Steam irons are extremely useful appliances for both professional and household use. Compared to normal irons, they help to iron out wrinkled clothes a lot faster, and they are highly efficient.
Top 5 Best Steam Irons:There are dozens of manufacturers who produce steam irons and thousands of positive steam iron generator reviews for you to read on e-commerce platforms. This makes the decision of choice much more difficult.
- Easy to carry around
- Eliminates all sorts of germs
- Eliminates wrinkles in one single movement
- 10 Oz water tank capacity
- Stainless steel soleplate
- Electronic steam pump
- Retractable cord
- Automated temperature control
- Titanium-infused ceramic soleplate
- 360-degree freestyle soleplate with double-tipped design
- Adjustable heat, steam, and dry settings
- Lightweight, heat-resistant case
- Non-stick soleplate
- Portable steam iron
- Cheap price
To help you figure out the best one to buy, we will talk about all you need to know before picking the best steam iron. But first, you need to know what a steam iron is and how it works.
What Is a Steam Iron?
For those who don’t know, a steam iron is an electrical iron that emits heat from holes made on its flat surface. The steam iron is mainly used for ironing dry clothes, as it helps to add moisture and warmth.
When it comes to steam irons, the electricity courses through a special coil, and this coil transfers all the heat to the soleplate in the iron. When it gets hot enough, water starts dripping from its tank onto the water plate to create some steam. The iron releases the steam which helps to soften dry clothes.
In contrast, normal irons can’t help you soften your clothes. No matter how much you try to smoothen dry clothes, there’ll always be a few annoying wrinkles you won’t be able to get rid of.
Using your hand to add water could leave noticeable water stains on your clothes. So, steam irons are your best chance if you want to get rid of wrinkles and make clothes softer.
Top 10 Best Steam Iron Reviews
The best steam irons are admittedly difficult to find. It takes a lot of knowledge and market insight to be able to differentiate a top-rated steam iron from a subpar one.
The best steam irons often have characteristics that make them stand out from normal irons and even steam irons of lower quality. That said, here are ten of the best steam irons to choose from.
1 -Best Quality: Laurastar Lift Steam Iron
- Designed for left and right handlers
- Large water tank
- Portable and compact for on-the-go ironing
- No steam bursts
The Laurastar Lift Steam Iron (Red) is a top steam generator on the market that can go everywhere and anywhere with you. Its ergonomic and portable design makes it a compact version of the conventional irons we are used to. As an icing on the cake, it also includes a powerful 3-in-1 feature that puts it several leagues ahead of its competition.
This high-quality steam iron takes out the stress and brings in the fun to ironing. Its steam is strong enough to kill 99.9% of germs making it an effective and hygienic ironing appliance. To top it all off, it is one of the best professional steam irons around.
| Power | 1450W |
| Water tank capacity | 37.2 ounces (1100ml) |
| Soleplate material | Aluminum iron soleplate, brushed finish |
| Power cord length | 7.6 ft |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs. |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Many fashion houses praise this Laurastar Lift as the best professional steam iron around. And if you see what it can do, you would too.
2 – Powerful: Rowenta SteamForce Steam Iron DW9280
- Stainless steel soleplate with non-stick coating
- Powerful steam bursts
- Led indicator for smart controls
- Heavy - Not a lightweight model
- More expensive than other models
Rowenta Steam Iron DW9280 might look like the conventional steam iron. However, it does things a little differently to yield even better results.
For one, it utilizes powerful steaming SteamForce technology to kill germs and remove creases and wrinkles in seconds when ironing.
Additionally, its steam burst feature delivers a powerful burst of steam of up to 210g, making it a high-quality iron for linen ironing and perfect for tough clothes. This top-rated steam iron also comes with a smart steam-motion sensor and a 5-way auto safety shut-off.
| Power | 1800W |
| Water tank capacity | 11.8 ounces (350ml) |
| Soleplate material | Stainless steel |
| Power cord length | 7.9 ft |
| Weight | 3.85 lbs. |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Because it’s a heavy iron for sewing and quilting, you won’t need to apply so much pressure. However, its features and cost might not make it much of a good option for casual ironing around the home.
3 – Great Value: CHI Steam Iron for Clothes 13102
- Ultra-strong and scratch-resistant titanium soleplate
- Adjustable steam lever
- Sleek handle with textured grip
- Understanding fabric type settings might be a little confusing
- Steam output becomes uneven over a long period of use
This CHI steam iron gives you great value for your money. With over 400 steam holes, the CHI steam iron is one of the best steam irons for clothes that have difficult-to-remove wrinkles.
Its titanium-infused ceramic soleplate has a powerful steaming feature that smooths out wrinkles in mere seconds.
Additionally, it comes with an 8-foot retractable cord that gives enough room for easy use. This CHI steam iron works well for all fabrics and is easily the best steam iron with retractable cords.
| Power | 1700W |
| Water tank capacity | 4 ounces |
| Soleplate material | Titanium-infused ceramic sole-plate |
| Power cord length | 8 ft |
| Weight | 3.85 Pounds |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
All that being said, this CHI professional steam iron remains a strong user favorite. It is a good choice if you really want to invest in a high-quality iron.
4 – Cordless: Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless Steam/Dry Iron
- Cordless design for ease of use
- Triple functional setting
- Very portable and lightweight
- More pressure needs to be added when ironing thick fabrics
The Panasonic cordless steam iron is a contoured multi-directional steam/dry iron with a stainless steel soleplate. It is lightweight and very easy to use. It comes in a cordless design making it very easy to use with tangle-free ironing.
This steam iron’s design allows it to rotate 360 degrees, which encourages maneuverability. Its dual-tipped soleplate helps it glide easily over clothing without tugging at the fabric.
To top it all off, the Panasonic cordless iron has a triple functioning ability – heat, steam, and dry, making it a multifunctional treasure to possess, making it one of the best cordless steam irons available online.
Because of its small size and ease of use, many professionals regard this appliance to be a portable steam iron for quilting and sewing. These professionals frequently carry this model around when traveling.
| Power | 1500W |
| Water tank capacity | 4.7 ounces |
| Soleplate material | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 4.4 Pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Ultimately, the Panasonic cordless steam iron is a top choice when considering versatility and ease of use.
5 – For Travel: Steamfast SF-710 Mini Steam Iron with Dual Voltage
- Portable and compact with a foldable handle
- Heats up fast
- Includes a plastic measuring cup
- The water tank is only 1 oz.
- Requires prolonged use to get rid of wrinkles
Undoubtedly, this is the best portable steam iron for travel. If you’re planning for a long trip, this is the best steam iron you could carry along.
The Steamfast travel iron only needs 800 watts of power to do its job, and it’s rather fast at heating up. However, its water tank is only about 1 ounce (29.5 ml), so you’d need to fill it up regularly.
| Power | 800W |
| Water tank capacity | 1 ounce (29.5ml) |
| Soleplate material | Nonstick stainless steel |
| Power cord length | 6 ft |
| Weight | 1.1 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Quilters and many other people in this fashion world say that this is their number one travel iron. That said, this handy appliance is one of the best irons for quilting and other professional uses.
6 – Durable: Reliable Velocity 240IR 1800W Steam Iron
- Various automation, so less supervision required
- Very durable
- Zero leaks even after prolonged use
- Heavier than other irons
This Reliable Velocity steam iron is packed with features that make ironing easier than ever before. Manufactured by the Reliable company, its iron plate consists of patented anodized aluminum that’s extremely durable.
Like the high-quality steam irons, it uses micro-pump technology that heats water and transforms it into steam. Fortunately, the Reliable steam iron also has automation and other handy technology that prevents your fabrics from getting burnt.
| Power | 1800W |
| Water tank capacity | 300ml |
| Soleplate material | Patented anodized aluminum |
| Power cord length | 8.2 ft |
| Weight | 2.3lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year |
To top it all off, this iron has sensor-touch technology that responds to touch and activates steam.
7 – User-Friendly: EuroSteam Iron Steamer for Clothes
- Vertical and horizontal ironing
- Works on lots of fabrics
- Uses less power than other steam irons
- The handle can feel slightly hot after prolonged use
- Needs constant supervision
When this iron was invented, the EuroSteam company had the users in mind. This iron has multiple features that will help the user iron better and more easily. Some people even say that this steam iron with ceramic soleplate makes ironing feel less like a chore, hailing it to be amongst the best steam irons.
Its lightweight property allows people to iron with ease. The iron plate of this steam iron is made up of ceramic, and this ceramic material enhances its durability tenfold.
This steam iron comes with a boiler tank that makes your job easier by heating the soleplate and water simultaneously. This allows the iron to have enough steam and heat when you’re ironing.
The EuroStream steam iron even provides a feature for people who like to steam iron clothes on hangers! You can steam horizontally and vertically with this product.
| Power | 1000W |
| Water tank capacity | N/A |
| Soleplate material | Ceramic |
| Power cord length | 8.2 ft |
| Weight | 4.89lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year |
That said, this EuroSteam iron is for people who don’t want to stress while pressing clothes at home or doing professional work.
