5 Best Steam Irons, According to Clothing Experts
Updated: May 23, 2024
Looking for the best steam iron for your clothes? These are the steam irons the pros recommend for getting your clothes wrinkle free.
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Our clothes are a big part of our appearance, so it’s important to keep them looking good. Proper clothing care can make a big difference, whether it’s getting wrinkles out of clothes by learning how to iron or simply learning how to best care for each type of fabric. Another game-changer? Getting the best steam iron.
“A good steam iron can make all the difference in how you present yourself to the world,” says Erin Busbee, style expert and founder of Busbee Style. “It may feel like a small detail but ironing your outfit greatly impacts your overall look. Using a steam iron is a simple way to look sharper and more put together.”
A steam iron is a better option than a dry iron because it can serve both purposes. If you leave the steam iron’s water tank empty, you literally have a dry iron. On the other hand, a dry iron can’t double as a steam iron. So, how do you choose the best steam irons when so many are out there? We asked a group of experts to share their recommendations for the best steam irons. After seeing their recommendations, don’t forget to learn whether it’s better to steam or iron your clothes.
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Best budget steam iron
Black + Decker Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron
This affordable steam iron steams evenly and optimizes steam based on each fabric setting.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a hard-working iron, as the highly-rated Vitessa from Black + Decker proves. With its Even Steam Soleplate Design, TrueGlide Nonstick Soleplate and SmartSteam Technology, it gets the wrinkles out quickly and looks gorgeous in green.
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Best cordless steam iron
Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless Steam Iron
This cordless steam iron is easy to maneuver and helps you tackle every inch of fabric.
Ironing is so much less frustrating without having to worry about twisted, tangled cords that you can trip over. This cordless steam iron recharges quickly and comes with a matching, lightweight, heat-resistant carrying case that snaps easily onto the iron and power base for portability and storage.
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Best steam iron/steamer
CHI Steam Shot
This steam iron has ceramic plates that heat quickly and evenly, and its targeted steam nozzle delivers steam exactly where you need it.
This multi-tasker boasts an innovative design that allows it to do the job of an iron while also functioning as a handle-held steamer. CHI’s signature titanium-infused soleplate provides a smooth glide over any fabric while the dedicated steam nozzle transforms the iron into a steamer.
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Best luxury steam iron
Laurastar Go Plus All-In-One Ironing System
This all-in-one ironing solution was designed to help you iron and steam your clothes just like the pros.
If you want to care for expensive clothing like the pros do, take a tip from Doug Greenberg, founder of Garde Robe, and opt for this all-in-one system that includes both the iron and the board. The iron also steams and purifies your textiles, and Laurastar’s Dry Microfine Steam works 15 times faster than steam from standard generators and won’t leave your clothes wet. The 4-speed vacuum and blower system inflates the ironing board with air to straighten fabrics and prevent unwanted creases or to hold clothes firmly on the board for flawless folds.
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Best high-tech steam iron
Reliable Velocity 230IR Steam Iron
This ultra high-tech steamer responds to your touch to activate a powerful, steady stream of steam.
If you’re a tech-lover like Busbee, you’ll love the sensor on this handle. “Just grab it and the iron knows you’re ready to steam,” she explains. “Now, if only they would create one that does the ironing for you.”
What to look for when buying a steam iron
According to Busbee, there are ten features to keep in mind when looking for the best steam irons:
- Water tank size. A larger tank will produce more steam and cut down on the number of times you have to refill it, enabling you to get your ironing done more quickly.
- Wattage. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the steam. This impacts how well the iron heats up and how well it works on wrinkles.
- Weight. A lightweight iron is much easier to handle but heavier ones tend to be better for smoothing wrinkles and pressing seams.
- No leakage. Check reviews for this information. If a lot of people are complaining about leaks, don’t buy that iron.
- Auto shut-off. Safety should always come first, and you don’t want to have to worry about whether you left your iron on.
- Multiple temperature settings. This should be a standard feature so you can iron a variety of fabrics but double-check.
- Scratch-resistant. Make sure the soleplate, the bottom part of the iron that comes in contact with your clothing, is scratch-resistant.
- Precision tip. This is a pointed tip that helps you iron spots that are tricky to reach, like between buttons, and it’s a huge help.
- Self-cleaning. This will make your life so much easier.
Why you should trust us
Lois Alter Mark, the author of this piece, is an award-winning travel, lifestyle and shopping writer with more than three decades of experience. She has contributed to publications such as Reader’s Digest, Forbes, USA Today and Entertainment Weekly. Mark interviewed several seasoned experts for this piece, including Erin Busbee, a style influencer from Busbee Style, stylist Samantha Brown of Samantha Brown Style, Meurice NYC president Wayne Edelman, Garde Robe founder Doug Greenberg and Joanna Lovering, a stylist from Copper + Rise.
Nina Derwin is a commerce updates editor for Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home and Family Handyman. She has experience researching and reviewing various items to help shoppers find the best products on the market. She researched and updated this piece.
How we found the best steam irons
In our search for the best steam irons, we sought models with a sizeable tank capacity, no leakage, reliable safety features like auto shut-off and multiple temperature settings for different types of textiles. We looked for steam irons that were lightweight enough to feel comfortable for long periods of use and were easy to maneuver. We considered each steam iron’s power level and special features and weighed them against the price point. Ultimately, we found that while extras like self-cleaning and automatic touch sensors are incredibly helpful, but not necessary. It’s more important that a steam iron can remove wrinkles without damaging the material.
FAQ
What is the difference between cheap and expensive steam irons?
While budget-friendly steam irons can be incredibly effective, more expensive models will likely last longer and have more special features. Some advanced models have sensors that release steam automatically, and many work faster and glide across fabrics more easily.
What are the advantages of steam ironing?
Steam ironing your clothes and other textiles removes wrinkles, delivering a professional and refined appearance. Steam irons are gentle on fabrics and eliminate wrinkles without using chemicals that can damage the material. Using a steam iron also helps deodorize and refresh clothes that have been left unworn in your closet for long periods of time.
Should you empty a steam iron after use?
When you are finished using your steam iron, empty the water tank before placing the iron upright to dry. Emptying the water tank ensures it does not get moldy or accumulate particle buildup.
Originally Published: September 15, 2021
