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The 6 Best Steam Irons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 30 steam irons—here are our top contenders

Several steam irons displayed side-by-side on a wood table

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Whether you're ironing a blouse for a day of work, quickly de-wrinkling everyday clothes, or prepping fabrics for your next crafty DIY project, you'll want to reach for a dependable steam iron. The good news is that there are plenty of great brands out there that heat quickly and glide smoothly. But it can be quite a challenge to iron out which ones are the best on the market.

As part of our extensive research, we reached out to Jerry Pozniak, CEO of Jeeves New York, a professional dry cleaning service. "All irons do the same thing. They have a smooth metal iron surface, get hot, and most have the ability to produce steam." But, he adds, "The most important factors are reliability and weight. I prefer an iron that is heavier as it will aid in producing crisp creases and flat seams."

Taking Pozniak's advice, we asked ironing newbies and experienced professionals alike to test 30 steam irons in The Lab and narrowed down our list to the top six. To make sure we found the best of the best, we got to work ironing satin, linen, and cotton fabrics and rated each iron based on effectiveness, thoughtful design, portability, heat up time, and overall value. We also tested heating times and evaluated how each one removed wrinkles. We even extended our testing to six months, so that you would know exactly what you're getting over time.

Editor's Note: This review was revised on February 2024 with updated long-term testing results.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

BEAUTURAL 1800-Watt Steam Iron

Beautural 1800-watt steam iron with blue LCD screen

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    3.8/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Heat Time
    5/5
What We Like
  • Heats up in 10 seconds

  • Splash guard

  • Has an auto shut-off feature

What We Don't Like
  • Steam setting didn't perform as well on cotton

  • Limited availability through select online vendors

Hands down, our best overall pick is the Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron with Digital LCD Screen. We think it's ideal for beginners and professional ironers alike.

We gave this steam iron a perfect rating for its heat-up time because it was ready to use in just 10 seconds—the fastest of the 30 we tested. We especially appreciated that the display screen noted whether the specific fabric should be wet or dry. (You seriously don't have to do any internet research when using this device because all of the details are right at your fingertips.)

Plus, the display does an excellent job of telling you which setting to choose, so you won't waste any time. The iron also earned a perfect score for both design and portability. We think its ceramic soleplate is large enough to iron everyday fabrics with ease, and the grip handle is perfectly designed for hours of ironing. (This is ideal if you're a quilter working on a lengthy project or tackling a week's worth of dress shirts.)

Person ironing a teal placemat with the BEAUTURAL 1800-Watt Steam Iron with Digital LCD Screen

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

During testing, when ironing satin materials, the Beautural iron only took one to two passes to remove all wrinkles and was able to remove a crease in one pass. On linen (both dry and steam settings), it removed all wrinkles and a crease in one pass. With cotton, this steam iron worked to remove all creases in one pass on the dry setting. We docked a few points on effectiveness because the steam setting took several passes to remove wrinkles and used a good amount of water to remove them all. We also noted that this cord is a little bit shorter than the majority of our picks; it's 6 feet whereas many of our options are 8 feet long.

Notably, this user-friendly iron is decked out with several safety features, including an automatic shut-off feature that'll kick in if it's idle for 30 seconds when lying flat. The water fill area has a splash guard to help prevent leaks or accidental spills onto your clothing, too. Even after six months, we found that the iron continued to perform as expected, and we were still amazed at its efficiency.

Dimensions: 5.75 x 4.88 x 11.3 inches | Weight: 3.18 pounds | Color: Gray and white | Cord Length: 6 feet | Wattage: 1,800 watts | Water Tank Capacity: 11.5 ounces

What is a soleplate?

When ironing, a soleplate is the part of the iron that comes into contact with your clothes and other fabrics. The type of soleplate material, such as stainless steel, ceramic, or aluminum, affects how well the iron glides over fabrics and how effectively it removes creases. A good soleplate should be non-stick and should not cause fabrics to snag when pressed.