8 – Heavy Duty: Shark 1800W Ultimate Professional Steam Iron GI505
- Heavy duty
- Affordable
- Large water tank
- Requires a huge amount of power
The Shark professional steam iron is currently one of the best out there, and for good reason too. This heavy duty steam iron helps you maximize your steam power and also irons out wrinkles in one motion.
Its manufacturers also paid attention to user requests, as it includes some of the features popularly demanded by them. Some of these features include an anti-calcification feature, an anti-drip feature, a large iron tank, and a multi-position auto shut-off.
| Power | 1800W |
| Water tank capacity | 300ml |
| Soleplate material | Stainless Steel |
| Power cord length | 10 ft |
| Weight | 3.57 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year |
All in all, the Shark professional steam iron is a great purchase if you’re working with a tight budget and looking for the best home steam iron.
9 – Good Price: Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron with Retractable Cord
- Affordable
- Bigger steam holes
- Portable
- You have to wait for a while for the iron to reach operating temperature.
The Sunbeam Steammaster steam iron is the best steam iron under $100. For this reason, it is loved by millions worldwide. The most noticeable property of this steam iron is its self-cleaning feature. It removes all the mineral deposits from itself, allowing your iron to remain clean.
Also, unlike many other steam irons, it includes big steam holes with a stainless steel soleplate which delivers quite a lot of steam. Consequently, this means that it eliminates wrinkles way faster than other irons. You can iron both vertically and horizontally with this handy appliance.
| Power | 1400W |
| Water tank capacity | 300ml |
| Soleplate material | Stainless steel |
| Power cord length | 8 ft. retractable cord |
| Weight | 2.95lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Getting this affordable steam iron with all these amazing features for less than $100 is phenomenal!
10 – Commercial: GOLDSTAR Silver Star Gravity Feed Tailor’s Steam Iron
- Powerful steam
- Easy to maintenance
- Lightweight
- Special handle not found in less expensive models
- Water storage is not inbuilt.
Of all the steam irons mentioned in this list, this gravity feed iron is undoubtedly the best steam iron for commercial use.
Weighing only 2 pounds, the Goldstar Silver Star Gravity Feed Steam Iron can work for hours on end, performing the work of 3 units which are twice as expensive.
This lightweight iron consists of a hard and patented aluminum soleplate that helps remove wrinkles easily. It also comes with a 5-step control for steam and temperature.
Unfortunately, this iron does not come with an in-built water tank. Rather, it uses an external plastic water tank that you’d suspend above your workplace.
| Power | 1000W |
| Water tank capacity | External tank |
| Soleplate material | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 2 lbs |
| Warranty | N/A |
The best part about this iron is that it does not require so much maintenance, nor does it need much power to run. That said, this iron is best for people who quilt, sew or even iron on a commercial scale.
How To Choose The Best Steam Iron?
1 - Look at the Volume of Steam It Can Produce
When trying to buy a steam iron, the first thing you need to do is to check the amount of steam the iron can produce. Too little steam and you won’t get the desired effects of ironing. Too much, and you wouldn’t be able to use the iron effectively. The best steam irons are the ones that produce a moderate steam volume.
2 - Check the steam level’s variability
Another thing you should look out for is how much steam variability the iron has. Some produce a fixed amount of steam, while others provide the user with variable steam. Most commercial steam irons produce a normal level of steam.
Without a doubt, variable steam is the better option. It allows you to control the steam, making you able to take care of sensitive clothes.
3 - Consider the inbuilt thermostat
Not every steam iron has a thermostat. Hence, buying the first one you see off the market may be more harmful than beneficial. Before making a purchase, make sure you pick an iron that has reasonable control over the iron plate’s temperature. Consequently, you would be able to safely iron different fabric textures without any of them getting burnt or damaged.
4 - Get the Heavier Ones
Although a lightweight iron is easier to move, it’s better if you pick a heavy steam iron. Heavier irons like generator steam irons don’t need as much downward pressure due to their relatively bulky weights. In other words, you would not need to add so much pressure while ironing.
5 - Check for additional features
Because there are so many steam iron manufacturers now, they all want to compete with each other. As a result, many of them have come up with features that make their irons stand out from others. Some of them include an automatic shut-off feature, cordless steam irons, generator steam irons, and so on.
Pressurized vs Non-Pressurized Steam Generators
Every steam iron has a steam generator. However, they’re not all the same. Some people prefer pressurized generators, while others prefer non-pressurized generators.
