Best Steam Iron | Reviews and Buyers Guide

Ironing is rather unpopular housework that only a few enjoy doing. Nevertheless, there is probably at least one iron in every household. Steam ironing stations and steam iron handle ironing laundry in no time and ensure wrinkle-free clothing. 

The dream of wrinkle-free laundry without lengthy and exhausting ironing is possible with modern day’s irons. You can easily iron stubborn creases out of your laundry with a steam iron.

If you are looking for the best steam iron, you should read our guide where we covered everything in detail. So you get all the important information and we also reviewed some of the best steam iron models. Based on our purchase criteria, you will able to buy the most suitable steam iron for you.

Best Steam Iron Reviews

This 1800-Watt Steam Iron with digital LCD from BEAUTURAL offers you a compact and clever ironing system that includes, among other things, innovative steam and temperature control. 

The effective household helper is equipped with a Double-Layer and Ceramic Coated Soleplate for easy gliding and faster ironing. Especially steam holes ensure an even distribution of the steam. 

The narrow tip should also give you the best ironing comfort and easy smoothing even in hard-to-reach areas.

9 preset temperature settings!

The 9 preset temperature setting ensures that you choose the right amount of heat for a different type of fabric. After selecting the temperature for each piece of clothing, you can be sure to get just the right heat.

The anti-calc system is available so that the iron will serve you well for a long time. Anti-Calc function prevents limescale deposits, which extends the life of the iron. 

For stubborn folds, simply use the steam burst option with the push of a button. The power of 1800 watts also speaks for the iron from BEAUTURAL, which in the end means fast heating and excellent ironing results. 

What is the ceramic coating? 

The designation for the ceramic material with which the soleplate is coated differs considerably among the individual providers. Names for this can be Steamglide, Ultragliss, Durilium, Glissium or Titanium. In any case, this material ensures a very hard and smooth surface and easier sliding over your clothing.

FAQs for BEAUTURAL 1800-Watt Steam Iron

How much does the 1800-Watt Steam Iron with digital LCD from BEAUTURAL weigh?

This iron weighs about 3 pounds and has a dimension of 11.3 x 4.9 x 5.8 inches. The device has an optimal weight for easy gliding and easy ironing.

How big is the water tank?

The water capacity of this steam iron is of 11.5 oz

Which water can I fill in the device?

The iron was developed for use with tap water. However, the manufacturer advises – especially in regions with hard water – to use distilled or demineralized water to avoid limescale deposits. You can also mix tap water in half with distilled water.

How often should the water be changed?

It is strongly advised to empty the water after each use. Otherwise, there is a risk of algae formation.

The 1700 watts steam iron by PurSteam has a stainless steel soleplate with chromium finish.

 According to the manufacturer, the soleplate is characterized by a special scratch resistance and good sliding properties. At the same time, you should benefit from optimal steam distribution when ironing. This is possible because of the number of holes on the plate for even steam distribution.

PurSteam iron comes with the 8 ft power cord which gives you enough space to move around. Also, the cable is attached in such a way that it cannot touch the items being ironed – for optimum freedom from ironing.

This steam iron has a variable temperature setting option and this makes it suitable for a variety of fabrics. With an extra steam boost, you can also smooth stubborn wrinkles. 

The device has an anti-limescale system and a self-cleaning function. It is also equipped with a 3-stage automatic switch-off: flat on the sole after 30 seconds, lying on the side after 30 seconds and standing vertically after 8 minutes. 

Some of the additional features are:

• Power: 1800 watts
• Large water tank
• Vertical steam
• Spray function

High performance and ease of use – this combination is possible with Mueller steam iron. The 1500 watt power of the Mueller steam iron ensures quick heating and saves in power consumption. It takes less than one minute to reach maximum temperature. 

For a powerful burst of steam, you can use a simple button on the handle. This is also very helpful for the vertical ironing of the hanging clothes or curtains. 

Thanks to the stainless steel soleplate, the manufacturer ensures it is anti-drip, non-stick and scratch resistance. The carefully designed shape of the tip and the steam holes promise even steam distribution and easy smoothing.

