![]() ![]() STAINLESS-STEEL SOLEPLATE WITH PRECEISION TIP - Provides smooth-gliding across different garment surfaces and ability to smooth hard-to-reach areas with 1700 Watts of Power.This function works best when there are a lot of steam vents distributed in a wide pattern across the heater plate. Many steam irons offer a “burst of steam” option for extra wrinkle removal. ![]() Steam irons are available with up to 3,100 watts of power or more, but some would argue that 1,500 watts is all you need. They help control reflected heat, are usually non-stick, and are often anti-static, making the whole process quicker and easier.Ī wall-mounted ironing-board hanger and steam-iron rest lets you put your iron away while still hot.Īs you iron, heat is absorbed by the material you're ironing, as well as the ironing board itself. Modern ironing boards and pads are designed to work with your iron, enhancing its performance. by Swiss inventor Otto Walker in December 1924. The first electric steam iron was patented in the U.S. Not only are they indispensable if you travel frequently on business, they're great for vacations. Portable steam irons have low power, small tanks, and not many features - so why would you want one? Well, good ones are surprisingly efficient and very compact. Models with a digital readout or ceramic soleplate will cost more, but even at the high end, you're unlikely to spend more than $100. It will get hot, and it will turn water into steam, but in our experience, it won’t do so very effectively or for very long.Ī good-quality steam iron can be yours for $25. You can find a steam iron for as little as $15. See-through tanks or water-level windows are useful visual aids. Some also prevent the buildup of calcium, which can eventually block your iron. The same is true of self-cleaning options. Other featuresĪ number of steam irons claim to have non-drip or anti-spitting functions, though effectiveness varies. How many of these features you get varies from model to model. Automatic shut-offĪutomatic shut-off can switch off the iron if it's left alone for a certain period, if it's tipped over, or if the tank runs dry. There are also cordless irons available, but they need to be regularly reheated on bases - an unnecessary step for many users. Some are retractable, though feedback tells us they're not always popular, with jamming a frequent problem. The overwhelming majority of steam irons have a cord. All but the very cheapest steam irons have them.Ī few models also work upright, allowing you to steam curtains and clothes on hangers. These irons have “outriggers” as stands.īestReviews Cleaning Expert Extra steam and a fine sprayĪ “pulse” of extra steam through the baseplate is a basic necessity, as is a fine spray. But some manufacturers make both ends pointed, claiming better maneuverability. Traditionally, the heel (or rear end) of the soleplate is flat so you can stand the iron up when you're not using it. Many have grooves at the front to get in and around buttons. Not many of the items we iron are perfectly square, so soleplates are shaped to make it easier to get into pleats, collars, and cuffs. Some manufacturers use lots of small holes others use shaped holes.īecause ceramics are naturally more slippery than other soleplate materials, these models usually have fewer holes than their stainless steel and aluminum competitors. The size and shape of the holes on the soleplate affect how evenly steam is distributed. The coating is effective when in good condition, but it can chip or peel on more inexpensive steam irons.Ĭeramic: This is also a coating, but modern ceramics are hard, excellent at heat distribution, easy to clean, and very smooth, so they glide well. It’s lightweight and often used for portable models. Non-stick: This type of soleplate is aluminum or plastic that has been coated with PTFE or a similar “non-stick” layer. Anodized aluminum can get sticky over time. Stainless steel is prone to scratching, but all soleplates are, and minor marking won't affect performance.Īnodized aluminum: Lighter than stainless steel, anodized aluminum is a cheaper option that distributes heat well but isn't as durable or easy to clean. Stainless steel: The most popular soleplate material, it’s bright, durable, and easy to clean. Soleplates come in several different materials. You want a soleplate that distributes steam effectively and glides smoothly when dry. The soleplate is the metal plate at the base of the iron. Once you've got heat and steam, you need to apply it to your fabric.
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