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The 7 Best Travel Irons to Buy (Our Favorites in 2024)

Written by: Author Andrew Helling  |  Reviewed by: Editorial Team

Andrew Helling is a licensed pilot, travel enthusiast, and the founder of Travellers Worldwide whose travel expertise has been quoted in countless publications across the web. Armed with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, he loves exploring the world with his wife and son and is always on the hunt for cheap flights and new adventures... Learn More

The Editorial Team is comprised of several freelance travel enthusiasts that share a love of visiting new places. Using both personal experience and third-party research, the team brings a unique perspective to their writing that might even feel like your travel agent is talking to you themselves... Learn More

Posted on Last updated: December 1, 2023 - Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Even if you’re going to be on the move, there’s no reason that you can’t look your best. One great way to ensure that there won’t be any wrinkles in your wardrobe is to take one of the best travel irons along with you.

The Best Travel Irons: Quick Look

You might initially think that there’s not much difference between the various travel irons currently available. As with their full-sized counterparts, however, advancements in technology and craftsmanship have led to a wide variety of products flooding the market.

For that reason, choosing the optimal brand and model will depend on your needs. We’ve compiled a list of top picks that will help you narrow down your search. 

Our Top 7 Picks for the Best Travel Irons:

• Best Overall:  Rowenta DA1560 Travel-Ready Steam Iron
• Best Design:   Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron
• Best Features:   Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron
• Best Performance:  Kexi Steam Iron
• Best Value:   Utopia Steam Iron
• Best Steamer:  Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer
• Best Feel:  Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800-Watt Travel Iron

Whether you are looking for an iron with all the latest features or you prefer a simple workhorse that just gets the job done, there’s sure to be an option built to your specifications.

Before we get into the list of top contenders, let’s identify what we’re looking for in selecting the best of the best.

Why You Need a Travel Iron

The Image Party/Shutterstock

Although any iron is designed to accomplish roughly the same goal, there are some pretty important distinctions. Most notably, a travel iron should be significantly smaller or at least lighter than those that are best suited for home use. 

While some of the travel irons on our list are bigger than others, they are all suitable for being packed away in your luggage and put to use when you arrive at your destination.

While early versions of travel irons lacked some of the features and power that could be found on more substantial models, today’s selection rivals home models on every front. 

You no longer have to decide between portability and performance when it comes to banishing wrinkles from your clothes while taking a trip. Selecting any of the best travel irons listed below will put you in a perfect position to look sharp wherever your path might lead.

Best Travel Irons: Our Top 7 Picks

There are many high-quality options out there, but we’ve paid close attention to a few broad factors when making our final choices.

Each of the following travel irons has something unique to offer, but all of them offer a great design, durable construction, and plenty of value, making them a top pick.

1. Rowenta DA1560 Travel-Ready Steam Iron – Best Design

• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• Fold-flat handle
• Limited water capacity
• No automatic shutoff

There is plenty to appreciate about the design and performance of this travel iron. At first glance, you’ll notice that its handle is shaped a bit differently than many other models.

One function of this feature is that it makes the smaller iron easier to grip and control. Additionally, the handle can fold down flat so that it takes up even less space when you pack it in your luggage.

Although it seems to get the job done with roughly the same quality and efficiency as much larger irons, there’s one relatively minor setback associated with its compact size.

There’s less room for water to make the steam, so if you’ll be using it on a number of garments you’ll probably have to refill the reservoir.

With a 1000-watt output, it’s not as powerful as some other steam irons but there’s enough power to remove even the toughest wrinkles. It’s got an easy temperature control switch, allowing you to use it with any fabric. 

As for its construction, users say the materials are substantial and the product feels sturdy. The only exception is the fold-flat handle.

While this is a great feature when it works, a few owners said that it broke after extensive use and required some creative thinking to keep using it for its intended purpose. This is a travel iron worth considering, but be sure to treat the handle with care. 

2. Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron – Best Design

• Heats up quickly
• 2-year warranty
• Low power output
• Flimsy construction

As this option proves, a capable travel iron doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Weighing in at under a pound, this is one of the smallest and lightest products available in this diverse segment.

It comes with a travel bag that makes it even easier to tote around on any trip. Despite its small size, this iron comes with a 7.5-foot cord that will allow you to reach further than many other models.

Such versatility can come in handy when you’re staying in unfamiliar locations. Of course, the small, lightweight construction does have some inherent drawbacks. For starters, the plastic construction doesn’t feel as sturdy as some other irons on our list.

Additionally, it’s got a comparatively anemic 420-watt output and can only hold 1.4 ounces of water. Nevertheless, the water heats up quickly and it’s up to the task of removing wrinkles despite its apparent power deficit. 

Take comfort in knowing that you can get a replacement if something goes wrong within the first years. It’s also easy to contact customer support if you have any questions or concerns. 

Not only does this design save lots of space, but it’s comfortable to grip and a breeze to glide over whatever garments you need to iron while away from home. The convenience of two voltage settings means you’ll be able to plug it in virtually anywhere you travel around the world.

3. Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron – Best Features

• LED display screen
• Lots of power
• 9 Preset Modes
• Somewhat heavy
• Small water reservoir opening

If you’re still not convinced that a travel iron can pack the same punch as a full-sized model, look no further than this compelling option. With 1800 watts of steam power, no wrinkled fabric stands a chance against its ceramic-coated plate. 

It also has an adequate water reservoir, though some owners noted that the opening is a bit too small to confidently refill the chamber.

Once the water is ready to convert into steam, however, you’ll appreciate the nine settings that make it easy to determine which level you should be using for a particular garment.  There’s also an LED display screen that clearly shows all relevant information.

Its self-cleaning function makes cleanup simple before packing up to head home. Of course, all of these functions and features do come with a trade-off. This is one of the largest and heaviest irons on our list.

4. Kexi Steam Iron – Best Performance

• Two power speeds
• High-quality construction
• Unique design
• High price tag
• Prone to leaks

There are some distinct design cues that separate the various travel irons on our list, but none are as dramatic as this one. It looks like no other steam iron on the market and it’s sure to capture some attention from almost anyone who sees it.

That might not be the primary motivation for purchasing a travel iron, but the packaging is also functional and made of high quality materials. With dedicated settings for dry or wet ironing, you’ll be able to choose just the right setting for whatever job you need it to perform.

Despite its innovative shapes and features, however, some reviewers indicated that it’s easy for the water compartment to leak if it’s not filled precisely.

One of the most obvious drawbacks of this iron is its price. Tipping the scales at several times the cost of other options, you’ll have to really be drawn to its functionality and eye-catching design to feel that its premium price is justified.

Nevertheless, anyone who wants to be on the cutting edge even when ironing clothes should definitely give this product some consideration.

5. Utopia Steam Iron – Best Value

• Lightweight design
• Plenty of features
• Unclear instructions
• Limited return window

Maybe you don’t need all the latest features or an innovative design. If your only motivation is finding a capable product for a fair price, here’s a product that might fit the bill.

Not only does it come in as one of the least expensive options on our list, it also provides plenty of power and functionality. You’ll have 1,200 watts of output and there’s enough steam available to remove wrinkles from garments, sheets, curtains, or just about anything.

Another clever feature is the swivel cord that allows you to move the iron around in almost any direction without anything getting in the way.

Its design also allows for upright steaming so you won’t even have to take your clothes off the hanger to get rid of stubborn wrinkles. You might expect that a low price means cheap materials and inferior construction.

That’s definitely not the case with this product. It feels sturdy and all the components reliably perform the task at hand. There are a few possible shortcomings, such as an instruction booklet that some owners found difficult to fully understand.

Additionally, its warranty isn’t as robust as some of the costlier models on the market. If you’re on the lookout for a travel iron that provides a lot of bang for your buck, you might not need to look even further. 

6. Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer – Best Steamer

• Large capacity
• Space-saving design
• 9-foot power cord
• No traditional iron capability
• Low heat output

Maybe you want to keep things as simple as possible when tending to your garments while traveling. If you don’t need the precision of a travel iron, you might want to consider a garment steamer. In that case, this is an excellent contender.

It handles itself admirably by smoothing out wrinkles about as effectively as a traditional iron. It’s much simpler to spray some steam, and many travelers will appreciate this convenient option.

Furthermore, it comes with one of the longest cords available so you can easily extend it from the plug to wherever your garment is hanging.

There are a few things to think about when deciding if this product is right for you. It doesn’t have as much heat output as a typical iron, so you might have to make additional passes over stubborn wrinkles to get your clothes as smooth as possible.

Another thing that users noted is that it tends to spew out a considerable amount of water while producing the useful steam.

Although it’s not perfect, this is a cost-effective and simple-to-use product that likely provides all the functionality most people will need when on the road.

7. Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron – Best Feel

• Dual voltage options
• Ergonomic design
• Convenient dial
• Limited features

Whether you’re planning a vacation or heading out on a business trip, comfort is key. That concept is frequently applied to a hotel suite or your rental car choices, but it can also be found in the right travel iron.

This one offers an excellent design that makes it very easy to grip. You can also comfortably change the setting with a conveniently placed dial. While this iron feels great in your hand, there’s a possibility that it won’t perform to the same high standards of some other options on the list.

It doesn’t have as many customizable options as other irons and the amount of steam power in its reserves is somewhat less than at least a few of its top competitors.

Nevertheless, this is one product that can be purchased for a reasonable price and will allow you to be comfortable while ironing your clothes wherever you go. 

Finding the Best Travel Iron for You

Tomasz Majchrowicz/Shutterstock

Regardless of what you need from your travel iron, a few features are important in almost all cases. Here are a few factors to check before deciding on the right product.

Whether you’re looking for simplicity or the most high-tech functions available, any travel iron must be designed in a way that makes it easy to use.

Each of the top picks on our list has proven that its design makes sense for the purpose it was created to serve.

Instead of settling for the lowest price you can find, it’s important to consider the value proposition for any of the travel irons available for purchase.

An important factor to consider is how often you’ll likely be using the product. Buying an inexpensive iron made of substandard materials will end up being more expensive than a well-constructed alternative if you have to end up replacing it prematurely. 

While it’s true that you don’t need the highest steam output to get the wrinkles out of your clothes, that doesn’t mean you should settle for an underpowered option.

Instead, check the reviews and find a competent iron that will perform well while you’re away from home.

It doesn’t have to be as robust as the model you leave behind, but if it doesn’t reliably smooth out your garments, there’s no need to bring that iron in the first place. 

Whether you plan to travel internationally and need a versatile plug or you’d like a digital display for all the information, there’s sure to be a travel steam iron with everything on your wish list.

It’s easy to dismiss the importance of special features when you’re shopping around for travel supplies, but there’s no good reason to settle for less than the best with so many excellent options currently available for purchase. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Galina-Photo/Shutterstock

What should you look for in a travel iron?

At its root, any iron should consistently and reliably remove wrinkles on demand. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but it’s clear that some products are more adept than others.

Before considering other characteristics such as size and portability, be sure that whatever you pick is capable of handling its core function.

What’s the difference between a travel iron and a traditional iron?

The short answer is that a travel iron should be smaller and easier to pack in your luggage than a more bulky iron like the one you use at home. 

Of course, simply settling for the lightest and most compact option available won’t necessarily result in the type of performance you need.

Fortunately, many of the travel irons on the market will get out tough wrinkles without hesitation despite taking up considerably less space.

How much power do you need?

As the options on this list reveal, there is a wide range of output available among travel irons. Although it might be tempting to go for the one with the highest amount of wattage, that’s not always necessary.

If you’ll be wearing garments that don’t typically get very wrinkled, you might have just as much success with an iron that has 1,000 watts of power or less.

How should you pack your travel iron?

Some options come with bags or other specialized containers meant to allow safe and secure transport. If your iron doesn’t have such accessories, it should still be relatively easy to pack one away in a suitcase.

Just remember to ensure that its water chamber is completely dry and find a cushioned area of your luggage to reduce the possibility of damaging any of its components.

What is a reasonable price?

The range of prices for these products is fairly wide with some inexpensive models going for about $20 and high-end options that cost well over $100.

In the end, factors like performance, design, and even name brands can impact the price, so it’s up to the individual to determine how much those details are worth to them. 

Our Personal Favorite Travel Iron

What works for one traveler might not be the best option for someone else. However, our personal favorite is the Rowenta DA1560 Travel-Ready Steam Iron.

Regardless of what you’re looking for, today’s diverse marketplace will likely be able to offer a product that will serve you well for years to come. Happy travels!

