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WHICH? REVIEWS: Steam irons
Should you go for a traditional steam iron, or the more powerful steam generator. The Which? steam iron review lays everything out for you.
Fast, durable, top quality - we've found six Best Buy irons that flattened the competition. We tested steam irons and steam generator irons from a range of manufacturers in search of the fastest, most durable top-notch performers.
Our scores now place a higher importance on how your clothes look after ironing - after all there's no point spending time ironing your clothes if the end result is below par. This really highlights those models that don't iron well.
To get the most from your iron you'll be descaling it on a regular basis. Our durability scores take into account the descaling methods recommended in manufacturers' user manuals - and really separate the tough cookies from the stragglers as a result.
You can find out our Best Buy recommendations by taking out a 1 month trial to www.which.co.uk Below, we explain more about the features of steam irons.
Anti-calcium
The irons we tested can all produce steam using everyday tap rather than special 'ironing' water, but an unfortunate side effect is that over time, calcium in the water supply will form limescale, which clogs the steam vents.
Most steam and generator irons nowadays include cleaning systems and anti-calcium functions, which are designed to prevent this calcium build-up from damaging the iron.
Some have a changeable anti-calcium cartridge, while with others have a burst of steam or dedicated anti-calcium button you'll press at the time of cleaning to force limescale out of the vents.
Water
Much of the UK has relatively hard water and some manufacturers suggest using distilled water or a mix of tap and distilled water in hard water areas.
Frequent cleaning helps but in some cases we found it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. If you're concerned about the life of your iron you can find out the water hardness in your area from your water supplier.
Extra features
Aside from performance and durability, there are a few extra features you may wish to consider before making your purchase.
Button notch/recess - Some irons have a notch in the soleplate or a recess just above, which makes it easier to iron around buttons.
Cable tidy - A cable tidy, compartment or clip is useful for storing your iron neatly. It will also lessen the possibility of damaging the wires if you can keep the cable kink-free.
Spray button - Aside from steaming, a directional spray incorporated into the front of the iron can be handy on stubborn creases.
Steam shot button - This provides an additional burst of steam at a higher vapour rate. Most steam irons have one located within thumb's reach at the front of the handle.
Auto shut-off - Some irons have a fail-safe which will switch the iron off automatically if it hasn't been used for a period of time; usually 8 minutes idle in the upright position and 30 seconds when rested on the soleplate.
Vertical steam - This feature enables you to steam curtains or hanging clothes, but it's worth noting that for most steam irons, this means repeatedly pressing the shot of steam button.
Soleplates - Some irons have stainless steel soleplates, others have non-stick or ceramic coatings which are supposed to help the iron glide more smoothly.
Dry tank warning - In case you don't notice when your iron runs out of steam, some irons include warning lights to alert you that the tank needs filling.
So what's the best steam iron for you? By taking out a 1 month trial to www.which.co.uk you can discover all you need to know about steam irons and find out our Best Buy recommendations.
(c) Copyright Which? Ltd 2008, all rights reserved.