Simply fill the device’s large water tank through the filler opening and empty it just as easily. 

The drip-stop function is also very helpful and practical: This means that you can iron even delicate fabrics at low temperatures – without any spots caused by water drops. 

Also, the steam iron is equipped with a precision tip, which should ensure easier smoothing even in tricky areas.

Some of the highlights of Mueller steam iron are:

• Anti-calc system
• 8 ft retractable cord
• Anti-drip
• Auto-shutoff
• Self-cleaning 
• Variable temperature control

The Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron is equipped with a soft-touch handle, which should ensure comfortable handling. It also has a non-stick stainless steel soleplate with steam holes and a self-cleaning function.

The maximum power consumption of the device of 1400 watts.

You can set the amount of steam in 4 settings at the front end of the handle, while the steam boost can be activated with a button behind it.

The power cord of the Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron is retractable and 8 feet long.

A drip-stop function on the soleplate prevents water from escaping. The auto-shutoff feature turns off the iron after a certain time if there is no movement.

Shark Steam Iron comes with a stainless steel soleplate. This material with Smooth Glide™ technology generally has good sliding properties, high durability and distributes the steam evenly.
With an output of 1500 watts, the device should enable you to iron quickly and easily. This model has an anti-drip system and a good amount of steam holes for even distribution.

Descaling regularly: Manufacturers generally recommend descaling the iron regularly. How often this becomes necessary depends, among other things, on the limescale content of your tap water and the frequency of use. A rule of thumb is once a month. 

When descaling, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, then you will enjoy the device for a long time.

The multi-setting temperature adjustment should ensure a high quality of your ironing work for different types of fabric such as nylon, silk, wool, cotton, and linen. The steam iron is equipped with a 260 ml water tank so that you can work for a sufficiently long time.

Does the Shark Steam Iron have an auto-shutoff function?

Yes, this model has an auto-shutoff feature.

What is the weight of the Shark Steam Iron?

The Shark Steam Iron weighs around 3.2 pounds.

What color is iron?

The steam iron is a Red-black-grey combination.

The Rowenta DW5080 steam iron promises you fast and efficient ironing. The stainless steel sole contributes to this, which ensures good gliding properties on a wide variety of fabrics.

According to the manufacturer, the maximum output of 1700 watts enables you to have a consistently high steam boost. The steam output in a steam burst of up to 100 grams per minute can smooth and stubborn wrinkles quickly and easily.

Rowenta DW5080 has 400 steam holes to moisten your ironing laundry evenly. This creates a fine steam mist and you can iron out wrinkles more easily.

You don’t need to worry about limescale deposits, even if you use normal tap water. Thanks to the anti-calcium system it removes minerals from water, which also extends its service life. The manufacturer recommends using this function once a month if you use tap water for ironing.

Highlights of Rowenta DW5080

• Precision tip
• Larger temperature controller – for easier temperature setting
• 10 oz. water tank capacity- for ironing more clothes in one go
• Auto-off system
• Vertical steaming
• Anti-drip system

For more safety: A lot of heat builds upon or in the soleplate. Therefore, you should never leave your iron unattended. For children or pets, in particular, this can otherwise pose a risk of burns. 

Does the Rowenta DW5080 steam iron have a drip-stop function?

Yes, the GC1437 / 80 is equipped with a drip-stop system. This allows you to iron delicate fabrics at low temperatures and you do not have to worry about stains from water drops.

Can I use tap water in Rowenta DW5080?

Yes, this steam iron has an anti-calc system. Although we recommend you to use a mixture of tap and distill water if your tap water has a high level of hardness. 

What is the weight of the Rowenta DW5080 model?

At 3.4 pounds, the device is pleasantly light.

This classic 1200 watts steam iron from Sunbeam is entry-level iron with durable non-stick soleplate. 

With this steam iron, you should not expect some amazing performance. But considering the price and size, it is perfect for single person use with limited ironing needs.  

