Although the Russell Hobbs 23300 steam iron features a large water tank, it warms up in just 5 seconds and can work for 25-30 seconds afterwards.
The iron is a little wobbly on the charging base.
Once you get used to the way this Russell Hobbs iron works, you'll get the freedom of a cordless and consistent heat. It's a simple yet efficient appliance for small jobs. You will be able to iron clothes without frequent refills and the cord getting in your way.
2400 W
Sequential steam: 40 g/min
Steam boost: 135 g/min
300 ml
Ceramic
1.53 kg
Mechanical temperature control, Base light indicators for heat up, re-set and ready, Anti-calc, Anti-drip, Auto shut-off, 5 secs fast re-charge
1.8-m cord, Cord storage compartment
2 years
The temperature dial has an advanced design with intuitive markings, so you'll be able to quickly select the optimal setting based on the type and the density of the fabric you're ironing.
It requires frequent recharging.
The Beldray BEL0987RG can give more expensive models a run for their money. It can be used corded or cordless and is fitted with a powerful heating element to handle heavy fabrics and tough creases.
2600 W
Sequential steam: ~30 g/min
Steam boost: 140 g/min
300 ml
Ceramic
~1.7 kg
Anti-drip function, Anti-calc function, Self cleaning, Vertical steam, Less than 30-sec heat up
Easy-grip handle, 360° charging base with LED lights
1 year
The CeraGlide multi-layered Ceramic soleplate ensures ultra smooth and easy glide on any type of fabrics for a silky finish.
The water tank is too dark, so seeing the water level is difficult.
The iron is much cheaper compared to other big names but can even outperform some of them. It can be used either corded or cordless, meaning it's a good choice for those who often deal with mountains of laundry.
2400 W
Sequential steam: 120 g/min
Steam boost: 150 g/min
360 ml
CeraGlide multi layered Ceramic
1.2 kg
Anti-drip function, Anti-calc function, Self-cleaning, Vertical steam, Less than 30-sec heat up
Lightweight design, Unique heating base with Innovative Cord, Water measuring cup
1 year standard warranty + 2 years extension
The ergonomic base works at 360°, so it doesn't matter at whatever angle you put the iron on, the base will still charge it. And owing to a long 2.5-m cord, you'll be able to use it quite far from the socket.
May leak a bit when overfilled.
It is a lightweight, cordless iron that can be safely applied to a variety of fabrics. The temperature-controlled feature allows the unit to adjust the amount of steam automatically once you change the temperature setting.
2400 W
Sequential steam: 30 g/min
Steam boost: 130 g/min
350 ml
Ceramic
1.77 kg
Temperature controlled steam, Safety auto shut-off, Anti-scale, Variable steam, Vertical steam
Ergonomic design, Unique 360° charging base (cord length 2.5 m), 25-second recharge time, 40-second initial heat up time
3 years (upon registration)
The locking switch safety feature reliably secures this steam iron onto the base station, so it won't tip over during use. If you wish, you can choose to use the iron corded too.
The cord may tangle a bit.
Thanks to the high 2800-watt power output and availability of corded mode, the Swan 2-in-1 iron is suitable not only for home use but also for use in hotels, guest houses, craft shops, and clothing stores. It's a heavy-duty model for serious ironing jobs.
2800 W
N / A
300 ml
Ceramic
1.64 kg
Spray, Variable steam controls, Vertical steam, Self cleaning, Anti-calc, Anti-drip functions
Ergonomic design, 360° charging base (cord length 1.9 m), Locking switch safety feature
2 years warranty + 1 year extension
Simple and Affordable
If you have a large ironing board and can't find an iron with a long flex, the Russell Hobbs 23300 can give you the freedom of cordless and consistent heat. It's an affordable, simple-to-use, visually attractive and very sturdy cordless iron that offers good steam performance for its size. The appliance is quick to set up and use. Just fill the iron with water, choose the desired temperature using controls and dials, plug in the base unit to the mains and put the iron on the base. When the iron charges, the light on the base will instantly glow red. As soon as it changes to flashing green, the iron is ready for use. It has a super-fast heat-up (just 30 seconds). And you get around 20-30 seconds of ironing time before the base unit flashes red again. When it cools down a bit and needs to be put back on the base, you'll hear a beeping sound. It requires five seconds for re-charging.
