Yahoo Finance Best steam irons 2018
We've all been there. That large pile of crumpled clothes and bed linen just keeps on piling up and lugging your heavy steam iron is the last thing you want to do after a long week at work.
Enter the steam iron, a light, nimble product that will simplify the ironing process.
What is the difference between a regular iron and a steam iron?
Well, firstly, steam generators have a water tank base. They also tend to be more powerful to ensure that stubborn creases have nowhere to hide. What's more, the latest products on the market feature the
same kind of technology you’ll find on standalone irons but with a high-pressure and continuous flow of steam. They can also include a setting that automatically adjusts the temperature depending on the fabric (so you don’t have to iron in a specific order or accidentally scorch your favourite clothes) and the fast heat- up coated soleplates can easily glide over buttons and pockets.
What other features are included in a steam iron?
These models also now include better safety features, including carry locks and eco modes that produce just the right amount of steam according your needs. Divided into non-pressurised and pressurised, steam is delivered to the soleplate with a varying force. While both will cut your ironing time, a pressurised system will be even more effective as it can penetrate through both layers of your clothes simultaneously.
So why aren’t we all ironing with steam generators?
They tend to be bulkier, heavier to store and more expensive – but the more upmarket the product, the better the features. However only a steam iron will enable you to produce professional-grade laundering in the comfort of your own home at a much quicker speed, something a regular iron will never be able to match.
We've rounded up the best picks for top notch laundry, each tried and tested to find the best steam irons of 2018.
CareStyle 3
Power: 2400W
Weight: 4.8kg
Water tank capacity: 2L
Best for: Overall value and quality
Zips, pockets and buttons are no match for the CareStyle 3 thanks to its specially coated, curved soleplate. Not only does this allow it to slide over any obstacle, but you can iron in any direction, even backwards. You can also iron a variety of materials in any order and even leave it on a fabric without the risk of burning.
Complete with an an eco-mode, a descaling indicator, anti-drip technology to avoid leakage, clipped-in cord storage, and a removable tank. The CareStyle3 steam iron was quiet when in use and the iron stood firmly on its heel between items. All in all, it’s a smart steam iron with professional results at a great price.
£99 | Crampton & more | Buy it now
Swan Steam Generator Iron
Power: 2200W
Weight: 3.6kg
Water tank capacity: 1.5L
Best for: A budget buy
This affordable steam iron is excellent value for money. With a two-metre power cord, it gives plenty of freedom for ironing large items. In tests, it handled bed linen creases with flying colours. Ease of use seems to have been a priority in its design, with settings labelled by fabric type as well as number.
The lock securing the iron to the base could be improved as it’s not completely static. It is also heavier than some models and noisy at the start - with a rhythmic thump thereafter, but it’s a tiny trade-off for what’s otherwise a good design at a very good price.
£49.95 | Amazon | Buy it now
Liberty Steam Generator Iron
Power: 2200W
Weight: 4.17kg
Water tank capacity: 1.5L
Best for: Small space storage
You might not think that you could squeeze a steam iron into a flat or house share but the Liberty is designed for just that, taking up a footprint no larger than a sheet of A4.
In tests, it heated up in less than two minutes and whizzed through pillowcases, smoothing both sides despite it being a non-pressurised model. Even better, the water tank is removable during use, so if you’ve been saving up laundry for weeks, you can get it done all in one session. Design-wise, it feels sturdy yet sleek, with room for the hose to pivot away from your hand while in use and a lightweight iron that firmly locks into the base after.
£139.99 | Argos | Buy it now *On sale now 1/3 off
Silence Steam Extreme
Power: 2400W
Weight: 5.94g
Water tank capacity: 1.4L
Best for: Professional-grade laundering
Watching TV, listening to the radio and catching up with friends – all of these are possible thanks to the Silence Steam iron. It features ‘silence blocks’ to absorb pump vibrations and has a better steam circulation to limit that annoying hissing. Fortunately, none of this compromises the power. But, this isn’t the only reason to love it.
