Ironing is not something most of us look forward to, which is why having the right tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently is a must. We're talking ironing boards and of course, the absolute non-negotiable, an iron. The best steam irons will last you for years, so it's worth investing in a good one to avoid having to repurchase.
Steam irons are the most basic and affordable irons that'll help give you crease-free clothing. They're compact too, so you'll easily be able to pop one away where you store your ironing board and other laundry essentials when you're not using it. Here are our top picks.
Best steam irons at a glance
But if you are confused about what to look for when choosing the right steam iron, we have come up with a list of factors you should consider while making your decision.
What should I look for in a steam iron?
Whilst your classic steam iron may look the same from model to model, there are certain features to look for that makes the best stand out from the rest.
Steam output: The higher the steam output, the better! Irons with a steam output of greater than 50g/min will help you get through your ironing with less effort.
Steam shot button: If you've folded your shirts a little too neatly causing a stubborn crease that just won't unfold, steam irons with a 'steam shot' button will deliver a powerful burst of steam to target it more effectively. The steam shot will have a higher steam output at over 100g/min.
Tank capacity: If you'd prefer not to refill your iron as regularly, choose one with a larger tank capacity.
Wattage: The higher the wattage, the quicker the iron will typically heat up ready to use.
Automatic shut-off: Steam irons with this feature will turn off automatically when left on or if knocked over. Super handy if you're a little clumsy or forgetful.
Self-cleaning: We'd recommend choosing a steam iron that has a self-cleaning, anti-calcium, or anti-limescale feature. This will help to maintain the performance of your iron and keep it free from limescale build-up.
Alongside these, we'd also recommend double-checking the weight, size, and cord length of the iron to ensure it's comfortable for you to use.
With these criteria in mind, we've pulled together our top eight models to send you on your way to effective ironing pronto!
The best steam irons 2024
Editor's Choice
Best steam iron overall
The Powersteam glides smoothly and quickly, meaning you'll be able to work your way through large laundry piles quickly. The iron heats up quickly and the heat can also be modulated according to the material you are ironing according to the several reviews that talk about these features. The handy self-cleaning function will ensure your iron is free from impurities. It even has a powerful vertical steam function which is perfect for getting the wrinkles out of hanging garments as well as curtains and upholstery.
While some have found the iron to be a bit on the heavier side, others have found this to be helpful. One reviewer has said that the weight might require more effort to use, but they actually find having to apply more downward pressure using a light iron harder work than sliding a heavier one from side to side. One thing reviewers felt could be improved was that there was nowhere to coil the cable around the iron after use and this could be dangerous around kids or pets. So there are a few factors to consider before buying this otherwise efficient product.
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Has powerful vertical steam function to get creases out of hanging garments like curtains
Cons
- Bit on the heavier side
Tank: | 350ml |
Wattage: | 3100W |
Steam output: | 70g/min |
Steam shot output: | 210g/min |
Best for style and substance
Best steam iron with large water tank capacity
Anti-scale and anti-drip, the easy-fill inlet of the Breville DiamondXpress make filling water quicker and spill-free. With a 400ml tank, you won't have to fill up water for steam too often while using this iron. Many reviewers felt that the extra length of the cord was a bonus which allowed for more flexible and easy use.
One downside that was mentioned in many reviews was that the temperate control knob was placed in an awkward position that made it very easy for it to be accidentally shifted while holding the handle of the iron, but otherwise the super-wide, multi-directional soleplate offers effortless gliding in all directions, removing more wrinkles and stubborn creases, and several reviews vouched for this as well.
Pros
- Large water tank capacity
- Diamond shaped plate that offers smooth gliding over the clothes
- Long cord length that allows for flexible and hassle-free ironing
Cons
- Some found that the temperate control knob was placed in an awkward position that made it very easy for it to be accidentally shifted
Tank: | 400ml |
Wattage: | 3100W |
Steam output: | 70g/min |
Steam shot output: | 200g/min |
Best for powerful performance
Best powerful steam iron
It may be a little on the pricey side, but this Tefal Ultimate Pure steam iron packs huge ironing power. With a powerful 60g/min continuous steam and 260g/min steam boost, creases will be gone in a jiffy. Featuring Tefal's patented MicroScale filter technology, the iron delivers pure, clean steam without limescale. Reviews can vouch for the power of the steam as most of the customers felt that it was powerful enough to quickly get creases out of clothes. The soleplate ensures fast and effortless ironing with maximum steam distribution to make any ironing job, big or small, a breeze.
Some reviews mention that the button to give an extra boost of steam is very close to your hand position when using the iron which could result in spraying a shot of hot water accidentally while ironing. Some also noted that the iron is quite heavy, particularly when the water tank is full but actually during the ironing process the iron glides over the fabric and needs very little lifting. Most users were also happy with the long cable and the freedom of movement it provided.
Pros
- High power steam boost
- Long cable that provides high freedom of movement
Cons
- Some felt that the iron is quite heavy when it is filled with water
- Some reviewers also felt that the button to give an extra boost of steam is very close to your hand position when using the iron which could result in accidentally pressing it
Tank: | 350ml |
Wattage: | 3100W |
Steam output: | 60g/min |
Steam shot output: | 260g/min |
Recommended
Best lightweight steam iron
If you are tired of lugging around a heavy iron and find yourself in pain after trying to get a few stubborn creases out, this small, lightweight iron could be just what you need. Several reviews praise how handy the device is which allows you to exert more pressure if you need and move the iron smoothly over clothes without you having to exert a lot of effort.
The extra-long three metre cable allows for easy reach when you're ironing, and the precision tip of the ceramic soleplate means you can get into those hard-to-reach areas. One reviewer felt that this was much better than cordless irons that just don’t have the power to maintain heat in the same way as a corded iron. With this one, you also don’t have to be paranoid about accidentally burning the house down as it comes with an auto shut-off where it turns itself off after 8 minutes of inactivity.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Long cord which makes it handy to move around
- Comes with auto shut-off where it turns itself off after 8 minutes of inactivity
Cons
- Some reviewers felt that the cover for the water cap is very fragile
Tank: | 400ml |
Wattage: | 2800W |
Steam output: | 40g/min |
Steam shot output: | 150g/min |
Best cordless steam iron
Best cordless steam iron
You can't find as many cordless steam irons compared to corded ones, but if you're looking to go untethered, this is the best of the bunch. With a 360-degree charging base, you can dock your iron and simply lift it away when it's chore time. Most reviews rave about how efficient going cordless had made their ironing and storing. Some people feel that it can slow you down a bit with the time it takes to get back up to the same temperature as it was each time you put it back on the dock.
It won't be quite as powerful but it'll still deliver a great ironing performance and this one a has rave reviews. It heats up in just 40 seconds and will auto shut off after eight minutes as well. As a lightweight device, it is also quite easy and handy to manoeuvre. Some have also noted that it does not seem to use up the water for steaming as quickly as other devices they have had. The only downside that users have identified it that it drops a little water at times on the high steam setting despite claiming to be non-drip.
Pros
- Cordless which makes it easy to take around
- Heats up quickly on the dock in 40 seconds
- Lightweight device making is easy to be handled
Cons
- Some reviews state that iron drops a little water at times on the high steam setting
Tank: | 350ml |
Wattage: | 2400W |
Steam output: | 30g/min |
Steam shot output: | 130g/min |
Best quick recharge steam iron
With an impressive re-charge speed of 5 seconds, the Russell Hobbs Freedom Cordless Steam Iron can make your life easier by many a minute. Ironing does not have to be a chore you dread anymore - this iron comes with a large water tank and without the hassle of a cord. Several reviewers share that they are happy with the performance and it smooths out wrinkles and creases with high efficiency.
It also comes with a Ceramic Non-stick soleplate which will protect your clothes from damage. Some reviewers feel that the iron cools down a bit quickly, but the fast recharge time would make up for it. The base also comes with light indicators to help notify when the iron is heating, ready to use and when it's recharging
Pros
- Cordless which makes it handy to move around and use
- Fast recharge for more efficiency
Cons
- Cools down quickly, so you may have to recharge more number of times
Tank: | 300ml |
Wattage: | 2400W |
Steam output: | 40g/min |
Steam shot output: | 135g/min |
Best easy-to-store compact steam iron
Are you tired of cords getting tangled or your iron constantly falling over in your storage space? This Russell Hobbs Easy Store Pro Plug and Wind Steam Iron can put your mind at ease with its built-in features that allow it to be stored very compactly and with no mess of tangled cords. The iron comes with a 2.5m power cord that can be wrapped around and tucked into itself. Most reviews shared that it heats up very quickly and gets creases out very well.
Some felt that the iron was a bit on the heavier side, so if you are on the lookout for a lighter device, you may want to consider other options on this list. Most users were also upset about the fact that this iron did not come with a temperature control knob or setting. It is built with a One Temp technology to reduce the risk of damage to clothes. This is something to keep in mind while considering this product.
Pros
- Cord can be compactly wrapped around the iron for effective storage
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- You cannot manually change the heat settings
- It is a bit on the heavier side
Tank: | 320ml |
Wattage: | 2400 watts |
Steam output: | 40g/min |
Steam shot output: | 200g/min |
Best multipurpose steam iron
If you are looking a multipurpose device that can take care of your heavy duty ironing, handle vertical ironing and can transform into a handheld device for more versatile use, then this Russell Hobbs Steam Genie 2in1 Handheld Clothes Steamer might be just what you are looking for. It can do a good job ironing out tough creases and it can also make your drapes and upholstery look good as new. One reviewer has shared that they have used it to iron hanging delicate material, upholstery and refreshing a crumpled duvet cover.
It is handy as you don’t need to reach out for an ironing board as the device can get the job done with your clothes on the hanger itself. The iron comes with One Temperature Technology, so you will not be able to adjust the heat settings yourself. Several reviewers also found that the machine is a bit a heavy, so it would not be easy to hold it up for a long time if you are on petite side or have wrists that ache soon. The device also comes with additional attachments that can be clipped on to better suit different kinds of materials ranging from soft silk to thick upholstery.
Pros
- Can be transformed into a handheld device to be used as a vertical iron
- Heats up quickly
- Comes with multiple attachments for different materials
Cons
- Bit on the heavier side
Tank: | 150ml |
Wattage | 2000W |
Steam output: | 20g/min |
<strong>20g Steam</strong> |
Features & Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert has been a journalist since 2015 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online. Specialising in travel content and product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases, her favourite being gadgets for the home.