cleaning & laundry

Best Steam Iron

Melissa
30th June, 2022 | 15 minute read

Want to know what the best steam iron on the market is?

In this guide, we'll look at the top products out there as well as explain the various types of steam iron that exist, among other relevant topics.

We've reviewed the top-rated steam irons out there to help you make the right choice when it comes to buying. Whether you're looking for a steam iron with crease protection or you're on a budget we've got you covered!

Anyone considering buying a steam iron either now or in the future will find this guide incredibly useful.

Steam iron

What Is a Steam Iron?

A steam iron is a fairly small appliance that turns water into steam, which can remove creases from linen when pressed down onto it. People use steam irons to quickly and effectively remove creases from their clothes and other linen.

Black and gold steam iron

They've been a common feature of households since the 1940s and '50s.

Their operation temperature tends to range from 120° and 180°.

How Does a Steam Iron Work?

Ironing functions by loosening bonds that exist between the polymer molecules (that come in the form of long chains) in a material's fibres.

steam ironing

When the molecules become hot, the weight of the iron straightens them out. The new creaseless shape remains once the linen cools.

Types of Steam Iron

We'll now at the different types of steam irons.

Cordless Steam Iron

Put simply; this is a battery-powered steam iron. Rather than relying on a plug that needs to kept in to work continually, a cordless steam iron is easier to move and more straightforward to iron with. Not only that, but they tend to be lighter than one with a cord.

Cordless steam iron

However, cordless irons tend to produce less heat than their corded counterparts. They do, of course, have a limited battery time, as well as poor heat retention.

Steam Generator

Steam generator irons are powerful and effective irons. They come with large quantities of high-pressure steam, it may cut regular ironing time in three, and there is no requirement for constant water refills.

Steam generator

However, steam generator irons take more time to heat up, are more costly, and their base unit will be relatively large. Further, when water is being heated up and circulated, it'll be a bit louder than you'd expect from a conventional iron.

Heavy-duty Steam Iron

This type of iron can be used to get through mountains of clothes and fast. Heavy-duty steam irons are great for all-day ironing and have a continuous supply of steam.

Heavy duty steam iron

Although, it should be noted that they tend not to come with an auto-shut-off.

Pressurised Steam Iron

This is basically a steam iron that uses higher pressure levels than others. It helps irons penetrate more deeply into the fabric. With a large water-filling inlet refills are made easy and time-efficient.

Pressurised steam iron

They also tend to be more powerful than non-pressurised irons.

Non-pressurised Steam Iron

Alternatively, non-pressurised irons are those with lower pressure levels. While they are less effective and powerful than their pressurised counterparts, they do tend to be cheaper.

Non-pressurised steam iron

The steam output is higher since the steam is not, as you'd imagine, that pressurised.

Best Steam Iron

We'll now discuss the best steam irons that can be found on the market with the following steam iron reviews. In each, we'll look at why the product is a great choice and layout its pros and cons (even the best aren't perfect).

Best Cordless Steam Iron

Non Stick T22008 Cordless Iron by Tower

Non Stick T22008 Cordless Iron by Tower

This versatile cordless steam iron has a 360ml water tank capacity. Its powerful crease removal with 2400 watts of power backing is achieved within half a minute of heating up.

Its ceramic soleplate is also multilayered and offers an easy and smooth glide that removes creases. It has a one year guarantee but an extended two-year warranty after registering.

Things we liked
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Design is quick charging
  • Low-maintenance
  • Precise and effective steaming
  • User-friendly
Things we didn't like
  • Somewhat wobbly/unstable charging base

Wireless Portable Steam Iron by Yuanyuan520

Wireless Portable Steam Iron by Yuanyuan520

This portable green iron features an anti-drip system to keep the risk of unwanted leakage to a minimum (regardless of the temperature), anti-calcium qualities, and a sizable U-shaped ceramic soleplate. Further, this iron has an anti-skidding handle that is easy to use and comfortable when holding. This portable steam iron also comes with self-maintenance systems.

Things we liked
  • Fast-charging
  • Good levels of energy efficiency
  • Ease-of-use
  • Five-speed settings available
  • Self-maintenance systems
Things we didn't like
  • It looks a little cheap

Morphy Richards 303250 Cordless Steam Iron

Morphy Richards 303250 Cordless Steam Iron

This Russell Hobbs iron charges in only five seconds. The 23300 creates steam in less than 30 seconds and can provide 40 grams a minute. With its boost steam shot, it can offer 135g of steam.

There is also a light indicator on the base that lets you monitor the status while using the iron. It also has a 300ml water tank.

Things we liked
  • Fast-charging
  • Monitoring the water level is straightforward
  • Heavy-duty product
  • Steam boost mode
  • Vertical steam
Things we didn't like
  • Water can drip on occasion

Swan 2-in-1 Cord or Cordless Steam Iron Press

Swan 2-in-1 Cord or Cordless Steam Iron Press

The Swan 2-in-1 is a strong choice if you're looking to purchase a steam iron press. It's backed by 2800 watts of power, making it a fast and effective iron.

It comes with variable steam functions, a long life expectancy, and a non-stick ceramic soleplate. It is, however, a little heavy when used with a cord.

Things we liked
  • Powerful and effective
  • 2-in-1 product
  • Variable steam functions
  • Non-stick ceramic soleplate
Things we didn't like
  • Heavy with a cord

Best Steam Generator

Morphy Richards 332017

Morphy Richards 332017

This Morphy Richards iron is straightforward but both efficient and effective at the task. It offers three steam settings, including a maximum option to take on especially stubborn creasing.

It has 6.5 bars of steam pressure, 2400 watts of power behind it, 190g of continuous steam output, and a 2200ml water tank capacity. Among its add-ons is its indicator light for low water.

Things we liked
  • Easy to use
  • Energy efficient
  • 6.5 bars of steam pressure
  • Low-water indicator light
Things we didn't like
  • The handle is a bit chunky

Bosch Serie 8 VarioComfort TDS8030GB

Bosch Serie 8 VarioComfort TDS8030GB

The TDS8030GB has an 1800ml water tank, 120g a minute steam output, and a steam boost of 480g a minute. Bosch's iTemp feature offers one temperature setting for any fabric.

There is also a rear temperature selection panel. However, if you'd prefer to go with a specific fabric setting, whether it be wool, synthetics, silk, linen, AntiShine, or otherwise. It can reach operating time within two minutes also.

Things we liked
  • Not too costly
  • 1800ml water tank
  • Steam boost of 480g a minute
  • 120g a minute steam output
Things we didn't like
  • Not as high-quality as some of the Philips products

Best Heavy-Duty Steam Iron

Philips Azur Steam Iron

Philips Azur Steam Iron

This fairly cheap iron is backed by a strong 2600 watts of power, features a 300ml tank, and is both easy to fill and empty. Further, the Philips Azur Steam Iron is well-designed, and it comes with features like a limescale catcher and a drip-stop. This iron is perfect for getting through large heaps of linen.

Things we liked
  • 2600 watt iron
  • Good design
  • Easy to fill and empty
  • Helpful features
Things we didn't like
  • Fairly bulky

The Funky Appliance Company Grey Funky Iron

The Funky Appliance Company Grey Funky Iron

This stylish iron is well-designed for large households and can deal with plenty of linen in a relatively short span of time. It's powered by 2400 watts, has a steam rate of 45g a minute, and a 450ml water tank.

While it takes longer to heat up than many other products, it's effective and decent value for money. It also comes with a heat-resistant silicone pad and water jug to rest the iron. You also get a two-year warranty and a safety auto-shutoff with this iron.

Things we liked
  • 2400 watts of power
  • Great for a large household
  • Two-years warranty
  • Safety auto-shutoff
Things we didn't like
  • It doesn't heat up as quickly as plenty of other products

Bosch TDA3020GB Power III Steam Iron

Bosch TDA3020GB Power III Steam Iron

Another powerful option is the TDA3020GB from Bosch. It offers high steam production, a reliable and durable soleplate, self-cleaning qualities, and it's also quite easy to glide.

With that said, this Bosch steam iron can suffer from intermittent water leakage, and its heating capacity is not the greatest.

Things we liked
  • High steam production
  • The reliable and durable soleplate
  • Self-cleaning
  • Glides with ease
Things we didn't like
  • Water leakage can occur
  • Heating capacity is not the best

Best Pressurised Steam Iron

Morphy Richards Saturn Steam Pressurised Iron 305000

Morphy Richards Saturn Steam Pressurised Iron 305000

This 2400 watt iron is considered a hybrid iron and is a great alternative to steam generator irons while being relatively small in size. Despite this, it is a little heavy.

It comes with a pressurised pump, allowing a constant flow of steam. It is decent at removing creases. The 305000 comes with a good performance, design, and very helpful and easy to understand instructions. It's also relatively quiet.

Things we liked
  • Easy to use digital control panel
  • Continuous water spray
Things we didn't like
  • Very difficult to see the water level via the tank
  • It doesn't glide so smoothly
  • The water spray button could be bigger

NAHANCO DG5030 Rowenta's Steam Generator Iron

NAHANCO DG5030 Rowenta's Steam Generator Iron

For a compact and high-pressure steam generator iron, you should consider the DG5030 from NAHANCO. It offers very smooth gliding as well as a precision tip. This is great for getting to difficult to reach areas. It has a 1200ml water tank, is great for thick fabrics, and offers an hour and a half of ironing time.

