Irons

Types

• Jet of Steam : most irons now come under this category. They will have a steam output rating measured in g/MIN - the higher the rating the more power in the steam output, thereby making ironing easier, quicker and less effort.
• Steam Spray : steam iron without the jet of steam. You can spray water from the tank to improve the ironability of your item of clothing, but it doesn't have the power of the steam jet.
• Travel irons : usually steam spray, lightweight.
• Steam Generators : the fastest and easiest way to remove creases. Steam generators have much more steam power, and large detachable water tanks, some of which you can refill at any time without interrupting your ironing.

Features - alphabetically

• Anti-drip. Stops that annoying dripping of water from the soleplate, thereby also preventing water stains on the soleplate.
• Anti-scale. Extends the life of the iron. Some irons have permanent anti-scale, which, as you might expect, protects for the lifetime of the iron.
• Auto Shut Off. Safety feature which turns the iron off if it is left unattended or knocked over.
• Continuous Fill. For Steam Generators, means tank can be refilled at any time without removing it, so you can continue ironing uninterrupted.
• Cordless. Just easier. If you buy corded, make sure you get a decent length of cord. They usually range from around 1.8m to a lengthy 3m.
• Fast Heat Up. Saves you hanging around.
• Self-cleaning System (anit-calc). Some irons have self-clean which stops the build-up of limescale.
• Soft Grip Handle. For comfortable ironing.
• Soleplates. There are several types:
  • Aluminium - your basic iron soleplate;
  • Non Stick - non stick coating prevents iron sticking to fabric;
  • Stainless Steel - smoother than aluminium, steel also distributes the heat evenly making ironing quicker and easier;
  • Ceramic or Enamel Coated, also Eloxal - the best glideability for fast and easy ironing. Non-stick and durable.
• Steam Output. Measured in g/MIN (grams per minute). Ranges from around 15g to around 40g for Jet of Steam irons, and from around 60g to around 120g for Steam Generators.
• Shot of Steam. Different to Steam Ouput, but also measured in g (grams), gives your ironing that extra boost for tough creases. Ranges from around 45g to around 95g for Jet of Steam irons, around 100g for Steam Generators.
• Variable Steam. Means you can adjust the output to suit the fabric type. Steam Generators sometimes have LCD displays with a range of different temperature settings.
• Vertical Steam. Iron without your ironing board! Handy for curtains, hanging jackets etc.
• Water spray / spray function.
• Water Tank. The size of the tank determines how often you have to refill it. Tank sizes range from around 180ml to around 420ml for Jet of Steam. Around 0.8-1 litre for Steam Generators (1 litre tank estimated to provide 1.5 hours ironing). Some tanks are easier to fill than others - some irons claim to have extra wide, and therefore quicker to fill, tanks.
• Weight. Ranges from around 1.1kg to a weighty 1.75kg - quite heavy if you're doing a lot of ironing. Travel irons are by their nature lighter, around 6-800g. Steam Generators are a lot heaver - they can be around 5kg - but then you're not actually carrying the water tank, just the iron.

Search electric products alphabetically: