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The 8 Best Travel Irons in 2023 [Portable, Dual Voltage]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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Things To Consider When Buying a Travel Iron

1. mini steam iron with dual voltage, 2. compact and easy-to-use iron, 3. lots of features in a compact iron, 4. lightweight travel iron with 360-degree swivel cord, 5. mini project steam iron with ceramic soleplate, 6. easy to use and portable iron, 7. 800-watt handheld steam iron, 8. 3 temperature settings in a compact iron, final thoughts.

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We’d all rather look well-groomed while traveling. However, any traveler is familiar with the headache of opening your suitcase only to find all your clothes limp and wrinkled.

The most convenient tool for addressing this problem is the travel iron. This handy tool is specially designed to fit in your suitcase and is powerful enough to keep you looking tidy. Choosing the best travel iron can be intimidating, but we will guide you through the whole process.

It’s important to know what to look for when you are setting out to buy a travel iron. Perhaps your foremost consideration will be the size and weight of the iron in order to maximize your luggage storage space.

But there are several other factors to keep in mind, including the iron’s power and heat control. Let’s dig a little deeper into these aspects.

Weight and Size

One of the biggest advantages travel irons have over regular ones is their weight. Made to be easily portable in your luggage, they weigh significantly less than regular irons. Look for an iron that weighs approximately 1 pound .

As for size, a travel iron is built to fit perfectly into your suitcase or travel bag. This convenient tool’s dimensions typically vary from 6 to 8 inches in length.

Ease of Use

When it comes to a travel iron’s ease of use, there are a couple of things you should be aware of. First, take a good look at the handle and see if it looks comfortable . A functional handle will go a long way in making your iron usable. Second, the best travel irons include motion-sensitive technology, helping you iron faster and with greater precision.

On top of that, there are some really interesting additional features you can look out for, like anti-drip or water-spraying features, both of which contribute to overall ease of use when it comes to ironing.

Heat Control

If you’re looking at an iron without the option to control the heat level, think again. Any travel iron on your shortlist should have this ability. You don’t want to iron synthetic clothes with the same level of heat as cotton clothes.

Hot Tip: Look for an iron that has printed indicators on the swivel that denote exactly what each level is for.

If you are traveling to a different country, look for an iron with dual voltage . You will likely be dealing with different voltages, which can render your travel iron useless.

If you plug your iron into a higher voltage source, you run the risk of frying it.

Similarly, power is an important consideration when choosing a travel iron. Simply speaking, more powerful irons are made for heavier clothes or fabrics that are hard to iron. So, choose wisely, and if you plan on straightening heavier clothes like hoodies or jeans, find a 1,000-watt iron that can handle the job .

On the other hand, lighter clothes like t-shirts and shorts will not require a powerful iron.

Portability

Weigh the portability of your travel iron against its power output. You don’t want to have to make room for a huge iron in your suitcase at the expense of something else.

Most travel irons are specially designed to ensure maximum portability, but it’s still something to consider.

The 8 Best Travel Irons

Now that we’ve discussed exactly what to look for in a travel iron let’s take a look at some of the best ones available. We’ve compiled a list of the best options that are versatile and will satisfy all of your expectations for a travel iron.

Steamfast Super Convenient Iron

Steamfast offers a compact travel iron that comes with a lot of features. With 420 watts of power, this iron is built to handle just about any kind of fabric.

In addition, the dual-voltage feature will come in handy if you travel overseas to a location with a different voltage. This iron is made to work flawlessly between 100 and 240 volts , which will allow you to use it on any continent.

Lastly, the overall design is quite interesting and compact. This iron is only 5.2 inches in length and weighs 1 pound, which will save you a lot of space when packing. On top of that, the comfortable anti-slip handle will ensure a good grip for ease of use.

What We Like

• Comes with a traveling bag

What We Don’t Like

• Using steam mode might cause drips

BLACK DECKER Easy Steam Iron

This specially designed iron will allow you to easily straighten every wrinkle out of your clothes. It works well on heavier clothes as well, so consider this one if you’re traveling somewhere cold.

This iron’s anti-drip technology is engineered to prevent dripping by maintaining the correct water temperature to generate steam . This feature also regulates the amount of steam produced in line with the temperature setting. On top of that, this iron features a pivoting cord and 3-way automatic shut-off for ultimate user convenience.

Possibly the best thing about it is the TrueGlide nonstick soleplate, which is designed to glide smoothly over any fabric. There’s also a push-button spray-mist feature that further moistens fabrics to eliminate deep wrinkles.

• Lots of features and easy to use
• Not as small as other travel irons

Hot Tip: Consider our guide to the best portable travel steamers , as well!

Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800 Watt Iron

If you’re looking for compatibility and ease of use, this travel iron is a good choice. The well-known Sunbeam brand once again nailed it with this feature-rich iron. For starters, this iron has a dual-voltage system that will allow you to use it just about anywhere in the world.

On top of that, the soft-touch handle with an ergonomically-designed shape will allow you to glide the iron smoothly over fabric, applying pressure as needed . A convenient swivel in the front will allow you to choose the most suitable heat setting.

All in all, if you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-use, and convenient travel iron, you can’t go wrong with this one.

• Slick and compact design
• Steam function can leak

Utopia HomeSteam Iron

Even though this iron is made for in-home use, it’s also a great travel companion. With 1,200 watts and a 360-degree swivel cord, the Utopia Home Steam Iron will ensure your clothes are pressed with minimal effort.

A lightweight and compact design makes this iron a great choice for travel as well. In addition, it features adjustable thermostat control, protection from overheating, and a nonstick soleplate that ensures a smooth glide over any fabric.

Also, this iron is quite easy to use both vertically and horizontally. The steam-ironing feature allows you to steam your clothes while they’re on a hanger or remove wrinkles from curtains and drapes if the need arises.

• Multifunctionality and ease of use
• It’s hard to fill the water tank without spilling

Oliso Ceramic Iron

This Oliso ceramic iron is specially designed to ensure maximum heat control and ease of use. On top of that, it is compact and lightweight, making it a great option for travel. This iron’s soleplate is made of high-quality ceramic with a precision tip that will allow you to easily press cuffs and collars.

Furthermore, it comes with a fabric-selector option that’s very useful for those who like to pack a variety of fabrics. Additionally, you can use it anywhere in the world as this iron features a dual-voltage design.

• Fabric-selector feature
• Handle heats up when used extensively

Rowenta DA1560 Travel-Ready Iron

With a compact design and an ergonomic handle, this Rowenta travel iron is a standout in its field. It’s made with ease of use and portability in mind, but it remains powerful enough to remove every wrinkle on your clothes, no matter the fabric.

You can use this iron both vertically and horizontally for a long period of time, thanks to the 2-ounce transparent water tank and dual-voltage switch . All in all, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use iron that removes all wrinkles, this is a top pick.

• Easy to maneuver and has a stainless-steel soleplate
• The cord is not that long

Conair EZ Press Iron

This Conair handheld iron was designed with comfort and portability in mind. It features 800 watts of power, which is enough to iron almost anything. On top of that, its compact size and lightweight construction will allow you to easily carry it in your suitcase or backpack.

The stainless-steel soleplate ensures a smooth glide over fabric, especially cotton and synthetic clothes. There is also an anti-slip heel on the bottom of the iron for maximum protection from unwanted contact .

• Steam burst feature that eliminates hard wrinkles
• Takes a bit more time to heat up

Sharper Image Convenient Iron

The first thing you’ll notice about the Sharper Image travel iron is its sleek and minimalist design. With a simple color scheme and an in-handle water tank, this iron is designed with functionality and comfort in mind. In addition, it features a quick heat-up time and 3 temperature settings , allowing you to easily remove all wrinkles from any type of clothing.

Additionally, thanks to the dual-voltage feature, this travel iron is equipped for use all over the world. Its 350 watts of power and nonstick rust-resistant soleplate will no doubt serve you well on your journey.

• Quick heating
• Lacks the power of some other irons

Now that you are well-acquainted with the benefits of travel irons, you won’t want to travel without one. Their useful features and compact design will come in handy on every trip.

All in all, we strongly recommend traveling with an iron. Tidy up your appearance and project confidence with a freshly pressed wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a travel iron.

If you tend to travel a lot, especially in a professional capacity, it’s hard to get around the necessity for a travel iron. Travel irons are made to travel with you and keep you looking polished.

Are hotels equipped with irons?

Not all hotels have travel irons. Of course, you can always check with reception before you arrive at a hotel. But, with a travel iron in your suitcase, you will be prepared either way.

How much does a travel iron weigh?

There are different models on the market with different weights. However, a standard travel iron weighs around 1 or 2 pounds.

Is ironing easy with a travel iron?

Most travel irons prioritize ease of use, with everything from non-stick soleplates to comfortable handles.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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8 of the Best Travel Irons for a Wrinkle-Free 2024

• August 4, 2023

We’ve got the scoop on the best travel irons to keep you looking fresh and sharp wherever you go.

With features like adjustable thermostat control, compact design, and in-handle water tanks, these travel irons are a must-have for any traveler.

So if you’re tired of arriving at your destination with wrinkled clothes, discover our top 7 picks that will make your life easier on the road.

Key Takeaways

• Lightweight and compact design for easy travel and packing
• Nonstick soleplate and anti-stick design for smooth gliding and preventing damage to fabrics
• Adjustable thermostat control and protection from overheating for safety and versatility
• Dual-voltage design and in-handle water tank for convenience and suitability for international travel

Table of Contents

Things to consider when buying a travel iron.

There are several key points when considering the best travel iron for your needs.

First, weight and size are important factors, as you want a compact, lightweight iron that won’t add unnecessary bulk to your luggage.

Second, ease of use is crucial, so look for features like an ergonomic design and convenient controls.

Lastly, heat control and voltage/wattage compatibility are essential to ensure that your travel iron can handle different fabrics and work efficiently in various countries .

Weight and Size

Travel irons are designed to be small and compact, making them easy to carry and pack for any trip. Here are three reasons why the weight and size of a travel iron matter:

• Portability: A compact iron ensures that it won’t take up much space in your luggage or weigh you down during your travels. It allows you to bring it along wherever you go effortlessly.
• Convenience: A small iron is easier to maneuver and handle, especially when ironing delicate fabrics or tight spaces. Its compact size makes it more practical for quick touch-ups on the go.
• Versatility: Whether you need a mini travel iron for business trips or a portable travel iron for vacation, a lightweight and compact design ensures that it can fit into different types of bags without any hassle.

Investing in a compact travel iron guarantees wrinkle-free clothes wherever your adventures take you.

Ease of Use

To make ironing a breeze, consider features like an adjustable thermostat and ergonomic design.

When choosing the best travel iron, ease of use is vital. Look for models that offer steam control, which will help you tackle even the toughest wrinkles. Dual voltage options are also important, as they allow you to use your mini iron anywhere in the world without worrying about damaging it.

Additionally, a compact design and travel bag will ensure that your iron fits easily into your luggage while protecting it. Don’t forget to check the length of the cord as well – a longer cord will give you more flexibility when ironing.

With these features, you can say goodbye to wrinkled clothes and hello to perfectly pressed outfits on your travels!

Heat Control

For optimal ironing results, it is crucial to have control over the heat settings on your travel iron. This is because having the right temperature is essential in achieving wrinkle-free clothes and keeping them looking their best.

Here are four reasons why heat control is crucial when using a steam iron for travel:

• Prevents damage: Controlling the temperature allows you to adjust it according to the fabric’s needs, preventing any potential damage caused by excessive heat.
• Efficient removal of wrinkles: Different fabrics require different heat levels to remove wrinkles effectively. Proper heat control allows you to target specific areas and achieve smooth results without wasting time and effort.
• Avoids scorching: By adjusting the temperature, you can avoid scorching delicate fabrics or leaving shiny marks on your clothes.
• Extends garment lifespan: Using the correct temperature setting helps maintain the integrity of your clothing, prolonging their lifespan and keeping them looking new for longer.

Having control over the heat settings on your travel iron ensures that you can easily handle various fabrics, making ironing a breeze while maintaining excellent results.

Voltage/Wattage

Check the voltage and wattage of your travel iron to ensure it is compatible with the power outlets in the country you are visiting.

When looking for the best travel iron, consider getting a dual-voltage travel iron that can be used worldwide. This type of iron allows you to switch between 110-120 volts and 220-240 volts, making it suitable for international travel.

Some popular options include the Steamfast Mini Travel Steam Iron and the Rowenta Travel Iron. These irons are compact and lightweight, perfect for fitting into your travel gear.

Whether you need to steam out wrinkles or touch up your clothes on the go, a travel steam iron or steamer is an essential tool in your suitcase.

The Best Travel Irons of 2024

When finding the best travel iron, you have several options to consider.

The Rowenta Pro Compact offers a compact design and powerful steam for wrinkle-free clothes on the go.

If dual voltage is important to you, the Sharper Image SI-755 is an excellent choice, with its versatile functionality and light construction.

For those on a budget, the Black & Decker D340 provides an affordable option without compromising on performance.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a portable and convenient option, the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot is compact enough to fit in your suitcase and heats up quickly for efficient ironing.

Lastly, the Utopia Home Steam combines nonstick soleplate technology with adjustable temperature settings for smooth and precise results every time.

Rowenta Pro Compact

The Rowenta Pro Compact iron is a portable option with variations in heat and steam functionality. It is a 1000-watt iron with a micro steam stainless-steel soleplate, adjustable temperature, consistent steam, burst-of-steam button, and vertical-steam option. It has a 2-ounce transparent water tank, dual-voltage switch, compact size, and a handle that folds flat for storage. The iron includes a travel pouch and measures 8-3/5 by 3-8/9 by 4-8/9 inches.

While the iron performs well for removing wrinkles from clothes during travel, some units may have heat and steam functionality variations. The pros of the Rowenta Pro Compact include its portability, effectiveness, ease of packing in any carry-on and quick steam readiness. On the downside, multiple purchases may be required due to variations in performance or issues with heat and steam functionality.

• Compact yet powerful: Strong enough performance for home, with a sleek, compact design for travel.
• Efficient and durable: 1000-watt iron with microsteam durable stainless-steel soleplate.
• Versatile design: Irons with or without steam and works with tap water, no need for distilled water

Product Specs:

• 1000-watt iron
• Micro steam stainless-steel soleplate
• Adjustable temperature
• Consistent steam
• Burst-of-steam button
• Vertical-steam option
• 2-ounce transparent water tank
• Portability
• Ease of packing in any carry-on
• Fast readiness of steam
• Some units may not get as hot or have issues with steam functionality

Sharper Image SI-755

You’ll love the compact size and quick heat-up time of the Sharper Image SI-755 iron. This sleek and simple mini iron is perfect for everyday home or travel use.

A 1.1-ounce water tank heats up in just one minute, allowing you to touch up your garments without any hassle quickly. The 350 watts of power and nonstick sole plate ensure smooth gliding over fabrics, while the 8-foot power cord provides ample reach. Plus, with its dual voltage convenience, you can easily switch between 120 and 220 volts.

• QUICK HEAT UP TIME: The 1.1 ounce water tank heats up in one minute, equipped with 1-touch steam…
• EQUIPPED FOR THE JOB: 350 watts of power removes wrinkles from almost any fabric, a non-stick sole…
• DUAL VOLTAGE CONVENIENCE: Sized and equipped for travel anywhere in the world, just select between…
• Brand: Sharper Image
• Special Feature: Corded
• Color: White
• Wattage: 350 watts
• Model Name: SI-755
• Style: Compact, Mini
• Item Weight: 1.1 ounces
• Base Material: Stainless Steel
• Voltage: 220 Volts
• Compact size perfect for travel or small spaces
• Quick heat-up time for efficient ironing sessions
• Versatile design suitable for various projects
• Mixed reviews about the steamer function
• Some users mentioned the need for a converter plug for international use
• Mention of short life span requiring replacement

Black & Decker D340

The Black & Decker D340 iron is a travel iron that offers efficient and smooth ironing with its TrueGlide nonstick soleplate and Smart Steam Technology. Its lightweight construction and compact design make it perfect for on-the-go use. The TrueGlide nonstick soleplate ensures that the iron glides effortlessly over your garments, preventing any snagging or sticking. The Smart Steam Technology automatically adjusts the steam output based on the fabric type, allowing you to achieve wrinkle-free results every time.

• Brand: BLACK+DECKER
• Model: D340
• Style: Compact
• Base Material: Ceramic
• Color: Lime Green
• Weight: 1.94 pounds
• Dimensions: 10.51 x 5.87 x 4.37 inches
• TrueGlide nonstick soleplate for smooth gliding
• Smart Steam Technology for efficient steam control
• No auto turnoff feature after a period of non-use

Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot

Use the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot travel iron to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. This compact iron is perfect for fitting into your luggage without taking up too much space or adding extra weight.

Its dual voltage feature lets you easily switch between 120V and 240V, making it suitable for local and international travel. The powerful shot of steam feature allows you to effectively remove wrinkles from hanging garments, upholstery, or drapery. The nonstick soleplate ensures smooth gliding over fabrics, while the fabric select control dial lets you adjust the temperature based on different fabric types.

Don’t let wrinkled clothes ruin your trip – pack the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot travel iron and enjoy wrinkle-free outfits wherever you go.

• MADE TO TRAVEL: Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron 800 watt, dual voltage (120V/240V) for local or international…
• POWERFUL SHOT OF STEAM FEATURE: works horizontally or vertically for hanging garments, upholstery or…
• EASY-TO-USE: soft touch ergonomic handle keeps controls at your fingertips with an 8-foot cord to…
• Brand: Sunbeam
• Special Feature: Nonstick
• Color: Light Blue
• Wattage: 800
• Recommended Uses: Steam Iron
• Model Name: Hot-2-Trot
• Style: Compact Nonstick Soleplate Travel Iron
• Dual voltage for international travel
• Powerful shot of steam feature
• Soft touch ergonomic handle with a long cord
• No auto shut-off feature
• Cord placement may be inconvenient for left-handed users
• Personal irons may be restricted on cruise ships

Utopia Home Steam

Are you looking for a cost-effective steam iron? Utopia Home Steam Iron is an excellent option for effortlessly removing wrinkles from your clothes.

This durable iron is designed with a nonstick soleplate, ensuring smooth and easy pressing on all fabrics. With a water tank capacity of 200 ml, you can enjoy uninterrupted steam power to tackle even the toughest wrinkles.

The 360-degree swivel cord allows easy maneuverability, while the adjustable thermostat and variable steam control provide added convenience and flexibility. Additionally, this steam iron features overheat safety protection to ensure your safety while ironing.