You can use this iron in both horizontal and vertical positions. For stubborn wrinkles, there is also an extra steam burst feature

Some of the highlights of the Sunbeam classic are: 

Power: 1200 watts

Weight: About 12.7 pounds

Self-clean system

8-foot power cord

Anti-drip feature

Auto-off feature

Temperature settings

Clever technology, elegant design, and fast, effortless gliding are the hallmarks of this steam iron by CHI. This is ensured, among other things, by the special titanium infused ceramic soleplate. 

The anti-calc system guarantees a long service life. The anti-limescale system ensures that you can also use conventional tap water for ironing without risking permanent damage to the device. 

According to the manufacturer, the device guarantees you maximum gliding ability and ideal steam distribution. For even steam distribution it has 400 steam holes. Also, eight feet retractable power cord allows you to store it conveniently. 

Highlights of CHI steam iron:

1700 watts power

Retractable 8 ft. power cord

Attractive design with Matte finish

Titanium infused ceramic soleplate

Buyers Guide for Steam Iron 

What are the advantages of the steam iron over grandma’s old iron?

The laundry can certainly be smoothed somehow with a dry iron that only works with heat. But if you ever used steam iron, you will no longer want to do ironing with dry irons.

Iron is a household appliance for smoothing and removing wrinkles from textiles, especially clothing, table and bed linen. This process uses pressure, heat and, in the case of a steam iron, moisture.

In summary, you will benefit from the following things through the addition of steam:

• Shorter ironing time
• Gentler ironing methods
• Easier handling
• Better result
• More security and comfort

The addition of water vapor not only optimizes the ironing result and speeds up the process, but you can also reduce the heat to a more moderate level.

In this way, you can iron even sensitive items of clothing without the risk of damage. In addition, you benefit from further security and comfort options, which we will explain in our purchase criteria.

Did you know that a steam iron needs a special ironing board? 

The water vapor soaks the covering of a conventional ironing board very quickly. A board specially designed for steam ironing has a suction function. The board supports ironing by using a draft to ensure that the steam can penetrate the fabric better.

How much a steam iron cost?

Steam ironers are available in all price ranges – entry-level models for less than 30 dollars to true all-rounder’s that can cost up to 150 dollars. 

Which price range you want to invest in is of course only up to you. The main criteria for your decision should include how much laundry you have to iron and how often you do it. 

The family with two children should make a different purchase decision than a single living alone.

We recommend that you should not buy the cheapest iron. Better choose a model that offers the best price-performance ratio depending on your situation.

Especially with a higher wattage and a higher steam output per minute, you can assume that the price will rise accordingly.

Note: The data given depends only on our general research. Iron for 25 dollars may have an output of 2,500 watts.

However, these models often have a disadvantage, such as cheaper construction material or fewer additional functions. 

Do I have to descale my steam iron?

Wherever there is water, there is a chance of having limescale in the long run. Therefore, there are two different options for your steam iron: either you descale it regularly or you use distilled water.

Manufacturers recommend a mixture of both or even the pure use of tap water, as the distillate can attack the inner materials.

You can also find special decalcifying agents in liquid and powder form. Mix this with tap water and fill it into the tank of the steam iron.

You just have to heat the iron and press the steam outlet several times so that the descaler gets to every part of the soleplate. Then leave it on for about an hour and then rinse the tank with fresh water several times.

How do I clean my steam iron?

The longer the steam iron is in use, the dirtier the sole gets from burnt-in material. We recommend putting water in a bowl with a dash of vinegar and cleaning the sole thoroughly with a cloth. 

Alternatively, you can buy special cleaners in the supermarket. But be careful as many ceramic soles cannot withstand strong cleaning agents. 

If the unpleasant case occurs that the nozzles are clogged with dirt or lime, you can dip a cotton swab in vinegar and use it to gently clean the steam nozzles.

What types of steam irons are there and which is the right one for you?

If you are looking for a suitable iron for your household, you can hardly avoid the widely used steam function. The reason for this is simple: with steam, ironing is easier, faster and more effective.

At the push of a button, a hot steam jet emerges, which dampens your clothes and makes ironing easier. 