However, its auto shut-down mode is arguably a bit too fast. The DG5030 provides four bars of steam pressure.

Things we liked
  • Especially smooth gliding
  • Great for reaching difficult to reach areas
  • An hour and a half of ironing time
Things we didn't like
  • Auto shut-down mode is fairly quick

Philips PerfectCare Elite GC9650/80

Philips PerfectCare Elite GC9650/80

This efficient and user-friendly steam generator iron from Philips has a 1800ml water tank, steam boost of 500g a minute, a steam output of 150g a minute, and OPTIMALTEMP technology as a way to prevent burning clothes. It provides a strong 7.5 bars of pressure.

Things we liked
  • Ease-of-use
  • Energy efficient
  • Anti-burn technology
Things we didn't like
  • Not the largest water tank

Best Non-pressurised Steam Iron

Dupray Steam Iron Steam Generator Iron

Dupray Steam Iron Steam Generator Iron

This standout product provides the ability to iron, sew, and quilt. This 3-in-1 iron offers as much as 120g of steam every minute, temperature control, an anti-drip soleplate, and a comfy cork handle too.

This Dupray steam generator iron offers 3.5 bars of steam pressure, an hour of ironing time, and a 1000ml tank capacity. However, it does lack a water gauge, and you have to wait until it cools down before refilling water.

Things we liked
  • Great steam output level
  • Comfy cork handle
  • Temperature control
  • Anti-drip soleplate
Things we didn't like
  • Water must cool before being refilled
  • No water gauge

Breville PressXpress 2400W VIN410

Breville PressXpress 2400W VIN410

The VIN410 has a 1700ml water tank, five bars of steam pressure, a continuous steam output of 100g, a steam shot of 230g, and 2400 watts of power. This is a great budget option as for an iron of its quality, it's available for a relatively low price tag.

Its water tank is easy to empty and refill, and its controls are straightforward to use also. With that being said, this Breville steam iron reportedly has slightly inconsistent temperatures at times, and its steam flex is a bit short. All in all though, this is a top-notch product.

Things we liked
  • Budget-friendly
  • 1700ml water tank
  • Easy to empty and refill the tank
Things we didn't like
  • Temperatures can be inconsistent
  • Steam flex a little short

Tefal Ultimate Pure FV9845

Tefal Ultimate Pure FV9845

The FV9845 has an attractive, slick, and modern design. It's easy to use and comes with helpful instructors. Beyond that, this Tefal steam iron has a 350ml water tank capacity, 60g steam rate, 260g steam shot, and a whopping 3100 watts of power. However, it's quite heavy, a challenge to empty and refill, and a bit bulky for storing away.

Things we liked
  • Nice and modern design
  • 3100 watts of power
  • Glides across fabrics very easily
  • Water maximum can be seen
Things we didn't like
  • Fairly heavy and bulky to put away
  • Difficult to empty and refill

Best Self-cleaning Steam Iron

Quest 2200W Steam Iron

Quest 2200W Steam Iron

This professional steam iron offers great value for money with variable temperature control, a non-stick soleplate, and a 230ml water tank. As for its self-cleaning abilities, it can remove scale and impurities by itself.

This Quest steam iron also features a two-metre power cord to ensure you won't always have to set it up right next to a socket.

Things we liked
  • Industrial-quality steam iron
  • Great bang for your buck
  • Variable temperature control
Things we didn't like
  • Some better products out there

Dcenta Steam Iron

Dcenta Steam Iron

Another iron with good self-cleaning capabilities is this option from Dcenta. This product provides 2400 watts of power, a 320ml water tank, a safety 3-way motion smart auto-off, and it's straightforward to adjust both steam and temperature. It's a fairly hi-tech iron too with a HD LCD screen.

Beyond that, the Dcenta Steam Iron comes with a stainless steel and ceramic soleplate, is suited to a variety of fabrics, and it can heat up quickly.

Things we liked
  • 3-way motion smart auto-off feature
  • Easy and comfortable to iron with
  • HD LCD screen
  • Heats up fast
Things we didn't like
  • Lacks some power and quality over the highest quality options

iTanila Steam Iron

iTanila Steam Iron

With this iron, you get an advanced ceramic soleplate, 2500 watts of power, a self-cleaning function, an auto shut-off feature, and an anti-scale function too. Further, it comes with anti-drip qualities, a large 260ml water tank, and five temperature control modes.

The iTanila Steam Iron can also produce continuous steam in under 15 seconds and offers a steam output of 180g per minute. Among the advantages of its self-cleaning function is that it prevents the soleplate from calcifying, which will expand the iron's life expectancy.

