Irons differ. How to choose an iron for home use - what to look for before buying

In order for the ironing process to be comfortable, fast and, most importantly, safe, it is necessary to take seriously the choice of an iron for the home. Even in the store, you should pay attention to such small things as the sole surface, additional functions, handle quality, design, etc. Next, we will talk about how to choose an iron for home use and which one is better in 2018 in terms of power, sole, manufacturer and additional parameters.

Working surface

The first and most important element of the construction is the sole of the technique. There is a lot to say about it, but the main criteria for its selection are material, shape and number of holes for steam release. Let's consider how to choose an iron on the sole and which one is better for household needs.

Manufacturing material

There are work surfaces in aluminum, stainless steel, ceramics, teflon coating and titanium. For home, it is better to choose one of the first three options. For your attention, an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each material:

1. Aluminum. The cheapest option for a sole that has high thermal conductivity. The aluminum surface heats up quickly and at the same time cools down quickly. Another plus is the small overall weight of the iron, which, depending on the application, can make it a winning option. As for the shortcomings, the main thing is considered vulnerability to scratches - with prolonged use, aluminum becomes less smooth, which worsens sliding, and, accordingly, the ironing process.
   
2. Stainless steel. The complete opposite of aluminum in properties of stainless steel. It is an order of magnitude heavier, which is not always convenient. In addition, it heats up and cools longer, which is more related to the lack of material. The advantage of the stainless steel surface is that it is not afraid of scratches and other damage, which has a positive effect on the service life. If you want to choose an iron for home with stainless steel sole, give preference to the improved version - stainless steel with a chrome finish. This type of work surface is easier to clean and even better glides on when ironing.
3. Ceramics. The ceramic sole has the lightest glide, which is its main advantage. Cleaning of such material is not difficult - you just need to wipe it with a wet cloth and liquid soap. Another plus of the coating is scratch resistance, so the iron will glide well even after several years of use. As for the disadvantages, the most important are the high cost of ceramics, as well as its fragility. On the thematic forums, you can see a lot of reviews that the ceramic coating, especially in the area of ​​the spout, chips form at the slightest damage, so the problem of strength reduces the demand for choosing this option.
   
4. Teflon. The modern sole material is Teflon coating. Its advantage is that at low heating temperatures, sliding on clothes will be quite good, which cannot be said about aluminum or stainless steel. At the same time, Teflon, like ceramics, has a low strength, so when hitting metal buttons, chips and cracks can form.
5. Titanium. Another modern material is titanium coating, which is applied to the steel sole. The advantages of this combination are increased strength and good sliding during ironing. At the same time, the disadvantages are the high price and long heating time of the working surface (and, accordingly, cooling).
   

When choosing an iron for the sole, we recommend buying ceramic or stainless steel. Give preference to the option that is more suitable for the area of ​​application. If you need to iron a thick and too wrinkled fabric, we recommend choosing a heavier unit with stainless steel, for normal conditions it is more advisable to use a ceramic surface.

Expert advice

The form

As for the shape of the work surface, there are not many nuances that you should be aware of when choosing an iron for home use. The first and most important nuance is the shape of the nose. The sharper it is, the easier it will be to iron things with buttons, collars and other uncomfortable areas, especially for children's things.

The second, no less important point is the surface area. The more you choose the sole, the faster ironing will take place, but at the same time, it will be more difficult to crawl to uncomfortable places. Small irons are easier to use, but it will take longer to iron the same shirt.

Holes

Well, the last criterion by which you need to choose the sole of the iron is the number and quality of holes for steam outlet. Here it is impossible to say with a certain accuracy how many the normal number of holes should be and what size they should be. Each manufacturer in its own way increases the efficiency of the use of technology. Some make about 100 small holes, some 50 but oversized. The main thing is to choose a design in which the holes are located across the entire working surface.

Power

A very important point during the purchase is that you need to choose the right power iron. If you buy an insufficiently powerful technique, the ironing process will be difficult, and some folds will not be able to completely align at all. At the same time, a heavy-duty device may not be needed if you iron a small amount of things. Today, modern companies leading the world market produce models with a capacity of 1.5 to 2.5 kW for home use. The more power, the correspondingly more power consumption and weight of the product. It is believed that for a home, the most suitable option would be to choose a model of no more than 2 kW, but not less than 1.7.

By the way, the more power of the equipment, the faster the working surface heats up, and, therefore, the faster you can start the ironing process!

Design

Oddly enough, but when buying an iron, you must pay due attention to its design. Modern models can have rubberized finger-rest grips, conveniently positioned knobs, stylish looks, etc. All these little things are actually very important, because directly affect the purchase price that you decide to choose. For example, why pay extra money just for the fact that the case is a little rounded, if there is a similar, but more strict model?

A very common design problem faced by buyers is the palm-shaped handle. In fact, such a model is more suitable for right-handers; for a person who writes with his left hand, this option will be completely inconvenient, as evidenced by many negative reviews on the forums!