The most important features of a steam iron in terms of ironing power depends on the following three points:

• Amount of steam output
• Steam pressure
• Quality of the soleplate

In addition to these primary criteria, each steam iron has other features and quality features, which we will discuss later. In the decision section, we first look at the key factors that will influence your ironing result.

Since the selection of steam irons is very wide, the decision to buy a suitable iron is usually not that easy. 

In the following, we would like to introduce you to the basic properties of the most common steam irons. With this, we hope you can find the product that is most suitable for you.

What are the alternatives to the steam iron?

If you count yourself among the frequent ironers, you can also consider steam generator irons. They are a more expensive and more advanced version of the steam iron.

The advantage of a steam generator station is that the steam production is in the separate chamber. The steam is then directed to the soleplate at high pressure. 

The amount and the steam pressure are of course much higher. Also, the weight of the iron is less because of the separate water tank.

Disadvantage

High price

The big shortcoming at a steam generator station is only the price. Where the price for the top models of a steam iron ends, it only begins for the steam station. 

Why the amount of steam is important?

The amount of steam output is of central importance for the smoothing performance of a steam iron. The steam output is measured in grams per minute. As the general use more steam output your steam iron has, the better it can perform. 

Did you know that moisture in the home can cause mold?

After ironing, you should ventilate the apartment for at least five minutes. The amount of water vapor in the air can otherwise lead to an unpleasant smell and mold.

In normal operation, the performance of good quality steam iron is between 30 and 60 grams of steam per minute. While the volume of steam bursts as a special feature is around two and a half to four times the value. 

The steam burst feature is especially necessary for stubborn wrinkles in thick fabrics, for example in denim. 

Disadvantage

Larger tanks mean more weight

Refilling is necessary more often

Depending on the size of the tank and the amount of steam output, you will need to refill your steam iron. Most water tanks in steam iron have a capacity between 200 and 400 milliliters.

Why steam pressure is important in steam irons?

A high steam pressure of steam iron is important so that it can effectively penetrate the fabrics. This is very important to have a better ironing result. 

This steam pressure is measured in the bar. Most good quality steam iron has steam pressure between three and five bars.

Disadvantage

Higher power consumption

More expensive

The wattage often gives an informative indication of the steam output in terms of pressure and output. In general, it should not be less than 2,400 watts.

Why the quality of steam iron soleplates is important?

Another criterion for an optimal smoothing result is the soleplate of the steam iron. It should have as many holes as possible so that the steam can be distributed more evenly.

Disadvantage

Higher price

The amount of steam and the steam pressure cannot give full performance if the soleplate doesn’t have efficient construction.

Holes at the tip of the soleplate are particularly important, as this allows steam to reach hard-to-reach places, such as a shirt collar. We recommend you to choose the steam iron which has a narrow tip. 

Which material is the right one for my soleplate?

Apart from the design, the material of soleplate also plays an important role. The main distinction is made between coated sole plates and metal soles.

Most cheap steam irons have aluminum sole. We don’t recommend them because of its relatively poor sliding properties and a rough surface.

Disadvantage

Low gliding property

Rough surface

On the other hand, stainless steel is very reliable, scratch-resistant and glides relatively well over the laundry.

Disadvantage

Relatively high weight

A slightly more expensive alternative is the coated ceramic sole, which is common in high-end steam irons.

It usually has a self-cleaning function which means you don’t have to clean the iron regularly by hand. 

The only drawback with ceramic sole plates is that they are prone to scratches.

Disadvantage

Very hard, but still sensitive to scratches

A bit expensive

The different versions of steam iron soles are mainly sold under the following terms:

• Ceranium
• Durilium
• GLISSIUM
• Autoclean / palladium
• SteamGlide
• PTFE / Teflon
• Alumite

Steam output

As we mentioned above, the steam output is an important criterion par for steam irons. The main thing to consider here is the amount of continuous steam per minute and the amount of a single burst of steam.

The wattage is a good indicator of the steam output and the time in which iron can heat up.

If you have a lot of ironing to do every day, look for a model with different steam output settings.

The only thing you have to do is assess your ironing need correctly. How often and how intensively will you use your ironing device? 

