From Steam Generator to Steam Closet, All You Need to Know About Ironing Technology
Whether you take pride in banishing folds and wrinkles, or just wish to speed through the task of ironing, our guide will help to tailor the iron to your needs.
Select the Right Wattage
The more steam an iron produces, the faster you’ll be whizzing through your laundry. How efficiently an iron produces heat and steam is related to its electrical power. Typically, a higher wattage (W) will generate more heat. For regular home ironing, an iron with around 2000W will do the job.
Choose Your Preferred Iron Type
| Types of Irons | Dry Iron | Steam Iron | Steam Generator | Garment Steamer |
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| Features | A traditional iron that does not produce steam and requires water to be sprinkled onto the garment | A pressing iron with a compartment holding water that is converted to steam by the iron's heat and emitted through the soleplate | An iron attached to a separate docking station with a water compartment, and connected via a water tube | Garment steamers are vertical steamers designed to quickly neaten clothes on the hanger |
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Check the Soleplate Material
The soleplate can be made of and coated with different kinds of materials. The best gliders are often stainless steel or ceramic.
Aluminium
Mainly found on entry-level irons. May become "sticky" over time, which can cause wrinkles on clothes as you iron. It conducts heat well, but is hard to clean and scratches easily.
Coated Non-Stick
Rarely becomes sticky because it glides over clothes, avoiding any pulls or wrinkles as you're ironing. It glides better than aluminium, but also scratches easily.
Stainless Steel
Moves over fabrics smoothly with excellent heat distribution, but may scratch zippers and buttons.
Ceramic
A good alternative to stainless steel as it has a hard-wearing, non-stick surface, spreads heat well and is easy to clean.
Palladium
Glides better than aluminium, but also scratches easily.
Some Additional Features to Consider
Auto Shut-Off
Turns off the power if the iron is motionless for a period of time to prevent a fire.
Steam Burst or Surge Button
Delivers a blast of steam to remove stubborn wrinkles, especially useful for linen and heavy fabrics.
Variable Heat/Fabric Settings
Allows you to control the temperature according to the fabric.
Drip Protection
Stops water droplets from staining fabrics when you are ironing.
Retractable Cord
Keeps the cord out of the way when you're using the iron or when storing it.
Steam Gauge or Adjustable Steam
Allows you to adjust the amount of steam or shut the steam off.
Misting Spray
Dampens deep wrinkles for easier ironing.