Best Value

BLACK + DECKER Advanced Steam Iron

BLACK+DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron with Retractable Cord

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4.2/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Value
    3/5
  • Heat Time
    4/5
What We Like
  • Space-saving

  • Large water reservoir

  • Vertical steaming feature

What We Don't Like
  • No ready light

  • Cotton and linen fabrics are on the same setting

If you're looking to save space in your laundry room, opt for an iron with a retractable cord. The Black+Decker ICR2020 Steam Iron is our favorite because it's incredibly effective at removing wrinkles and is easy to store when you're done with your chore. It also has the best of both worlds: Like a clothes steamer, this iron has a vertical steaming feature, which is optimal for quick touch ups on hanging garments.

But the real reason we love it: It was able to smooth out all fabrics in just one to two passes in our tests, and we were impressed with how immediately it removed wrinkles from linen fabric. For cotton and linen, the iron heated in two minutes. For satin, it was ready in 30 seconds!

While we weren't too happy there was no "ready" or "not ready" light, we appreciated the detailed setting information, even though cotton and linen fabrics ended up being on the same setting. We also noted that the water reservoir is large, which is great when you have mounds of ironing to get through—you won’t run out of steam. After testing for six months, we loved how this iron packs a punch despite its diminutive size and continues to perform well. We think it's lightweight, yet still has all of the features and capabilities of a larger, heavier iron.

Dimensions: 4.84 x 11.73 x 5.79 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Color: Green | Cord Length: Not listed | Wattage: 1,200 watts | Water Tank Capacity: Not listed

Best Splurge

Rowenta Perfect Pro Station Iron

Rowenta DG8624U1 Perfect Pro Station in navy blue

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4.6/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Heat Time
    4/5
What We Like
  • Docking station

  • Large water tank

  • Professional-grade performance

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy, bulky design

Our splurge-worthy pick is the Rowenta DG8624U1 Perfect Pro Station Iron because it delivers professional-grade results and comes with its own docking station. If you're someone who irons often or values the feel and design of a top-notch product, this is an excellent choice. The removable large water tank and smartly designed pointed tip made this pick a definite stand out in our testing. Plus, it has the longest cord of all of our picks at 12 feet.

During testing, this iron breezed through satin, linen, and cotton fabrics, and the steam was particularly spectacular at removing creases and wrinkles. This iron is heavier and bulkier than others we tested, which can be an asset if you need to apply pressure to a garment or seam, but it might seem more like a workout for everyday use. Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member and cleaning expert, stresses that "it's 12 pounds without water." Also, while the design is eye-catching, this iron does take up a good amount of space, so you'll want to make sure you have somewhere to store it.

We affectionately refer to this steam iron as a "workhorse" after using it regularly for six months to support our sewing and quilting. We especially love that it gets nice and hot, and you can iron for a whole session without running out of steam. Just know this model had to have a permanent residence in our laundry room since with the docking station it's about twice as large as any other machine on our list.

Dimensions: 18.11 x 11.81 x 14.7 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Color: Blue | Cord Length: 12 feet | Wattage: 1,800 watts | Water Tank Capacity: 37 ounces

Best Basic

Sunbeam Classic 1200-Watt Iron

White sunbeam iron against white background

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    3.4/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    2.5/5
  • Heat Time
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to distinguish between settings

  • Heats up quickly

  • Easy to grip

What We Don't Like
  • Did not work well on linen

  • Awkward spray nozzle placement

If you're looking for a no-fuss steam iron, we suggest opting for the Sunbeam Classic 1200-Watt Mid-Size Anti-Drip Non-Stick Soleplate Iron. As the name suggests, it packs a ton of good features for an affordable iron, and it was so quick to heat up and easy to use.

In our testing, this Sunbeam iron heated to 450 degrees in less than a minute. We loved that it was light and easy to maneuver, and we only docked half a point for portability because the 8-foot cord is not retractable. When it came to ironing multiple fabric types, this iron performed well on both satin and cotton, getting all of the ripples out in just a few passes. It took a little more effort to remove wrinkles from the linen, and overall didn’t do too well there, hence our rating.