For those who don’t know the difference, pressurized generators deliver about three times more steam to the fabric when compared to non-pressurized steam generators. In addition to this, steam irons that include pressurized steam generators offer a dry-cleaning function due to the amount of steam it produces. With this iron, you’ll be able to dry your clothes fast.
Steam irons with non-pressurized steam generators don’t offer this function. Although they also produce a good amount of steam, it’s not enough to dry your clothes. Non-pressurized steam irons are more suited for home use, while pressurized steam irons are best suited for commercial and professional use.
However, as you may expect, pressurized steam irons are expensive. So, if you’re looking for a budget steam iron, it’s best to go for the non-pressurized steam irons. On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending some more money for a better steam iron that can perform multiple tasks, it’s best to get the pressurized versions.
How to Clean a Steam Iron
No matter how well you keep your steam iron, it’s bound to change color after continuous use. It starts turning brown or even assumes a burnt color if used for too long without cleaning. Right now, I know you’re wondering if it’s possible to clean a steam iron without getting your fingers burnt.
If you clean your steam iron in the right manner, you can avoid getting burnt and make your steam iron look as clean as the first day you got it!
The first thing you’d need to do when trying to clean an iron is to make an iron cleaning paste. Baking soda is the best substance you can use to make this paste. All you’d need to do is add one tablespoon of water to two tablespoons of baking soda. Mix thoroughly, and rub the paste on the iron plates. Rub carefully until the iron plate is completely covered. If used correctly, this paste is enough to clean most kinds of stains on your steam iron.
However, try not to let this paste get into the steam holes, as it can damage your iron. Instead, dip a piece of cotton swabs into vinegar and clean out the steam holes that way. In addition to the fact that cotton swabs help you clean the insides of the holes, the vinegar also helps to erase grime and unclog the steam iron.
If your steam iron comes in contact with plastic, there’s no doubt that some of it would melt and get stuck on the soleplate. To remove melted plastic, all you need to do is use ice cubes and a plastic knife. This may leave a mess, so make sure to remove the melted plastic in an area you can easily clean after.
After letting the plastic cool on the ice plate, place the iron plate into a bowl of ice cubes. This will harden the plastic. When it gets hardened, all you’d have to do is scrape off the plastic with the plastic knife. If you leave the melted plastic as is, it will get on your clothes and permanently solidify on them.
To maintain them regularly, all you’d need to do is turn the iron to low heat and scrub with dryer sheets.
Steam Iron FAQs
Is a Steam Generator Better Than Iron?
The answer to this depends on individual preferences. If you want to get a high level of steam released at a higher temperature, it’s best to use a steam generator.
However, if you want portability and easy maneuverability, the steam iron is a better option. The steam iron is best for tackling lots of laundry at a time and tough beddings. Steam irons are commonly for everyday ironing.
Why is My Iron Spitting Out Brown Stuff?
If your iron is spitting out brown substances, there’s a huge chance that you haven’t cleaned or maintained it in a while. If you want to know how to clean it, refer to the section above. Cleaning out the iron plate and the steam holes should do.
Should I Use Distilled Water in My Iron?
Yes, the best water to use for ironing is distilled water. Distilled water is cleaner than regular tap water and would further prolong the lifespan of your iron.
Why is My Iron Leaving Brown Marks?
If your iron is leaving brown marks on your clothes, it probably needs cleaning. Check the iron plate to make sure there is no brown residue. If there is, make some iron cleaning paste and rub carefully but thoroughly.
What Happens If the Iron Does not Produce Any Steam?
If the iron does not produce enough steam or any steam at all, try to check the water compartment. More often than not, the main cause is a depleted water tank. Make sure to fill it up before using it each time.
If that doesn’t work, then contact the manufacturers for complaints and further directions.
Conclusion
Steam irons are incredibly useful tools to have. Although they were invented relatively recently, these handy appliances have already begun to make people’s lives easier, and in professional settings.
You can use them in the home to press clothes and remove all forms of wrinkles, or you can use them in your sewing/quilting process while at work.
The question “What is the best steam iron?” doesn’t have a definite answer. This is because there are dozens of steam iron models in the market right now, made by trusted companies.
Admittedly, it can be challenging trying to pick the top steam irons on the market. Fortunately, this article has helped to highlight our top ten steam irons you can buy right now. Always take care of your steam iron, and store it responsibly after usage. Conduct regular cleaning and maintenance on the steam iron, and you’ll be able to use this appliance for years.
