5 Best Steam Irons, According to Clothing Experts
Updated: Apr. 12, 2024
Looking for the best steam iron for your clothes? These are the steam irons the pros recommend for getting your clothes wrinkle free.
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Our clothes are a big part of our appearance, and as such, it’s important to keep them looking good. Whether it’s getting wrinkles out of clothes by learning how to iron, or simply learning how to best care for each type of fabric, proper clothing care can make a big difference. Something else that’s a game-changer? Getting the best steam iron.
“A good steam iron can make all the difference in how you present yourself to the world,” says Erin Busbee, style expert and founder of Busbee Style. “It may feel like a small detail but ironing your outfit has a big impact on your overall look. Using a steam iron is a simple way to look sharper and more put together.”
A steam iron is a better option than a dry iron because it can actually serve the purpose of both. If you leave the steam iron’s water tank empty, you literally have a dry iron. A dry iron, on the other hand, can’t double as a steam iron. So how do you choose the best steam irons when there are so many out there? We asked a group of experts to share their recommendations for the best steam irons. After seeing their recommendations, don’t forget to learn whether it’s better to steam or iron your clothes.
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Best budget steam iron: Black + Decker Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a hard-working iron, as the highly-rated Vitessa from Black + Decker proves. With its Even Steam Soleplate Design, TrueGlide Nonstick Soleplate and SmartSteam Technology, it gets the wrinkles out quickly and looks gorgeous in green.
Best cordless steam iron: Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless Steam Iron
Ironing is so much less frustrating without having to worry about twisted, tangled cords that you can trip over. This cordless steam iron recharges quickly and comes with a matching, lightweight, heat-resistant carrying case that snaps easily onto the iron and power base for portability and storage.
Best steam iron/steamer: CHI Steam Shot
This multi-tasker boasts an innovative design that allows it to do the job of an iron while also functioning as a handle-held steamer. CHI’s signature titanium-infused soleplate provides a smooth glide over any fabric while the dedicated steam nozzle transforms the iron into a steamer.
Best luxury steam iron: Laurastar Go Plus All-In-One Ironing System
If you want to care for expensive clothing like the pros do, take a tip from Doug Greenberg, founder of Garde Robe, and opt for this all-in-one system that includes both the iron and the board. The iron also steams and purifies your textiles, and Laurastar’s Dry Microfine Steam works 15 times faster than steam from standard generators and won’t leave your clothes wet. The 4-speed vacuum and blower system inflates the ironing board with air to straighten fabrics and prevent unwanted creases or to hold clothes firmly on the board for flawless folds.
Best high-tech steam iron: Reliable Velocity 230IR Steam Iron
If you’re a tech-lover like Busbee, you’ll love the sensor on this handle. “Just grab it and the iron knows you’re ready to steam,” she explains. “Now, if only they would create one that does the ironing for you.”
Things to consider when purchasing a steam iron
According to Busbee, there are ten features to keep in mind when looking for the best steam irons:
- Water tank size. A larger tank will produce more steam and cut down on the number of times you have to refill it, enabling you to get your ironing done more quickly.
- Wattage. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the steam. This impacts how well the iron heats up and how well it works on wrinkles.
- Weight. A lightweight iron is much easier to handle but heavier ones tend to be better for smoothing wrinkles and pressing seams.
- No leakage. Check reviews for this information. If a lot of people are complaining about leaks, don’t buy that iron.
- Auto shut-off. Safety should always come first, and you don’t want to have to worry about whether you left your iron on.
- Multiple temperature settings. This should be a standard feature so you can iron a variety of fabrics but double-check.
- Scratch-resistant. Make sure the soleplate, the bottom part of the iron that comes in contact with your clothing, is scratch-resistant.
- Precision tip. This is a pointed tip that helps you iron spots that are tricky to reach, like between buttons, and it’s a huge help.
- Self-cleaning. This will make your life so much easier.
Sources:
- Erin Busbee, style expert, Busbee Style
- Samantha Brown, stylist, Samantha Brown Style
- Wayne Edelman, president, Meurice NYC
- Doug Greenberg, founder, Garde Robe
- Joanna Lovering, stylist, Copper + Rise
Originally Published: September 15, 2021