We also like that the iron is straightforward to use, and it's easy to distinguish between the settings. When testing, we also noted that the iron is easy to grip, but the spray feature is a little awkward to use because of its placement—it’s perched up high, so the water sprays out inconsistently. Even with this minor inconvenience, this option is for you if you're looking for a reliable basic iron to add to your routine. Even after six months of use, we love the iron for its long, 360-degree swivel cord, which allows for plenty of movement while ironing.

Dimensions: 6.3 x 11.6 x 5.6 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Color: White | Cord Length: 8 feet | Wattage: 1,200 watts | Water Tank Capacity: Not listed

Best for Travel

Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron

Sunbeam Hot-to-Trot Travel Iron

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    3.3/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Heat Time
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Large water opening to prevent spills

  • Irons armholes easily

What We Don't Like
  • Plastic smell

  • Difficult to sit upright

If you're looking for a travel steam iron to take on your business trips and vacations, try the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron that we deemed small but mighty. It effectively de-wrinkled all three fabrics we tested, and we specifically noted that it's the perfect size to iron armholes and more delicate, hard-to-reach places, like collars and cuffs.

This tiny steam iron heated in under a minute, although our temperature gauge said it wasn't quite as hot as the manufacturer claimed. While it's lightweight, it's likely only good for someone with smaller hands as the features are quite tiny. The heat dial is miniature and the puff steam button is hard to click on. If you have long nails or larger hands, you might have difficulty using this iron. It was also troublesome to sit the iron upright because of where the cord meets the iron.

However, we love the large water opening and how you can quickly fill up the reservoir without spills—it will fit easily under awkward bathroom sinks in hotels. It also holds enough water for small craft projects, if you want an iron dedicated specifically for that use. Ultimately, this would be a great iron for traveling or crafting. We think you should opt for a more heavy-duty steam iron if you tend to iron frequently, or if you iron tough seams or larger quilts.

Dimensions: 3.46 x 3.13 x 6.57 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Color: Blue and white | Cord Length: 8 feet | Wattage: 800 watts | Water Tank Capacity: 3 ounces

Best Portable

Conair EZ Press Steam Iron

Conair EZ Press 800 Watt Handheld Steam Iron

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Effectiveness
    4.3/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5

Our testers liked that the Conair EZ Press 800-Watt Handheld Steam Iron was lightweight and had an indicator light showing when it was ready to get to work. For the most part, this iron effectively got all of the wrinkled creases out fairly adequately in our testing.

There were a few drawbacks, though. The stopper covering the water area felt cheap and dripped during the ironing process. And the soleplate was also pretty small, so this wouldn't be a great choice for someone ironing larger items. Still, we love how portable this model is and think it'll work great for college students or travelers. Even after six months of testing, this iron still held up, and we continue to be impressed with its effectiveness.

Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.29 x 5.12 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Color: Blue and white | Cord Length: 8 feet | Wattage: 800 watts | Water Tank Capacity: Not listed

Compare

Effectiveness Design Portability Value Heat Time
Beautural 1800-watt steam iron with blue LCD screen
Best Overall:
BEAUTURAL 1800-Watt Steam Iron
3.8 5 5 5 5
BLACK+DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron with Retractable Cord
Best Value:
BLACK + DECKER Advanced Steam Iron
4.2 4 4 3 4
Rowenta DG8624U1 Perfect Pro Station in navy blue
Best Splurge:
Rowenta Perfect Pro Station Iron
4.6 5 4.8 4 4
White sunbeam iron against white background
Best Basic:
Sunbeam Classic 1200-Watt Iron
3.4 4 4.5 2.5 5
Sunbeam Hot-to-Trot Travel Iron
Best for Travel:
Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron
3.3 4 4 5 4.5
Conair EZ Press 800 Watt Handheld Steam Iron
Best Portable:
Conair EZ Press Steam Iron
4.3 4 4.5 4
Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Beautral 1800-Watt Steam Iron with Digital LCD Screen, because it's easy to use, effective at quickly removing wrinkles, and features a helpful display screen. Or consider the Black+Decker ICR2020 Steam Iron Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron with Retractable Cord as a best value option. This steam iron is incredibly effective at removing wrinkles and easily stores in small spaces.

