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Iron buying guide
Choosing the right iron is the difference between looking sharp in a snap and putting ‘ironing’ at the top of the most-hated jobs list. Let’s make sure you’re not the latter.
How often do you iron?
Plate types
The soleplate is the part of the iron that glides along the fabric, so finding one that moves easily and distributes heat well can make a massive difference.
Don’t forget…
Weight
Most irons are designed to be relatively lightweight at around 1.5kg, but if you do long stints behind the board you might want to look for something super-lightweight - more like 1kg.
Anti drip
An iron with an anti-drip feature stops the iron from leaking water onto your clothes if it’s used before it’s fully warmed up. (We’ve all done it.)
Cord length
If you want to iron with a perfect view of the TV or have enough give to stand in the garden when the sun comes out, it’s definitely worth taking a look at the product spec for a cable that’s 3 metres or longer.
Anti limescale system
An anti-calc feature deals with limescale, so you don’t have to. Some technology prevents it altogether, while some remove it – either way it’ll keep your iron free from the damaging effects of hard water to make sure your iron runs like a well- oiled machine.
Steam iron
A steam iron combines dry heat with steam. They come with a built-in water tank – usually within the handheld unit - that pumps out steam in a continuous stream or gentle bursts to relax fabric fibres faster than a dry iron would.
Steam generator iron
A steam generator iron has a separate, large water tank and boiler unit connected to a handheld iron. It produces much more steam at a high pressure, for faster, more effective results – great for bigger batches.
Handheld clothes steamer
A handheld clothes steamer is a brilliant choice for quick touch-ups, travel, and delicate items, because they release steam through a nozzle and simply glide over hanging clothes – no ironing board needed. They’re a great choice for quickly refreshing clothes that don’t need a full wash too.
FAQs
- What type of iron is best for home use?
This really depends on how often you iron and what type of fabrics you tackle most, as well as how much you want to spend. Take a look at our iron buying guide to help you narrow down the options.
- How much wattage should an iron have?
Household irons usually range from 800 to 1800W. Dry irons tend to be on the lower end of the scale while steam generator irons with more features need more power.
- What is the difference between a steam iron and a steam generator iron?
Steam irons tend to have a water tank built into the handheld unit and deliver a moderate steam pressure, while steam generator irons have a separate water tank that can sustain a continuous flow of steam for longer and usually at a higher pressure.
- Do I need an iron with an anti‑limescale system?
An iron with an anti-limescale system or anti-calc feature will help keep your iron performing at its best for longer by removing or preventing mineral build-up.
- Are cordless irons worth buying?
Cordless irons are great if portability and convenience are high on your agenda. However, other types tend to heat up faster and have a better steam output.
- What safety features should an iron have?
There are lots of safety features that make irons suitable for home use, but some are optional. So, look out for things like overheat protection, heat-resistant rests and anti-slip bases if they’re important to you.
- Which iron is best for delicate fabrics?
While most irons are suitable for delicate fabrics, you’ll want to choose a low heat setting to avoid scorching fabrics and a smooth soleplate to prevent snags.
- How much should I spend on a good iron?
Irons can cost anything from under £40 to over £200, but generally the more expensive they are, the more features they have. The main thing is to make sure the one you choose has all the features most important to you. To help you get started, check out our buying guide.
