Which iron to choose for home?

Choosing an iron today, among a huge variety of models, is not an easy task. Iron for each family is an indispensable attribute that is responsible for the appearance of its owners. Almost all modern irons are equipped with a steam function, which is simply indispensable when it comes to heavily wrinkled or overdried laundry. But between the devices of both different manufacturers and between models of the same brand, there are many differences regarding the sole cover, weight, power, temperature conditions. Many irons are equipped with additional built-in functions. Which iron to choose for your home so that it meets all your requirements? Let's try to figure it out.

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Types of Ironing Devices

All equipment for ironing can be divided into 4 types:

• “Ordinary” irons without the function of steam, which are unlikely to be seen in the window of a modern store.
• Models with integrated steam option. This includes almost all steam irons designed for use at home.
• Traveling devices. Compact and convenient models for periodic use, designed for a small number of things.
• Irons with integrated steam generators. The popularity of such devices is currently growing, despite the higher cost of steam generators compared to “simple” irons. This is due to the excellent quality of ironing things, due to the continuous supply of steam during operation of the device.

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Criterias of choice

Let us dwell on the most important characteristics of irons, which are worth paying attention to when buying. We have compiled a complete list of criteria. Among them, you will surely find your landmarks that can help you get a good inexpensive iron.

Sole

The most important component of the iron, since the quality of ironing of clothes depends in many respects on the sole.

It is important that it has a delicate surface that gently contacts the fabric without damaging or altering its appearance. The main materials from which the sole of the ironing devices is made are as follows.

Ceramics

A very common coating option provided by almost all manufacturers of such household appliances. And this is not surprising:

• ceramic sole glides easily;
• heats evenly;
• leaves no residue on the fabric.

Important! Ceramics are easy to care for, but when operating an iron with such a coating, one must not forget about its fragility. So that ceramic soles cope with damage, many manufacturers came up with an interesting move in the form of adding steel transverse strips to the sole.

Aluminum

Lightweight and low-cost material with excellent heat-conducting properties. If you make an overview of the irons, absolutely all the soles of the irons are made of aluminum and steel. Subsequently, various materials are coated.

Pure aluminum outsole has its drawbacks. For example, aluminum can leave unwanted shine on some delicate fabrics. When ironing with such an iron, it is better to use gauze or a cloth to avoid this effect.

Important! Due to the susceptibility of the material to deformations, modern manufacturers have come up with the use of aluminum for the manufacture of iron soles, which underwent a special heat treatment - Anodilium.Anodized aluminum is more durable and glides better on fabrics, which makes ironing easy and enjoyable.

Important! And there are also innovative combined options, for the description of which we have created separate articles:

• Steamglide iron sole.
• Eloxal iron sole.

Stainless steel

The most durable and practical option for little money:

1. Irons with a stainless steel sole practically do not require special care, since the metal is not susceptible to corrosion and deformation.
2. Stainless steel has good thermal insulation properties, which is why irons with such a coating are always included in the TOP of the best irons.

Important! The main disadvantage of stainless steel surfaces is their low slip rate. To eliminate it, modern iron manufacturers come up with various innovative solutions:

• Rowenta airbags that form special indentations on the sole;
• Braun sapphire;
• chrome surfaces from the Samsung brand.

All these and other tricks allow you to save the excellent properties of stainless steel, leveling its flaws. At the same time, the price of the ironing device remains quite affordable.

Teflon

Answering the question of which iron is the best is not easy. But one thing is for sure: Teflon is a leader in the delicate handling of things. An iron with a teflon surface cannot ruin the fabric.

But along with this significant advantage there is an important drawback: Teflon is easy to scratch even with a simple awkward movement, hitting a button or other accessories on clothes when ironing. This makes Teflon coating less popular among its competitors: stainless steel and ceramics.

Ironing device power

The speed of its heating and power consumption directly depend on the power of the iron. According to this indicator, irons can be divided into three categories:

1. Low power devices. The range in such models is from 1300 to 1600 watts. The option is suitable for small families or bachelors who do not need to iron a large amount of clothing. These irons do not differ in high performance.
2. Irons of average power. The performance indicator of these devices is 1600-2000 watts. Models with such power can easily cope with the most difficult tasks: smoothing out overdried and wrinkled clothes, working with delicate fabrics.
3. High power devices. They have a power of 2000 W and above. Heats up in seconds and flawlessly cope with very large volumes of laundry. If you review the highest quality irons, then the leaders in ironing quality and productivity will be devices with high power.

Important! When choosing an iron, you need to remember the close relationship between power and electricity consumption. The higher the power of the iron, the more expenses you will have.

For families, we recommend choosing a medium and high power iron. Modern models have different energy-saving functions, so the operation of such an iron will not particularly affect your wallet.