Alongside the variable continuous steam control, the iron glides on a cushion of steam over fabric in all directions targeting those hard-to-reach areas with its profiled edges. In tests, its pressurised steam ironed shirts on both sides and left delicate silk (ironed vertically) completely wrinkle-free. It also includes an eco mode and a secure safety lock, but the only niggle is the proximity of the hose to your hand while it’s in use as you can feel the warmth of the steam pounding through - although it's certainly not a deal breaker.
£219.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
PerfectCare Elite Silence
Power: 2400W
Weight: 800g
Water tank capacity: 1.8L
Best for: Its aesthetics and practicality
The first thing to note about the Elite Silence is how beautifully designed it is – it’s easily an iron you wouldn’t mind having visible if storage is an issue. Beyond its sleek curves, illuminated handle and elegant purple colourway, it’s a pleasingly practical iron, too. You can also move from thick cotton to silk without skipping a beat.
It has an ingenious cleaning system that doesn’t require cartridges as limescale drains out and it can heat-up in just two minutes. Another handy feature is a heatproof mitt you can wear when ironing
vertically. Using it is just as simple. It glided over a shirt with ease, although awkward creases required a second pass for a perfect finish. Anyone used to standing their iron on its heel might take some time to adjust though as the design doesn’t allow this. It’s also quiet in use and fits securely back into the base for carrying.
£420 | Philips | Buy it now
IronVision+
Power: 2500W
Weight: 4.2kg
Steam rate: 110g/min with a 300g/min boost
Water tank capacity: 2L
Best for: Ease of use
Despite its relatively affordable price, the IronVision+ brings a lot to the table. With an eco and dry ironing mode, the iron’s seemingly endless list of functions gives it the versatility of a more expensive model.
In tests, it whizzed through ironing a shirt and while it was noisy for the first 10 seconds when powering up, and when a boost of steam was required, it was quiet for the rest of the time. The controls have been pared back to only what you need: its 1-3 heat settings are extremely simple to use as is the finger trigger. It also prioritises safety with a solid clip on the base that needs two hands to unlock it (ideal if you have young children at home). The water tank, however, is fixed so you need to fill it using a jug.
£109.99 | Argos | Buy it now *On sale now
Russell Hobbs Steam Power 3000
Power: 2600W
Weight: 3.8kg
Water tank capacity: 1.3L
Best for: Simplicity and value
Proof that you can spend just over £100 and get a fantastic steam iron, the Steam Power was one of the best models tested in relation to its price. Its pressure and continuous pressurised steam meant it swept through bed linen creases on a maximum setting and it heated up in just one minute.
Other things to note; it has simple 1-3 heat controls, three holes for the plug pins to fit into on the base when not in use, and the ability to house it on its end, reducing its storage footprint by half. It was also very quiet when in use and its removable tank is a good capacity for its size. The auto shut-off is also a useful feature if it gets knocked over or isn’t in use. However, it doesn’t have a full lock-in clip for the iron in its base – only rubber lugs, which are serviceable but not as secure.
£79.99 | Argos | Buy it now
Series 8 VarioComfort Steam Iron
Power: 2400W
Weight: 5.6kg
Water tank capacity: 1.5L
Best for: Innovative technology
The VarioComfort is here to give you a new perspective on perfection. Hate that shiny finish you can get on some fabrics? The VarioComfort has a setting to combat it. Not sure what mix of temperature and steam you need for a garment? The i-Temp option will set it for you.
Even better, the control is clearly labelled and located on the base so it won’t get in the way of your hand using the iron. It even has a cleaning system for both the base and the iron to get rid of limescale, and an energy and water-saving eco mode. Gadget lovers will also appreciate its futuristic look and pulsing illumination while heating up. Ready in two minutes and quiet while in use, it breezed through cotton shirts, a linen skirt and wool trousers effortlessly.
£139 | Leekes | Buy it now *Best price RRP £299
Verdict:
The combined ease of use and moderate price with professional grade results make the CareStyle3 our top pick. Overall it tackled multiple types of laundry with the same power, producing excellent wrinkle free finishes.