Other Must-Pack Essentials: The 7 Best EDC Bags to Buy (Our Favorites in 2024)

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

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

774 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3117 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

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.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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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6 Best Travel Irons 2024: Tested in Time For Your Next Trip

Whether you’re flying on a quick business trip or a leisurely vacation, there’s nothing worse than finding there’s no iron or ironing board supplied in your hotel rooms. 

Going around with wrinkled clothes for your entire trip just won’t do, and that’s where portable travel irons hop in for the rescue!

So, if you’re looking for the best travel iron that doesn’t take up much space in your your luggage on your next trip, keep on reading.

These lightweight irons are perfectly designed for traveling, and they pack enough power to remove stubborn wrinkles and tough creases without taking up massive space in your travel bag.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 6 of the most reliable and travel-friendly options that you should keep in mind.

Let’s dive in!

You might also like:

• 9 Best Ironing Board Covers: Press with Confidence

How to Use an Ironing Board Correctly: Shirts, Pants and Skirts!

• Steam Iron Vs Dry Iron – Which Is The Better Buy?

How To Iron Polyester: Tips For Getting The Wrinkles Out

• 9 Best Ironing Board Alternatives – Beat Wrinkles Anywhere!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase anything through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales. This is at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer  here  to find out more .

Quick summary of the best travel irons for 2024

✨top rated travel iron: rowenta da 1560 pro compact steam iron.

About this product:

• Stainless steel soleplate
• Adjustable temperature settings
• Ergonomic folding handle
• Dual voltage
• Adjustable steaming modes

✨ Best lightweight travel iron: Sharper Image SI-755 Mini Steam Iron

✨ Most affordable portable travel iron: Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron

Full Review of the Top 6 Irons for Travel Available on the Market

With all the options available out there, finding the right travel iron can be a bit tricky. To help you with this process, here are brief overviews of the top options you can find out there!

1.  Rowenta DA1560 Pro Compact Steam Iron

Let’s start with one of the most reliable travel irons out there and our overall top pick. The Rowenta travel iron strikes an excellent balance between power and space efficiency, all while coming with several travel-friendly features. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a small travel iron. 

For starters, the iron features a stainless steel soleplate, which ensures excellent heat conduction through its 1,000 watts of power.

Besides dry ironing, the Rowenta is also great at steaming. It features a 2-ounce tank in addition to 200 micro steam holes. You can adjust the steaming between bursts and continuous steaming. It also has a vertical steaming option for added convenience.

The Rowenta is also a dual voltage travel iron, which you can adjust directly on the iron for a hassle-free conversion.

The iron comes with an ergonomic handle that you can fold when not in use for easier storage and packing. 

Additionally, the iron comes with a travel pouch to keep it secure in one place as well as a one-year limited warranty for a worry-free purchase.

• High wattage and adjustable temperature to work with a variety of fabrics
• Adjustable steaming modes, including vertical steaming mode
• Dual-voltage feature for reliability while traveling
• A bit pricey

2.  Conair EZ Press Hand-Held Steam Iron

The Conair EZ Press Steam Iron is a mighty option to consider if you’re looking for powerful yet reasonably-priced iron.

With 800 watts of power, the handheld iron heats up pretty quickly and you can adjust the temperature to work with various fabrics. It also features a stainless steel soleplate made from stainless steel for easy gliding over garments.

The iron also has a continuous steam knob in addition to a steam burst button to flatten tough wrinkles. The only caveat here is that the water reservoir is a bit small, but can be enough for a quick session.

One of the clever features of this iron is the anti-slip heels that allow you to set it upright without tipping over.

Similar to the Rowenta, this one also comes with dual voltage options to use it comfortably anywhere.

• Lightweight yet sturdy iron
• Heat up quickly and reaches a decently high temperature
• Features an 8-foot long cord for reliability
• The water tank is a bit small

3.  Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron

Next up, we have an excellent travel iron to consider if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a travel iron, but still want a decent option.

Similar to the Conair EZ Press, the SunBeat Hot-2-Trot delivers up to 800 watts of power, which allows it to heat up quickly. You can also adjust the iron’s heat through a handy temperature controls dial, although not the highest on the list.

The iron is also easy to use and features a smooth non-stick soleplate for easy gliding over the garments while ironing. 

The ongoing steam feature on the travel iron allows you to use it vertically or horizontally. However, its steam burst feature isn’t as powerful as others, which is one of its few drawbacks, besides being a little heavier in comparison to other handheld options.

One the plus side though, this iron has a fairly large water tank, which saves you the hassle of refills. It also comes with a one-year limited warranty for added reliability.

• Best option for buyers on a strict budget
• Switches voltages easily
• Large water reservoir for long sessions
• The water tank may leak if you overfill it

4.  DenniesCare Portable Steam Iron

If you’re all about size and portability, this one might be a good option to consider. The DenniesCare compact steam iron is one of the tiniest options on the market that doesn’t skimp on power and features.

Despite being only 1.1 lbs, the 700-watt iron can heat up in seconds and you can adjust its temperature easily through a control dial to optimize it depending on the fabric you’re working on.

The iron has a 2.7-ounce tank that allows you to use it as a steamer in less than half a minute. It also has a steam burst feature for added reliability. However, the iron will leak water if you use the steamer before it reaches the maximum temperature.

One of the few drawbacks of this highly compact option is that it comes with a relatively short power cord. This can be a little inconvenient in some situations, although this makes it a little easier to pack, so it highly depends on your personal preferences here.

• Incredibly lightweight and a small size
• Reliable steam function with burst feature
• Large removable water tank for easy refills 
• The iron’s cord is quite short

5.  Sharper Image SI-755 Mini Steam Iron

Next up, we have the Sharper Image SI-755, which is an overall nice package that comes at a fair price.

One of the favorite features of this iron is its weight, as it only weighs 0.98 lbs, which makes it the lightest travel iron on the list.

The iron is also easy to use, thanks to its nonstick plate that glides easily over fabrics. It also has a steaming feature and comes with a measuring cup to fill up the water with a 1.2-ounce water tank.

The only drawback here is that this iron has only 350 watts of power, so it takes up to a minute to heat up instead of a few seconds. This makes it an affordable option if you don’t mind the wait.

• Features various temperature and garment steamer settings to suit many fabrics
• Compact size and ergonomic design that can stand vertically when not in use
• Equipped with a dual voltage switch
• Takes some time to heat up

6.  Conwang Dry/Wet Travel Steam Iron

Last but not least, if you want a highly versatile iron that also doubles as a steamer, you shouldn’t look further than the Conwang travel iron.

This one packs some serious power under the hood, as its wattage is the highest on the list, with up to 1,100 watts! This doesn’t only mean quick heat-up time, but also reliable performance.

The iron features a scratch-resistant ceramic soleplate, which provides even heat across its surface while being easy gliding over fabrics for a smooth performance.

The iron also comes with plenty of convenient features, but the most reliable one here is the steamer mode. You can rotate the iron 90 degrees to turn it into a full-blown steamer.

The only drawback here is that it lacks a dual-voltage mode, so it’s only suitable for flights across North America.

• Turns into a vertical steamer
• Powerful iron that heats up fully in seconds
• Evenly distributed heat across its ceramic soleplate
• Lacks a dual voltage mode

Things to Look for While Buying a Travel Iron

While you’re shopping for a mini travel iron, there are several features and essential aspects that you need to keep in mind. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at them.

Power 

The power of iron is usually measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the faster the iron heats up and the higher the temperature it can reach, which allows you to work with a wider range of fabrics.

Ideally, you should go for a travel iron of 600 to 1,000 watts for reliable performance. On the other hand, options with lower wattage are usually lighter but can take up to 90 seconds to heat up, so you should only consider them if you don’t mind the wait.

Heat Settings

Most irons come with an adjustable heat system, which allows you to adjust the temperature depending on your needs. 

For example, if you mainly work with cotton, linen, or denim, you’ll need a powerful iron with a high wattage setting. 

On the other hand, if you work with delicate or synthetic fabrics like silk or polyester, you’ll need a low-temperature mode. A good iron will feature an accurate control dial to optimize the temperature accordingly.

Portability 

A good travel iron must save you a lot of storage space while packing, so you should always consider the iron’s portability and compactness while buying it.

Make sure that the iron doesn’t weigh more than 1.5 lbs and fits within a small spot in your luggage.

A massive bonus here would be going for foldable options that you can store in even smaller spaces when not in use.

A dry iron can be quite effective at pressing clothes to remove wrinkles, but it might not do much against tough ones, and that’s where the steam comes in handy!

In addition to removing tough wrinkles, powerful steam also kills odor-causing bacteria, which helps in keeping your clothes fresh for longer.

Ideally, you should look for a travel iron with a continuous steam feature, which you can use horizontally or vertically as a steamer.

Bigger water tanks mean larger iron, but it also saves you the hassle of frequent refills. A good balance here would be around 1.5 to 3 ounces.

Dual Voltage

Dual voltage is another remarkable feature to consider having in your travel iron. While some countries have their electricity voltage set at 110-120V like the US, many other countries have their voltage set at 220-240V.

Using devices at the incorrect voltage can damage them irreversibly, so it’s always a good plus to have a device with dual voltage. 

This means that you can flip a switch on the device to change its voltage to the corresponding country. That being said, you can ditch this feature if you only travel internally.

When handling hot irons, safety features are always a major consideration. To prevent any burns or fires, you should aim for an iron with auto shut-off and temperature control settings.

Auto shut-off turns the device off after it hasn’t been used for some time, while the temperature control setting allows you to set the optimal temperature for the type of fabric being ironed.

These features are not only convenient but also add an extra layer of security when travelling with your iron.

Value for Money

The cost of a travel iron should be considered. Generally, cheaper models tend to lack features like temperature control or dual voltage. 

That being said, you don’t have to break the bank for an efficient device either; there are plenty of great value for money irons available in the market that come with all the necessary features.

PIN FOR LATER!

Best Travel Iron: Wrapping Up

This marks the end of today’s guide that shows you everything you need to know about travel irons and what to look for in the search for the best iron for you.

As you can see, there are several great options out there. However, if you’re looking for a reliable recommendation, you should consider the  Rowenta DA1560 Pro . 

While it’s a bit pricier than others, it’s incredibly powerful, features a dual-voltage switch, and has a foldable handle.

However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still gets the job done, the  Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot  would be an excellent pick for you.

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What’s the Best Travel Iron? These Are the Top 10 Picks

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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 hope you liked this post on the best travel irons. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

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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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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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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• Top Picks Analysis

Best Travel Irons In The UK: Keep Your Clothes Crease-Free (Updated July 2022)

If you travel a lot, you must know the importance of having a premium and reliable travel iron. The best travel iron UK is compact, small, and super lightweight, which means you can take it with you wherever you want. The best travel irons will not take up storage space in your travel bag, neither will they contribute much weight to your luggage.

Not all travel irons are suited to everyone. In this guide, we will help you find the best travel irons that are not only compact and lightweight but also highly functional and very easy to use.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate , I earn from qualifying purchases.   Please see my  full disclosure  for further information.

Why You Need a Travel Iron

If you are a frequent traveller, then a travel iron should be one of your best travel essentials. Most irons provided by hotels usually take a lot of time to heat up, and this is something you cannot keep up with, especially when travelling with kids.

To save yourself a lot of time and stress, you should bring your personal travel iron with you. With a lightweight travel iron, you will be able to iron all your clothes even when you’re away from home.

Are Travel Irons Any Good?

Travel irons are great, as they save you a lot of stress and time. You should choose a mini iron that is portable and lightweight. You can store it in any travel bag without much additional weight. Having a personal travel iron means you do not have to stress yourself with ineffective irons while travelling.

What to Look for When Buying a Travel Iron

There are many important features to look out for when searching for your perfect travel iron:

Dual Voltage

If you are an international traveller, this is one of the most important things to consider when looking for the best travel steam iron UK. With dual-voltage functionality, you can use the iron anywhere in the world.

Compact and Lightweight

When looking for the best iron to buy, the lighter, the better. You should go for a compact and lightweight travel iron. Compact travel irons are easy to handle and will not increase the weight of your luggage. They can also fit in anywhere.

Variable Heat

This is another key thing to consider when buying a travel iron. You want to make sure the iron has variable temperature control, allowing you to control the temperature range. With this feature, you can adjust the iron temperature to suit the required temperature of the fabrics you want to iron.

Best Travel Iron Comparison

[table id=18 /]

Best Travel Iron UK – A Complete Buying Guide and Reviews

1.     russell hobbs steam glide travel iron 22470 – best value travel iron.

