How to choose an iron for home use: parameters for the correct selection of good devices, sole features and additional functionality

Types of irons

Sellers, as a rule, try to offer customers the most modern and expensive iron models.

Important! In order not to overpay, it is worth deciding in advance which device is needed for everyday use.

Ordinary

Models with a minimum set of functions. Usually there is only temperature or power control.

Therefore, the smoothing of the fabric depends only on the weight of the device and the user’s efforts.

The advantage of this option is its affordable price.

Road

Compact, self-contained models with a folding handle that are convenient to take with you on a trip.

The power of such devices does not allow ironing heavily wrinkled, rough fabrics.

But such a device will be enough to tidy up your wardrobe.

With steam function

Note! Popular devices that generate steam using a built-in water tank.

Using steam makes the fabric softer and eliminates creases and folds. Such devices are often purchased for home use.

With steam generator

The device is supplied with a stationary steam generator that supplies steam under high pressure through a special hose.

A similar device for the home
allows you to iron folded bed linen , as well as wardrobe items on hangers.
The disadvantages of a product with a steam generator are its impressive dimensions and high cost.

Wireless

Modern technology with a charging station powered by a battery.

Thanks to the absence of a cable, you don’t have to depend on the presence of an outlet.

Stay up to date! In wireless mode, the device operates for no more than 15 minutes.

Types of irons

If you iron rarely and, by and large, you don’t need additional functions, then the best purchase option would be a simple iron with a minimum number of options.
These irons do not have a steam mode; it only provides dry ironing. Steam irons have a more diverse set of functions. The degree of fabric smoothing in them is at a higher level than in simple analogues. In addition, thanks to special settings, you can choose almost any mode for different types of material. The steaming mode is an integral element here.

An iron with a sprayer is extremely rare on modern store shelves. Ironing with them is difficult, and they are most effective only for dense fabrics. Thin material can be damaged or even burned. Please note that in this case we are not talking about a multifunctional iron with an additional water spray option, but about the first models in which this function was considered a technical innovation.

There is also a separate type of compact irons, which are small in size and have a sufficient number of options. We are talking about the road version. The main advantage of such an iron is that it can be used in any conditions where there is electricity. When traveling, it is simply irreplaceable. You can, for example, put your clothes in order on the train, in a hotel or in the country.

The main parameters on the basis of which the choice is made

Having decided on the type of iron, you need to pay attention to the technical characteristics and features of the device.

This will make the ironing process as comfortable as possible.

Sole

The material the sole is made of determines how easily the device will glide across the fabric. The following options exist:

Aluminum. Inexpensive, lightweight material that heats up quickly. Cons - the aluminum surface quickly becomes scratched and can ruin delicate fabrics, leaving shiny spots on them.
Stainless steel. Durable, resistant to damage and scratches, glides well and is easy to clean. In addition, you can purchase a product with a stainless steel sole relatively inexpensively. Disadvantages include prolonged heating and heavy weight.

It is worth noting! Dirt accumulates in scratches and chips on the sole of the device. In addition, the device begins to have difficulty moving across the fabric.

To increase the functionality of the iron, various coatings are applied to its sole:

Ceramics. Facilitates sliding, cleans well, does not stick to fabric. The downside is the high price. Conventional ceramics are fragile. A more durable, chip-resistant option is metal-ceramics.
Teflon. Glides well, a little worse than ceramics. A device with a Teflon coating is inexpensive, but during use its sole becomes thinner and scratched.
Titanium. Expensive material that takes quite a long time to heat up. Pros: excellent glide, comfortable cleaning and durability.

For your information! When considering the sole, you should pay attention to its shape. The total area and configuration of the spout (cape) is of greatest importance.

The pointed toe makes it easy to iron small details: ruffles, collars, buttons.

Some models have a recess in the nose area, and a groove at the junction of the sole and body.
This makes ironing items with buttons easier. As for the area, it is wiser to choose the golden mean .
The small and narrow device is easy to operate, but ironing takes much longer, especially if large fabrics are processed - curtains, bed linen.

Power

A device with high power heats up stronger and faster, which allows you to smooth the fabric in a short period of time.

You should know! Such an iron can overload the network because it consumes a lot of electricity.

Based on power, devices are divided into several categories :

up to 1.5 kW – for ironing small quantities of delicate fabrics or as a travel option;
from 1.6 to 2.2 W – suitable for most families;
more than 2.2 W – necessary for ironing dense fabrics in large volumes.

Weight

It is worth choosing a device with average parameters.
A heavy product will quickly tire your hand, and a light product will not be able to cope with creases in dense fabric.

Handle shape

The most comfortable are rubberized handles with finger rests.

Tank volume

Keep in mind! To avoid having to frequently add water when ironing a large number of items, you should choose models with a spacious reservoir.

But in this case you need to be prepared to increase the weight of the iron.

Cord length and features

The optimal length of the power cord is from 2.5 to 3.5 m. Preference should be given to the hinged type of wire fastening .

Thanks to it, the cord can be rotated 360 degrees, with no risk of damage to the winding

It is important to ensure that the cable winding is made of heat-resistant fabric.

Some irons have an automatic cord winder feature. This device is convenient to store.

Steam power

For everyday use, steam generation of 70-110 g/min is sufficient.

Those who spend a lot of time steaming should choose a more powerful model.

What additional functionality should you pay attention to and in what cases?

Additional functions of the device are designed to make everyday care of your wardrobe easier.

Anti-drip system

Reference! This function allows you to avoid liquid leakage during steam supply and when the device is idle.

If drops get on your clothes, you will have to wait until they dry.

Therefore , for those who iron immediately before going out, models with an anti-drip system are suitable.

Self-cleaning

Self-cleaning is necessary for users who plan to fill the device's reservoir with tap water.
When you press the button, the nozzles are flushed with water and scale is removed from the device.

In some cases, purification occurs through the release of steam.

To avoid staining the fabric, do not turn on self-cleaning while ironing.

Anti-scale protection

Remember! Any equipment that comes into contact with water is susceptible to scale formation. If the iron's holes become clogged, it will have to be repaired.

To avoid this situation, you can choose a model with anti-scale protection or use exclusively distilled water.

Automatic shutdown

The device is protected from fire by the automatic power off function.

It
is triggered after 30 seconds of inactivity of the device in a horizontal position and after 10 minutes of inactivity in a vertical position.
Some models have hidden legs that move out of the case when the device is not in use.

This feature is useful for those who are afraid that they will forget that the iron is on.

Vertical steam supply and steam boost

Most modern irons have a steam function. Do not confuse the mode of uniform steam supply and steam boost.

The latter is activated by pressing a special button, allowing you to smooth out creases in dense material or put things in order that the sole of the iron cannot be placed against.

If steam is supplied vertically, an iron can be used instead of a steamer.

Removable sole

It may be useful for those who do not understand temperature conditions and are afraid of burning delicate fabric.

The iron may come with several removable pads for different occasions.

Steaming

Volume of the tank. Modern irons are equipped with a steam function. Steam is generated from water, for which special tanks are provided. Their volume determines how often the liquid will have to be added, whether it will be enough to iron everything, or whether it will have to be interrupted. A capacity of around 300 milliliters can be considered acceptable.

Philips GC4902/20 Azur iron with a tank volume of 300 milliliters

Intensity of horizontal steaming. It is measured in grams per minute - that is, it takes into account the amount of liquid that will evaporate per unit of time. Often the flow can be adjusted. The manufacturer indicates its maximum value in the characteristics - usually it is about 50 grams per minute.

Temporary powerful burst of steam. In addition to continuous steam supply, many models have a short-term burst of steam function. It is used to steam dry or particularly thick fabrics, such as coats. The hits don't last long, but are measured in the same way as regular steam. For irons, the norm is 170–180 grams per minute.

Quite powerful iron Tefal FV9834 with a steam boost of 240 grams per minute

Vertical steaming. Not all irons have this feature. Most often it is found in models of the middle and high price segment. The bottom line is that continuous steam supply occurs in a vertical position. This way you can tidy up your curtains or take care of clothes hanging on a hanger without removing them from the curtain rod.

Irons with a steam generator. A separate category of devices. In this case, steam is generated in a boiler with a large reservoir (usually at least 1.5 liters) and is supplied through a hose to the iron. Such devices have a higher intensity of continuous steam supply and steam shock. Often, in terms of these indicators, they are twice or more times superior to conventional irons.

The iron with the Philips GC7808/40 PerfectCare Compact steam generator is from the middle segment - its steam boost reaches 280 grams per minute.

Price categories

Irons are classified depending on their cost:

Budget models - from 700 to 2,000 rubles. This category includes travel devices and simple irons with a steam option.
Middle class - from 2,000 to 7,000. Devices with good technical characteristics and steam stations without frills.
Premium segment – from 7,000 and above. Here you can find irons with many functions, as well as cordless devices and modern steam stations.

Which is the best iron to buy for your home: expert opinion and price review

The opinions of ordinary users and specialists differ, so it is advisable to name three models that were highly appreciated by professionals.

Philips GC 4780 - reliable and easy glide

Thanks to its 2600 W power, the iron produces a strong stream of steam that smooths out creases even in hard-to-reach places. The device has an automatic shut-off and vertical steam function. Its average price is 6,200 rubles.

Price: ₽ 6,200

UNIT USI-281 - comfortable for daily use

The iron is equipped with a ceramic sole and has a power of 2200 W. The steam boost function will remove even the smallest wrinkles on clothes, and auto shut-off will prevent fire. The average price for a model is 1,300 rubles.

Price: ₽ 990

Panasonic NI-W950 - lightweight

Iron with automatic shut-off after inactivity. The device has a power of 2400 W and a steam supply of up to 40 g/min. This model has the ability to vertically steam coarse clothes. The average price is 6,500 rubles.

Price: RUB 6,594