Useful little things

Above, we have provided the most basic criteria for choosing the right electric iron in 2018. You should pay attention to these criteria first of all, but this is not all. To make the technique last a long time, make it possible to iron things comfortably, and also be inexpensive, we recommend paying attention to the following additional parameters:

1. There are models with a steam generator that make the ironing process more convenient, quick and high-quality. For this option, you will pay more money, but at the same time, if you have large volumes of things that need to be ironed weekly, it is better to be generous and choose an iron with a steam generator.
   
2. Instead of a steam generator, a reservoir with water - a steamer - can be installed in the body of the device. A cheaper option for spraying steam on the surface of things. For home use, this option is more preferable, because costs an order of magnitude less, so we recommend choosing it. There are also vertical steaming irons that let you iron your curtains thanks to the useful steam boost function. In addition, the steam boost effectively smoothes out the wrinkled areas of things that the toe of the sole cannot handle. As for the volume of the water tank, it should be at least 250 ml so that the ironing process is not interrupted by frequent filling of liquid.
   
3. A very important function for the safe use of equipment is automatic shutdown. In the event that you put the switched on iron on the ironing board and forget, the heating will stop immediately after a few seconds of inactivity. Also, some companies create an original technology of soles with an autolift - sliding legs (shown in the photo), which prevent the heater from contacting the fabric when inactive for several seconds.
   
4. When choosing a modern iron of good quality, pay attention to the temperature regulator. The wider the temperature range, the easier it will be to iron woolen, synthetic and other delicate fabrics.
5. Newer models of irons include anti-lime rods (see photo below), which are inserted into the body. Their purpose is to combat scale on the heating element. It is scale that is the main reason for the failure of the device, so it is better to choose and buy such a version of the product in which anti-lime rods are installed. An alternative way to deal with hard water is to use built-in filters, which deal more effectively with the problem. If you have not found a suitable model with such an add-on, we immediately recommend that you familiarize yourself with the tips for, where methods of descaling the heater are provided.
   
6. There are also special requirements for the power cord for plugging into the outlet. You need to choose an iron so that the cord is covered with a fabric that does not wear out so quickly. In addition, pay attention to the length of the cord, it should be at least 2 meters, which is enough for comfortable ironing. Otherwise, you will have to connect through an extension cord, which will get tangled under your feet and only interfere. With frequent use, the cord bends and can break, which is also a popular cause of equipment failure. To solve this problem, we recommend choosing a cord that can rotate 360 ​​° at the point of entry into the body. This design option will not be much more expensive, but several times more convenient! By the way, there are modern wireless models of irons in which the sole is heated on a special stand. The disadvantage of this option is that the work surface will cool down quickly, and you will pay for a little convenience with frequent heating, which takes you away from ironing.
   
7. Another useful feature that should be present in a new iron is the anti-drip system. If you iron things at a low temperature, steam will not build up quickly, and as a result, when you press the steam release, water will pour out of the holes, leaving stains on the things. To prevent this from happening, manufacturers have invented special anti-drip systems that prevent water from escaping from the holes.
   
8. Self-cleaning system. In order not to descale the iron yourself, we recommend choosing a model with a self-cleaning system ("Self clean"). It allows you to extend the life of the equipment and at the same time to carry out cleaning without much effort.
9. Continuous steam. All models of irons of 2017-2018 are equipped with this function. It consists in the fact that a continuous flow of hot steam softens the fabric, making the ironing process even easier.
10. Automatic cord rewind. Allows you to save free space when storing the iron, making it more compact.

That's all, the important parameters that you should pay attention to if you decide to choose a reliable iron in 2018. Decide for yourself what features you need to buy the most suitable model at the best price and good quality.

Rating of manufacturers and models

I would like to conclude our recommendations with an answer to the question of which iron manufacturer is better to choose among the many existing companies. According to experts in the category "price and quality" in 2018, firms such as:

• Philips
• Tefal
• Braun
• Rowenta
• Scarlett
• Bosch
• Vitek
• Maxwell
• Moulinex
• Zelmer
• Gorenje

These brands are world leaders and the benchmark for reliability, durability and functionality. As for the best irons of 2018, we decided to provide you with several ratings in order to divide the models by functionality, purpose and, most importantly, by price segment.

So, for starters, we will provide the best models of irons that you can choose with a budget of up to 3000 rubles:

• Braun TexStyle TS375С
• Bosch TDA 3024010
• Polaris PIR 2695AK
• REDMOND RI-C254S
• Sinbo SSI-2892

If you have a budget of up to 5,000 rubles, then we recommend choosing one of the following irons, which are quite popular in 2018:

• Philips GC2998 / 80 PowerLife
• Bosch TDA 3024010
• Tefal FV3915
• Braun TexStyle TS375С
• Polaris PIR 2695AK

Well, with a sufficient budget (from 10,000 rubles and above), you can choose a more functional iron with a steam generator. We recommend paying attention to the following models, they have a lot of good reviews among buyers:

• MIE Stiro 1100
• Braun IS 5055 WH
• Philips GC9670 / 50 PerfectCare Elite Plus
• Tefal GV8963
• MIE Bravissimo

Also, if you want to choose a cordless iron, the top 3 models to date are presented in our ranking:

• Philips GC4595 / 40 Azur FreeMotion
• Polaris PIR 2489K
• Tefal FV9970

So we have provided tips on how to choose an iron for home use and which one is better in 2018 in terms of power, manufacturer and functions. We hope that this information was interesting for you and now you know which version to choose for your home, so that in the future you will not regret buying!

Also read:

Expert advice

Which company to choose an iron

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing an iron is its manufacturer. That is, having received a certain amount of knowledge from this article, you will immediately limit your choice of an iron according to this indicator, since the quality of the iron itself and its service life depend on the manufacturer. The more famous and popular the iron company, the more likely your iron will work longer and better than the iron of some unknown and even hard-to-read company.

Today, the most popular iron manufacturers are:

• Bosch


• Braun


• Delonghi


• Moulinex


• Panasonic


• Philips


• Rowenta


• Scarlett


• Tefal

In turn, we strongly recommend purchasing an iron by choosing from these brands.

Outsole material

The next thing to look for when choosing an iron is its sole. A lot depends on the sole, since it is it that comes into contact with the clothes, and the quality of ironing and the safety of things depend on it. What does it mean? The better the material of the sole, the better the iron will smooth out creases, and also eliminate the formation of stains and burning of clothes. Also, based on the material of the sole of the iron, its sliding depends, and therefore, the better the iron glides over the clothes, the easier it will be for you to iron and the less tired you will be, especially if you have to iron a lot of things. How to choose an iron soleplate? Iron soles are made of the following materials: stainless steel, aluminum, ceramics, cermets.

Stainless steel is a very strong and durable material, and also the most inexpensive. The sole of an iron made of aluminum will heat up very quickly in a short period of time, but over time, micro scratches will form on the aluminum surface, which can subsequently adversely affect when ironing delicate fabrics. The best, and also the most expensive, are the coatings made of ceramics and cermets: these coatings glide perfectly, do not wrinkle the fabric, and are also easy and simple to clean, but are very fragile and even with a slight impact of the surface on a durable object, the surface can simply crack or splinter. The most optimal is the sole material of which has a Teflon, titanium or glass-ceramic coating. But most modern manufacturers often do not indicate the material of their sole, hiding it under their own brand name.

Iron power

Next, we turn to the power of the iron. Iron power is the third main parameter that is very important to consider when buying. The speed of heating to the required temperature depends on the power of the iron, that is, the higher the power of the iron, the faster it will reach the set temperature, and therefore time is also saved. Also, the power of the iron affects the speed and amount of steam generation. But when choosing the power of the iron, be sure to take into account the power of your apartment wiring, as it may not withstand such a load.

What power to buy an iron? If you have a large family, or you often iron a lot, then it makes sense to purchase a powerful iron, the power of which will be over 2000 watts. For simpler tasks, we recommend a 1600-1900 W iron.

Modes of operation

As a rule, with the help of an iron we iron various types of fabrics, which require their own temperature index. To do this, the irons have special modes for different types of fabrics, which is very convenient for ironing. Switching modes in the iron can be carried out both with the help of the dial, and with the help of a special button, where the selected mode will be displayed on the display of the iron. The more modes, the better, respectively.

Spray function

This function in the iron allows you to dampen the fabric you are ironing with water. Moistening occurs through a special spray, which is located on the iron spout. This function is very useful for fabrics whose manufacturer does not allow steam ironing.

All modern irons include a constant steam function. The continuous steam function helps to smooth tough and wrinkled fabrics. Steam perfectly softens the fibers and helps to smooth them. Steam is supplied with water in a special tank. The generated steam comes out through special holes located on the soleplate of the iron. By the way, pay special attention to the placement of these holes, since the quality of smoothing depends on this: small holes should be located along the entire sole of the iron, but more holes should be concentrated at the nose and back, as for large holes, they should be placed on the sides. The number of holes also matters, the more the better.

The constant steam rate is also important for the steam function. Accordingly, the higher the steam flow rate, the more difficult areas and types of fabrics the iron can handle. The optimum vaporization rate is 25-30 grams per minute. But at the same time, remember that the more steam is produced, the more water is wasted from the tank, therefore, in order not to add water to it too often, choose an iron with a large water tank. These models of irons, as a rule, include a sensor for adjusting the steam flow rate, which will be very convenient.

If you are ironing very difficult types of fabrics, where even the maximum steam speed cannot cope with smoothing out creases, some iron models have a "steam boost" function. The function is that the iron delivers a powerful one-time steam at a very high pressure, which helps to get rid of very deep folds in the fabric. The steam supply rate during steam boost should be within 90 grams per minute, which is a sufficient indicator.

Modern models of irons include a very useful function - "vertical steaming". Thanks to this function, you can iron things like a jacket, coat, raincoat, etc. without removing from the hanger. Ironing takes place in a non-contact mode, using the steam boost function, which allows you to iron such things without touching the hot surface of the iron.

The last thing worth mentioning here is the volume of the water tank. If you quite often use the spray and steam functions when ironing things, we recommend purchasing an iron with a large water tank. The larger the volume of this tank, the less often you will need to add water to the iron, but there is one caveat - the larger the volume of this tank, the larger the iron itself will be, and this, in turn, will affect the weight and convenience of ironing.