If you are looking for the best small travel iron that offers great value for money, you should consider the Russell Hobbs 22470. This travel iron features a stainless steel soleplate. It has a 1.5m power cord that gives you total freedom when ironing your cloth.

It comes with a generous water tank of 80ml, which is great for its small and compact size. This unit has both steam and temperature control; this makes it ideal for use on any fabric. It has dual-voltage functionality, which means you can travel around the world with it.

• Super lightweight design
• Dual voltage
• Very easy to use
• Powerful and effective
• A bit difficult to see the water level
• Not the most effective for heavy clothes

2.     Duronic Mini Steam Iron Si2 – Best Mini Iron UK

Next on the line is Duronic Mini steam Iron, and it is one of the best mini travel flat irons on the market today. With its lightweight and compact design, you can take this iron along with you on almost any trip. This small travel iron is only 13cm long, and you can store it in your bag or suitcase with ease.

The power rating of this travel iron is 375W, and it gets to its full heating capacity in just a few seconds. It also features variable heat settings, which means you can adjust the heat to suit the material you want to iron.

• Ideal for both left and right-handed users
• Steam and heat setting
• Variable heat control
• Lightweight and compact design
• You need some time to get used to the handling

3.  Swan SI3070N Compact Fast Heat Travel Iron – Best Lightweight Travel Iron UK

This 900W travel iron is highly efficient and very easy to use. It comes with a generous 100ml water tank, which eliminates the need for frequent refilling while ironing.

It comes with a non-stick soleplate made with stainless steel, and it provides a super-smooth glide over different types of materials. You can also adjust the temperature of the iron to suit your fabric’s needs. With its dual voltage feature, you can use this iron anywhere in the world.

• Powerful and efficient
• Heats up quickly
• Lightweight and portable
• Generous water tank
• The handle is small

4.     Severin Travel Steam Iron BA 3234 – Best Travel Steam Iron UK

The Severin Travel Steam Iron BA 3234 is another great travel iron with many intriguing features. This iron comes with a foldable handle, making it easy to store in your travel bag or suitcase.

This powerful 1000W travel iron heats up quickly, which means you no longer have to wait for a long time to start using it. It comes with a 50ml water tank to provide you with all the steam you need when ironing. The soleplate is made of stainless steel, and it features a lightweight design.

• Made of high-quality material
• Foldable handle
• Lacks an auto-shutoff feature
• It is a bit expensive

5. Quest Collapsible Mini Steam Iron – Best Folding Travel Iron

If you are looking for the best folding travel iron , you should consider this option. This iron has a collapsible handle, and it fits into any storage space easily. It features an adjustable temperature controller, and it heats up quickly.

This steam travel iron is one of the most affordable on our list, and it is easy to use. You can also use it anywhere in the world, thanks to its dual-voltage compatibility. It comes with a non-stick soleplate that allows for super smooth ironing. You can also switch it between dry and steam mode .

• Ergonomic design
• Dual voltage compatible
• Relatively cheap
• It leaks water sometimes
• The storage tank is small

6.     Kingavon Travel Iron – Best Cheap Travel Iron

If you are looking for the best Travel Iron UK that will not leave a hole in your pocket, you should consider the Kingavon Travel Iron. This is one of the budget irons on the market today. This cheap travel iron has dual functionality – you can switch between dry and steam.

It is portable, and it comes with a non-stick soleplate for smooth ironing. This iron features variable temperature control, which gives you full control over the temperature of the device. The handle is also foldable, and this contributes to its compactness.

• Small, compact, and lightweight design
• Provides super smooth ironing
• Variable temperature control
• Not the most durable option

7.     Camry CR 5024 Travel Iron – Best Portable Travel Iron

Next up is the Camry CR 5024 Travel Iron , and it is one of the best travel irons on the market today. This iron is user-friendly, thanks to its ergonomic design. It is also super lightweight, making it very easy to use.

This unit gets to its maximum heating capacity in just a few seconds. You can adjust the temperature to your desired level. It comes with a non-stick soleplate that ensures smooth ironing. The handle is also foldable, which makes it fit into any luggage easily.

• Allows for temperature control
• Non-stick soleplate
• Folding handle and small size
• Super lightweight
• Not dual voltage compatible

8. Prym_611916-1 Mini Steam Iron

This is another reliable travel iron that comes with many great features. This unit comes with a non-stick soleplate that is ideal for any type of fabric.

It also comes with a safety plug that complies with CEE 7/7. This iron is super lightweight, as it weighs only 280g. The power cord is also long enough to provide you with a great deal of freedom when ironing. It has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to move and manoeuvre.

• Long power cord
• Allows for smooth ironing
• Safe and easy to use
• Complaints about durability

9.  Russell Hobbs Travel Iron 14033

The Russell Hobbs 14033 is one of the best cheap travel irons on the market today. This is a dual-voltage iron that you can use anywhere in the world. It comes with a stainless steel soleplate that ensures smooth ironing.

The capacity of the water tank is 80ml, and you can use it to iron for long without refilling. It also comes with a water spray feature , which comes in handy when ironing starched clothes. The power cord is 1.8m long, giving you all the freedom you need while ironing.

• Large water tank
• Long cord for easy maneuverability
• Water spray feature
• Can be used anywhere in the world
• Best used as a dry iron than a steam iron

10. Unibos Foldable Compact Steam Travel Iron

The last on our list is the Unibos Foldable Compact Steam Travel Iron. This iron has a foldable handle, which helps to reduce its size. It can fit into any luggage or travelling suitcase with ease.

In addition to having a foldable handle , this unit is compact and ultra-lightweight. It also allows you to control the temperature, making it ideal for a wide range of fabrics. This 700W iron comes with a non-stick soleplate , which is great for ironing different types of materials.

• Ultra-lightweight and compact
• Temperature control
• Very affordable
• Powerful and heats up quickly
• Not dual voltage
• The tank is a bit difficult to remove

From the products reviewed in this guide, our top pick is the Russell Hobbs Steam Glide Travel Iron 22470 because of its great features, lightweight design, portability, and price. Finding your next travel iron should no longer be an issue with our top recommendations and buying guide.

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The Best Travel Irons UK: A Buyers Guide for 2024

• February 27, 2023

Holly-Jay Smith

When it comes to choosing the best travel irons in the UK, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight travel iron that won’t weigh down your luggage, a steam travel iron for efficient ironing, or a cheap travel iron that won’t break the bank, there’s a travel iron out there that will meet your needs.

From the smallest travel iron to the best steam travel iron, you can find the perfect option for you.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best travel irons available in the UK to help you find the perfect option for your next trip.

What to look before purchasing a Travel Iron:

When shopping for a travel iron, there are several important features to consider to ensure you get the best option for your needs.

Here are three key things to look for when buying a travel iron:

Best Travel Irons UK:

Steamworks ES143 Travel Iron:

The Steamworks ES143 Travel Iron from Argos is the perfect solution for all your travel ironing needs.

This compact and lightweight iron is designed with portability in mind, making it easy to pack and carry with you no matter where you’re headed.

The stainless steel soleplate is durable and long-lasting, while the variable steam function allows you to adjust the humidity, direction, and power of the steam flow to suit your needs.

With a 70ml water tank and a steam output of 4g/min, the ES143 is a great option for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient travel iron.

The temperature ready indicator lets you know when the iron is ready to use, and the lightweight design makes it easy to use.

With a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee, the Steamworks ES143 Travel Iron is a great investment for anyone who needs a convenient and effective travel iron.

Russell Hobbs 22470 White Steamglide Travel Iron:

The Russell Hobbs 22470 White Steamglide Travel Iron is the perfect choice for travellers looking for a compact and lightweight iron.

This travel iron is designed to fit easily into your luggage, making it the perfect choice for anyone who needs to keep their clothes looking sharp on the go.

The stainless steel soleplate ensures a smooth and quick ironing experience, while the 80ml water tank capacity is perfect for ironing a few outfits in one sitting.

The water spray and variable steam features help remove stubborn creases, making this a great option for busy travellers who need to get their clothes ready quickly.

George Home Blue Steam Iron:

The George Home Blue Steam Iron is a powerful and efficient iron that is perfect for tackling your laundry pile.

With 2000W of power and a stainless steel soleplate, this iron glides effortlessly over your clothes, helping you to power through your laundry.

The self-cleaning feature makes maintenance a breeze, and the 20g per minute of continuous steam and 50g steam shot ensure that you’ll be able to tackle even the toughest wrinkles with ease.

The vertical steam function allows you to smooth over your garments, and the anti-drip and anti-calc features make this a great option for anyone who needs a reliable and convenient iron.

With a 250ml water tank and a 2m power cord, the George Home Blue Steam Iron is the perfect choice for anyone who needs a high-quality iron.

So, if you’re looking for a great value travel iron, be sure to check out the George Home Blue Steam Iron from ASDA.

Russell Hobbs 25580 My Iron 1800W:

The Russell Hobbs 25580 My Iron is a powerful and efficient appliance that is perfect for tackling your laundry pile.

With a blue and white design, this iron is both stylish and practical.

The 260ml water tank capacity, 120g steam shot, and 28g continuous steam ensure that you’ll have enough steam to get the job done without having to stop and refill.

So if you’re looking for a high-quality iron that is both powerful and efficient, be sure to check out the Russell Hobbs 25580 My Iron from Tesco.

Steamworks ES2325 Steam Iron:

The Steamworks ES2325 Steam Iron from Argos is a high-quality iron that is packed with features to make your ironing experience as efficient and effortless as possible.

With a powerful 2000W rating, this iron has a steam output of 15g/min, making it perfect for tackling even the toughest wrinkles.

The 300ml water tank ensures that you won’t have to stop and refill too often, and the aluminium soleplate is durable and long-lasting.

The temperature ready indicator lets you know when the iron is ready to use, and the variable steam function allows you to adjust the humidity, direction, and power of the steam flow to suit your needs.

With a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee, the Steamworks ES2325 Steam Iron is a great investment for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient iron.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Irons:

In this FAQ section, we will answer some of the most common questions about travel irons.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time traveller, this section will provide you with valuable information to help you make the most of your travel iron.

Can you pack a travel iron in your hand luggage?

Yes, you can pack a travel iron in your hand luggage, but it’s important to check with your airline for their specific carry-on baggage restrictions.

Some airlines may not allow irons in hand luggage due to safety regulations, so it’s best to check in advance.

Is a steam travel iron better than a regular travel iron? .

A steam travel iron is generally more efficient and effective than a regular travel iron.

The steam function allows you to remove wrinkles and creases with ease, making ironing faster and easier.

What is the difference between a dual voltage and a single voltage travel iron?

A dual voltage travel iron can be used in different countries without having to worry about voltage compatibility issues, while a single voltage iron can only be used in the country it is designed for.

Can I use a travel iron to iron delicate fabrics such as silk or lace?

Yes, you can use a travel iron to iron delicate fabrics such as silk or lace, but it’s important to use the lowest heat setting and to protect the fabric with a pressing cloth to prevent damage.

How do I clean a travel iron?

To clean a travel iron, fill the water tank with equal parts water and vinegar and turn the iron on to the highest setting.

Allow the iron to steam for several minutes, then turn it off and allow it to cool completely.

Dump out the water and vinegar mixture and wipe the soleplate with a damp cloth.

Repeat this process as necessary to remove any mineral build-up.

Can I use regular tap water in my travel iron?

Yes, you can use regular tap water in your travel iron, but it’s recommended to use distilled water to prevent mineral build-up.

If you do use tap water, be sure to clean your iron regularly to prevent mineral build-up.

What is the average lifespan of a travel iron?

The average lifespan of a travel iron can vary depending on the brand and model, but most travel irons are designed to last for several years with proper care and maintenance.

Regular cleaning and descaling can help extend the lifespan of your travel iron.

Overview…

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, a good quality and affordable travel iron can help you keep your clothes looking neat and tidy, even while on the road.

With compact and lightweight designs, as well as adjustable heat and steam capabilities, there are a variety of options available to meet your needs.

We hope this article has helped you pick the right travel iron for you. Happy Travels!

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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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• Home Appliances
• Irons & Steamers

Best Travel Irons in the UK

The brush attachment is included to steam clean your garments. It does a good job at removing stains and hairs on all fabrics so your clothes look neat and clean at all times. 

No dual voltage function.

At only 13 cm long, the Duronic Si2 Steam Iron hardly takes up any precious space in your luggage. Despite its small size, the appliance has an excellent power level to deliver the perfect ironing results.

Up to 60 seconds

13.5 x 7.6 x 7.8 cm

Non-stick soleplate, Variable temperature, LED indicator

Brush attachment, Storage pouch, Measuring cup

In addition to a variable steam feature, the iron has a water spray function. The spray nozzle evenly directs a mist over the fabric to facilitate the ironing to the fullest.

Some users may find the cord a bit short.

If you're looking for a compact yet functional and effective steam iron to ensure that your clothes look as good when you travel as they do when you are at home, then opt for the Russell Hobbs Travel Iron.

21.6 x 11.6 x 11.2 cm

Non-stick soleplate, Variable temperature, Variable steam, LED indicator, Dual voltage

Steam iron only

2 years (one more year for product registration)

A generous 100-ml water tank minimizes the need for refills each and every time you need it, which is very handy when you have a pile of clothes that need a quick ironing fix.

A steam button is not ergonomically located.

The Swan travel iron is equipped with a stainless steel soleplate to prevent sticking and increase the gliding ability. The variable temperature control is great for both delicate fabrics and thicker materials. Moreover, it will help shorten your ironing time and prevent damage to your clothes.

16.7 x 9.8 x 8.3 cm

Storage pouch, Measuring cup

Thanks to a removable, transparent water tank, you can see the water level in the tank. It's easy to refill the reservoir without spilling water over the unit and soleplate.

You'll need some practice to fold down the handle.

The Quest iron is made as a quick fix for small jobs. It's a good choice for travelling, business trips, and home use. Despite its small size, the iron has an excellent power level and a large nonstick soleplate to deliver the perfect ironing results without much effort.

~17 x 10 x 6 cm

Non-stick soleplate, Variable temperature, Detachable water tank, Foldable handle, LED indicator, Dual voltage

Steam outlet holes are distributed across the soleplate that ensures even and quick heat distribution and more efficient ironing without hot spots or water stains on the fabric.

The iron takes quite a while to heat up.

With its superb 1100W power, the Igenix Travel Iron performs like a regular home iron which can challenge the most complicated creases on your clothes. This mini steam iron will make a difference on your garments and survive dozens of trips far away from home.

Up to 90 seconds

20 x 9 x 8.5 cm

Non-stick soleplate, Variable temperature, Variable steam, Foldable handle, LED indicator, Dual voltage

Measuring cup

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Duronic Si2

The most power in the smallest package.

Duronic is a global brand that manufactures consumer products in a variety of categories, like electronics, home, kitchen, office, health, leisure, and travel. They are committed to facilitating everyday household chores through innovations inspired by new advances in technology. Duronic has a reputation for great quality and the Duronic Si2 Travel Steam Iron is no exception.

This travel iron is small and compact, making it perfect for travel purposes. Besides, it’s really light. At only 13 cm long, it hardly takes up any space in your luggage. Despite its small size, the appliance has an excellent power level to deliver the perfect ironing results. The device is powered with 375W, which enables it to heat up very quickly. The variable heat settings allow adjusting the heat according to the type of fabric you're ironing. The soleplate is non-stick, so you're less at risk of burning your sensitive clothes due to overheating. The water tank allows you to conveniently use the steam feature, so you can remove wrinkles from almost any fabrics. Steam comes out through the holes in the soleplate at the press of a one-touch button located at the front of the unit for convenience and ease of use. The iron stands up and the cord can be wrapped around the center of the iron to save space when storing away. A brush comes in handy when you need to steam clean your clothes. The iron also includes a measuring cup to fill it with water and a travel pouch that helps keep your iron safe during transit and prevent any excess water from leaking onto your possessions.

All in all, the Duronic Si2 iron is ergonomically designed with all the features you can expect from a compact steam iron. This mini travel iron with powerful technology, fast speed, and the steam feature will be a good helper on your next adventure and provide perfect wrinkle-free results. Small but powerful, it’s a great choice for those who want the most power in the smallest package.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Russell Hobbs 22470

Keep your clothes freshly pressed and look brand new.

When you are travelling, you often find yourself in need of an iron. After all, it's quite common to go out to a good restaurant when you are on holiday, so you should be well prepared for the occasion. This is where the Russell Hobbs Travel Iron will come in handy.

Russell Hobbs is a leading brand in producing homeware. And the Russell Hobbs Travel Iron upholds the quality you can expect from such a popular brand. This mini steam iron is small and easy to carry around with you wherever you go. Plus, it's very light, so it won’t weigh down your luggage, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. This miniature travel iron has an 80-ml water tank capacity that allows you to iron a few garments in one sitting. It also has a variable steam feature and water spray to remove the toughest creases from your clothes. The stainless steel soleplate allows for seamless gliding over any garment type, making every ironing experience quicker and smoother with less resistance. It also enables the water to heat up quicker, which is very handy when you don’t have enough time on a business trip. A dual voltage function allows you to use the appliance in Europe, the UK, and across other parts of the world. All you need is to choose the relevant voltage level between 110-120 V and 220-240 V at a flick of a switch.

When you're off travelling, the Russell Hobbs Travel Iron is an ideal companion to take with you. This is one of the largest mini steam irons, and you get the perfect sturdiness for the size that can survive dozens of trips far away from home. Small and compact, it will easily slide into your luggage, thus you can keep your clothes freshly pressed and look brand new again.

User Manual     Manufacturer

Swan SI3070N

Keep your garments in tip-top shape wherever you go.

Swan is a British brand that was established in the 1920s. It was one of the first manufacturers that developed an iron which could be plugged in, while others were producing irons that could be filled with hot coal or heated on a gas ring. Swan offers a whole lot of top-quality steam irons that will help you easily get through all your laundry. Swan irons provide a range of great features, like vertical and constant steam jet functions, fast heat up time, generously proportioned water tanks, and convenient carry handles. On top of that, the entire collection of steam irons comes with variable steam controls, soft grip handles, lengthy power cords and ceramic coated soleplates as standard. Therefore, whatever model you choose, you will handle your ironing in no time.

If you're looking for an affordable travel iron with a good range of features, then the Swan Travel Iron is the one you should be taking a look at. It's a great way to tackle your laundry duties when you're on the move. The iron has what it takes to keep your garments crease-free wherever you go. Its lightweight, compact design allows fitting this travel iron easily within your luggage. The appliance operates at 900 W and is equipped with a stainless steel soleplate to prevent sticking and to increase the gliding ability over any fabric type. A generous 100-ml water tank minimises the need for refills each and every time you need it. This steam ironing machine also features the variable temperature control to suit a variety of ironing styles and preferences. It has a warm-up indicator light that lets you know at a glance when the iron has reached its optimum temperature and is ready to use. A steam button helps you deal even with the toughest creases no matter where you are. A comfortable handle provides an easy grip which makes ironing a little less of a chore. A handy travel pouch is included for neat packing and a measuring beaker will ensure you don't use too little or too much water when ironing.

To sum up, this compact and ultra-convenient travel iron from Swan features all the functionality of regular sized irons to ensure your clothes look as good when you travel as they do when you are at home. Available at a low price, this mini travel iron is ideal if you are on a business trip or busy holiday and don’t have enough time to iron.

Quest 35330

Quick and easy fix for small jobs.

When you're going on holidays or business trip, it's nice to have a good portable sized steam iron to remove any unwanted lines on your clothes after unpacking your suitcase.

The Quest iron is created by the Benross Group, a provider of high-quality items for home and garden. It has all of the features you may need to smooth out any unwanted wrinkles on your clothes. With its plastic and aluminium construction, this iron is lightweight and fits easily into your luggage. So, it won't take much room or add weight to your suitcase wherever you may be travelling. With the temperature control knob and non-stick sole plate, you’ll have crease-free cotton, polished polyester, and sleek looking silk. There's also a steam button for more delicate items. This mini steam iron heats very quickly, allowing you to get on with your ironing sooner, and works well for short use. If you need just a few garments ironed, this miniature travel iron will do the job well. Thanks to a detachable, transparent water tank, you can see the water level in the tank to fill it before starting to iron, rather than running out of water in the middle of ironing. Regardless of what country you may be visiting, the iron has a switch to easily change between mains voltages from 115V to 230V. Also, it comes with a 1.75-m cord that is long enough to reach any outlet.

Overall, this compact iron is made as a quick fix for small jobs. Thus, if you're looking for a good quality mini steam iron that will make a difference on your garments, the Quest Travel Iron is a great choice for you.

Igenix IG3109

The best travel iron for every kind of traveller.

Many people hate ironing, and it gets worse when you’re away from home, on holiday or on business, and have to use facilities that you’re not familiar with. However, ironing is important if you want to make a good impression. Once you unpack your suitcase there will be plenty of creases to deal with, so what you need is the Igenix IG3109 Travel Iron that will allow you to be ready for whatever awaits you during the day.

Igenix is a trusted household brand that produces a wide range of quality home appliances and provides users with proven reliability. Travellers who exceed their airline luggage allowance often have to dispense with some desirable extras, like an iron. With the Igenix IG3109 Travel Iron, you don't need to worry about your luggage allowance. It’s small enough to squeeze into the corner of your backpack or suitcase. When unfolded it performs like a regular home iron which can challenge the most complicated creases on your clothes. With its superb 1100W power, the Igenix Travel Iron is perfect for single-base holidays and long-stay business travel. It features a stainless steel soleplate, that effortlessly glides over fabrics, making ironing that little bit quicker. This travel iron has a 40-ml water tank capacity, so it can be used either as a dry iron or steam iron. Moreover, it has a vertical steam feature that is convenient for getting creases out of hanging garments when you don't have ironing board at hand. It comes with a control system which allows varying the appropriate level of steam to suit your garment. A steam burst feature enables you to get rid of that last tough crease. The device can operate at a dual voltage that makes it a perfect travel companion for your overseas trips.

The Igenix IG3109 Travel Iron is cleverly designed to fold away to a compact size that is ideal for travel use. Despite its small size, it comes with excellent features to help you keep your clothes looking brand new.

What Is a Travel Iron?

Do you travel a lot and want to look neat every day? Don’t waste money on hotel services and take a travel iron with you. With this compact and lightweight appliance at hand, your every clothing item, be it your favourite pullover or evening wear, will look like you’ve just bought it. Probably, there’s no need to explain what a travel iron is since you can guess its purpose from its name. This type of iron doesn’t differ much from a conventional iron you use at home. Just like appliances for home use, these ones often feature adjustable temperature settings, steam function, and other useful options. But unlike regular irons, they are more compact and lightweight so that you can pack them in your luggage effortlessly. One more thing you should keep in mind when looking for a portable iron is its power that is less in comparison with ordinary irons. As a rule, the average power of a good mini iron is about 800-900 Watts. Although less power means less heat, it is enough to handle ironing tasks during vacation or a business trip. Read further to compare most popular irons represented on the market and choose the best travel iron to meet your needs.

What Features to Compare

No matter what iron you’re looking for, a steam iron for home use or a mini travel iron, you want it to do its job well. So, the first thing that should be taken into consideration is its power . As it was already mentioned, irons you take to go are less powerful than those you use at home. Yet, the rule “More power means more heat and efficiency” works with portable irons, too. So, if your clothes are mainly made of silk or another delicate fabric, irons with 400-Watt power will handle their ironing effortlessly. If you need to iron different types of fabric including cotton and wool, more powerful appliances (800-900 Watts) will meet your needs better.

Pay attention to the features of an iron such as weight, size, heating time, and water tank capacity. You want to know iron’s weight and size since you should understand how much space it will take in your suitcase and how easy it will be for you to use it. Heating time should also be taken into consideration as it determines how soon you’ll be able to start ironing after you turn the appliance on. In general, small irons heat up during one minute. If you choose an iron with a water tank, it means that it’s not simply a mini iron, it’s a travel steam iron that can make ironing easier if a steam option is used. The larger water tank is the more clothing items you can iron without adding water often.

Did you know?

Ironing is a part of everyday routine but we often make small mistakes that make this process long and tiring. Although ironing is really simple, we also manage to spoil our clothing when using an iron. That’s why we’d like to give you some recommendations on how to make ironing quick and effective.

Fast ironing

If you aren’t eager to spend hours of your free time on removing creases from a pile of clean clothes and linen, the first thing you should do is prepare for the ironing. By this we mean to choose the order in which you’re going to iron your items. Separate them into three piles – delicate (acrylic, nylon, silk), medium (wool), and thick (cotton, linen). Arranging your clothes in this order allows you to go from the lowest to the highest temperature setting gradually. One more thing that can speed up the ironing process is using aluminium foil under your ironing board cover. The thing is that aluminium reflects heat, thus, provides fast ironing on both sides of your garments. Also, it’s important to use the whole surface of an ironing board since you won’t have to move your clothes often to iron this or that part.

Right ironing

It might sound strange but yes, you need to do ironing in the right way in order not to spoil your clothes. And the first step towards right ironing is following the proper technique. To put it simply, you need to make back-and-forth movements instead of circular ones to avoid making more creases and stretching fabric. One more useful tip that makes your clothes look as if you’ve just bought them is ironing from the inside. By doing so, you’ll be able not only prevent the appearance of shiny marks that might often appear on dark fabrics but also avoid ironing buttons, zippers, and other decorative stuff that can melt under the heat of an iron.

Convenient ironing

We bet you want ironing to be not only an effective but also convenient process, so let’s see whether it’s possible. First of all, position your ironing board properly. You definitely don’t need it to be too short or too high – choose the most comfortable height. If you’re going to iron a pleated piece of clothing, for example, a skirt, it will be easy to do if you keep pleats in place with pins. When it comes to ironing cotton, it might be quite challenging. This type of fabric needs the highest temperature to be ironed but creases on cotton might be really stubborn. Thus, it’s recommended to iron cotton while it is damp. If you don’t like ironing damp clothes, use a steam option of your iron. One more thing that will make an ironing process simpler is doing it in a well-light room. Not only will you protect your eyes from stress but will also see the tiniest wrinkles that should be smoothed.

Clean ironing

Of course, one of the most important conditions for effective ironing is cleanliness. You need to check the soleplate of your iron from time to time and clean it if need be. Also, it’s crucial to iron only clean clothes. The thing is that if you have a stain on your favourite sweater, the influence of high temperature can make it more stubborn and difficult to remove. Make sure that your ironing board’s cover is clean, too.

Q: What water should I use in my travel steam iron?

A: As a rule, the manufacturers of steam irons recommend using tap water if you need to use a steam option. However, tap water can be hard, thus, cause a lot of limescale in a water tank. Moreover, limescale can clog steam holes and lead to malfunction of an iron. So if you have hard tap water, you can dilute it with 50% of distilled one. Or, you can boil and cool down tap water to make it softer. But keep in mind that using only distilled water isn’t a good idea since it can cause bad steam performance. Finally, don’t use additives like scented ironing water or softener in order to prevent your iron from damage.

Q: How important is a vertical steam option in travel irons? Should I consider it before making a choice?

A: A vertical steam option is a great benefit in a travel iron but it isn’t one of its main functions. It can really make ironing of some delicate clothes easier and safer. For example, steam ironing your favourite evening dress made of delicate fabric seems to be a sensible decision since there’s no risk to spoil it as you don’t touch it with a hot soleplate. So before choosing an iron with or without steam option , think how many delicate clothes you have and how often you’ll need to use vertical steaming.

Q: What soleplate will perform best in a mini travel iron?

A: Taking into account the fact that soleplates are made of different materials, it might be difficult to make a choice. However, all of them have their own benefits. Ceramic soleplates can boast great heat conduction, consequently, even heat distribution. Moreover, ceramics eliminates static that is very important when you iron silk or similar fabric. As well as ceramic ones, stainless steel and non-stick soleplates provide even heat distribution. They are also considered to be durable and easy to clean. Non-stick soleplates, in their turn, glide over any fabric effortlessly and don’t catch it. Titanium soleplates are commonly covered with aluminium and are corrosion resistant. Plus, they heat up and transfer heat very fast. And one of their great advantages is that they are lightweight.

Q: What’s the best way to store and transport my portable travel iron?

A: The first thing you should remember when storing your iron is safety. Before sending your portable helper to a storage room, make sure it has cooled down completely. It’s necessary to do in order to avoid fire hazards. As soon as your iron is cool, storing it causes no problems taking into account compact size of portable models. Moreover, a lot of them have foldable handles or special space for convenient cord storage. The manufacturers often supply irons with a storage pouch to keep good condition of your iron when it’s not in use.

Q: How do I clean the soleplate of my travel iron?

A: The market is full of different solutions to clean the bottom of any iron, be it a steam one for home use or a portable model. One of the most widespread solutions is a special cleaning stick that removes stains quickly. However, you can also use something you can find in your kitchen and get great cleaning results. For example, by mixing water and baking soda in 1:2 proportion, you’ll get a perfect cleaning solution. Spread the mixture evenly over the soleplate surface and wipe it off with a damp cloth. Don’t forget to remove the mixture from steam holes with cotton swabs.

1. Irons Buying Guide , Tesco.

2. Christina Woodger How to Buy the Best Steam Iron , Which?

3. Buying Guide: Irons , Harvey Norman.

4. Kyle Schurman The Best Irons You Can Buy to Smooth Out Wrinkles , BUSINESS INSIDER. September 20, 2017.

5. Clothes Iron , Wikipedia. January 2, 2018.

6. Steam Iron Buying Guide , Consumer Reports. January 2017.

7. How to Buy the Best Steam Iron or Steam Generator Iron , Good Housekeeping.

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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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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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• Home appliances

The best cordless irons to buy in 2024

• Jo Plumridge

Keep your clothes crease-free and make ironing a doddle with our pick of the best cordless irons

Ironing is a task that most of us have a habit of putting off until there’s a towering pile of clothing in front of us. So, when it does come time to do the ironing, the ideal iron is one that does a great job getting rid of creases and doesn’t take too long about it. The best cordless irons make this everyday chore a breeze.

They sit on an independent base that charges the iron to its chosen temperature, so you will obviously need a plug socket for the base unit. But, once charged, they allow you to iron without any restrictions or need to continually flick a cord out of the way.

Is this the type of iron for you? To help you decide, we’ve put together a buying guide below to answer some questions. Alternatively, if you’re already set on a cordless iron, scroll down for our recommendations on the best you can buy.

Best cordless irons: At a glance

How to choose the best cordless iron for you.

Although there are a number of cordless irons on the market, features vary from model to model and make to make. Here are some things you should consider before buying your cordless iron.

READ NEXT:  The best ironing boards to buy

What features should I look out for?

The key to a good iron is a decent steam output. Steam makes ironing easy and helps to get rid of deep wrinkles and creases. The average for sequential steam is around 30g/min, although some models offer up to 120g/min.

Another factor to consider is the size of the iron’s water tank. A smaller tank means more refills, which is going to slow you down. Look for a tank capacity of at least 300ml if you plan to do a fair amount of ironing in one go.

Soleplates are inevitably ceramic on modern irons. Weight may also be a consideration for you – a heavier iron may actually aid in getting wrinkles out faster, but can be tiring on the arms.

An anti-drip feature will stop water from leaking onto your ironing. Some models also have anti-scale and anti-calc features, alongside a self-clean mode – all useful but not essential.

READ NEXT:  The best clothes steamers to buy

How we test

We try out each iron on creased clothing, rating the performance, how quickly they get rid of creases, the steam generated and how long you can use it for before it needs recharging. We also ask a professional ironer to trial the irons and pick her favourites.

How much should I spend?

We’ve got cordless irons in our review priced from £30 to £95, with the majority coming in at around £40-£50. So there isn’t a set price you should spend on an iron – different models have different features that may or may not be useful to you. Our guide will give you plenty of options, whatever your budget.

READ NEXT: The best steam irons to buy

1. JML Phoenix Gold FreeFlight Cordless Iron: Best for long use

Price when reviewed: £40 | Check price at Amazon

Once hot, the JML iron needs only six seconds to charge back up to full heat but, if that’s too long for you to wait, the iron can also be used corded, simply by locking it to its charging base. We also love the fact that you can stand this iron upright without having to put it on the base. Moreover, it’s incredible light, even with the base attached.

It has a continuous steam output of 48g/min, along with a steam burst feature for stubborn wrinkles. There’s also a vertical steaming function for clothes on hangers – perfect for those of us who want to do as little ironing as possible. The colour may not be to everyone’s taste, but this is an incredibly good iron at an extremely reasonable price.

Key specs – Size: 32 x 15.7 x 15.5cm; Power: 2,400W; Capacity: 370ml water tank; Water jug included: Yes; Continuous steam output: 48g/min; Weight: 1.34kg; Features: Ceramic soleplate, anti-drip, anti-calc, self-clean, auto-off, “ready to use” thermostat light indicator, vertical steam

JML Phoenix Gold FreeFlight Cordless Iron: The powerful, cordless ceramic iron

2. beldray 150 copper edition two-in-one cordless iron: best for steam.

Price when reviewed: £30 | Check price at Amazon

Beldray’s cordless iron celebrates the firm’s 150th anniversary and is a beautifully designed piece of kit. Elegant lines and great design make this an iron you will be happy to have out on display – but it’s more than just a pretty face. The iron is ready to use from cold in just 25 seconds and only takes five seconds to recharge once it’s cooled down, though it can also be used as a corded iron by locking it onto its base. The base also allows for 360-degree charging, meaning you don’t have to line the iron up in a particular way to get it to charge. There’s also LED lighting around the base to indicate charging levels.

Beldray’s big selling point, though, is the steam feature – this iron produces lots of steam. Although its continuous steam is only measured at 30g/min. which is plenty powerful enough in our opinion, the iron has a steam boost of 140g/min, making it extremely good for stubborn creases and wrinkles. Our only niggle? The iron was a little awkward to lift on and off the base, although this may well loosen up over time.

Key specs – Size: 35.2 x 15 x 14.5cm; Power: 2,600W; Capacity: 300ml water tank; Water jug included: Yes; Continuous steam output: 30g/min; Weight: 1.7kg; Features: Ceramic soleplate, anti-drip, anti-calc, self-clean, 360-degree charging base, LED charging lights, vertical steam

Beldray BEL0987C-150 Copper Edition Two-in-One Cordless Steam Iron, 360° Charging Base, Ceramic Soleplate, 2600 W, Variable Temperature Control, 300 ml Water Tank, Ready to Use in 25 Seconds

3. russell hobbs freedom cordless iron: best for wrinkles.

The Russell Hobbs Freedom iron has a pleasing weight to it, alongside a well-shaped and slightly larger soleplate. A larger plate means it’s particularly good at dealing with stubborn wrinkles and creases, and this is aided by a 135g/min steam shot, as well as continuous 40g/min steam.

The iron feels sturdy and is well made, as you would no doubt expect from Russell Hobbs. We particularly liked the base, which illuminates with different colours to display when the iron is heating, ready for use or recharging. It’s also easy to get on and off the base for recharging. As a bonus, it comes with good, clear instructions on the iron as well as in the separate booklet.

Heat up time is just 30 seconds from cold, with an advertised recharge time of five seconds. although we noticed it did take slightly longer than this to recharge fully. It also stayed hot for longer than many of the other models, coming in second only to the JML.

Key specs – Size: 35.9 x 19.1 x 17.7cm; Power: 2,400W; Capacity: 300ml water tank; Water jug included: No; Continuous steam output: 40g/min; Weight: 1.53kg; Features: Ceramic soleplate, anti-scale, self-clean, charging lights, vertical steam, auto-off

Russell Hobbs 23300 Freedom Cordless Iron, 2400 W, Purple/White, Porcelain

4. swan 2-in-1 cordless iron: best budget cordless iron.

Swan’s cordless iron is the most powerful at 2,800 watts and can be used either cordless or corded, making it an ideal choice for those with a lot of ironing to get through. It heats up and charges quickly – 15 seconds from cold and five seconds to recharge – and you will get around 25 seconds of full power before you need to pop it back on its base.

There are variable steam controls, as well as a sliding switch to control the amount of steam you want to use. The 360-degree charging base allows you to dock the iron in any direction to charge back up, but you do need to remember to engage the locking switch for safety purposes.

There’s a light on the base to show that the unit is plugged in, with a light on the iron to indicate charge. While the Swan doesn’t keep its heat as long as some models on this list, it does a great job of removing creases and wrinkles for a bargain price.

Key specs – Size: 30.3 x 15.2 x 13cm; Power: 2,800W; Capacity: 300ml water tank; Water jug included: Yes; Continuous steam output: N/A; Weight: 1.64kg; Features: Ceramic soleplate, anti-calc, anti-drip, self-clean, charging lights, auto-off, variable steam controls, vertical steam

Swan 2-in-1 Cord or Cordless Steam Press Iron, Rechargeable, Non-Stick Ceramic Soleplate, Steam Boost, Self-Cleaning, SI16410N, 2800 W, Blue

5. tower ceraglide 2400w cordless iron: best cordless hybrid.

For such a small iron, the Tower produces excellent steam with 40g/min of continuous steam and a 180g/min burst. The iron also stays hot for an impressive amount of time, although it does lose steam output quickly. The iron charges from cold in under 30 seconds but, as it stays hotter for longer, it does take around 15 seconds to recharge.

Key specs – Size: 33 x 17.6 x 14.3cm; Power: 2,400W; Capacity: 360ml water tank; Water jug included: Yes; Continuous steam output: 40g/min; Weight: 1.2kg; Features: CeraGlide ceramic soleplate, anti-drip, anti-calc, self-clean, vertical steam

Tower T22008G CeraGlide Cordless Steam Iron with Ceramic Soleplate and Variable Steam Function, Grey

6. morphy richards easycharge cordless iron: best for hard water areas.

The iron’s handle lights up to indicate charging status and takes around 40 seconds to charge from cold. Although it holds its heat for a fair amount of time, it takes a lengthy 25 seconds to recharge once it’s cooled down, which might not be ideal if you’ve got a pile of ironing to get through.

Design-wise, it ticks a lot of boxes. The base offers 360-degree charging and the iron also has a water level indicator, as well as a steam-ready indicator. We also think it’s rather stylish, in neat black and red colours.

Key details – Size: 33.4 x 17.7 x 14.5cm; Power: 2,400W; Capacity: 350ml water tank; Water jug included: No; Continuous steam output: 30g/min; Weight: 1.39kg; Features: Ceramic soleplate, anti-scale, self-clean, charging lights, vertical steam, auto-off, variable steam, temperature-controlled steam

Check price at John Lewis

7. Tefal Freemove Air FV6551 Cordless Iron: Best for stability

We absolutely love the design of the Tefal cordless iron – it’s the only one on our list with a horizontal charging base that you simply slide the iron onto. This makes it far more stable than any other cordless iron we’ve reviewed. It also sits well in the hand thanks to a well-designed handle and glides effortlessly over fabrics. The Freemove has a separate button underneath the handle for normal steam and one on the top for a steam boost. Continuous steam flows at 30g/min and there’s an impressive steam boost shot of 190g/min. The Tefal has the smallest water tank at 250ml, though, so will need refilling more frequently.

It’s fully charged in 11 seconds and will give you around 30 seconds of ironing time at once. When power gets low, a smart light and beep will alert you to the fact the iron needs recharging. We felt that the iron’s charge didn’t last quite as long as some other brands, but this is still a high-quality iron that does an excellent job of zipping over fabrics and removing creases, but perhaps just not the best for big loads.

Key details – Size: 31 x 19.1 x 16cm; Power: 2,400W; Capacity: 250ml water tank; Water jug included: No; Continuous steam output: 35g/min; Weight: 1.83kg; Features: Ceramic soleplate, anti-scale, anti-drip, self-clean, charging lights, auto-off

Check price at Currys

The Best Travel Iron

To help you find the perfect travel iron, we continuously put forth the effort to update and expand our list of recommendable travel irons. Our team collects, edits and publishes new information, in order to present it to you in an accurate, significant and neatly arranged way.

8 More Travel Iron Alternatives

Table of Contents

Buying guide, what features matter the most when buying travel irons first of all, consider the iron's size and weight. if you're going flying and plan on packing it in your check-in luggage, then it should have a compact, durable shape so that it's easier to wrap with some of your clothing. after all, you do need to protect it a little from any hard knocks on the journey. most people would prefer to pack their travel iron in their hand luggage because it's easier to access and safer. in that case, you'll probably need to go for the most-lightweight travel iron possible to satisfy the strict weight restrictions on hand luggage. to really help your luggage allowance, think about getting a travel iron that's only half a kilo or one pound at the most. next, think about where you travel the most. if you only travel within the united states, then you could pick a travel iron with any type of wattage or voltage design. on the other hand, you'll want a dual-voltage iron that can handle both 240 and 120-volt power sources if you're traveling to many other countries. for instance, 240-volt power systems are common in australia, the middle east, china, central africa, most of europe and england. meanwhile, 120-voltage systems are prevalent in canada, costa rica, japan, mexico and central america. also, consider how reliable the power supply is likely to be in the country you're visiting. many southeast asian countries, for example, have power-supply systems that can fluctuate a lot and experience regular power outages, albeit short ones in most cases. in these countries, you need a travel iron that uses the least watts possible to avoid overwhelming the local's electrical circuits and blowing out the power wherever you're staying. look at what kind of clothing you're ironing the most. for clothing that gets wrinkles easily, a refillable steam reservoir on top is essential to get out tougher wrinkles fast. in drier climates where you wear thicker, woolen clothes, you will have to deal with that extra annoyance of static cling. you can help reduce this effect by using fabric softener in your wash and choosing a ceramic travel iron that helps neutralize any electric charge buildup in your garments while ironing. irons with a stainless-steel or metal-based plate won't be a good idea for you in this scenario since they can transmit electric charges. if you wear mostly lightweight cotton fabrics -- and especially when traveling in more tropical climates -- then the type of iron plate doesn't matter so much because you have very little chance of having to battle static cling with your laundry. another important consideration is what kind of care your wardrobe needs. thicker winter coats can attract stray hairs and lint, so some travel irons have multi-purpose features like bristle-brush attachments and lint-brush attachments to help you out with grooming your favorite coat. on the other hand, you may want a travel iron that has a powerful steamer function built-in so that you can easily steam out the wrinkles on a "dry-clean-only" kind of shirt while it sits on the clothes hanger. which type of travel iron is best for you let's look at three common types: you could generally group most travel irons into three main categories depending on how you plan on using the travel iron and how much you want to spend. 1. here's the easygoing, all-american joe's travel iron: maybe you just want your travel iron to work well, not cost too much and last a long time. you don't need a lot of fancy features, and you iron just a few clothes for special occasions. in this category, you can get economical travel irons that cost as little as $17. they can heat up in sometimes just 15 seconds, and they'll give you nice shots of steam every so often too. the only downside is that some of these irons don't get nearly as hot as better brands, but for the most-common materials, it's enough to do the job well. an example of this kind of travel iron is the sunbeam hot-2-trot 800-watt compact travel iron. 2. the versatile person who wants to get the most features in their travel iron for the least money likes this kind of travel iron: some of you may like to have a travel iron that can iron almost anything, even accessories or home decorations, without breaking your budget. for great all-in-one garment care, this category of travel irons come with several different heads that you can switch as needed. one may be a lint brush, the other a bristle brush and finally your common metal hotplate for the standard fabric pressing. plus, you can use it as a handheld, upright steamer too. for example, a travel iron like this is the multifunctional harfo travel iron with a built-in handheld steamer that has a 180 milliliter water reservoir. it lets you work on clothes without even needing an ironing board because its design works by just moving down the fabric while it hangs on a clothes hanger. 3. check out the best travel iron for the fashion-conscious big spender: let's face it: if you're going to spend a lot of money on your clothes, then they should look amazing at all times. that's why you require a high-performance travel iron that works anywhere in the world with powerful steaming capabilities. in this travel-iron category, you'll find irons with lots of extra holes in the plate to deliver more heat faster and more evenly. often with stainless-steel plates, these irons can last forever. luxury features include a foldable handle that makes it easier to tuck into your carry-on bag while flying. you may also get an extra-long extension cord with it so that you can iron anywhere, even if the outlet in your hotel room is in the most inconvenient location. adjustable temperature settings help you avoid overheating delicate garments, and consistent-steam settings let you steam your dress or shirt quickly and easily even from the upright position. best of all, these top-of-the-line models often come with a warranty to guarantee extended use. a great example of such an iron is the rowenta da1560 travel-ready 1000-watt compact travel iron with 200 holes in its stainless-steel soleplate. of course, it comes with a lovely matching travel bag to carry it in because why not top rated travel irons.

If you're looking into finding the best rated travel iron, you should probable check out the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Steam Iron . We looked at various sources of reviews and found this one to have the best mix between review count and average rating stars.

The Lowest Price We Could Find

Often, going for the best price is a simple but good option. With a price of $13.99 (last checked this morning) , we do not list any other travel iron cheaper than the Suknil Mini Iron . Just remember that it's not always the best option to go for the cheapest one.

The Travel Iron With the Most Reviews

With at least 1894 reviews and counting, the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Steam Iron might be another option to consider. This large amount of reviews signalizes that many people are using it, with most of them beeing satisfied.

High Quality Travel Irons

It's quite rare that the saying "You get what you pay for" turns out incorrect. If you have the money on the sideline, feel free to choose the most expensive item from our list: The NORI Press Iron currently sells for $119.00.

The Travel Iron With the Most Clicks

If you trust us and our users, feel free to check out the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Steam Iron . Our statistics say that it is the most favorite Travel Iron from the list above.

Our Bestseller

If you're still undecided, I would recommend that you go with the masses and choose the top selling travel iron: The NORI Press Iron is the hottest bestseller in this category right now.

Travel Iron Reviews

Further reading on travel irons.

It is an object of the invention to provide a folding handle on a travel iron which has position retaining, or? rm? tting, means and characteristics whereby the handle tends to remain in selected positions, either in the raised or ironing position or is in the folded position. It is …

This invention relates to electric irons which may be used as a steam iron or as-a'dry iron 'and which 'is es pecially designed as a “ travel iron ”'to be folded into a collapsed position, thus 'adapting 'it {to be stored {in re str'icted spaces such as traveler's 'luggage,'etc …

A travel iron has a hollow handle defining a liquid reservoir which is pivotally mounted for movement between operative and stored positions. The handle is releasably secured in the operative position by a sliding latch. A conduit supplies liquid from the reservoir to the …

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11 best steam irons to buy in 2024, according to the GHI

Our experts pressed and steamed countless shirts and trousers to find these best steam irons

This article was updated in April to ensure that all prices and deals are correct.

That said, it can be tricky to find a steam iron that will remove stubborn creases both quickly and effectively. The best iron is comfortable and lightweight to hold, with a strong steam shot and a high tank capacity.

What is the best steam iron?

There are a lot of models on the market, but the GHI is here to help – our testers put more than 50 irons through their paces to find your perfect match.

Best steam iron and best budget steam iron

Tower t22008 ceraglide cordless.

Best steam iron for design

Tefal fv9845 ultimate pure.

Best steam iron for energy efficiency and best cordless iron

Tefal fv6551 freemove air steam iron.

Best steam iron for tank capacity

Russell hobbs colour control 22860.

Best for ease of use

Breville diamondxpress 3100w vin401 steam iron.

Best one-temperature steam iron

Philips azur 8000 series dst8020/26 steam iron.

Best for easy storage

Russell hobbs easy store pro wrap and clip steam iron.

Best lightweight steam iron

Swan 360 glide.

Best iron for small households

Russell hobbs powersteam ultra vertical.

Best for energy saving

Tefal easygliss eco steam iron fv5781g0.

If you’re replacing an existing steam iron, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point , or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.

How we test steam irons

The Good Housekeeping Institute tests each steam iron on a range of fabrics, including nylon, cotton, polycotton and linen, to assess how well they remove creases.

Our expert testers also consider the weight of each iron, how comfortable they are to hold and manoeuvre, and how easy they are to use.

We assess how quickly each one takes to reach all temperature settings too, and how accurate and stable each one is. We also time how long it takes for a full water tank to empty.

We then award each iron a score, factoring in its overall performance, design, usability and instructions.

Love Good Housekeeping and want more of our Triple-Tested recipes, home tips, fashion inspiration, essential consumer advice and so much more delivered to your inbox? Sign up to our FREE weekly newsletters, sit back and enjoy!

Score: 92/100

Ironing is a doddle with this versatile model, which switches easily between being corded and cordless. Note, though, that you only get 35 seconds of cordless power at a time (recharging in 15 seconds) and the cord isn’t the longest we tried, so you’ll need a well-placed plug socket too.

Niggles aside, it’s impressive at removing creases and its tank lasted for nearly 19 minutes. Its temperature was also accurate across all three dot settings and we found it heated up quickly too, while its continuous steam was effective.

But if you press the steam button repeatedly it may leak, so use sparingly.

Key specifications

Score: 89/100

This stylish steam iron is also simple to use, with easily accessible buttons and continuous, powerful steam functions. It also sprays a fine mist, which means creases are removed easily.

The dot settings were accurate too, and the iron heated quickly. But despite having one of the largest tank capacities, it needed refilling in under nine minutes, while the spray button was almost too responsive, occasionally spraying when we hadn’t pressed it.

These are minor qualms though, as it’s undoubtedly a premium buy.

All the irons here are cost efficient, but this one used just 2p of electricity to iron two shirts in 10 minutes (the most expensive cost 8p to do the same). So, if you iron a lot, this would be our top choice for low running costs.

The cordless design lasts for 30 seconds between 30-second recharges, but its long-lasting tank is easy to refill and the max line is clearly visible when it's in the position for filling. The cap did occasionally pop open in use, though.

We found the temperatures accurate on test and its steam settings proved effective, but you have to hold the trigger down for continuous steam. It was also slow to heat up and cool down but it’s an otherwise reliable choice.

Score: 88/100

If you like to tackle all your ironing in one go, this is the iron for you. Its water tank lasted for over 21 minutes, giving you plenty of time to make a serious dent in that pile, while its ergonomic handle was comfortable and, overall, it reached a good temperature, especially on the three-dot setting.

Its wide spout is easy to fill and empty and the max line is well-positioned to avoid overfilling. The iron shuts off when left lying flat after 30 seconds, and it alerts you beforehand. It wasn’t the fastest to heat up on test and the spray leaked a little, while some buttons were stiff to use at first.

Creases vanished quickly though (even on the one-dot setting), and it scored full marks on cotton and polycotton. Reliable on linen and nylon too, it’s a trusty all-rounder.

Diamond isn’t merely the name given to this Breville iron; the precious gem is also used to make the soleplate, with the brand claiming it improves both durability and the way it glides over fabrics. Our testers backed this up, finding it an easy mover across all their garments and a reliable crease banisher too.

It heats up quickly, feels lightweight to use and the water tank proved long-lasting, making it well suited to those with big piles of laundry to plough through.

Testers found its steam shot powerful initially but then a little inconsistent, which may prove frustrating if your clothes are particularly crumpled. That said, they never needed more than 10 seconds of continuous steam to lift even the most stubborn of creases, making this a trusty iron for most wardrobes.

Score: 87/100

Scoring full marks with our experts for its ironing performance across all four fabrics, this iron is a worthy investment. The one-temperature setting was steady in use but it took nearly two minutes to heat up. It was impressive once it got going though, banishing creases in one quick sweep.

Its small 300ml tank capacity lasted for nearly 15 minutes and is easy to refill. The iron is steady in use too, with a well-placed steam boost trigger. It doesn’t have a spray feature and takes two minutes to shut off but the soleplate didn’t scratch when we ironed over metal clasps.

Score: 86/100

With a cable that can be neatly wrapped around its base, this iron is ideal if storage is tight, or you want a tidier finish. It heated up quickly and accurately and moved smoothly across all our fabrics on test. The steam boost was easy to use too, and its water tank lasted us for over 20 minutes of ironing, making it well suited to tackling a full basket of laundry.

It proved adept at smoothing out most fabrics, with only the odd crease left on stubborn linen. But note that the auto shut-off only kicks in after two minutes, and the cord tangled a tad when in use.

Weighing just shy of 900g when empty, this is one of the more accessible irons we tried. Its two-in-one design also means you can use it as a cordless iron should the cable get in the way.

It heats up quickly on all three dot settings and reached a good temperature on the second and third settings, but it was 20 degrees out on the first.

You can fill the tank by placing its wide spout under the tap and it lasted over 14 minutes. It sprayed a lot though (although the button is stiff) and the steam boost sometimes leaked. We also spotted some scratches on the soleplate after ironing clasps.

Given its affordable price, however, we’d forgive those niggles. A versatile buy.

Score: 85/100

With accurate temperature settings and a quick heat-up time, this scratch-resistant iron is great value. It maintained a steady temperature throughout use and its tank is straightforward to fill.

You can also press the spray button with the same hand that's holding the iron. The button does leave some droplets on garments though, and the steam boost was stiff to activate at first.

The tank lasted for 15 minutes on test, making it a better choice for single households or occasional use. It impressed on cotton, polycotton and linen and our expert liked its auto shut-off feature, which turns the iron off after 30 seconds of lying flat.

Score: 84/100

This is the only iron on our list with an eco-mode, which uses less steam and consumes less energy than its standard settings. The iron is made with some recycled materials, and its packaging is entirely recyclable. Testers were impressed with the way it regulated its temperature and effectively removed creases from all our fabrics on test.

You can see clearly into the water tank, and all its controls are accessibly positioned. The handle was comfortable too. It didn’t quite reach the temperatures we’d expect for each of its dot settings, but as this didn’t impact its overall efficacy, it’s a minor qualm. You’ll need to refill the water tank after about 15 minutes’ use, too.

Morphy Richards EasyCHARGE Cordless 303250

Score: 81/100

Scoring full marks for its rapid heat-up time across all three dot settings, this compact and intuitive iron is the one to turn to if you’re often in a hurry. The temperature dial, burst steam function and labels are all intuitive and its tank is effortless to fill and empty.

It needs frequent recharging (as expected for cordless irons), its temperature accuracy was average – its three-dot setting was the best – and it leaked at times on test. But it’s a great price and should prove a trusty buy, especially if you only iron from time to time.

Before and after: the clothes we use to test irons

Steam irons and steam generator irons explained

When you hear the word "iron", a traditional steam iron is probably the first thing that springs to mind. These compact models feature a built-in water tank that heats up and releases steam to relax the fabric and remove any creases.

The higher its steam output, the more effective it will be. Features vary, but even with budget models, a steam shot and self-cleaning capabilities generally come as standard.

If you tend to have a large laundry pile or big items to press (say, a wardrobe full of long-sleeve dresses ), then consider a steam generator iron instead. These irons have separate water tanks, allowing them to emit more steam at a higher pressure.

They’re a lot bulkier than standard steam irons, so you’ll need enough free storage space. They’ll also cost you more, but they’re godsends if you’re forever behind an ironing board.

Testing irons on cotton; measuring temperature stability and accuracy

What should I look for when buying a steam iron?

Before you buy a new steam iron, consider the following.

Continuous steam pressure: Measured in grams, the higher the steam rate, the more effective the iron. Anything over 50g/minute would be considered high for a steam iron, with those on our list ranging from 30g to 85g.

Steam shot: When creases just won’t budge, a powerful steam shot is a must. The models in our roundup have steam shot outputs ranging from 130g to 260g/minute.

Tank capacity: The tank capacity of our recommended steam irons varies from 0.25 to 0.4 litres, but the tanks on steam generator irons are much bigger – anything from 1 to 2.5 litres. Your choice will depend on the size of your ironing pile and factors including the size of the opening for refilling and whether it's important for you to see the water level through the tank.

Other things to look out for

Depending on your set up at home, there are plenty of other features that may come in handy but aren’t as essential. Consider the following.

Cordless irons can be practical and convenient, but they’re generally not as powerful as corded models and they have to be frequently reheated on the base. They’re a good choice if plug sockets are few and far between at home, but so is an iron with a long cord.

Nearly all steam irons have anti-scale and anti-calcium functions . These are particularly important if you live in a hard water area, as calcium in the water supply will form limescale over time, which eventually clogs the steam vents.

Higher wattage generally means a faster heat-up time , with the quickest irons usually ready in just over a minute – ideal if you’re looking to freshen up your clothes before going out.

Look for an auto switch-off capability for safety and consider whether the weight, size and display type are right for your needs.

Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows , and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist , working for Stylist , Sky Sports and more.

Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster. In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.   

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

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Avoided packing your linen trousers and favourite shirts because you don't trust the iron at your hotel not to burn the creases out of them? You're not the only one.

But, if you've been staring a little too hard at the couple opposite and wondering just how they got their clothes looking so freshly pressed, the answer might come in the form of a travel steamer .

Maybe not the most exciting thing you'll throw in your suitcase but almost definitely one of the most useful, a travel steamer gives you the freedom to pack along all of the best parts of your wardrobe without worrying about removing the creases after a long journey.

A travel steamer not only helps you to save space and weight in your luggage (as well as avoid potential damage to your clothes from ironing), but it can also sanitise and deodorise your clothes, killing bacteria and eliminating odours from a suitcase that's past its best.

The best travel steamers are small enough to fit in your bag and light enough to carry around without taking up too much of your precious baggage restriction . In fact, you'll find travel steamers come in all sizes depending on the water tank capacity, the heating element and the design of the nozzle and handle.

It might go without saying but a larger steamer has a bigger capacity and can steam larger clothes without, well, running out of steam. You'll want a steamer that's powerful enough to produce enough steaming power to smooth out your clothes, and efficient enough to heat up quickly and last long. The performance and efficiency of a travel steamer depends on the wattage, the steam output, the heat-up time and the run time.

One final thing to keep in mind: wattage varies around the world, so you may want to invest in a voltage converter depending on where you're heading off to.

We've rounded up the best travel steamers

Best mini underseat cabin bags that fit beneath an airline chair

Best lightweight luggage, from cabin bags to larger cases

Best handheld clothes steamers to smooth out creases with ease

Philips STH3000/26 Handheld Foldable Garment Steamer

A top choice for iron-avoiders everywhere, the Philips STH3000/26 Handheld Foldable Garment Steamer was designed to be light, compact and foldable for easy usage and storage to refresh fresh outfits anytime, anywhere. Ready to go in 30 seconds and promising burn-free, odour-free clothes almost instantly, this travel steamer is a top choice for bringing your clothes back to their best without setting up the ironing board.

PWRHUB Portable Travel Steamer

With its super-fast 30-second heat-up, you can save time and de-wrinkle your clothes even on the shortest of notice when you buy PWRHUB’s portable steamer. This steamer is one of the most powerful travel steamers on the market, with its 1450 watts power and 150ml detachable water tank, giving you up to 10 minutes of continuous steam without the need to refill. It has a foldable design for more convenient storage and comes with a heat-protective storage bag, so you can easily carry it in your luggage worry-free.

Rolipo Clothes Steamer 1800W Handheld

Rolipo’s Clothes Steamer heats up incredibly quickly, thanks to its 1800W power, which means it wastes no time at all when it comes to restoring your clothes to their best. Ideal for holidays, its compact size and 0.85kg weight make it the perfect travel companion for carrying in your suitcase even when you’re restricted to just hand luggage. It can also be used both vertically and horizontally, allowing you to steam clothing at any angle.

BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer

This BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer folds up into a tiny piece of equipment, so you’re free to shove it in your suitcase at the last minute without worrying about being over the weight allowance. Safe to use on all fabrics and suitable for clothes, curtains, furniture and toys, this versatile steamer has 1000 watts of power and can steam both vertically and horizontally. 

YurDoca Steamer for Clothes

This steamer includes a specialised technology that ensures no leaking or spilling, keeping your garments dry and drip free as it works its crease-free magic. Combining the performance of an iron with the power of steam to instantly smooth out wrinkles in clothing, this powerful but gentle steamer is highly effective and safe to use on all fabrics; cotton, silk, wool, polyester, velvet, fibre and even your delicates.

Breville VIN430 CompactSteam Handheld Garment Steamer

One of the most popular travel steamers around, Breville’s VIN430 CompactSteam Handheld Garment Steamer fits in any bag with ease so you can look sharp on the go. It’s of the fastest we tested - so you don’t have to think twice about wearing that shirt you thought was far too creased for dinner - you can hang up your garment and start steaming in just 26 seconds precisely. With a generous 200ml water tank providing up to 15 minutes of run time, this steamer also features a three metre cord for those hotel rooms that put plugs in the least opportune spots.

Tefal Access Steam Minute DT7000 Handheld Garment Steamer

A popular choice that’s ready to go within 45 seconds, Tefal’s Access Steam Minute DT7000 Handheld Garment Steamer has a height of just 24.5cm and is the brand’s most compact handheld garment steamer. Combining 1100W with 17g/min vertical steam, this travel steamer doesn’t just remove creases – it sanitises too, killing bacteria for crease and odour-free clothes in a flash. How’s that for a travel miracle?

Steamery Cirrus No.2 Garment Steamer, Black

The Steamery Cirrus No.2 might sound a little more like a Harry Potter broomstick than an anti-crease device but you’ll swear this travel steamer is a little magic when you’ve given it a try. With 1500 watts of power and a weight of 780 grams, this small but mighty steamer does the job almost instantly with no fuss in sight. A sustainable and efficient alternative to both ironing and washing, you’ll want to reserve a little space for this one in your suitcase next time you’re off somewhere fun. It’s already been given the seal of approval by the fashion set where you’ll spot it backstage at fashion and magazine editorial shoots.

Philips Steam & Go Plus Handheld Garment Steamer

The clue’s in the name when it comes to this travel steamer’s efficiency: you really will be able to steam and go. Philips’ handheld gadget offers continuous vertical or horizontal steaming and, with a 2.5 metre cord, is another top choice for those unusually-designed hotel room plugs. Its ergonomic design and removable water tank makes this steamer even more travel friendly too.

Tefal Pure Pop

“Cute” might not typically be the first word that comes to mind when you think of travel steamers. But, once you’ve admired Tefal’s Pure Pop, that will likely be the word you think up. This handheld, compact steamer is one of the daintiest around and thus made for travel - it even has its own pouch.

With its sunshine yellow shade, this is a steamer that will get you in the holiday mood when you’re brightening up your favourite outfits before you’ve even headed down for dinner. It pumps out 20g of steam a minute to make creases disappear in a flash and features 1300 watts of power.

This Philips STH3000/26 Handheld Foldable Garment Steamer is light, compact and foldable for easy usage and storage: everything you need for those last minute holiday outfits with no iron in sight.

The Best Steam Irons of 2024

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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

PurSteam Professional Grade 1700W Steam Iron

Glides over fabric easily

Large water tank

Easy to use

Hard to read temperature dial

Rowenta Steamforce DW9280

Gets wrinkles out

Hard to fill

Oliso TG1600 Pro+

Glides smoothly

Lifts to prevent burns

Easy-to-read controls

Some creasing

Some water spray

Steamery Cirrus 3

Gets creases out quickly

Works as an iron

Small water tank

Only one setting

Can tip easily

Rowenta Focus Excel DW5280

Heats up quickly

So-so at wrinkle removal

Insufficient steam levels

Updated April 17, 2024

The PurSteam PS-S101 smoothly slides across fabrics like skates on ice, all while zapping out wrinkles.

• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Auto Shut-off: Yes

The PurSteam Professional Grade 1700W Steam Iron is the best steam iron you can buy. Like a pair of skates on ice, our top pick smoothly slides across fabrics. With a large, easy-to-fill water tank, this iron will tackle your family's wardrobe in one fell swoop. The iron excels at removing wrinkles, giving your clothes a fresh look and feel.

The 14-ounce water tank is one of the biggest of any iron we tested, making the PurSteam one of the easiest steam irons to fill with water. It comes with a small plastic cup to help fill the iron, but it is easy to fill without it. Despite the large water tank, the steam function didn’t leak, a common issue with other clothing irons we tested.

It quickly removes fine wrinkles with little to no effort. The water and steam buttons are near the handle for easy adjustment while ironing, and the anti-drip feature keeps water from leaking out of the stainless steel soleplate.

We love how easy the controls are to read; we quickly found the right temperature settings for our fabrics. Note that while some temperature dials have an arrow to mark where to set the temperature, this iron has a raised bump.

For the best steam iron that removes wrinkles easily and quickly, the PurSteam is the one you want.

The Rowenta Steamforce heats up quickly, is easy to use, and removes wrinkles fast.

• Weight: 3.85 pounds

While more expensive than most steam irons, the Rowenta Steamforce heats up quickly, is easy to use, and removes wrinkles fast, earning our vote as the Best Upgrade pick.

The iron glides over clothing, removing deep wrinkles and creases with powerful steam. It doesn’t snag on fabrics, so we feel comfortable using it on delicate materials.

This is one of the heaviest steam irons in our guide. The dense design helps the iron glide smoothly and easily, but it can be quite the workout if you're doing anything more than a handful of dress shirts.

The Rowenta DW9280 can also be awkward to fill in the sink because the water tank must be at the right angle to avoid making a big wet mess. Additionally, it’s hard to see the water line to know when to stop. Despite these minor grievances, the Rowenta Steamforce DW9280 is a worthy investment, offering a luxurious ironing experience for many fabrics.

The touch sensors on the Oliso steam iron prevent your ironing board and clothes from any burns.

• Weight: 4.37 pounds

The Oliso smart steam iron has the most advanced design of any steam iron in our guide. Using touch sensors on the handle, the steam iron automatically lowers and raises itself off the ironing board based when you touch and lift your hand from the handle. This is a useful feature because it means you don’t have to set the iron on its heel when you’re not using it, and it keeps it from toppling over—a concern for many steam irons.

Instead, you just take your hand off the iron and it raises up on legs that protract and retract from within the iron plate—no more burns on your ironing board or clothes.

The Oliso iron does a great job at ironing. During testing, it removed all wrinkles from both linen and cotton. It has easy to read settings that clearly describe the heat level and fabrics its best used for.

Generally, it tracks smoothly across fabrics. However, we did notice some occasional creasing. As the steam function warms up, there is some water spray released before the steam is ready, so we recommend testing the steam button away from clothes the first time you press it.

This is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for one of the best steam irons with smart technology. Not only do you get an iron that performs well, but the smart touch feature makes it especially handy.

This dual clothes steamer and steam iron refreshes clothes quickly.

• Weight: 1.89 pounds

Steamery’s Cirrus 3 is a clothes steamer first, but unlike most steamers, it features a ceramic plated head. This lets you use it like a steam iron, too. Out of all the irons we tested, the Cirrus 3 tracked the smoothest across fabrics with no creasing. Despite the Cirrus having a smaller ironing surface than others we tested, it got the job done just as quickly.

It only has one temperature setting that heats up to 210°F and isn’t adjustable for different fabrics. The steam button is well placed on the machine and easy to reach. Since it is a steamer first, it releases a lot more steam than other irons we tested, which helped loosen up fabrics for wrinkle releasing. It has a very small water compartment that is removable and easy to fill.

The iron is shaped similar to a hammerhead shark, far different from the standard steam iron. Because of its design, we found that it strained our arm after ironing just two items. Plus, beware that it is quite tippy. While it features a flat base, the steamer iron is top heavy and falls over easily.

Despite its few downfalls, this steam iron is a versatile tool, pulling double duty as a clothing steamer and steam iron that blasts wrinkles away.

Other Steam Irons We Tested

• Weight: 3.22 pounds

Despite being a well-made iron that didn’t wobble on the ironing board, the DW5280 only got out 50% of the wrinkles in our tests. Its heavy-duty design tracks smoothly across fabric and its setting buttons are easy to reach while in use.

However, its steam isn’t nearly as powerful as our top pick’s. The plumes of steam this iron released were on the smaller side, and we had to press the steam button more often than with other irons to get sufficient steam for ironing out wrinkles.

This iron was also difficult to angle under the sink faucet, and the tint of the water tank made it tough to see when it was full.

Weight: 9.86 pounds Auto Shut-off: Yes

Reliable Maven’s steam iron is one of the bulkiest we tested. Instead of a built-in water tank, this iron is tethered to a base that doubles as a 54-ounce tank. Even with its large design, the station fits on our ironing board, and it feels sturdy sitting there during use. While other irons rest on their back heel, the dedicated base means there’s less risk of burning your ironing board or clothes when the iron isn’t in use.

There’s no water spray feature, though we didn’t miss that feature during testing. The amount of steam power alone thoroughly removed the wrinkles in the cotton shirt and linen tablecloth.

If you’re doing a lot of ironing, this iron will help you run through your whole closet quickly and efficiently. You can position it on an ironing board, but it will take up a lot of space, so we recommend placing it on a table nearby.

Great at removing wrinkles

Good features

Bulky design

No spray function

• Weight: 4.18 pounds

We love the look of this iron’s bright turquoise color and vintage design. The 12-foot power cord is one of the longest of any iron we tested, making it easy to move the iron freely around the ironing board without pulling the cord taut.

Unfortunately, the Singer Steam Iron fell short at removing wrinkles during our fabric tests. After seven minutes of ironing with our top-performing irons, they had already removed most of the wrinkles, but the Singer had only removed about half.

Additional concerns: The settings button is awkwardly positioned on the handle and is easy to bump. The hole to the water tank is narrow and requires a specific angle to be filled, which is burdensome to fill up.

Easy to read controls

Extra long cord

Tracks smoothly

Awkward buttons

• Weight: 2.9 pounds

The Chi Steam Iron has one of the longest cords, making it a great choice if you live in a home with fewer electrical outlets. It’s also one of the easiest to fill and the controls are clear and easy to use.

Unfortunately, the iron fell over quickly during topple tests, causing the water tank lid to pop open and creating a wet mess to clean up. Using the steam function also caused water droplets to leak from the plate, soaking the fabric. The ceramic-coated soleplate didn’t travel as smoothly as stainless-steel-plated irons did. It stumbled on the fabric, creating creases that needed another pass to smooth out.

Easy to fill

Leaked water

Tipped over easily

• Weight: 3.1 pounds

The Black and Decker D3030 steam iron stood out for its innovative water tank design. It has the best opening, creating a little pocket so water easily pours into the tank without any spillage. Unfortunately, its controls lack clear markers and are difficult to read.

The plates are made from stainless steel, which should last you plenty of years. The smooth steel plate superbly pressed out the creases in a wrinkled dress shirt. However, the iron caught on the fabric several times, and required a bit of skill to avoid making more wrinkles.

The D3030 is steadier than other irons when resting on its heel, so it can withstand a few accidental bumps of the ironing board without tipping over right away.

Gets out almost all of the wrinkles

Difficult to read controls

• Weight: 2.68 pounds

The Sunbeam Classic steam iron has some of the most clear controls out of all the irons we tested. You can select your temperature by choosing the fabric you’re working with. It heats up 25 degrees higher than most other steam irons, leaving fabrics like cotton dress shirts flat and crisp.

On the downside, the iron's auto shut-off feature takes 60 seconds before it kicks on—almost double the time of most others we tested. Between the very high heat settings and the extra-long shut-off time, the iron left prominent scorch marks after only 30 seconds in our burn tests. You can expect freshly pressed laundry from this extra-hot iron, just make sure to use it with care.

Easy to read settings

Got all of the wrinkles out

So-so build quality

Weak steam flow

• Weight: 1.4 pounds

It sits lower down on our list because the water tank is small (1 ounce). You'll need to refill the tank more frequently than others in our guide, which can be difficult as the tank is narrow. (A funnel can help.)

Compact design

Easy to ready settings

Difficult to maneuver

How We Test Steam Irons

We put these steam irons through multiple rounds of testing, including ironing our own clothing and linens. We tested the minimum and maximum temperatures of each steam iron, and how quickly each heats up. We also looked at usability features like the ease of filling the water tank and how smoothly it glides across fabric. We also considered other features like electrical cord length, stability, and tank size.

For the third round of testing, we brought in two wrinkly culprits: a cotton dress shirt and a linen tablecloth. After washing, we let each item air dry to help them become as wrinkly as possible.

What You Should Know About Buying Steam Irons

Most steam irons have a triangular shape that includes a water tank that when filled creates steam.

Most steam irons have a triangular shape and a water tank for creating steam. Most also feature a water spray feature which squirts water on fabric to help release wrinkles. Factors to consider when purchasing include weight, the amount of water they can hold, and their effectiveness at removing wrinkles.

Most irons also feature an automatic shut-off safety feature that will kick in after about 30 seconds facedown with no movement, or in a matter of minutes while resting on its heel untouched.

Use the Right Heat Setting for Your Fabric

Steam irons feature different heat settings, often named by the fabric type they’re suited for. Polyester and nylon blends will be a low setting, around 250°F, while cotton and linen are often the hottest temperature, around 450°F. The controls are typically set through a dial, while digital versions usually have buttons.

There are some slight differences in the designs you’ll encounter. The flat, heated surface of the iron is called the soleplate. You’ll usually find either stainless steel or ceramic soleplates. During testing, our top two performers had stainless steel plates.

How to Use a Steamer on an Iron

The controls for most steam irons sit near the handle, making it easy to adjust the settings while you’re using it. This is also where you can control the iron’s steam distribution to flow continuously (or not at all).

Using the steam button will dampen and heat clothes without requiring pressure from the iron. You can use this feature over an ironing board, or you can hold your iron vertically to steam delicate fabrics while they’re hanging up.

Is a Steamer Better Than a Steam Iron?

However, the direct heat of a steam iron can achieve a sleek, ironed press, especially on fabrics like cotton and linen. The pressure of a steam iron is also essential if you want sharp creases on your garments.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the tester

Samantha Mangino

Staff Writer, Home

Samantha Mangino is a self-proclaimed homebody. Conveniently she is a home staff writer at Reviewed, covering cleaning, appliances, furniture, and home furnishings and décor. She knows her way around a house and has tested everything from furniture, sponges, steam irons, to Legos. She’s always on the hunt for the latest internet trends and wants to help make your home cleaner and cozier.

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