by Janet Martinelli
A steam iron of any kind is of great help, but for your and your clothes to look exceptional on a daily basis, you need the best iron.
Today we’re looking at some of the finest steam irons I could find, and taking a quick peek at the criteria that put them here. If you just want my estimate of what the best one is though, here you are.
The best steam irons reviewed on this page. Here you can see the various models and brands evaluated based on construction, function, and price. You also have to consider power, water tank capacity, and other added features.
TOP CHOICE OVERALL
Rowenta Steam Force Pro, 1850 Watts Ironing DW9540
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful 1850-watts and able to remove wrinkles on all types of fabrics
- 30% more steam than irons without pump technology
- Large 11.8 oz water tank, smart steam motion sensor.
- Can be used vertically, that is, on hanging drapes and garments
- With safety feature: shuts off 30 sec when horizontal and 8 min when vertical.
- The stainless steel soleplate glides on clothes.
Reasons to avoid:
- This iron is a little larger than some of the other irons.
- Can be too heavy for some who is used to lighter units.
This Years Best Steam Irons at a Glance:
Here's How We Did the Test:
Making this evaluation possible would require us a team of people who will check the pros and cons each product, a wide variety of models to test, and a specific number of hours to be utilized to assess all the units.
9 USERS
19 MODELS
45 HOURS
Best Steam Iron Review Summary
To save some time we've put together this table of our favorite steam irons comparing features. Our top choice is the Rowenta Digital display model as it has all the features we look for.
The rest of them all do a great job and we don't rank them as which one you really need is the one with the features that match your situation. We're confident you'll be happy with any of these model.
Best Steam Iron Station Review Summary
In addition to traditional steam irons that we all know there is growing interest in ironing stations. These models allow you to iron more volume with professional results.
Use this summary to help you quickly narrow down the model that is best for you.
It todays world of environmentally minded consumers Rowenta has come up with a model to help you feel good about your choice of picking a quality iron that uses intelligent features to create an eco friendly iron.
Best Steam Iron Reviews According to Professionals [Updated 2023]
Rowenta Steam Force Pro 1850 watt
TOP OVERALL
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Power: 1850 W
- Tank: 11.8 ounce
- 250g/sec
- Weight: 4.75 pounds
- Features: LED Temperature display, 30% more steam power
PROS
- Pump injection technology
- Extreme Burst of Steam
- LED ready indicator
- 3 Modes of operation settings
- Angled Precision Tip
- Vertical Steam
CONS
- Relatively high price
The best I could find offered period.
Starting off with the best, this beautiful blue model is an 1850 watt unit with a 11.8 ounce water tank, that heats up fast and produces constant steady stream of steam.
Those basic stats are great, but further backed up by new steam pump design which provides 30% more steam than irons with out the steam pump technology. The 400 micro steam holes on its stainless steel scratch resistant soleplate evenly distribute steam while you iron. The standard auto shutoff (30 second shutoff on face and side, 8 minutes when upright) along with a shutoff that stops steam emission (but doesn’t turn off the whole device) after a few seconds of not moving are a nice plus.
Setting and controls work for every major type of fabric (linen, cotton, wool, silk, and nylon), use as a vertical steamer (for hanging garments or curtains) as it is not just a clothing iron, and self cleaning system round out the package.
You get quite a lot of bang. Of all the irons we tested this was our favorite. We think will feel the same.
Oliso TG1600 Pro Plus - Quilting and Project Steam Iron
Project and Quilting Iron
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Power: 1800 W
- Tank: 12.7 ounce
- Precise fabric selector
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Anti-Scale System
PROS
- Horizontal, Vertical, and variable steam bursts
- New anti-scale system
- 30 min auto shutoff
- 12 ft cord, 360 degree swivel
- Soft Touch Comfort Grip
- Diamond ceramic-flow mineral infused non-stick soleplate
CONS
- Although it has an auto-shutoff, it still browned your ironing board cover from the heat while lifting
- fewer holes than most irons.
The Oliso TG1600 has made our list due to its rapid heat time combined with the auto lift feature. In testing it we found it delivered as advertised to heat up in less than one minute.
The autolift feature had mixed review with our testers because on some fabrics browned while the autolift was occurring.
The sole plate is smooth using a diamond-ceramic infused plate giving the iron a friction free motion as you move it across the fabric. Which brings us to issue number two, there are 1/10th the holes on this iron compared to the Rowenta model. The iron still seemed to work but some of the steaming action wasn't as precise as we would have liked.
It seems I'm always in a hurry so testers found the 1-minute time to reach the full temperature for ironing was amazing. I really liked how quickly I could get started, short of instant heat this is probably the best I can hope for.
The Oliso steam iron also works well as a vertical steamer to quickly remove wrinkles from a hanging garment, or to take wrinkles out of your drapes or curtains.
The iron also operates in a dry mode as well as has a cool water sprayer where you can add moisture as you dry iron your garment. The tip of the iron works great in small spots and doesn't have steam holes on the tip.
Even though the Oliso TG1600 Pro Plus steam iron doesn't have a power boost steam feature, we found the iron worked very well and it easily made number 2 on our list.
Gravity- Feed Steam Iron Silver star ES-300
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Dimension: 11 x 7.5 x 12 inches
- Power: 1000 W
- Tank: 128 ounce
- Weight: 7.9 pounds
- Features: Shoe demineralization
PROS
- Stainless Steel Plate
- Steam on demand
- Good for heavy duty usage
- 5 electronic settings
- Self-clean system
- Vertical Steam
CONS
- Needs a customized setup for the tank
For high volume work.
Gravity feed professional steam irons are pretty simple. You have an enormous tank (about a gallon) that hangs up near the ceiling, providing a constant flow of water to the 1000 watt steam iron. This thing’s main purpose is to be left on for hours at a time without burning out, the steam left as on demand so you can pick it up, push the button an go as needed.
It does stay hot (so should be left rested on the included silicone pad to avoid burning your ironing board or fabric), and works for heavy duty fabric.
No retractable cord option.
If you work in a fabric shop or something (or want that experience), this is perfect, not a bad deal for a heavy duty (if no frills) machine.
no3
Rowenta DG8624U1 Perfect Pro Iron 1800-Watt Eco Energy
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Dimension: 17.7 x 13.6 x 11 inches
- Power: 1800 W
- Tank: 47 ounce
- Steam Output: 120 g/min
- Weight: 12.21 pounds
- Features: Removable water tank, 5.2 bars of pressure
PROS
- Stainless Steel Plate
- 400 microholes
- Safety lock
- Easy scale removal
- Control Panel
- 20% energy saving
CONS
- Relatively high price
- Less tank size
A huge difference over the other professional irons.
Mostly because it’s, well, big. What it lacks in maneuverability though, it makes up for in longevity and powerful bursts of steam. This Rowenta outputs high volumes of pressurized steam, with an enormous 47 ounce tank (1 and a half hours of continuous steam output).
The stainless steel soleplate has the 400 micro steam holes we’ve come to expect from a top of the line professional iron, with a precision tip, easy to clean calcium collector, and an eco setting to save power over long periods to round things out.
This makes it excellent of big jobs, without the setup (though less longevity per refill) that the Silverstar calls for. Basically, this is a midrange steam iron for professionals that need to do a lot of ironing, but don’t necessarily need the steam completely on demand at any time of day and do it as a secondary function of their job.
The sticking point is the price. While worth it for what you get, this makes it something I’d suggest avoiding for anyone with much smaller volume requirements.
While on the topic of professional grade ironing, we would be remise if we didn't mention the Laurastar Ironing Stations as something to consider if you are serious about your ironing. The Swiss engineering is pricey but are a whole new level of ironing.
no4
Rowenta Steam Force Pro Stainless Steel 1850-Watt Steam Iron
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Dimension: 11 x 5 x 6 inches
- Power: 1850 W
- Tank: 11.8 ounce
- Max Steam Output: 250 g/min
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Features: Advanced Pump System, automatic steam and temperature adjustment
PROS
- Stainless Sole Plate
- 400 microholes
- larger water tank
- Advanced Pump System
- 5 preset auto steam and temperature settings
- Anti Drip Protection
CONS
- Sometimes leaks a little
Another good Rowenta.
weighs it at 1850w of power the highest of irons we have reviewed..
The advanced pump system gives this iron the highest burst steam of irons we have reviewed..
It similarly keeps the auto cleaning system, use as a vertical steamer, and burst of steam features, as well as the steam temperature automatically adjusting to the soleplate temperature (to help avoid scorching your clothes and ironing board). Does not come with a retractable cord if this is a feature you are interested in.
The main differences are it lacks the steam settings readout (preferring manual knobs instead) and stopping of steam emission when left still for too long.
Depending on how much you value those extra features and slightly higher heat and capacity this one could be a much better buy, excellent for smaller spot jobs or as a supplement to a larger and bulkier steam iron like the Silverstar that doesn’t have a vertical steam function.
Pur Steam Professional Grade
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Dimension: 13 x 7 x 5.5 inches
- Power: 1700 W
- Tank: 15 ounce
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Features: Anti-Calc System, Vertical Steam
PROS
- Chromium Sole Plate
- Axial Steam Holes for even distribution
- Steam Adjustment Dial
- 3-way Automatic Shutoff
- Variable Steam function and Temperature controls
- Vertical
CONS
- The adjustment dial can be annoyingly difficult to turn
A good, reasonably priced iron.
This is a no frills iron that is great for steaming your clothes and ironing. This iron is smaller than some of the other irons we reviewed but at 2.2 lbs it offers enough heft to do its job of removing wrinkles with minimum effort.
The Chromium sole plate is scratch resistant and glides surprisingly with ease across all fabrics.
As with most PurSteam products the steam feature is awesome on this iron, it produces plenty of steam quickly and can also be used vertically.
This is a great steamer but here are some of the things that moved it down our list:
- While the dial is handy for multiple settings, If you prefer digital settings you should pass on this iron (see our digital page for the digital version).
- It does not have a retractable cord
- The Dial tended to be difficult to turn
All in all for a basic steam iron this is a great choice at a good price point.
BLACK+DECKER Allure
USER RATING:
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Dimension: 4.3 x 5.7 x 11.7 inches
- Power: 1600 W
- Tank: 13 ounce
- Weight: 1.89 pounds
- Features: Auto Clean System, Vertical Steam
PROS
- Stainless Sole Plate
- Dynamic Steam Technology
- LCD screen
- Automatic Shutoff
- Variable Steam function and Temperature controls
- Vertical
CONS
- Needs to put more pressure because it is lightweight
A good, cheap option.
The main issue I have with this one is that it’s super light (1.8 pounds), meaning you’ll need to do some pressing. Other than that, it’s pretty great for the price.
It produces 30% more steam than similar priced competitors (the two it compares itself to are the T-Fal FV4476 and Shark GI405, the smaller brother of the Shark that just barely missed the cut for this list) has auto shutoff and self cleaning options, a nearly 13 ounce tank, and can be used as a vertical steamer (turning my one gripe into an advantage in that scenario, it’s very easy to maneuver as a garment steamer).
It does not have a retractable cord.
For the price tag (and electronic settings available if you’re willing to pay another more), it’s a really great steamer.
Conclusion
Depending on your need, any of these can be great for you. While I stand by the top 4 as the best (and trust me, I didn’t INTEND for Rowenta to dominate this list so much), either of the bottom 2 are also great in their own right as a supplementary professional steam iron or one used more in a home setting or to keep around your office to freshen up a suit in the middle of the day.
Rowenta DW9540 Blue Digital Display Steam Iron with Stainless Steel Soleplate, 1850-Watts of power
Steam has a variety of uses around the house for cleaning check out our reviews here.
We also review digital irons. Find your perfect steam iron.
How Do I Choose The Right One?
There are three main criteria I use to weed out the lesser professional steam irons: construction, function, and price.
Construction of a Steam Iron
Generally, professional steam irons are going to share a few basic features. They’ll have a stainless steel, ceramic, blended soleplate with 400 micro holes for steam.
The handle will be ergonomic and it will likely have a visual setting readout of some kind (though that’s not a requirement). It will be between 3 and 4 pounds, what I’ve set as about the optimum weight (not too light you have to press hard, not too heavy it’s cumbersome and uncomfortable to use).
Does it really matter how many holes are in the sole plate?
Generally, the more holes an iron has, the better its steam distribution and overall performance. However, the size and spacing of the holes can also affect the iron's performance, so it's important to consider these factors as well.
Ultimately, when choosing an iron, it's important to look at the overall design and features, rather than just focusing on the number of holes on the steam plate. Look for an iron that has a good balance of steam output, plate design, and other features that will meet your ironing needs.
Steam Iron Functions
Here is a quick summary of feature you want to consider when selecting your iron:
Steam output: A good steam iron should have a high steam output, as this helps to smooth out wrinkles and creases in clothing more effectively. Look for an iron with a steam output of at least 50-60 grams per minute.
Variable steam control: This allows you to adjust the amount of steam that the iron produces, which can be useful for different types of fabrics and ironing needs.
Steam shot: This feature allows you to release a burst of steam onto particularly stubborn wrinkles and creases. Look for an iron with a steam shot of at least 150 grams per minute.
Soleplate: The soleplate is the part of the iron that comes into direct contact with the fabric. Look for a soleplate that is made from a good quality material (such as ceramic, stainless steel, or titanium) and has a good design that allows it to glide smoothly over fabric.
Temperature control: This allows you to adjust the temperature of the iron to suit different types of fabrics and ironing needs.
Auto shut-off: This safety feature automatically turns the iron off after a period of inactivity, which can help to prevent accidents and save energy.
Cord length and swivel: A longer cord and a swivel feature can make the iron easier to use and maneuver.
Price
Price will vary. When selecting the best irons, the price rating in on whether it is fair for what you’re getting. There are a lot of overpriced options out there. Basically, everything on this list represents how it is valued as a professional steam iron based on what you get for the price, not so much detracting or adding points if irons are expensive or cheap.
Last Updated on February 8, 2024