Instructions on how to choose an iron for the home: types of devices, their comparison and characteristics

Our houses are filled with things and clothes, and we are used to looking neat, so it's hard to imagine a home without an iron.

The wardrobe of a modern person consists of a variety of fabrics.Some garments require gentle steaming, while others require high heat and a heavy soleplate.

When choosing a device, all the nuances should be taken into account. Fortunately, there is a great variety of models with a wide variety of functionalities on the home appliance market.

In the article we will try to understand the basic parameters of irons, highlight the main questions on the selection and care of them, and also get acquainted with the rating of the best devices.

How to choose an iron?

Consider the main types of irons in the household products market, as well as their basic characteristics.

Classic (Regular)

This is a unit without any special features.

The smoothing process takes place due to the weight of the product and the hot sole. In stores, such models are rarely found, since it is problematic to use them.

The result after ironing is mediocre, and a lot of effort will have to be spent. The cost of the product is low - this is one of the few pluses.

steam station

This is a steam generator and an iron, which are interconnected by a cord.

The device quickly and well irons clothes. Bed linen can be ironed by folding several times.

The weight of the iron is significantly less than that of a device with a steam generator. It can also be used as a steamer.

The cost of the product is high. You will also need to allocate additional space to install the steam generator during use and for later storage.

With steam option

Such a device will cope with any folds in the fabrics.

A special water tank is built into the body of the iron. It is better to purchase a device with a capacity of at least 200 ml, so as not to add water often.

These are the most popular devices on the market.

Wireless

The unit consists of an iron operating from a battery and a charging station.

The absence of a cord greatly simplifies the ironing process, but a short period of work is a clear minus of the product.

Travel device

This iron is small in size and powerful.

It has a foldable handle and is very light, fitting into any bag and suitcase. The device will not cope with complex folds, but it will put in order slightly wrinkled clothes after the trip.

Energy consumption power

Both the power of steam supply and the heating rate of the device depend on this indicator.

1. The power range in steam irons is considerable. It varies from 1800 to 3000 watts.The most optimal indicators are values ​​​​of 2200 to 2600 watts. The unit will quickly warm up without problems and supply the required amount of steam.
2. The power in appliances with a steam generator is slightly higher. You should not purchase models with an indicator less than 2200 watts. Lower specifications will result in poor steam generation.
3. In small-sized travel irons, high power is not required. 1000 watts will be enough to heat up the device.

The power with which steam is supplied

High-quality and fast ironing depends both on the power consumption of the device and on the steam output. The latter is calculated in grams of water, which are converted to steam per minute.

In irons, there are two such values ​​\u200b\u200b- steam boost and steam supply in automatic mode.

Let's take a closer look at each of them:

1. Steam attack. This is a one-time supply of steam of considerable power. You can activate the function using a special button. But you can’t use it all the time, because after 3-5 presses, steam stops forming. The device must cool down to a certain temperature. A similar option is used for complex folds and creases on the fabric, for vertical steaming. The mode has increased steam supply parameters: a minimum of 50 gr/min and a maximum of up to 230 gr/min. Units with a built-in steam generator are able to produce steam for a longer time.
2. Steam supply (automatic). The function starts working when the iron is placed in a horizontal position. In this mode, steam flows continuously, it is possible to adjust the power of its supply. The indicators depend on the model of the device and vary from 10 g / min to 60 g / min.Higher values ​​ensure that even the most problematic fabrics and creases can be ironed to a high standard.

Temperature setting

A thermostat is placed in the iron, which provides the optimal temperature for different types of fabrics.

The device can be set to several positions:

• for synthetics, silk and other delicate materials;
• for cotton products;
• for ironing woolen things;
• for difficult types of fabric, for example, linen, etc.;
• option without adjustment mode.

Some modern devices may not have a thermostat, but this does not mean that the device will automatically select the required temperature. The developers simply use the optimal temperature in the devices, which is equally suitable for most types of fabric.

Weight of iron

This indicator is responsible for comfort during the ironing process.

Some users prefer lightweight models, others are heavyweights.

Modern units have different dimensions from 400 grams to 12 kg. Much depends on the material of the sole. The lightest devices are made of aluminum, the more massive ones are made of steel.

The universal weight of an iron for home use can be considered an indicator of 1.5-2 kg.

Sole material and shape

The soles of irons are made from various materials: stainless steel, cermet, titanium, ceramics, nickel, Teflon and aluminum.

Let us consider in more detail each of them, and also understand the advantages and disadvantages of the presented coatings.

Steel is strong, heats up quickly and is very heavy.

Stainless steel - the material is corrosion resistant and durable.

The sole will not be damaged by contact with buttons, buttons or metal zippers. Heating occurs quickly, but there is a risk of damaging the fabric.

Advantages of stainless steel coating:

• not subject to scratches;
• the sole heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time;
• smoothes wrinkles without problems and gently moves over the fabric;
• metal is not subject to corrosion and is durable.

Flaws:

• there is a possibility of burning through the product, as the sole heats up quickly;
• metal makes the iron heavier, so it is difficult to iron a large amount of laundry with the appliance.

