If you're looking for a new iron then you'll want the best steam iron (your) money can buy. It's one which will need to be comfortable to hold, have a good soleplate and a high tank capacity.
To help you determine which iron is best for you, we’ve reviewed some of the latest, most tech-worthy models available to buy right now. And with talk of sales starting to surface more and more, now has never been a better time to invest - if you're iron is more than 10 years old then it is definitely time to to call in a replacement.
Once you've picked your model, read our best kettles guide so you can let off some steam with a nice mug full of your favourite tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
- Best ironing boards: to go with that new iron of yours
Best steam iron buys
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Our best-rated steam iron is this latest TexStyle 7 Pro model from Braun, which will leave clothes totally crease-free thanks to its superior soleplate that removes stubborn wrinkles in no time.
EloxalPlus soleplate
Said to be Braun’s best gliding soleplate, even when ironing backwards, which is usually a complete pain especially when it comes to pockets and buttons. The unique coating makes the whole process quicker and simpler and is twice as hard as stainless steel.
Advanced steam
The 50 grams per minute steam output boosts 60 per cent more steam than most models and works easily on really tough creases while the large water tank means no more constantly refilling. There’s a turbo steam option as well as a steam shot for stubborn wrinkles or vertical steaming.
Use the variable steam setting to control how much steam you want depending on the fabric at the time.
Digital anti-drip
This brilliant feature puts an end to frustrating water drips as you iron. It works by digital technology that controls the heat really effectively so less water comes out of the soleplate as you iron.
Part of Tefal's Ultimate Pure range, this iron gets our vote for quick results because it comes with a patented Micro-Scale filter, which captures even the tiniest of particles, to deliver pure, filtered steam every time.
Auto-off mode
A great feature for families or those who tend to wander off and forget they’ve left the iron on, the built-in safety auto-off feature works from 30 seconds after the iron is left on its side or soleplate – or eight minutes when left on its heels.
Autoclean coating
A nifty idea, this iron has a special coating that prevents stains without any maintenance on your part - ideal when you’ve not ironed for a while and are worried about staining.
The autoclean soleplate is also perfect for use on delicates and will glide across linen, which is a notoriously tricky fabric to iron.
Easy to use
Some irons can be awkward to use, which is annoying when you know you have an hour or more of ironing ahead of you. This one’s different as it has a soft handle, large water tank to avoid constant refilling and a long 3m cord.
This Philips iron is packed with smart tech to ensure you have the correct dosage of steam to iron out any creases, and whizz through the ironing pile.
OptimalTEMP technology
Approved by experts, this iron will never burn any ironable fabric, including linen, cashmere and silk. No need to adjust the temperature or sort clothes into different piles.
Steam modes
Take your pick from DynamiQ, MAX, IONIC and OFF to suit your needs. DynamiQ delivers the right amount steam automatically by the speed of your movements, MAX blasts stubborn creases while IONIC breaks steam into smaller particles for thicker fabrics.
There’s even a Turbo Steam pump for continuous steam on tough creases. It heats up quickly and also includes a Smart Calc reminder and Quick Calc release for long-lasting performance.
Advanced soleplate
Making your job even easier, the SteamGlide Advanced soleplate has maximum scratch resistance and an easy glide.
What we like about this steam iron from Morphy Richards is that it offers that little bit more than a typical steam iron, which is why it gets our vote for the best steam iron for families.
IntelliTemp technology
There’s one single optimum temperature, which is ideal for different types of fabric so no more fussing about with different settings or waiting for it to heat up or cool down.
Built-in pump
With this, it means that it works just like a steam generator – which is a bulkier version of an iron that sits on a large water tank – but is lighter and easier to handle. The pump will give a constant steam injection, just when you need it.
Aeroglide soleplate
Designed for quick and easy ironing, the soleplate has 485 holes, which delivers steam all over rather than just in a small area. This means it covers a wider surface making your job easier.
Vertical steam
When you don’t have time or room to get the ironing board out, use the vertical steam function to blast suits, skirts or even the curtains without having to get them down. The 2.5m power lead should give you plenty of room to move about.
The Russell Hobbs 25090 is specially designed to take the fuss out of changing settings and temperature choice, and it gets our vote for the best value-for-money too!
One temperature
This iron simply has one heat setting, which can be used on everything from shirts and skirts to PE kits and school uniforms. This takes the guesswork out of having to decide which setting to use, so makes it ideal for those in a hurry.
There's a three-way safety auto shut off too, which is ideal for families and those who tend to forget they’ve left the iron on.
Smoother glide
The ceramic soleplate is said to deliver a 60% smoother glide, which will make ironing effortless and swiftly deals with creases in one fell swoop.
210g steam shot
Another bonus is the 210g steam shot, which again takes the effort out of ironing. Great when you’re faced with a large pile on a Sunday night.
Often find yourself working away? While we're aware that packing an iron in a suitcase can be a tricky task if you're an over packer *guilty*, this one is sufficiently small so should squeeze in fine. If not, it can be useful for staycations, too.
Travel pouch
We love the fact that this compact steam iron comes with its own travel pouch to ensure it stays in tip-top condition while being transported. It also comes with its own little measuring beaker, too.
Stainless steel soleplate
Thanks to the iron's stainless steel soleplate, it makes an easy job of gliding over any fabric, around buttons and over kinks.
Temperature control
Seeing as this iron is very compact, you can't expect it to have any game-changing features. However, we are impressed that it has temperature control for when you're de-creasing something delicate or are dealing with tough lines you can't seem to banish.
How to choose the best steam iron
Where to buy the best steam iron?
If you're starting out on your search for the best steam iron then there are a few factors you may want to consider when looking into the best ways to do washing and care for your laundry.
Steam irons or generators?
Steam irons are a great all-round option for everyday ironing. You can buy steam generators but these are big and bulky, as the iron sits on a water tank base, which makes them difficult to store after use. So we've stuck with steam irons as the technology is so advanced these days, they have everything you could need. You generally get what you pay for, so avoid ultra cheap designs, as they won’t offer the features you need to tackle stubborn creases and are probably too lightweight to give much oomph.
Steam functions
Look at the different steam options available, as this is what gets rid of wrinkles and creases. Check the steam output as well as added features such as steam boost or constant steam.
Auto shut off
Families with young children will benefit from the peace of mind that a safety auto shut off feature can give. This means that the iron turns itself off when it hasn’t been used for a certain length of time. It’s also a great feature for those who tend to wander off to answer the phone or door and forget they’ve left the iron on.
Advanced soleplate
For a stain-free iron, check the soleplate and look for something that won’t mark your clothes. You want one that’s easy to glide across fabrics, as well as one that delivers steam through all the holes for an even distribution and better finish. Ceramic is best, followed by stainless steel.
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What is the best steam iron?
To recap... if you want the best steam iron (in our opinion) we wouldn't hesitate to buy the . It offers 60 per cent more steam for stubborn wrinkles and a high-tech soleplate for easy gliding, even when ironing backwards.
We can also highly recommend buying the. It has an autoclean soleplate so you can use it on dedicates, and we love the black and rose gold finish too!
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