Best Steam Irons in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 20, 2024
In the modern world, we cannot imagine our life without a steam iron because we all love freshly washed and well-ironed clothes. ...Read more
PROS

Dubbed "the ultimate weapon against limescale", the scale collector picks up 10 times more scale particles than your average anti-scale solution. Aside from impressive performance, the collector is also removable. You can simply pull it out at the rear of the device and clean the whole thing in a minute.

CONS

The instruction manual could use some improvement. 

OUR VERDICT

The Tefal FV9788 is being advertised as the ammo you need to battle limescale. But we would say that this steam iron is a fairly well-balanced product that has quite a lot to offer and a sufficient number of well-executed functions to compete with the best in the business.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Corded

POWER

3000 W

STEAM OUTPUT

Steam 55 g/min

Steam boost 230 g/min

WATER TANK CAPACITY

350 ml

SOLEPLATE MATERIAL

Durilium Airglide Autoclean

WEIGHT

1.8 kg

CORD LENGTH

2.5 m

EXTRAS

Vertical steam, Anti-scale function, Scale collector, Anti-drip, Auto shut-off

CONVENIENCE

Automatic steam, Spray function, Cord storage compartment

WARRANTY

2 year

PROS

The SteamGlide advanced will have no issues delivering improved gliding performance over just about any fabric. It is as non-stick and scratch-resistant as soleplates come. The model's 250 g/min steam boost will let you penetrate deep into the heaviest fabrics and easily remove the most stubborn creases.

CONS

The steam boost doesn't last very long. 

OUR VERDICT

The Philips GC4567/86 Azur is the best model in the mid-range price bracket. Its performance is excellent. The steam iron does not disappoint on the safety and functionality fronts too. You'll have no maintenance issues. The iron will have no problems keeping your clothes presentable without damaging them.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Corded

POWER

2600 W

STEAM OUTPUT

Steam 50 g/min

Steam boost 250 g/min

WATER TANK CAPACITY

300 ml

SOLEPLATE MATERIAL

SteamGlide

WEIGHT

1.55 kg

CORD LENGTH

2.5 m

EXTRAS

Quick calc release in 15 seconds, Drip-stop system, 3-way auto shut-off, Vertical steam

CONVENIENCE

Spray function, Traditional temperature settings, Soft-touch handle

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The tapered tip with a button groove will allow you to reach every corner of any clothing item so that you won't have to deal with those few annoying creases that are often there even after you've ironed the entire thing. The triple-action self-cleaning system simplifies maintenance.  

CONS

The cover on the water filter is a little awkward to open. 

OUR VERDICT

The Russell Hobbs 20630 is all you need to keep a sharp appearance. The modest price combined with the well-thought-out design make this product one hell of a bargain. Being one of the most powerful budget irons, the model will waste a lot less of your time than most similar options.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Corded

POWER

3100 W

STEAM OUTPUT

Steam 45 g/min

Steam boost 210 g/min

WATER TANK CAPACITY

350 ml 

SOLEPLATE MATERIAL

Ceramic soleplate

WEIGHT

1.6 kg

CORD LENGTH

3 m

EXTRAS

Anti-drip, Triple-cleaning action, Vertical steam, Anti-scale, Auto shut-off

CONVENIENCE

Spray function, Button grooves, Soft-touch handle

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The shaped precision tip enables easy navigation around different decorative details, from buttons to pockets. The curved edges and one rolled edge will be preventing snagging. The stable rest hill will keep the unit secure as you're texting or answering a phone call. 

CONS

The handle is not especially comfortable. 

OUR VERDICT

The Morphy Richards 303131 is powerful yet lightweight and manoeuvrable. Using this steam iron, you'll be able to handle all ironable fabrics, from cashmere and cotton to everything in-between. The IntelliTemp setting will allow you to iron them all without adjusting the temperature.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Corded

POWER

3100 W

STEAM OUTPUT

Steam 55 g/min

Steam boost 200 g/min

WATER TANK CAPACITY

400 ml

SOLEPLATE MATERIAL

Pearl ceramic with Tri-Zone Soleplate technology

WEIGHT

1 kg

CORD LENGTH

3 m

EXTRAS

Anti-scale, Anti-drip, Variable steam, Vertical steam, Auto shut-off

CONVENIENCE

Intelli Temp (auto temp control), Spray function, Precision tip, Stable rest hill

WARRANTY

3 years

PROS

Thanks to the ergonomically designed 360° charging base, you can use the unit for both corded and cordless ironing. A superfast 25-second heat-up and a 10-second recharge feature will allow you to resume ironing in no time.

CONS

Some users find the unit a little too lightweight. 

OUR VERDICT

The Tower Ceraglide T22019GLD is a reliable helper that will be appreciated in any home. Delivering a smooth glide over all fabric types, the unit has all the functions you need for easy ironing and a large capacity water tank that you won't have to refill too often.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Corded/Cordless

POWER

2800 W

STEAM OUTPUT

Steam 50 g/min

Steam boost 150 g/min

WATER TANK CAPACITY

350 ml

SOLEPLATE MATERIAL

Ceraglide ceramic soleplate

WEIGHT

1.2 kg

CORD LENGTH

1.9 m

EXTRAS

Vertical steam, Self-cleaning, Anti-drip, Anti-calc feature


CONVENIENCE

Variable steam settings, Precision tip, Stable rest hill, 360° charging base

WARRANTY

1 year (2 years upon registration)

Don't Let Limescale Win

More than fifty percent of homes in the United Kingdom are supplied with hard water. That hard water is the biggest cause of limescale. Without some sort of anti-scale feature, you will end up with loads of scale particles inside the iron. These particles don't just shorten the lifespan of the appliances but also stain your clothes.

Which is why the primary focus of people behind this particular steam iron was the scale collector. Dubbed as the ultimate weapon against limescale, the company's very own scale collector picks up about 10 times more scale particles than your average anti-scale solution. Aside from performance, the best part about this scale collector it that is is also removable. You can simply pull it out at the rear of the device and clean the whole thing in a minute. Thanks to this feature, your steam iron will last longer and deliver efficient crease removal season after season.

Serious Steam Boost

Of course, the anti-scale function with the scale collector is one of many features that define this product. But the one we would like to focus on for now is the steam boost. Any steam iron comes equipped with this function, but very few of them feature a 230 g/min output. With steam boost this powerful, you will be able to tackle and subdue any crease in a heartbeat. The feature can also be used for vertical garment steaming. All you have to do is pulse the trigger and steam away.

You can't always rely on the steam boost. But the model's 55 g/min continuous steam output is also one of the best in its price range. It relaxes fibres and allows you to handle just about any load of laundry.

Every clothing item is different, mostly because every fabric is different, too. But the model's automatic steam setting is pretty good at adapting to every fabric. It won't ruin your clothes and it will allow you to enjoy effortless high-precision ironing.

All of the usual features like the spray function or the anti-drip one are also there. You're probably familiar with them by now so we don't feel the need to give them too much attention. But we would like to highlight the Durilium Airglide Autoclean soleplate. The said Durilium technology provides superior glide and steam distribution, another element of the model's design that ensures an effortless ironing process.

Again, the Tefal FV9788 is being advertised as the ammo you need to battle limescale. But we would say that this steam iron is a fairly well-balanced that has quite a lot to offer and a sufficient number of well-executed functions to compete with the best in the business.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £77.41
Stock In stock
ASIN B076ZZ99P7

Major Steam Boost Action

The Philips GC4567/86 Azur means business, and it packs a major punch. This little machine doesn't necessarily disappoint on the practicality/functionality front but its biggest selling point has to be the model's performance. Of course, we've seen 2600-watt irons before. The model requires very little time to heat up but, again, that's nothing we haven't seen before.

We can extend the same sentiment towards the 50 g/min continuous steam output. It's alright and gives precisely the right amount of steam to remove regular creases but steam irons that are able to deliver similar continuous steam output are a dime a dozen these days.

We can't say the same about the model's 250 g/min steam boost though. There aren't too many irons that are able to match that and there are definitely no models (as far as we're aware) within this price range that come even close to that. That's big-time performance. It will let you penetrate deep into the heaviest fabrics and easily remove the most stubborn creases.

Setting these numbers aside, the model doesn't necessarily present anything new that we haven't seen many times in high-end steam irons but that is actually impressive considering its mid-range price bracket.

Improved Gliding Performance

The company's SteamGlide advanced soleplate is also no joke. Incorporating next-level titanium layering and detailed coating, the soleplate has no issues delivering improved gliding performance over just about any fabric. It is as non-stick and scratch-resistant as soleplates come, meaning that it is pretty easy to maintain.

Maintenance will present no challenges as far as the entire steam iron is concerned. The 15-second quick calc release feature will make sure cleaning the iron is always a breeze and that its performance will be excellent for years to come.

Philips' drip-stop system has always been effective and the particular example here is no exception. It will be able to keep all garments clean while ironing. The spray function is present, which is always a plus in our book.

Last but not least, the 3-way automatic shut-off feature is extremely convenient and beneficial towards the model's safety side. The iron will shut itself off when you leave the unit standing still. On its soleplate, the iron automatically switches off after two minutes. On its heel rest, the model will automatically turn off after 8 minutes.

Long story short, the Philips GC4567/86 Azur is the best model in the mid-range price bracket. Its performance is excellent. The steam iron also does not disappoint on the safety and functionality fronts, and you'll have no maintenance issues. The iron will have no problems keeping your clothes presentable without damaging them.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £57.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07FKJ8589

Get It Out of the Way

As per usual, Russell Hobbs provides a quality household appliance at an affordable price. The idea here is simple. Nobody enjoys ironing, including the weirdos who say that they do. But we all like to look sharp. We would all like to spend as little time as possible on ironing. We don't want to buy a new iron every year. We want the process to be as effortless as possible. And, in a nutshell, that is exactly what you'll get out of this steam iron from Russell Hobbs.

Any tool like that starts with power, the power that allows you to use all of its functions. In this case, 3100 watts of power, more than enough to heat up the iron faster than any other similar model in this price range. The faster it heats up, the faster you'll be able to get it all out of the way.

Now, before we move on to the model's functions, we would like to give a quick shoutout to its appearance. Sure, the appearance is not the most important part of an appliance like this, but the sleek architecture and the combination of black and grey make the steam iron look sharp and dynamic, a nice addition to an already impressive product.

Doesn't Waste Your Time

One of the biggest concerns with steam irons is usually the question of maintenance. It's one thing to maintain your clothes but having to keep a tool like that in a serviceable condition is often too much for most people. Luckily enough, that isn't really an issue here, mostly thanks to the so-called triple-action self-cleaning system.

Though a bit too grandiose of a name for our taste, the system essentially boils down to an anti-scale cartridge that keeps the harmful limescale at bay. The cartridge cleans itself, thus minimising the buildup of that scale. This way, it prolongs the service life of the iron and ensures optimal performance for years to come, aside from the aforementioned benefit of hassle-free maintenance.

The usual array of standard features haven't been omitted either. The spray function will soften up the fabric, so it will be easier to iron your clothes. A quick and tiny spritz of water is all you need for a smooth result, without having to increase the heat. With the vertical steam function, you'll be able to get the wrinkles out of hanging garments, curtains, and upholstery. Plus, the variable steam function will help you control the level of steam.

Finally, easily the most noticeable and important part of the model's design is a tapered tip with a button groove. It will allow you to reach every corner of any clothing item so that you won't have to deal with those few annoying creases that are often there even after you've ironed the entire thing.

In short, this Russell Hobbs steam iron is all you need to keep a sharp appearance. The modest price, combined with the well-thought-out design, make this product one hell of a bargain.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00K8S8OXO

Tri-Zone Soleplate

Morphy Richards appliances are usually effective, efficient, and dependable, all whilst keeping the price affordable. The Morphy Richards 303131 fits this mold with ease. The price's almost too affordable considering how versatile and adaptable this appliance is. To start with, there's the Tri-Zone Soleplate tech that tackles creases from three different angles. First, there're the ~200 g/min steam shot and the model's precision tip that allow you to handle tough creases in hard-to-reach places. In the meantime, the 55 g/min constant steam output will be relaxing the fibres, whilst the pressing plate with its rolled edge will removing excess water to prevent re-creasing.

This tech alone's enough to separate this steam iron from its budget peers and we're only getting started here. Besides the Tri-Zone Soleplate system, the model's drawing and outputting 3100 watts, allowing the unit to reach the desired temperature within seconds so that you're able to start ironing straight away.

All that being said, the issue usually lies not with the timeframe but with matching the fabrics. That's when the model's IntelliTemp setting comes into play though. Adopting only one optimal setting that's nonetheless suitable for all ironable fabrics, the setting allows you to iron without adjusting the temperature between different garments and waiting for the unit to heat up or cool down. Yet, there's also the separate max temperature setting that you can use when you know the fabric can handle anything and do not any time to spare.

Stable Rest Hill

Some find the model's handle pretty fat and thus not necessarily comfortable but that's too subjective. What's less subjective is that, when ironing heavy items, like cotton duvet covers and curtains, the machine does not always get them as crisp and smooth as one would expect, so you'll occasionally have to switch to that maximum temperature setting that we've mentioned above and redo the job.

We're willing to let that slide though since, on the upside, the appliance requires very little attention maintenance-wise. The self-clean feature flushes the tank, preventing limescale builds, so all you have to do is occasionally hold the iron over the sink as the water is flushing through the soleplate. We can also get behind the stable rest hill that allows you to place the iron vertically, address something that requires immediate addressing (anything from a message or a phone call to your cat meowing for seemingly no reason), and go back to ironing without turning off and hiding the unit.

To bring it home, the Morphy Richards 303131 produces immediate results and makes ironing that much more comfortable, all at an affordable price.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £43.03
Stock In stock
ASIN B07BFSNBVD

Corded or Cordless

Elaborately designed, this innovative iron by Tower can be used both corded and cordless. The unit has a 360-degree charging base, allowing you to dock and detach the unit from any direction. Thanks to this feature, you can move freely while ironing and steaming your clothes and bedding. Boasting a powerful performance, this 2800-watt steam iron heats up the soleplate in no time at all and provides high steam output for the most effective performance. For example, in the cordless mode, the unit will only take 25 seconds to heat up and 10 seconds to recharge. With such an outstanding performance, you will spend significantly less time ironing your clothes than you would have spent using a conventional iron. If you prefer corded ironing, it will also be easy, thanks to the long 1.9m power cord.

Speaking about the steaming function, this model has variable steam settings. It can dry iron your clothes, spray water over fabrics for more efficient creases removal, or create a powerful steam burst for fighting the toughest creases with ease. A vertical steam feature will allow you to refresh soft furnishings and garments. What is also important, the unit has a large water tank so even if you have many items to steam, you won't have to refill the reservoir too often.

User-Friendly Design

The unit's design is well-thought-out to the tiniest detail. To ensure smooth gliding over various fabrics, this innovative iron uses a special Ceraglide ceramic coating that will ensure up to 30% faster ironing. Also, this model has a tapered precision tip that will facilitate comfortable ironing around buttons. Enjoy excellent results with minimum effort spent! An anti-drip feature will help to prevent staining your clothes. Meanwhile, an anti-calc function will eliminate limescale buildup, just use a self-cleaning button to flush the buildup out.

To wrap it all up, the Tower Ceraglide T22019GLD corded/cordless iron is a functional 2-in-1 device that will save your time and nerves. Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, the unit has ergonomic steaming settings and a high-quality non-stick soleplate. Though this electric steam iron might seem a little too lightweight, it will deliver excellent de-wrinkling results, thanks to the powerful steam boost feature.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £41.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B09B7ZLWJP

Infographics


What Is a Steam Iron?

As the famous saying goes: "Clothes make the man", but it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to fill your closet with clothes. What this means is that you need to put a little effort into keeping the clothes you already own neat and clean. To help you with that, the market offers a lot of useful devices, and a steam iron is one of them. Popular with millions of people from all corners of the world, this device proves indispensable when it comes to quickly getting rid of wrinkles on clothing. Moreover, since it operates using steam, it can instantly give your clothes a fresh look, as well as being used for disinfecting various surfaces. Looking for your perfect tool? You're in luck because for this article, we've picked the best five models of steam irons available right now to meet the needs of everyone.

On the note of helpful devices, you may also be interested in checking our garment steamers review. This device excels at ironing delicate fabrics such as silk, flax, satin, offering you a safe way of caring for your clothes. Also, it's the ideal tool for keeping your clothes fresh between washes. Choose a handheld or full-size model depending on your needs.

What Features to Compare

Power and Steam Options

The most outstanding feature of a steam iron is the power which directly affects the ironing performance. The higher it is, the faster your iron heats up to the pre-set temperature. The steam output also depends on the power, so the more powerful the iron is, the denser the steam release will be, and the more efficient the ironing will be. The average steam output is 75-140 g/min. You should also take a look at the location of steam holes at the base of the iron. They should be spread across the whole surface to provide even heat distribution without hot/cold spots. The capacity of a water tank varies within 200-400 ml. To let you check the water level in the tank, most steam irons feature transparent housings.

Soleplate

The soleplate can be made of aluminium, stainless steel, ceramics or metal-ceramics. Being the thinnest and the most lightweight metal used in electric appliances manufacturing, aluminium boasts exceptional thermal conductivity and therefore, guarantees very fast heat-up. More often than not, the aluminium surface is finished for better sliding over different types of fabric. Ceramic and metal-ceramic soleplates ensure high-quality ironing too; they are scratch- and scuff-resistant, slide well on fabric and do not burn synthetic fabrics.

Features

The manufacturers of steam irons often equip their appliances with the features that make their use more convenient. For example, the calc clean function allows the self-cleaning of the iron, saving users the trouble of cleaning it manually with vinegar or detergents. The auto shut-off function ensures the safety of use. If you do the ironing too often, we'd recommend you to consider the weight of the iron so that you can hold it longer without hand fatigue.

Still, it's not advisable to opt for the smallest items as they might appear inefficient on dense and heavy fabrics. What you should look out for is a good balance between size and weight of the iron.

Of course, the handle has to be comfortable as well because you won't be able to iron for prolonged periods of time otherwise.

Apart from that, these irons sometimes come equipped with heel rests, which are nice since they let you rest the hands yet keep the appliance ready and easily accessible at all times.

Cord Length

This one's pretty obvious yet way too many customers forget to look into this aspect. When the cord is too short, the appliance keeps you tied to the mains, meaning that you're not able to iron wherever you want. 

How to Clean a Steam Iron

When ironing delicate or light-coloured fabrics, it is essential for your steam iron to be clean and rust-free. Otherwise, it can permanently stain and damage your clothes, towels, napkins, or any other items you need to iron. Even though a lot of modern devices come with self-clean functions, some of the models may require some maintenance. So here we would like to share a few tips on how to keep your steam iron clean.

Baking Soda

One of the most frequently used elements for DIY household cleaning solutions is baking soda. With just some soda and water, you will be able to create an iron cleaning paste that will thoroughly remove all the dirt from the iron's base. Yet, there are a few things you need to remember when using such a paste. First of all, you need to make sure that there are no harsh soda grains in the mix and everything is nicely softened with the water. Otherwise, you can scratch the base of the iron, which will make future cleanings more challenging. And secondly, after removing the solution from the base, don’t forget to clean the steam holes. For that, you can use basic cotton tips. Otherwise, baking soda will get dry ang clog the holes.

Vinegar

The next insanely popular cleaning ingredient is vinegar. With its help, you can remove even the most dried-out stains. There are a few methods of using vinegar for iron cleaning. The first one is to soak a piece of cloth, a towel, or a napkin in vinegar and iron it as you usually do. This way, you will clean the iron base in mere seconds. The second method is to add some vinegar to a water tank and steam a piece of cloth. It will clean the steam holes from the inside and help prevent the appearance of limescale in the steam canals. Yet, you need to make sure that all the cleaning solution is evaporated before adding water and ironing if you don’t want your clothes to smell like vinegar.

Nail Polish Remover or Acetone

If there is some leakage from steam holes that stains the iron base, you can quickly get rid of it by using acetone-based nail polish remover or even pure acetone. Just soak a cotton pad in the remover and gently wipe the base. However, this method is somewhat dangerous since you need to wipe the iron while it is still hot. That’s why don’t forget to wear heat-resistant gloves to prevent burns.

As you can see, there is no need to purchase pricey cleaning solutions to always keep your iron clean and ready for use. So we hope our recommendations will help you with the maintenance of your household appliances in the future.

FAQ:

Q: What does it mean if a steam iron (just bought) contains a little bit of water in the tank? Is it ok?
A: In order to prevent defects in their products, manufacturers test irons using water. Which is why if you notice drops of water in the tank of your new steam iron, it means nothing but the fact that the iron was tested and conforms to the requirements of quality standards. By no means does it mean someone else has used it before.

Q: How does the Quick Calc Release function work?
A: The Quick Calc Release function is the function designed to clean the iron from scale. Using it is as simple as anything. Basically, you do not need to do anything but pressing a single button upon the end of an ironing cycle and the Quick Calc Release will remove the residue of scale from the water container. Why this function is so good is because it doesn't require using any additional cleaners like vinegar or descaling agents, for example. All you'll ever need is use it after each use of the iron.

Q: How does the auto power off function of a clothes iron work?
A: Not all steam irons have an auto power off function, however, those that do offer their owners a great advantage. Even if you ever manage to leave a steam iron plugged in, the auto power off function will turn it off after a certain amount of time. On average, if the iron is left in a horizontal position and not used for longer than 30 seconds, it should turn off in less than 30 seconds. In a vertical position, it switches off in around 8 minutes. For a user's convenience of use, most steam irons feature special indicators that tell them whether the iron is working or not. Suchwise, if the indicator isn't blinking and the iron isn't being moved for some time, it means the auto shut off function has been activated.

Q: What is an automatic steam supply adjustment?
A: Some steam irons have a function of automatic steam adjustment which allows customizing the intensity of the steam automatically in accordance with the type of fabric that needs ironing. This is a very handy feature which will rid you of the necessity to be guessing whether the setting you've chosen is good or not. The steam function isn't constant, though, and if you need to iron delicate fabrics or you've got tasks that require thermo-transfer printing, it can be switched off completely.

Q: Is it necessary to drain water from the tank after each use of a steam iron?
A: The answer is "yes". It is recommended to drain water from the tank after each ironing. This will prevent the accumulation of mineral deposits on the water tank bottom during storage.

Q: What is the best way to store an iron steamer?
A: For sure, if you want your appliance to serve you as long as possible, you should maintain it properly. Disconnect the iron from the mains and drain the water from the water compartment. Place the iron in a safe place and wait until it cools down. Wind the power cord around the back of the iron. Store the iron in an upright position. Following these simple yet useful pieces of advice, you should be able to effectively prolong the service life of your iron.

Q: What's the best type of water to use in a steam iron?
A: Basically, all household appliances are designed to be used only with tap water. It is not recommended to use flavoured water, water containing chemicals or water from the dryer, because this may result in the damage of the steamer. Using distilled water is also not advisable since this type of water does not contain any minerals and hence possesses no conductivity properties. Because of this, the sensor in the water heater may fail to determine the exact water level in the iron. So the only true way is to use simple tap water. In order to protect a steam iron from calcareous deposits formation and prevent corrosion, some manufacturers recommend installing special granules or scale cartridges which filter all salts. This helps to significantly extend the service life of the iron as well as maintain its effective operation.

Sources:

1. Steam Iron Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. January 2016.

2. Buying Guide: Irons, Harvey Norman.

3. Kristie Brown How to Select & Compare Steam Irons, SFGate.

4. Chris Torney How to choose a new iron, Saga. September 22, 2015.

5. Kelly Lynn Marie Steam Iron vs. Dry Iron, eHow.

6. Susan M. Keenan How to Clean Your Iron, DoItYourself.com.

7. Clothes iron, Wikipedia. September 23, 2016.

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