Let’s face it: when it comes to ironing, few people get excited about tackling a mountain of creased clothes. We all want this chore over with pronto - but finding the right steam iron can be a task in itself.
The right iron will save you time and make your life a lot easier, so you can do less distressing and faster pressing. Whether you’re an ironing board regular, a shirt-and-tie guy looking to save costs by doing it yourself, or just need to replace an ageing iron with one built to last, then fear not.
We have steam-ironed the most stubborn creases in our quest for ironing perfection (think linen trousers and cotton shirts). Below are our tips to give you the best wrinkle-free clothes and make that Sunday night ironing in front of the telly that little bit more bearable.
Steam Iron vs Generator Iron
Steam irons are popular for good reason. They’re cost-effective compact models with corded and cordless options available, which feature a built-in water tank that heats up and releases steam to smooth out any creases. One thing to note: the higher its steam output, the more effective the iron will be. That goes for the weight too – slightly heavier models can tackle creases much more efficiently.
If you have a never-ending ironing pile that you never seem to get through on a weeknight, then a generator iron is a good option to go for. Its separate water tank allows it to emit more steam at a higher pressure, but this comes with a considerably higher price point. They’re also a lot bulkier to store and more difficult to clean but, crucially, will save you so much time in the long run.
What to look for in a new iron
Before investing in a new steam iron, consider the below factors before adding one to your shopping basket.
- Power and Wattage: Depending on your ironing needs, busy households should opt for 2600W, you can even find 3100 watts if you have mountains of daily ironing.
- High Steam Pressure: Steam output is everything, especially if you want to target deep into all types of fabrics.
- Types of Soleplates: Pay special attention to the soleplate – choose a soleplate with a wide thin head, which helps speed over fabric and around tight button holes.
- Size: Select one that is compact and lightweight to hold to avoid wrist aches.
- Cost Effective: Depending on how much you iron, you will want to consider how much you will be using the iron before splashing out.
- Self-clean: Most irons come complete with self-clean functions.
- Easy-To-Fill Water Tank: Aim for a model that is simple to refill and features an easy-grip handle for maximum comfort.
- Cordless Models: Are you constantly battling with a cord to manoeuvre your way around your board? A cordless option is a good call but be wary of charging cordless irons more frequently.
- Functionality: Choose a steam iron with an easy to operate variable controls.
- Warranty: Most brands offer two years of warranty with purchase if anything goes wrong – some even offer four years.
Still unsure of the best iron for you? Then shop the best below
Philips Azur Steam Iron 7000 Series
This Philips Azur Steam Iron was a clear winner when it came to smoothing out creases in clothes at speed thanks to the powerful 2600 W.
Its impeccable, compact design makes it easy to work with. The water spray and steam functions (250g steam boost, to be precise) were both powerful and worked effortlessly on all types of fabrics, even if you prefer not to add fabric conditioner to your load.
The handy calc release function meant you avoided the laborious process of holding the iron over the kitchen sink and pressing the steam function button to allow the limescale and impurities to release through the holes in the soleplate. Plus, the large water tank leaves you tackling the biggest loads without having to make frequent trips to the sink to reload.
Buy now £109.99, Philips
John Lewis Speed Steam Iron
Coming in at £25 this one certainly ticks the boxes for affordability and doesn’t disappoint on performance either.
If you are after basic functionality and simple settings, then this one is for you. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold for a long period of time.
The steam output could be a little more powerful at tackling tough fabrics like linen trousers but overall, this iron could handle both delicate dresses and the school load with ease.
We found this to be incredible value for money too, with the added bonus of a two-year guarantee – some customers even said John Lewis’s model outperforms more expensive models.
Buy now £25.00, John Lewis & Partners
Russell Hobbs 3100w Powersteam Ultra
Leading British brand Russell Hobbs is known for making reliable household appliances and when it comes to steam irons Russell Hobbs 3100w Powersteam Ultra is one to consider.
The high-powered 3100 W iron responds to all fabrics with added 45 g/min continuous steam and powerful 210 g steam shot when you come across those stubborn creases. It heats up seriously fast and the improved glide made it a pleasure to use – although coming in at 2.04kg, it is on the heavier end of the scale.
This is another iron with a super-smooth ceramic soleplate and a tapered tip with a button groove that lets you get into those awkward shirt buttons. We love the fact this has a built-in triple-action self-cleaning cartridge to help prolong and protect from limescale.
Buy now £31.99, Amazon
Morphy Richards 303140 Turbosteam Steam Iron
This stylish Morphy Richards iron not only looks the part, but it delivers incredible performance too.
The impressive 170g/min steam booster worked wonders on over-dried shirts and there’s also the option of adjusting the humidity depending on the garment. The auto switch-off after eight minutes is a helpful safety precaution should you become distracted, and the vertical steam function is a nice bonus that allows you to smooth curtains without taking them off the pole.