Things we liked
  • Auto shut-off feature
  • 260ml water tank
  • Five temperature control modes
Things we didn't like
  • Not the highest quality iron

Best Travel Steam Iron

Rowenta DA1560 Travel Steam Iron

Rowenta DA1560 Travel Steam Iron

This compact, 1000 watt steam iron is provided by Rowenta, one of the best steam iron brands worldwide. The DA1560 is a 1000-watt product that comes with a stainless-steel micro steam soleplate as well as an adjustable temperature.

It comes with a vertical-steam option, dual-voltage switch, and a two-ounce transparent water tank. It's also compact and features a one-year limited guarantee. With that being said, it does take quite a bit of time to cool down.

Things we liked
  • Top-notch brand
  • Stainless steel micro steam soleplate
  • Light and compact
Things we didn't like
  • It doesn't cool down that quick

Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron

Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron

Another small but useful iron for travel purposes is the SF-717 from Steamfast. This steam iron has a fast heat-up time (about 15 seconds), has 420 watts of power, dual-voltage convenience, and sanitisation qualities.

This mini steam iron also comes with a non-stick soleplate, anti-slip handle, three different temperature settings, and rapid heating. In addition, the SF-717 comes with a travel bag and plastic measuring cup to make life easier. You also get a two-year guarantee with this steam iron.

Things we liked
  • 420 watts of power
  • Heats up in 15 seconds
  • Anti-slip handle
  • Two-years guarantee
Things we didn't like
  • Steam is released when the SF-717 is held horizontally
  • It takes longer to remove creases

Utopia Home Steam Iron

Utopia Home Steam Iron

Another budget option is the Utopia Home Steam Iron. It's a lightweight and travel-friendly mini iron that can be employed for vertical use to steam clothes while they're on a hanger. You could also use it at home to remove creases from drapes and curtains.

The Utopia Home Steam Iron has a 200ml water tank, a 360° swivel cord, and useful features like an overheat safety protection, variable steam control, a non-stick soleplate, and an adjustable thermostat control.

Things we liked
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Vertical use
  • 360° swivel cord
Things we didn't like
  • Not easy to fix it breaks
  • The swivel cord is quite short

What to Consider Before Buying a Steam Iron

There's a few points you should take on board before purchasing a steam iron. Let's look at some common examples.

Cost

First and foremost, you should consider your budget for buying a steam iron. Do you want something relatively cheap and under £30? How about something a little cheaper but still under £80? For the highest-end supreme quality irons, you may need to spend over £100.

Self-cleaning Functions

You may prefer an iron with self-cleaning capabilities. This can be more convenient and save you time, although you may pay a little extra if you're after an iron with these functions. Also, of those that can self-clean, some will be better than others.

Buying a steam iron

Easy to Use

Some irons are very straightforward and can even be used on any suitable fabric without choosing a specific setting. It's best to find an iron with the right level of complexity for you and your preferences.

Limescale Filter

Having an iron with a limescale filter is a great way to have a highly durable option. Limescale filters are effective and can extend the lifespan of a steam iron. However, those with such filters tend to be more costly.

FAQs

How do you clean a steam iron?

While you should always follow the manufacturer's guidance, there are some common methods generally employed to clean steam irons.

Here is one such approach for cleaning the inside of an iron:

  • Mix three-quarters of a cup of distilled water with a quarter cup of white vinegar
  • Plug the iron in and turn on its steam feature
  • Give it about 3-5 minutes to heat up
  • Press the steam button
  • Hold this button until steam is released
  • Do this about 4-6 times, and then turn off your iron
  • With a clean cotton swab, safely and cautiously clean the steam vents on your iron
  • Unplug the iron and give it time to cool down
  • Empty out your mixture
  • Use the solution to mix the soleplate of your iron

Where can you buy a steam iron?

Electrical stores are a great place to purchase a steam iron from. It's also worth checking out different retailers, hardware stores, and websites like Amazon.

How long do irons last?

In many cases, they may work for a decade or so, but some die out many years sooner. It will depend on how well-maintained the iron is and a bit of luck. Also, it should be noted that steam generator irons have a longer life expectancy than regular irons.

Is it expensive to buy a wireless steam iron for clothes?

Not really, actually. There are plenty of fairly inexpensive cordless steam irons on the market nowadays.

What is the best ironing board?

One of the strongest options is the Brabantia Ironing Board with Solid Steam Iron Rest.

Sources

  1. https://www.ironsexpert.co.uk/best-cordless-irons/
  2. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g27955669/best-steam-generator-irons/
  3. https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/household-appliances/best-steam-iron-reviews-under-50-deals-for-hard-water-9078316.html
  4. https://ohsospotless.com/steam-generator-irons/
  5. https://www.roadaffair.com/best-travel-irons/
  6. https://gadgets-reviews.com/review/1258-best-travel-irons.html