• NOT AN USED ITEM: Every iron undergoes water test to guarantee product quality and safety. Don’t be…
• VERSATILE STEAM IRON: Meet all your iron needs effortlessly with this powerful 1200watts clothes…
• LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE: Our Steam Iron is designed to be both lightweight and durable, making it the…
• Water tank capacity: 200 ml
• Nonstick soleplate
• Adjustable thermostat control
• Overheat safety protection
• Variable steam control
• Effortless gliding on all fabrics
• Can be used vertically for steaming clothes on hangers or curtains/drapes
• Some customers have reported leakage issues
• It lacks an auto-turn-off feature
• Unclear settings for temperature adjustment

If the Utopia Home Steam iron didn’t quite meet your expectations, perhaps you should consider giving the Oliso M2 a try. This mini/travel-sized iron has garnered mixed customer reviews but may fit your needs perfectly.

The Oliso M2 boasts an impressive 1000W of power, providing more pressing and steaming capabilities than other mini irons on the market. Its sole plate size is ideal for getting into those small spaces and achieving crisp corners when sewing or ironing children’s clothes.

However, it’s important to note that this iron has some drawbacks. Some customers have reported issues with the temperature dial changing while in use and a poor steam function that may leak water. The silicone resting plate can get hot, and its cord position prevents standing the iron on the end. Lastly, it requires a cooling down time of around one hour.

Despite these cons, many customers have found satisfaction with the Oliso M2’s flatness and steam function. It seems to be particularly well-suited for quilting projects and fits comfortably in hand.

• Heat/Wattage: 1000W
• Sole Plate Size: Ideal for small spaces and crisp corners
• More pressing and steaming power compared to other mini irons
• Great for getting into small spaces and achieving crisp corners
• Temperature dial changes while in use
• A poor steam function may leak water
• The silicone resting plate gets hot
• The cord position prevents standing iron on the end
• Requires approximately one hour of cooling down time

Conair EZ Press

The Conair EZ Press, handheld steam iron, is lightweight and portable, making it convenient for on-the-go use. Whether you’re traveling or need a compact iron for small sewing tasks, this iron covers you.

It can easily handle international travel with 800 watts of power and dual voltage capability. The variable steam feature with steam burst ensures that your garments will be wrinkle-free in no time. The stainless steel soleplate provides a smooth glide, while the anti-slip heel adds extra safety.

Plus, the 8-foot cord gives you plenty of freedom to move around while ironing.

• Handheld Steam Iron: With 800 watts of power, features for home use and compact enough for travel,…
• Special Features: Includes a variable steam feature with a steam burst for tough wrinkles, an anti…
• Portable and Versatile: Its lightweight design makes it easily portable and the 8 foot cord provides…
• 800 watts of power
• Variable steam feature with steam burst
• Anti-slip heel for added safety
• Stainless steel soleplate for a smooth glide
• Perfect size for quilting and retreats
• Heats up quickly and irons wrinkles completely
• No designated wrap-around feature for the cord
• It doesn’t shut off automatically
• The temperature dial is difficult to turn

The Quilted Bear Mini Iron

The Quilted Bear Mini Iron is a versatile and compact option for crafting. Its petite size and dual voltage capabilities make it perfect for travel. This mini iron is designed to handle various tasks such as quilting, appliqué, sewing, patchwork, ragdoll making, and flower pressing. Its ceramic-coated soleplate glides smoothly over fabrics, while the ergonomic handle ensures comfortable usage.

With dual voltage options of 120V/240V, you can take this iron with you on your international travels without any worries. The quick heating feature lets you start in seconds, saving you valuable time. The easy-to-control temperature gauge ensures you can adjust the heat according to different fabric types.

• The Quilted Bear specialises in goods for Crafting and Quilting, with this portable iron being a…
• Why stop at Crafts? It’s petite size and sleek design makes it the perfect mini travel iron for…
• Ceramic coated soleplate with ergonomic handle means the lightweight iron steamer will glide…
• Dual voltage: 120V/240V
• Ceramic coated soleplate
• Ergonomic handle
• Anti-drip technology
• Versatile for various crafts
• Dual voltage capabilities for travel convenience
• The quick heating feature saves time
• Easy-to-control temperature gauge

Matt Francis

Hi, I'm Matt Francis. A digital nomad, blogger, web developer and all-around good egg! I am the brains (and brawn) behind Everyday Ape. My website features a wide range of topics, with a focus on travelling and working online.

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Irons can be a lifesaver when it comes to turning a wrinkled tee into a stylish and sleek top. But they can also be heavy and a pain to pack. Luckily, we found the perfect middle ground. Find out what tops our list as the best travel iron, and the options that can make traveling a breeze!

Best Travel Iron

If you’re headed out for a business trip or a special vacation, you can’t always count on every hotel or Airbnb to accommodate with a high quality (or even workable) iron.

If you’re a little finicky about using an iron provided or just want to be on the safe side, some of the best travel irons can easily fit into your luggage without taking up too much space.

Here’s a quick review of the best travel irons. You can read more about each one in the article below.

Look sharp and wrinkle-free with our ranking of the best travel irons that include several amazing features, such as portability, heating time, dual voltage, and steam functions.

Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus 3 Fl Oz.

Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray

Before we look at our top travel irons, let’s talk about our favorite alternative: a wrinkle releaser spray. Some of us hate ironing at home, let alone on vacation. Cue the Downy Wrinkle Releaser. We, and our readers, love this product. While it may not get out wrinkles as effectively as an iron, it does an amazing job for a spray.

One traveler says, “I took this on my 3 week road trip, and it actually helped revive some pretty wrinkly skirts, and made them smell nice. I recommend you de-wrinkle the night before you plan on wearing your items because they need a little time to relax and dry out.”

FiSun Travel Iron

FiSun Mini Travel Iron

For a travel iron that won’t fail you while traveling, the FiSun Travel Iron offers 700 watts for lower power consumption. The built-in fuse and thermostat conveniently allow you to use the iron worldwide safely and securely. The teflon base nonstick soleplate of this travel iron glides easily over all fabric types to smooth out wrinkles on all fabrics.

One traveler shared, “one thing that I really like this iron is that I can bring it everywhere. It is portable so I can bring it when I travel. It is easy to use and it works great.”

Ivation Mini Steam Iron

Ivation No-Drip Mini Steam Iron

A travel iron that has every feature you can think of, the Ivation Mini Steam Iron features a dual voltage, no-stick sole plate and 3 temperature settings. One female traveler shared, “I love, love, love this little iron. It heats very fast, steams – just very easy to handle.” All the qualities we expect in the best travel iron!

The large water tank allows you to conveniently use the steam feature that is just as effective as any larger iron. This also means you don’t have to pack a steamer. The 15-second heat up time works effectively for beautifully smooth results. The tiny iron is ultra-powerful with a 420-Watt technology and nonstick ceramic soleplate.

Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot

Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800 Watt Travel Iron

Sunbeam is known for its inexpensive appliances for the house, including this iron. This dual voltage features all things necessary for a quality mini iron to travel with, the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot compact and weights under 2 pounds.

With a soft touch handle and dial controls heat setting to provide accurate ironing for various fabric types. For stubborn wrinkles, the shot of steam feature presses out wrinkles for a smooth, even finish. Need more praise? Take it from this traveler: “I have owned four travel irons over the years but this is the first that did not spit – not once – or leave wet spots on clothes that take forever to get out.”

Sokos Iron Master Steam

Another great option for a tiny, compact travel iron is the Sokos Iron Master Steam. As one person shared, “It is the perfect size for travel since it doesn’t take up much space in a suitcase.”

With its anti-drip feature, you won’t have to worry about water drips that could stain delicate fabrics. The adjustable temperature controls the heat setting to use on any type of fabric. The best feature, by far, is the retractable cord making it convenient to carry in your luggage and use in hotel rooms with minimal outlets.

Travel Smart by Conair

Conair Mini Travel Iron

With a very convenient and compact design, the Travel Smart by Conair offers worldwide dual voltage with an 8-foot cord and convenient storage pouch, making it perfect for travelers. One traveler says, “traveling with a big iron takes valuable suitcase space, so I took the travel iron. It served the purpose perfectly – small space, big heat.”

If you love small, lightweight irons for traveling, this is one that is worth checking out! In the running for the best travel iron, this one is ideal if you want a simple design for quick touch-ups.

Steamfast (SF717) Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron

Steamfast Home-and-Away Mini Steam Iron

So many travelers love the Steamfast and rank it as one of the best irons. It takes just 15 seconds to heat up and the non-stick soleplate is tiny enough to get into corners that larger irons can’t reach. Plus, it has dual voltage for easy travel and a travel bag to use for storage.

One traveler says, “I’ve had this for 5 years now, and it ALWAYS follows me overseas. It plugs right in to 220V without a setting (must be some sort of auto switch), and I use just a basic outlet converter. As one happy customer, I gladly recommend this travel iron.”

Tupus Smart Mini Iron

What could be better than the World’s Smallest Hand Held Iron? How about a quirky design and a built-in thermal sensor technology with smart features? All this fits into a compact size.

Tupus Smart Mini Iron comes in at just half the size of your palm and offers universal voltage to be used around the world. The ultra-small size can easily iron tight areas of your garments from between buttons, necklines, and cuffs. One traveler said, “This little guy is amazing. They weren’t kidding on how tiny it is, yet it sure pumps out the heat.”

PurSteam Travel Steam

PurSteam Travel Steam Iron

This iron touts itself as the ultimate travel steam iron in the U.S. and was designed to be the most powerful  and continuous superheated steamer available. With dual voltage, you can take this anywhere in the world and only need a plug adaptor, which is why this makes our list for the best travel iron.

Along with an a nti-slip handle and non-stick soleplate, the travel iron comes with a 6.5 foot power cord.

One person says, “I travel a lot for work and pleasure and wanted a travel iron that wouldn’t take up too much room in my suitcase. This iron is perfect. It weighs one pound so it’s not too light that it won’t get wrinkles out but not too heavy in my suitcase.”

Hamilton Beach Travel Iron

The Hamilton Beach Travel Iron is an iron and steamer combined that is compact in size and design, which makes it great for bringing along on trips. The compact design and foldable handle is ideal for storing in your luggage or carryon for those who love to travel light. The stainless steel soleplate prevents even the most delicate fabrics to be free from wrinkles and creases.

It’s also traveler-approved, as one adventurer shared, “I travel constantly for work and wanted to get an iron that I could travel with that wouldn’t weigh my bag down. This one does an amazing job both ironing and steaming my work shirts and trousers.”

Black & Decker Easy Steam

Black & Decker Easy Steam Compact Iron

The Black & Decker Easy Steam is an ultra-compact iron with its TrueGlide nonstick soleplate to smoothly iron across all types of fabrics. The steam accurately optimizes based on the temperature you select and the fabric. Get a quick burst of steam to get rid of wrinkles and creases with the handy side-by-side moisture control buttons.

One person says, “this iron is amazingly light. In fact, it is so light that I questioned whether it was heavy enough to get out the tougher wrinkles. I had a pile of shirts that had been waiting two weeks when this arrive, and it took the wrinkles out without a problem.”

These compact and handy mini irons will save you from wrinkles, creases and beyond during your vacation.

What do you think are the best travel irons? Please share in the comments!

For more tips and ideas on travel clothing, please read:

• How to Organize like a Pro
• How to Pack More Efficiently
• How to Pack Clothes Without Wrinkles
• How to Make Clothes Smell Fresh on the Go

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I also really like the downy wrinkle releaser. I took it with me on a school trip and it worked well enough to get by; not to mention it was easy to carry. I have never considered a travel iron before. I have considered purchasing a travel steamer but never commit due to the varying reviews. Would you recommend an iron over a steamer?

Hi Bety, personally I prefer a steamer but some travelers like using an iron. It really depends on personal preference ?

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5 Best Travel Irons in 2024 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Travel irons differ from the standard irons that we tend to use at home as they are visually more compact and smaller in structure than their bigger counterparts. They still provide almost the same power as such regular irons, but they offer a different purpose.

When shopping for the best travel iron, make sure you consider its wattage. Quite simply, the higher the wattage of your chosen travel iron, the better the performance in speed and power. Many travel irons also come with a travel bag to hold the iron and any other accessories, and it’s always worth noting whether your preferred model allows for dual voltage, should you be traveling internationally. After reviewing 23 different models, we came up with a list of 5 best picks where the Steamfast SF-717 just tops them all.

• Quick Summary
• Editor’s Choice: Steamfast SF-717 "Ideal choice for travelers – this lightweight and compact model does its job fast and effectively, while the travel bag included protects your iron throughout the journey"
• Budget Pick: Sunbeam GCSBTR-100 "Affordable pick, yet surprisingly powerful; lightweight to travel but heavy enough to get the job done"
• Most Functional: SMAGREHO Travel Steam Dry Iron "Eye-catching design and a wide range of temperature settings makes this iron a perfect gift idea for regular travelers"
• Mini Compact Design: Ivation No-Drip Mini Steam Iron "With its extra long cord, ergonomic design, and the ability to heat up to 428 º F, this iron is a great aid in any journey"
• Powerful Steam Flow: PurSteam Travel Steam Iron "Very portable but powerful enough to help you get rid of wrinkles on your clothes wherever you go"

Top 5 Travel Irons Review 2024

Steamfast SF-717

• Wattage: 420W
• Temperature settings: 3 (140-428 º F) + steam control
• Water capacity: 1.1 oz.
• Heating time: 15 sec./1 min.(steam)
• Weight: 0.93 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.9 x 5.3 inches
• Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: travel bag included; features dual voltage

The Steamfast is a small but perfectly formed travel iron with impressive stats, features, and additions, making this overall an excellent pick for travelers. Steamfast products are renowned for their sturdiness and durability and nowhere is this more obvious than in the SF-717 model. With a rapid heat up time, the iron is ready to use within a matter of seconds and can accommodate 1.4oz of water capacity. Complete with a handy one-touch steam control there is also a selection of three temperature settings for added convenience when dealing with different fabric types. Perhaps one of the most powerful of models, the Steamfast provides a staggering 420 watts making the job of removing wrinkles from your clothes effortless. Extremely lightweight, the Steamfast delivers an anti-slip handle for improved grip and extra safety measures along with a power chord measuring 7.5 feet for reachability. With a tiny non-stick soleplate, this iron can reach areas of clothing that many bigger irons struggle with. Perfect for use within the home, this travel iron also has its very own travel bag as well as the essential dual voltage making it an ideal traveling companion worldwide.

Customers rate the Steamfast highly for its ability to do an excellent job of ironing, despite its smaller size. Furthermore, this model is considered an excellent buy for sewers and other hobbyists due to its ability to press seams through its powerful heating capacity and when getting into tiny corners of the material.

• Quick heat up time
• Dry or steam functions
• Travel bag included
• Dual voltage
• Takes a little time to cool down so cannot be packed away immediately

Sunbeam GCSBTR-100

• Wattage: 800W
• Temperature settings: dial range (212-392 º F) + steam control
• Water capacity: not specified
• Heating time: 2 min.
• Weight: 1.39 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.6 x 7.9 x 4 inches

More features: indicator light, soft touch handle and dial

The Sunbeam travel iron is light on the budget while still packing in a commanding performance from its 800-watt model. Complete with the standard voltage system of both 240V and 120V, this iron has a soft touch handle and dial which adds to user comfort each time it is in use and will inform you that the iron has reached its required temperature through its indicator light, conveniently placed at the fore of the iron. With a feature that produces a shot of steam, all wrinkles and creases can be ironed through use of the Sunbeam’s smooth gliding soleplate and its variable temperature controls which allow you to select and control the desired heat for any material type. A rather simplistic design, there is ample opportunity for all users, regardless of left or right handed, to use this model with ease due to its dexterity of allowing access from both sides of the iron and all buttons and controls are easily controlled and accessed by your fingertips. With an easy-to-fill reservoir enabling simplicity when filling the tank for steam ironing, this is a simple but effective travel iron.

Customers rate the Sunbeam model as a comfortable little appliance when packing for travel. With an efficient iron possible each time, the performance of such a budget travel iron is well received by those looking for a more fundamental and straightforward portable design to add to their luggage.

• Quick heating up time
• Lightweight to travel but heavy enough to get the job done
• Variable temperatures available
• No travel bag included

SMAGREHO Travel Steam Dry Iron

• Temperature settings: 3 + steam control
• Water capacity: 1.4 oz.
• Heating time: 15 sec.
• Weight: 1.15 pounds
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 4 x 3.5 inches

More features: non-stick teflon soleplate, travel bag included

The SMAGREHO Travel Steam Dry Iron is considered a great gift choice because of its inclusivity for offering great ironing results each time as well as an added travel bag when purchased. With a selection of use for steam or dry ironing, this model gives users dual voltage, making it a great travel companion for all over the world. It also offers extras such as a convenient travel bag to house it in, a plastic measuring cup and a protective ironing scorch-saving mesh pressing pad! Perhaps a more visually pleasing product, the SMAGREHO is a vibrant red model which certainly stands out from the more standard plain white irons on the market. More so, its ability to offer many more features is impressive, including a 1.4oz water tank which heats to the maximum in a record of 15 seconds, three levels of temperature settings, a non-stick soleplate, and one-touch steam control. Most importantly, this travel system iron works to remove wrinkles from almost any type of fabric and is not only compact and lightweight for placing in your luggage but can also be used in the home, such are its strength and durability of the design.

Customers rate the SMAGREHO Travel Steam Dry Iron as an all-around ideal product which handles well in use and heats up instantly. The additional accessories included here are also greatly received.

• Great overall package
• Super-fast heat up
• Good sized water tank
• Its smaller size can be awkward at times for some users
• Suggested as better for infrequent use

Ivation No-Drip Mini Steam Iron

• Temperature settings: dial range (140-428 º F) + steam control
• Weight: 1.08 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.9 x 3.1 inches

More features: anti-drip design, long 7.5 feet cord

The Ivation No-Drip Steam Iron is mini and compact in design but gives many of the larger irons a run  with its powerful 420 Watts model. With additional quick heat technology as standard, making this ready to go in just 15 seconds maximum, more impressive here is its offering of not only one but a total of three heat power levels. Complete with a non-stick ceramic soleplate and a conveniently located one-touch steam control, the Ivation also offers customers variable voltages. Designed to remove wrinkles with ease from almost any fabric type, this mini travel iron also has an anti-drip design which is innovatively added to ensure that the iron not only works to prevent leakages of any unsightly water stains but, most importantly, works to avoid any nasty and harmful skin burns, making this a safer choice. Accompanied by an extra-long power cord than many similar models offered, at 7.5 feet in total, the Ivation accommodates simple wrapping of the lead after use with convenient clips located around the iron handle.

Customers rate the Ivation travel iron as a more accessible of travel irons with this model being able to fit neatly into the palm of your hand and still be comfortable to use. With a good grip, it is deemed a great little iron which offers a longer than usual cord, as well as an essential anti-drip feature which many customers claim they don’t tend to see in similar types of products.