Temperature modes

Modern ironing devices, as a rule, have several temperature regimes designed for different fabrics. This is important because the temperature required to iron cotton and linen is completely unsuitable for delicate items. The average temperature range is from 100 to 240 C.

Steam and water spray function

Today it is already difficult to find an iron without these options: the rating of budget irons is proof of this. Steaming and moisturizing during the ironing process allows you to smooth out the most “finicky” folds on clothes. The presence of steam guarantees a quality result that you will be satisfied with.

Important! You still don’t know whether you really need an iron, because there are a lot of alternative equipment on the market today? We will help you make the final decision with a detailed comparative review.“Iron or steam generator - what to choose?”. 

Auto power off function

A very useful feature that is responsible for the safety of using the iron. Especially about its presence in the device, it is worth taking care of forgetful natures. Manufacturers are increasingly equipping modern models with this option, since this is a very convenient find for users.

The iron, even when connected to the power supply, turns itself off after one minute in a horizontal position and five minutes in a vertical position.

Drip system

The presence of this option prevents the leakage of water from the holes in the sole of the iron during ironing at low temperature. The anti-drop system eliminates the appearance of stains on clothing during the work process. Almost every good inexpensive iron already has this option.

Scale Iron Option

Anti-scale in modern irons is provided by removable cartridges, which are easily removed from the device for washing. Also, the iron can be equipped with a self-cleaning function, when activated, particles of debris and scale are removed from the holes under steam pressure.

Important! If there are no such functions, only cleaned water should be poured into the iron, since subsequently it can leave stains on the tissues and completely fail.

Device weight

As you know, the smaller the weight of the iron, the more mobile, maneuverable, and, importantly, when performing the same actions, your hand will be less tired. Along with this, it is necessary that, with all lightness, the iron copes well with smoothing wrinkles.

The weight of the iron is directly affected by the material of the sole:

• The lightest irons are with aluminum soles.
• Heavier - with ceramic and cermet coating.
• The stainless steel will weight the iron more than anything.

However, it is important to remember that iron weight preferences are very subjective. There are mistresses who specifically choose heavier irons. Well, what iron is the best and what weight your ironing device should have - it's up to you.

Cord length

The cord length is something that also requires a lot of attention at the purchase stage, if you subsequently do not want to resort to using different extension cords, which is not always convenient.

Also on the market today are wireless models of irons that also require your attention.

Important! To avoid creases and twists, manufacturers of many modern models provide the cord with a rotation function. Its presence can significantly extend the life of the device.

Ergonomics

The usability indicator also cannot be discounted, since it is to some extent responsible for the safety and health of users. When deciding which iron to choose for the home, pay attention to the handle of the model. To assess convenience, it is best to hold the iron in your hand when buying.

Important! Many manufacturers make handles of a special shape or with a special coating with various holes that allow the hand to feel comfortable and less tired. A convenient iron is the key to comfortable ironing and a good mood, even if it is delayed for a long time.

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The most popular brands of irons

Based on numerous reviews on such popular sites as Yandex Market, Otzóvik.com, GidTorg.ru and IRecommend.ru, we made a rating that included the best manufacturers of irons.

The list of brands looks like this:

• Philips
• Tefal;
• Braun;
• Zelmer;
• Vitek;
• Rowenta;
• Scarlett
• Polaris
• REDMOND.

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Overview of popular models of irons

We bring to your attention the rating of irons for quality and reliability. It includes ironing devices in different price categories of three main types:

• Steam irons for home use;
• Road devices;
• Devices with a built-in steam generator.

Top Steam Irons

In terms of popularity, they are in 1st place, since it is from these models that you have to choose an iron for the home.

Bosch TDA 2325

Budget iron of a well-known reliable German brand, the power of which is 1800 watts.It is made in a simple simple translucent case.

It has all the necessary functions and features:

• Capacity for water;
• Temperature controller;
• Steam intensity regulator;
• Buttons for spraying water and steam;
• Cord rotation system to prevent twisting and creasing.

Thanks to the Palladium-glissee metal-ceramic sole, the iron glides well and copes with its “excellent” tasks. Equipped with the option of vertical steaming and the possibility of self-cleaning from scale.

Important! As a minus, consumers indicate the absence of an anti-drip system. However, for such a price, the Bosch TDA 2325 iron performs all its functions for the highest rating.

Redmond RI-S220

It is an inexpensive model, which can also lead the rating of budget irons:

• Like the previous version, with all the necessary functions and high power - 2200 watts.
• The iron is equipped with a temperature controller for different types of fabric, a steam supply function and the ability to regulate it.
• The soleplate is made of stainless steel, capable of perfectly smoothing the folds.
• Significant advantages of the model are the built-in anti-scale option, anti-drip system and auto power off function.
• In a complete set - a measuring cup for a gulf of water.

