazine
Oct. 2009
Steam Irons
by Editors of Which? magazine
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment British consumer review magazine Which? puts testers to task with 69 steam irons and 25 steam generators, simulating over four years of domestic use. The irons rated here are not available in the U.S., but there are some familiar brands. Twenty-four best buys are chosen.
7. Choice magazine
May 2008
Test: Irons
by Editors of Choice magazine
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment This Australian equivalent of ConsumerReports.org tests 13 steam irons. Unfortunately, most models tested for this review are not available in the U.S. This is a good stop if you live in Australia or New Zealand, however.
8. Consumer magazine
Aug. 1, 2008
Irons
by Editors of Consumer magazine
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment This consumer magazine from New Zealand is similar to ConsumerReports.org. Unfortunately, the irons reviewed are not available in the U.S. Ratings are based upon performance and ease of use, and a checklist of things to consider when buying an iron is included.
9. Real Simple
Not Dated
The Best Irons
by Karen L. Smith
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

Editors of Real Simple indicate that they tested 33 irons, yet only four models are mentioned in this short article. We wish the magazine would note scores for other models, or at least mention which irons… didn't make the cut. The Rowenta Effective DX1900 and Rowenta Professional DX8800 are the best steamers. The Travel Smart travel iron is light and compact, and the Oliso Auto Lift iron is deemed the best upgrade, though no context for this rating is provided.

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10. Buzzillions.com
As of Oct. 2009
Iron Reviews
by Contributors to Buzzillions.com
3 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Buzzillions.com compiles steam iron reviews from retailer websites, including Macys.com, JR.com and Sears.com. Owners can also post reviews directly to Buzzillions.com. Most of the irons here have only a handful of reviews, but a few Rowenta irons stand out with high average scores and a larger number of reviews.
11. About.com
Not Dated
Irons & Presses
by Mariette Mifflin
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment

Mariette Mifflin, housewares guide for About.com, provides useful information about steam irons and steam generators, including which features are must-haves and which are convenient but optional. Mifflin… reviews three models, but it's unclear if these irons were tested, and all of them are now discontinued. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

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12. Epinions.com
As of Oct. 2009
Irons
by Contributors to Epinions.com
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment There are fewer owner-written reviews for irons on Epinions.com than at Amazon.com. Many models receive good remarks from owners, but few individual irons receive more than a handful of comments. Black & Decker models get more ratings than others.
13. Target.com
As of Oct. 2009
Irons
by Contributors to Target.com
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Target.com is accumulating some consumer reviews for steam irons. The Shark Professional Continuous Iron GI490 receives more than 60 ratings, but has a low average score. A few other steam irons receive a dozen or so reviews, with mixed ratings. While Target is getting to be a better source for owner reviews, many irons haven't yet been rated at all.
14. Walmart.com
As of Oct. 2009
Irons
by Contributors to Walmart.com
2 stars Credibility Rating
Our Assessment Walmart.com sells about 40 irons and related products, but about half of these haven't been reviewed by users. Of those that have, only the Sunbeam Steam Master 4214 receives a substantial number of ratings (about 60). About half of the owners posting reviews here are happy with this model. The remainder report poor performance, leaking and reliability problems.

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