• Super quick heat up time
• Innovative anti-drip design
• Long power cord
• Clip system for packing away
• No accompanying travel bag
• May be too small for some users

PurSteam Travel Steam Iron

• Temperature settings: dial range (230-446 º F) + steam control
• Heating time: 30 sec.
• Weight: 1.06 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.7 x 3.5 inches
• Warranty: not specified (PurSteam’s money back guarantee)

More features: anti-slip handle and non-stick soleplate

The PurSteam travel iron is a lightweight steam iron which is considered by its makers to be the ultimate product when it comes to travel irons! Designed to ensure intense power, this model has the capacity to produce up to 30% more of steam flow than many other steamer irons on the market and does this through its continuously superheated steamer function, like in clothes steamers . Complete with a dual voltage, the PurSteam is designed to be the perfect companion for regular travelers and can be used at almost any destination. With a long 6.5-foot power cord attached it also boasts an anti-slip handle and non-stick soleplate making it not only ultra-comfortable to use on an ongoing basis but also safe in the process. This 420 Watts travel iron is extremely lightweight in design both regarding practicality and visibility and can be easily packed up to fit into all luggage types with the minimum amount of fuss.

Customers rate the PurSteam for its ability to offer some fantastic results despite being such a simplistic and minimally designed model. Claimed to work very well indeed at getting wrinkles out of a variety of clothing in a short space of time, the powerful steam flow is a much-appreciated addition to this travel iron with many pleasantly surprised at how well the water lasts so long even when using this facility regularly. Ultimately, the steam facility of the PurSteam travel iron is what gets the most thumbs up from those who purchase this model.

• Small but powerful
• Lightweight
• Some people find the steam function can be a little overpowering if constant
• Things to Consider

Now that you’ve had a chance to look through some of the best travel irons on the market, you may be looking for some additional information about travel irons overall before you make your final decision. This buying guide aims to cover all the relevant information you need to ensure you select the right model type for your specific needs.

• Who needs a travel iron?

Anyone who takes a vacation, travels for work, or simply stays away from home for various amounts of time would benefit significantly from a travel iron. Alternatively, you may have moved into a smaller apartment or room and don’t have much storage space, therefore, needing to downsize your appliances. A travel iron is also highly favored by those who craft with materials as it is seen as a more convenient tool to store, move around, and work with. It is not as powerful as a steam generator iron yet more convenient to take with you.

Features to consider when choosing a travel iron

There are several key features which travel irons come with which you may want to check before choosing your preferred product. This is a list of the critical features which explain in a little more detail about what you should be looking for to get the best from your selected travel iron.

Quite simply, the higher the wattage of your chosen travel iron, the better the performance in speed and power. Unfortunately, travel irons have long had a somewhat misleading reputation when it comes to performance, with many believing that you cannot possibly get a good enough wattage in them, but this just isn’t true. In fact, considering that some people also use travel irons at home, their power is more than adequate to cope with any material. In this case, the Sunbeam GCSBTR-100 offers an astounding 800 watts. With the standard average iron reaching around 1100 watts when heated on high, this is a very impressive spec for a travel iron. Yet, you may want to consider, especially if cost is an issue, that the higher the wattage, the more electricity you will be using and therefore paying for. Thus, the other four models offering an average of 450 watts may be just what you need for such temporary circumstances.

• Temperature settings and range

What people find more and more these days is that with such a varied mixture of the material type in all clothing they buy, one iron temperature is just not good enough to accommodate ironing on a range of different materials. And there not always is a place with steam presses waiting to be used. If you find yourself traveling with a combination of clothing types and need a travel iron that will offer you the option of changing the temperature to accommodate each item, then you’ll need to look for one which has a variety of settings and ranges. Both the SMAGREHO Travel Steam Dry Iron and the Steamfast SF-717 offer customers a choice of three temperature settings, with the rest comprising of a dial range to control the temperature of the iron overall. If you are purchasing your iron with the intentions of ironing a specific material, it’s a good idea to check what both the maximum and indeed the minimum temperature your preferred model can cope with beforehand, especially if that material is delicate.

• Water capacity

An important aspect for many travel iron users is the amount of water their chosen model accommodates. With so many people preferring to have the steam facility in their iron as standard, this need also refers to the travel iron, with a vast number of customers believing that nowhere is it more crucial to have a steam function when traveling with this appliance. This is predominantly because when you travel your clothes inevitability get creased and crumbled, more so than what they would if they were folded and hanging at home.

If you don’t want to be continually moving back and forth to the tap to fill up your iron, you’ll need to look at getting an excellently sized water capacity, especially if the steam function of the model is high spec, such as the PurSteam Travel Steam Iron for example.

• Dimensions and weight

Travel irons are initially designed as smaller overall sizes and lighter weights in mind. This is for the simple fact that when you travel, you really don’t want to be lugging an oversized heavy iron around with you everywhere you go. More so, you want to be able to pack your travel iron into your luggage and not have to worry about any issues arising at the airport regarding safety and extra baggage weight.  Most travel irons are compact, but you may still need to get an idea of how comfortable these products feel when you use them as with those smaller measurements naturally comes a more compressed design that isn’t always great for more extended periods of use, particularly if you have large hands. The Ivation No-Drip Mini Steam Iron is considered a better ergonomically designed travel iron and works to prevent any aches and pains and is a most comfortable design, especially if you wish to use it more frequently. Some of the home-used cordless irons are quite undersized if you ever need a more powerful portable version of an iron with you.

Though often not always associated with such irons, you should still consider what warranties are on offer by each company when you come to purchase your travel iron. All decent companies will offer a specific set time guarantee on their product, and though you may not be intending to use your travel iron on a regular basis, it is still essential to opt for a model which offers that extra peace of mind. This is important when you find yourself traveling to a foreign country or somewhere on the other side of the world, and you discover your iron has stopped working or has a defect. Getting all that way only to find your product is rendered useless is hugely annoying, more so if you can’t access another iron at that time. Look out for those models that offer a one-year limited warranty or at least your money back.

• Extra features

Your travel iron may come complete with a host of additional features, some which may be useful to you or some which you may never need. However, there are some other features which really do earn their keep on these appliances. The cord length is an excellent example as depending on where you use your travel iron – you may find that a longer cord length is a practical feature, especially if you discover socket space is limited on your travels. Then there are additional features that make ironing a little more comfortable such as anti-slip handles, which are crucial for those who struggle with heavy irons and need improved grip. The soleplate material of each iron may also be an aspect you want to consider, perhaps opting for one such as the SMAGREHO Travel Steam Dry Iron which has a non-stick Teflon plate.

• How to take care of your travel iron?

As with all standard irons, the more care you take with your travel iron, the longer the lifespan of it will be and the better it will perform each time you use it. Store your iron away carefully, ensuring the cord is wrapped neatly. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines as much as possible, filling it up correctly and with the recommended type of water. You will learn more from cleaning irons review .

Try not to let your steam travel iron run dry and take care when refilling it, switching it off to do so. Most importantly, make sure to use the correct settings for all the materials you iron and keep a check on the plate, cleaning when necessary. It is ideal to keep your travel iron stored away in a specific travel bag when traveling.

• What if the voltage is different in the country I’m heading for? Won’t my iron break?
• Can I use it as a streamer?
• Is it safe to use it on silk clothes?
• Can I use it at home instead of a regular one?
• Our verdict

Hopefully, this guide has given you a clearer picture of what travel steam irons do and what specifications you should be looking at to get the best model to suit your specific ironing needs. All five of these travel irons are great at what they do and thoroughly transportable for all customers wishing to take their iron with them on their journey. Our best budget pick, the Sunbeam GCSBTR-100 , offers undeniable power in the form of 800 watts, with the SMAGREHO Travel Steam Dry Iron providing an all-around inclusive product and vital essentials all in the one purchase. However, our favorite travel iron must be that of the Steamfast SF-717 . A most durable product built to last, this small but powerful travel iron offers users perfect results each time and is the best appliance when it comes to traveling or packing a punch for use within the home if you’d prefer.

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Best travel iron 2023: look your best on holiday from as little as £13.

• Caroline Preece
• Sarah Matthews

Banish unwanted creases and wrinkles from your holiday wardrobe with these compact travel irons

Whether it’s regular trips for work or the annual holiday with the family, creased clothes are the bane of every traveller’s existence. No matter how well you iron your garments before you leave, or how carefully you fold and stack them in your suitcase, they’re guaranteed to emerge a wrinkled mess once you arrive at your destination. That’s why there’s only one sensible course of action: invest in the best travel iron you can find.

Many of us adopt the “hang it on the door frame and hope for the best” approach, but this does nothing for serious creasing. The only thing that will get you the results you need is a good travel iron or, alternatively, one of the new breed of garment steamers, which work wonders even without an ironing board.

READ NEXT: The best suitcases from £50

Best travel iron: At a glance

• The best budget travel iron: Steamworks ES143 Travel Iron
• The best miniature travel iron: Duronic Mini Steam Iron
• The best designed travel iron: John Lewis Travel Iron
• A classic steam iron design, but compact: Quest Travel Steam Iron

How to choose the best travel iron for you?

What’s the difference between a travel iron and a garment steamer.

While irons require a board or flat surface, garment steamers are also incredibly popular – especially when it comes to travelling. This is because they give you the ability to coax the creases out of your clothes while they’re hanging up rather than requiring you to find an ironing board. The downside is that you won’t be able to create intentional creases and sharp lines in the same way you would with an iron.

Some products attempt to combine the benefits of both the iron and the steamer, and we’ve recommended some of those below.

How much do I need to spend?

The price of a good travel iron can vary, with some basic models selling for under £10 but others boasting additional features and sporting a high price to match. The most expensive entries on our list wouldn’t be out of place at home but are compact enough to take with you on a trip. More traditional travel irons, many of which require only a tiny amount of water in order to produce steam, are at the lower end of the price spectrum.

READ NEXT: Best hand luggage and carry-on bags

The best travel irons you can buy in 2023

1. steamworks es143 travel iron: the best budget travel iron.

Price: £13 | Buy now from Argos

A truly affordable option, the Steamworks ES143 Travel Iron weighs in at just 0.7kg so won’t add a huge amount of extra heft to your baggage, and has a lot of the same features as your main iron back home. That includes a stainless steel soleplate, 70ml water tank, spray button and variable steam function. Best of all, it takes just one minute to heat up.

Key specs – Water capacity: 70ml; Power: 1,000W; Heating time: 1 minute; Weight: 0.7kg; Cord length: 1.91m

Buy now from Argos

2. John Lewis Travel Iron: The best-designed portable iron

When it comes to quality homeware, John Lewis is always a safe bet – and this travel iron is no exception. It’s got everything you’d expect from a portable iron: a ceramic soleplate to prevent accidental scorch marks, dry and steam ironing options and a handy travel bag bundled in. Its lightweight design incorporates a soft-grip handle that’s comfortable to hold, while its leak-free water tank has an anti-scale coating that’ll make clogging a thing of the past. What’s more, John Lewis guarantees it for two years, so you can iron away on holiday with total peace of mind.

Key specs – Water capacity: 50ml; Power: 1,000W; Heating time: ‘instant’; Weight: 0.69kg; Cord length: 1.9m

Buy now from John Lewis

3. Duronic Mini Steam Iron: The best miniature travel iron

Price: £25 | Buy now from Amazon

Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, the 13cm-long Duronic Mini Steam Iron could be your secret weapon the next time you go away. Thanks to its unique design and the central position of the mains cable, the iron can be used left or right-handed – handy when you find yourself in a tight hotel room with less space to move around. It even comes in useful for crafting activities such as quilting and patchwork or ironing smaller items like baby clothes. With its own storage pouch, it will fit snugly into any sized luggage.

Key specs – Water capacity: 50ml; Power: 375W; Dimensions: 7.8cm x 13.5cm; Weight: 0.76kg; Cord length: 1.88m

Duronic Mini Steam Iron Si2 | Small Compact Travel Steamer | Quilting Iron | 375W | 50ml Capacity | Brush Attachment | Variable Heat Settings | With Water Filler Cup | Patchwork Applique Craft

4. easyiron 3-in-1 handheld steam iron: the best all-in-one garment steamer.

This handy device from EasyIron can perform three functions for the price, space and weight of one, making it ideal for travel. For a quick refresh, the EasyIron can heat up to steam your clothes in 35 seconds, while its 220ml water capacity will last up to 14 minutes. If you’ve got bigger creases to contend with, just detach the bristle brush and use the ceramic hot plate for smooth and flat dry ironing. It’s also got four heat levels to choose from, helping you to avoid scorching your fabric. Although it’s larger than the other irons in our guide, we feel its multi-functional convenience is worth the trade off.

Key specs – Water capacity: 220ml; Power: 1,600W; Heating time: 35 seconds; Weight: 1kg; Cord length: 2m

POWERAXIS Clothes Steamer Handheld , Garment Steamer for Cleaning 1600W 3 In 1 Portable Ironing Machine Wrinkle Remover,Steam,Sanitize,Clean for Clothes (Purple Blue)

5. quest travel steam iron: a classic steam iron design, but compact.

Price: £15 | Buy now from Amazon

Where rivals shrink dimensions or add garment steaming features, Quest has stuck with a traditional steam iron design. It’s relatively light and compact, and its collapsible handle allows it to shrink down in size when you’re not using it. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer a bog-standard iron to use on their travels, and don’t want to compromise on crease-tackling power.

With its smaller water tank, this might be best for dry ironing (although it does have options for steam iron and steam burst), but the adjustable temperature dial provides all the usual options including “nylon”, “silk” and “cotton” to ensure you’re using the optimal setting.

Key specs – Water capacity: 50ml; Power: 1,000W; Dimensions: 9cm x 12cm x 20cm; Weight: 0.64kg; Cord length: 1.5m

Quest 34030 1000W Travel Steam Iron / Collapsible Ergonomic Handle / 50ml Water Tank / Lightweight & Portable / Non-Stick Soleplate / Dual Voltage For Use At Home & Abroad

Shopping | ES Best Home | Home & Garden | Home Accessories

Best travel irons to keep your clothes looking crisp on the move

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A travel iron is an essential tool to have in your arsenal if you're someone who likes to look sharp on the move.

It's all well and good packing away your favourite shirts ahead of your next trip but, without an iron to hand, they'll likely stay packed away in your bag for the duration of your holiday. Of course, you could cross your fingers for an iron in your hotel room. Or you could take matters into your own hands and invest in your own travel iron.

When it comes to choosing a travel iron, portability and convenience are paramount. Look for compact and lightweight options that won't take up much space in your luggage otherwise your biggest problem will be washing your clothes rather than ironing them. A foldable handle or a retractable cord can be a great space-saving feature and many newer models include these.

It's also worth paying attention to the power source requirements of your next destination. Opting for a dual voltage travel iron that can switch between different voltage settings, ensuring compatibility across various countries, is your best bet for overcoming this issue around the world.

You'll also want to keep in mind the iron's heating capabilities. Look for a model that heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature for effective wrinkle removal. Adjustable temperature controls allow you to adapt to different fabrics and avoid damaging delicate materials, while a non-stick soleplate is also essential for a smooth glide over your clothes without leaving marks or residue.

We've rounded up all of the best travel irons

Best travel steamers to keep your clothes looking fresh on the move

Best handheld clothes steamers to smooth out creases with ease

Best travel hair dryers to accompany you on your next holiday

Steamworks ES143 Travel Iron

More than 1000 positive reviews can’t lie and it’s fair to say that Steamworks’ ES143 Travel Iron ticks all the boxes when it comes to a budget friendly, seriously efficient travel iron. This Steamworks model has a stainless steel soleplate and an indicator that lets you know when the temperature’s ready. It also comes with a variable steam function which means you can adjust the humidity, direction and power of the steam flow. It’s lightweight with a compact design, which means you’re free to pack it away no matter where you’re heading next.

John Lewis Travel Steam Iron

With its sleek grey and black design, this John Lewis Travel Steam Iron is easy to use and easy to store, making it ideal for those often on the move. Designed to make ironing quick and easy when you’re on the go, the John Lewis & Partners travel iron lets you choose between dry or steam settings, or a vertical burst of steam when you need it. Plus, its soft grip handle, ultra lightweight design and ceramic soleplate make it effortless to use even for those who don’t quite have the natural gift for ironing.

Quest 34030 1000W Travel Steam Iron

Quest’s 34030 1000W Travel Steam Iron was very much designed to be portable, with plenty of handy features that’ll ensure a seamless ironing experience no matter where you’re pulling it out. Lightweight and portable, it features a fully collapsible handle that makes it perfect to fit into bags and suitcases for business trips and holidays. Better yet, it features a dual voltage functionality that easily allows you to switch between 110V to 120V, or 220V to 240V, ensuring it will work wherever you are in the world.

Swan SI3070N Compact Fast Heat up Steam Travel Iron with Pouch and Beaker

There are few things more frustrating than realising the shirt you were about to throw on desperately needs an iron, especially when you were supposed to leave the house 10 minutes ago. Swan’s SI3070N travel iron is renowned for its ability to heat up quickly, ensuring you’re not quite as late as you could have been with a lesser iron. Its steam button features an impressive steam shot that lets you easily tackle tough creases quickly and easily, while its compact design makes it perfect for travellers limited on space and weight.

Duronic Si2 Mini Compact Potable Home/Travel Steam Iron

Measuring only 13cm long, this tiny Duronic Si2 Mini Compact Portable travel iron squeezes into even the smallest of hand luggage bags. Efficiently powered by 375W, this iron takes just seconds to heat up fully and is ready to use almost immediately. It features a variable heat setting as well as a steam function to freshen up all kinds of garments. While many irons on the market have the wire leaving the iron on the right, making them harder to use by left-handed people, this ambidextrous option makes freshly-ironed clothes a breeze for everyone.

Prym Mini Steam Iron

If you’re something of a perfectionist when it comes to looking fresh, this teeny tiny Prym Mini Steam Iron is a great choice for throwing in your bag ahead of your next trip. While it’s designed more for sewing and crafts than ironing an entire suit, it’s versatile enough to freshen up all kinds of outfits and takes up virtually no space.

Go Travel Mini Garment Iron

Designed specifically for travellers and those short on space, this Go Travel Mini Garment Iron is a dual voltage travel iron that’s capable of rapid steam generation. Ergonomic by design and equipped with a steam boost function, its non-stick sole plate glides effortlessly across even the most stubborn creases, while its smaller size can easily be popped into your suitcase.

The Quilted Bear Mini Iron

Available in both black and pink, this The Quilted Bear Mini Iron the perfect mini travel iron for taking anywhere with you. Its dual voltage options of 120V/240V allows it to be used in multiple different countries while its ceramic coated soleplate and ergonomic handle means it glides effortlessly over fabrics and won’t leave any water marks behind, thanks to the anti-drip technology. Ideal for compact areas, this smaller iron promises to clear out any creases on your favourite shirts.

ANSIO Travel Iron Quilting Mini Steam Craft Iron with Ceramic Soleplate

ANSIO’s Travel Iron Quilting Mini Steam Craft Iron is officially a craft iron, which means you’re more likely to use it for sewing, quilting and other fabric-based projects more than you are on holiday. But its precise tip and smaller size makes it a great choice for packing away as your go-to travel iron, too. Pulling together plenty of travel-friendly features like its generous 1.9M power cord, allowing you more freedom of movement when ironing, this small iron has a dual voltage and tucks away easily in your bag.

Duronic Vertical Steamer HS90 BK

Want to bring both your iron and your steamer away with you? This handy Duronic Vertical Steamer HS90 BK ticks both boxes with its two-in-one function. This clever travel iron can be used as a normal iron using the soleplate either dry or with a steam option for the extra stubborn creases. For hanging garments, just rotate the handle and hold the iron in a comfortable position to steam your clothes vertically. Whether you’re ironing or steaming, you can get to work almost straight away as the iron heats up in just 45 seconds.

Steamworks' ES143 Travel Iron is a bestseller and the thousands of positive reviews don't lie: this travel iron is a safe bet for keeping you looking fresh no matter what far flung destination you're heading to next.

9 Best Travel Irons In 2022 – [ Top Mini & Portable Steamers ]

Ironing can be an annoying task for most people but having the best iron can make it easy for you to iron your clothes. You would have different types and categories of clothes and all these differences need different kinds and different timings of ironing to be done on the clothes. Some irons are also small and portable which are regarded as the best travel irons. There are some upgraded large-sized irons too which are specially designed for the use of professional dressmakers. While you are thinking of buying a perfect iron for you, there are so many things to consider but before that, you need to know which type of iron best suits your needs and requirements as there are different types.

Quick Answer: Top-Rated Best Travel Irons In 2022

Best overall: oliso m2 pro travel iron, best mini: steamfast sf-717 steam travel iron, best budget: sunbeam hot2trot compact travel iron, pursteam travel steamer iron mini, oliso tg1100 smart travel iron, colilove folding mini electric travel iron.

Ratings: 4.2/5 | Store: Amazon

Amazon’s Choice ✅

The Oliso M2 pro-mini-project iron supports 100 watts of power and has a universal voltage system. The iron has a lightweight design and an amazing heat setup that it only takes about 45seconds to charge fully. The size of this iron is so compact that you can keep it with your sewing machine or take it with you on long journeys. The iron has two voltage modes that you can switch based on your nature of use including 120v or 240v which most probably is the ideal for ironing. The pivot cord is 8 feet long which you can move both right and left and have an amazing use of the iron. 

Moreover, the iron has a solemate which allows you to keep the iron even in the facedown posture as the iron never burns your clothes nor scorches the fabric. The amazing soleplate makes the iron easy to use and safe to store. This iron has no heating level difference from the large irons. 

Furthermore, this iron has a precision tip and the soleplate of the iron is diamond coated which maintains the even levels of heat all over the iron. Moreover, the iron easily glides over the fabric you are ironing and it even reaches all the hard to reach corners like collars. This travel iron is ideal for iron cotton, wool and all the types of synthetic fabrics. Moreover, the iron has a 3 years warranty. The water tank in this Oliso smart iron is also easy and convenient to fill whenever there is a need.

💡 Back To Top 3

Ratings: 4.5/5 | Store: Amazon

The steamfast SF-717 mini steam iron has dual voltage and comes with a travel bag too. The iron has a 2-year warranty with complete customer service by the manufacturers. The iron has a water tank of about 1.4 ounces which takes the minimum time of 15 seconds to get heated. The steam has touch controls and the iron has 3 levels of temperature which you can change based on the nature of fabrics you’re ironing. However, while filling the water in the water tank, leave some levels and fill maximum to 1.1 ounces. 

Moreover, the iron has a power voltage of 420 watts which works the best in removing the stubborn wrinkles from all the types of fabrics. The iron has an anti-slip handle which improves your grip while ironing the clothes. The 7.5-foot long cord increased the reachability of the iron.  

This iron has a compact design that lets you take it anywhere around the globe with you. You just have to choose among the 240 or 100 volts. Also, the iron comes with a separate travel case bag so that you can keep it safe during your travels. Moreover, there is a measuring cup too which you can use to refill the water in the water tank of the iron. 

The sunbeam hot-2 trot 800-watt compact non-stick soleplate travel ironworks on a dual voltage system of 120 and 240V. You can select any voltage system. The iron also has a shot of steam feature which presses out the creases and all other stubborn wrinkles from the clothes. 

There is an indicator light too on the iron which lets you know the temperature of the iron. This iron has adjustable temperature control. There are various heat settings too which you can do based on the fabric type that you’re ironing. 

Furthermore, the handle of this iron is so soft and easy to handle that you can have a fine grip over the iron while using it. This iron is so comfortable and convenient to use. 

The travel steamer iron mini 30 percent is one of the  top budget-friendly steam irons   made with high-quality premium components. The iron is of import quality and is efficient in removing stubborn wrinkles. This iron is one of the most powerful travel irons available in the market and has a power voltage of 800W. The iron supports a continuous superheat steam system which provides an excellent steam flow to all over the fabric neatly and smoothly. 

You can take this iron with you anywhere in the world because it is so compact. There is a plug adaptor too that you can switch into any outlet and get your iron start functioning. The iron has a dual voltage option for you to select the one that best suits your requirements. 

Moreover, the iron is small, lightweight and highly portable for you to carry it anywhere with you. The handle of this iron is specially designed as an anti-slip to provide a stronger grip on the iron. The iron is amazing for everyday use. The soleplate of this iron is non-stick so it doesn’t stick to the fabric and irons neatly. Also, this iron has an amazing customer service with a money-back guarantee to enhance durability. 

Ratings: 4.3/5 | Store: Amazon

The Oliso TG1100 smart iron has an iTouch technology that lowers the manual controls and you’d only need to touch to stop the iron from functioning. This function lets the iron prevent tipping, scorching, and burns. The iron has an ultra-premium stainless steel soleplate with extra thick chromium finishing for effective scratch resistance. The iron on its base has evenly expanded steam holes which irons the whole fabric neatly. 

Moreover, the automatic shut off feature of the iron makes it easy and safe to use. The iron automatically turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity if it’s not active. If the iron is knocked over, it turns off after 30 seconds of use.  Also, the iron has 1800 watts of power voltage which heats the iron in just seconds. You can also preheat the iron and then use it on sensitive fabrics. 

Furthermore, the iron has three steam settings with three levels of steam. Three steam settings include continuous, horizontal and vertical and the levels include low, medium and high. You can easily iron all the hard to reach corners using these irons. The water tank with this iron is easy to fill. Yet you can’t find a more comfortable iron than this. 

Ratings: 4.1/5 | Store: Amazon

The colilove folding mini collar iron is the  finest iron of 2022 for double ironing.  The iron is highly portable and lightweight so you can carry it everywhere with you. The iron is so compact that it can fit even your palm. You can iron any cloth using this iron as it never harms the fabric. You can carry the iron in your handbag too and take it with you on work, and travel. 

This iron is so durable and comfortable to use and you can iron any unreachable corner using this because of the precision tip of the iron. The best thing about this iron is that it is perfect for quick touching and ironing with a more surface area. The iron has 6 temperature patterns that you can adjust based on your requirements. The temperature levels are settled based on the fabric types including linen, denim, cotton, and wool, silk and polyester. 

Moreover, this iron is really of premium quality and has a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee which makes it more durable and convenient to use. 

What are the different types of irons?

Below mentioned are the different types of irons:

1- Basic iron 

The basic clothes iron is a basic metallic sole plated iron which has a separate dial to control the levels of temperature. The basic type of clothes irons are less costly. Such types of irons don’t accurately fulfill all the ironing needs. Basic clothes irons are also called the dry irons and using them, you would need a separate water spray bottle so that you can have an amazing wrinkle free press. These iron clothes lack any additional features and they are also heavy. They don’t have any automatic off feature and neither any retractable cord. Irons Pro covers all types of irons for daily use.

2- Steam irons 

Steam irons are now one of the most commonly used types of iron which includes a built-in water tank that can be filled with water anytime when you feel the need for it. Using the steam iron is so easy and comfortable that you won’t need to have a separate water spray bottle with you. Steam irons smoothly press all your clothes and provide a complete wrinkle-free finishing to your clothes like linen and cotton. Steam irons have upgraded features and one of them is the burst of steam which neatens the clothes by removing all the stubborn wrinkles from them. They also include a retractable cord and an auto-off feature which never lets the iron function when not in use for more than 30 seconds. 

3- Vertical steam iron 

Vertical steam irons are the latest innovation in the cloth irons. This iron generates steam just like a regular steam iron but the best and innovative part of this iron is that you can use it horizontally as well as vertically. Though this iron doesn’t completely iron the clothes rather steam them which alone is enough for reducing the stubborn wrinkles from the clothes. Vertical steaming proves to be the best alternative to the traditional ironing and it saves your time too. 

4- Travel clothes iron 

Travel irons are portable, lighter and smaller irons than the standard ones. Most of the travel irons are foldable which makes them easy to pack. One thing for you to keep in mind regarding the travel irons is that they may or may not offer streaming options. Travel irons can also be cordless. Travel irons are highly beneficial and suitable for the ones who frequently travel. You should always have a travel iron with you while traveling. Though most of the hotels have irons available on their front desk, nothing can be more comfortable than having a clothes iron of your own as a travel iron will also fulfill your personal traveling needs.

How to select the best travel iron?

There are different types of irons available in the market but if you want one which you can use while being on travel, you can find nothing better than a travel iron. There are some of the most important things that you need to consider before buying the  best travel iron  for you:

1- Heat 

Heat is the one and the most important factor that you have to look for when buying a travel iron for you. Normally the irons have three heat modes including low, medium and high. However, you can adjust the heat modes according to the type of clothes you’re ironing. The ideal iron is that on which you can adjust the heat settings according to the type of fabric.  

Another thing regarding the heat levels of the iron that you have to make sure while buying an iron is the presence of automatic shut off feature in the iron which automatically turns the iron off if it is not in function for a time of more than 30 seconds. This feature is an added safety feature of the iron.

2- Steam 

Steam is the second most important thing after the heat that you must look for in an iron you want to buy. Steam efficiently removes all the extra wrinkles from the clothes and makes them look neat. You need to look for a travel iron that isn’t dry and has a steaming feature in it. Steam in iron may have different adjustable levels and there is a burst of steam feature too which handles all the tough wrinkles on clothes. 

Whatever the iron you may select to buy, make sure that it has a clear water tank to be filled easily. The tank should be clear so that you can see the water levels all the time and get it filled whenever it gets empty. It’s also important to make sure that your steam iron works as a dry iron too when there is no need for steam. 

In some of the types of irons, there is a self-cleaning option too which is ideal to use because having the burst of steam feature, your iron can clear all the clogs present in the soleplate. This self-cleaning feature prevents the water droplets from appearing on your light-colored shirts. 

Sometimes steam irons also have an option of vertical steaming the clothes. However, it all depends upon your nature of use. You can use the vertical steam iron for steaming and removing the wrinkles from drapes, velvet garments, and hanging clothes. 

3- Soleplate surface 

The type of soleplate surface in iron is also an important thing to consider the type of soleplate surface the iron has. There are two types of soleplates used in the irons. 

• The non-stick soleplate irons have the easiest to clean soleplates which never stick on your clothes and provide you neat and clean ironing. 
• The other type is the stainless steel soleplate iron which may be needed to get scrubbed at least once a week to remove sizing and scratches. 

You can buy any of the above-mentioned soleplate irons based on your budget and your nature of your use. However, for increased comfort and ease, you are recommended to buy an iron with non-stick soleplate. 

4- Cord 

The iron you would buy could be cord or cordless. Normally the cordless irons have built-in heating systems and they get heated by a base. Such irons get heated maximum for five minutes and they have to reheat to heat them again by connecting with the cord. Such types of irons are easy to use and they have less or almost no mess of tangled cords and wires. 

The cordless irons, however, can be expensive to buy while the corded ones are less expensive. However, if you are planning to buy a corded iron, you can consider buying an extra-long cord so that it could enhance convenience. You can also have a pivoting or reversible cord which reduces the effort and makes ironing easier. Another option is to buy a card holder where you can hang your ironing board for increased convenience. 

5- Weight 

The weight of the iron matters the most especially when you have to buy the iron to take with you on travels. The weight of the iron differs from type to type and the nature of usage. Heavy weights irons are suitable for large areas and professional usage while lightweight irons are the best travel irons. 

Verdict 

If you are the one to travel so often regardless of the nature of your traveling, you would need a clothes iron with you. You could be traveling for pleasure or even for a business, the value of a good handy traveling iron can’t be denied. Travel irons are small handy irons that you can take on travel with you by packing them in your hand carries. 

Travel irons possess several features that make them amazing to use. However, they can have a long cord or they can also be cordless depending on their type. They can be dry as well as steam-based. You might need to have a travel iron that best meets your ironing requirements and that never harms your garments. 

If you are not sure regarding how to buy the perfect travel iron for you, this guide can be so helpful for you in selecting the best one for you. All you need to do is have a sketch in your mind regarding what exactly you want your perfect travel iron to be and this will let you buy the best for you. 

Another thing worth mentioning before buying a travel iron is that you can have different price options based on different categories and brands so just have to buy what you find affordable and suitable according to your requirements.

Which is the best travel iron to buy?

• The Oliso M2 Pro Mini Project Iron with Solemate is the best travel iron to buy. This mini-project iron supports 100 watts of power and has a universal voltage system. The iron has a lightweight design and an amazing heat setup that it only takes about 45seconds to charge fully.
• The different types of irons include a basic iron for which you would need a separate water spray bottle to effectively iron the clothes. Other types include steam irons, vertical steam irons, and travel irons. 

What factors to consider while buying a travel iron?

• While buying a travel iron, there are certain factors to consider. The factors include heat levels, steam levels, cord length or cordless, soleplate type and weight of the iron. 

What is the best double ironing iron?

• The Colilove Folding Mini Collar Iron，Portable Electric Mini Iron Double Ironing with Anti Slip Handles and Non-Stick Soleplate Portable Hand Held Clothing Steam Power Iron for Home Travel Business is the best travel iron for double ironing. The iron is highly portable and lightweight so you can carry it everywhere with you.  

What is the price range for travel irons?

• The normal price range for travel irons is between $20 to $95. 

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Best Travel Irons

Affordable option with a useful steam function and adjustable temperature.

Convenient dual-voltage construction and small size make it great for travel. Heats quickly; efficiently gets rid of wrinkles. Generates quite a bit of steam considering its small water reservoir.

The small size means that ironing multiple pieces of clothing may take longer than with a traditional iron.

Budget-friendly option with a handy steam option and dual voltage for overseas travel.

Great performance, even on heavyweight fabric. Heats up quickly and is easy to use. Easily adjust temp according to type of fabric being ironed. Convenient indicator light. Small and easy to pack.

No auto shutoff feature, and some users find the small size difficult to handle.

A powerful yet lightweight option that offers the choice of using steam or ironing dry.

Water reservoir is easy to fill and steam function works as intended. Lightweight and easy to maneuver thanks to the 360-degree swivel cord. Adjustable temp and overheat protection mechanism.

Not dual-voltage, and it's a little larger than most travel-sized irons.

A steam iron with its own bag to easily take with you on trips.

Iron is 1,000 watts and includes a handle that compacts by folding for easy packing. Adjustable temperature and vertical steam feature. Purple color and packing bag included with purchase.

Some issues with handle collapsing. May have longevity issues.

Small travel iron ideal for people that take their iron to craft classes.

A 1,000-watt iron that heats up very quickly. Ceramic. Corded and has multiple options for heating various types of fabric. Silicone stand to safely set iron while working. Use hook to hang up and store.

Handle may overheat, making ironing a challenge. Some problems with leaking.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best travel irons.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a good travel iron can keep you looking your best no matter where you are. These handy devices are small enough to pack in your suitcase, and a few even have foldable handles for even more compact packing.

From steam shots to extra-long cords, travel irons come with a number of handy features. To find the right one, you might have to take a good look at not only the types of fabrics you iron but also how many garments you iron while traveling.

If you’re not sure where to start your search, you’ve come to the right place. At BestReviews, we strive to be your go–to site for all of your purchasing decisions. We believe in making informed choices, so we’ve provided a shopping guide to help you sift through your travel iron options.

Travel iron features to consider

The soleplate is the flat, triangular part of the iron that does the hard work of smoothing out the wrinkles. It can be made of a number of different materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Stainless steel: These soleplates distribute heat quickly and evenly. Stainless steel is less expensive than ceramic and is pretty durable. However, it can get scratched on buttons or zippers, which can affect the iron’s ability to smoothly glide over the fabric.

Ceramic: These soleplates have a metal base, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium alloy, that is covered in ceramic. Ceramic is an excellent nonstick surface that heats evenly and smoothly glides over most fabrics. Ceramic works well on synthetic materials because it’s less likely to stick than stainless steel or aluminum. On the downside, the dyes used in natural fabrics can stain a ceramic soleplate, and on inexpensive irons the ceramic may crack or peel.

Aluminum: If quick touch-ups are your norm, you might consider a travel iron with an aluminum soleplate. Aluminum is lightweight and inexpensive compared to stainless steel or ceramic, but it tends to stick more easily than other materials.  

Corded vs. cordless

Cordless travel irons usually come with a charging base, which can add bulk while traveling. These models aren’t as efficient as corded irons, nor can they sustain the high temperatures of corded models. That doesn’t mean cordless irons don’t have their place. If you’re traveling to a destination where you may not have access to electricity, a cordless travel iron will give you a limited amount of ironing time. Cordless models are also nice if you don’t want to be limited by cord length.

Heating time

The higher the wattage of the travel iron, the quicker it will heat up. If you’re often ironing at the last minute, a high-wattage model will probably work best for you. Irons with a steam feature will take longer to warm, but there are some models that can be ready to steam in as little as 24 seconds.

Variable temperature

Travel irons vary in their temperature range. If you know you’ll be ironing delicate fabrics like silk, look for an iron with temperatures around 300°F (148°C). Conversely, if you iron cotton or linen, you’ll need an iron with a high temperature of around 445°F (300°C).

Removing wrinkles from cotton, linen, and other natural fabrics usually requires steam . A large water tank enables you to iron more items before you need to refill. However, capacity isn’t as important in travel irons as the visibility of the tank. A clear tank lets you keep an eye on the amount of water that’s still in the iron.

Steam and steam shot

Travel irons with steam generally cost more, but if most of your clothes are made of natural materials, steam is a must. A steam shot feature can be even more convenient when traveling. With steam shot, you press a button to release one large burst of steam. If you’re in a hurry, steam shot can get things smoothed right before you walk out the door. A vertical steam feature allows you to steam garments while they’re still on the hanger. If you’re worried about damaging delicate fabrics, an iron with vertical steam is your best bet.

Weight and size

There is no standard size for a travel iron, and just because it says “travel” in the description doesn’t mean it’s compact and lightweight. Travel irons can weigh anywhere from 8 to 30 ounces. As you search for the right model, consider how much ironing you do while you travel and the types of clothing you’ll need to iron. Also keep in mind that smaller irons heat up more quickly, but large travel irons work better if you have a lot of clothing to iron because they have a larger capacity water tank.

Ease of use

Digital controls have become more common on travel irons in the last few years. They add to the price but also add convenience. However, travel irons aren’t very big, and sometimes the digital display can be hard to read. If you have poor eyesight, a travel iron with manual controls might be easier to use.

Extra features

• Long cord: Cord length isn’t usually advertised on travel irons, but you can find ones with a cord over eight feet long that offers extended reach.
• Drip prevention: Water can damage some delicate fabrics. A travel iron that prevents drips not only keep things neat and tidy but also keeps you from getting accidentally burned by dripping scalding water.
• Auto shutoff: Most travel irons automatically shut off after a set period of time.

Travel iron prices

You can expect to pay from less than $15 to more than $35 for a travel iron.

Inexpensive: For less than $15, you can find a travel iron with manual controls, dual voltage system, steam shot, and power indicator light. Irons at this price are usually some of the smallest you’ll find on the market.

Mid-range: From $15 to $35, you’ll find slightly larger irons with a few extra features like quick heat times and longer cords. You’ll also find models with dual voltage and some that come with a measuring cup that makes it easier to fill the water tank.

Expensive: If you spend more than $35, you’ll find models with 1000 W of power and several steam options, including steam shot and vertical steam. Some have folding handles to make them more compact when traveling.

If you’re traveling outside the United States, look for a travel iron with dual voltage. Electrical appliances in the U.S. are 100 volts, but in some countries the standard is 240 volts.

A vertical steam setting allows you to remove wrinkles while the item is draped or hanging from a hanger or chair. Vertical steam works well on dresses and the most delicate of fabrics.

“UL” or “ETL” stamped on a travel iron indicates that it has passed third-party safety tests. These tests are not required, and manufacturers have to pay extra for their products to be tested.

Q. Do travel irons come with a warranty?

A. Most, but not all, travel irons come with a warranty from the manufacturer, though the length of coverage varies. Look for an iron with at least a one-year warranty, although the longer the warranty the better.

Q. Do I need an adapter for my travel iron?

A. While many models have dual voltage, most will still require an adapter because plug design varies by country.

Q. What kind of travel iron works best for delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon?

A. Delicate fabrics are sensitive to temperature, which means they’re easily melted. You want a travel iron that works well at low temperatures but also has a nonstick surface. A ceramic soleplate will glide more easily than stainless steel or aluminum over delicate fabrics. You may want to look for a travel iron with a vertical steam feature so you can remove wrinkles while your garments are hanging up.

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Ironing Out the Details: The 6 Best Travel Irons for Your Next Trip!

The Best Travel Irons

Is there anything worse than buying some new clothes – maybe a great new top or a flowing dress – for a vacation only to land on the other side and realize that your luggage has wrinkled all your clothing?

Yes, garment bags exist, but everyone who’s used one knows their limitations, especially when they’re being lugged over a long trip.

People often trumpet the virtues of the travel steamer , but what people often don’t tell you is how long travel steamers take to heat up, how water is liable to spill everywhere, and how they just don’t seem to get the wrinkles out as well as irons.

With new technology allowing travel irons to be as compact as travel steamers (if not more, in many cases), the best flat travel irons are the way to go – keep reading for 6 of our favorites!

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The Best Travel Iron – Summary Comparison Chart

To summarize, here’s a chart summarizing the best travel irons and comparing the various features between the different brands.

Best Travel Irons 2019

1. Rowenta 1700-Watt Steam Iron

With 1700-watt power and a stainless steel soleplate with a precision tip for those annoying shirt and pant corners, the Rowenta DW5080 Focus 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron has enough horsepower and dexterity to be considered one of the best irons full-stop, let alone one of the best travel irons.

Two of its best travel features?

The Rowenta travel steam iron offers a 3-way automatic safety shut-off feature and, crucially for international travel, operates with tap water so you don’t need to distill extra water just to look great!

Rowenta Travel Iron

Available on Amazon

Read more reviews here

2. Steamfast Home-and-Away Mini Iron

One of the best mini travel flat irons on the market, the Steamfast Mini Steam Iron packs all the punches.

Unlike even the best travel steamers, which measure their heat-up times in minutes, the Steamfast travel iron heats up in just 15 seconds.

Throw in a completely non-stick sole plate, dual voltage for travel convenience and a handy travel bag, and the Steamfast SF-717 has everything you could ask for in a travel flat iron!

Mini Steam Iron

3. Small Mini Travel Iron

This non branded Ceramic Portable Travel Iron offers great bang for your buck! For under $25, it offers 420-watts of power, an anti-drip design and a ceramic exterior that won’t stick to fabric.

It’s really well designed, small enough to easily pack away, but with an extra long power cord so you have enough room to iron and move around. 

Best of all?

It heats up in just 15 seconds!

Foldable Travel Iron

4. Utopia Iron with Nonstick Soleplate

Despite having the compact weight and dimensions of a typical travel flat iron, the Utopia Iron packs all the punch of a full-size at-home iron!

The Utopia Iron features a polarized pin plug for international use, a retractable cord measuring over an incredible 75 inches, overheat safety protection, and a 100% non-stick sole plate allowing it to iron just about any fabric.

Pair all this with an unbeatable price, and it’s hard to ask for more from one of the best mini travel flat irons!

Best Iron for International Travel

5. BLACK+DECKER Compact Iron

When it comes to getting one of the best travel irons that’s tough and gets the job done, it’s hard to imagine choosing a brand more synonymous with durability and craftsmanship than BLACK+DECKER .

It’ll come as no surprise that the Black & Decker IR03V Easy Steam Compact Iron features all the latest bells and whistles the best travel irons have to offer.

With technology that optimizes the steam level based on the temperature setting, regulates water temperatures to prevent dripping, and even allows the Black + Decker to function vertically like a travel steamer for quick touch-ups, this is the only travel steam iron you’ll ever need!

Most Compact Travel Iron

6. Sunbeam Compact Travel Iron

First of all, can we all agree that “ Hot-2-Trot ” is an utterly adorable name for a travel iron? Agreed?

Aside from its great name, the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot earns its stripes as one of the best travel irons by managing to include all the travel iron essentials in the most compact iron to be found on this list.

The only thing more impressive than featuring dry and steam iron functionality and variable temperature settings in this baby of a travel iron is the price!

Small Travel Iron

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The Best Carry on Luggage for 2021

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We Put 30 of the Best Steam Irons to the Test—But These 6 Are Actually Worth Buying

We love these irons for how effortlessly they remove wrinkles from a variety of fabric types.

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

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• Our top picks

The Bottom Line

Our testing process, what to know about irons before shopping, other steam irons we tested, your questions, answered, what is bhg recommends.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Whether you're headed to a wedding, picking out clothes for work, or you simply didn't get your laundry hung up in time, having an iron that effectively erases wrinkles can keep your clothes looking crisp and clean while helping you make a great first impression.

The best steam irons heat up quickly, offer multiple settings to accommodate a variety of materials, and are easy to maneuver. Added features like auto-shutoff settings, anti-drip soleplates, and retractable plugin cords are also helpful.

We put some of the best steam irons to the test to determine which ones are actually worth buying. Our expert home testers purchased and used 30 different steam irons in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, putting each one through its paces on materials like cotton, linen, and satin.

In addition to testing the iron's functionality, we noted its design (Is it too big? Too heavy? Does the handle get hot when in use?) and portability to choose our favorites.

Best Overall

Black+decker light 'n easy compact steam iron.

• Effectiveness 4.5 /5
• Design 4 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5

During our tests, this steam iron removed wrinkles and deep creases from satin and cotton in one pass.

There's no way to tell when this iron has reached the desired temperature.

If you want an iron that efficiently rids your clothes of wrinkles without having to splurge on an expensive appliance, this option from Black+Decker is a great choice. Though it has many of the same features as the pricier irons we tested, the Light 'N Easy iron is a lot less expensive while still acting as a time-saving solution to wrinkly fabric.

When testing, our experts found that the Light 'N Easy iron worked best on satin and cotton, removing wrinkles in just one pass. Deeper creases took a few tries to remove, though the process was still relatively effortless. Even on linen, our testers found that the iron could get rid of wrinkles easily (though deep creases were still slightly visible).

You'll be able to change the temperature settings using a dial on the iron's handle, which corresponds to a chart printed below the handle. This allows you to adjust the temperature according to the material you're working with, making it easy to iron a whole load of laundry at once.

We also loved how large this steam iron's water tank is, meaning you don't have to add more water during a long ironing session. The steam feature automatically adjusts the amount of steam it produces based on the setting you select, allowing for the right combination of heat and moisture. Plus, its automatic shutoff feature—which turns off the machine eight minutes after use when upright and after 30 seconds when facedown or on its side—provides added peace of mind.

Given its low price point, we weren't surprised to find that the Light 'N Easy iron feels a bit cheap compared to other models. There's no way to tell if the iron has reached its desired temperature, which we found frustrating, and deciphering some of the symbols on the iron was a challenge for our testers.

Product Details: Weight: 2.45 pounds | Water Tank Size: Not Listed | Wattage: 1200 watts | Soleplate Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Anti-drip, automatic shutoff | Cord Length: Not Listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Best Splurge

Rowenta perfect pro station iron.

• Effectiveness 4.6 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 4.8 /5

This iron's detachable water tank holds up to 37 ounces of water and filters out calcium to prevent buildup on your iron.

There's no indicator to tell you when the iron has reached the desired temperature.

If doing the laundry frequently includes ironing wrinkles out of clothing, tablecloths, or other fabrics, the Rowenta Perfect Pro iron is a great investment. While it's more expensive than other models, we found it to be exceptionally capable of cutting through deep wrinkles on multiple fabric types.

The most notable feature on the Perfect Pro iron is its extra-large water tank, which doubles as a docking station when you're not using the iron. If you tend to spend a large chunk of time ironing, the 37-ounce water tank allows you to keep working longer (up to 90 minutes) without having to stop and refill.

Plus, the separate tank keeps the iron itself quite lightweight and easy to use while offering powerful steam capabilities.

During testing, our experts found that this steam iron was quite versatile; it performed well on linen, cotton, and satin napkins with similar effectiveness. While it took a few passes across each fabric to flatten the wrinkles, we found it to be a pretty quick and easy job.

Similar to other Rowenta irons, the Perfect Pro has over 400 holes across the face of the soleplate, allowing for even steam distribution and even more precision when removing wrinkles. The iron automatically adjusts how much steam it outputs based on the temperature and fabric setting you've selected, better protecting the fabric from damage . We also liked this iron's extra-long cord (11.5 feet), which makes it easy to steam curtains.

When testing the Perfect Pro, our experts were slightly overwhelmed by the number of features this iron offers. In order to fully understand its capabilities and get the most out of the iron, you'll have to watch tutorials online, since the directions don't offer much insight into how to use the product.

For all its high-tech features (such as manual steam controls, extra-powerful steam distribution, and a long-lasting steel soleplate), our testers were disappointed to find that this iron doesn't have a ready light indicator. There's no way to tell when the iron has reached the right temperature and is ready for use.

Product Details: Weight: .95 pounds | Water Tank Size: 37 ounces | Wattage: 1800 watts | Soleplate Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Anti-drip, automatic shutoff, safety lock | Cord Length: 11.5 feet

BLACK + DECKER Advanced Steam Iron

• Effectiveness 4.2 /5
• Portability 4 /5

Our testers found the steam mode on this iron to be especially effective, removing wrinkles in a single pass on linen and cotton.

When dry ironing with this model, we found it took a few tries to get rid of wrinkles.

For fabric that's particularly wrinkled, the best way to target unwanted creases is to add heat and moisture, which softens the wrinkles and helps reverse the process that created them in the first place. The Black+Decker Vitessa steam iron is exceptional at just that; our testers found this iron to be particularly powerful at flattening creases on multiple types of fabric.

While many other irons we tested took at least a few swipes to get rid of deep creases, we found that this Black+Decker option made wrinkles disappear from cotton and linen in a single pass across the material when using the steam setting.

The vertical steam button is clearly marked at the top of the handle, making it easy to remove wrinkles from clothing, curtains, and more without taking them off the hanger or even touching the fabric. You also have the option to use the misting feature on this iron, which distributes a quick puff of water droplets to the fabric for tackling set-in wrinkles.

The Black+Decker steam iron also stood out to our testers because of its other perks, like the retractable power cord for easy storage, the anti-drip feature that eliminates water leaking out of the soleplate, and the automatic shutoff for added peace of mind.

Though our experts loved the steam settings on this iron, the dry iron settings weren't anything special. It took a few attempts to get rid of wrinkles on cotton, satin, and linen fabrics alike, but the process was still relatively quick and easy. If you prefer to use the dry setting to iron your clothes, this one certainly does the trick, but other irons we tested yielded better results.

Product Details: Weight: 2.5 pounds | Water Tank Size: 10.8 ounces | Wattage: 1200 watts | Soleplate Material: Nonstick | Safety Features: Anti-drip, automatic shutoff | Cord Length: 8 feet

Best for Travel

Conair ez press steam iron.

• Effectiveness 4.3 /5

This iron is super lightweight and easy to pack when traveling.

The small soleplate on this iron makes it less equipped for big ironing jobs.

We've all been there—you're unpacking clothes after a long day of traveling, and you find that the only nice outfit you brought on the trip is covered in wrinkles. Rather than putting your trust in the cheap hotel iron (or showing up to an important event all wrinkly), the Conair EZ Press iron is the ideal travel companion to get rid of unwanted creases.

Weighing 1 pound and small in size for convenient packing, the Conair iron tucks away easily in a suitcase while removing wrinkles just as easily as its more expensive counterparts. You'll be able to use the steam setting (though our testers found the water tank to be quite small) or use it as a dry iron, and its varying temperature settings allow you to work on multiple fabric types.

While testing, our experts were pleasantly surprised to find that the Conair iron removed wrinkles from our satin, linen, and cotton napkins with minimal effort in just a few passes. While we had a bit of trouble getting the deepest creases out of linen, they eventually disappeared after several attempts.

The temperature dial under the handle makes it easy to raise or lower the temperature to work on different fabrics, and we liked that the ready light indicates when the iron is heated to the correct temperature so we didn't accidentally burn low-temperature fabrics.

This iron also has a vertical steam option for getting wrinkles out of hanging clothes, making it incredibly versatile when you're away from home.

Because of its smaller size, the Conair iron is best suited for quick ironing jobs, and our testers found that it was pretty time consuming to use when working with a larger piece of material, like a tablecloth. We also found its water tank to be quite small and difficult to refill, with the removable cap leaking slightly when tipped on its side.

However, it's a great all-around choice when you're in a pinch and you need a quick and lightweight solution for travel-induced wrinkles.

Product Details: Weight: 1 pound | Water Tank Size: Not listed | Wattage: 800 watts | Soleplate Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: None | Cord Length: 8 feet

Best for Dry Ironing

Sunbeam iron.

This iron had great versatility across linen, cotton, and satin materials when dry ironing.

This iron's temperature fluctuates slightly when used for longer periods of time.

Dry ironing is a great way to make your clothes or fabric extra crisp, but finding a trustworthy iron that won't scorch your clothes or melt the tag can be a challenge. The Sunbeam Steam Master Steam Iron was the most effective dry iron we tested, removing wrinkles and deep creases on satin and cotton in just one swipe (though it needed a little more elbow grease to get rid of wrinkles on linen fabric).

When you want a burst of steam, our testers were impressed with this iron's steam capabilities—it flattened wrinkles in one to two attempts. Built-in settings for variable steam and spray mist mode allow you to target deep wrinkles more easily, too. The retractable power cord makes it super simple to put the iron away when not in use, and you won't have to worry about fussing with a too-long cord while you work.

Our testers noted how lightweight this iron felt when using, making it a lot easier than other models to use for long periods of time. All of the iron's settings are pretty self-explanatory, so you won't have to dig out the instructions every time you want to switch between steam and dry ironing. Plus, the temperature dial has specific markers for linen, cotton, wool, and synthetic materials to ensure nothing melts or sticks to the soleplate.

During testing, our experts noticed that the temperature of the iron's soleplate tended to decrease slightly after using it for a few minutes. We had to bump up the temperature a bit higher than the dial markings indicated after a while to maintain the correct heat levels.

Product Details: Weight: 2.6 pounds | Water Tank Size: Not listed | Wattage: 1400 watts | Soleplate Material: Non-stick soleplate | Safety Features: Anti-drip, automatic shutoff | Cord Length: 8 feet

Best Digital

Beautural 1800-watt steam iron.

• Effectiveness 3.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5

The LCD display makes it easy to see the settings and temperature while ironing.

Testers found that the steam setting doesn't remove wrinkles on cotton fabric.

This easy-to-use iron takes the guesswork out of selecting a temperature when you're ironing on different fabrics. Its digital display at the top of the handle clearly shows what fabric setting you're on as well as the steam level and mode number. These preset modes align with the general fabric heat recommendations, ensuring that you don't accidentally ruin your clothes while ironing.

Unlike many of the models we tested, it's super easy to tell when the Beautural iron is on and has reached the proper temperature. The LCD display tells you what fabric setting and steam level you're using, and the screen momentarily turns red once you've turned the iron off to provide reassurance that it's powering down.

Our testers found that the Beautural iron is extremely effective when dry ironing—it removed wrinkles from cotton fabric in just one swipe, and it only required one or two more passes on linen and satin. When we turned on the steam setting, our testers were able to lift wrinkles out of linen in one pass, but the steam was pretty ineffective on cotton. If you plan to iron cotton with this appliance, you'll want to turn off the steam.

We also liked the ergonomic handle grips, which made this Beautural iron extra comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver across the ironing board. The ceramic soleplate is designed to resist scratches, and its double-layer design helps to ensure the entire plate heats evenly and doesn't burn delicate clothing. Plus, the auto shutoff feature protects you if you forget to turn off the iron once you're done working.

Product Details: Weight: 3.18 pounds | Water Tank Size: 11.5 ounces | Wattage: 1800 watts | Soleplate Material: Ceramic | Safety Features: Automatic shutoff

Whether you constantly find yourself ironing wrinkles out of laundry, tablecloths, and more or you only need an iron occasionally, finding a steam iron that effectively removes wrinkles without damaging fabric is a top priority. Our winner for the best overall steam iron is the Black+Decker Light 'N Easy , which erased wrinkles from cotton, linen, and satin fabric in one to two swipes.

To determine our list of the best irons, we gathered a team of home experts in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and had them put 30 different steam irons through extensive testing. Our testers prepared satin, linen, and cotton napkins several days in advance, wetting the napkins, balling them up, and then securing them with rubber bands to create deep wrinkles and creases in the fabrics.

During our two-day test, we ran each iron across the wrinkled material in both dry and steam modes, making note of its effectiveness, the number of passes it took to remove wrinkles , and any changes we noticed to the fabric itself.

In addition to checking the effectiveness of the irons in getting rid of creases, we also took note of the design, portability, ease of use, and any safety features advertised.

Temperature

Whether you're working with cotton, linen, or another type of fabric, it's important to change your iron's temperature to avoid damaging the material. Many irons on the market have different settings that accommodate a variety of material types, but if you often iron one type of fabric over others, you'll want to find an iron that will safely and effectively remove wrinkles.

Water Tank Capacity

If you're purchasing an iron that has at least one steam setting, you'll want to consider the size of the water tank. If you plan to iron a lot of different items at once or you're ironing something large like a tablecloth, you'll want to find an iron that has a large enough water tank to get you through the job. This can help you avoid having to stop midway through a project to refill.

Soleplate Type

Soleplates are the flat metal piece on the face of your iron, and they're responsible for conducting heat and distributing steam evenly across fabric as you're working. Depending on the type of iron you purchase, you may find that it has either a ceramic or stainless steel soleplate.

While ceramic soleplates better protect you from accidentally burning your clothes while ironing, they also tend to wear out faster . Stainless steel soleplates last a lot longer but may stick to fabric when set at a high temperature. Depending on the material type you work with most and how long you'd like your iron to last, you'll want to keep these factors in mind.

Safety Features

Since irons conduct high levels of heat to remove wrinkles from your clothes, you'll want to consider added safety features that can prevent you or your family members from getting hurt. Many steam irons have automatic shutoff settings, which turns off the appliance after a certain amount of time. Others have anti-drip features, which prevent water from leaking out of the machine and getting near an electrical source.

Vremi 1800 Watt Steam Iron for Clothes

Our testers really liked the display on the Vremi Steam Iron , which has a temperature dial that allows for "in between" settings and turns green once you've reached your desired temperature. It performed especially well on linen and cotton when we tested this iron, flattening wrinkles in just one pass on dry mode and needing only a couple of extra passes with the steam setting. However, our experts found that the Vremi iron wasn't as effective as competing irons at removing wrinkles from cotton.

Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron

The Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron also caught our testers' attention in the lab, and we loved how lightweight and easy to maneuver this small-but-mighty appliance is. Overall, it was surprisingly effective when dry ironing on satin, linen, and cotton, and it could erase wrinkles with minimal effort. Our testers found it to be less effective on deep creases on satin and linen material, though it worked great on cotton.

Sunbeam Classic 1200 Watt Mid-size Anti-Drip Non-Stick Soleplate Iron

Our testers found the Sunbeam Classic 1200 Watt Iron to be a great basic option for shoppers who want a no-frills appliance. We found it to be lightweight, easy to maneuver, and particularly effective at clearing wrinkles when dry ironing cotton and satin. However, it didn't work well on linen and required a lot of extra passes to remove wrinkles on both the steam and dry settings.

How many watts should an iron have?

The average clothes iron uses between 1,000 to 2,000 watts, which is higher than other household appliances. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the iron is (and the more careful you'll need to be in order to avoid damaging your clothes).

Is a steam iron better than a normal iron?

Steam irons and dry irons are typically a matter of preference. Though dry irons usually leave a crisper look that is hard to achieve with a steam iron, the latter is better at removing deep creases with less effort. The added moisture released through holes in the steam iron's soleplate allows you to flatten wrinkles in less time. With a dry iron, you'll need to use a spray bottle to lightly moisten the material, and you'll also need to be more careful not to burn or melt your clothes than you might with a steam iron. Most irons on the market can be used for both dry and steam ironing.

This article was written by Samantha Jones , a former associate commerce home editor for Better Homes & Gardens . In order to write about the best irons, Samantha did several hours of research into steam irons, important features and safety concerns related to ironing, and the most popular steam irons on the market currently. She then compared this research to the detailed testing information gathered during our iron tests in Des Moines, Iowa. In addition to writing about irons, Samantha has contributed other articles to Better Homes & Gardens ' portfolio about meal delivery services, the best air conditioners, and stick vacuums.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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Keep Your Clothes Looking Great Even When You’re Jet Lagged With a Travel Iron

By Allison Bowsher

Allison Bowsher

Contributor

• Share This Article

Even with the hundreds of YouTube folding tutorials , a wide range of packing cubes , and hours spent meticulously preparing items, many travelers still open their suitcase at the end of a long flight to find wrinkled clothes. Just because you have jet leg doesn’t mean your clothes should look like they do as well. With a travel iron, it’s easy to look your best even when you’re not sure what time zone you’re in.

Many hotels and vacation rentals come equipped with complimentary irons, but these can often house germs since they are not cleaned as frequently as other high-touch areas, like beddings, towels and sinks. If your trip includes staying with friends or family, they may not have an iron available for you to use.

Then there’s the argument for using travel irons without the ‘travel’ action. Many travel irons included on our list come with an impressive level of power and offer both ironing and steaming capabilities. For customers who are short on space in their home and for those who only require the use of an iron or steamer periodically, travel irons offer a more financially feasible option and one that won’t take up excess cupboard space.

Travel irons are also a great option for crafters as they can get into the corners of smaller pieces of fabric better than a full-size iron. They are often available at a lower price point as well, which is good news in the case of accidental glue or paint spillage.

Wrinkles aren’t a good look in any country. Keep your clothes looking their best even when you’re short on space with a powerful and useful travel iron.

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The traveler’s choice luggage set is under $160 for amazon’s big spring sale, there’s a great groupon deal for every kind of spring break, 1. pursteam travel steamer and iron.

BEST OVERALL

Affordable, powerful, small. These are the three main criteria to look for when searching for a new travel iron and the steamer and iron combo from PurSteam has all these features and more. The compact travel iron has an impressive 800 watts of power behind it, producing up to 50% more steam than other industry favorites. We like that customers get an iron and a steamer in one without buying two gadgets. The dual voltage design of the PurSteam makes it appropriate for international travel and we like that the modern design of the iron also includes an anti-slip handle and nonstick soleplate.

PurSteam Travel Steamer and Iron

2. rowenta travel-ready compact steam iron.

MOST COMFORTABLE TO USE

If you want the power of a full-sized travel iron without the bulk, we recommend the Rowenta Travel-Ready Compact Steam Iron. The Rowenta is an impressive 1000-watt travel iron that features a stainless-steel soleplate. Customers can easily adjust the settings to choose a vertical steam option or create bursts of steam while ironing. A two-ounce transparent water tank makes it easy for customers to see when they need to fill the iron. The ergonomically designed handle makes the Rowenta comfortable to use and folds flat for a more streamlined storage option.

Rowenta Travel-Ready Compact Steam Iron

3. aevo 2-in-1 portable steam iron.

BEST FOR STEAMING

You likely don’t want to travel with both an iron and a steamer, which is why we recommend the AEVO 2-in-1 Portable Steam Iron. With an impressively fast heat time of 40 seconds, the 1300-watt AEVO can produce a constant stream of steam for up to nine minutes thanks to its 105 mL detachable tank. Designed with a ceramic soleplate, the AEVO is suitable for a wide variety of fabrics, including linen, silk, cotton, wool and synthetic items. We also like that it comes with overheat protection for added safety and has a leakproof design that means no accidental water dripping on your clothing.

AEVO 2-in-1 Portable Steam Iron

4. homedics perfect steam professional mini garment steamer and iron.

BEST ACCESSORIES

The HoMedics is on the pricier end of travel irons, but for good reason. For a few extra dollars, customers get an iron that heats up in only 15 seconds and has an impressive 10-minute run time of continuous steam. Small enough to fit in a carry-on suitcase but powerful enough to replace an everyday iron, the HoMedics features four settings, including a setting for delicate items. The iron is designed with a high-pressurized power pump and nano-sized molecules that get out stubborn wrinkles and even steam away odors. Safe for both horizontal and vertical use, the HoMedics comes with a travel case, travel pouch and a water cup for added convenience.

HoMedics Perfect Steam Professional Mini Garment Steamer And Iron

5. steam fast travel mini 400 steam iron.

BEST NON-STICK PLATE

Bigger isn’t always better and that is definitely the case with travel irons. With the Steam Fast Travel Mini 400 Steam Iron, customers can easily navigate around pleats, pockets, collars and other spaces that full-sized irons struggle to reach. Made with a dual voltage option for overseas travel and featuring a stainless steel nonstick soleplate, the Steam Fast has an adjustable steam temperature gauge and comes with a travel bag for added convenience and safe storage.

Steam Fast Travel Mini 400 Steam Iron

6. smagreho mini travel steam iron.

FASTEST HEATING TIME

When it’s time to travel, you don’t want to spend all day in a hotel room getting ready. That’s why we like the SMAGREHO Mini Travel Steam Iron, which heats up in 15 seconds and quickly gets to work ironing and steaming clothes. Customers can choose from three heating options depending on their needs, with the SMAGREHO safe for cotton, linen, wool, synthetic, and silk fabric. The compact iron, which measures only 5.2 inches by 3 inches, has dual 100- and 240-volt options for international travel. Customers can get rid of lines and wrinkles with bursts of steam or by holding the iron horizontally to turn it into a portable steamer. The SMAGREHO includes a travel pouch, measuring cup and protective mesh.

SMAGREHO Mini Travel Steam Iron

7. sharper image mini steam iron.

BEST BARGAIN BUY

For times when you need a small iron for quick touch up jobs while traveling, we like the affordable Sharper Image Mini Steam Iron. The 350 W travel iron is convenient to use thanks to its eight-foot power cord. Designed with a nonstick soleplate that resists rust, the Sharper Image has a 1.1-ounce water tank and three heat settings that make it useful for most fabrics. The one-touch steam control provides an extra boost for stubborn wrinkles and the dual 120- and 220-volt options make it a great iron to use anywhere in the world.

Sharper Image Mini Steam Iron

8. dyno merchandise handy press mini iron.

MOST COMPACT

Putting the ‘mini’ in mini irons is the Dyno Merchandise Handy Press. Measuring only 4.2 inches long and 4.8 inches wide, the Dyno is as close as you can get to a pocket-sized iron. When packing space is at a minimum, the Dyno is a great option. Although designed for crafting purposes, the Dyno makes a suitable travel iron for touching up collars, cuffs, and other small ironing jobs.

Dyno Merchandise Handy Press Mini Iron

$15.50 $17.19 10% off.

The 21 Best Weekender Bags for the Perfect Getaway in 2020

Allison spent four years as the Editor and head writer for Much.com, aka the Canadian MTV. During her time at Much, Allison conducted more than 100 on-camera interviews with some of the biggest names…

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The 8 Best Travel Steamers to Keep You Looking Stylish on the Road

A compact clothing steamer can be a lifesaver on the road — here are our favorites.

In This Article

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Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Despite our best efforts, packing for a trip often means arriving at a destination with wrinkled and creased clothing. And although many hotel rooms come equipped with an old-school ironing board, it can be a huge pain to unfold the clunky equipment and physically iron everything on arrival. Worse still, if your room doesn’t have an ironing board, paying to have the hotel press and steam individual garments quickly adds up.

Thankfully, portable handheld steamers make it easy and affordable to ensure you'll always look your best while traveling. The compact steamers tend to weigh about a pound or two and can easily fit into a carry-on bag or suitcase. Whether you prefer straight steaming, or would like a multi-purpose tool that irons as well, our list includes plenty of standout options for travelers of all types.

Best Overall

Nesugar g3 steamer.

It's sleek and stylish, so you won't mind this sitting on your bathroom counter for frequent use.

The water reservoir is quite small, so it needs to be refilled if you're steaming multiple garments in a row.

For a sleek steamer that truly looks like a high-end travel accessory, we love the compact Nesugar G3 Steamer. It comes with a soft bag to protect it while traveling and takes up no more room than a standard hair iron; plus, it's very lightweight at less than one pound. While it may be small, this steamer is also very powerful and heats up in just about 15 seconds. We used this to steam everything from silk to linen and there was no damage to any garments and, more importantly, it’s actually powerful enough to quicky get wrinkles out of pieces that had been stored away in packing cubes for days.

The Details: 2.6 x 1.65 x 9.1 inches | 0.75 pounds | 15 seconds to heat | 70 milliliters | 900 watts

Longest Cord

Hilife steamer.

This budget-friendly steamer is portable, yet it comes with an especially large water tank for efficiency.

This option is not cordless.

Travel steamers are significantly smaller than traditional stationary steamers which can sometimes mean the water tank is inconveniently small — but that’s not the case with the Hilife Travel Steamer for Clothes. This portable steamer offers a large, 240-milliliter tank with a total run time of 15 minutes before needing to be refilled (which is likely more than enough time to steam your garments for the day ahead). And, although this option isn’t cordless, it does have a nine-foot cord that will allow you to press your items without needing to be right next to a power outlet.

The Details: 6.8 x 5.5 x 7 inches | 1.8 pounds | 240 milliliters | 700 watts

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Splurge

Nesugar steamer for clothes.

The steamer's nozzle can rotate 90-degrees, so you can direct the steam where you need it.

There’s only one setting, so you can't adjust temperature or steam amount.

Just slightly larger than the Nesugar G3, this steamer is another powerful choice for any traveler. Simply fill the 70-milliliter reservoir with water and 15 seconds later it's ready to steam. What sets this steamer apart is the 90-degree rotating nozzle that allows you to direct your steam in a vertical or horizontal direction without spilling water all over your garment. It also includes a wall mount bracket, so you can store it easily when not in use, and a soft bag to pack it away while traveling.

The Details: 3.1 x 1.65 x 8.9 inches | 0.8 pounds | 15 seconds to heat | 70 milliliters | 900 watts

Best Budget

Bear travel steamer.

This affordable steamer comes with a handful of attachments and features a chic, gold-rimmed design.

The cord is only six feet long.

We love the look of this steamer — the modern design and gold-rimmed finish give it a look that is much more sophisticated than any garment steamer has the right to be. But the Bear Travel Steamer’s looks aren’t the only reason we love it. The budget-friendly price point and small size make this option great for travelers who rely on a carry-on bag only.

This option heats up in 10 seconds and has a run time of about 10 minutes. The only issue is that it has a tank capacity of just 120 milliliters, which is a bit inconvenient if you’re hoping to steam multiple garments at once.

The Details: 8.31 x 5.91 x 2.99 inches | 1.45 pounds | 10 seconds to heat | 120 milliliters | 1,000 watts

Best Iron/Steamer Combo

Nori the nori press.

This high-end option allows for casual steaming and more crisp, pressed lines thanks to steaming and ironing capabilities.

It’s the most expensive option on our list.

Nope, this gadget isn’t a hair straightener. Nori’s unique iron/steamer combination makes it super simple to look put-together on the go — even after multiple days of travel. The clamp-enabled press can create sharp collars and sleeves, but instead of simply ironing, it also has a built-in steaming system that allows for quick and easy pressing on the go. It’s extremely compact and easy to pack, and although the tank is only 29 milliliters in size, the Nori Press still offers continuous steam for up to 10 minutes at a time.

The Details: 14 x 5.79 x 3.11 inches | 1.4 pounds | 3 minutes to heat | 29 milliliters

Most Compact

Polardo hand held portable travel garment steamer.

This lightweight steamer only weighs a little over a pound, which makes it great for tossing in your carry-on.

It’s extremely small and might be tedious to steam lots of garments with.

The idea of fitting a garment steamer into a tiny or already overstuffed bag might seem impossible, but the Polardo Hand Held Portable Travel Garment Steamer was truly designed to be as compact as possible. The ultra-lightweight steamer weighs a little over a pound and the compact size is about the same as a bottle of shampoo. We also love that this product heats up in just 25 seconds, effectively eliminating the waiting time that's usually associated with high-end steamers.

The Details: 7.7 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches | 1.2 pounds | 25 seconds to heat | 118 milliliters | 120 volts

Best Ergonomic

Electrolux garment steamer.

This option might be a little clunky, but the ergonomic handle makes it by far the most comfortable to use.

The large size isn’t the best for fitting in a carry-on bag.

If you prefer convenience (and tend to pack in a checked suitcase) this steamer might be the best option for you. The Electrolux Portable Handheld Garment and Fabric Steamer isn’t particularly compact or lightweight, but it does offer the best steaming action and largest tank capacity on the list. We particularly love this option because of the ergonomic design that makes it easy to both grip and manipulate while steaming all kinds of garments. We also love that the Electrolux heats up in just 30 seconds for fast and efficient steaming.

The Details: 12.4 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches | 4.02 pounds | 30 seconds to heat | 300 milliliters | 1,500 watts

Best for Thick Fabrics

Conair extremesteam hand-held fabric steamer.

This high-end steamer is ultra-efficient and powerful enough for thick fabrics like wool or denim.

The steam flow isn’t always consistent and can sometimes spit water.

The Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Hand Held Fabric Steamer is your best option if you want a product that can handle thick fabrics like wool, but also provide gentle steaming for items made of silk or chiffon. The “ExtremeSteam” technology also kills up to 99.9 percent of germs through steaming alone which makes it very appealing for getting off all the nasties that cling to your clothing after a full day of traveling or sightseeing. This option boasts a tank capacity of 215 milliliters which provides an excellent run time of 15 minutes.

The Details: 5.6 x 8 x 13.6 inches | 7.3 ounces | 40 seconds to heat | 215 milliliters | 1,875 watts

Tips for Buying a Travel Steamer

Prioritize portability.

Having a large steamer is great for efficiency, but it won’t do you much good if you aren’t able to comfortably fit it in your carry-on or checked suitcase. If you want something you can genuinely bring with you on each and every trip, you’ll want to opt for a small, handheld one that can easily fit in baggage of all sizes. Most handheld steamers should fit the bill, but make sure to read the dimensions to ensure you’re getting something compact and portable.

Look for extra features and attachments

It’s wise to purchase something with bonus features that can be used on various trips. There are some steamers that come with attachments that allow them to function as an iron for when you need a crisp press, while others allow you to steam thicker materials like wool or corduroy, too.

Steamers can be a faster and more eco-friendly alternative to ironing. According to Brian Jones, product and travel expert at Best in Edmonton, a steamer can be used instead of an iron to eliminate creases from garments, especially in delicate fabrics that cannot be ironed (such as silk, wool, and pleated goods). However, you’ll want to note that steaming your clothes may produce a smooth, casual finish rather than the crisp, pressured gloss of ironing.

Yes, it does work to clean your clothes if you're in a pinch. “Running the steamer removes odors and perspiration residue from garments, and helps to remove creases from goods that aren't best suited to laundering or dry cleanings, such as silks, vintage items, pieces with leather ornamentation, and other specific materials,” Jones explains.

The easiest steamers to use should have a large water tank, steady bursts of steam, and a comfortable grip that will allow you to get into nooks and crannies without having to strain your arm.

Yes! Portable steamers can be packed in carry-on luggage and personal items and go through airport security without issue. Just be sure to remove any remaining liquid before packing.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and lifestyle editor to curate a list of the very best portable steamers for those on the road. She also spoke with Brian Jones , product and travel expert at Best in Edmonton, for his professional insights.

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Oztoprak N, Kizilates F, Percin D. Comparison of steam technology and a two-step cleaning (Water/detergent) and disinfecting (1,000 resp. 5,000 ppm hypochlorite) method using microfiber cloth for environmental control of multidrug-resistant organisms in an intensive care unit .  GMS Hygiene and Infection Control; 14:Doc15 . Published online October 24, 2019. doi:10.3205/dgkh000330

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10 Travel Garment Steamers & Portable Irons To Pack On Your Next Trip — So You Always Look Sharp Wherever You Are

One of the best parts of travelling and going on holidays overseas is dressing up for photo opps. You’ve excitedly planned which day to wear what ensemble and packed accordingly, perhaps using travel tips you’ve picked up here . The clothes, however, look creased and crumpled after being cramped into the luggage. Not a good look, especially if you’re travelling for work. That’s why we recommend bringing a travel clothing iron or garment steamer with you on your next trip. 

How to choose a travel iron or garment steamer

• Size and weight: Because they are made for travel, these clothing irons and garment steamers should naturally be small and compact. 
• Ironing preferences: On top of that, think about how you prefer to straighten the creases on your clothes — dry iron or wet steam — and how much weight you will allocate for the device. You might also want to pick iterations that allow for vertical and horizontal ironing, the latter especially if you have a business shirt that needs a sharp crease across the arm. 
• Voltage: Choose dual voltage options if you frequently travel to countries with different voltage levels than Singapore (220-240V), such as Japan, Taiwan, and America (110V).

Other uses for a travel clothing iron or garment steamer 

Besides making your clothes look sharp and creaseless, these travel clothing irons and garment steamers can also be used on hotel beds before sleeping on them. This would give you added peace of mind, given the news of bedbug proliferation in parts of Europe, South Korea, and around the world. 

At a glance: Travel irons and steamers 

• Most bang for buck: Philips Handheld Garment Steamer STH1000/16, $36
• Most lightweight: Newbealer Travel Iron with Dual Voltage, $48.86
• Multi-functional: Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer, $79

Philips Handheld Garment Steamer STH1000/16 ($36)

• Functionality: Steamer
• Weight: 520g

The Philips garment steamer starts steaming after just 35 seconds, making it a great option for those in a hurry. The water tanks hold 85ml of water and give off up to 18g of steam per minute. Philips offers a two-year global warranty on the product. Got a bigger budget? A more advanced version with a quicker steam rate is available here for $79 .  Philips Handheld Garment Steamer STH1000/16 ($36). Buy here

Newbealer Travel Iron with Dual Voltage ($49.82)

• Functionality: Dry iron
• Weight: 431g
• Voltage: Dual voltage

The lightest travel iron on this list, the Newbealer model is for those who dry iron only their clothing and don’t want to deal with potential leakages. But a mini spray bottle is included if you need some steam for extra straightening prowess. Otherwise, the soleplate heats up to 150 degrees Celsius and has a ceramic coating to resist sticking and wear. Lastly, the Newbealer travel iron has a 1.5m wire and dual voltage capabilities.  Newbealer Travel Iron with Dual Voltage ($49.82). Buy here

Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer in Coral Red ($79)

• Weight: 1,000g 
• Voltage: 230V

Available in three fun, bright colours — coral red, green, and yellow — this Tefal device is both a garment steamer and a lint remover. The former heats up in 15 seconds and offers an output of 20g of steam per minimum powered by a 70ml water tank. With a click of a button, the reversible pad system keeps the steam system to reveal the hair and lint removal side, all without scalding you. Lastly, the Tefal garment steamer has an extra long 2m power cord.  Tefal Pure Pop Garment Steamer in Coral Red ($79). Buy here

Conair Travel Smart Dual Voltage Garment Steamer ($43.02)

• Weight: 544g

When filled to its maximum capacity, the Conair garment steamer offers up to 10 minutes of steam time. The device also has a detachable bristle and lint brush for finishing touches. The Conair garment steamer has a 2.4m wire and dual voltage capabilities making it suitable for travel.  Conair Travel Smart Dual Voltage Garment Steamer ($43.02). Buy here

Sunbeam Travel Steam Iron ($38.89)

• Functionality: Dry iron with steam
• Weight: 758g

The Sunbeam travel iron was made for the traditionalists who prefer the classic shape of clothing irons. Accented with an ergonomic handle and non-stick soleplate, the iron has a 70ml water tank you can fill to produce steam. There is a dial to control the heat settings too. Lastly, the Sunbeam travel iron has a 2.4m wire and dual voltage capabilities.   Sunbeam Travel Steam Iron ($38.89). Buy here

The Quilted Bear Mini Iron ($54.83) 

• Weight: 495g

This mini iron can be used for crafting and appliqué applications too. The Quilted Bear travel iron can be filled with up to 40ml of water to dry iron with steam up to 230 degrees Celsius. The handle, however, cannot be adjusted so you’ll have to get used to the grip. Otherwise, the soleplate is ceramic-coated. A hardshell carry case is also included for easy storage.  The Quilted Bear Mini Iron ($54.83). Buy here

Jack & Rose Dual Voltage Travel Steamer for Clothes ($118.57)

• Functionality: Dry iron and steamer
• Weight: 680g

What looks like a Dyson hair tool at first glance is actually both a dry iron and garment steamer. The dry iron ceramic-plated soleplate heats up to 150 degrees Celsius while the steam function gets as high as 120 degrees Celsius with up to 22g of steam per minute with the 150ml water tank. The settings are adjustable on the LED screen and the swivel steam head has a 360-degree rotation on this travel steamer, which comes with a two-year warranty too. There is a 2.2m cord and dual voltage capabilities.  Jack & Rose Dual Voltage Travel Steamer for Clothes ($118.57). Buy here

Xiaomi Mijia Handheld Garment Steamer ($25.90)

• Weight: 780g
• Voltage: 220V

Xiaomi’s garment steamer comes with a detachable water tank that holds 160ml of water, or enough to iron six adult-sized shirts each time. It takes 30 seconds to reach 130 degrees Celsius, which is sufficiently hot to straighten linen, cotton, and wool but not enough to damage silk and nylon. Steam dispersal is also enhanced with the 20 kPa micro-boosting, removing wrinkles without wetting the outfits. The Xiaomi garment steamer has a 1.6m rubber power cord, thermal fuse and insulation protection.  Xiaomi Mijia Handheld Garment Steamer ($25.90). Buy here

Simplus Handheld Wet & Dry Dual Function Ironing Machine ($29.90)

Functionality: Dry iron and steamer  Voltage: 220V

For those who want versatility without spending too much, consider this Simplus dual-function model. The water tank has a capacity of 120ml, and the iron gives off 14g of steam per minute. Otherwise, use it dry at temperatures of up to 135 degrees Celsius. The heated plate is made with cast aluminum and coated with non-stick Teflon. The handle swivels up to 180 degrees, so you can adjust the grip to match your personal preference. The Simplus iron has a 1.3m power cord and comes with a heat insulation bracket to rest the device on.  Simplus Handheld Wet & Dry Dual Function Ironing Machine ($29.90). Buy here

Konka x Little Cofa 2in1 Portable Steam Iron & Travel Garment Steamer ($33.90) 

• Weight: 700g

Shaped almost like a showerhead, the Konka x Little Cofa iron and garment steamer does both dry iron and wet steaming. It gives off 20g per minute of steam with a water tank capacity of 80ml, or about two to three pieces of clothing. Heating up to 160 degrees Celsius, the ceramic-coated ironing panel can be rotated 90 degrees for flat ironing. Lastly, the Konka x Little Cofa iron and garment steamer has a 1.8m rubber wire, temperature control, and thermal wire protection.  Konka x Little Cofa 2in1 Portable Steam Iron & Travel Garment Steamer ($33.90). Buy here

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. Prices are correct at the time of publishing.   

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Best Small Steam Iron for Travel 2023

Whether you travel by train, plane or automobile, wrinkled clothes are an inevitable part of the journey. Regardless if you’re traveling for work or pleasure, unpacking your luggage will reveal clothes that don’t look like they should. The solution is much simpler (and cheaper) than you think.

A mini travel iron takes up less space than your average shoe and will add little more than a pound of weight to your luggage. They are also dual voltage, which makes it perfect for European vacations.

Our absolute winner is the Oliso M2 Mini

Unless you’re going for that “I slept in these clothes” look, this tiny little appliance makes a big impact on how you look, as well as the impression you leave behind. They also work perfectly for students who need a quick way to look sharp before class. We’ve reviewed the top performers for you to choose from…

1. Oliso M2 Mini Travel Iron

It’s not the cheapest, but its the most powerful of all the travel irons we’ve tested. It’s ideal for taking with on your next overseas adventure or if you just need to iron the occasional work shirt at home. From personal experience, Oliso is a brand name to trust. Yes, you may spend a little more initially, but, you won’t risk wasting time or money on an underperforming appliance.

• Great 1000 watts performance
• Great Quality
• Dual-voltage switch
• Slightly more expensive

2. Rowenta First Class DA1560 Folding Travel Iron

• 1000 watts of power
• GoodQuality
• Flat folding handle & carry bag
• Handle can feel weird

3. Steamfast Small Mini Travel

• Lightest steam iron in the world
• Dual voltage capabilities
• Heats up in 15 seconds
• Medium Quality

4. Sunbeam Hot-to-Trot with Dual Voltage

• Cheapest travel steam iron we’ve tested
• Not ideal for vertical steaming
• Average build quality

Travel Iron Review – Buyers Guide

Highest power output.

Both Oliso and Rowenta have 100 watts of power. This is compared to a full-sized iron which is usually around 1700 watts. So expect it to be a little slower to warm up, but given their small size, they still pack a punch and iron really well. If you need something bigger, check out our best steam irons for clothing article instead.

Most Compact Mini Iron

Small, lightweight mini irons mean you can always take this convenient appliance with you, even for short overnight stays. Steaming ironing clothes is so quick and effortless with an appliance only just bigger than your hand. They also help you to get more than a day’s wear our of some clothing. A quick steam will freshen up garments and even removes faint odors.

The Steamfast mini travel currently holds the title of world’s smallest iron, and after checking the facts, we can confirm this claim.

Not only is it tiny, but it’s also as light as a few feathers, 1 pound to be exact. It’s so teeny tiny yet delivers impressively in both heating speed and steaming capability. It is super comfortable to operate making it the winner not only in this review but as a favorite choice on Amazon too.

All the travel irons listed above can be packed in your carry on luggage too. The TSA Rules confirm that as long as you don’t attempt to use in during the flight, you have their approval.

Best Cheap Steam Iron Choice

The Sunbeam is a near-impossible price to beat. If budget is a factor in picking out your travel iron, then this option will be the lightest on your pocket.

Dual Voltage Performers

All of the above reviewed mini travel irons are dual voltage so book that overseas holiday. Yay! Only the Cordless Panasonic does not qualify in this category.

Globe trotters need an iron that can switch between the lower 100 and higher 240 volts. Depending on the rated voltage of the country you are visiting, you can simply adjust your steam iron to the correct setting and then straighten out clothing that needs a little attention.

If you use your steam iron when there is a higher power input, it may fail to work or worse, cause damage to the iron. Heating appliances like irons without a dual-voltage setting would require a voltage adaptor or convertor.

Safest Iron with Auto Shut-off

None of the mini travel irons above have a safety shut off so it’s essential to remember to switch them off when they are done. They all power on then connected to a power source, so no on/off switches either.

Only the cordless Panasonic has an auto shut-off safety feature, the iron switches off after 10 minutes of inactivity. We generally expect this feature on a high-end product such as this. As the iron only powers up when on its charging plate, if it falls off its base or is left standing on its heel, it will automatically cool down.

Largest Water Capacity

This is only really a factor if you plan to use your iron for more than just a travel ironing. For a shirt or two, the small water capacity of any of the above irons will suffice, but… what if you want more?

The amount of steam you use will ultimately determine how many times you need to refill your water reservoir. This in itself is as easy as popping open a water cap but if you have more ironing to get through, this can be a time-wasting nuisance.

Unbeatable Warranty

Cheap and low-quality irons have a reputation of only lasting a short period of time, but this should not be that case with any of the above travel irons. Should your iron fail, despite proper use and care, the manufacturers should back their products with support, repairs, and replacements.

Variable Heat and Steam Settings

Heat settings need to be adjustable to ensure different fabrics are treated with the correct temperature. The steam output should also be controlled and a steam burst feature is a great addition as it allows you to tackle tougher wrinkles with less effort.

An iron that offers both steam ironing and dry ironing offers more versatility if you plan to use it for home crafting too.

Ergonomic Design

Travel steam irons are conventionally small for easy portability, but this should not make them difficult to use. You should be able to grip the handle comfortably, fill the water tank without difficulty and adjust setting effortlessly.

Need an Iron for Sewing or Quilting?

Small travel sized irons are excellent to include in your sewing tool kit. Sometimes, a large iron can be cumbersome and heavy, especially on repetitive jobs like patchwork. The fact that most travel irons do not have an auto-shutoff, also means your iron is always hot.

The small soleplate also allows detailed precision without the chance of burning your fingers when it comes to flattening seams.

Small Irons for Home Use and Laundry

If you’re a bachelor or bachelorette, then a compact iron may be all you need. Although not what it’s been designed for, a travel iron can be used at home too. Because the soleplate is small, it goes not cover a very large surface area so cloth ironing will take longer compared to a traditional iron.

But if you’re one of those people who only iron the occasional shirt or dress when going out, then it’s a good match for you. It doesn’t take up much space, an 8 foot power cord is long enough to give you good reach, and it heats up really fast. (Sometimes faster than a traditional iron as they have a larger surface to heat.)

Word of warning: Travel irons do not have a safety-off switch, so be sure to switch it off to avoid scorches, burns or worse.

Having a travel iron in your luggage completes the experience of traveling across the planet and looking the part when you finally arrive. After you’ve used it once or twice, and saved a small fortune on the hotel’s ironing service, you won’t leave home without it.

It’s a game-changer for sure. You’ll sooner leave home without your toothbrush before leaving your steamy friend behind. Okay, maybe not everyone gets as excited about ironing as we do, but you’ve got to love the cool convenience of a tiny appliance that helps perfect the ultimate holiday photos.

What other travel essentials are you addicted to? Let us know what’s the first thing you pack when heading on a trip?

Travel Iron: Ultimate Guide to the Best of Your Needs

Traveling can be exciting, but packing can be a hassle. It’s hard to know what to bring and what to leave behind, especially regarding clothing. One item that can be particularly tricky to pack is an iron.

While many hotels provide irons in their rooms, they can be bulky and heavy to carry around. This is where travel irons come in.

Travel irons are small, lightweight irons explicitly designed for travel. They are compact and easy to pack, making them the perfect solution for those who want to look their best on the go. These irons are also ideal for those staying in accommodations that don’t provide irons, such as hostels or vacation rentals.

When purchasing a travel iron, there are a few things to remember. The first is size. You want to ensure the iron is small enough to fit in your luggage without taking up too much space.

The second is weight. A heavy iron can add unnecessary weight to your luggage, so choosing one that is lightweight is essential.

Finally, you want to ensure the iron is powerful enough to do the job. There’s nothing worse than an iron that doesn’t get hot enough to remove wrinkles.

We spent hours researching and testing multiple travel irons to identify the ones that are the best for travelers. In the next section, we’ll examine our top picks and what makes them stand out.

Best Travel Irons

When it comes to traveling, packing light is critical. However, it can be difficult to keep your clothes looking neat and wrinkle-free while on the go. That’s where travel irons come in.

These compact and portable devices are perfect for smoothing out any wrinkles or creases in your clothes, whether you’re staying in a hotel or camping in the great outdoors. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best travel irons on the market, so you can choose the perfect one for your next adventure.

Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Steam Iron

If you’re in the market for a reliable travel iron, the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Steam Iron is definitely worth considering.

• This iron is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel.
• The powerful Shot of Steam feature works both horizontally and vertically, making it easy to iron hanging garments, upholstery, and drapery.
• The non-stick soleplate easily glides over fabrics, making it easy to maneuver.
• The water tank is only 90ml, so you’ll need to refill it frequently if you have a lot of ironing to do.
• The iron may not get as hot as some users would like, especially for thicker fabrics.
• The cord is only 8 feet long, which may be too short for some users.

We recently had the opportunity to try out this travel iron, and we were impressed with its performance. The iron is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack in a suitcase or carry-on bag. We also appreciated the included travel bag , which kept the iron protected during transport.

The Shot of Steam feature was a real standout for us. It worked well both horizontally and vertically, and we were able to easily iron hanging garments, upholstery, and drapery.

The non-stick soleplate also made it easy to maneuver, and we didn’t experience any snagging or sticking.

One downside to this iron is the small water tank. If you have a lot of ironing to do, you’ll need to refill it frequently.

Additionally, the iron may not get as hot as some users would like, especially for thicker fabrics. Finally, the cord is only 8 feet long, which may be too short for some users.

Overall, we would recommend the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Steam Iron to anyone in need of a reliable travel iron. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use, and the Shot of Steam feature is a real game-changer.

Rowenta Pro Compact Stainless Steel Soleplate Steam Iron

If you’re looking for a compact and powerful travel iron, the Rowenta DA1560 is a great option. With a sleek design and powerful steam, it’s perfect for ironing on the go.

• Compact yet powerful: With a 1000-watt iron, the DA1560 is strong enough for home use, but its compact design makes it perfect for travel.
• Efficient and durable: The microsteam durable stainless-steel soleplate ensures optimal efficiency and durability.
• Versatile design: The iron can be used with or without steam and works with tap water, so there’s no need for distilled water.
• Small water tank: The transparent water tank holds just over 2 ounces of water, so you’ll need to refill it frequently.
• No automatic shut-off: Unlike some other travel irons, the DA1560 doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature, so you’ll need to remember to turn it off when you’re done.
• No retractable cord: The cord doesn’t retract into the iron, so you’ll need to wrap it around the handle for storage.

We recently took the Rowenta DA1560 on a trip and were impressed with its performance. The iron heats up quickly and produces a good amount of steam, making it easy to remove wrinkles from all kinds of fabrics.

We especially appreciated the precision tip, which made it easy to smooth collars, seams, and narrow edges.

One thing to keep in mind is that the water tank is quite small, so you’ll need to refill it frequently. We found that we could get through one or two items of clothing before needing to refill.

Additionally, the lack of an automatic shut-off feature means you’ll need to be careful to turn the iron off when you’re done using it.

Overall, we think the Rowenta DA1560 is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and powerful travel iron. Its efficient and durable design, versatile capabilities, and precision tip make it a great investment for anyone who wants to look their best on the go.

BEAUTURAL Mini Travel Steam Iron

If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight travel iron , the BEAUTURAL Mini Travel Steam Iron is a great option to consider.

• Thanks to its compact size, it’s easy to pack in your luggage and take on the go.
• It offers worldwide use, allowing you to switch between 110V and 230V depending on your country.
• The unique leaf-shaped soleplate makes ironing tight spaces and corners of your clothes easy.
• The steam function can be inconsistent at times, which may be frustrating for some users.
• The temperature dial can be difficult to read, especially in low light settings.
• The handle may feel a bit awkward to hold for some users.

We recently had the chance to try out the BEAUTURAL Mini Travel Steam Iron, and overall, we were impressed with its performance.

It’s incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you on the go. We were able to fit it into even the tightest spaces in our luggage.

One of the standout features of this iron is its unique leaf-shaped soleplate. This double-tipped shape allowed us to easily push the iron into tight spaces and corners of our clothes, making it much easier to get a smooth and wrinkle-free finish.

We also appreciated the fact that the BEAUTURAL Mini Travel Steam Iron offers worldwide use. We were able to easily switch between 110V and 230V depending on the country we were in, which made it incredibly convenient for international travel.

However, we did notice that the steam function can be a bit inconsistent at times. While it worked well for the most part, there were a few instances where it didn’t seem to produce as much steam as we would have liked.

Additionally, we found that the temperature dial can be a bit difficult to read, especially in low light settings.

And while the handle is designed to be anti-slip, we did find that it felt a bit awkward to hold for extended periods of time.

Overall, if you’re in need of a compact and lightweight travel iron, the BEAUTURAL Mini Travel Steam Iron is definitely worth considering. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its unique soleplate and worldwide use capabilities make it a great option for frequent travelers.

Aiwell Mini Travel Iron

If you require a compact and efficient travel iron, the Aiwell Mini Travel Iron is a great option to consider.

• Effortless ironing experience with quick heating and steam spray function
• Sharp-cornered design for smooth ironing on all types of fabric
• Durable and flexible with 180-degree rotating handle and easy storage
• Short cord length may require extension cord for comfortable use
• No temperature control or on/off button
• Small water tank requires frequent refilling

We were impressed with how quickly the Aiwell Mini Travel Iron heated up and how easy it was to use. The steam spray function was a great addition for removing wrinkles and eliminating odors.

We also appreciated the sharp-cornered design, which made it easy to iron every angle of our clothes.

The aluminum alloy heating panel felt durable and lightweight, and the 180-degree rotating handle was a nice touch for added convenience.

However, the short cord length was a bit of a drawback and we needed to use an extension cord for comfortable use. Additionally, the small water tank required frequent refilling, which could be inconvenient for longer ironing sessions.

Overall, the Aiwell Mini Travel Iron is a great option for those in need of a compact and efficient travel iron. It’s easy to use, durable, and provides a smooth ironing experience on all types of fabric.

Steamfast SF-710 Mini Steam Iron

If you’re looking for a compact and portable travel iron, the Steamfast SF-710 Mini Steam Iron is a great option to consider.

• With its 1-ounce water tank, this travel iron heats up in just 45 seconds, making it perfect for last-minute touch-ups.
• This iron also has temperature control, a steam burst button, and dry or steam iron settings, so it works well on various fabric types.
• The foldable handle and included measuring cup make it easy to pack and use on-the-go.
• Some users have reported that the steam function may not work as well as expected. They also mentioned that the water reservoir can leak if not handled carefully.
• Another downside is that the cord is only 6 feet long, which may limit your reach depending on where you need to iron.
• Lastly, this iron is built to meet U.S. voltage requirements and may not work as well in other countries without a voltage converter.

In summary, the Steamfast SF-710 Mini Steam Iron is a reliable and convenient travel iron that can help keep your clothes looking neat and wrinkle-free on-the-go.

Buying Guide for Travel Iron’s

When choosing a travel iron, make sure to consider several factors to ensure you select the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for when shopping for a travel iron:

Size and Weight of a Travel Iron

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a travel iron is its size and weight.

The ideal travel iron should be compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack and carry in your luggage. Look for a product that is small enough to fit in your suitcase or carry-on bag without taking up too much space.

Power and Heating

Another important feature to consider is the power and heating capabilities of the travel iron.

Look for a product with a high wattage, as this will ensure that the iron heats up quickly and is able to remove wrinkles effectively.

Additionally, consider whether the iron has adjustable temperature settings. This will allow you to customize the heat level based on the type of fabric you are ironing.

Steam Functionality of Travel Iron

Many travel irons come with a steam function, which can be a useful feature for removing stubborn wrinkles.

Consider whether you need a product with a steam function, and look for one with a high steam output for maximum effectiveness.

Additionally, check whether the iron has a water tank that can be easily refilled. This will make it easier to use the steam function when needed.

Additional Features

Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you when choosing a travel iron.

For example, some products come with a dual voltage feature. This allows them to be used in different countries without the need for a voltage converter.

Others may come with a retractable cord for easy storage or a non-stick soleplate for smooth ironing.

When shopping for a travel iron, considering these factors can help you select a product that meets your needs. It can also help you look your best while on the go.

Traveler and blogger Living in Guadalajara, Mexico

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The Best Water Filters of 2024, Tested by Experts

Top water purifiers for the whole house, sink, countertop and more.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Under-the-Sink Water Filter

Aquasana 3-stage max flow under sink water filter.

Best Water Filter Pitcher

Brita everyday water filter pitcher with longlast+ filter.

Best Small Water Filter Pitcher

Aquagear water filter pitcher.

Best Countertop Water Filter

Aquatru connect countertop water filter.

Best Whole-House Water Filter

Aquasana rhino 600,000 gallons water filter.

Best Water Filter Bottle

Brita water bottle with filter.

Best Water Filter Pitcher to Deactivate Bacteria

Larq purevis pitcher with advanced water filter.

Most Stylish Water Filter Carafe

Soma glass carafe.

Best Water Filter Faucet

Culligan faucet-mount advanced water filter.

Best Shower Water Filter

Sonaki inline shower filter.

If tap water is your go-to for daily hydration, it might be time to integrate a water filter into your kitchen. Water filters are designed to purify your water by eliminating harmful impurities such as chlorine, lead and pesticides, with the level of removal varying by the filter's sophistication. hey can also improve the taste — and in some cases, the clarity — of the water.

You can read more about how we evaluate water filters in our Labs — plus everything you need to know to shop for the best water filter — at the end of this guide. Looking to up your water intake on the go? Check out our guide to the best water bottles.

G et filtered water for up to six months by simply turning on the tap . This under-the-sink system filters out chlorine, heavy metals, cysts, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs and more. It's also the one used in the home of former GH Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D .

“I use filtered water for absolutely everything from cooking to coffee-making, so tabletop water filters can’t keep up with my use,” she said. “With this one, there's no need to refill any carafes or tanks.”

As one of our top-tested water filters, Brita's Longlast+ filter removed more than 30 contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and more. We appreciated its speedy filtering, coming in at 38 seconds per cup. Compared to its predecessor, it lasts six months rather than two, and it doesn’t leave black carbon specks in the water.

Former GH Institute Chief Technologist and Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman uses this water pitcher in her five-person household. She loves the taste of the water and that she’s not constantly changing the filter.

This pitcher is great for filtering lead and chlorine from your water. Our Lab experts found it worked faster than others we tested . The filter setup was a little fussy, but we were impressed at how lightweight the pitcher is, even when full.

It boasts a 10-cup capacity but it has a fairly compact design, so it won't take up too much room in your fridge or on your counter.

Our pros were impressed with AquaTru Connect's three filter system that removes over 80 contaminants , one of the highest number of contaminants among the water filters we tested.

According to our data review, all three filters remove what they claim. The pre/carbon filter removes particles like sediment and rust, as well as chlorine, which also improves taste. The reverse osmosis filter removes impurities down to 1/10,000 of a micron, reducing arsenic, lead, parasitic cysts, copper and more. The carbon VOC filter is designed to enhance the taste of the water. It also filters out radon, a radioactive material that most filters do not remove and also removes over 90% of fluoride (which some may prefer be removed though others may not).

There’s no need to worry about when to change your filter as the associated smartphone app keeps track of it for you. All of this does come at a pricey $500, but the filters last longer than most others, making the yearly replacement cost comparable to filters that don’t remove as much.

Whole-house water filters remove contaminants before they enter your home, so you can be sure the water you use for cooking, laundry and showering is filtered and ready to go. Both Rothman and Dan DiClerico , the director of the GH Institute's Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, recommend Aquasana as a brand for its reliability from previous testing and good customer service.

This whole-house filter reduces chlorine, lead and more, according to the brand. It lasts up to 600,000 gallons — about six years — so you won’t have to worry about changing the filter often. If hard water is an issue, there’s also an option to upgrade to a salt-free water conditioner or a model that lasts 10 years.

Though we have not tested this water bottle that has a filter, Brita is a brand that consistently does well in our Lab tests, so we feel confident recommending it. According to Brita, the bottle is BPA-free and has a leakproof lid so you can throw it in your backpack without worrying about it spilling.

It’s available in a 26-ounce size, which fits in most cup holders, or a 36-ounce size, which is handy if you're on a longer trek or can’t refill as often. It has a built-in carrying loop to make it easier to tote around and is available in four fun colors. Some users noted that the design of the straw made it harder to drink through.

The Larq PurVis Pitcher filters over 45 contaminants such as microplastics, heavy metals, VOCs, endocrine disruptors, PFOA and PFOS, pharmaceuticals and more. This pick also takes it a step further by using UV light to deactivate E. coli and Salmonella , which can build up in water filter pitchers when chlorine is filtered out.

In testing, we loved that the Larq app was easy to use and that it keeps track of when you need to change the filter, so there’s no guessing. It pours smoothly without splashing, and it’s dishwasher safe, except for the small rechargeable wand, which we found easy to wash by hand. Take note: The filters can be pricier than others.

You can proudly display this water filter pitcher on your table when company is over, thanks to its sleek, modern appearance. Not only does it stand out with its unique design, but our pros love that the hourglass shape makes it easy to hold.

It filters out chlorine and four heavy metals including cadmium, copper, mercury and zinc with its cleverly disguised cone filter at the top of the carafe. Our pros found this was easy to set up, fill and pour.

Even though we didn't test the filtering ability, our experts recommend this Culligan faucet filter saying, “It’s easy to install, inexpensive and tested to ANSI standard 42 and 53, so it is built to do a solid job filtering many contaminants.” DiClerico particularly likes the design, and we feel comfortable including this pick based on our experts and because Culligan is a well-established brand.

This filter allows you to switch easily from unfiltered to filtered water with a simple pull of a diverter valve, and no tools are required to install this faucet filter. It filters out chlorine, sediment, lead and more.

This Sonaki shower filter softens water for better sudsing to get the most out of your shampoo. It removes contaminants with its five-stage model such as chlorine, sediment, heavy metals and more. DiClerico recommends this in-line filter since it’s fairly easy to install and will work with most showerheads , but be sure to check it's compatible with your showerhead.

“Note as well that, with its nearly 10-inch-wide housing, the Sonaki is less discreet than other shower filters, if your priority is maintaining a clean look in the bathroom,” says DiClerico.

How we test water filters

In the Good Housekeeping Institute , our team of engineers, chemists, product analysts and home improvement experts work together to determine the best water filters you can buy. We've tested more than 30 water filters over the years and continue to scan the market for new options.

To test water filters, we take into account their capacity, how easy they are to set up and, if applicable, how easy they are to pour from. We also read each instruction manual for clarity and look at whether pitcher models are dishwasher safe. We test performance factors like how quickly it filters a cup of water and measure how much water the tap water reservoir can hold.

We also verify contaminant removal claims via third-party data. We review how long each filter lasts as well as the yearly cost to replace filters when changing filters on the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

What to look for when shopping for the best water filter

✔️ Type and capacity: For pitchers, water bottles and other dispensers that hold water after it’s filtered, you’ll want to keep in mind size and weight. Larger containers are ideal for refilling less often, but they will often be heavier and may take up more space in the fridge or your backpack. A countertop model saves space in the refrigerator and often holds more water, but it does require room on the counter.

With under-the-sink water filters, faucet filters, in-line shower filters and whole-house filters, there’s no need to worry about size or capacity as these instantaneously filter water as it flows through.

✔️Method: Most water filters use either a carbon filter or a reverse osmosis water filter, which can also include a carbon filter. The primary difference is that most reverse osmosis water filters use multiple filter types to remove more contaminants than carbon filters alone.

However, some reverse osmosis systems also remove minerals that some may prefer to leave in, plus the systems tend to be more expensive and less water efficient. With both reverse osmosis and carbon filters, the contaminants they remove can vary widely, so it's best to check what the model actually filters so it suits your needs. The surest way to determine this is by checking which NSF standard the filters are certified for. For example, some standards cover only lead, like NSF 372 , while others also include agricultural and industrial toxins, like NSF 401 .

✔️ Filter replacement frequency: Check how often you have to replace the filter. If you dread changing the filter or simply forget, you may want to look for a long-lasting filter. Also, if you buy filters for the shower, water pitcher and sink, you’ll have to remember to change those separately, so it might be smart to consider a whole-house filter that requires only one filter replacement for the entire home.

No matter which water filter you opt for, it’s no good if you don’t change the filter as recommended. Birnur Aral, Ph.D., says, “The performance of the water filter depends on the quality of the water source and whether or not the filters are replaced regularly.” Some models come with indicators, but if a model doesn’t include one, a slower flow rate or different-colored water are signs that you need to change the filter.

✔️ Price: Consider both the upfront price of the water filter device and the filter refill costs. A water filter could cost more initially, but the price and frequency of the filter refills may save money over the long term. But that’s not always the case, so be sure to calculate the yearly cost of replacements based on the recommended schedule for changing.

Do you really need a water filter?

Access to safe drinking water is an issue across the globe, and it affects communities in the United States. If you’re not sure about your water quality, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) just updated its Tap Water Database in 2021. It’s free and easy to search, and it has information for all states. Enter your zip code or search your state to find details on your drinking water quality based on EWG standards (which are stricter than those of the government). If your tap water does exceed EWG health guidelines, it may be a good idea to consider buying a water filter.

Opting for bottled water is a short-term solution to potentially unsafe drinking water, but it creates a larger problem with serious long-term implications around pollution. Americans throw away a whopping 30 million tons of plastic a year , only 8% of which is recycled. The majority ends up in landfills because there are many different regulations about what can be recycled. Your best bet is to get a water filter and a cute reusable water bottle — some even have filters built-in!

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

This article was written and tested by Jamie (Kim) Ueda , who is an analyst (and consistent user!) of water filtration products. She’s a freelance writer specializing in product testing and reviews. For this list, she tested several water filters and worked with experts across several Good Housekeeping Institute Labs: Kitchen Appliances and Innovation; Beauty, Health, and Sustainability; Home Improvement and Outdoors; and Media and Tech.

Nicole Papantoniou contributed insight on the ease of use of pitchers and bottles. Birnur Aral, Ph.D. helped evaluate the contamination-removal claims behind each of our picks. Dan DiClerico and Rachel Rothman provided expertise on installed filters.

Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.

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Minecraft: Most Underappreciated Tools

• Shears: Cheap alternative to silk touch for picking up plant-based blocks and cobwebs without destroying them.
• Spyglass: Provides a better zoom function than modded options and is more accessible to players without mods.
• Flint and Steel: Essential for Nether travel as it can quickly relight a Nether portal if it loses connection to the Overworld.

While items and tools made of diamond, netherite, or other rare materials usually get the attention of most players in Minecraft , a select number of the less popular tools have distinct capabilities for survival. Items that some players even write off entirely indeed have a solid, if niche, use , making them solid cheap options early on or even in general for Minecraft usage.

5 Ways Minecraft Needs To Update Its Food

From least to most usable, the five most underappreciated tools in Minecraft can be used at any point during a playthrough, whether at the start of a world or well into its lifespan. Even with items that are highly valued for a certain job, their less-appreciated functions definitely shine through.

Obtain Wool, Plants & More Without Destruction

• Crafting Ingredients: Two Iron Ingots

Most iconic as the tool used for snipping sheep once or twice for a bed, the shears are valuable for those invested in detailed buildings and especially those without a specific enchantment on their tools. Since access to the enchanting table is limited early on, and specific enchanted books are even harder to come by, having the relatively cheap shears is a great alternative for silk touch.

While shears can only pick up plant-based blocks and cobwebs without destroying them, being able to move these early on or without needing silk touch for them at all is extremely valuable for an item made out of only two iron ingots.

See Further Away With Clarity

• Crafting Ingredients: One Amethyst Shard, Two Copper Ingots

Upon its initial debut, many players were quick to notice that the spyglass' functionality was just that of an unmodded, vanilla OptiFine zoom. On the surface, that comparison is accurate, but thankfully for the spyglass, it's ever so slightly more effective than the competition.

Minecraft: 10 Best Potions

The spyglass may have one function, but it does that function well. It zooms in far further than the modded option, and while the spyglass does take up a highly valued inventory slot as opposed to the modded zoom, the spyglass is more accessible to players who don't play with mods, as well as simply being the better zoom.

Flint And Steel

Create fire on the go, a necessity for nether travel.

• Crafting Ingredients: One Flint, One Iron Ingot

The flint and steel is perhaps most well-known as an item players use once to light a Nether portal, and then never touch it again. Beyond being a possible igniter for TNT and creepers, flint and steel are usually left behind at the base at some random level of durability. However, for players that frequent the Nether, holding onto flint and steel is a must.

While there are several ways to prevent a Nether portal from turning off, when the portal does lose connection to the Overworld, it can be disastrous if not fixed promptly. Usually the work of ghasts, this problem can turn deadly rapidly, and certainly even worse if the ghast is killed before it lights the portal again. Having a spare flint and steel on hand is a perfect backup for this situation since few other things in the Nether can light a Nether portal in a timely manner.

Fishing Rod

Drag mobs & loot ocean items.

• Crafting Ingredients: Two String, Three Sticks

The value of the fishing rod is well-known among Minecraft players, who understand the kind of treasures this simple tool of wood and string can pull up from the watery depths. Of course, the fishing rod does exactly what is expected of a fishing rod, but for some players, it can be a great in-between before obtaining the ever-so-coveted lead.

Minecraft: 5 Best Uses For Netherite

Despite being a highly useful and convenient tool, leads are only available to players with access to a swamp, as they require the shockingly rare slime ball. Even then, the nights when large enough slimes spawn are limited to the phase of the moon, with some nights not even offering slimes. While not a perfect replacement, the fishing rod does offer another way to pull mobs around in specific directions, offering a means of making do until a lead becomes available.

Farm Food & Destroy Shriekers

• Crafting Ingredients: Two Sticks, Two Wooden Planks/Cobblestone/Iron Ingots/Gold Ingots/Diamonds

For most players, the hoe is hardly a necessity at all, and certainly something that can be crafted out of whatever random, unwanted supplies fill up chests. Players that tend to explore the world and fight mobs especially aren't interested in the farming utility of the hoe. But in the most dangerous area of the game, however, the hoe proves a useful ally.

When sneaking through the Deep Dark, the constant presence and threat of shriekers can deter most veteran players. This is where the hoe proves to be useful, as it is the specific tool that breaks these alarms the fastest. While it doesn't guarantee to destroy all the shriekers nearby before a warden spawns, the hoe can certainly remove a vast majority of the potential hazards.

Platform(s) PS Vita, PS3, Wii U, Switch, PS4, Xbox 360, PC, iOS, Android, 3DS, Xbox One

Released November 18, 2011

Developer(s) Mojang

Genre(s) Sandbox, Survival