By Brittany Rowland

Even clothes irons can be packed with features. The Black & Decker D6000 is a perfect example of that. It really takes most of the guesswork out of ironing various clothing items. The simple, easy-to-grip design makes it one of our favorites even if it does seem a little crowded around the handle. The controls under the handle are a little awkward to reach, but the screen display makes it clear what temperature and fabric settings you have chosen. The iron heats up very quickly and lets out an audible beep when the temperature is ready to go. The steam options are handy, too, including a steam burst and vertical steaming to get out all the wrinkles in your clothes. It does have a little more weight to it than some of the other models on the list, so it may be tiring for the hand if there are a lot of clothes to be ironed. For $45 it isn’t cheap, but it is an effective iron.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

The best irons that we chose for the top 10 list displayed several important features that make ironing easier and more efficient. Chief among them were safety features like an auto shut-off and a sturdy base and ironing performance with enough steam to get out tough wrinkles.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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• Minerals from the water in a steam iron can cause a scaly buildup in the vents. While some irons offer a self-cleaning feature, you can also effectively clean the vents by hand. Use a cotton swab or a pipe cleaner to wipe out the residue and not a hard, sharp object that could scratch or damage the iron’s base.
• Vinegar is a common household ingredient that doubles as a convenient cleaning solution. Pour some on a clean, soft cloth and wipe down the iron periodically.
• Sometimes you’ll find a waxy coating on the soleplate after ironing certain fabrics. When that’s the case, simply turn the iron up to the highest heat and run it over newspaper to get the wax substance off.
• Use ammonia to clean oily residue off the soleplate. Then rinse or wipe the ammonia off with water.
• You should clean the water tank on a regular basis or when the steam output starts to wane. Use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to fill the tank and set the iron to steam for about four minutes. Let the tank drain for at least an hour. Before you use the iron again, fill the tank with pure water and repeat the process to get all the vinegar out.

Finally, this tip is obvious but bears mentioning: Be sure that the iron is turned off and cool before handling and cleaning it.

Inexpensive irons, some as low as $25, now compete with high-end models in offering the best iron features. These special qualities greatly improve an iron’s performance, efficiency, and safety.

Stable heel

When you set the iron on its heel to adjust a garment, you don’t want it to wobble or tip over, causing a spill or an accidental burn. Irons should be heavy enough that they rest solidly on its base.

Weight

An iron shouldn’t be so heavy that it’s hard to lug around, but you don’t want it too lightweight either. If it’s just heavy enough, the iron can smooth out tough wrinkles in thick fabrics and is less likely to be knocked over accidentally.

Temperature indicator

After you set the temperature on your iron, it shouldn’t take much longer than a minute to heat up, and when it does, it’s convenient to have an indicator light or audible alert go off to let you know the iron is ready.

Retractable cord

A cord should be positioned so it doesn’t get in the way of your ironing or snag on the clothes you have set on the ironing board. Wrapping it up for storage is also a key consideration. Some irons now feature a retractable cord. With the push of a button, the cord automatically winds itself into an internal compartment.

Grooved tip

Ironing around buttons, along seams, and in tight corners can be challenging if the iron’s tip isn’t grooved or narrow enough.

Soleplate material

Many irons claim to possess a nonstick soleplate. Really, the iron’s ability to glide easily depends a lot on the soleplate material and the type of fabric it’s ironing. Stainless steel and ceramic are common materials. There’s generally little difference between them when it comes to heat distribution, durability, and scratch resistance, but stainless steel is easier to clean and ceramic is less likely to have fabrics cling to it at high temperatures. Aluminum is typically found on the least expensive models.

Transparent, easy-to-fill water tank

A transparent water tank will let you know at a glance when it’s time to refill it. Get an iron with a large enough tank, say at least 10 ounces, and you’ll be spared performing that task very often. With a removable tank, filling it should be a simple matter of taking it to the sink and opening the hole cover. Just be aware that some covers that slide or click into place may not be entirely effective at preventing leaks.

Irons that accept regular tap water, not distilled water, are nice, too.

Self-cleaning feature

Irons typically develop scaly buildup in the vents from the calcium and magnesium particles in the water. A self-cleaning feature loosens these mineral deposits so they can be flushed out. However, if this feature loses its effectiveness, it’s just as easy to use the burst-of-steam feature and wipe out the residue with a cotton swab.

3-way auto shut-off

Today’s irons are designed with safety in mind. Apparently enough people were forgetful and walked away while the iron was running, causing accidental fabric burns or, worse, fires. Now most models have an auto shut-off feature. These irons shut off after a short period of inactivity, whether they’re resting flat, sitting upright, or tipped over. While this feature may be essential for safety reasons, it’s not universally loved by users who dislike having to continually turn the iron back on.

Controls on the handle

For the easiest access, buttons and dials should be at the top of the iron handle, not below it where your fingers can accidentally graze the controls. Having the controls at your fingertips makes the ironing process easier and faster. A digital or LCD display is convenient and nice-looking, but it’s not an essential feature.

Steam output

A steam iron should, obviously, produce enough steam to smooth out wrinkly clothes. Irons measure their steam output in grams per minute. Besides delivering a steady stream of steam, irons should have variable steam control, allowing you to raise or lower the steam output depending on the type of fabric you’re ironing. Other useful steam tools:
A burst-of-steam button conveniently blasts stubborn wrinkles with extra heat and moisture to smooth them into place.
Vertical steaming allows you to give garments, drapes, and curtains a fresh cleaning without breaking out the ironing board.
An anti-drip system, common on most irons, prevents water leaks on your clothes when you set the steam on a low level.

