13 Best Home Irons

The main purpose of a home iron (to smooth and soften laundry) has remained unchanged for many decades, while the functionality of a household appliance is constantly being improved and expanded. Modern models "know" much more than their predecessors, which greatly facilitate and accelerate the ironing process.

This article will discuss the characteristics that you should pay attention to in order to choose a good iron. In addition, the material contains ratings of the best irons for the home based on price, quality and performance.

What to look for when choosing an iron

All iron models differ in the following main characteristics:

• A type. Irons can be ordinary (designed for everyday use) or equipped with special devices - steam generators for continuous ironing with steaming.
• Power. The indicator is responsible for the heating rate to the working state (the higher it is, the more efficient the ironing process). Classic models have a power up to 1500 W, irons with an average performance - 1500 - 2500 W, professional - more than 2500 W.
• Outsole material. Modern irons are equipped with aluminum, steel, ceramic, titanium and other soles. Renowned manufacturers of household appliances coat the soles with special innovative compounds to increase their durability and resistance to damage and scratches.

• Delicate attachment. The item is included with some models for the most gentle care for certain types of fabrics.
• Additional functions (steam supply, steam boost, vertical steaming, self-cleaning) are designed to make the iron more convenient to use, as well as to extend its service life.

Which firm is the best?

The following European brands best combine functionality, beauty and usability in their products:

• Bosch. German manufacturer actively using new technologies and materials. Bosch irons are equipped with combination soles for better glide and quality ironing.
• Philips. A company with an emphasis on product safety and innovation. Brand pride: Non-scratch Steam Glide soles.
• Braun. A demanded German brand with a high quality assembly of equipment. Produces irons with durable aluminum, stainless steel and ceramic soles.
• Tefal. A popular brand of technology that offers models with ideal slip characteristics on fabrics. Cordless irons from Tefal are especially popular with buyers.
• Polaris. A democratic brand of functional and reliable technology. Equips irons with specially coated soles for easy and efficient ironing.

When choosing an iron for home use, many buyers are guided not only by the above criteria, but also pay attention to the cost of the product, especially if the purchase budget is limited. All iron models can be roughly divided into 3 categories:

Overview of inexpensive iron models

Democratic models are in great demand among consumers, which are able to cope with the functions assigned to them as efficiently as possible, without breaking or damaging things and fabrics.

The best iron in our rating is Tefal FV3915 Easygliss. A powerful steam iron (2.2 kW) heats up quickly, irones with high quality and perfectly steams things from any fabric. The sole with the innovative Durilium coating is not endowed with high indicators of durability, but provides a perfect glide on the linen. The heating elements of the model are protected from limescale, in addition, the device is equipped with an anti-drip system.

Advantages:

• fast and smooth sliding;
• smooth, easy-to-clean sole;
• convenient and high-quality vertical steaming.

Disadvantages:

• water may leak from the valve when the steaming function is off.

Expert rating: A practical home model that does a good job of ironing and steaming almost any fabric.

A good reliable model of a steam iron with a powerful steam boost of 150 g / min and a lightweight aluminum soleplate perfectly glides over fabrics, smoothing out folds and creases of any complexity. For ease of use, the iron is equipped with vertical steaming, self-cleaning and anti-scale functions, and a built-in anti-drip system.

Advantages:

• fast heating;
• easy ironing and efficient steaming system;
• ease of use and maneuverability.

disadvantages

• small volume of the water tank;
• short cord (2 meters).

Rating: a high-quality and reliable iron with the necessary set of functions for quick ironing and steaming of any fabrics at home.

The lightweight and powerful steam iron (2.38 kW) heats up quickly and smoothes even heavily wrinkled fabrics. The titanium sole has high durability and excellent sliding characteristics. In addition to the basic functions, the model is equipped with vertical steaming, the option of self-cleaning and protection against the appearance of scale, an anti-drip system.

Advantages:

• perfect sliding on fabric
• high-strength, damage- and scratch-resistant outsole.

Disadvantages:

• an iron with a fully filled water tank is somewhat heavier than other similar models;
• short cord (1.8 meters).

Rating: The classic home iron that copes well with ironing and steaming laundry from any fabric.

A high-performance iron with a high operating power (2.5 kW) with a good steam boost of 150 g / min, quickly iron and steamed large amounts of laundry. The sole is ceramic: it is not afraid of damage and scratches from careless use. Additional model options: vertical steaming, built-in self-cleaning and protection against scale formation, auto-off, “Drop-stop” system.

Advantages:

• fast heating and easy sliding;
• powerful and efficient steaming;
• the ability to remotely turn off the iron via a mobile phone;
• long cord.

Disadvantages:

• subtle indicators of steaming modes.

Evaluation: A reliable and high-quality iron that provides excellent ironing and steaming of household linen.

A budgetary, but quite powerful steam iron (2.4 kW) with a good steam boost of 140 g / min copes well with ironing and steaming laundry at a household level. The stainless steel sole glides well on fabrics and is less prone to damage. The iron is additionally equipped with vertical steaming and self-cleaning functions.

Advantages:

• smooth glide when ironing;
• efficient vertical and horizontal steaming
• long cord.

No flaws were found.

Rating: A democratic model of a home iron that performs all the functions declared by the manufacturer with high quality.

The best steam models in terms of price-quality ratio

When choosing a productive iron for home needs, you should pay attention to the models presented in the middle price segment. Among them there are those that are close in their functions to full-fledged ironing systems, while the price for them is much lower than for modern multifunctional devices.

