How to choose an iron for home use: TOP rating of the best models and characteristics

Sole

Stainless steel outsole

The quality of ironing depends on the sole. Manufacturers use 5 materials in their production:

• Aluminum. Irons with an aluminum sole are lightweight. This metal is easily damaged and has a limited lifespan. Therefore, it is installed in inexpensive models. Owners of irons with aluminum soles complain about chips and scratches that occur during operation. The use of damaged equipment can affect not only the quality of ironing, but also the state of things.
• Ceramics. Ceramic soles are similar in properties to aluminum, but also short-lived. Another drawback is the overpricing.
• Stainless steel. Champion in strength and durability, but now manufacturers rarely use this material. The fact is that irons with stainless steel soles take a lot of time to use. This material heats up and cools down for a long time. It is not suitable for urgent ironing. Another disadvantage is the large size of the models.
• Teflon. You will have to pay more on the Teflon-coated model. Ironing is easy with them. The material heats up and cools down quickly, and models with this coating are equipped with modern features. Teflon should be treated with care - cracks on the sole appear even from falls from a low height.
• Combined coatings. This approach allows you to create coverage without weak points. Manufacturers use cermet and mix steel with aluminum and titanium.

An important element is the shape of the sole. Models with a sharp nose will cope with smoothing out hard-to-reach areas.

The steam holes should be located over the entire area of ​​the sole. This will save the equipment from premature breakdown and overheating.

Variety of soles

No less important criterion for choosing than power is the type of sole - the surface through which the iron acts on the fabric fibers. Budget models usually have soles made of aluminum and stainless steel.

Electric iron working surface made of stainless steel

Stainless steel is a good durable material for the sole, it glides well on fabrics. But if you make a mistake with the smoothing mode, choosing too high a temperature, the steel surface will immediately burn and at the same time can ruin the fabric. After such a nuisance, the steel sole will have to be cleaned. Products with such a working surface weigh a lot, steel heats up and cools down for a long time.

The aluminum surface is also good for ironing clothes and linen. Its main advantage is that aluminum heats up and cools down quickly. In addition, an iron with such a work surface does not weigh much, so it is easy to use.

Unfortunately, aluminum soles are just as likely to get dirty with burnt fibers as steel surfaces. Therefore, they should be regularly cleaned of dirt. Moreover, aluminum is not a durable material. Over time, scratches appear on its surface, which negatively affects the quality of ironing.

Aluminum outsole with anodized anti-stick coating

More expensive items are made with ceramic, Teflon, titanium, chrome and sapphire surfaces, deposited on the same aluminum or steel plates.

The best in terms of price / quality ratio is ceramic and metal-ceramic coating. If the ceramic surface is rather fragile, then the cermet no longer has such a drawback and serves for a long time without damage. Such soles glide very well on fabrics. Their main advantage is that the fabrics do not burn during ironing with ceramic soles. This material is well cleaned of any plaque.

Sintered steam iron

A cheaper alternative to ceramic is a Teflon coating made from a polymer called polytetrafluoroethylene. Teflon coated soles are installed on many models of irons made by the renowned Tefal company. Unfortunately, the polymer does not glide well on the surface of fabrics. In addition, over time, the Teflon layer becomes thinner and scratches, and chips may appear. That is, this material cannot be called strong and durable.

Energy brand electric iron with Teflon countertop

Titanium coating has been used relatively recently. Ironing products with such soles are expensive, but they have many advantages. The surface glides on the fabric very well and is easy to clean. The strength of the material allows it to be used for many years.

Philips Azur Pro iron with titanium-coated stainless steel soleplate

When buying an iron, pay attention to the location of the steam nozzles. They should be evenly spaced across the entire work surface.

Particular attention should be paid to the bow. It is better if it is narrow enough so that you can smooth out the fabric well in hard-to-reach places. The nose should be equipped with steam holes to effectively remove wrinkles.

Design

Oddly enough, but when buying an iron, you must pay due attention to its design. Modern models can have rubberized finger-rest grips, convenient location of the knobs, stylish looks, etc.

All these little things are actually very important, because directly affect the purchase price that you decide to choose. For example, why pay extra money just for the fact that the case is a little rounded, if there is a similar, but more strict model?

A very common design problem faced by buyers is the palm-shaped handle. In fact, such a model is more suitable for right-handers; for a person who writes with his left hand, this option will be completely inconvenient, as evidenced by many negative reviews on the forums!

Video

Watch the video on how to choose the right iron:

About the author:

Electronic engineer with many years of experience. For several years he has been organizing the repair of household appliances, including washing machines. Loves sport fishing, boating and travel.

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Interesting!

In the 19th century, washing ladies' toilets took a lot of time. The dresses were unpicked beforehand, and then washed and dried each part separately so that the fabric would not deform. After washing, the clothes were sewn again.

Sole

The properties of the working surface of the iron directly affect the quality of the material processing. Consider which sole it is better to choose an iron with. Main parameters:

• material;
• the form;
• number of holes (for steam models).

Material

Ease of sliding of the device on the fabric, ironing efficiency and durability depend on the sole material. Possible options:

1. Stainless steel. Advantages - affordable price, durability (resistance to scratches and impacts), easy cleaning, good sliding. Disadvantages - heavy weight, prolonged heating.
2. Aluminum. Advantages - fast heating, low price, low weight. Disadvantages - tendency to scratch, short service life, can damage delicate fabrics and leave shiny areas.

To increase the functionality of the soles, various sprays are applied to stainless steel or aluminum. To decide which coating to choose an iron with, you need to know about the properties of popular options:

1. Ceramics (cermets, glass ceramics). Pros - Provides very easy sliding, cleans well, prevents the fabric from sticking to the surface and its shine. Cons - high price, fragility (at the slightest impact, chips are formed, but this is more important for conventional ceramic coatings).
2. Teflon.Pros - good sliding (worse than ceramics), low price. Cons - it gets thinner, scratches and breaks off.
3. Titanium. Pros - high strength, excellent sliding, easy cleaning. Cons - slightly longer heating, high price.

World-famous manufacturers create unique combinations of sole materials, finding a compromise between performance, durability and cost. For example, they combine stainless steel with ceramics and silicon.

The form

Considering the shape of the working surface, two points should be taken into account - the configuration of the nose (cape) and the total area. The sharper the cape, the more convenient it is to use the iron. It easily smoothes the surface near buttons, collars, ruffles and other small details. In some models, there is a recess in the nose, and a narrow groove is located at the junction of the body and sole. They facilitate ironing on items with buttons.

As far as the total area is concerned, a “golden mean” should be found in this matter. A small, narrow iron is maneuverable, but it takes more time to iron, especially when processing large linens - bed linen, curtains.

Various home iron soles

Holes

It is worth giving preference to the model, in the sole of which there are the most holes for the exit of hot steam.

It is important that they are evenly distributed over the entire surface, including in the area of ​​the spout. The minimum amount is 50, the optimal amount is from 80 to 100

Best cordless irons

Cordless irons are more convenient and maneuverable, and most importantly, they do not lift fabrics with the cord dragging behind them during ironing.

Philips Azur FreeMotions GC4595 - simple and reliable

4.9

★★★★★
editorial estimate

89%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

Here the focus is on the innovative T-ionicGlide ironing surface. The creators claim that it easily glides on any surface, smoothing delicate and rough fabrics equally well. This is facilitated by the 2600 W power, thanks to which the outsole heats up in a matter of seconds.

The Philips Azur recharging dock is installed in a familiar movement - vertically. Although at first, the long contacts will be difficult to "fit" into the slots. But the base design provides a deep groove for winding the power cord.

Advantages:

• Durable and slippery titanium outsole
• Two-color charging indicator light;
• Convenient cord storage;
• Iron lock on the stand;
• Fast heating;
• Vertical steaming mode.

Disadvantages:

We need to get the hang of putting it on the base.

Philips FreeMotions is an easy-to-use iron that is as easy to store and transport as wired models. It just takes a little getting used to.

Tefal Freemove FV9976 - with horizontal parking

4.8

★★★★★
editorial estimate

88%
buyers recommend this product

This is Tefal's first attempt at launching a wireless model, and judging by the reviews, the debut turned out to be a triumphant one. In the Freemove iron, everything is subordinated to comfortable use, so the charging pad here is made horizontal, and the self-cleaning sole has a super-smooth surface.

The latter is also distinguished by the location of the steam channels: they are dispersed here almost over the entire area (especially there are many holes in the narrow spout).

Despite the power of 2.6 kW, there is practically no risk of discharging the iron during ironing. The dock restores its charge level in literally seconds.

