Ironing your clothes certainly isn’t the most exhilarating household chore you need to complete, but unless you want to show up at work in a wrinkled shirt, or to a big event in a messy dress, it’s a necessary task that ensures you’re always looking your best when outside the house. Unfortunately, most people don’t usually have an iron just laying around, and since it isn’t a task you generally do on a day-to-day basis, you could be left scrambling for a solution once you realize your favorite suit or outfit is needed and wrinkled. Thankfully, there are numerous budget-friendly models that exist in the market, and if you’ve found yourself in desperate need of a steam iron but have no idea which one to purchase, then this guide can help you in selecting the perfect one. 

Types of Irons

A steam iron may seem like a one-size-fits-all type of product, and a quick glance at the available models might have you scratching your head trying to figure out what could possibly be different between each of the options. However, delving deeper into the world of steam irons reveals a myriad of features, technologies, and designs that cater to a wide range of preferences and needs, and before you risk damaging your favorite slacks or shirts, you’ll want to understand how each of your potential choices differ from one another. 

Likely what first comes to mind when you think of a steam iron, the standard model uses a reservoir filled with water in order to create either continuous or bursts of steam which will eliminate wrinkles from your clothes. These standard models are the most common type you will find on a store shelf, but they will vary significantly with the different features, settings, and power they offer. 

Offering greater freedom of movement than their standard counterparts, cordless irons are simply a variation of the traditional iron with the main difference being that they don’t have a cord you will need to plug in. Equipped with a charging base, you will need to remember to charge your iron in-between uses, however, their battery life is usually pretty lengthy and you can tackle a lot of clothing before it will die.  

Almost all irons use a combination of heat and steam in order to press and de-wrinkle your clothing, but dry irons are a bit unique in the fact that they do not have a reservoir for water and do not create any steam during the ironing process. Best suited to water-sensitive materials that could be damaged by moisture, or tasks that can be tackled by heat alone, these budget-friendly models are usually cheaper than a standard iron while still remaining equally effective for specific items. 

Intended to be used for vertical steaming, handheld steamers are an ideal choice when you want to remove wrinkles from curtains, drapes, upholstery, or hanging garments, and they offer significantly more freedom and flexibility than a standard iron. These models also tend to be very lightweight and compact since they don't have a heavy metal soleplate, making them a popular choice when traveling or when on-the-go.

If you only need to iron a single item or two every now and then, a standard iron will be more than sufficient for tackling that type of workload. However, for individuals who need to be steaming multiple pieces on a regular basis, or who often steam their curtains or upholstery, a steam station might be a more appropriate choice. Featuring a standalone reservoir that is detached from the steam wand, a steam station has a much larger water tank capacity and will save you from having to frequently refill as you use it. It also can usually produce a significantly larger volume of steam, eliminating stubborn wrinkles or creases with ease. 

Understanding Soleplates

For a traditional, standard steam iron there are a few components that make up its design, and when you look at one you will notice the reservoir tank, the handle that you hold on to, and the flat, metal plate that is applied directly to the item that you’re ironing. Known as the soleplate, this metal component is what generates heat and where your steam will be released from, and it can be crafted from a few different materials which will each have an impact on its performance. The most important thing to be aware of when considering the various soleplates is how smoothly it will glide across your fabric and how evenly it will distribute heat, and some of your potential material options will include:

Durable and resistant to scratches, stainless steel soleplates are one of the most common options you will see on a standard steam iron and they are a popular choice among users who want a smooth glide that won’t catch on most fabrics. Also, since stainless steel is naturally corrosion-resistant, it will be less prone to rust then some of the other materials that you may be considering. 

Lightweight and quick to heat up, aluminum soleplates may not be as common as their stainless steel counterparts, but they are a preferred option for some, especially among crafters. Allowing you to work on a wide array of fabrics, including delicate items such as silk, lace, or thin cotton, an aluminum soleplate is less likely to cause heat-related damage and the even heat distribution will ensure no hotspots are created even when using it for long periods of time. 