Tefal FV 3925

This French-quality iron more expensive than previous models is considered one of the best in its price segment:

• The power of the device is 2300 watts.
• Tefal's Durillium metal-ceramic sole allows the iron to effortlessly handle the rumpled things.

As additional advantages we will name:

• Auto-tuning a pair that adjusts to the ironing mode used.
• Self-cleaning system;
• Anti-lime rod;
• Anti-drip system;
• Ergonomic design.

Important! Of the minuses, perhaps, we can name only the lack of a measuring cup in the configuration, which is not particularly significant and does not affect the operation of the device.

Philips GC 4425

Convenient device with high power - 2400 watts. Just like the above models, it is included in the rating of irons for quality and reliability.

It has all the necessary features for comfortable ironing:

• Water tank;
• Spray function (spray);
• Temperature and steam regulators.

Important! This model is favorably allocated with a special covering of SteamGlide sole. It prevents damage to fabrics, glides easily and copes with the most difficult tasks in the field of buttons and accessories. This also helps make SteamGlide with steam inlets.

The package has a special nozzle for delicate fabrics that prevents the formation of unnecessary shine on clothes.

The advantages of this iron include:

• Self-cleaning function, anti-lime rod;
• Auto shut off option;
• Fastening the cord with a hinge.

Important! In a wide variety of manufacturers and models, an ordinary person can be confused. We have prepared a comparison of the leaders of manufacturers of such equipment so that you can decide on best iron model.

Top Travel Irons

If you often travel during outdoor activities or are forced to regularly go on business trips, a travel iron will definitely come in handy.

Maxwell MW-3012:

1. A convenient and good inexpensive iron of small sizes with a folding handle of decent quality, with a capacity of 1000 watts.
2. Heats up in a short period of time.
3. The model has a steam boost and a steaming function in a vertical position. Water is sprayed from the spout of the iron.
4. The sole of the model has a non-stick coating, which allows you not to worry about the appearance of your clothes during the trip.

Important! Among the minuses, users note:

• Lack of a cover in a complete set;
• Inability to work with steam in a constant mode.

Rowenta DA1510

Budget compact road model with a folding handle, having the characteristics of a full-fledged iron for home use.

The iron heats up quickly and, thanks to the Microsteam 200 sole, perfectly smooths creases.

As advantages, we note:

• Continuous steam mode;
• The ability to iron in an upright position;
• Steam boost 45g / min
• Long cord - 2 m
• Travel bag included.

Important! The disadvantage is the insufficiently large water tank and the absence of an anti-drip system. The model is rightfully included in the TOP of the best irons designed for travel.

VITEK VT-1228

A model of an inexpensive but reliable brand: small, compact, with a folding handle, rated at 1000 watts. Meets all the requirements of a travel iron. The soleplate is made of stainless steel.

The advantages of this iron at a low price are:

• Anti-scale function;
• Self-cleaning option;
• Ability to use in an upright position;
• Ball mount cord.

Top models with integrated steam generator

For those who have to regularly iron more volumes of laundry, such a model will come in handy just right.

Tefal GV 8962

Reliable French device with high performance, which, according to owners, is only one drawback - high cost.

The rest are solid advantages:

• Electronic adjustment system;
• Large tank - 1.6 l;
• Auto settings for different types of fabric;
• Self-cleaning sole surface;
• Instant heating system;
• The ability to add water during ironing;
• Auto winding cord;
• Powerful steam boost - 430 g / min;
• Constant steam supply;
• Eco mode;
• High quality ironing.

Philips GC 9642

An expensive high-quality device made with the latest technology, with a capacity of 2400 watts. It is rightfully included in the review of the highest quality irons.

Among the advantages of the model:

• Silent steaming provided by special SilentSteam technology;
• Continuous steam: MultiChamber Cyclonic;
• Existence of the Smart Control option which regulates temperature of a sole.
• The ability to add water during operation;
• Large tank capacity - 1.8 l;
• Self-descaling system.

Braun IS 5043H

Simple compact ironing device from the German brand:

• Simplified design is perhaps the only drawback that users point to.
• The model has an exclusive version of the Eloxal sole from Braun, which results in easy gliding and high resistance to damage.
• The steam generator has a strong steam boost - 340 g / min, which provides an excellent ironing result.

Additional benefits of this model include:

• Simple operation
• Auto power off function.

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Stock footage

We hope that our article with a list of the most important criteria for choosing an ironing device and an overview of the best manufacturers of irons will help you purchase the most worthy machine that will perform its tasks flawlessly for many years.