:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-ironing-boards-4152975-bbdb686d8e944f1dbc02c9556e3a3ba8.jpg)
The Spruce / Lecia Landis
Finding the right ironing board can make taking the wrinkles out of your clothes much easier and faster. “If you do a lot of ironing, getting a top-quality ironing board that is tall enough can keep your back from hurting,” says Krissia Garcia, founder of Maryland-based cleaning service KrissKlean. “It will also last longer.”
There are even ironing boards that can store or work with other ironing tools to get your clothes and linens pressed and sharp.
Best Overall
Brabantia Size C Ironing Board
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brabantia-size-c-ironing-board-29a3879395a54993858b640a897f7516.jpg)
Amazon
Large size
Large iron rest
Multiple pattern options
Adjustable height
Expensive
This reliable ironing board has all of the features that make it a top choice: a removable cover, multiple pattern options, and a padded surface. But the extra-large iron rest is what really sets it apart and makes it a great choice for any project or need. It has a lock so that you can adjust the height and keep it in place, which protects small children or pets that may be nearby. The height can be between 29.5 and 38.6 inches.
It also comes with a 10-year warranty, which is unusual for an item like an ironing board. If the cover gets worn, or the elastic starts to break down, all you have to do is reach out to the company for a replacement. This warranty does have limits, so if you are using your ironing board with crafting supplies, you might not be able to take advantage of the warranty.
There are cheaper options out there, but this is a great value for the extra-large size and features. Because of its size, though, it might not be the best option for those who are short on space or just need to iron occasionally. You can hang it on the wall, but you will need to purchase a wall-hanging hook or kit separately.
Price at time of publish: $163
Dimensions: 19.3 x 62.6 x 29.5-38.6 inches | Weight: 18.6 lbs. | Material: Steel, cotton | Color: Various | Cover Included: Yes
Best Budget
BNYD Portable Ironing Mat Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bnyd-portable-ironing-mat-blanket-0461926b956b452bb84846c8980df267.jpg)
Amazon
Folds up for storage
Good for high temperatures
Magnetic corners
Requires a hard surface for use
With a portable ironing mat, you don’t need to have a lot of space or a big budget to set up a place to iron your clothes. This mat can be set up on any hard surface, whether it’s a table or the top of your dryer. It also folds up so that you can take it when you travel. Rather than setting up and storing a large ironing board, you can simply unfold this quilted mat and use it with your iron.
It has magnets on the corners to keep it in place, which makes it ideal for magnetic surfaces like the top of a washer or dryer. The fabric can work with temperatures up to 200 degrees. The main downside of this option is that it requires a hard surface for use, and it’s not great for large items. Still, we love how convenient this board is—and the price!
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 18 x 31 inches | Weight: 7.8 ounces | Material: Polyester, cotton | Color: Gray | Cover Included: N/A
Best Splurge
Reliable Home Ironing Board
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/reliable-home-ironing-board-fd4bc2d880d5442581e9cb3f8553c77d.jpg)
Amazon
Extra-large surface
Added shelf
Heavy-duty, durable frame
Expensive
This ironing board is at the top of our list as Best Splurge. Here's why: The Reliable Home ironing board has an extra-large surface that you can use to press larger household items like linens or curtains. It has a heavy-duty frame, heat-resistant surface, iron rest, and shelf. You can even fold it up!
This is an expensive ironing board, costing double or even triple the amounts of other great models. If you want something that will last for a long time without rusting or wearing, it may be worth it to spend more upfront for this high-quality ironing board. It also has added storage and a shelf that will make the chore a lot easier.
Price at time of publish: $319
Dimensions: 64.2 x 20.25 x 30-38 inches | Weight: 25 lbs. | Material: Metal | Color: White, black | Cover Included: No
Best Wall-Mounted
Wildon Home Built-in Ironing Board
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wildon-home-built-in-ironing-board-8680e860865443b89ee631d4f43d4b7c.jpg)
Wayfair
Keeps ironing board out of sight
Multiple shelves inside cabinet
Mirror is good for other uses
Not a large ironing board
Take advantage of wall space with a fold-out ironing board that mounts to the wall. It includes three shelves inside the cabinet behind an ironing board that folds out when it’s time to use it. There are hooks on the inside of the cabinet door to hang freshly pressed clothing after you're done ironing. It’s a great place to keep things while you are working. When you close the cabinet, there is an exterior mirror that is helpful to check your overall look. It can work in a bathroom or bedroom as well as a laundry room.
The ironing surface is a bit smaller than some others, but it is still large enough to accommodate clothing and even some smaller household linens. The ironing board itself is pretty simple. It has adequate padding and a removable cover that you can wash.
Price at time of publish: $304
Dimensions: 16 x 7 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Wood, metal | Color: White | Cover Included: Yes
Best Mini
Better Homes & Gardens Folding Tabletop Ironing Board
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/better-homes--gardens-folding-tabletop-ironing-board-ffd77d2545ed4ff59fbf761984d93728.jpg)
Walmart
Folds up for storage or transport
Includes an iron rest
Budget-friendly
Not good for larger items
Not only is this tabletop ironing board smaller than a full-size option, it collapses for even easier storage. If you don’t iron often, this is by far the best choice to maximize your storage space. It has a built-in iron rest on the side, an unusual feature for such a small ironing board. The cover comes in a neutral check that also has a foam back for extra padding and smoothness as you iron.
You will need a table or other surface to use this ironing board comfortably. It has feet and can be set up on the floor, but it only goes up to a height of 8.3 inches. It will likely be uncomfortable if you don’t have a higher surface to act as a stand for the ironing board. Because of its smaller size, this is also a tough option to use if you are ironing particularly large items like bedding or curtains.
Price at time of publish: $13
Dimensions: 12 x 31 x 8.3 inches | Weight: 4.29 lbs. | Material: Metal, cotton | Color: White, gray | Cover Included: Yes
Best With Iron Rest
Minky Homecare Ergo Plus Prozone Ironing Board with Dual Iron Rest
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/minky-homecare-ergo-plus-prozone-ironing-board-with-dual-iron-rest-f59e54bc46d84225846914ae799c8882.jpg)
Amazon
Surface helps make ironing more efficient
Ergonomic iron rest
Distributes heat evenly
Smaller ironing surface
This ironing board has two iron rests, perfect if you have a standard iron and a steam iron for specific use. The shelf can also support the steam unit on larger steam irons. It's also good if you use a separate iron for crafts or with starch. The iron rest itself is designed with an ergonomic position that eases stress and strain on your back as you work. If you iron a lot, that can make the chore much more comfortable.
The ironing surface isn’t huge, but it is large enough for most household uses. Pressing very large items, such as heavy curtains, may be difficult, because there isn’t a lot of space and the frame is not made to support these kinds of items. The cover is made of a special material that helps distribute the heat evenly to get wrinkles out faster. Just know that it isn’t removable or washable.
Price at time of publish: $115
Dimensions: 57.7 x 17.7 x 37.8 inches | Weight: 16.22 lbs. | Material: Steel | Color: Gunmetal gray | Cover Included: Yes
Best for Steam Irons
Bartnelli Iron Board with 4 Layered Cover & Pad
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bartnelli-iron-board-with-4-layered-cover--pad-38b1f94d922b4f3d9314898aaf83d356.jpg)
Amazon
Four layers
Mesh top of frame
Multiple cover patterns
Not great for large or heavy items
Steam irons help make your ironing even faster by using heated water to target wrinkles, but they often come with higher temperatures, extra parts, and plenty of moisture. This ironing board from Bartnelli has four layers under its removable cover that still allow steam to go through for the most efficient use. This also keeps the moisture from getting trapped and potentially causing mold or rust. The cover also comes in seven designs.
A small iron rest and four feet support the ironing board. This is enough to cover your load in most cases, but it may not be heavy-duty enough for very large or very heavy items.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 43 x 14 x 29-36 inches | Weight: 11.38 lbs. | Material: Steel | Color: White | Cover Included: Yes
Our top pick, Brabantia Size C Ironing Board, has a large ironing surface and a large iron rest, and it is made to last through years of use. For a more budget-friendly and portable option, consider the BNYD Portable Ironing Mat Blanket. You can fold it up and use it anywhere you find a hard surface.
What to Look for in an Ironing Board
Size
For most purposes, an ironing board between 30 and 55 inches long is large enough for clothing and household items without taking up a lot of space. Larger ironing boards may be needed if you do a lot of ironing of larger linens, such as tablecloths, sheets, or curtains.
“Adjustable-height ironing boards can be very helpful if more than one person will use them,” says Krissia Garcia, founder of Maryland-based cleaning service KrissKlean. These features are typically limited to full-size ironing boards rather than portable or tabletop ironing boards.
Type
When deciding on the best ironing board, you can consider a full-size ironing board that is meant to be used while standing, a tabletop ironing board that you can set up on a table or other hard surface, and a portable mat that can be folded or rolled and taken on travel.
Material
Most ironing boards have a cotton cover, but the padding underneath can vary. Look for padding that is durable and thick enough to keep the plastic or metal frame from impacting your ironing. Three or four layers are ideal to get a smooth finish on your ironed clothing. Some ironing boards have special finishes or fabrics that make the heat or steam from the iron more effective. They are usually not washable.
-
Can you wash an iron board cover?
You sure can! “Yes, you can wash most ironing board covers,” assures Garcia. “Most have care instructions that tell you how to clean them.” Cotton covers are the most common and can be washed. Special materials that can’t be washed are usually built in to the ironing board and are not part of a removable cover.
-
When should I replace my ironing board?
If you see the padding start to deteriorate, it’s likely time to replace your ironing board. Other signs that it is time for an upgrade include a rickety frame, rust or cracks in the frame, and the iron rest breaking. Depending on the quality of the ironing board and how well you take care of it, it can last for a couple of years or a couple of decades.
-
How much do ironing boards typically cost?
Smaller ironing boards or portable ironing mats are the cheapest and usually cost less than $50. A full-size ironing board will run between $50 and $150. Top-of-the-line models with a lot of extra features or storage can cost a few hundred dollars. These are typically made with extra-durable frames and covers, so they will last longer.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer who specializes in home and family products. Melynn has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she considered the purpose and function of various ironing boards, as well as the features that made them stand out. She talked to Krissia Garcia, founder of Maryland-based cleaning service KrissKlean, about the features that make ironing easier.