How We Tested the Steam Irons

We spent one day thoroughly testing 30 irons to find the best ones. In The Lab, we tested and evaluated effectiveness, portability, heat time, the design, and overall value.  

  • Effectiveness: We set wrinkles on three types of fabric ahead of the test. First, we wet the satin, cotton, and linen cloth napkins, and then balled up each napkin and secured it with a rubber band. We then let the napkins sit for a couple of days until dry. We ironed to see how effectively they removed wrinkles. The irons were tested on each fabric on both their non-steam and steam setting (if equipped), except for the satin—that fabric type should never be steamed. On the day of the test, we timed how long it took each iron to remove the wrinkles from each type of material. We also purposely added ironed creases to each fabric and then tried to remove them.
  • Portability: While ironing, we made detailed observations on the device’s portability, noting how heavy the irons were when their water reservoir was full and how comfortable the iron was to maneuver across the ironing board. We also looked at the model’s cord length to evaluate how much flexibility users would have in the distance of their iron from the outlet where it’s plugged in.
  • Heat Time: We measured the heating time of each iron, using a stopwatch to see how long it took to heat to the appropriate temperatures for ironing satin and delicates, linen, and cotton, noting if the time seemed quick, average, or unreasonably long. We also used a thermometer to make sure the soleplate’s temperature remained consistent and reached the advertised and desired temperature.
  • Design: Throughout testing, we also paid attention to the design of each iron. We observed the device’s overall temperature, noting if the handle or body of the iron seemed uncomfortably hot. We looked at whether or not the water reservoir leaked water droplets, the ease of filling the reservoir, built-in safety features, the comfortability of the handle, how easy the controls were to operate, and the overall aesthetic of each device.
  • Overall Value: After testing all 30 irons, we used our experience and the price tag to rate come up with an overall value of each iron.

All of the testing data was analyzed by our editors to make this list of the best steam irons. We also sent 10 irons home with long-term testers who used them over the course of six months to determine their longevity and real-world effectiveness. These testers evaluated the irons based on the attributes listed above, and shared whether the iron became a part of their everyday routine and a go-to product compared to previous models they had owned.

Two people discussing the BEAUTURAL 1800-Watt Steam Iron with Digital LCD Screen

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

What to Look for in a Steam Iron

As we tested irons in the lab, we discovered a few key features that kept making our lists, such as temperature settings, steam output, portability, and safety features.

Temperature Settings

Temperature control is important when picking out a steam iron. Different fabrics need to be ironed at different temperatures so they aren't scorched or damaged. "Certain fabrics are sensitive to higher heat, says Stefan Bucur, a cleaning and organizing expert. "Ideally, a good quality iron should have a precise temperature gauge where you can easily switch to a lower heat when required."

It's also important that the iron heats up to its promised temperature in a reasonable amount of time. Some irons can heat up in a quick 30 seconds, while others can take minutes to reach the desired temperature. The Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron with Digital LCD Screen, our best overall pick, for instance, heats up in seconds.

Steam Output

"Steam penetrates the fibers to get rid of wrinkles, then the hot, dry iron will remove the moisture and give you a flat, crisp finish," explains Pozniak. It's handy to know that steam output is measured in grams per minute, and typically, the higher the grams per minute, the more effective the iron. Some models offer more than 200 grams of steam per minute, while others produce a less generous 35 grams per minute.

In addition to a powerful steam output, some irons (such as our best value pick, the Black+Decker ICR2020 Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron) have a vertical steam feature that allows them to steam and de-wrinkle hanging clothes, much like a traditional steamer. You want to make sure an iron with a vertical steam feature also has anti-drip safety features, so extremely hot water doesn't leak out and cause harm. Whether vertical or horizontal, it's important that the steam output is powerful, because that's what distinguishes a steam iron from a dry iron.

Portability

You should take into account the weight of the steam iron. A lightweight iron may be easier to use and put away than a heavier iron. So, if you're only using your steam iron to complete crafty projects every now and then, or if you have trouble lifting objects and would benefit from using a lighter iron, take that into consideration. Bonus points if the handle has a comfortable grip, too.