A reliable steam iron with average power characteristics (2.3 kW - working, 140 g / min - steam boost) is well suited for domestic needs. Alloy steel sole with Steam Glide coating provides quick ironing without fear of scratches, bumps and cracks. Additional options built into the model: vertical steaming, anti-scale function, anti-drip system.

Advantages:

• easy sliding, excellent steam performance;
• fast heating;
• high-strength anti-scratch outsole;
• convenient device for adding water.

Disadvantages:

• water may leak from the steam valve;
• there is no auto-off function.

Rating: A powerful iron that provides easy ironing and steaming of laundry. May have some problems with the steam system (water leakage).

The reliable iron with a powerful steam boost of 150 g / min and continuous steam function makes it easy to iron even very wrinkled items. The aluminum sole glides perfectly on fabrics, and the high-strength Eloxal coating makes it resistant to all possible damage. The model has built-in self-cleaning and anti-scale functions, and is also equipped with a “Drop-stop” system.

Advantages:

• high-quality ironing and steaming of any fabrics;
• there is a nozzle for delicate fabrics;
• long cord;
• convenient descaling system.

Disadvantages:

• the cord attachment may interfere with ironing
• there is no auto-off function.

Rating: High quality productive model that perfectly fulfills the functions declared by the manufacturer.

A powerful iron with a high operating power of 2.8 kW allows you to quickly and effortlessly handle large quantities of laundry of any degree of wrinkle. The metal-ceramic sole glides easily on all types of fabrics. For ease of use, the model is equipped with additional options: built-in protection against scale, auto shut-off, anti-drip system.

Advantages:

• fast heating and good sliding;
• automatic steam setting depending on the ironing temperature;
• non-scratch outsole;
• comfortable handle.

Disadvantages:

• the anti-drip system does not always work;
• water is consumed quickly during steaming.

Evaluation: A quality steam iron that provides quick and easy ironing of even heavily wrinkled fabrics.

The high power steam iron (2.3 kW) is equipped with vertical steam for quick and high-quality smoothing of any creases and creases. Durilium-coated metal-ceramic outsole - for perfect glide on fabrics. The self-descaling function allows you to use normal water when ironing, and the “Drop-stop” system protects fabrics from splashes and smudges.

Advantages:

• soft and fast sliding;
• auto-tuning of steam depending on the ironing temperature;
• convenient device for pouring water.

Disadvantages:

• when you turn it on for the first time, you may smell heated plastic;
• there is no rubberized pad on the handle for ease of use;
• the anti-drip system does not always work.

Expert rating: A model of average quality that copes well with ironing and steaming, but fully complies with the declared characteristics (there are problems with auto-off and anti-drip system).

The best models with a steam generator

Models that combine the capabilities of an iron, a steamer and a steam generator have become an excellent replacement for standard irons. They perform their functions with high quality, coping with any fabrics and minimizing the time and effort spent on the ironing procedure.

The best ironing system, equipped with a powerful steam generator (2.2 kW) that provides continuous continuous steam to the fabrics, so that the ironing time is minimal.

The durable metal-ceramic sole does not "stick" and "does not burn" to fabrics. The vertical model has a large set of additional options, including a collector for collecting scale, an automatic shutdown function, a convenient push-button control panel with indication, etc.

Advantages:

• easy sliding and high-quality ironing of any fabrics;
• electronic temperature control;
• large volume of water tank;
• automatic winding of the cord.

No flaws were found.

Review score: A reliable iron that does a good job of ironing and steaming. Provides high-quality smoothing of even very wrinkled fabrics.

A good, modern and efficient steam station from Philips has a steam boost of 500 g / min, which means this iron can quickly and effortlessly iron even very wrinkled and rough fabrics.

The super-durable T-ionic Glide outsole is non-scratch and offers excellent glide on fabrics. In addition to standard options, the model is equipped with a built-in eco-mode to save energy, as well as the OptimalTEMP function, with which the technician selects the ironing temperature necessary for each item.

Advantages:

• easy and fast sliding, high-quality steaming;
• automatic selection of the optimal ironing temperature;
• large volume of water tank;
• stylish design.

Disadvantages:

• the laundry remains damp after steam ironing.

Assessment: High performance model with a wide range of additional features. Works well on all fabrics, greatly simplifying the ironing process.

The innovative 3 kW ironing system from Bosch ensures easy and quality ironing of any clothes. The metal-ceramic sole is not afraid of shocks and falls. For greater convenience, the model is equipped with additional functions: automatic temperature control during ironing, a descaling system (you can use tap water), an auto-off function.

Advantages:

• easy and quick ironing;
• high-quality steaming;
• compact size;
• large volume of water tank;
• long cord.

Disadvantages:

• high noise level when supplying steam;
• expensive repair.

Rating: the ironing system does an excellent job of ironing and steaming, is convenient for home use, and is also suitable for solving professional problems.

Professional ironing system working with a powerful steam boost of 400 g / min perfectly smoothes things of any degree of wrinkle. The sole made of stainless steel with the signature Saphir 3D coating glides smoothly over the fabric without being scratched or damaged.

Additional options, which the model is equipped with (eco-mode, “Drop-stop” system, auto-off function, descaling collector) make the ironing process as easy and fast as possible.

Advantages:

• excellent sliding on fabric;
• easy and quick ironing;
• effective steaming.

Disadvantages:

• short cord (1.8 meters);
• complicated procedure for cleaning the steam generator.

Rating: a powerful ironing system with a wide range of additional features is perfect not only for home use, but also for professional ironing.

How to choose a good iron (with a steam generator): video