Best Steam Irons Reviewed 2018

Whether you wash your clothes by a high tech washing machine or just manually by hands, one problem is undeniable. And that is wrinkles. Let’s be honest here! There’s nothing better than a powerful burst of steam to get rid of wrinkles and creases, making a quality steam iron for clothes a necessary appliance for any household.

Since there are hundreds of steam irons with different features and purposes. It can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best steam iron, which also comes at a reasonable and cheap price. General rule, as a buyer, you must never make the error of buying just any product and end up throwing your hard earned money.

Please read our article carefully to decide yourself which is the best steam iron you can buy in 2018 based on our iron reviews and don’t forget to check out our buyer’s guide and also some important FAQs that can help you choose properly the steam iron that fits your needs. 

5 best Steam Irons 2018 List

1. Rowenta DW5080 Focus – Best-Selling Iron in The Market

Rowenta DW5080 is in the irons heavyweight category with 3.4 pounds. The extra weight helps to eliminate wrinkles faster with less pressure. The automatic shut-off feature starts in 30 seconds when the iron is on its side or soleplate. It takes 8 minutes when the steamer is sitting vertically.      

The cord length is about 2m (7 feet) and  could pivots 360°. Rowenta DW5080 has a 11 x 5 x 6 inches dimensions.

Cons

✘ Because of the huge steam generation the water will run out fast

✘ The 3.4 pounds make it a little bit heavy

2. Rowenta DW9280 Steam Force – Best High-Tech Steam Iron

Rowenta DW9280 includes 400 micro steam vents. This technology is exclusive to the German brand. These micro holes are distributed uniformly on the soleplate. Another smart technology integrated on this iron is the steam motion sensor. When the iron is not moving, it will cuts down steam production saving water.

Anti-calcification and self-cleaning features are also integrated. When activated, the iron will flash out all the impurities and the mineral deposits, leading to clean and efficient ironing experience. For your safety, 3 ways Auto shut-off is included in Rowenta DW9280. The steam iron will shut off the power automatically after 8 minutes when left vertically or 30 seconds when left on its soleplate/side. 

Thanks to the 3.9 lbs, it’s able to smooth out all folds from the first glide and with less pressure. It has 11.4  x 4.9 x 6 inches dimensions. The cord length is about 8 feet and 360° pivot.

Cons

✘ Relatively expensive

✘ A bit heavy with 3.9 lbs

3. Black & Decker D2030 – Most Comfortable Iron

For safety, an automatic shut-off system is included with a motion-sensitive feature. Black & Decker D3030 shuts off when left 30 seconds on its side or soleplate, and after 8 minutes when it’s sitting vertically.

This iron has the biggest water reservoir among the listed steamer with about 12 Oz. this means that you don’t need to refill it with the water very often.  The cord length is about 2.4m (8 feet) and could pivots 360°. Black & Decker D2030 Digital Advantage has a 11.5 x 5 x 6 inches dimensions.

Cons

✘ No anti-calcification system

✘ A little bit heavy with 4 lbs

✘ The cap for the water reservoir is made of plastic which make it a little bit breakable

4. T-fal FV4495 Ultraglide Easycord – Best Iron under $50

The anti-drip function will ensure clean ironing without any water leak even if the iron does not reach the optimal temperature to produce steam.

I personally don’t like the small water tank in this iron. The water reservoir can take only 9 Oz. which means that probably you will have to refill it during the ironing, of course this depends on the amount of the ironed items and the rate of the generated steam.  

One of the unique features for T-fal FV4495 is the extra-long cord. This iron has the longest cord length in this list with over 12 feet. The extra length will. It weigh in 3 lbs and has 11.1 x 5.3 x 5.9 inches dimensions.

Cons

✘ Small water reservoir (9 Oz)

✘ Can Scorche Clothes

✘ Despite the anti-drip technology, some consumers report that the iron spits out water

5. Sunbeam Steam Master   – Cheap Steam iron

For your peace of mind, a 3-way shut-off system is included. 15 minute auto-off for vertical position and 30 seconds for ironing or side position. The soleplate has non-stick properties which will help the iron to glide easily given a clean and an effortless ironing experience.    

This iron has 8 foot retractable cord. With a press, the cord will retract into its storage compartment. It weight in 3 lbs which make it very light and easy to move. The Sunbeam iron has a 12 x 4.9 x 5.5 inches dimensions.

Cons

✘ Only 8 Oz water tank

✘ Takes bit of time to warm up because of the limited 1400 watt

✘ No micro steam vents technology

What makes a good steam iron: Features to Compare 

Faqs & considerations

How do you use a steam iron ?

1. First of all, prepare your ironing surface. Try using an ironing board if easily accessible or else use a hard stable structure to make up for the Iron Board. 2. Fill up the water reservoir as per your requirements. 3. Attach it back if it was to be removed before filling. 4. Make sure the clothes you are ironing are supposed to withstand the heat by checking the label. 5. Spread the clothing on the ironing board and spread evenly. 6. Spray on the creases and run the iron gently not necessarily until it dries. 7. Whenever you need to put the iron back, make sure to put it on heels. 

What is the difference between a steam iron and a steam generator ?

While steam irons and generators have made life easier by making ironing a less time-consuming task, many often inquire about the difference between these resourceful devices. The basic difference between the two is that a steam generator iron comes with water tank attached to a steam generating apparatus, the two are attached by a tubing to flow the steam through it. On the other hand, a steam iron produces steam from the reservoir and comes without an apparatus. Therefore, a steam generator iron can supply steam for a longer period due to its enlarged water capacity than that of a Steam Iron.

What is a press steam iron ?

A press steam iron is different from a conventional steam unit in that it can iron your clothes without having to iron them manually. A steam press has a large smooth area in which you can place your clothes and they are made wrinkle free or in other words ironed automatically. The steam press iron weighs around 20 to 30 pounds and can be folded like an ironing board making it compact and easy to use and store. A steam press iron also has a greater capacity of water reservoir.

What is a garment steamer ?

A garment steamer, also commonly known as a handheld clothes steamer or simply steamer, is a device that uses high temperature steam to remove wrinkles and creases from clothes. Steamers come in three different kinds of sizes based upon their applications. Large sized commercial models are used in industrial uses, while medium-sized commercial models are used for small dry cleaning shops and finally the small portable ones are made for home use. Steamers do not operate on the conventional ironing function by straightening fiber instead it relaxes the fiber by spraying steam on it.

Why does water leak from my iron ?

if you are worried about water leaking from your iron, here are a few tips to check for the leakage: First of all, there might be mineral build up in the nozzles and other steam outlets. This happens if you are constantly using tap water or mineral water. Secondly, you may have filled the water tank beyond its capacity. The temperature of the iron is also an important factor because if the iron is not hot enough the steam condenses before completely reaching outside. This may cause the leakage as well. For some irons tap water is the recommended option in this case when you are using distilled water the iron may start leaking.

What type of water should I use with my steam iron ?

The ideal water conditions for a steam iron are an equal composition of distilled and tap water. However, if your iron comes with an anti calc feature, you don’t have to worry much as you can use tap water only. If your area has a hard water supply, you might want to use water softeners and other purifying agents to remove as much minerals as possible. Mineral water should also be prevented as it contains minerals which may be deposited on the surface.

What is an Ironing Board ?

An ironing board is a flat hard foldable table like structure that is often covered with soft foam like material, used to spread garments over before ironing them. To achieve complete and proper ironing, an ironing board is an essential feature while ironing.