Plus, it's pretty nice to have an iron with a retractable cord so you can iron traditionally and then retract the cord for easy storage. We love the Black+Decker ICR2020, our best value pick, for this very reason!

Safety Features

You should always look for the safety features on an iron. Common safety features include an automatic shut-off feature or anything that prevents water from dripping. Each model's automatic shut-off feature is a bit different. Some models, including our best overall pick, the Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron, will automatically shut off if not used after a certain period of time. Some will also begin cooling down if left in an upright position for too long. Remember, you should always unplug your iron when it's not in use, but a safety shut-off feature is still a huge sigh of relief in our book.

You should also look for an anti-drip feature. This keeps the iron from dripping water out of the soleplate. Dripping water obviously isn't safe around electrical cords, and it also can create frustrating water stains on garments. Look to our best basic pick, the Sunbeam Classic 1200-Watt Mid-Size Anti-Drip Non-Stick Soleplate Iron, for an anti-drip feature.

Standout Features

Retractable Cord

A retractable cord is a useful feature when ironing. You get the power that comes from a corded steam iron, but you're able to store the iron away until your next laundry day with no bulky cord. For a model with a retractable cord, consider our best value pick, the Black+Decker ICR2020 Steam Iron.

Digital Screen

Many new steam iron models—such as our best overall option, the Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron—feature a digital screen that displays heat settings, temperature, and other useful information. If you're investing in an iron with a digital screen, make sure it enhances your ironing experience by showing essential details, such as exact temperature and which fabric setting you are on.

Self-Clean Option

One essential rule to ironing: Clean your iron on a regular basis to prevent mineral deposits from building up and blocking steam vents. Some irons, such as the Beautural (best overall), come with a self-clean option that takes care of this chore for you. Each model is different, but in order to use the self-cleaning function, place your iron over a sink and hold down the self-cleaning button until all of the water has drained from the soleplate. Once the water reservoir has emptied, release the self-cleaning button.

Person ironing white fabric with the Hamilton Beach Durathon Steam Iron

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

FAQ
  • Can you use a steam iron without steam?

    Yes! You can use your steam iron without steam. This is known as a dry iron. Dry irons work well on satin, silk, and wool. Using your steam iron as a dry iron is a cinch. Just empty the water reservoir, or dial it to its "dry iron" setting and iron as usual.

  • How long should a steam iron last?

    The life of a steam iron varies based on the quality of the iron, as well as how often you use it. For the most part, a top-notch steam iron can last 10 years, while lower quality ones might decrease in effectiveness after a couple of years. That's why we recommend our best overall option, the Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron. It has everything you need in a quality iron: it removes wrinkles without much effort, it heats in seconds, and it has an automatic shut-off feature for safety.

  • Can you leave water in a steam iron?

    For optimal performance, empty the water from your iron's reservoir when you're done ironing. This will help prevent mineral buildup inside the iron. It will also prevent any accidental spills or leakage when storing your steam iron. Pozniak recommends using distilled water instead of tap. "Mineral buildup will kill an iron faster than anything else," he cautions.

    Rather not worry about remembering to empty out your iron? "If you don’t want to add water to your iron, you can use a spray mister and lightly mist your garment to dampen it slightly before using a dry iron," Pozniak says. "This is helpful when ironing cotton or linen, and you want a nice finish."


Group of people testing different irons

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products you may also need.

  1. Sally's Organics Spray Bottle: This stylish water mister, which we named as our best overall spray bottle, would be a great ironing companion, especially if you're worried about leaving water sitting in your iron's water tank.
  2. Brabantia Ironing Board C: If you're looking for a quality ironing board, we recommend this reliable choice, which comes with a removable cover and an extra-large iron rest.
  3. AmazonBasics Slim Velvet Hangers: Once you finish ironing, you'll want to keep your clothes wrinkle-free with these non-slip hangers, which we named as our best overall clothes hangers.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This story was written by Erin Johnson, who has previously tested and reviewed multiple vacuums, mops, and other household appliances for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living. For this article, Johnson took insights and feedback from in-lab testers to curate the list of our top picks.

Our Experts: