If you know the technical specifications and are looking for the best recommendations for every budget and use, you can check out the buying guide with the best ironing systems!

The steam irons available on the market are divided into 3 main categories:

Categories

• Dry irons

• Steam irons

• Steam irons with boiler (ironing system)

The dry irons are the simplest and most affordable. However, the fact that they are dry type (that is, they do not produce steam) makes ironing more difficult. Steam penetrates the fibers of the garment and removes wrinkles more easily. This is why our mothers or grandmothers, who used irons without steam, always kept a spray bottle next to the clothes they were ironing and sprayed them with water.

The electric steam irons are usually more expensive than dry irons, while steam irons with a boiler, also known as steam generators, are the most expensive of all. They produce more and stronger steam, have a separate water tank so they can work longer without needing refilling, while the iron itself is lighter because the water is not stored on the appliance.

Features

Beyond choosing the type of iron, there are the following points you need to consider before settling on your choice:

Power

Power is measured in watts and practically indicates how quickly the water will heat up so you can start ironing. It is an important criterion for choosing an appliance, but you cannot base your choice solely on this factor. 

Steam Output or Steam Performance

This is the amount of steam produced by the iron and is measured in grams per minute (gr/min). The higher the steam output, the more effectively wrinkles are removed. There are two different outputs: continuous steam output, while the iron is in operation, and the steam burst or Boost, which refers to the steam released when we press the relevant button. 

Plate

Each company has developed its own soleplates so that clothes do not burn and the iron glides smoothly over fabrics. The most common soleplates are ceramic and non-stick, but there are also inox, palladium, and steel ones, which have various coatings for a better result.

Beyond the material of the soleplate, it is also important to pay attention to the distribution of the holes through which the steam comes out, because the more evenly it is released, the better the steam penetrates the clothes. Finally, it matters that the tip of the iron is relatively thin or pointed, so that you can iron even the most difficult areas.

Water Tank Capacity

A large-capacity tank saves you from frequent interruptions while ironing to add water.

In steam irons with a boiler, the tank can be removable, so it is easier to fill, or fixed. If it is fixed, you should make sure the water has cooled down before opening it to refill it, so that the steam pressure does not burn you.

Steam Pressure / Bars

Bars are the unit we use to measure the steam pressure produced by the iron during use. It is one of the most important features to consider, as it determines how easy ironing will ultimately be. Top irons usually have 7.5-8 bars, but anything from 6 and above performs very well.

Weight

The lighter the iron, the better, because ironing becomes less tiring. Steam generators have the advantage here, since the water does not go into the device you hold in your hand.

However, steam irons with a boiler are heavy when moved together with the base. Keep this in mind if you usually move the iron from room to room or from floor to floor, as well as for storing the appliance, which is usually bulkier. Also, you should place it on a particularly stable ironing board or on another stable spot next to the ironing board while ironing.

If you travel often, there is also the option of travel steam irons, which are much smaller in size and weight, so they fit comfortably in a suitcase or bag, and offer a quick and convenient solution for freshening up clothes! 

Vertical Steam

When the steam iron produces vertical steam, we can also iron vertically. For example, we can iron or freshen up hanging curtains or clothes on a hanger.

Refill at any time

The refill at any time technology allows us to fill the water tank during ironing, without having to turn off the appliance or wait for it to cool down.

Power cord length

A short power cord makes ironing more difficult because it limits the range of movement. A medium cord length is 1.8 meters, while there are also devices with a 3-meter cord!

Swivel cord

Some irons also feature a swivel cord at the base, which makes ironing movements easier and minimizes friction at the cord base.

Descaling and indicator light

Over time, irons accumulate limescale, which must be removed to ensure proper operation. Each steam iron has its own cleaning method. This method can range from very simple to quite complex, and it is worth considering before making your choice. The limescale indicator light found on some models is especially useful, as it notifies you when cleaning is needed.

Automatic shut-off

The automatic shut-off function turns the appliance off if it is not used for a few minutes. This helps avoid energy waste and minimizes the risk of accidents.

Warranty

An important factor when purchasing any appliance is the reliability of the brand and the warranty. The same applies to steam irons and steam generators, especially because they are used frequently. As with every purchase you make through Skroutz, ironing systems also come with a 2-year warranty!

Keeping the above tips in mind, you will surely find the iron that best meets your needs and will help make ironing... a piece of cake!