Irons Buyers Guide

Pressing towards perfection

Buying an iron depends upon how much ironing one has to do at home. Occasional ironing results in paying extra for the electricity bills but for large families, it works out cheaper than getting the ironing done from outside. Thus, to let know of the range of convenience-oriented features, this iron-buying guide was prepared.

The Types

• Steam irons: A nice alternative to keep the traditional damping process at
  bay, steam irons; however, are a saner choice than the old-fashioned dry or 'thermostat' irons. The steam irons allow controlling precisely the level and output of steam; the recent ones have pre-set gauges as per the requirement of particular types of fabric. A passport to quicker, easier ironing, the power of a steam iron is directly proportional to the wattage or energy consumption. Steam irons are further divided into:
  
• Vertical steam irons: It is the capacity of an iron to produce steam when held upright. Used primarily for hanging garments such as suits and dresses and all those made from delicate fabric as well as curtains.
  
• Variable steam: Regulated by an integral steam control system, the steam output is always kept at the ideal level.
  
• Burst steam: This feature is meant for creating a surge of steam and is expressed in grams per minute, 30g/minute to 130g/min being the range. It provides an additional, instantaneous steam power to deal with situations like smoothing out difficult wrinkles or to create sharp creases on purpose.
  
• Continuous steam output: A feature that facilitates heavy ironing tasks through a continuous impact that tames the textile fibers.
  
• Steam iron generators: Also termed as steam stations or steam systems, these are steam irons that stay attached to a steam-generating device. The apparatus reduces the time by generating a higher steam pressure and ironing both sides of the fabric at the same time. These irons are also lighter and easier to use than conventional, heavier steam irons.
  
• Presses: Specifically meant for cleaning professionals, the presses are two large plates and a closing handle; the device can apply as much as 100lbs of pressure without the shine that conventional irons often produce.
  
• Trouser Presses: Meant for removing stubborn creases and wrinkles from all styles of trousers, it is a quick and straightforward process.
  
• Travel irons: Meant to be carried along, these are smaller and lighter varieties that weigh under a kilogram and only suitable for small quantities of laundry. Steam spray facility, fold-down handles and travel pouches are the standard features of the travel irons.
  

Buying the best iron

Maximum efficiency and effectiveness don't come on their own; it requires careful observations and some knowledge to peak the best out of the lot. Thus, an iron with a scratch-resistant or easy-glide or non-stick sole plate is always recommended, the brand name Ultragliss being the highest priority.

Assessing the efficiency

Efficiency and drying capacity of an iron remain directly linked to the electrical power it consumes; expressed in watts or simply W, most of them use between 1400W and 2200W (for a steam generator). The midway, i.e. 1600W; however, is the most preferred one for domestic requirements.

The weight

Heaviness imparts greater pressing capacity but can be tiring at the same time as well. Lighter irons, however, though put less stress on muscles and glide more easily, require more repetitions to accomplish the results.

Water capacity

From 2 oz to 7 oz, a larger tank eliminates the need for frequent refilling that also hampers steam generation and its constant flow. Thus, a bigger capacity transparent tank (for keeping the water level in check) with an automatic refill feature is highly recommended, though these types are highly valuable commodity. In case of steam generators, the considerably larger and transparent water reservoirs take care of the problem.

Cord and anti-drip mechanism

Cords are fading into obscurity since cordless varieties came into being; however, for the models that come with cords, cord length and positioning are a vital factor to be considered. The anti-drip feature prevents water drops from staining fabrics and also eliminates the danger of water leakage and short-circuits.

Key Features

Key Features   Adjustable Steam   Vertical Steaming   Cord Type		With over 500 irons on the market, key features such as Adjustable Steam, Vertical Steaming & Cord Type are important factors when buying. These features not only effect the performane and quality of the iron you choose, but also the price. Shown below are price guides for a selection of irons focusing on the key features: Adjustable Steam, Vertical Steaming & Cord Type.

Adjustable Steam Without Adjustable Steam £44.00 With Adjustable Steam £59.00 * With Adjustable Steam £59.00

Vertical Steaming With Vertical Steaming £66.00 Without Vertical Steaming £277.00 * With Vertical Steaming £66.00

Cord Type Corded £86.00

Price Guide

Min    £4.99 Avg    £76.17 Max    £753.05		IRons cost anywhere from £4.99 for a basic iron with few features to around £753.05 for a fully featured iron.

Brand Guide

Popular Brands     PHILIPS     MORPHY RICHARDS     TEFAL     ROWENTA     BOSCH     Corby		The most popular irons brand is PHILIPS. The most expensive irons brand is Siemens. If you're looking for a bargain then look out for HADEN branded irons as generally they offer the cheapest irons.