We Tested the Best Steam Irons to Keep Fabrics Free of Wrinkles

Other Options We Tested

Conair EZ Press 800-Watt Handheld Steam Iron: Our testers liked that this iron was lightweight and had an indicator light showing when it was ready to get to work. However, they noted that it might be a better choice for travelers or college students who only iron every now and then. The stopper covering the water area felt cheap and dripped during the ironing process. The soleplate was also pretty small, so this wouldn't be a great choice for someone ironing larger items.

Panasonic NI-E660SR Dry and Steam Iron: This steam iron is lightweight and has a retractable cord. Overall, it performed relatively well, but our testers noted that a few areas needed improvement, so it didn't make our top picks list. While the steam iron was easy to use, our testers noted that it's easy to overfill the water tank. It also didn't perform well on linen fabric. For the price point, there are better options available, but if this steam iron is on sale, it would be worth snagging.

How We Tested the Steam Irons

We spent one day thoroughly testing 30 irons to find the best ones. In The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, we tested each iron’s effectiveness on cloth napkins in three different fabrics—satin, linen, and cotton—to see how they removed wrinkles. The irons were tested on each fabric on both their non-steam and steam setting (if equipped), except for the satin—that fabric type should never be steamed. We made sure the wrinkles were set by wetting and then balling up each napkin and securing it with a rubber band. We then let the napkins sit for a couple of days until dry. The day of the test, we timed how long it took each iron to remove the wrinkles from each type of material. We purposely added ironed creases to each fabric and then tried to remove them.

While ironing, the testers made detailed observations on each device’s portability, noting how heavy the irons were when their water reservoir was full and how comfortable the iron was to maneuver across the ironing board. They also looked at each model’s cord length to evaluate how much flexibility users would have in the distance of their iron from the outlet where it’s plugged in.

We measured the heat time of each iron, using a stopwatch to see how long it took to heat to the appropriate temperatures for ironing satin and delicates, linen, and cotton, noting if the time seemed quick, average, or unreasonably long. We also used a thermometer to make sure the soleplate’s temperature remained consistent and reached the advertised and desired temperature.

Throughout testing, we also paid attention to the design of each iron. Testers observed the device’s overall temperature, noting if the handle or body of the iron seemed uncomfortably hot. They looked at whether or not the water reservoir leaked water droplets, the ease of filling the reservoir, built-in safety features, the comfortability of the handle, how easy the controls were to operate, and the overall aesthetic, so you know exactly what to expect.

After testing all 30 irons, we used our experience and the price tag to come up with an overall value score. All of the testing data was boiled down by our editors to this list of the best steam irons.

What to Look for in a Steam Iron

Temperature Settings

Temperature control is important when picking out a steam iron. Different fabrics need to be ironed at different temperatures to ensure they aren't scorched or damaged. "Certain fabrics are sensitive to higher heat, says Stefan Bucar, a cleaning and organizing expert based in Lewisville, Texas. "Ideally, a good quality iron should have a precise temperature gauge where you can easily switch to a lower heat when required."

It's also important the iron heats up to its advertised temperature in a reasonable amount of time. Some irons can heat up in 30 seconds, while others can take minutes to reach the desired temperature.

Steam Output

Steam output is measured in grams per minute, and typically, the higher the grams per minute, the more effective the iron. Some models offer more than 200 grams of steam per minute, while others produce a less generous 35 grams per minute.

In addition to a powerful steam output, some irons have a vertical steam feature that allows them to steam and de-wrinkle hanging clothes, much like a traditional steamer. Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member, notes that you just want to ensure an iron with a vertical steam feature also has anti-drip safety features, so the extremely hot water doesn't leak out and cause harm. Whether vertical or horizontal, it's important that the steam output is powerful, since that's what distinguishes a steam iron from a dry iron.

Portability

If you have adequate space to keep your ironing materials on display in a laundry room, then having a portable iron may not matter to you. But, if you often put away your ironing materials after your chore, choose an iron that's lightweight or cordless. A cordless iron is more convenient than a corded iron because you can flip clothing and get into twists and turns of unique fabric without having to worry about a cord tangling in the process. However, cordless irons come with a charging station that's often bulky. Another option is to select an iron with a retractable cord so you can iron traditionally and then retract the cord for easy storage.

You should also take into account the weight of the steam iron. A lightweight iron may be easier to use and put away than a heavier iron. So, if you're only using your steam iron to complete craft projects every now and then, or if you have limited mobility and would benefit from using a lighter iron, take that into consideration. Bonus points if the handle has a comfortable grip, too!

Safety Features

You should always look for the safety features your iron offers. Common safety features include an automatic shut-off feature or anything that prevents water from dripping. Each model's automatic shut-off feature is a bit different. Some models will automatically shut off if not used after a certain period of time, such as 15 minutes. Some will begin cooling down once left in an upright position for a set amount of time. You should always unplug your iron when it's not in use, but a safety shut-off feature is still a plus.

You should also look for an anti-drip feature. This keeps the iron from dripping water out of the soleplate. Dripping water obviously isn't safe around electrical cords, and it also can create frustrating water stains on your garments.

Standout Features

Retractable Cord

Cordless steam irons sometimes come with a bulky charging base, but corded steam irons can be difficult to store without tangling or damaging the cord. A retractable cord offers the best of both worlds. You get the power that comes from a corded steam iron but the space-saving capabilities of a cordless option. Simply iron, retract the cord and store it away until your next laundry day.

Digital Screen

Many new steam iron models feature a digital screen that displays heat settings, temperature, and other helpful information. If you're investing in an iron with a digital screen, make sure it enhances your ironing experience by showing details such as exact temperature. If it only populates the heat setting, there are other, simpler ways for an iron to do that.

"When purchasing an iron, you'll be tempted by the latest technology, but you need to see whether that’s the most important aspect or not," says Richard Zi, found of ZW Cables, a manufacturer that makes iron parts for steam irons. "Instead, you need to check the reviews of the models to see how many years each machine may last as it’s a daily-use item."

Self-Clean Option

It's important to clean your iron on a regular basis to prevent mineral deposits from building up and blocking the steam vents. Some irons now come with a self-clean option that takes care of this chore for you. While each model is different, in order to use the self-cleaning function, place your iron over a sink and hold down the self-cleaning button until all the water has drained from the soleplate. Once the water reservoir has emptied, release the self-cleaning button.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Erin Johnson is a commerce editor focusing on appliances, organization, and cleaning products for The Spruce. She has previously tested and reviewed multiple vacuums, mops, and other household appliances for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living. For this article, she took insights and feedback from in-lab testers to curate the list of our top picks. She also interviewed iron parts manufacturer Richard Zi of ZW Cables and Stefan Bucar, a cleaning, organizing, and design expert based in Lewisville, Texas.