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Wrinkled clothing may not seem like a big deal, but when you’re headed to a work meeting or special event, it can make you look very sloppy. The best steam irons quickly remove wrinkles from any item in your closet, so you can look neat and polished no matter where you’re headed.
To find the top steam irons, the BestReviews Testing Lab considered more than two dozen models and tested several to see which ones really get the job done. Our testing included a variety of materials, so we could determine how well the irons performed on common fabrics like cotton and linen, as well as more delicate materials, including nylon.
We also considered how easy and comfortable the irons were to use, especially when ironing for longer periods. We paid careful attention to cleaning and maintenance, too, so we could get a sense of which irons would hold up best to regular use.
After evaluating many of the most popular steam irons on the market, our favorite is the highly affordable BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron. It delivers all the same high-end features that pricier models do, including a steam burst for tough wrinkles and automatic shutoff for safe operation.
Editors’ favorite
Dimensions: 13” L x 6.3” W | Cord Length: 7.5’ | Weight: 2 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 0.34 qt | Wattage: 1,200 W
The Black + Decker Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron stood out during testing because it offered the complete package: excellent performance, convenient features, versatility and an outstanding value. Despite costing under $50, it removed wrinkles as effectively and efficiently as higher-end models.
It has six heat settings designed for specific fabrics. To test these, we ironed a variety of materials, including cotton, linen, polyester, nylon and a cotton/poly blend, and had no issues with leaking or dripping. We were especially impressed by its steam burst feature, which releases a targeted stream of extra steam with the press of a button; it removed deep wrinkles and creases from a pair of wrinkle-prone linen pants and several cotton pieces in two passes or less.
The Vitessa is extremely easy to use, featuring a simple dial control to adjust the heat settings. The settings are listed right on the back of the iron, too, so we could quickly switch between settings based on the item we ironed. In addition to removing wrinkles from a wide range of materials, it also functions as a vertical steamer, which allowed us to hang a cotton dress from our testing area’s shower rod to quickly remove a few small wrinkles. This feature also allowed us to remove wrinkles from a set of curtains where they hung.
At just 2 pounds, the Vitessa is a lightweight iron that’s extremely easy to maneuver. It’s easy to store, too, thanks to its retractable cord. Unlike the other irons we tested, which required us to wrap the power cord around the appliances for storage, we only had to push a button for the cord to retract inside. The self-cleaning feature is another highlight, making maintenance for the Vitessa a breeze.
Great Value
Dimensions: 10.4” L x 5.8” W | Cord Length: 8’ | Weight: 2 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 0.25 qt | Wattage: 1,200 W
While the BLACK + DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that higher-end irons do, it delivers where it really counts: wrinkle removal performance. During testing, it took only two minutes to heat to the highest heat setting. It effectively removed light to moderate wrinkles from cotton, linen, polyester, rayon and a cotton/polyester blend in a single pass. For deeper creases and wrinkles, we usually had to go over the area two to three times because the iron doesn’t have a steam burst feature. However, we still found we could iron most pieces quickly, needing just over 20 minutes to iron four to five items of clothing.
We really appreciate how easy and safe the Easy Steam Compact Iron is to use. A lightweight model with a compact design, it was simple to store in our testing area. Its two-way auto-shutoff feature really gave us peace of mind, too. It automatically turned the iron off after eight minutes when we left it on its heel and after just 30 seconds when we left it on its soleplate during testing. That means you don’t have to worry about whether you turned it off when you leave the house each morning.
The Easy Steam Compact Iron has other convenient features that make ironing easier. It has a swivel cord that allowed us to effortlessly move it across fabrics without worrying about pulling out the plug. We also found that its handle has a comfortable grip, enabling us to iron for over 20 minutes without experiencing any discomfort or hand fatigue.
Best for Everyday Ironing
Dimensions: 12.56” L x 5.59” W | Cord Length: 8’ | Weight: 3.3 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 400 mL | Wattage: 1,750 W
The Pursteam SteamBurst+ Iron is an ideal choice for anyone who irons regularly. It has a sturdy, high-quality feel, so we finished our testing with no concerns about its long-term durability. Its handle fit comfortably in our hand, too, so we could iron for up to 30 minutes without any discomfort. We also loved how easily its ceramic soleplate glided over a wide range of materials, allowing us to iron cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, and a cotton/polyester blend without the iron getting stuck or snagged.
The SteamBurst+ required only two minutes to reach its highest heat setting, so it was on par with other high-end models we tested. Its dial control made it very easy to use, featuring specific settings for common fabrics, like synthetic, silk, cotton and linen.
However, we could also turn the dial as little or as far as we wanted for custom heat settings, depending on what we were ironing. Its Shot of Steam feature worked perfectly for deep creases in the cotton and linen items we ironed. We also appreciated how evenly its spray feature dispersed its mist, preventing any drips or splotches on the clothing.
The iron’s 8-foot power cord makes it very easy to maneuver. It’s particularly handy if you don’t have an ironing board and need to iron on a table or counter because you don’t have to worry too much about where your outlets are. The SteamBurst+ also boasts a self-cleaning feature, which we found quick and easy to use. It reduces the chance of mineral buildup inside the iron, too, to help increase its lifespan.
Best for Large Ironing Sessions
Dimensions: 13.43” L x 5.87” W | Cord Length: 8’ | Weight: 3.3 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 450 mL | Wattage: 1,750 W
With an extra-large water tank, the PurSteam Steam Tech Elite can hold nearly 2 cups of water, making it ideal for those times when you need to iron a bunch of clothes for a trip or a family event. We found it held enough water to iron four to five items for a total of 20 to 25 minutes, with water still left in the tank. Our testing also found that it was extremely easy to fill, thanks to its large, covered opening. The Steam Tech Elite even includes a measuring cup with a convenient pouring spout that made refilling the iron entirely spill-free.
Its wrinkle-removing capabilities also impressed us during testing. It took just under two minutes to heat up to the highest heat setting, so we didn’t have to wait too long to start ironing. It has specific heat settings for all the standard fabrics, and we found that they worked perfectly for cotton, linen, nylon, polyester and a cotton/polyester blend.
The iron’s ceramic soleplate glided easily over all fabrics without snagging, so we typically only needed a single pass to remove light to moderate wrinkles. The Steam Burst setting, which releases extra steam, enabled us to remove even the deepest wrinkles with two or fewer passes, so we were able to fully iron a linen dress in just over a minute.
The Steam Tech Elite might be one of the most user-friendly irons we tested, too. It features digital temperature control with an LED display and simple button controls that made it incredibly easy to choose the right setting based on the fabric we were ironing. The buttons are clearly marked and even color-coded, so we were able to use the iron with only a quick skim of the instruction manual.
Best for Crisp Finishes and Detailing
Dimensions: 11.78” L x 5.46” W | Cord Length: 8’ | Weight: 3.22 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 10 oz | Wattage: 1,725 W
The Rowenta Focus Iron Steamer is a high-end steam iron with the premium features you’d expect. However, there is one small detail that really distinguishes it from other high-end irons we tested. Like those other models, its soleplate has a pointed tip, but the Focus Iron Steamer’s design proved more precise during testing. Its size made it extremely easy to remove wrinkles from smaller areas. We used it along the collar and the cuffs of a button-down shirt, which are usually difficult spots to get all the wrinkles out of. The Focus Iron Steamer fit perfectly along these edges, allowing us to achieve crisp, neat details on our test clothing.
Its wrinkle-removing performance impressed us overall as well. It provided even, consistent steam that allowed us to remove wrinkles from a range of fabrics very efficiently. It has settings for common fabrics, such as cotton, linen and synthetic, so we could iron even the most delicate fabrics without issue. It took just a single pass to remove most light wrinkles, and we also removed deeper creases with two passes or fewer using the steam shot feature. It can also be used for dry ironing on the synthetic setting, as well as vertical steaming when on the linen setting.
The Focus Iron Steamer’s auto shut-off feature was another highlight during testing. It automatically turned off if left on its soleplate or side for 30 seconds and after eight minutes when left on its heel, so you never have to worry about whether you’ve remembered to turn it off after ironing. We also love how comfortable its handle is — it has a rubberized grip that fits well in the hand and prevented fatigue even when we ironed for more than 20 minutes.
Works on a Wide Fabric Variety
Dimensions: 13.69” L x 6.45” W | Cord Length: 7.5’ | Weight: 3.32 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 8.5 oz | Wattage: 1,725 W
The Rowenta Access Steam Cord Reel Iron is a versatile model that can handle a wide variety of fabrics, making it ideal for fashionistas who have everything from cotton, linen and wool to polyester, nylon and silk in their closet. It features 350 micro-holes that evenly disperse steam, so you can iron more efficiently. It also has an anti-drip system to keep your clothing free of splotches and a steam burst feature that can remove deeper wrinkles with ease. It allows for vertical steaming, too, so you can hang suits and other items to remove creases and wrinkles.
This iron is extremely comfortable to use because its handle fits perfectly in hand. Its controls are also conveniently located directly behind the handle, so you can make quick adjustments as you iron. You can trust in the safety of the Access Steam Cord Reel Iron, too, thanks to its auto-off feature. If the iron is left on its soleplate for 30 seconds or more, it automatically turns off. When left on its heel for over eight minutes, it turns off as well.
Perhaps the most convenient feature of this high-quality iron is its retractable cord. The cord itself is over 7 feet long, so wrapping it around the iron for storage would be a pain. Fortunately, with the press of a button, the cord automatically retracts inside the iron to make storage much easier.
Best for High-Steam Power
Dimensions: 12.5” L x 5” W | Cord Length: 8’ | Weight: 3.5 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 350 ml | Wattage: 1,700 W
With more than 400 steam holes, the CHI Lava 13113 Steam Iron delivers impressive steam power to remove wrinkles quickly and easily, typically requiring a single pass to make creases disappear. It’s effective on all fabrics, including cotton, linen, denim and silk. It also makes ironing effortless because its lava-infused ceramic soleplate glides over fabrics without snagging or tugging.
We also love its user-friendly electronic temperature control and fabric guide. You only have to choose your fabric type, and the iron automatically heats to the perfect temperature for removing wrinkles. Its handle also has a textured grip that makes it extremely comfortable to hold, so you can iron for long periods without getting fatigued. The auto shut-off feature also provides peace of mind when you leave the house because the Lava 13113 automatically turns off if left on its soleplate for 60 seconds or on its side for 30 minutes.
Its extra-long 8-foot cord makes it easy to find a spot to iron, too, because you don’t have to be right next to an outlet. Best of all, the cord is retractable, so you don’t have to spend time wrapping it around the iron when it’s time to put it away.
Best for Easy One-Touch Controls
Dimensions: 11.5” L x 4.6” W | Cord Length: 10’ | Weight: 3.94 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 8 oz | Wattage: 1,800 W
The CHI Iron 13103 Touchscreen Clothing Iron may have some of the most user-friendly controls of all the irons on our list. It features an advanced touch-screen control that lets you easily choose your fabric type to ensure the iron heats to the right temperature. You can even use the symbols on your clothing’s care tags to find the perfect setting, so there’s no guesswork involved at all. It even has an adjustable steam lever that lets you go from no steam to full power just by sliding it.
You can trust that this iron is built to last, too, because it has a titanium-infused ceramic soleplate. The surface is incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, so it can hold up to the demands of daily ironing. The soleplate also has over 400 steam holes, which allows you to remove wrinkles quickly and effectively and reduce your overall ironing time.
We also love that this iron features a large water tank opening, which reduces the risk of spills while adding water. The handle is also extremely comfortable to hold because it has a textured grip that allows you to hold it securely and without getting tired when ironing for longer periods.
Durable and Built for Heavy Garments
Dimensions: 11.56” L x 6.2” W | Cord Length: 7.5’ | Weight: 3.32 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 12.7 oz | Wattage: 1,775 W
Irons don’t get much more powerful than the Rowenta Pro Master. With 1,775 watts of power and 430 steam holes, it gives a pro-grade ironing experience at home. It can handle all types of fabrics, including cotton, wool, linen, silk, nylon and polyester, and removes wrinkles in just a single pass for greater efficiency. We appreciate how durable the stainless steel soleplate is, too, allowing it to withstand heavy use without obvious wear and tear.
The Pro Master also offers a vertical steaming feature to increase its versatility. You can use it for a quick touch-up on hanging clothes or even remove wrinkles from curtains around the house. Its spray feature is more accurate than similar irons, too, because it has a precision spray tip that targets the spray and helps you remove wrinkles from hard-to-reach areas.
If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll also love the Pro Master’s anti-calc system. It prevents minerals from building up inside the iron and clogging its holes, so you don’t have to worry about stains on your favorite clothing. Its auto-shutoff feature also makes using this iron safer, while the large water tank’s transparent design lets you know when it’s time to refill.
Best Compact Travel-Friendly Steam Iron
Dimensions: 7.9” L x 3.6” W | Cord Length: 8’ | Weight: 1.2 lb | Water Tank Capacity: 1.6 oz | Wattage: 800 W
Anyone who travels for work is sure to appreciate the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Steam Iron. At just over a pound, this travel-friendly iron is easy to pack, so you can be sure that your clothes are perfectly pressed and smooth for business trips. It also offers a dual-voltage design, making it ideal for both domestic and international travel. It even includes a travel bag to protect the iron en route to your destination.
However, despite its compact size, this iron still delivers 800 watts of power, ensuring efficient ironing. It features a shot of steam function that works well for deeper wrinkles, too, and can be used horizontally and vertically. That means you can use it to steam hanging garments and even curtains to release wrinkles.
You’ll also love how easy the Hot-2-Trot is to use. It has a user-friendly control dial that lets you select the perfect heat level for a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, linen, wool and silk. Its 8-foot cord also makes it easy to find a usable outlet for ironing, while the easy-to-fill water tank prevents spills when it’s time to add water.
To identify the best steam irons, we researched dozens of models, testing many ourselves and analyzing customer reviews from several online retailers. We considered which features were most important for users and which irons best met performance and usability expectations. Our standardized testing allowed us to determine how effectively and efficiently each iron removed wrinkles, how easy they were to use and maintain and how versatile they were overall. During testing, we also kept an eye out for features that were particularly impressive, as well as any frustrating quirks that might annoy users.
Some of our testing included:
Steam is steam. It's water boiling at 100°C (212°F). No matter how powerful your steam iron is, you can’t make the steam hotter. So if even the cheapest steam irons make steam, why is power important? A few reasons:
A powerful steam iron is ready to use more quickly.
A more powerful device keeps the temperature constant at both high and low settings.
A powerful iron always has steam on tap, and if you need to refill, it's ready to use again faster.
Steam irons typically weigh between 1 and 3.5 pounds. Lighter irons that weigh between 1 and 2.5 pounds, such as the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Steam Iron, the BLACK + DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron and the BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron, are usually easier to maneuver and more comfortable to use, especially for longer ironing periods. They are easier to pack for travel, too.
Heavier irons that weigh over 2.5 pounds, such as BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron, the Pursteam SteamBurst+ Iron, the PurSteam Steam Tech Elite, the Rowenta Focus Iron Steamer and the CHI Iron 13103 Touchscreen Clothing Iron, can sometimes cause fatigue and discomfort if you’re ironing for extended periods. However, their beefier build usually allows them to iron more efficiently because it retains heat longer and can press down more firmly to smooth away wrinkles. It also makes them more effective for heavy, thick fabrics like linen or denim. The heavier design often means greater durability, too.
In most cases, a compact, lightweight iron is a good option for anyone who needs to iron on the go or only irons occasionally. It’s also ideal for those with arm or hand weakness. However, if you iron on a regular basis and often need to remove wrinkles from thicker fabrics, a heavier iron is usually a better choice.
Once you've got heat and steam, you need to apply it to your fabric. The soleplate is the metal plate at the base of the iron. You want a soleplate that distributes steam effectively and glides smoothly when dry. Soleplates come in several different materials.
Stainless steel: The most popular soleplate material, it’s bright, durable, and easy to clean. Stainless steel is prone to scratching, but all soleplates are, and minor marking won't affect performance. The Rowenta Focus Iron Steamer, the Rowenta Access Steam Cord Reel Iron and the Rowenta Pro Master all have durable stainless steel soleplates.
Anodized aluminum: Lighter than stainless steel, anodized aluminum is a cheaper option that distributes heat well but isn't as durable or easy to clean. Anodized aluminum can get sticky over time.
Nonstick: This type of soleplate is aluminum or plastic that has been coated with PTFE or a similar “non-stick” layer. It’s lightweight and often used for portable models. The coating is effective when in good condition, but it can chip or peel on more inexpensive steam irons. The BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron and the BLACK + DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron have nonstick soleplates that glide easily over most fabrics.
Ceramic: This is also a coating, but modern ceramics are hard, excellent at heat distribution, easy to clean and very smooth, so they glide well. The Pursteam SteamBurst+ Iron and the PurSteam Steam Tech Elite both have a ceramic soleplate.
The size and shape of the holes on the soleplate affect how evenly steam is distributed. Some manufacturers use lots of small holes; others use shaped holes. The CHI Iron 13103 Touchscreen Clothing Iron and the Rowenta Pro Master both feature over 400 steam holes for powerful steam production.
Because ceramics are naturally more slippery than other soleplate materials, these models usually have fewer holes than their stainless steel and aluminum competitors.
Not many of the items we iron are perfectly square, so soleplates are shaped to make it easier to get into pleats, collars and cuffs. Many have grooves at the front to get in and around buttons. The Rowenta Focus Iron Steamer has a traditional pointed tip to its soleplate, but during testing, we found its size and shape fit more easily around details like collars, cuffs and buttons.
Traditionally, the heel (or rear end) of the soleplate is flat so you can stand the iron up when you're not using it. But some manufacturers make both ends pointed, claiming better maneuverability. These irons have “outriggers” as stands.
Most steam irons feature variable controls that allow you to adjust the amount of steam and heat produced based on the fabric you’re ironing. Many models, like the BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron and the Pursteam SteamBurst+ Iron, feature dial controls that let you select a heat level or a fabric type, and the iron that produces the ideal heat and steam for the item you’re ironing. Other steam irons, including the PurSteam Steam Tech Elite and the CHI Iron 13103 Touchscreen Clothing Iron, feature button or touchscreen controls, so you only have to press a button to choose the right setting.
A “pulse” of extra steam through the baseplate is a basic necessity, as is a fine spray. All but the very cheapest steam irons have them. The extra steam function makes it easier to remove deeper wrinkles and creases, while the spray feature moistens fabrics to help wrinkles release more easily. The BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron, the Pursteam SteamBurst+ Iron, the PurSteam Steam Tech Elite and the Rowenta Focus Iron Steamer all feature a burst of steam and a spray feature.
A few models, including the BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced and the Rowenta Focus Iron Steamer, also work upright, allowing you to steam curtains and clothes on hangers.
Lighter steam irons are usually more comfortable to use, especially for longer periods. However, some models incorporate ergonomic design elements to reduce hand fatigue. You can find steam irons, like the CHI Iron 13103 Touchscreen Clothing Iron, that have a textured grip on the handle to reduce fatigue and make the iron easier to handle.
The overwhelming majority of steam irons have a cord, with most models having one that measures at least 6 feet long. Some are retractable, though feedback tells us they're not always popular, with jamming a frequent problem. However, we had a good experience with the BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron’s retractable cord during testing and loved that we didn’t have to wind and unwind the cord for storage.
There are also cordless irons available, but they need to be regularly reheated on bases — an unnecessary step for many users.
Automatic shutoff can switch off the iron if it's left alone for a certain period, if it's tipped over or if the tank runs dry. Nearly all models with this feature will turn off if left on their soleplate for 60 seconds or less. However, some steam irons also turn off if left on the side or heel for a certain period. The BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron, the Pursteam SteamBurst+ Iron, the PurSteam Steam Tech Elite and the Rowenta Focus Iron Steamer all have an auto-shutoff feature, providing excellent peace of mind.
A number of steam irons, including the BLACK + DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron, the Pursteam SteamBurst+ Iron, the PurSteam Steam Tech Elite and the Rowenta Focus Iron Steamer, claim to have nondrip or antispitting functions, though effectiveness varies. The same is true of self-cleaning options.
Some also prevent the buildup of calcium, which can eventually clog your iron. See-through tanks or water-level windows are useful visual aids.
A. Steam irons typically range from $10 to $150. Small, compact travel models with limited steam and temperature controls are the most affordable, generally costing between $10 and $20. Midrange irons that offer a spray function and auto shutoff cost between $20 and $50. Higher-end steam irons with a self-cleaning system, more safety features and a more durable design usually range from $50 to $100.
A. If cared for properly, a steam iron can last for five years or more. High-end models with high-quality materials and constructions can last up to 10 years.
Jennifer Blair has covered kitchen, home and lifestyle products for BestReviews since 2017. She has written more than 100 articles on products like vacuums, air fryers, vacuum sealers and carpet cleaners. She has personally tested several steam irons for the BestReviews Testing Lab and relies on a Hamilton Beach iron to remove wrinkles at home.
