Steam irons: How to buy the best steam iron Steam irons
Which? has tested more than 100 steam irons
Ironing is a chore most of us want to get out of the way as quickly and easily as possible – and investing in a decent steam iron can really help minimise the time you'll have to spend on this household task.
A regular steam iron uses a built-in water tank to generate steam to take the creases out of shirts, skirts and t-shirts – unlike a steam generator iron, which has a separate water tank.
Steam iron pros and cons
Pros
- Quick to heat up
- Cheaper than steam generator irons
- Smaller and easier to store
- Suitable for shorter ironing sessions.
Cons
- Not as powerful as steam generators
- Can be heavier to use
- Not as fast as steam generators at getting through piles of ironing
- Some poorly performing steam irons won't work as effectively at lower temperatures.
Compare reviews of more than 100 different steam irons, including Rowenta, Morphy Richards and Tefal models, in our Which? lab test review, which reveals our recommended Best Buy steam irons.
Steam iron brands
Tefal, Rowenta, Morphy Richards, Philips and Russell Hobbs are all household names associated with steam irons – but you'll also find own-brand steam iron models available from big supermarkets such as Sainsbury's and Tesco, and stores including Argos and John Lewis.
Steam iron features
At first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking all steam irons were pretty much the same – but take a closer look at the functions and features different steam irons offer to make sure you pick out the best one.
Cleaning and descaling
Steam iron performance can be severely hampered by the build-up of limescale over time, so it's worth checking how easily your iron can be cleaned. Some come with anti-calcium cartridges or self-cleaning systems, for example. Our steam irons review rates each model on how easy it is to clean and how often you'll need to descale it.
Enhanced steam iron features
Steam shot buttons, button notches, directional water spray, vertical steam to steam curtains, easy-glide soleplates... Extras like these can make all the difference when you're choosing the best steam iron for your needs. You can find out more in our steam iron 'features explained' section.
Think about which iron features you want, and take the time to check what's available on each model – that way you'll get the gadgets you need, and won't end up paying extra for the ones you'll never use.
Cable length
Most steam irons come with a three-metre cord – but they can vary, so check the length before you buy. A short power cord can affect your ability to manoeuvre your iron effectively.
Look for steam iron features like auto-shut off or non-stick soleplates
Safety
An iron with 'auto shut-off' can give you peace of mind. This function turns the iron off after a pre-determined time period if the iron hasn't moved, or is face down for too long – reducing the risk of an accident. We've listed the safety features of each iron we test in our steam irons review.
Steam iron prices
You can buy a steam iron fairly cheaply these days. Prices for basic models start at less than £10, and go up to around £100 for top-of-the-range models – and even more for a steam generator iron.
Choosing a Best Buy steam iron doesn't have to break the bank, though – there are several Best Buy steam irons for less than £50.
Cordless steam irons
Cordless steam irons aren't widely available in the UK yet. In the meantime, your best option is a steam iron that's been designed to ensure the cord won't get tangled up as you work.
Some steam iron cords are connected via a 'ball and socket' swivel that keeps the cord out of the way while you're ironing. We've also tested a couple of Ultraglide models from Tefal, the Tefal FV4355 and Tefal FV4375. These come with an 'easycord' anchorage system to stop unwieldy cords interrupting your flow.