Combining the benefits of both aluminum and stainless steel soleplates into one, ceramic is a great option for anyone who wants to reduce the risk of hot spots but who also wants a material that's durable, resistant to rust, and has a smooth glide over fabrics. Providing the best of both worlds, these soleplates are often preferred, however, they are much harder to find and they can be the most expensive models when you do discover one. 

Other Factors to Consider

The soleplate may be one of the most important aspects when selecting a steam iron, but it certainly isn’t the only factor that you should be considering, and when choosing a model to purchase, it is essential you also take time to explore the size, settings, and even the safety features that it comes with. In addition, your ironing habits, the types of fabrics you frequently iron, and your desired level of convenience will also all play a key role in your decision making process, and evaluating all of this alongside the overall style and soleplate material will guarantee you make an informed choice. Whether you prioritize quick heat-up times, precise temperature settings, or extended steam sessions, there are a number of models out there to choose from, and to help you make your final decision you should always consider:

Do you only pull out your iron for very special events and then use it to tackle one or two pieces of clothing that you plan on wearing that day? Or are you someone who spends hours working on craft projects, utilizing your iron for hours every day in order to press fabrics and de-wrinkle items? The extent and frequency of your ironing makes a big impact on which model you will prefer, and for those who plan on using it a lot, a larger option with a bigger water tank capacity is going to likely be the best choice for you. Likewise, if your iron is going to spend the majority of its time tucked into the back of your closet, then a smaller, more compact model will take up less space and be easier to store. 

Not all steam is created equally, and the amount of power your iron generates will have a big impact on its performance and its results. For thin, delicate fabrics, a less powerful iron is going to be preferred as it reduces the risk that you will damage these items either with too much moisture or too much heat. On the other hand, if you’re someone who wants to remove creases from upholstery or who is pressing thick linens, then you’re going to require a lot more power and steam in order to achieve your desired results. The best way to know how powerful an iron is would be to check the wattage of the model, with a higher wattage equating to a more powerful appliance. 

Most modern steam irons now come equipped with a number of different settings, and these can allow you to control everything from how much steam is generated to whether or not you want to create a mist of water when tackling extra stubborn creases. For new users, one of the important features you may want to consider including is a specific fabric setting which will automatically adjust the temperature and amount of steam to match the item you are trying to work on. Eliminating a lot of the confusion surrounding picking a temperature, fabric settings truly simplify the process and can reduce your risk of damaging your clothing since you won’t be using an inappropriate amount of heat or moisture.

Capable of heating up to an impressive 400°F, steam irons can be a dangerous household appliance and if you aren’t careful then you do run the risk of damaging your clothing or even burning yourself. Because of these high temperatures, it’s essential that you purchase a model that comes equipped with some built-in safety features, and these can reduce not only the risk of damage and burns, but fires as well. For example, any steam iron you purchase should include an auto-shut off feature which will automatically turn the iron off after it hasn’t been used  for a set period of time. You’ll also want to look for a temperature indicator light so that you are always aware when the soleplate is hot, and you don’t accidentally touch it or put it away too soon. 

Although steam irons are relatively inexpensive items to purchase, there can be a big range when it comes to cost and you’re going to want to spend some time thinking about how often you actually plan on using your iron before you drop a ton of money on one. Sure, some of those advanced features may speed up the process or make it easier, but if you only pull your iron out of the closet once every few years for a single item of clothing, then it doesn’t make much sense to buy the latest and greatest in steam iron technology. However, if you’re a daily user or a die-hard crafter, it may be worth exploring some of the higher-end options since those extra features will actually be beneficial for you. 

Bottom Line

Choosing a steam iron may first appear like a simple, straightforward decision, but once you start to understand all of the various types, materials, and settings that exist it can be a lot more challenging trying to narrow down your search to that perfect model. Thankfully, with just a bit of research you can ensure your next ironing experience is seamless and effective, and by taking the time to think about your lifestyle, unique needs, and even your budget, you can ultimately land on that ideal steam iron that will give you wrinkle-free clothes in no time at all.