Ceramic - the coating is easily damaged, but nothing sticks to it

The ceramic sole is a very fragile coating. In order to make it stronger, the composition is supplemented with chromium and nickel. After these manipulations, the alloy is called cermet. It differs from ceramics in heavier weight.

It is better to store an iron with a ceramic-metal coating in an upright position so as not to damage the soleplate.

Advantages:

• keeps warm for a long time;
• demonstrates a high heating rate;
• glides gently over fabric
• the coating is easily cleaned with special means.

Flaws:

• easily scratched if carelessly handled (for example, hit a button or zipper);
• if the iron falls, there is a high probability that the coating will crack.

Aluminum - very light, but can quickly become unusable

Aluminum is a metal that is soft and vulnerable. This material was the first to be used to make soleplates for electric irons.

It can leave a sheen on the fabric of the product, so it must be moistened with water before the ironing process.

Advantages:

• an iron with an aluminum sole is very light, they can iron a large amount of laundry and the hand will not get tired;
• heats up quickly to the desired temperature.

Flaws:

• a thing can be easily spoiled at an incorrectly set temperature;
• there are dents and scratches from metal buttons and zippers.

Titanium is ideal, but takes a long time to warm up

More recently, devices with a sole made of titanium have appeared. They are light but scratch much less.

Advantages:

• have a non-stick coating;
• low overall weight;
• resistant to damage;
• perfectly iron the folds and gently glide.

Flaws:

• warm up for a long time, increasing energy costs.

Teflon - will not damage the fabric, but can be easily scratched

A Teflon coating is applied to the aluminum or steel sole. Steel irons are much heavier than aluminum irons and smooth out wrinkles better.

Some manufacturers add special coatings to reduce damage to the Teflon.

Advantages:

• carefully smoothes wrinkles and gently glides over the fabric;
• will not damage even the most delicate fabric.

Flaws:

• can easily be scratched and lose its non-stick properties.

Nickel - has non-stick properties, but can damage the fabric

To obtain non-stick properties, only steel soles are coated with nickel.

Advantages:

• resistance to corrosion;
• You do not need to clean the device often, as the coating is non-stick.

Flaws:

• easily scratched;
• spoils the fabric, clinging to the damaged surface.

Sole shape options

It is not only the material from which the soleplate is made that affects the quality of ironing. You should also pay attention to its shape.

For smoothing difficult places - collars or folds, models with a pointed nose are perfect. A good option when there are special holes for steam on the spout.

Wired or wireless

In the home appliance market, models that do not need a constant connection to the mains are becoming increasingly popular. It is convenient to use a wireless iron, but no one has canceled the usual wired units.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Cordless iron

Pros:

• has a special stand for heating and does not need a direct connection to the network;
• high mobility of the device;
• comfortable ironing conditions for the user.

Minuses:

• slower pace of ironing clothes due to the need to heat the device on a special stand;
• the cost is higher than that of a wired device.

Wired iron

Pros:

• constant heating temperature;
• high speed ironing.

Minuses:

• with a rigid connection of the iron with the cord, the latter can quickly crack and become unusable;
• low mobility.

There are enough opportunities to choose from in the market and everyone can choose the option that is right for him.

Additional functions

There are many additional options in modern models and they are designed to provide comfort for the consumer.

Let's consider the most significant of them.

Auto power off

Currently, even if there is no auto-off function, not a single iron heats up to a state of ignition.

But there are situations when in the bustle they forgot to turn off the device. This option will save electricity and nerve cells to the owner.

Anti-drip system

It will prevent things from getting wet from delicate fabrics.

When ironing at a low temperature, water may leak from the holes on the sole, which is undesirable on a chiffon or silk blouse.

If you want to make the ironing process neat, then you should choose a device with a special icon - Aqua-stop. Water will not get on the fabric at any heating temperature.

Ability to use plain tap water

Buying an iron without the useful anti-scale option, while using tap water, can shorten the life of the unit.

Therefore, for long and efficient operation, it is better to purchase a device with an anti-scale function. This will allow you not to worry about the safety of the device.

Ball mount cord and cord length

It is important to pay attention in wired irons to the degree of flexibility in connecting the cord to the machine. This is necessary to avoid quick damage to the cord.

Not least should be the length of the wire. The longer it is, the more convenient the ironing process.

Self cleaning function

During operation, the iron comes into contact with water, so the appliance is highly likely to form scale. It contaminates the unit, and stains may also appear on clothes during ironing.

If you use non-distilled water in the iron tank, then you need to descale the appliance once a month. This is easy to do using the self-cleaning function.

You only need to press a special button on the device and it will be cleaned of unnecessary contaminants.

iron maintenance

To extend the life of the unit, you should properly care for it.

It is necessary to apply:

• a special cleaning pencil for cleaning scale, dirt soles of the iron;
• distilled water so that the household appliance does not become covered with scale;
• silicone nozzle to protect the sole of the device from damage, and the fabric from burning;
• descaling powders and tablets if the iron is not self-cleaning.

Folk cleaning products, such as salt, vinegar, wax or soda, should not be used on modern devices. It is better to use professional tools than to test the iron for strength.

