EmailBest Reviewed
Steam Irons
- Best steam iron, but expensive Rowenta Advancer DZ9080 *Est. $120
- Mid-priced steam iron Rowenta Focus DZ5080 *Est. $80
- Basic steam iron Panasonic NI-S300TR *Est. $25
- Cordless steam iron Panasonic Cordless NI-L70SR *Est. $70
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- Lightweight
- Vertical steam
- Easy to refill
- Stable when upright
- Not everyone likes the smooth, fast glide
- No "off" button
The lightweight, fast-gliding T-Fal Aquaspeed Ultracord earns high marks from professional reviewers and might have been a candidate for designation as one of ConsumerSearch.com's Best Reviewed picks, but the T-Fal iron is nearly impossible to find in stores. If you can find it, Good Housekeeping magazine calls this steam iron a "solid steamer and good performer." Older versions of this iron also receive some good reviews. In a 2006 review, Slate magazine's Tom Bartlett says it removes most wrinkles in one pass and "glides like a dream." User reviews at Amazon.com are similarly complimentary (for the older models). If you're on a tight budget, the Panasonic NI-S300TR (*Est. $25) is a no-frills option that receives high praise from owners for its performance and ease of use.
The T-Fal Aquaspeed is included in professional reviews in Good Housekeeping and Slate magazines, and in a steam iron roundup from The Wall Street Journal. We found user reviews for this steam iron at Amazon.com. All of these reviews except for the Good Housekeeping article are for an earlier version of this iron.
Our Sources
1. Good HousekeepingDetails/Subscribe
Editors at Good Housekeeping test 11 steam irons for consistent temperatures, stability when upright, steam production, wrinkle removal, ease of use and customer service. While the T-Fal Aquaspeed Ultracord isn't among the top three featured irons, editors say the ceramic soleplate glides smoothly and the iron is easier to fill than others.
Review: Steam Irons: Best of the Test, Editors of Good Housekeeping, Not Dated
2. Slate MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Bartlett (and his mother-in-law) test seven irons on a variety of fabrics and rank them based on ease of use, comfort, steaming and wrinkle removal. The T-Fal Aquaspeed (an older version) receives the highest rating for its smooth gliding, effective wrinkle removal and the speed with which the water reservoir can be refilled.
Review: The Pressing Question, Tom Bartlett, Oct. 24, 2006
The T-Fal Aquaspeed (an older version) is one of five steam irons discussed in this article. Testers like that the iron can be refilled directly from the tap but feel it glides too smoothly, likening it to "operating a race car."
Review: Catalog Critic: A New Way to Keep Shirts Crisp, Roberta Bernstein, July 28, 2006
4. Amazon.com
About 30 users contribute to the T-Fal Aquaspeed's four-star (out of five) rating at Amazon.com. Aside from a few complaints of early breakdowns, owners report that the iron is lightweight, easy to use and does a great job getting wrinkles out. These reviews are for an older version; the new model has not been rated.
Review: T-Fal Aquaspeed FV5155 Iron, Contributors to Amazon.com
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