Steam Irons can do a fantastic job in ironing the rumpled clothes. And most of the credit goes to the soleplate and its quality. Most of the new models are lightweight and very simple to use. They allow you to release enough steam for smooth ironing.
There are different kinds of irons you can find on the market, and they vary in terms of cost and features. To make the right buying decision, you need to consider some important features that should be there before you bring steam iron home.
This guide will highlight all those important points to make an informed decision and not waste your money.
So, read on to find everything about the best steam irons!
There is no point in having a smart featured steam iron when it can’t handle the basics. So, here are some important points that you need to keep in mind when buying steam irons.
Types
Steam irons come in different types, and they all serve specific purposes. Predominantly, these irons differ from one another because of their soleplates, weight, size, and various other features.
Traditional steam irons
These models are only capable of small amounts of steam you can apply to your fabric. But these are quite effective in getting rid of those creases. These models now come with features that were once found on only expensive irons. These features have become standard. You can comfortably use them with tap water as there are anti-calcium valves and resin filters in these models.
Cordless Irons
The modern steam irons also come with a cordless design. They have all the features of a traditional model but don’t come with a wire. It means handling these irons becomes a lot easier. But we have found such steam irons are not that great when removing your fabrics’ wrinkles. They are only good if you are traveling where electricity won’t be available.
Steam capabilities
You can look for a model that can produce plenty of steam to get rid of those wrinkles. Almost all steam irons can tackle wrinkles, but the models that don’t produce much steam, need to make a lot more effort.
We normally measure steam output in grams; the higher the rate, the more effective job an iron would do. If you’re not sure about the optimum output, consider anything over 50g/min as a high output. Therefore, make sure to finalize your decisions based on the steaming-rate. You would find common steam irons ranging between 25g to 60g.
Tank Capacity
When it comes to choosing the steam irons, don’t forget to consider the water tank capacity. Typically, the tank capacity of steam iron varies between .27 liters to 0.4 liters. There’s no standard or fixed capacity that you should look for. It all depends on your personal preference and the size of your ironing pile.
Soleplates
The best material for the soleplates of iron is stainless steel. Apart from that, you can also go for ceramic, nonstick, or anodized aluminum. The materials that glide very well on all fabrics are stainless steel and ceramic. Nonstick soleplates are not that great when it comes to gliding.
Controls
Steam irons have a variety of controls these days. Some of them feature slides, while others have dials. Some models even feature digital controls. You need to make sure these controls are easily accessible, and they come with different fabric marketing. So, you can conveniently use different settings on different fabrics.
Comfort
By comfort, we mean the ease in usability! You might bring home an extremely easy iron when it comes to ironing, but they feel heavy in your hands. Therefore, you should hold it in your hand before you buy it.
Easy to maintain
Ensure you clean the surface occasionally by cleaning the residue that gathers overtime on your iron’s soleplate. If cleaning it is easy, you need to go for that particular model. Also, look for any special instructions to get it cleaned up.
Leakage handling
Also, keep in mind that your steam iron will start leaking when you press in cold weather. To prevent this from happening, you should press the delicate fabric first without adding any water to your steam iron.
Make sure not to leave the water inside your iron. It will significantly reduce the drips the next time you begin to iron. It will also eradicate any mineral deposits on your soleplate. Also, don’t use hard water in your steam iron.
Additional features
With the advancement in technology, manufacturers of these steam irons are introducing new features. For instance, you can go for a steam iron that can automatically shut itself off if it stays idle for some time.
There are various other features as well. These include burst or surge steam if you want to handle those stubborn wrinkles or tough fabrics. Irons also come with indicator lights that will tell you that the power is on.
They also come with a retractable cable that is a useful feature if you desperately need a cordless model. Some models also come with self-cleaning features to get rid of any mineral deposits.
Adjustable steam gauge is available if you regularly steam iron different types of fabrics. A transparent water tank can also be a useful feature because it will let you know when to refill the tank. But make sure the tank comes with a cap.
Conclusion:
There you have it. Now you know all you need to know before buying the best steam irons. Steam irons have come a long way if you compare the modern ones with their traditional counterparts. Just make sure you don’t go with the battery-powered irons because they are not very good at getting those wrinkles.
Moreover, make sure all the controls are easy to read, and adjustable steam features are there. It will enable you to steam iron a vast majority of fabrics without any hassle.