Advantages:

• Safe horizontal parking;
• Automatic steam regulation;
• Two-stage protection against limescale;
• Ready-to-work indicator;
• Fast charging;
• Does not leave wet stains on clothes.

Disadvantages:

Do not stand on the heel.

If you decide to switch to cordless irons, it is better to start acquaintance with them with Tefal Freemove.

Polaris PIR 2457K Cordless - an inexpensive standalone iron

4.7

★★★★★
editorial estimate

87%
buyers recommend this product

See overview

Polaris Cordless is as simple as an electric kettle, inexpensive, but in terms of reliability and ease of use, it is not inferior to more advanced wireless models. The ceramic coating of the sole provides the iron with excellent glide, and the fabric protects against sticking and the appearance of shiny marks.

The intensity of steam supply in this model is slightly above average (45 g / min), but the steam boost is frankly weak and does not exceed 145 g / min - this is not enough to smooth heavy things on a hanger, although the manufacturer indicates vertical steaming as one of the functions.

The set includes a small charging base for vertical installation of the iron. It heats the sole to the desired temperature in 5 seconds, after which you can use the stand-alone device for about 30-40 seconds.

Advantages:

• Compact docking station;
• Protection against the appearance of lime deposits;
• Non-stick ceramic coating;
• Large 380ml water tank with wide opening;
• Drop-stop system.

Disadvantages:

The temperature is actually slightly lower than expected.

If your closet isn't full of linen shirts and denim suits, and there is no extra money, Polaris Cordless is the best cordless iron for you.

How to choose an iron for home use

In order to choose the right iron for ironing things at home, you should pay attention to a number of factors. The more points are taken into account, the better the purchase will be

Weight and size

The handle should be comfortable, made of non-slip materials

The ergonomics of technology affects the convenience of its use and depends on:

• weight. “Comfortable” weight ranges from 1.3 to 1.6 kg are considered. Particularly light models do a poor job of smoothing out folds, and too heavy ones cause quick hand fatigue;
• pens. It should be comfortable, made of non-slip materials;
• cord. The maneuverability of the device depends on the length of the network cable;
• size. Standard models are small, unlike modern ones with a steam generator.

Specifications

The key parameter is the power, on which the capabilities of the iron depend when ironing clothes. The devices are conventionally divided into three classes:

• 1300 - 1600 watts. You will have to make a little effort to smooth the thing. Designed for ironing delicate fabrics;
• 1600 - 2500 watts. Optimal values ​​of power, which is enough for ironing clothes from any type of fabric;
• 2500 W or more. Especially powerful models that can smooth out any creases. They are chosen for production needs, for example, for a tailor shop.

Basic and additional functions

Spraying - the iron sprays water over the surface of the item

If we talk about modern models, steam, then they have the following options:

• steam boost. Enhanced steam supply. Allows to process overdried, denim, linen items;
• vertical steaming. Steam is supplied when the iron is placed vertically. It is convenient to handle things without removing them from the hanger;
• spraying. Another name is "spray". Sprays water over the surface of the item (additional moisture).

These are the main functions, but there are also additional ones that facilitate operation:

• protection against scale formation. The boiling water with which the appliance is operated causes deposits to form and clog the holes. To reduce the concentration of litter, experts recommend using purified water;
• anti-drip system. This option protects against "leakage" of water from the nozzles during steam treatment;
• self-cleaning. Protects equipment nozzles from contamination. Works alone or with the "steam boost" option;
• auto shutdown. Smart models turn off by themselves if they are idle for 30 seconds (horizontal position).

Iron sole

Stainless steel iron sole

It is the sole that moves along the fabric, smoothing out the folds. What materials is it made of:

• aluminum. Lightweight, cheap material, but the least durable (over time, the sole is scratched, which can cause damage to clothes);
• stainless steel. Heavy metal, heating up for a long time and cooling down for a long time;
• ceramics.The material glides well on any type of fabric, does not stick even at high temperatures, and is easy to clean. Minus - fragile;
• teflon. Quite an expensive material, therefore Teflon spraying is used in the manufacture of irons. Advantage - the sole glides easily, disadvantage - price, fragility;
• titanium. Strong, slippery material, but expensive and time-consuming to heat up.

Ironing temperature modes

An iron is an ironing device that has a range of operating temperatures, which are set depending on the thing being processed. It is convenient when the name of the fabric is signed for each mode.

