Last Updated On July 1st, 2022
It is unlikely to be your favourite household chore but ironing is, unfortunately, a necessary part of day to day life for many people. Whilst it is certainly difficult to make the chore fun, when you buy the best steam iron for your needs, it can at least make this tiresome job much easier and faster to complete.
Steam irons help to improve the process and save you time by quickly loosening creases using highly pressurised steam. However, because the manufacturers of these devices are continually improving their product designs and adding new functions, it can make deciding upon the right steam iron feel like a chore in itself!
Luckily for you, we are here to help. In our steam iron reviews, we examine the top ten irons on the market in detail, so you can buy the perfect one for your lifestyle and workload.
Best Steam Irons Compared
Top 10 Steam Iron Reviews
Before we get started, it is useful for you to consider your ironing workload and lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions:
What types of fabric do you have in your closet and home? Are you ironing for just yourself, a family or is it a source of income for you? Are you doing it only about once a week or is it a daily task? Does your task include drapes and bedding along with clothing? Is your wardrobe mainly dress shirts and slacks with accessories to iron around or jeans and t-shirts?
Once you have figured out the answers to these questions, you will have a better idea of what product qualities will be most important to you when you buy.
Keep these in mind as we now take a look at our top ten steam irons.
1. Philips GC9630/20 Perfect Care Elite (Editor’s Choice)
This is another steam generating iron from Philips, promising faster ironing due to the power of its steam output which can penetrate multiple layers at once, as well as deep into your tougher and thicker fabrics.
Features
It offers one temperature that is suitable for all fabrics, making it stress-free to use. With this iron, you don’t have to worry about regulating the temperature manually for each particular piece of clothing or material.
If you encounter tough creases, the powerful steam boost packs a hefty punch, leaving you with smooth results quickly. Even so, the iron itself is lightweight, so you should find it easy and simple to use even when vertical steaming. This will be especially welcome if you have arthritis or other such conditions.
The hefty 1.8L capacity means you don’t have to refill often. However, this can also make the entire product very heavy. Therefore, you will need to make sure you have a board that can hold this weight safely.
- Super lightweight iron which limits fatigue
- One optimal temperature makes using it on multiple fabrics a stress-free experience
- High capacity reservoir reduces the refill frequency
- Heats up in 2 minutes which saves you time
- Auto descale function increases longevity and performance
- Can be used for vertical steaming
- Quite large and bulky than other steam irons
- At over 5kg including the base, the whole unit is quite heavy
- While it is considered a quiet iron for a steam generating iron, some people found it noisier than other steam irons on the market
2. Morphy Richards 333020 (Large Water Tank)
This Jet steam iron from Morphy Richards comes in an attractive purple and white colour. It combines steaming and heat and also has a water spray feature to help tackle tough creases.
Features
The steam generator heats up rapidly, being ready to go in under two minutes. This is great if you are in a rush to iron your favourite outfit before heading out. The Morphy Richards can produce 100g of steam that softens the fibres in your fabrics, which helps smooth them out. This amount of steam output is lower than other similar steam irons we have seen but is still effective nonetheless.
If you often iron large fabrics, the Morphy Richards has a long 1.8m cord that makes it much easier to use without feeling tethered to the wall. The stainless steel soleplate is highly durable, so you can be sure this iron will not let you down for many years.
The Morphy Richards also offers a detachable 1L reservoir, enabling you to get more done before requiring a refill. Furthermore, the special continuous fill boiler allows for refilling during use, so you do not need to interrupt your chores to top up the water. However, this does add to the overall weight and size of the unit, making the Morphy Richards quite heavy.
- 1L removable reservoir can be refilled during use
- Long power cord enables more freedom of movement
- Water spray option enhances performance against stubborn creases.
- Stainless steel soleplate is highly durable
- Comfortable handle
- Some people said it occasionally spits steam unexpectedly
- The 100g steam output is considerably less than other options on the market
- You may need to invest in an board that is sturdy enough to support the size of the iron
3. Tefal GV9071 Pro Express Care (Lightweight Choice)
Offering 7.5 bars of pressure and an extra steam boost of 500g per minute, the Tefal GV9071 is an iron with great power.
Features
It has a large 1.6 L water tank in the base, which not only lasts a long time but is also removable for quick refilling. This is a great benefit when you have lots of ironing to do. Furthermore, the electric cord is long enough to help you easily iron bigger pieces without having to move the fabric closer.
You won’t need to worry about burning your clothes when using this steam iron. It has 5 dedicated settings which create a perfect balance of heat and steam for each type of fabric. Also, it also has an easy glide feature which to helps speed up your chore, so you can spend less time on the chores. The extra steam boost function is very effective but requires three clicks of the button to activate it. This can get a bit annoying if you are using it for a long time.
Stains are avoided and the soleplate is kept clean by the removable scale collector. Unfortunately, some users found this iron sometimes leaks discoloured water, which often means that item needs to be re-washed.
- Higher steam pressure than previous steam irons for rapid crease removal
- Lightweight while not compromising on quality, making it easy to use without tiring from extended usage
- Has a safety lock to prevent accidents when not in use.
- Original and unique scale remover which ensures a longer lifespan for the iron
- Button must be pressed three times to generate extra steam which can get tedious
- Has been known to release rusty coloured steam or water from time to time which can stain clothes
- The ceramic plate can quickly discolour with heavy use
4. Philips GC9650/80 PerfectCare Elite (Luxury Choice)
If you regularly iron shirts, the Philips GC9650/80 is a great option. Promising “ultra-fast” results, this attractive and compact iron also protects against fabric burns so you can be sure your shirts will be crisp in all the right ways.
Features
The power of its 150g per minute steam output means this iron can penetrate layers of clothing as well as your thicker, denser fabrics, such as suit jackets and jeans. The single temperature setting means you can iron stress-free since it is suitable for all types of fabric, no matter how delicate.
If you want to up the power, the 500g steam boost will make short work of troublesome crumples. There is also a vertical steam option, but you may find the iron leaks when using this method.
The iron itself is lightweight, at only 0.8kg, making it appropriate for use by most people. However, due to the large 1.8L reservoir, the entire unit is quite heavy at 5.1kg. You should take this into consideration if you have a lightweight board.
- One fixed temperature that is optimal for all fabric types
- Large 1.8L container lasts for a long time before needing a refill
- Iron is lightweight enough for everyone
- Vertical steam option enables smoothing of hanging fabrics
- 500g steam boost eliminates tough creases
- The whole product is heavy, weighing in at over 5kg
- Upright steaming of hanging clothes may cause some water leaks
- Ceramic plate is not as durable as stainless steel and may show signs of wear more quickly
5. Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630 (Most Powerful Choice)
This Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra comes in a sleek and unisex design, making it attractive to all members of the family. This steam iron releases continuous steam at a rate of 45g per minute and offers an additional steam burst feature of 210g per minute for those really tough creases.
Features
As the Russell Hobbs is a traditional steam iron, the tank is located within the body of the iron itself. As a result, the capacity is only 350ml, so it will need refilling more often.
However, this means the Russell Hobbs only weighs 1.6kg, which is great when used both traditional, or vertical steam options. It will not take up much room on your board or require abundant storage space. This Russell Hobbs iron also has a 3m long cord that will help you manoeuvre more easily during use. Unfortunately, though, there isn’t any storage feature for the cord in the Powersteam Ultra, which can be frustrating.
As an added benefit, this Russell Hobbs iron includes an anti-scale feature. Reducing scale build-up aids longevity, so you should find this iron lasts a reasonable length of time, even with heavy use.
The Russell Hobbs also offers auto shut-off. This is a useful safety feature if you are often in a hurry to get out the door.
- Lightweight
- Anti-scale feature enhances durability
- 3m long cord allows freedom of movement
- Auto shut off safety feature gives peace of mind
- Vertical steam option allows quick ironing of awkward fabrics
- No feature at base for wrapping cord when stowing away
- Not as efficient at steam release as others on the market making it less capable of removing very rigid creases
- Can leak water when temperature is adjusted
6. Tefal FV2662 Ultraglide Anti-Calc (Best Anti-Drip Design)
Powerful and smooth, the Tefal FV2662 Ultraglide Anti-Calc steam iron makes a great addition to any home. It is easy to clean and, as the name suggests, glides across your clothing while it removes even the most stubborn of wrinkles.
Features
One of the best features of the Tefal FV2662 Anti-Calc is its removable scale collector. Simply slide out the tip and clean it separately to keep the steam pressure and overall iron functionality at its peak performance level. We also love its anti-drip design, which means you shouldn’t have to worry about water drop stains on your more delicate fabrics.
This steam iron has a safety cutoff and is powered 2500 watts, allowing it to heat up rapidly and shoot steam out more forcefully. The powerful spray helps it penetrate your clothing on a deeper level so it can remove wrinkles like a pro.
Of course, like any product, the FV2662 steam iron doesn’t come without its flaws. It has a somewhat smaller 270 ml water reservoir which may require you to refill it mid-job. It also has a shorter power cord, and it can be difficult to view the water level, which makes refilling it somewhat tricky.
- Removable scale collector
- Smooth glide soleplate
- Powerful steam production
- Anti-drip design
- Heats up rapidly
- The water tank may be smaller
- The power cord may be shorter
- The water level can be tricky
7. Breville VIN401 Diamond Xpress (Best with Fast Heat Up)
If you want to get your ironing done quickly, as most of us do, the Breville VIN401 Diamond Xpress Steam Iron could be just what you want. It is able to help you reduce the overall amount of time you spend getting the wrinkles out of your clothes by being highly versatile and powerful.
Features
The Breville Diamond Xpress Steam Iron features an extra-wide diamond ceramic soleplate that is capable of multi-directional ironing. The added width of the soleplate allows you to expand your coverage while you iron, effectively making the task take less time. It uses 3100 watts of power to heat it up quickly and produce powerful steam. As a bonus, this iron can be used vertically to steam clothes while they are hanging.
The easy to fill water tank on this steam iron can hold up to 400 ml of water, so you should be able to remove quite a few wrinkles before worrying about a refill. Considering this, it is also nice that this device features a comfortable grip on the handle. It also has an auto shut off feature and a convenient self-clean function.
This steam iron does have some anti-drip properties, but it may not be entirely leakproof. You should also know that the steam button may not be the most durable. And while we like the oversized dimensions for the reasons described above, some people find this iron a bit bulky for their preference.
- Easy to fill 400 ml water tank
- Extra-wide diamond ceramic soleplate
- Can produce steam vertically
- Heats up rapidly
- Multi-directional ironing
- It might not be 100% leakproof
- May have a bulkier design
- Steam button could be less durable
8. Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide 23972 (Versatile Option)
Another fantastic pick on our list is the Russell Hobbs Pearl Glide Steam Iron. It has a smooth soleplate that works both efficiently and effectively to remove wrinkles from your clothes with ease.
Features
The Pearl Glide Steam Iron features the all-important anti-drip and self-clean that most of us look for in our irons. The self-clean mode is quite handy when it comes to removing calcium buildup caused by hard water and helps keep the iron working better and for longer.
Another way this iron establishes durability is through its strong and smooth ceramic soleplate. The tough material of the soleplate easily resists scratches and enhances the iron’s overall lifespan. It also gives you a smooth feel as you press out wrinkles and run the iron across the fabric, which helps to prevent fatigue in your arm and hand.
However, the unlucky position of the temperature dial on this steam iron means it is fairly easy to adjust the temperature while you are ironing inadvertently. Also, it has a somewhat shorter power cord that could restrict your range of motion. And, it could leave a few water spots on your clothes, especially until you get used to using this specific model.
- Highly durable ceramic soleplate
- Reputable UK brand
- Smooth ironing
- Convenient self-cleaning mode
- Anti-drip and auto shut off functions
- The steam button’s position may be inconvenient
- May come with a shorter power cord
- Could leave water spots
9. Tefal GV7466 Express (Best with Anti-Calc)
The Tefal GV7466 Express offers a 1.6L reservoir, up to 6.5 bars of pressure and 120g of steam per minute to leave your clothes looking sleek and smooth in no time.
Features
While 120g/min of steam is certainly impressive, this iron also has a variable steam dial which enables you to adjust the amount of steam output as required for the fabric you are working with. This allows you the flexibility to choose the correct setting, whether you are using it on delicate or stubborn fabrics.
However, some people found that the steam generation seems to decline with use, and the iron needs to be restarted to solve this issue. Furthermore, it has been known to occasionally leak rusty water, which isn’t at all helpful.
With regard to durability, this iron has an anti-calc feature which protects iron performance and endurance in hard water areas. The easy to use calc collector also allows you to remove the calc deposits without any fuss.
Unfortunately, there isn’t an auto shut-off feature which may be important if you are prone to leaving the iron and rushing out in the morning
- Abundant and continual steam release
- High-pressure feature means layers of clothing can be ironed at once, thus reducing overall time.
- Variable steam controls for efficient use
- Anti-calc feature protects and ensures endurance
- Has been known to sometimes leak rusty water
- Steam can subside after some use and may need restarting to regenerate optimal steam output
- No auto shut-off feature
10. Breville Press Xpress (Best Value)
This Breville Press Xpress is a great choice of low-cost iron, which doesn’t compromise on quality. It has a special wide ceramic finish soleplate, enabling you to easily iron up and down as well as side to side.
Features
The tank is 400ml, which isn’t particularly large. However, you should find it easy to refill thanks to the wide opening at the front of the iron. If your clothes have tough creases, they are easily penetrated and smoothed by the 180g steam shot, leaving you with a sleek finish.
The steam button is located on the handle, which may be a slight design flaw as you can easily press it accidentally. However, you have the option of using without the steam function if you prefer. This will help you limit the number of times you need to refill the reservoir.
It also boasts of an anti-drip function, meaning it minimizes the risk of water leaking onto your clothes. But some people found it will still leak if it is left still for too long.
It comes with an extra-long 3m cord which means you can use the iron in other areas of the room from where it is set up. While this is convenient in some instances, a very long cord may also get in your way.
- Multi-directional feature on the ceramic plate makes using it easier
- Inexpensive
- 400ml water tank is easy to refill
- Long 3m cord ensures flexible use
- Can be used with or without the steam function
- The extra-long cord can get in the way
- Can leak if left still for too long
- Steam button can be easily pressed accidentally
How Do Steam Irons Work?
Steam irons generate steam by using a built-in boiler to heat water to a very high temperature. Depending on the model, the water reservoir may be located either in the base of the iron or in a separate unit attached by a cord.
Once the water has been heated to an adequate temperature to create steam, the steam is then pressurised and forced out through the holes in the soleplate of the iron. As it penetrates the fabric, the powerful steam relaxes and loosens the fibres within, thus allowing any creases to be easily pressed flat by the weight of the iron. The steam also kills most of the bacteria and germs that tend to stick to fabrics.
Some also offer a ‘vertical steam ironing’ feature. This is designed to be used on fabrics that are either too delicate or too inconvenient to iron in the traditional way such as curtains. As the name suggests, this is a process that removes creases without needing to press down upon the fabric. This may be available on the iron itself, or via the use of an attached handheld wand.
Types of Steam Irons
When you buy a steam iron, there are two main types to consider: traditional steam irons, or steam generator irons. The best choice for your needs will greatly depend on your habits and workload.
Below, we examine the differences between each type in more detail:
Traditional Steam Irons
Some of the best steam irons UK buyers prefer are those that incorporate the water reservoir into the iron itself. In some steam irons, the handle will be hollow to increase the capacity of the reservoir while still maintaining a more compact size. Traditional ones cannot generate as much powerful steam as steam generator irons and will require re-filling with water more frequently.
Even so, traditional ones are very effective, simple to use and do not take up much space. Therefore, it is a good choice to buy if you only deal with small amounts of household laundry.
Steam Generator Irons
If you regularly iron heavy-duty fabrics such as denim and linens, or need an iron for commercial use, steam generator irons are likely what you need to buy. Once heated, this type of steam iron offers a constant supply of high-pressure steam power, helping you to get through large piles of laundry fast.
The water reservoir is much larger and located in a separate unit, connected to the iron by a hose. This large reservoir doesn’t need to be refilled very frequently. Without the reservoir in the iron itself, this makes it weigh much lighter.
However, one downside is the size. The combination of a separate high-capacity reservoir and iron means the overall machine is quite large and bulky. Unless you have a large ironing board, you will likely find yourself having to place the steam generator iron on a chair or nearby table during use.
How to Use a Steam Iron for Best Results
If you are currently looking at a large pile of crumpled laundry, you will be pleased to hear that steam irons are very simple to use. While the functions and individual specifications will naturally vary with each model, most have the same basic options and instructions which are not difficult to master.
In this section, we tell you how to get the most out of your steam iron, so you can easily achieve beautiful, crease-free fabrics.
1. Packaging and Manual
When you buy your steam iron, the very first step is to remove all the packaging and read the manual thoroughly. Most manuals will recommend filling the water reservoir while the iron is unplugged and cold. Some have removable reservoirs. Therefore, they can be filled directly under the tap while other steam irons which have fixed reservoirs may come with a pitcher to help you fill it up without spills. Also, check for further instructions on how to clean your steam iron for maintenance and longevity.
2. Fill the Water Reservoir
No matter how you fill it, it is important that you only fill to the max water line marked on the side. This is so you can avoid any splashing or leaking from the machine during use. Always use clean water, or distilled water if possible for best results. Never pour hot water into the reservoir.
3. Plug and Wait
Once you have filled the reservoir to the correct level, plug in the iron and allow time for it to heat. The amount of time required to heat the water will vary depending on the type and model of steam iron you are using. Some can take as little as 2 minutes to heat up.
4. Check the Label
If you are ironing delicate fabrics, it is advised to check the label to find the recommended heat setting. You can then set the temperature level according to this to avoid damage. If your model is equipped with a light indicator, wait for the light to notify you that the iron is hot and ready to use.
5. Iron the Fabric
When your steam iron is ready to go, lay the fabric out across the ironing board as flat as you can. Move the iron with the grain of the fabric, releasing steam regularly to relax and loosen the creases. If the garment has any graphics or vinyl designs, you should iron it inside out so they don’t melt.
Furthermore, never iron over buttons or zippers as this can damage them and your iron. Some have special notches in the soleplates which are designed to make it around buttons easier.
A Quick Note About Safety
When setting the iron down, make sure to place it on its heel unless you have a model which has a dedicated ‘no burn’ base plate that can be safely rested upon. Also, always ensure to keep it facing away from you during use. Not only is it very hot, but any accidental steam ejection can cause burns.
Best Choice
All of the products in our steam iron reviews would make great choices, but if we had to pick our favourite, the winner would have to be the Philips GC9630/20 Perfect Care Elite.
We love how this impressive steam generator iron has enough power for most jobs by offering an incredible 6.7 bar of pressure as well as a hefty 470g boost of steam when required. There’s no individual setting to adjust for different types of fabrics. Its OptimalTEMP technology provides the right combination of temperature and powerful steam to deal effectively with stubborn creases while protecting your clothes from burns.
This iron also provides a generous 1.8L detachable water tank, which means you will spend less time refilling. Other aspects that make this the best steam iron are its eco mode, vertical steaming, and safe carry lock.
Overall, if you want a steam iron which can bring a little joy to your chores, we think the Philips GC9630/20 Perfect Care Elite is the best for you.
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