Fabric guide

If an iron comes with multiple fabric settings, it should also include a fabric guide printed in plain view on the iron. Silk and wool generally take less heat than cotton and linen.

Here’s a guide to using vertical steam with your iron. If you’re not sure whether your iron has this feature, refer to the user’s manual or look for an icon with an iron held in the vertical position with a cloud of steam coming out.

• Fill the water tank to the maximum line and turn the iron on to heat.
• Hang up the garments on a hanger or over a bar.
• Set the fabric dial to the correct setting, depending on what type of material you’re steam ironing.
• When the iron is hot enough, hold it vertically a few inches from the fabric.
• While pulling the cloth tight, run the iron up and down and push the steam button continually.

With vertical steam, you’re saved the trouble of setting up a cumbersome ironing board, and you can quickly work out wrinkles in your clothes just before you head out the door.

By Brittany Rowland

A more than competent steam iron that rests upright on a sturdy triangular base, the T-Fal FV5266 contains 67 steam holes in its ceramic soleplate that improve the steam circulation. To prolong its life, the self-cleaning system includes an anti-calcium valve that reduces scale buildup. The 10-ounce water reservoir is large enough that you don’t have to refill it often. We were satisfied with the steam output of this iron and its ability to smooth out tough wrinkles and get up close to seams and buttons. The cord comes out of the back of the handle so it stays out of your way, but for $90 we wish it had a retractable feature.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

Advertising itself as a “classic” iron, this Black & Decker steam/dry iron is no-frills and basic, making it easy to use. The dial and steam button are located conveniently at the top of the handle, with a fabric guide under the handle to let you know which temperatures are best for each type of fabric. The iron has a nice sturdy feel to it and rests on its heel evenly. The automatic shut-off works from any of three positions, and the cord pivots to stay out of your way. If you appreciate old-fashioned irons for their sturdy construction and no-fuss operation, then you’ll enjoy this model, available for an inexpensive $24.97.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

If you get tired of the repetitive motion of setting the iron back on its heel, then you’ll be impressed with the Oliso TG1600′s levitating feet feature. Smart technology detects when you release the handle and raises the iron up on its feet to prevent burning. When it feels your hand again, it lowers down onto the fabric. We were excited by this cool feature, but that’s not the only good aspect about this iron. The steam works effectively at removing wrinkles, and the steam dial is conveniently located on top of the handle where you can access it better. For $169.99, this Oliso model’s clever levitating technology makes ironing a less tedious task.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

The LCD display on this Singer steam iron handily shows you which fabrics are best for each temperature setting, so you’ll get the best ironing results. The steam functions are comprehensive and effective, taking out all the wrinkles in clothes. We found that the iron glides easily, and with an open tip it works its way around buttons without snagging. While the cord is extra long, it would have been nice to have a retractable feature or an easier way to wrap it up for storage. Regardless, for $64.19, this Singer model has superb steam functions and easy-to-use controls.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A powerful steam iron with 1,700 watts, this Rowenta model has a wide, stable base so you can rest it face down or sitting up. The stainless steel soleplate has 400 holes for even steam distribution and smooth gliding. Its variable steam options, including vertical, steam burst, and spray mist, get out even the toughest wrinkles with fewer passes of the iron. It’s a bit awkward to grip with the short handle. It’s on the expensive side at $89.99, but it features an easy-to-fill, extra-large water tank and a cord that pivots 360 degrees for convenience.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

The Panasonic NI-E650TR steam iron features a unique u-shaped soleplate base that allows for better steam circulation and a smoother glide. The temperature dial is right under the handle and the steam buttons are conveniently located at your fingertips. The iron’s curved, raised build also lets you see more of the shirt you’re working on. We like being able to see the water level through the transparent tank; the only hassle involves filling it at the sink, although the inlet is wide enough. For added safety, the iron automatically shuts off after disuse in any of three positions—on its side, sitting upright, or on its soleplate. At $34.99, it’s affordable as well.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

With a smart design that keeps the cord out of the way as you iron and a retractable button feature, this T-Fal iron has a smooth glide and satisfactory steam performance. We were happy with how simple it was to fill the 9-ounce water tank through the sealed inlet valve while keeping the iron in the horizontal position. Light indicators tell you when the iron has reached the target temperature and remind you that the iron is plugged in. For $38.49, this T-Fal iron has a basic dial control and a hefty, sturdy design that will make ironing more efficient.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A powerful iron with 1,500 watts, this Hamilton Beach model heats up quickly and keeps you informed of all its settings with a bright, colorful display. The soleplate is sturdy and glides smoothly over clothes; we learned to carefully avoid zippers, however, because the heat can damage them. There are no water leaks or spits of steam on the clothes. While the water tank is somewhat tricky to fill, it holds a lot of water. Overall, this iron has a nice heft and balanced feel to it, and it’s affordable at $27.53.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

With powerful steam, this Panasonic iron gets wrinkles out quickly and easily. We were curious to see how well the retractable cord works, and we didn’t experience any trouble with it. By pushing a button the cord automatically winds up inside the iron’s housing, making the iron easier to store. The detachable water tank has anti-calcium system that prevents buildup. Easy to wield but heavy enough to press out tough wrinkles, the Panasonic iron, available for $32.95, heats up quickly and moves smoothly over fabric.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A convenient, affordable iron that takes most of the guesswork out of ironing various clothing items, this Black & Decker model has a simple, easy-to-grip design. The controls under the handle are a little awkward to reach, but the screen display makes it clear what temperature and fabric settings you have chosen. The iron heats up quickly and lets you know when it’s ready with an audible beep. The steam options are handy, too, including a steam burst and vertical steaming to get out all the wrinkles in your clothes. For $39.99, this is a well-designed, effective iron for a reasonable price.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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