In modern household appliances, at a minimum, heating and steam supply are regulated. In practice, most housewives use 3-4 modes. It is good if the model has a choice: minimum, average and maximum power.

Ease of use

Some models have a built-in battery

When choosing an ironing device, it is worth looking at how long it has a power cord, cable.

The longer, the more comfortable it will be to use the iron. The comfort will also increase the ability to rotate the cord 360 degrees.

A battery is built into the body of some models - such an ironing device is not "tied" to an outlet, but its operating time without recharging is limited.

In order not to overdo it during ironing, the irons produced now have indicators, both light and sound.

Price

Therefore, it is worthwhile to study the needs of the family and make a choice on the basis of this, evaluating certain possibilities of technology. The price of the iron is influenced by many factors: brand, release date, technical characteristics, functions.

Power of modern electric irons

The power consumption of the iron is one of the most important characteristics to watch out for. According to this parameter, electric irons are divided into several categories:

Types of irons

Travel iron

In-store sellers are interested in selling modern models, which tend to be expensive. At the same time, you can find inexpensive equipment, in which, although there will not be many "chips", but it will cope with everyday tasks.

Knowing what types of irons are available will shorten your shopping time:

• normal. Without innovative functions, in which you can set the power and select the temperature mode. The ironing process is characterized by the contact of the sole of the appliance with the thing. The user, applying physical effort, presses on the iron, under the weight of which the clothes are smoothed. The advantage is low price;
• steam. They have a built-in water tank used to generate steam. Steam irons have proven themselves for ironing almost all types of fabrics, areas with folds. The volume of the water tank is reflected in the weight of the equipment, so there are weighty steam models;
• with a steam generator. This is a 2-in-1 device - an iron and a free-standing steam generator, through a hose of which steam is supplied under high pressure. This device is convenient for quick ironing of a large number of things. It is easy to iron bed linen without even having to straighten it. Only such models are expensive and require more free space than classic ones;
• wireless. A modern version, complete with a charging station.The absence of wires increases mobility, but wireless models are expensive, and their autonomy does not exceed 15 minutes;
• road. Compact, autonomous, low-power equipment, which is convenient to take with you on trips. Such an iron will not smooth out serious folds, but with its help you can quickly put things in order.

Further - the individual parameters.

Review of the best models

How to choose an iron, which companies should you give preference to? The most reliable are devices from Philips, Bosch, Tefal, Braun, Rowenta. More budgetary, but at the same time high-quality models are produced by the brands VITEK, Scarlett, Supra.

Consider the rating of irons this year, and which iron is better to choose from the models presented in it depends on the needs and financial capabilities of the family. The criteria for evaluating irons are functionality, reliability and positive feedback from the owners.

Philips GC 4780

Options:

• power - 2600 W;
• reservoir - 335 ml;
• steam supply - 50 g / min;
• steam boost - 200 g / min;
• vertical steaming;
• auto shutdown;
• price - 6200 r.

Advantages - powerful steam, easy sliding, tap water can be used. Disadvantages - a large number of counterfeit devices, as a result, frequent breakdowns.

Philips steam irons are the most popular on the domestic market. Other effective models and their features:

• GC 3320 - relatively low price (about 4100 rubles);
• GC 2088 - wireless capability;
• GC 4510 - high reliability;
• GC 9222 - steam generator with a capacity of 1.5 liters;
• GC 8350 - Provides very easy gliding thanks to its unique coating.

Bosch TDA 2630

Options:

• power - 2000 W;
• reservoir - built-in, 290 ml;
• steam supply - 25 g / min;
• steam boost - 80 g / min;
• vertical steaming;
• auto shutdown;
• price - 2800 p.

Advantages - low price, durability, ceramic surface, swivel cord. Disadvantages - in some models, the anti-drip system does not work very well.

Braun TexStyle TS765A

Options

• power - 2400 W;
• reservoir - 400 ml;
• steam supply - 50 g / min;
• steam boost - 170 g / min;
• vertical steaming;
• auto shutdown;
• price - 7200 rubles.

Advantages - intense steam, high-quality sole. Disadvantages - high price, high weight with a full tank.

Popular, productive and reliable irons from other manufacturers: Vitek VT-1229, Redmond RI-S220, Panasonic NI-W950, Scarlett SC-SI30E02, Tefal FV9920, Rowenta DA 1510.