The downside is the purple-tinted water tank makes it difficult to see the water level when you need to top up, but a well-lit room will help. Suitable for large families who go through a variety of fabrics, from football kits to work blouses, this iron is definitely up for the challenge.
Comes with a four-year guarantee.
Buy now £50.00, Argos
Breville DiamondXpress VIN401 Steam Iron
The bestselling Breville DiamondXpress VIN401 Steam Iron lives up to the hype. Not only does it boast a premium diamond-infused ceramic soleplate for improved glide, but it ticks the style boxes too thanks to the chic rose gold accents and crystal print detail.
The super-wide base and precision tip ensure effortless ironing in all directions, which made it a breeze to tackle awkward collared school shirts with the added help of the 200g/min steam shot.
Coming in at 1.63kg we found this a little heavy on the wrists but we felt we spent less time going over stubborn creases, so you won’t be holding it for very long. Plus, the 400ml water tank means you can iron for longer without having to top up water in the middle of an ironing session.
Buy now £44.99, Currys
Morphy Richards 303251 EasyCHARGE Power+ Cordless Iron
Wave goodbye to stubborn and hard-to-remove creases with Morphy Richards EasyCHARGE Power+ Cordless Steam Iron. It will delight fans of cordless tech, offering superior power and the freedom to get on with the task at hand without faffing around with wires.
Constructed with a smooth ceramic sulphate plate, it effortlessly tackles stubborn wrinkles with a powerful 35g/min steam output. The added auto shut-off feature is helpful in giving you peace of mind, especially if you have curious young kids or pets.
The charging base works like a mobile charging device, but for an iron – and it’s super-fast at under 30 seconds. Simply dock it from any direction when the light flashes red which tells you when the machine needs reheating. When it switches to green, you’re ready to roll again.
Buy now £60.00, Argos
Philips EasySpeed Advanced Steam Iron GC2678/39
The Philips EasySpeed Advanced Steam Iron is super lightweight, and easy to handle, which makes it perfect if you prefer the freedom of a lighter iron.
It’s fast heating and we were impressed at the performance, considering its price leans towards the budget end of the spectrum. But it proves good value doesn’t mean poor quality, gliding through all types of fabrics with ease – even delicate silk and cotton.
It delivers powerful bursts of steam too, and lets you zip through monster ironing marathons without stopping thanks to the generous water tank.
Buy now £34.99, Amazon
Tefal Ultimate Pure FV9845 Steam Iron
Tefal’s iron was one of the fastest irons to heat up compared to other models, which is thanks to the powerful 3100W.
However, moving over clothes, felt on the heavy side. This worked in its favour when pressing denser fabrics or getting out stubborn creases, thanks to the durilium airglide autoclean soleplate.
It feels well-engineered with a sleek black and rose gold design, with a good burst of steam, where the clever MicroScale filter blocks scale from damaging fabrics, handy on expensive pieces and work clothes.
It’s pricey but the clever filter functionality makes it worth the money.
Buy now £159.99, Currys
Breville OptimalFlow Iron
Think of this as the Rolls-Royce of the iron world. Set to launch in Currys from the start of August, its multi-functional design comes out top on performance, style and user-friendly functionality. The price point is slightly more of an investment, but if you’re ironing a few times a week then well worth splashing out on something that speeds up your weekly laundry duties.
The super-smooth soleplate resulted in an effortless glide, even when ironing deep crinkles in denim - there were no signs of white marks that are sometimes left behind on denim after ironing, which is down to the diamond ceramic improved scratch-resistance soleplate.
An iron that also doubles up as a steamer? Yes, please. The clever vertical steamer function with a powerful 220g shot makes smoothing out creases on hanging clothes a breeze.
This is one of the best iron’s if you’re looking for something that will tackle a bulky laundry pile at speed and provide a smooth finish.
Buy now £49.99, Currys
Russell Hobbs Colour Control Pro Ultra Steam Iron
The five-star reviews roll in for Russell Hobbs’ Colour Control Pro Ultra Steam Iron. It packs a punch in more ways than one. Not only is it a vibrant pick, but the iron effortlessly smooths garments while protecting the fabric. Its Colour Control Technology and Easy Colour Reference Guide tell you the correct temperature for ironing different materials, taking the pressure off the user when tackling heaps of laundry.
The glide is seamless, thanks to the iron’s non-stick ceramic soleplate. Don’t forget to note the 140g steam shot which will tackle the most stubborn of wrinkles, plus the super speedy heat-up time.
Buy now £48.00, Argos
Verdict
The Philips Azur Steam Iron 7000 Series is the perfect addition to any laundry process which combines faster ironing and powerful performance with up to 250g steam boost targeting stubborn creases fast. Its lightweight design means it won’t ever feel too bulky or heavy to glide and the quick calc release system is an added bonus that can be easily washed away in less than 15 seconds – now that is what we call speedy.
