Iron Buying Guide

Ironing may be a chore, but with the right iron, you can get the job done much more quickly and easily.

Here are some useful hints and tips to help you choose an iron to suit your needs from the wide range that?s available from online retailers.

How to Choose an Iron: Types

Irons fall into four major categories, each of which is suitable for different purposes. The main types of iron are:

Irons: These are regular irons that will eliminate creases from your clothes, without the use of steam.
Steam irons: These models emit jets of steam through holes in the bottom plate. They get rid of stubborn creases and help you to get through your ironing faster than you would with a regular iron.
Travel irons: Smaller irons, great for packing and taking away with you.
Steam generator irons: These are irons with a separate water tank. They can hold more water than a regular steam iron, and are good for people who do large volumes of ironing.

Within each of these categories, irons are available to suit all budgets, and you can choose from a variety of models and brands. They will also differ in the range of features that they offer, and you should determine your needs before buying, to ensure that you choose the most suitable model for your purposes.

Features to Look For When You Buy an Iron

When choosing an iron, it?s important to consider which specifications and features you?ll need.

The key features to look out for when buying an iron include:

Capacity: When deciding on a steam or steam generator iron, remember that the more water the tank holds, the less frequently it will need to be refilled.
Cord length: Check the cord length when choosing a new iron, particularly if you know you?ll need a long cord due to plug placement.
Plates: The plate that glides over the fabric can be made from various materials. Ceramic and stainless steel plates are the highest quality finishes and give the best performance. You can also choose a non-stick finish. Aluminium is at the bottom of the range, and if you are not paying attention it can easily burn the fabric, resulting in a residue on the plate which can be hard to remove. Also the heat may not be as evenly distributed across an aluminium plate.
Safety features: An automatic shut off feature is available on many models. This means that the heat is turned off if the iron is accidentally left on or falls over.
Steam: Some models come with a variable steam control, which enables you to create the exact amount of steam that you need. The higher the output, the more easily the creases will drop out. If you like the idea of ironing curtains and other items whilst they are still hanging up, choose a steam iron that offers a vertical steam feature. A steam iron with an anti-drip feature is also a good buy.
Wattage: The higher the wattage, the faster and easier the task is to complete.

Other features to look out for are an indicator light to let you know when a steam iron is out of water, a fast heating element and anti-scale. You may also wish to consider weight, as a lightweight model will be easier to handle when ironing for long periods.

Choosing Iron Accessories

Irons sometimes come with accessories included in the package.

Accessories to look out for when choosing an iron include:

Guides: These show you the correct temperature and ironing techniques for each type of fabric, as well as giving you extra tips.
Storage bags: Some travel models come complete with a bag, making the iron easy to pack.
Mats: A mat may be provided with some travel irons.
Water jug: Often steam irons come with a little jug that makes filling up the iron simple.

Do I Need To Buy an Extended Iron Warranty?

You may wish to check the length of the warranty before buying, as not all manufacturers offer the same degree of cover.

When you're shopping for a new iron, remember to compare prices between different online retailers and look out for special offers or discounts, as you may find you can get a better model with the money you have available.