Steam Iron Information

Some alternatives: Steam generators and gravity-feed irons

Avid sewing enthusiasts (or just people who do lots of ironing) have a number of options available to them beyond the capacity of home-use irons, including steam generators and gravity-feed irons.

Steam generators are meant to bridge the gap between low-steam-capacity home irons and full-fledged, professional gravity-feed irons. A separate base sits underneath the iron, holding around 32 ounces of water. The steam boiler is connected to the iron with a rubber hose. You can steam continuously for about 90 minutes, and you have a lot of control over the steam. Both experts and user reviews at consumer sites recommend Rowenta steam generators. The Rowenta DG5030 Pressure Iron & Steamer (*Est. $150) has replaced earlier models in the U.S. This model isn't included in professional reviews, but more than 100 users have given it mainly high marks on Amazon.com. If you're curious about how a steam generator works, there is an interactive page on Rowenta's website and a demonstration video at ArtOfIroning.com.

Long a staple of professional sewing workrooms, gravity-feed irons use a suspended water bottle and connecting tube to let water dribble down to the iron. They take up more space than steam generators, require a more substantial ironing board and are generally heavier (around 5 pounds or so). However, a gravity-feed iron will let you steam continuously for six hours or more. Sussman, Naomoto, Sapporo and Silver Star all make these irons.

Travel irons and steamers

Portable irons are less of a necessity now that many hotels provide them in rooms or upon request, but if you need to take an iron with you, the Rowenta DA-35 Compact Iron with Dual Voltage does well at consumer review sites. This particular model has been discontinued, but a similar model, the Rowenta DA1560 (*Est. $40), has similar features including a dual-voltage switch. The few user reviews we found for this iron were positive.

You can save yourself some money and prolong the life of your clothing if you steam wrinkles out of your nonironable suits and dresses instead of taking them to a dry cleaner. See our report on garment steamers for more information.

The All the Reviews Reviewed chart includes links to articles. In addition, you can find detailed specifications, warranty and service information at manufacturers' websites:

Black & Decker

Hamilton Beach

Jiffy Steamer

Oliso

Panasonic

Proctor Silex

Rowenta

T-Fal

Sunbeam