Ironing can be a chore, but with the right iron or steam press you can save time, money and energy. A good iron or an efficient press can effortlessly remove creases from all types of fabrics in a matter of minutes if you choose the right machine for the job.
There are currently three styles available to the consumer market: handheld irons, steam presses, and rotary irons. Steam presses offer a powerful and hard-wearing solution for impeccable, professional-like results, while regular irons are more compact and quicker to use. Rotary irons are ideal in homes that require large amounts of ironing on a regular basis.
Irons
Nowadays, irons have become more efficient and easier to use. The quality of the soleplate is the most important factor to take into consideration before making your purchase because the better the iron glides over your clothes, the quicker and easier ironing becomes.
Cheaply made (or priced) irons generally have soleplates made out of aluminum or stainless steel, and though these metals are robust, they can easily become scratched which reduces the glide of the iron. For a soleplate that stays in good condition, look at top-of-the-range materials that are much harder and are less likely to get scratched. A PTFE (teflon) shoe is ideal and will keep the iron gliding smoothly.
Another key feature that tells irons apart is the steam flow rate. When shopping for a hand iron, check the steam-flow rate, expressed in grams per minute. The higher this value is, the easier it will be to iron all types of fabrics quickly and easily. Many people think the number of holes is the important factor for steam in an iron, but the steam flow rate is actually the measurement that counts.
Different irons have different types of controls: dials, slides, or even digital readouts. Make sure controls are easy to see and adjust, and that fabric settings are clearly marked.
Make sure the iron is comfortable to pick up and hold. Some irons we tested were too small for big hands. Others were too heavy to maneuver easily.
Manufacturers are offering cutting-edge features like digital displays, retractable cords, and drip-free steaming. High-end models can cost as much as $200, but a top-rated iron can be had for $140 or less. The Reliable Velocity V50 home iron is the best bang for your buck if you require moderate amounts of ironing and desire a quality hand iron.
Steam Press
Steam presses offer professional-like results and are great for large loads of ironing. They have a high-capacity water tank built into the base and offer continuous steam generation for non-stop steam ironing. They offer a more powerful steam flow rate than regular irons. Using a steam press is great for those with a lot of ironing because the press will considerably reduce the time required to iron by up to 50 percent over using a traditional handheld iron.
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| Reliable Empressa Steam Press |
You can look for an "unlimited steam" press that allows you to work continuously without having to cool down before being refilled and then have to be heated back. They generally have two tanks that alternate between each other.
Steam presses work great for everyday ironing of pants, blouses, jackets, and linens, but can also be used by dressmakers as a mini-fusing press for setting fusing on collars, cuffs, jacket fronts, and more. We particularly like the Reliable Empressa steam press or the Pantman Pant Press, for pressing pants quickly before heading out the door.
Rotary Irons
Rotary irons, like steam presses, are ideal for households requiring large amounts of ironing on a regular basis. For example, the Miele Rotary Iron is a large ironing machine that is operated by pressing a foot pedal and feeding cloth through padded rollers. Perfectly ironed fabric is neatly deposited in a softly folded stack on a lower shelf right beneath the iron itself. The rollers are electronically operated, and you can adjust the temperature and the speed at which the fabric feeds through with just the touch of a button. You can even sit down while you’re ironing.
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| Miele Rotary Iron |
Cost is going to play a role for many consumers because presses are generally more expensive than classic handheld irons but it will depend on individual use and how much of ironing you usually have to deal with on a regular base. Time is money, and spending half as much time ironing as usual can save a lot over time.
Irons and steam presses are complementary appliances. Irons are lighter and more practical for everyday use and easy, quick ironing, whereas steam presses offer a professional-like result for large ironing and hard creases. The latest irons and steam presses on the market are powerful, self-cleaning and fast. Decide how big a role ironing has in your household, and then shop for an iron that fits those needs.
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