The iron is a household appliance that most housewives use almost every day. Appliance prices vary significantly by brand, sole material and feature set. When choosing a model, you should focus on technical characteristics, ease of use, the needs of a particular family and the reputation of the manufacturer.

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Selection options

To make the right choice, you first need to estimate the frequency of use and the amount of laundry that you have to iron. You will also have to decide on additional functions that are useful in your case.

Power

This indicator affects not only the heating rate of the iron, but also its energy consumption. The higher the power, the faster it will heat up to the highest temperature, and then even very wrinkled and dense fabrics will easily be smoothed out.

Devices with a consumption of 1000-1500 W (classic and compact types) will master the ironing of almost any mixed material, but you will have to wait a couple of minutes until the sole "accelerates" to the desired temperature. Waiting time is unimportant if you have to iron infrequently and a small number of items. And you can also buy such an iron at the dacha or for your frequent business trips.

Steam units with a consumption of 1500-2000 W can easily iron even very dense and "complex" fabrics like flax. These devices fully cover the needs of any family, reducing the time and effort spent on ironing by the hostess.

More than 2500 watts are consumed by steam stations and professional equipment. Such devices can easily cope with a large amount of laundry made from different types of fabrics. Today many people use them at home, but this is a technique - for ateliers and laundries. However, such a limited scope of application of steam stations is dictated only by their high price.

Sole

The ease of the ironing process itself, the weight of the device, as well as its cost, depend on the material, thickness and coating of the sole.

The aluminum sole is the cheapest and most common. This metal is a good conductor of heat (it heats up and cools down quickly). Such devices weigh relatively little and at first glide well over fabric. However, aluminum is easily scratched and can stick to synthetics when heated.

Steel sole is stronger than aluminum, is not damaged by iron buttons and locks, has good sliding properties. But such an iron will be much heavier and more expensive.

The safest surfaces for ironing delicate items have sintered metal, Teflon and chrome soles. But you need to handle them even more carefully than with aluminum ones, as they may have chips and other damage.

The optimal solution would be to use various removable pads, which, if necessary, will protect delicate fabrics and provide them with the most gentle ironing.

Modes

Standard irons support at least 3-4 thermal modes, indicated on the thermostat with a different number of dots or more understandable inscriptions: delicate fabrics (silk), cotton, wool and linen.

The implemented steam supply system should be considered separately - options are also possible here:

• constant steam (20-80 g / min);
• steam boost (over 150 g / min);
• vertical steaming.

Also pay attention to the number of steam holes on the sole: the more there are, the more effective ironing will be. It is especially good when there are many such channels on the nose and they are located very close to each other.

In this case, it will be easier to iron pinches, pleats and small items of clothing.

Additional functions

Here we are mainly talking about those options that simplify the care of the ironing equipment itself. They are especially important for models with a steaming mode, since poorly treated or too hard water in the tank creates serious problems and can even damage the equipment.

In a steam iron, the following options will be useful:

• scale protection;
• self-cleaning;
• anti-drip system.

Auto power off is another useful feature for those who often wonder if the iron is turned off. The built-in electronics will itself de-energize the device if it is left motionless in an upright position for more than 10 minutes, and after 1 minute if it is standing horizontally.

Convenience of work

Ironing a large number of items can take hours, so the iron shouldn't create any additional complications. Here, not only weight is important, but also the ergonomics of the handle, as well as the length and flexibility of the cord.

The first two parameters can be estimated by holding the device in your hands. As for the electrical wire, it should be no shorter than 1.5–2.5 m. A hinged fit of the cord at the entrance and a reinforced braid are welcomed - this will protect it from twisting and kinking.

Output

I think you no longer have a question about choosing a good iron, based on the listed functions and models that I described, you will make the right choice

Think, do you really need the vertical steaming function, and are there many fabrics in your wardrobe that are difficult to iron and for which it is desirable to have a turbo steam? Choose a device in relation to its power, and also do not forget to pay attention to the material from which its sole is made. The best option is an iron with a ceramic sole from PHILIPS, BRAUN, TEFAL, the high cost of this device relative to other models will pay off with further use, and from inexpensive models that have many necessary functions, you can choose an iron from VITEK, ZELMER.Well, what to buy, the choice is yours

Enjoy the shopping!

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