Consider the above table as a suggestion, so that you can assess what kind of performance you can expect.

We hope the above table will make it easier for you to decide on a suitable product.

Soleplate

We have given you an overview of the different types of soleplates above. Nevertheless, we would like to emphasize again how important the right sole is for your ironing result.

So ask yourself the question again, how much value do you place on the quality of your soleplate? 

If you are just a “casual ironer”, a cheap aluminum sole could be enough. If you value durability and quality, a stainless steel sole would be the right choice.

If you want an optimal ironing experience with the best gliding properties, you should use a ceramic sole. Also, make sure there are enough steam holes on the sole.

Weight

The lighter your steam iron is, the better you can handle it while ironing. But be careful: it shouldn’t be too lightweight either The weight of most models is between one and two kilograms.

However, the fill volume of the water tank must be added. With a pure iron weight of one kilogram and a tank capacity of 300 ml, this adds up to almost a third of the weight.

A filled steam iron shouldn’t weigh more than two kilograms at best, otherwise, it could be exhausting for you.

However, if your iron is too light, you will need to use more force to press it onto the laundry. The ironing performance would possibly suffer. 

Water tank capacity

Most steam irons have a water tank with a capacity of around 200 to 400 ml. A larger tank means that you have to refill it less often.

It makes a clear difference whether you have to run to the tap three times or six times in an hour.

With some steam ironers, you can refill directly without having to switch off the device. This will save you from having to re-heat your iron. However, make sure that the device is not too heavy for you due to a large tank and a high weight.

Cable length

The cable should not be too short to allow greater mobility when ironing. A cable length with two to three meters is ideal. 

Many steam ironers have a so-called flexo joint, which ensures good freedom of movement.

Another elegant solution for maximum mobility is wireless steam irons. You only have to plug them back into a charging station after work.

Automatic shutdown

The automatic switch-off is an important additional function since it enormously increases your safety when using a steam iron and can also save electricity.

The steam iron turns off automatically after a short period when there is no movement. 

Vertical steam function

The vertical steam function, you can iron in a vertical position, which saves you the time-consuming work on the ironing board. 

However, you should keep in mind that the result of the only superficial steam will not be as thorough. However, if you frequently need this function, we recommend you to buy a vertical garment steamer.

Drip-stop function

Especially when ironing at lower temperatures, your soleplate may drip during a steam boost. Therefore, a drip-stop function in your steam iron is very useful.

The drip stop prevents unsightly water stains from appearing on your clothes. This allows you to devote your attention to ironing without having to pay attention to the dripping of the soleplate.

Anti-scale system

An integrated anti-limescale system not only helps you to clean the ironing device but can also significantly extend its lifespan.

The hardness of the tap water varies greatly depending on the location, which has a considerable influence on how quickly the device calcifies. If you live in a place with high water hardness, we recommend you to buy steam iron with the anti-scale system.

There are mainly two limescale systems that differ significantly: 

The first uses an anti-limescale cartridge that is firmly installed in the iron. The lime is automatically and reliably filtered out through the use of activated carbon.

The other system, however, usually has an unlimited service life and is based on electrolysis. After you have used your ironing device often enough, a corresponding light flashes. 

Now you only have to carry out the so-called “Calc-Clean function” and the lime disappears.

This process thoroughly frees your device from deposits and thus protects the components, which makes a longer service life more likely.

Self-cleaning function

With the self-cleaning function, your steam iron will get very hot and will wash away any residues of lime and dirt.

The manufacturer’s specifications like to vary between an anti-limescale system and a self-cleaning function. Therefore, you should know that the two are very similar since both variants mean that your iron can easily avoid calcification.

Before you buy, make sure that you have at least one of the two functions on your future steam iron.

Eco function

Energy consumption is an important cost factor in every household. The manufacturers have also noticed this, which is why there are some steam irons with which you can save electricity and money through a built-in eco function.

All you have to do is press the Eco button and your steam iron will switch to power-saving mode. The manufacturers advertise that consumption can be reduced by up to 30 percent, while the steam output should remain virtually the same.