Power cord length

The list of basic parameters for choosing an iron includes the length of the power cord. What you need to know about this is that the length of the cord should not be short, so as not to restrict your movements when ironing, but also not long, so as not to step on the cord with your feet. The optimal length of the cord is 2 meters, that is, the cord should provide free movement of the iron from one end to the other end of the ironing board.

Additional parameters of irons

Above, we have listed the main parameters on which you should focus all your attention when choosing an iron. Now let us tell you about the additional parameters of the irons, the presence of which will be very useful for performing certain functions.

Button groove

The groove for buttons is such a depression between the sole and the iron itself so that you can iron things in the area of ​​buttons, zippers, fasteners and other overlays on clothes without hindrance. The thinner this groove is, the thinner buttons you can handle without any problems.

Delicate attachment

Some models of irons are equipped with a special attachment that has a smooth surface and does not heat up above a certain temperature, which allows you to iron delicate and delicate fabrics. Thanks to this attachment, you can not be afraid that a delicate thing may be damaged or lost. But if you have chosen an iron, the sole of which excludes the possibility of spoiling the thing, and the modes of the iron do not allow the sole to exceed the maximum ironing temperature of this material, then there is essentially no need for such a nozzle.

Dry ironing option

Pay attention to such a function as the possibility of dry ironing. This function allows you to iron things without steam, since not all fabrics can be ironed using steaming.

Anti-scale system

You have probably come across the problem of scale formation in previous models of your irons more than once. Limescale formed on the sides of the water tank and appeared in the steaming holes, which in turn forced you to constantly clean the iron. To avoid such problems, irons are equipped with special anti-lime rods and cartridges, which need to be changed approximately once a month, but there are also cassettes that do not require replacement, they occasionally need to be cleaned of settled scale. These devices help to protect the iron when pouring water from the tap, acting as a filter. But nevertheless, even with this protection system, try to pour settled or distilled water into the iron, since tap water is very "heavy" and has various impurities.

Self-cleaning system

It is worth noting the possibility of self-cleaning of the iron. Self-cleaning is necessary in order to descale the steam chambers by means of steam boost. By the way, this is a very useful function that will extend the life of the iron and will contribute to a full steam supply, without clogging small channels and holes.

Anti-drip system

You may have encountered such a problem in the old model of the iron, when steam in the iron simply did not have time to form and water flowed out of the steam holes. This situation can negatively affect thin and white fabrics, leaving streaks on them, and much worse, even stains. In order to eliminate such unpleasant moments, the function of an anti-drip system is implemented in the irons, which eliminates the leakage of water.

Automatic shutdown

If you often find yourself thinking about whether you turned off the iron or not, then with the automatic shutdown function you no longer have to worry about it. If you often forget to turn off the iron, then if there is an automatic shutdown, it will be disconnected from the power supply when idle in a horizontal position after 30 seconds, and in a vertical position after 15 minutes.

How to choose an iron with a steam generator

We would like to touch upon the selection of steam stations as a separate block. Steam stations are the same irons, the main function of which is non-contact ironing of things with an iron in an upright position. Such an iron consists of a water tank and an iron, which are connected to each other using a steam hose.

Specifically speaking about the characteristics, the length of the steam hose should be at least 1.7 meters. The water tank should be about 1.5 liters. The optimal steam flow rate in the iron is 120 grams per minute.

Which iron to choose

We have already told how to choose the right iron, but the main question remains unresolved: which model of iron to choose, because there are a huge number of them !? Let's look at specific models of irons that have positive feedback from customers.

What is the cheapest iron to buy

Bosch TDA 2630

Of the budget models of irons, according to reviews, the Bosch TDA 2630 iron has proven itself well. The power of this iron is 2000 watts. There is a function of constant steam supply with the ability to regulate its speed, as well as a steam boost of 80 g / min, with vertical steaming. It is worth mentioning the availability of dry ironing and an automatic shutdown function. An anti-scale system, a self-cleaning system and an anti-drip system are also included.

Iron price: from 2500 rubles.

Which iron is better to choose

Philips GC 4870

If you want to choose a good iron, then we advise you to opt for the Philips GC 4870. The power of this iron is 2600 watts. The iron includes the function of constant steam supply with the ability to adjust its speed. This model of the iron has a function of steam boost, the speed of which is 200 g / min and the possibility of vertical steaming. It should also be noted the possibility of dry ironing, autonomous shutdown and heating indicator, a self-cleaning system, an anti-scale system and an anti-drip system.

Iron price: from 3500 rubles.

How to choose an iron with a steam generator

Philips GC 7320

Having given preference to the iron-steam generator, we recommend paying attention to the Philips GC 7320 iron, this model has the best price-quality ratio. The power of the iron is 2200 W, the maximum pressure of the steam generator is 4.5 bar, the length of the hose from the steam station to the iron is 1.7 meters. Also, this iron has a steam boost function, dry ironing and an anti-scale system.

Iron price: from 9000 rubles.

The iron is an indispensable household appliance in any home. Thanks to him, you can look neat, sleep on smoothed sheets and not be branded as a slob.

If earlier in Russia, a red-hot cast-iron frying pan coped with the function of an iron, then in the modern world you can get confused by the variety of models. Therefore, you should know how to choose the right iron for your home.

Which iron to choose

All models of irons offered in stores can be divided into three large groups:

1. Regular irons that are not equipped with a steaming system. Now they are practically not used. These are the same models in which gauze moistened with water was placed on the fabric.
2. Simple steam irons. These are models with a built-in water tank. You need to periodically add liquid to them.
3. Steam generators. In turn, these models are divided into two subgroups:

• Models with built-in steam generator. These irons have a more complex steam supply system than simple steam irons. Due to this, the cost also increases. But ironing with the help of steam generators is equated to professional and allows you to get rid of folds even on coarse and heavily wrinkled fabrics.
• Models with a freestanding steam generator. These are professional irons found in specialized salons. They are able to smooth any fabric pretty quickly.

Iron power

From such an indicator as power, it depends on how quickly the iron will heat up and what complexity of the fabric it can smooth out.

Depending on how much time is spent on ironing, the power of the iron is also chosen. They can also be divided into several types:

• Travel irons. Their power is about 1000 watts. It is impossible to smooth out heavy materials with such models, but they are convenient for travel, since they are small in size. They do well with suits, T-shirts or dresses made of lightweight fabric.
• For a small family of one or two people, irons with a power of 1000-1500 W are suitable. Smooths almost any fabric, but heats up for a long time.
• For a family of three to four people, irons with a power of 1500-2000 W are suitable. heats up quickly, also smoothes even heavily wrinkled laundry, without requiring effort from the owner.
• For those families where ironing takes at least two hours a week, models with a power of 2000 W or more are suitable.

Video how to choose an iron:

Which sole is better to choose an iron

One of the main elements of an iron is its sole. You will have to choose the sole according to:

• material of manufacture,
• form,
• the number and location of the steam holes.

Outsole material

When ironing, the soleplate of the iron is in direct contact with the product, therefore, special attention should be paid to the material from which it is made.

Aluminum

The cheapest are irons, the sole of which is made of aluminum. This material does not weigh down the device, it is also easy to clean it from dirt. Aluminum heats up pretty quickly.

However, the soles made of this material also have disadvantages.

Firstly, aluminum is fragile, so it can be easily damaged by metal buttons and zippers on clothes or when hitting something, and later the deformed surface can ruin the fabric.

Secondly, the aluminum sole should not smooth delicate fabrics. With an incorrectly selected temperature regime, synthetics may simply melt.

Ceramics and cermets

Ceramic soles are a fairly popular model. This material heats up quickly and glides well over fabric. In addition, it is difficult for them to spoil the thing, even if the temperature regime is violated.

However, ceramics are far from the most durable material. It can be easily damaged by metal clothing such as buttons or zippers.

Teflon

Teflon soles can serve for a long time, they iron delicate fabrics well, do not allow them to melt. However, Teflon deteriorates when it comes into contact with metal surfaces.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an inexpensive and high-quality material for the sole of an iron. Virtually non-deforming and scratch-resistant, which extends the service life of the iron.

Suitable for quick ironing as it glides easily over the fabric. Also the stainless steel sole is easy to clean.

Titanium

Titanium spraying on the steel soleplate of the iron is a modern technology that helps to increase the strength and, accordingly, the service life of the iron. Titanium provides ease of sliding during ironing.

The disadvantages include long cooling and heating of the working surface, and the high cost of such irons.

Also, a special attachment can be supplied with the iron, which replaces wet gauze when ironing trousers, etc.

Sole shape

It will be easier with the choice of the shape of the working surface of the iron than with its material. If you choose a sole with a large area, then the ironing process will be faster, but you will have to suffer with hard-to-reach places for high-quality smoothing.

The smaller the sole and the sharper its nose, the easier it will be to reach uncomfortable areas for smoothing, for example, between the buttons, but the ironing time will also increase.

Holes

The third parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing a sole is the number and location of the holes for supplying steam.

This parameter does not have any specific strict standards. The holes can be 20, maybe 100. It is desirable that they are located on the entire working surface.

When choosing a good iron model, you should pay attention not only to the technical characteristics, but also to the nuances that make its operation more convenient.

Iron functions

A modern iron is no longer just a primitive device, it is the concentration of a large set of various technologies that facilitate and accelerate the ironing process.

Let's take a look at the most common functions found in modern electric irons.

Continuous steam function

To facilitate smoothing of heavy fabrics or simply dry linen with caked folds, water was previously used by splashing on the fabric.

Now the irons have the function of supplying steam both forcibly by pressing a button, and constantly. The more holes in the sole, the more steam is supplied and the easier it is to iron.

The holes should be located across the entire working surface of the iron, it is also good if there are grooves that contribute to an even distribution of steam.

The measuring characteristic of this function is the amount of water in grams that is converted to steam in 1 minute. Continuous steam supply can be from 10 to 150 g / min.

For ordinary, not overdried fabrics, an iron with a steam supply of 20-30 g / min is enough, and for heavy fabrics it is better to choose an iron with a constant steam supply of 80 g / min.

Pay attention to the water container. It should be transparent or translucent, which will allow you to monitor the level and add water in time.

It is also worth paying attention to the volume of this container, the more steam is supplied, the more capacious the tank with water should be. There are models with a capacity of 150-250 ml.

Steam blow

Steam boost is used on particularly difficult fabrics that cannot be smoothed with a simple steam supply.

The steam flow rate in steam powered irons must be at least 100 g / min.

Vertical steaming

Vertical steaming helps you cope with things like curtains, outerwear, and more.

The ironing process takes place in a non-contact way using steam, when things are in an upright position, for example on a hanger, and not on an ironing table.

Anti-drip system

The anti-drip system prevents water droplets from flowing out through the steam holes during ironing at low temperatures, which can lead to stains on the fabric.

Self-cleaning system

The self-cleaning system cleans the iron from scale, it is turned on with a special button after heating in the steaming mode.

If the iron is equipped with this function, then there is no need to fill in special water for irons and purchase cartridges that prevent the formation of limescale.

Auto switch off iron

Auto shut-off is a very useful function that prevents the possibility of a fire due to a forgotten iron that has not been turned off.

If the iron is in a vertical position motionless for about 10 minutes (different models in different ways) or in a horizontal position for 30 seconds, it will automatically turn off.

The main criteria for choosing an iron are listed above, but for greater convenience of work, some more features should be taken into account.

What you need to pay attention to to make ironing easier

• Cord - it is better to choose a model in which the power cord is attached to the iron with a hinge that can rotate in all directions. The braiding of the cord must be fabric. Also, do not forget that the length should be at least 2 meters so as not to touch the wire when ironing.
• The iron handle should fit comfortably in your hand, not slip, it is better if it is rubberized.
• The weight should be about 1.5 kg. If it is easier, then when ironing you will have to press the iron harder and, accordingly, apply more effort. If it is heavier, then the hand will get tired faster.
• Temperature regulator - the wider the temperature range, the more different types of fabrics can be ironed.

Rating of manufacturers and models

At the moment, according to customer reviews, there are several manufacturers of irons that have occupied the top lines of popularity for several years.

Which manufacturer of irons to choose is up to you, here is the rating of global manufacturers according to reviews:

• Philips
• Tefal
• Braun
• Rowenta
• Scarlett
• Bosch
• Vitek

Choosing an iron of any manufacturer from the above presented rating, you will not be disappointed either in quality or in reliability.

Of course, it is difficult to choose the perfect, inexpensive iron, but after analyzing many models, we can recommend the Philips GC 1029, its cost is about 2,500 rubles. This model has incorporated all modern and necessary functions:

1. power 2000W,
2. powerful steam boost (100 g / min),
3. steam supply 25 g / min,
4. anti-drip system,
5. auto shutdown,
6. self-cleaning,
7. ceramic sole.

This iron is ideal for home use.

Despite the variety of models, you can always choose the right iron, which will be easy to use and will last a long time.

If you have any questions, complaints or want to leave your positive feedback, you can do it below! Leave your feedback and suggestions in the comments!

Regular models do not have a reservoir, which means there is no function of dampening the laundry.

Steam units come with steam generators. Dry, wet ironing is provided. They feature a lighter sole glide than other models. Can be used even on the most delicate fabrics. The nose ironed the places under the buttons. The water tank can be built-in or external.

Models with built-in sprayer and thermostat are effective only when processing thick fabrics. The thermostat controls heating.

Road equipment is a very convenient option for transportation in a bag. Technically not inferior to other classes despite the small size.

Characteristics of devices

Its operating parameters will help you choose a good device:

• power;
• sole type;
• steam supply method.

Sole

Its coverage is very important for the comfortable and efficient operation of equipment. The service life of the equipment depends on the sole. They are made from different materials.

Aluminum warms up quickly, but is sensitive to damage. With scratches, deformations on the sole, it is impossible to iron synthetic fabrics. However, heat treatment of aluminum eliminates the problem and also increases the strength of the material.

Stainless steel more durable. The material is easy to clean, glides well on the fabric. There are models with sapphire coating on the sole. For the convenience of steaming, special recesses are created on the surfaces. Irons with such a sole are optimal in terms of price and quality. Cons - prolonged heating, heavy weight.

Ceramics and cermets copes with ironing any kind of fabric. Differs in easy sliding and easy care. The surface is cleaned with soapy water and a sponge. However, ceramic enamel is the most fragile coating possible. The most convenient models are narrow ones with many steam outlets (from 80 to 100). The holes should be evenly spaced around the perimeter of the sole and in the area of ​​the nose.

Teflon and titanium began to be used later than the others. Teflon models are cheaper, but this coating is thinner faster, prone to chips. The titanium sole is the most durable, easy to care for, but these irons are more expensive than others.

Power

The higher this indicator, the more the device heats up. And so it takes less time to iron the fabric. Professional models with high power use more power.

• up to 1.5 kW - road models that involve working with a small number of things;
• up to 2.2 kW - a classic household unit;
• from 2.2 kW - suitable for long-term work with different types of fabrics.

Size and shape

The shape of the sole differs in the total area and configuration of the toe. The sharper it is, the easier it is to iron near buttons, collars. There are models with grooves in the spouts. A bulky iron weighing 1.5 kg or more will bring more trouble than help. Most comfortable narrow maneuvering devices with quality sole and lots of steam vents.

Steam and water supply

This ensures the quality and speed of ironing. Almost all irons are equipped with a water tank with a heater. If the volume of the container is too small, you will have to constantly top up the liquid.

Design features

For greater comfort in work, you need to take into account the following characteristics:

• Weight - with a heavy device, the hand will quickly get tired, it will not be mobile, and too light will not smooth out creases on thick fabrics. Choose averages.
• The handle is best if it comes with a rubberized finger rest. Before buying, take the device in your hands and appreciate the convenience of the handle. There are also models with folding mechanisms.
• Attachment and length of the cord - maneuverability depends on it. The best indicator of the wire is up to 3.5 m. And the most convenient mounting option is a hinge, with which the cord turns without damaging the winding.

Additional functions

Some models are equipped with this functionality:

• Continuous steam supply. The smoothing performance depends on the amount of steam produced in one minute. The average household iron works in such values ​​- 20-30 g / min, steam boost - 90 g / min. This is enough for household needs.
• Anti-drip system so that water does not leak out of the holes in the sole and does not leave yellowish stains on clothes.
• The limescale protection will help your iron last longer by protecting it from hard water.
• Vertical steaming replaces steamers.
• Due to self-cleaning, it is not necessary to fill the equipment with distilled water only.
• Auto shut-off will protect against fires. The unit will shut down automatically if it is stationary for 30 seconds.
• Automatic winding of the cord into a special compartment saves space for storing equipment.

Cost and manufacturers

According to customer reviews, the most preferred iron companies are Philips, Bosch, Braun, Panasonic. They are time-tested and popular all over the world. From budget, but high quality - Vitek, Scarlett, Supra. Their price is from 2000 rubles. But most of the modes in the home are not used.

The popularity of the brand and the release date of the model are reflected in the cost of the equipment. Lesser-known brands with an average feature set can save up to 35% of your money.

When buying, consider the following nuances:

• Make sure your iron is safe. There are models with sliding legs, which exclude contact of the sole with the surface.
• The package may include a measuring cup, nozzles on the sole, a transport case.
• The equipment must be equipped with a regulator for the temperature of the sole and the supply of steam. These functions allow you to properly process all types of fabrics.

Review of the best representatives

Inexpensive model with good power and vertical steaming.

• ceramic sole heats up in a few seconds;
• automatic shutdown;
• self-cleaning;
• steam boost.

• no protection against scale;
• the power of the steam supply is not regulated due to which a large water consumption.

Reliable classic home iron with steam function and medium power.

Advantages:

• metal-ceramic sole;
• vertical steaming.

Disadvantages:

• no anti-drip system;
• ironing at the highest temperature can damage the fabric.

Durable aluminum outsole with anti-drip system. Most of the reviews for this model are positive.

Advantages:

• high power;
• strong steam boost;
• vertical steaming.

The disadvantages include too light weight for processing dense fabrics.

Household appliances such as an iron are chosen with the expectation of daily use over several years. Focus on the technical parameters of the models and additional functions. With this in mind, you can choose the iron that will be the most comfortable to use.

Even if you do not like ironing your clothes and prefer to wear things made of non-wrinkling materials, you still need to have some kind of ironing unit in your apartment, because you may need it at any time. But how do you choose a good iron to meet all your requirements? This question is faced by every buyer who decided to buy a real, durable ironing device. And getting into a home appliance store, you can get lost among the huge variety of electric irons and steam generators.

Let us with you and we will understand this.

What should you pay attention to when buying?

A huge number of different electric irons are sold on the market today, from simple samples to models with built-in steam generators. To choose the best iron you don't have to look only at the design. First of all, when buying an ironing appliance, you need to pay attention to its functionality and, of course, the sole and coating of the iron.

What is the best iron soleplate?

The soleplate of the iron is considered the most important part of the unit. The heating rate depends on the strength of its material and thermal conductivity. In addition, the base of the electric iron should distribute heat evenly over the fabric. In order to comply with all standards of reliability of the base, it is made of stainless chrome-plated steel or aluminum with a non-stick coating. Therefore, you need to be very serious about choosing an ironing machine.

Types of coatings of the sole of the iron

• Aluminum outsole. The ironing article with it is very light in weight. It is distinguished from other types by its high heating and cooling rate. But alas, its service life is short. From contact with an ordinary pin, button or something else like that, large scratches or plastic deposits are formed at the bottom of the electric iron. And this, at first glance, extraordinarily beautiful ironing unit immediately becomes a "time bomb", because at any moment it can tear your favorite blouse, scratch or leave a rusty stain during ironing. So the title "reliable iron" cannot be given to him.

• Teflon outsole- this outer shell of the aluminum base of the iron, only covered with a thin layer of Teflon, which we also find in pans. The advantage of this sample can be attributed to a more careful attitude to the fabric during ironing, and otherwise - the complete resemblance to the previous type of ironing electrical appliances.
• Stainless steel outsole It differs from other types in its strength and durability due to the fact that it is coated with either chrome, or titanium sputtering, or a special sapphire powder. An iron with such a base heats up and cools down a little longer, but it glides very easily over the surface of the material, leaving no marks and scratches on the fabric. And yet it also has some disadvantages, including its greater weight.

A common man in the street is accustomed to believe that the best iron is the one that does not leave burn marks on the fabric, iron hard-to-reach places well, and does not break after three ironing procedures. The sole of such a unit does not burn, it has a long cord, and most importantly, it is affordable.

Iron with cordless use

An iron with wireless use makes it possible to operate it without a wire, but it comes with a special stand that connects to the network. The unit will only heat up when you place it on this base. For ironing clothes made of lightweight material, such a unit will be an indispensable assistant, but for heavier things it is clearly not suitable, because it needs constant replenishment of electricity to give off heat. But this is not a problem, because there is a cord in the package for this case, with the help of which you can calmly cope with the task at hand.

Such models are not very popular, and their cost is higher.

Check the goods without leaving the consultant

The standard of modern electric irons

The impeccable design and versatility of this type of electric ironer is very impressive. The stable base of the Rowenta prevents any fall, and the soft-grip handle makes it easy to handle. Full guarantee of safety during operation is achieved due to the auto-off function. The pointed spout of this model allows you to smooth things even in the most inaccessible places, which in no way affects the quality of the material. Another positive feature that this species has: the presence of a capacious water tank, which allows you to provide moisture for a long period of time. At the same time, the powerful steam pressure does not weaken, and the built-in self-cleaning system significantly extends the service life of the ironing unit.

Positive characteristics of the Philips iron

It's the 21st century, and consumers' demands for the quality of electrical appliances are growing exponentially. The Philips iron was no exception. The technical characteristics of this model meet all the requirements of the European standard. Vertical steaming helps the hostess to return a second youth to her favorite dress without any difficulty. A powerful water spray evenly distributes moisture over the fabric, which greatly facilitates the ironing process.

The presence of a self-cleaning function due to removable anti-lime storage filters helps to get rid of scale, which impairs the thermal conductivity of the device. The set includes a measuring cup with a pointed spout. Due to the dense removable cover, you can not be afraid of moisture leakage. The ball connection of the power cord is achieved by means of a hinge, which allows 360 ° rotation of the wire. We can safely say about such an ironing unit that it is a reliable iron.

There are small cons

Like many household appliances, the Philips iron also has its minor drawbacks: the feeling of discomfort due to the too low handle of the ironing unit, which makes it difficult to get close to the temperature regulator. The self-shutdown function has different time intervals, namely: in the horizontal state, the shutdown occurs after 30 seconds, and in the vertical state - after 8 minutes, so you should always check whether the device is turned off or not.

Small steam station at home

The modern home appliance market is literally crammed with various types of electric irons. But our customer today prefers modernized copies that include all the functions at once. He prefers to buy a steam iron for his home. The model of this type is equipped with a separate block with a heater and a large heat exchanger for water, in which steam is generated.

With the help of a special hose, the iron is connected to the steam generator. It is through this sleeve that steam enters the unit, and a strong heater and high pressure contribute to its rapid supply to the surface of the fabric. The advantages of this model are obvious: the ironing process takes less time, and good maneuverability during ironing is achieved due to the lightness of the body due to the absence of a water tank. The only drawback is the large volume.

The question of which is the best brand of iron can be answered by looking at the rating. And yet, let's not rush to make hasty conclusions with you, because each model is good in its own way.

Annotation makes it easier to select a product

The average consumer, when he comes to a household goods store, always asks a sales consultant: "How to choose a good iron so that it has all the necessary functions and is naturally inexpensive?" And so the store employee begins to dodge and offer a cheap product, attributing all sorts of advantages to him. Wouldn't it be better, along with the price tag, to attach an annotation to the product, where all the advantages of the unit would be spelled out, so that the store visitor could compare the price and quality of the product?

The best iron: reviews, prices

To make a rating of the best irons, in one of the capital's stores of household appliances, sales managers surveyed 100 buyers. Each of them was asked only one question: "Which iron, in your opinion, is considered the best?"

27% of buyers preferred the Philips brand. They were literally delighted with the presence of the double cleaning system in the iron. With it, when ironing linen, you can use running water and not be afraid of scale on the walls of the tank. The price of such an iron in Moscow is 3500 rubles.

28% of buyers were on the side of the Tefal model. They were impressed by the equipment with a smart selector, which automatically selects the combination for a flawless ironing, namely the temperature of the soleplate and the strength of the steam. Prices in Moscow for this model are from 5,000 to 7,000 rubles.

Braun electric irons are admired by 21% of customers. They argue that thanks to the huge water tank, powerful steam shock, impeccable steam generation, you can iron a huge amount of clothes with this model's iron. Prices in Moscow for this model are from 3000 to 5000 rubles.

24% said that there is no better model than the Rowenta DZ 5035 iron. It has an anti-drip system, convenient steam adjustment, and a self-cleaning function that protects the tank from scale. There is also a vertical steaming and dry ironing mode. Price in Moscow - from 3000 rubles.