Which company to choose

The leaders in the production of irons, which are distinguished by the use of advanced technologies, high quality and modern functionality, can be called brands:

• Philips;
• Tefal;
• BORK;
• Rowenta;
• Bosch.

In the mid-price segment, the following companies can be distinguished:

• MIE;
• Morphy Richards;
• Electrolux.

Among inexpensive devices with an optimal set of functions, we can distinguish:

• Clatronic;
• Vitek;
• Polaris.

TOP 5 best irons by price/quality for 2024-2025

Philips GC4909/60 Azur

The iron of this model does process of an ironing bystry and productive. The appliance has a useful self-cleaning function, which avoids scale and other contaminants.

The self-shutoff system will protect against unnecessary waste of electricity and protect against fire. In a horizontal position, automatic shutdown occurs after 30 seconds, and in a vertical position after eight minutes.

The device is equipped with a steaming function, eco mode, anti-drip system.

It has three modes of temperature adjustment, a volumetric water tank of 300 ml.

A convenient elongated iron nozzle with steam holes is able to smooth out any crease on the fabric, to get into hard-to-reach places between buttons.

The device is equipped with a non-slip handle, as well as a swivel cord. The length of the network cable is comfortable - 3 meters.

The weight of the product is about 1.7 kg., There is an energy-saving mode and a ready-to-work indicator.

Braun TexStyle TS775ETP

This is a real leader among irons with a high-tech aluminum, anodized Eloxal Plus soleplate and a special nozzle TexStile Protector.

The device is equipped with a useful system of protection against scale, which extends the period of use.

The device has a steam function, as well as an anti-drip system. Has a power of 2.4 kW., steam boost option, produces vertical steaming.

The iron is equipped with a large 400 ml water tank.

The unit is equipped with a swivel cord, the sole is covered with a non-stick coating. The length of the network cable is comfortable - 2.5 meters.

The weight of the product is about 2 kg., There is an indicator of readiness for work.

Advantages of Braun TexStyle TS775ETP:

• high-quality nozzle for thin fabrics;
• durable case;
• powerful steam boost;
• practical cord attachment.

Flaws:

• the steam button is poorly placed;
• no auto-off feature.

REDMOND RI-C265S

This is a smart iron that can be controlled remotely thanks to a mobile application.

The device is equipped with a system of protection against scale, which extends the period of use, as well as a self-cleaning system.

The device has a steam function, as well as an anti-drip system. Has a power of 2.5 kW., steam boost option, produces vertical steaming.

The iron is equipped with a 300 ml water tank.

The unit is equipped with a swivel cord, the sole has a ceramic coating. The length of the network cable is convenient - 3 meters.

The weight of the product is about 1.1 kg., There is an indicator of readiness for work.

Pros:

• auto-off in any position of the device;
• increased steam power;
• Smart Home concept;
• excellent results in all types of tests.

Minuses:

• not found.

Electrolux EDB 1740

The iron of this model is functional, convenient and reliable.

The unit has a self-cleaning function, which avoids scale and other contaminants.

The self-shutoff system will save the device from wasting electricity and protect it from fire.

The device is equipped with a steam function, as well as an anti-drip system. Has a 250 ml water tank.

A convenient elongated iron nozzle with steam holes is able to smooth out complex folds on clothes and linen, to get into hard-to-reach places, for example, in the collar area.

The device is equipped with a ceramic sole, as well as a swivel cord. The length of the network cable is comfortable - 3 meters.

The weight of the product is about 1 kg., There is an indicator of readiness for work.

Polaris PIR 2821AK

The iron has a practical self-cleaning option, which makes it possible to avoid scale and other impurities.

The self-shutoff system will save you from unnecessary energy consumption, protect against fire. In a horizontal position, automatic shutdown occurs after 30 seconds, and in a vertical position after 8 minutes.

The device is equipped with a steam function, as well as an anti-drip system. It has a 400 ml water tank.

A convenient elongated iron nozzle with steam holes is able to smooth out any crease. The device is powerful at 2800 W., which allows you to quickly heat up the sole.

The iron has a convenient hinged cord attachment. The length of the network cable is universal - 3 meters.

The product is quite heavy. The manufacturer provides a long warranty service of two years, which indicates confidence in the quality of the device.

Checklist for choosing an iron

In order to choose the right iron and not overpay extra money, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. It is necessary to carefully study the models on the household appliances market, to decide on the subsequent purpose of the device: use on trips, in the office or at home.
2. It is important to ensure ease of use. You can hold the iron, evaluate how comfortable the handle is, whether it is easy to adjust the power of the device.
3. It is necessary to determine the power of the unit. An indicator of 2000 watts will be quite enough.
4. Attention must be paid to the function of steaming and spraying, as well as the performance of steam generation.
5. A key indicator when choosing is the material of the sole. It will not be superfluous to study the features of coatings to make a decision, but stainless steel can be considered the best option. This is a practical and durable coating.
6. The heating temperature should also be taken into account.
7. Also important are the auto-off functions, anti-drip protection, self-cleaning and the anti-calc option.

Useful video

Additional information on how to choose an iron is given in the video story: