Irons differ. Choosing the best iron for your home. There are small cons

The iron is an indispensable household appliance in any home. Thanks to him, you can look neat, sleep on smoothed sheets and not be considered a slob.

If earlier in Russia, a red-hot cast-iron pan coped with the function of an iron, then in the modern world you can get confused by the variety of models. Therefore, you should know how to choose the right iron for your home.

Which iron to choose

All models of irons offered in stores can be divided into three large groups:

1. Regular irons that are not equipped with a steaming system. Now they are practically not used. These are the same models in which gauze moistened with water was placed on the fabric.
2. Simple steam irons. These are models with a built-in water tank. They periodically need to add liquid.
3. Steam generators. In turn, these models are divided into two subgroups:

• Models with built-in steam generator. These irons have a more complex steam supply system than simple steam irons. Due to this, the cost also increases. But ironing with the help of steam generators is equated to professional and allows you to get rid of folds even on coarse and very wrinkled fabrics.
• Models with a freestanding steam generator. These are professional irons found in specialized salons. They are able to smooth any fabric pretty quickly.

Iron power

From such an indicator as power, it depends on how quickly the iron will heat up and what complexity of the fabric it can smooth out.

Depending on how much time is spent on ironing, the power of the iron is also chosen. They can also be divided into several types:

• Travel irons. Their power is about 1000 watts. It is impossible to smooth out heavy materials with such models, but they are convenient for travel, since they are small in size. Do well with suits, T-shirts or dresses made of lightweight fabric.
• For a small family of one or two people, irons with a power of 1000-1500 W are suitable. Smooths almost any fabric, but heats up for a long time.
• For a family of three to four people, irons with a power of 1500-2000 W are suitable. heats up quickly, also smoothes even heavily wrinkled laundry, without requiring effort from the owner.
• For families with at least two hours of ironing per week, models with a power of 2000 W or more are suitable.

Video how to choose an iron:

Which sole is better to choose an iron

One of the main elements of an iron is its sole. You will have to choose the sole according to:

• material of manufacture,
• form,
• the number and location of the steam holes.

Outsole material

When ironing, the soleplate of the iron is in direct contact with the product, therefore, special attention should be paid to the material from which it is made.

Aluminum

The cheapest are irons, the sole of which is made of aluminum. This material does not make the device heavier, and it is also easy to clean it from dirt. Aluminum heats up pretty quickly.

However, soles made of this material have their drawbacks.

Firstly, aluminum is fragile, so it can be easily damaged by metal buttons and zippers on clothes or when hitting something, and later the deformed surface can ruin the fabric.

Secondly, the aluminum sole should not smooth delicate fabrics. With an incorrectly selected temperature regime, synthetics can simply melt.

Ceramics and cermets

Ceramic soles are a fairly popular model. This material heats up quickly and glides well over fabric. In addition, it is difficult for them to spoil the thing, even if the temperature regime is violated.

However, ceramics are far from the most durable material. It can be easily damaged by metal clothing such as buttons or zippers.

Teflon

Teflon soles can serve for a long time, they iron delicate fabrics well, do not allow them to melt. However, Teflon deteriorates when it comes into contact with metal surfaces.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an inexpensive and high quality material for the sole of an iron. Practically non-deforming and scratch-resistant, which increases the service life of the iron.

Suitable for quick ironing, as it glides easily over the fabric. Also the stainless steel sole is easy to clean.

Titanium

Titanium sputtering on the steel sole of the iron is modern technologies helping to increase the strength, and therefore the service life of the iron. Titanium provides ease of sliding during ironing.

The disadvantages include long cooling and heating of the working surface, and the high cost of such irons.

Also, a special attachment can be supplied with the iron, which replaces wet gauze when ironing trousers, etc.

Sole shape

It will be easier with the choice of the shape of the working surface of the iron than with its material. If you choose a sole with a large area, then the ironing process will be faster, but you will have to suffer with hard-to-reach places for high-quality smoothing.

The smaller the sole and the sharper the nose, the easier it will be to reach uncomfortable areas for smoothing, for example, between the buttons, but the ironing time will also increase.

Holes

The third parameter to pay attention to when choosing a sole is the number and location of the steam holes.

This parameter does not have any specific strict standards. The holes can be 20, or maybe 100. It is desirable that they are located on the entire working surface.

When choosing a good iron model, you should pay attention not only to the technical characteristics, but also to the nuances that make its operation more convenient.

Iron functions

A modern iron is no longer just a primitive device, it is the concentration of a large set of various technologies that facilitate and accelerate the ironing process.

Let's take a look at the most common functions found in modern electric irons.

Continuous steam function

To facilitate smoothing of heavy fabrics or simply dry laundry with caked folds, water was previously used by splashing onto the fabric.

Now the irons have the function of supplying steam both forcibly by pressing a button, and constantly. The more holes in the sole, the more steam is supplied and the easier it is to iron.

The holes should be located across the entire working surface of the iron, it is also good if there are grooves that contribute to an even distribution of steam.

The measuring characteristic of this function is the amount of water in grams that is converted into steam in 1 minute. Continuous steam supply can be from 10 to 150 g / min.

For ordinary, not overdried fabrics, an iron with a steam supply of 20-30 g / min is enough, and for heavy fabrics it is better to choose an iron with a constant steam supply of 80 g / min.

Pay attention to the water container. It should be transparent or translucent, which will allow you to monitor the level and add water in time.

It is also worth paying attention to the volume of this container, the more steam is supplied, the more capacious the tank with water should be. There are models with a capacity of 150-250 ml.

Steam blow

Steam boost is used on particularly difficult fabrics that cannot be smoothed with a simple steam supply.

Steam flow rate in steam-powered irons must be at least 100 g / min.

Vertical steaming

Vertical steaming helps to cope with things like curtains, outerwear, etc.

The ironing process takes place in a non-contact way using steam, when things are in an upright position, for example on a hanger, and not on an ironing table.

Anti-drip system

The anti-drip system prevents water droplets from flowing out through the steam holes during ironing at low temperatures, which can lead to stains on the fabric.

Self-cleaning system

The self-cleaning system cleans the iron from scale, it is turned on with a special button after heating in the steaming mode.

If the iron is equipped with this function, then there is no need to fill in special water for irons and purchase cartridges that prevent the formation of scale.

Auto switch off iron

Auto shut-off is a very useful function that prevents the possibility of a fire due to a forgotten iron that has not been turned off.

If the iron is in a vertical position motionless for about 10 minutes (different models in different ways) or in a horizontal position for 30 seconds, it will automatically turn off.

The main criteria for choosing an iron are listed above, but for greater convenience of work, some more features should be taken into account.

What to look for to make ironing easier

• Cord - it is better to choose a model in which the power cord is attached to the iron with a hinge that can rotate in all directions. The braiding of the cord must be fabric. Also, do not forget that the length should be at least 2 meters so as not to touch the wire when ironing.
• The iron handle should fit comfortably in your hand, not slip, it is better if it is rubberized.
• The weight should be about 1.5 kg. If it is easier, then when ironing you will have to press the iron harder and, accordingly, apply more effort. If it is heavier, the arm will tire faster.
• Temperature regulator - the wider the temperature range, the more different types of fabrics you can iron.

Rating of manufacturers and models

At the moment, according to customer reviews, there are several manufacturers of irons that have occupied the top lines of popularity for several years.

Which manufacturer of irons to choose is up to you, here is the rating of global manufacturers according to reviews:

• Philips
• Tefal
• Braun
• Rowenta
• Scarlett
• Bosch
• Vitek

Choosing an iron from any manufacturer from the above rating, you will not be disappointed either in quality or in reliability.

Of course, it is difficult to choose the perfect, inexpensive iron, but after analyzing many models, we can recommend the Philips GC 1029, its cost is about 2,500 rubles. This model has incorporated all modern and necessary functions:

1. power 2000W,
2. powerful steam boost (100 g / min),
3. steam supply 25 g / min,
4. anti-drip system,
5. auto shutdown,
6. self-cleaning,
7. ceramic sole.

This iron is ideal for home use.

Despite the variety of models, you can always choose the right iron, which will be easy to use and will last a long time.

If you have any questions, complaints or want to leave your positive feedback, you can do it below! Leave your feedback and suggestions in the comments!

Iron is irreplaceable assistant in the care of clothes. This household appliance should be in any home. Hardly anyone thinks about that for a home until the moment of purchase. And in vain, because the models of modern manufacturers differ from each other in many ways. We will try to understand what characteristics you need to pay attention to when choosing an iron.

What is the sole of the iron made of?

It makes sense to start choosing an iron by examining its sole. This element is in contact with the fabric, and it depends on it to a large extent how well the thing will be ironed. Today the most common ironing soles are made of three materials: aluminum, ceramic and stainless steel. How do they differ from each other and how to choose an iron for home?

Almost all types of soles have positive reviews. Aluminum heats up and cools down quickly, which is very convenient for home use. The sole made of this material has a minimum weight, which means that the iron will be lightweight and comfortable. If the aluminum surface gets dirty, it won't be difficult to clean.

Stainless steel is strong and durable. The ironing device with such a sole does not require any special care. Irons with stainless steel worktops have good sliding characteristics. This means that no additional effort is required when ironing clothes.

The main advantage of ceramic or Teflon soles is a 100% guarantee that the fabric will not stick. Many housewives praise irons with such soles for the accuracy of ironing - the linen does not wrinkle, it is enough to iron each section once.

Device power

It is not easy for many housewives to decipher the power characteristics of household appliances. Meanwhile, this indicator is quite important. The minimum value of this characteristic for a household iron is 1300-1600 W. This device is suitable for small families who iron a minimum of things from time to time. How to choose an iron for your home if you iron a lot? The average power of 1600-2000 W is suitable for ironing even heavily wrinkled laundry. Such models will delight you with the speed of heating. Irons with a heating power of 2000 W or more are similar in characteristics to those used in an industrial environment. It makes sense to purchase such a model only if the family is large and you have to iron the linen every day. And most importantly: the more power the iron is, the faster it will heat up to operating temperature.

Steam generator or regular steam iron?

A couple of decades ago, irons smoothed fabric solely due to the heating of the sole and their own weight. Today, such devices have lost their relevance, since thanks to the supply of steam, things can be smoothed with minimal effort. It remains only to choose between a built-in steam generator and an external one. Both types of devices for smoothing fabric have advantages. How to choose a steam generator with an iron for your home, which is better - a built-in or an external steam generator? The answer to this question depends on your material capabilities and requirements.

A regular steam iron has a small built-in water tank. Such devices are easy to maintain and operate. Unfortunately, not all of them are capable of efficiently ironing a thing on weight or cope with very dense fabric.

Provides uninterrupted steam supply and can replace the steamer. Such models will appeal to those who like to iron things hanging on hangers, upholstery and curtains without removing them from the curtains. Estimate the volume The larger it is, the less frequently you need to top up. Do not be lazy to study the instruction manual of the iron you like before buying. The fact is that some models require the use of only purified water.

Number of ironing modes

The operating temperature range is an important characteristic of the ironing device, affecting the ability to adjust the heating of the soleplate of the iron. It is very convenient when signed with the names of fabrics. In this case, each family member will be able to choose the operating temperature without looking at the operating instructions. Modern household appliances have at least two controls: heating and steam. How to choose a steam generator with an iron for home, is the number of modes important? If you believe the reviews, most housewives use only 3-4 modes when ironing clothes. Accordingly, it makes sense to choose a device for which the minimum, average and maximum heating and steam are precisely defined. It is desirable that the mode switch also has temperature designations. Very often, the labels of textiles contain tips for ironing with a designation of the permissible temperature.

Steam and water supply

The more the laundry is crumpled, the more steam will be required to iron it quickly. Most modern models of irons have the function of instantaneous release of additional steam (button "turbo steam"). This is quite convenient if you come across one serious crease that does not want to be smoothed out. Spray is also found on almost all modern ironing devices. The "water supply" function is useful when ironing overdried laundry. Just spray the most serious creases directly from the iron; you don't need a separate liquid spray bottle.

Anti-scale and anti-drip system

How to choose a good iron for your home that will last long enough? Pay attention to the protection against limescale. Some devices have removable filter cassettes. If such items are present, pay attention to the timing of their replacement and cleaning. In the absence of filters, only carefully filtered water can be poured into the iron. Use household filter devices to clean tap liquids. You can also purchase bottled distilled water.

In inexpensive ironing devices, water droplets may escape when the maximum steam is supplied. Some manufacturers of modern household appliances equip their appliances with a special anti-drip system. If you choose such an iron, you can be sure that your clothes will not get wet again during the ironing process.

What does the slip of the sole depend on?

Ironing without unnecessary effort - this is what every housewife dreams of. A significant characteristic of the device is the sliding of the working surface. To a greater extent, this characteristic depends on the material used to make the sole. The most sliding ones are stainless steel and ceramics. How to choose an iron for your home when evaluating slip characteristics? Examine the sole of the device, the presence of grooves for buttons will ensure smooth ironing. It is useful to pay attention to the shape of the iron. For many buyers, ironing devices with elongated narrow noses seem to be the most convenient.

Energy classes

More and more modern people seeking to save personal finances and take care of the environment consciously relate to the choice of household appliances. Unfortunately, most irons do not have this characteristic at all. Ironing devices are not used regularly for a short period of time. For this reason, not all manufacturers of these devices are concerned about reducing energy consumption. How to choose an iron for your home that will help you save on your electricity bills? Power consumption depends on the power consumed during operation. If you want to save money, choose a device with the minimum or average values \u200b\u200bof this parameter.

Safety features

How often have you had to think about whether you forgot to turn off the iron when leaving the house? Household appliances with hot surfaces are potentially flammable. How to choose the right iron for your home based on its safety characteristics? Give preference to a smart home appliance. Modern irons can turn off if they are placed on the sole or on their side and left in this position for a while. Many models stop heating the sole after extended periods of inactivity in any position.

Choose a device that has light and sound indication of automatic shutdown. According to reviews, such devices are really very safe and convenient to use.

Additional functions

When choosing a device for ironing, it makes sense to pay attention to the length of its cord. The larger it is, the more convenient it will be to use the device. It is desirable that the cord bend 360 degrees. Some modern models have a built-in battery, thanks to its presence, you can iron and steam things at any distance from the electrical outlet. The only drawback of such devices is the need to charge before use.

The work surface heating indicator is a very useful function that almost all modern ironing devices have by default. If you have a choice, give preference to an iron that beeps when ready to use.

Device complete set

The steam iron comes standard with a measuring cup for pouring water into the tank and an instruction manual. In fact, this is really enough to use the device. Some manufacturers take care of their customers and supplement the basic equipment. Protective covers, carrying bags, stands - all these are additional devices that, in theory, should make the use of the iron even more convenient. But in fact, all such accessories are used extremely rarely and often remain forgotten in the branded box.

Which iron to buy for your home? Reviews of those who recently purchased ironing devices recommend thinking, will you really use everything that the device manufacturer is trying to impose on you?

What determines the price of an iron?

How much does a good ironer cost? In modern household appliances stores, you can see irons costing from 2,000 rubles to infinity. Should you be guided by the price of the device when buying? If you want to buy for your home, it makes no sense to give preference to the most expensive model. Many housewives admit that they do not use all the modes and additional functions of ironing devices of the middle price category. The choice of iron should be based on the needs of your family. Try to study all the features of the model you like in as much detail as possible and decide what functions you really need.

The cost of household appliances depends on many factors. These are brand awareness, release date of a particular model, functionality and specifications. If you wish, you can save on each of these points. For example, it doesn't matter at all which company to choose an iron for the home. By giving preference to a little-known brand, you can save up to 40% on the purchase of a household appliance in this category.

Which house to choose? Reviews will help you navigate

Is it worth listening to the opinions of those who have already tried this or that particular iron in everyday life? Of course, yes! Reviews from real buyers of the product will help you evaluate the pros and cons of a particular device. Explore our tips and consumer opinions on the forums. To facilitate the choice of technology, many modern virtual stores have a review section right in the card of each product. You can also ask your acquaintances and friends who have recently purchased small household appliances: what do they like about the latest acquisitions, and what leaves much to be desired?

Now you know how to choose an iron for your home. Customer reviews will help you do an excellent job with this seemingly difficult task. If you are lucky enough to find an iron that you like in all respects, do not forget to pick it up before purchasing. The weight and comfort of the handle can only be checked by the "fitting" method.

Now you know that only on your own you can decide which iron is best for your home. The feedback and practical advice provided in our article should help you in solving this problem.

Irons can be attributed to that household appliances, without which the household cannot do. Even if I wanted to, it still won't work. Therefore, if you really choose, then so that he could easily and quickly solve any task, would not spoil things and, more importantly, the mood of his owners.

If you briefly define the basic requirements that a good iron must meet, then when choosing, first of all, you should pay attention to:

• power (for domestic use, usually 1.5-2-2.5 kW is quite enough, lovers of more powerful equipment should take into account that such a device will load the network too much and can easily ruin delicate fabric);
• number of holes on the sole: in this case, the more, the better (at least 50, but better about 100), because the quality of steaming depends on this;
• the weight (in this case, the golden mean is important: it will be difficult to smooth out, for example, flax or some dense fabrics with an iron that is too light, and a hand that is too heavy can quickly get tired);
• water tank should be transparent enough so that you can easily control the amount of water remaining for steaming, and large enough so that there is no need to often turn off the iron during steaming to top up;
• power cable must be heat-resistant and of sufficient length (optimally 2-2.5-3 m) so that there are no restrictions in movement, in addition, it is very convenient when there is a 360˚ swivel mount and a place for winding;
• additional features:
  • vertical steaming (the ability to iron clothes, coats, jacket directly on the hanger or curtains without removing from the eaves);
  • steam boost (steam supply of double power at the push of a button);
  • self-cleaning (descaling inside the device) can be performed by pressing a special button, automatically when the "turbo pair" function is turned on; in some cases, a removable anti-lime rod is included in the package, which will need to be periodically cleaned;
  • system "drop stop" (drip stop), which will be useful when ironing with steam for not too much high temperaturesto prevent water droplets from entering the steam holes on the fabric;
  • fire protection - a function due to which the device is automatically disconnected from the power supply after it has ceased to be used (after 30 seconds with the horizontal position of the sole or 8 minutes with the vertical one).
• outsole materialwhich deserves special attention.

What is the best iron sole?

A lot depends on the material of the soleplate of the iron - ease of ironing, durability, ease of use. Therefore, manufacturers pay a lot of attention to the sole material.

The most reliable are irons with of stainless steel... Such a sole does not scratch, is not afraid of shocks and falls. The best irons with stainless steel soles are produced by Rowenta and Braun (Sapphire sole).

Irons with ceramic coating glide over fabric best. But ceramics are more fragile than other coatings - they cannot be dropped, easily scratched on metal zippers or rivets. The ceramic coating may peel off over time. The best ceramic-coated irons are produced by Tefal.

The rest of the coatings are complex combined materials - from steel, aluminum, ceramics, alloys. Manufacturers are looking for a compromise between ease of glide and durability. For example, Bosch produces metal-coated irons with ceramic elements. The coating of Philips irons - SteamGlide - consists of alloys of metals, silicon, ceramics.

Iron or steam generator - which is better?

If there is a lot of ironing in the family, it is worth thinking about steam generator... The first thing everyone pays attention to when it comes to a steam generator is the price. It is high, but quite adequately correlates with the level of comfort and the possibilities of using such a device at home. I would also like to note several features of operation (it is simply unfair to classify them as disadvantages - for which they fought ...): firstly, the base requires a separate placement (the board does not support weight and bends), and secondly, standard ironing boards made of plywood or chipboard cannot endure such intense exposure to steam and quickly become unusable, and water seeps through the metal. However, there must be holes in the board, otherwise the steam will wet the fabric. And remember - steam ironing requires caution.

What water to use in irons

It is believed that the iron or steam generator is best filled with distilled or well-filtered water. Say, it will protect against scale, prolong the service life and save you from troubles like "spitting" rust or calcium on light-colored clothes at the most inopportune moment, etc. etc.

In reality, you just need follow the manufacturer's recommendationsexplicitly spelled out in user instructions... Most modern irons are adapted for tap watering. And it's not that they are equipped with a cleaning system. Sometimes too sterile water in its properties does not correspond to the design features of individual models.

A case in point: in the new powerful Philips irons, to activate a full steam boost, it is often necessary to “run in” the appliance with tap water so that the evaporating surface is covered with a thin layer of salt. And only after that it blows from the sole so that "Mama, don't cry!"

Finally

The best iron is different for everyone. Someone is interested in the price, for someone technical and operational characteristics, reliability, perhaps the prestige of the brand. One way or another, the purpose of creating our rating of the best irons was to save you from a long search and provide the most complete list of worthy models with their subdivision into relevant categories. But the final choice is always individual. And may it be truly successful!

In many countries, the habit of ironing clothes after a haircut is gradually falling into the category of mossy antiquity. Here's another thing, spend time and effort at home smoothing out what will still be crumpled.

On the streets, you can easily see people who clearly left the house in a shirt that in its life did not come into contact with the iron, and therefore wrinkled, shriveled and looks sad. Many do not even think to iron jeans, and even more so bed linen - why? They are happy people, probably. They don't have to figure out how to choose an iron for their home to make ironing an easy and enjoyable process ...

But our people are used to living differently. We iron sheets and duvet covers, curtains and curtains, diligently iron the arrows on the trousers business suit and steamed shuttlecocks on a sarafan. Because this is better, more beautiful and more pleasant. There would only be a good iron at home, with a good sole, and best of all, a steam generator. But the assortment in stores is so large that it becomes a little difficult to choose the best one correctly.

Everything will become easier if you sort out the points and answer yourself a number of simple questions:

• How many things do you have to iron at home every week?
• How much time do you have for household chores?
• How much are you willing to shell out for a good iron with or without a steam generator?

Iron selection criteria

If you often have to iron things at home with a lot of small parts, baby clothes, then it will be right to choose a model with a sharp nose.

For large items, an iron with a rounded toe and a sole with a lot of steam holes is better.

Weight and shape

The heavier the iron, the better it smoothes creases and creases. And the more physical strength you will have to spend on the ironing process. But since the steam generator greatly facilitates smoothing, weight becomes less relevant. It is better to choose an iron that will fit comfortably in your hand, not cause muscle overstrain and not cause unpleasant sensations when moving by hand. Be sure to check when buying how easy it is for you to use the buttons and levers located on the case.

Useful functions

When buying, it is better to choose the iron with a steam generator, which is equipped with some additional and very useful functions.

• Automatic shutdown. If you forget to turn off such an iron with a steam generator, then you will not face a fire or a full steam room: the steam generator and the iron will turn off automatically, guaranteeing safety.
• Continuous steam function. This will allow you to steam off items that are hanging vertically. For example, curtains, coats, jackets.
• Anti-drip system. This function eliminates the unpleasant effect of rather large water droplets escaping from the nozzles instead of steam. These droplets may leave stubborn stains on some fabrics. Sometimes this effect occurs if you start ironing before the steam generator has reached operating temperature.
• Water spray function. Sometimes it is more practical to lightly spray the most crumpled area than to smooth it for a long time.
• Steam boost. Some models have the ability to deliver larger quantities of steam at higher pressure. Such a blow allows you to cope with the most difficult places, to smooth out heavily crumpled, dry things.
• Regulator of heating temperature and vaporization intensity. This will allow you to select the optimal setting, even for very delicate fabrics.

Irons rating: the best manufacturers

According to the sales statistics, Philips is considered to be the market leader for steam irons. It is the products of this company that customers most often take home. They are followed by Rowenta, and Tefal closes the top three.

Irons are steam and conventional, that is, without a steam function. These are outdated models, when ironing with which you need to put damp gauze on complex fabrics. There are almost no such irons on sale now.

Steam irons come with a built-in or external water tank. The latter are the so-called steam stations: steam is generated in a large free-standing container and fed into the iron through a hose.

Steam stations iron quickly and efficiently, but are expensive and require a lot of space. They are often used in tailor shops and laundries. In everyday life, a simple steam iron is quite enough. The main thing is to decide on the outsole, power and function.

Design is the last thing to look for when buying an iron. It is much more important to study the ironing surface.

The soles of modern irons are made from:

• of stainless steel;
• aluminum;
• ceramics;
• teflon;
• titanium.

Each of these materials has its own pros and cons. Stainless steel - inexpensive, reliable, glides well. But during operation, especially incorrectly, a burn forms on the sole, so you need an iron regularly.

Aluminum coating is also a budget option. An iron with such a sole heats up and cools quickly, but it does not last long. Metal is easily deformed, over time, jaggies form on it, which can damage things made of delicate fabrics.

Ceramic soles glide perfectly on any fabrics, do not stick to clothes, even if the temperature is violated. But they are very fragile - it is better not to drop them.

Teflon coatings are also great for smoothing things, but they are easy to scratch with buttons or zippers when ironing, as well as abrasives.

Titanium soles, or rather, steel with titanium plating - the last word "Ironing industry". They are good for everyone, except for a long cooling down and a high price.

There are also models with double soles, when the attachment is put on the main one for ironing delicate fabrics.

Having decided on the material of the sole, look at its shape.

The larger the iron, the faster. The sharper the nose, the easier it is to iron the collars, cuffs and between buttons.

Steam irons have steam holes on the soleplate. Small ones - on the nose and heel, large - on the sides. The more, the better. It is also good if there are grooves. They help the steam to be distributed evenly.

The steam generation rate depends on the power of the iron.

Decide on the power

Irons can be divided into three groups according to their power.

1. Up to 1,500 W - travel irons. Do well with light T-shirts and dresses, with bed linen and towels will have to tinker. Option for travel and singles.
2. 1,600-2,000 W - household irons. Such devices can handle almost any thing, even slightly dry. An option for families where they iron several times a week.
3. More than 2,000 W - professional irons. Such power can boast expensive models and steam stations. Option for tailor shops and dry cleaners, as well as families where there are a lot.

Explore the functionality

Modern irons have various options. Learn what a feature does before paying extra for it.

Consider all the nuances

Sole material and shape, power and functionality are the main criteria when choosing an iron. But there are other nuances to consider.

1. Iron weight. The optimum is 1.5 kg. A light iron will need to be pressed against the ironing board when ironing out strong creases. Heavy (about 2 kg) hands will quickly get tired.
2. Cord length. Ironing is convenient if the wire is 1.5–2 meters long. It is desirable that it be mounted on a hinge and rotated 360 degrees. There are wireless models, when the iron heats up on a special stand or runs on battery power. This increases the maneuverability of the device. But if there is a lot of ironing, you will have to constantly recharge.
3. The handle should fit into the hand like a glove. A rubberized handle is a good solution.
4. The reservoir should be transparent or translucent so that it is convenient to monitor the water level. So that the liquid does not have to be added too often, the volume of the reservoir should be 200-300 ml.
5. Cost. The average price tag for a powerful iron with a ceramic sole and several basic functions (for example, constant steam and auto shut-off) is about 3,000 rubles. But the range of prices for irons is very large. It all depends on the brand, outsole material, power and additional features.