With features like precision tips, steam bursts, auto shut-off, anti drip, and easy-glide surfaces, a new wave of clothing irons has us wondering if it is time to consider an appliance upgrade in the laundry room. We've rounded up a collection of conventional steam irons, as well as a few professional-style home ironing systems recommend by the experts.
Conventional Steam Irons
Above: The Panasonic NI-W950A is a high-performance steam iron with a vertical steam feature that lets you direct steam to hanging items; $205 through Amazon.
Above: The Panasonic NI-W950A features a 1700 watt multi-directional dual tip Alumite soleplate that allows for 360-degree ironing in any direction.
Above: German-based Rowenta is known for premium ironing products; the Rowenta DW9080 Steamium Iron is no exception. It features an extra broad platinum plate with 400 holes for maximum steaming; $125.79 at Amazon.
Above: A highly rated but less expensive alternative, the Rowenta Effective Comfort Steam Iron has a non-stick stainless plate with 300 steam holes; $39.99 from Amazon.
Above: Do you worry about scorching or melting while ironing? Consider the Oliso Smart Iron that lifts itself up when you let go of the handle, preventing burns, scorching, and tipping; $121.32 at Amazon.
Above: DeLonghi's 1800-Watt Steam Iron offers multiple steam controls including the ability to vary the steam temperature. A varied thickness ceramic and titanium soleplate is something that DeLonghi touts for its ease of use and its long life (highly corrosion-resistant materials); $104.50 from Amazon.
Above: The T-Fal Ultraglide Easycord Steam Iron features an especially large water tank for fewer refills and a design to keep the cord out of the way of your ironing efforts; $40.20 through Amazon.
Above: Looking for a basic iron without bells and whistles? The Black and Decker Classic Iron looks like something from the laundry room of your childhood but offers updated auto-shut off and steam surge features; $24.94 at Amazon.
Pressure Steam Irons
Above: Laundress co-founder Lindsey Boyd advocates a mix of steaming and ironing. "I grew up with a mother that had to have everything ironed," she says. "For pieces like my two-year old daughter's clothing and bed linens, I iron them so they are perfectly pressed and finished. Currently, I am using a pressure steam iron from Rowenta, which has both functions, to make ironing easier." The Rowenta DG5030 Pro-Iron Steam Station is $160.56 at Amazon.
Above: The Laundress uses the Reliable Iron Maven for their Laundress Washing Service. "The shape and size is smaller than other irons, but once you get used to it, it lets you work in greater detail especially on shirt labels, pleats, etc.," Laundress co-founder Gwen Whiting says. The Reliable IronMaven 420 professional style home ironing system is $299 at Amazon.
Steamers
Above: The founders of the Laundress mostly steam their clothing using the Jiffy Steamer J-20 ($219). "As I hand wash a good portion of my wardrobe, a good steamer comes in handy. I use it for all of my silk and woolens," says Lindsey Boyd.
Intrigued? See More Steamer Options.