The Russell Hobbs cordless iron allows you to select the optimum setting for the fabric you’re ironing. It has 3 power settings - the first is good for nylon, polyester, etc; the second one deals with wool, and the third is for cotton and linen. If you need to target tough creases in linen, canvas, or denim, the iron can deliver an extra-powerful 135 g burst of steam. And if you need to tackle creases in such fabrics as cotton or silk, you can choose the 40 g/min continuous shot of steam. Also, it allows you to vertically steam curtains at the max setting.
Since the iron is cordless, it's suitable for right or left-handed use. It's a solid mid-sized iron that is not too heavy to hold. The ceramic soleplate is excellent. It glides smoothly through those tricky creases without snagging. If the Russell Hobbs 23300 is inactive for more than 8 minutes, it switches itself off automatically.
Transparent Water Tank
What we really liked about this Russell Hobbs cordless iron is that it has a large 300-ml water tank that doesn't need refilling very often. Moreover, the reservoir is fully transparent, so you can easily see when it is time to top it up. Although the package doesn't include a filling jug, the water tank is well positioned and easy to fill. Besides, the iron features an anti-drip function to protect your clothes from nasty water drop stains.
To sum it up, if you need a simple but functional cordless iron within a budget-price range, you'll struggle to find a better deal than the Russell Hobbs iron. Much cheaper than many other similar models out there, this iron does a wonderful job of tackling touch creases in different kinds of fabric and has a steam function to let you press even hangling clothes with ease.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £39.32 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01KJICBMW |
Flexible to Use
If you're not one of those people who hunt for big names, you may like the Beldray 2-in-1 iron. This model offers excellent value and performance and actually proves that lesser-known brands should not be overlooked. Now, let's check why.
The first prominent feature of this steam iron is its easy-to-use base design. The iron can be quickly locked on it for charging without much effort. Fitted with a powerful 2600-watt heating element, it heats up in 25 seconds initially and then requires just 5 seconds for recharging, which we consider just the perfect time for folding one piece and placing another. Once it's ready for use, the cradle makes a high-toned ping to notify you about that, but if you miss the ping, the indicator light going off will help as well.
Yet, the feature which sets this iron apart from others within its price bracket is that it can be used in the corded fashion, offering a higher level of flexibility when you need to iron larger items like duvet covers and bedding. The corded version feels almost exactly as a normal steam iron would, with just a little difference in weight, and is just as powerful when it comes to removing stubborn creases (even from heavy cotton fabrics).
Nice Extras
When it comes to steaming, the Beldray® BEL0987RG 2-in-1 iron is no slouch either. Fitted with a medium-capacity 300-ml water tank, it doesn't need to be refilled that frequently even if you've got a huge pile of clothes to iron.
On the underside of the handle, there is a handy switch that lets you quickly adjust the steam setting from 0 to levels 1 and 2. The iron has both a continuous spray function and steam burst mode for handling heavier materials and tougher creases with ease. What also adds to the versatility is the vertical steaming support that lets you easily de-wrinkle hanging garments or curtains. Overall, the steam function works well regardless of the iron's position and leaves no wetness behind on the fabrics.
The water reservoir is easy to refill by flipping the cover up whilst the iron is in the cradle. Inside the tank, there is an integrated anti-calcium filter that prevents calcium or limescale build-up and, thus, prolongs the lifespan and provides a stable performance.
Of course, there are some cheaper and more expensive steam irons on the market, but for this set of features and quality, we consider the Beldray® BEL0987RG a real bargain. It is quite powerful and can be used cordless or corded to perform exactly as a normal steam iron would.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £22.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0816SQ761 |
Wise Choice
Tower is the iconic British-owned company that boasts over 100 years of experience. It brings an exciting, expanded range of household items to make the life of British families much easier. And for sure, its T22008 cordless steam iron can become a welcome addition to any home. It's much cheaper than irons from well-known brands names but it can even outperform some of them. With 2400W of power, the iron heats up in mere 30 seconds for quick and effective laundry care. Once the unit is ready, you can choose 120g/minute steam output for basic ironing or 150g/minute steam shot for stubborn creases.
It's designed with a nano-coated CeraGlide ceramic soleplate, thus, it's suitable for all fabrics. The soleplate has a nice glide, and the ultra-thin taper at the top makes it easy to iron small details. The iron gives a smooth, silky finish to everything from delicate garments to bed sheets. The item itself is hefty enough to give a good press yet it's very comfortable to use. If you want, you can steam hanging garments vertically.
The Tower T22008 cordless iron is equipped with anti-drip, anti-calc, and self-cleaning functions, which allows for easy maintenance. Also, it comes with a water measuring cup for extra convenience - adding the correct amount of water is very simple. You can fill it up with the tap water with no worries about lime-scale build-up. Perhaps the only thing worth improvement is the water tank. The plastic on the tank is too dark, so seeing the water level might be difficult.
Corded or Cordless?
Like other cordless irons, this one has a base unit that attaches to the power source. The iron slots into the base unit to be heated -after 30 seconds, the iron can run for a few minutes without recharging. However, agree that there are times when you wish you wouldn't need to place the iron on its base that frequently. Luckily, you can use this iron corded and cordless. If you need to iron large items, you can simply lock the base unit onto the body of the iron and go. The base unit is remarkably slim and light, so you won't feel fatigue in your arms. And the cord of the iron is long enough to provide you with freedom of movement. After use, you can neatly wrap the cord around the base for easy storage.
Simple, effective, and smart, this iron can be a great choice for those who often tackle mountains of laundry.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £30.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07B12SYMM |
Temperature Controlled Steam
The Morphy Richards 303250 is a runner up on our shortlist for many reasons. It’s convenient, quick, and fully adaptable to your ironing needs. Unlike many other models out there, this iron lets you choose not only the steam jet power but its temperature as well. That is to say, as soon as you change the temperature of the iron, the steam rate will adjust to it automatically. You simply need to turn the steam on and set the temperature according to the clothes you’re going to iron. It doesn’t matter what heat you choose, the iron will give out as much steam as possible at that temperature. This way, you’ll be able to easily handle different fabrics without worries that ultra-high steam may potentially damage delicate clothes. The temperature-controlled steam feature is probably the biggest edge over the competition.
Speaking about the steam jet, you can choose a standard mode and get 30 g/min of continuous steam. For particularly stubborn creases, you can benefit from a steam shot with the 130 g/min output.
For Your Convenience
What we also liked about the Morphy Richards iron is that it has an enlarged water tank capacity that makes 350 ml, which means you’ll be able to iron multiple garments without refilling the tank. The only break you’ll need to do is for recharging. Though, you won’t need to wait long since the soleplate restores the temperature within just 25 seconds.
Speaking of which, the soleplate here is made entirely from ceramic that is highly durable and glides smoothly over any surface. Also, it comes with a non-drip feature that prevents any excess water from getting onto your clothes when ironing.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £28.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07PRBW52M |
One of the Most Powerful
Swan is one of the best British brands in the industry that really knows its onions. Understanding that most people are not big fans of ironing and, therefore, they are looking for time-effective solutions, the Swan company has come up with the 2-in-1 Steam Press Iron. It can help you get through those huge piles of laundry with ease, within the shortest time possible. What makes this model so special is the ultra-powerful heating element. With 2800-watt output, the iron heats up incredibly fast, meaning you won’t need to wait long to iron that office suit and will be able to get dressed and out the door in a flash.
Fitted with a 300-ml water tank, this model allows you to iron through piles of laundry without having to repeatedly refill it. Also, the unit works for up to a minute without a need for recharging. Still, when it needs to, the recharging process couldn't be simpler. You simply place it in any direction on its 360-degree base station, and the locking switch reliably secures the iron onto the base. Additionally, you have the option to use this appliance in the corded mode for non-stop operation, which may be particularly useful for large ironing jobs.
Made to Last
When it comes to steaming, the iron shows outstanding results as well, producing a powerful jet of normal and vertical steam to remove tough creases from a variety of garments and curtains. Yet, understanding that not everyone is going to use only distilled water, the manufacturer has made it with a strong self-cleaning system that helps prevent limescale build-up and reduce impact from other impurities.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £34.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B08B8Y6L5L |
What Is a Cordless Iron?
As it's easy to guess from the name, a cordless iron is the type of iron that comes without a cord. Cordless appliances gain their momentum today, entering all spheres of our life swiftly and confidently, which isn't surprising considering that they are much easier and more convenient to use than regular corded models. Same is true for a steam iron. Today you have a choice to either opt for a traditional corded steam iron or choose a wireless model providing you with the freedom of movement with no cords tangling in your way.
What is a cordless iron and how does it differ from traditional models? Let's answer this question. Basically, a cordless iron doesn't differ that much from a regular iron, with the only difference between the two being that the former comes with an iron and a charging base. The iron itself includes a rechargeable battery, which feeds from the charging the unit to keep the iron running. That's basically it.
When you finish ironing, a charging station goes unplugged and can serve as a storage space for the iron. Speaking of the functionality, cordless irons aren't much different from corded models. You can find irons with/without a steam option, adjustable temperature settings, auto shut-off option, etc. Same with the power. Though without a cord, cordless models do not lack in terms of power, with many of them proving to be much more efficient than corded models.
What Features to Compare
Power
As a rule, when you’re looking for an electric home appliance, power is the first characteristic that should be taken into consideration, and wireless irons aren’t an exception. The more powerful your appliance is, the higher temperatures it can produce. So before deciding on the power of an iron you’re going to buy, think what fabrics prevail in your wardrobe. If you mainly need to iron nylon, polyester, or silk, a 1200-watt iron will be enough to handle this task. If your clothes are made from various fabrics – from thin wool to thick cotton – you’ll probably want to consider an iron with higher power output.
Soleplate Material
Although modern irons are made with high-quality soleplates, you still want to pay attention to soleplate material since it differs from model to model. Moreover, each material has its own advantages:
- Stainless steel soleplates are the most common ones used in iron production. The beauty of this material is its durability. The material is also considered as non-stick and glides over fabrics effortlessly. Plus, it is very easy to clean.
- Ceramic soleplates aren’t made entirely of this material, only coating of a soleplate is ceramic. But it’s enough to provide even heat distribution and reduce static.
- Aluminium is a lightweight material that conducts heat fast and evenly. One more benefit of aluminium is that it costs less than other soleplate materials.
However, keep in mind that every material has its disadvantages, too. So they should also be taken into account before you make a choice.
Weight and Water Tank Capacity
Water tank capacity and weight determine how convenient it will be for you to use the iron. If you don’t want to bother with water refill often, look for a model with larger water reservoir capacity. It will also be great if a water tank is transparent so that it is easy for you to determine when it’s time to add water. Pay attention to refill opening that should be large enough for effortless water pouring. And if there is a special measuring cup in the box, this process will be no hassle at all. As for the weight of a cordless iron, it’s obvious that the lighter it is, the easier it will be for you to handle it. Please note that the weight of a cordless iron is indicated with the weight of a charging base.
Conveniences
There are also other features that ensure the convenience of use of your cordless iron. Thus, a cord winder or retractable cord will make its storage more compact. A scale collector simplifies iron cleaning when it comes to removing calc. And auto shut-off provides not only convenience but also the safety of use of your electric appliance.
Did you know?
Throughout their history, clothing irons were made of different materials.
The very first prototypes of irons appeared long ago. They were made of different materials and in different shapes. Here are several examples of how our ancestors tried to do the ironing.
- One of the ways to remove wrinkles from clothes was beating it. In Rome, for example, people used a metal paddle to handle this task.
- The next step to improve ironing was the usage of a handle mangle or a prelum. These tools were made of wood and allowed treating a larger surface of fabric in one go.
- One more invention used to press wrinkly clothes was a pan iron. Its shape resembled a modern pan we use to cook pancakes. It was filled with hot sand or stones and moved over clothes to remove creases with the combination of heat and press.
- The first electric iron was invented in 1882. It was heavy and it took long time to heat up. Luckily, modern irons are lightweight, functional, and convenient to use, and cordless irons are great examples.
Ironing is beneficial both for your clothes and for you.
Perhaps, the first and foremost reason why people do the ironing is the desire to look neat and attractive in freshly pressed clothes. Admit, a person wearing ironed clothes makes a more pleasant impression than the one in a shirt with wrinkles. One more advantage of ironing is that it kills germs. High temperatures are able to destroy bacterium so after ironing, you wear neat as well as sterile clothes. Treating clothes with heat in order to remove germs is especially important when it comes to taking care of baby’s clothes. Finally, some people claim that ironing is relaxing. In addition to being an effortless process thanks to modern technologies like steam or cordless ironing, it also allows you to mix business with pleasure. Listen to your favourite music or watch an interesting film while doing the ironing and you won’t notice how soon you’ll get a pile of freshly pressed clothes.
An iron has several more uses you might not know about.
Although in every iron manual you’ll find a recommendation to use the iron only for its intended purpose, people have invented life hacks where the iron can become your irreplaceable assistant. Here are some of them:
- Use iron instead of a laminator. If you need to laminate a document, certificate, or another important paper, there’s no need to buy a special machine. All you need to seal up a piece of paper is a couple of laminating sheets, a towel, and your wireless iron at hand. Place s document into plastic sheets, cover it with the towel and iron it for 30-40 seconds. Then, flip your document and iron another side. If you haven’t done this before, you’d want to try to laminate a simple sheet of paper first in order not to spoil an important document.
- If wax from a candle spotted the surface of your desk or another wooden surface, an iron will help you remove the spot without damaging the surface. Take a paper towel, put it over the wax spot, and treat it with low temperature settings. Wax will stick to paper, and your desk is clean again.
- Iron can even serve you as a hotplate. If there’s no other source of heat except for your iron and you need to heat up some water for tea or melt cheese for a sandwich, worry not. Secure your iron upside down so that it doesn’t move, set the highest temperature setting, take a heat-resistant cookware, and you’ll be able to boil water or even make eggs using your iron.
FAQ:
Q: What safety rules should I follow when using my cordless iron?
A: Before using any electrical appliance, the first thing you should do is read the instructions. Of course, everybody knows how to use an iron but you can find not only safety rules but also recommendations on proper usage and maintenance in a user’s guide. As for the main safety tips, they are the following:
- Be careful with steam to avoid burns, don’t direct it at your body parts;
- Don’t use an appliance if a cord is damaged;
- Let the iron cool down before storing it;
- Don’t let children and disabled people use an iron without supervision.
Q: How long should a charging base stay plugged in?
A: Charging base supplies a cordless iron with electricity necessary to heat up an iron and produce steam. So it should be plugged in for as long as you are going to do the ironing. Being plugged in, the base will support set temperature when you put an appliance back.
Q: Are cordless irons the same as portable ones?
A: Cordless and portable irons are different appliances. Portable irons are supposed to be compact and lightweight. Plus, they often have a dual voltage option that allows you to take them to different countries. As for cordless irons, they are just the same as corded ones for home use. Their only difference is the lack of a cord that provides freedom of movement. At the same time, charging base makes cordless appliances bulkier so you’ll hardly want to take them with you.
Q: Cordless sounds less powerful than corded. Won’t there be any problems with reaching high temperatures or continuous steam when an iron isn’t in the base?
A: There is no need to worry about power or functionality of cordless irons. However, if power is your concern, choose a more powerful model and you will not be disappointed later on.
Q: If I choose a cordless steam iron, does it mean that steam option will always be on?
A: In the majority of modern steam irons, a steam function is optional. You can turn it on/off depending on your needs using a special switch on the handle. Some models also have a spray function that can be used instead of a steam option.
Q: What are the main troubles I can face when using a cordless iron?
A: When it comes to possible troubles with steam irons, the first thing that comes to mind is leakage. Although the manufacturers do their best to prevent this problem, it still might happen. One of the main reasons for leakage is improper storage. You can avoid it by emptying a water tank after every use and storing your cordless appliance on the base. Another frequent trouble is brown stains on the soleplate or in steam holes. It might happen if you use a higher temperature than necessary for this or that fabric so it slightly burns and sticks to the soleplate and accumulates in holes. To get rid of this problem, always choose the proper temperature and do not forget to clean the soleplate. One more trouble you can face is steam option malfunction. It can happen because:
- The water reservoir is empty;
- Too much calc is accumulated;
- An iron has a low battery;
- You haven’t activated a steam option.
Sources:
1. Kyle Schurman The Best Irons You Can Buy to Smooth Out Wrinkles, BUSINESS INSIDER. September 20, 2017.
2. Clothes Iron, Wikipedia. January 2, 2018.