First4Spares 2.5 Metre Steam Iron Lead Cable Flex Cord & Plug

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Hold the iron up and press the steam shot button to refresh and un-crease hanging garments and curtains. That left us with our honest, up-to-date and balanced guide to the top ten best steam irons to meet every need and budget. About the author

The Philips PerfectCare Steam Generator 7000 was the surprise standout favourite of our ironing test run. It was easy for us to hastily judge this iron on looks alone; it's very big, a bit strange looking compared to a conventional iron and quite heavy too. Continuous steam pressure: Measured in grams, anything over 50g per minute would be considered a high steam output on a standard steam iron. The more powerful steam generator models in our top recommendations push out 100g to 180g of continuous steam per minute, making them experts at removing creases.The size you buy will depend on how much space you have. In smaller homes, where space is a premium, you might want to invest in a smaller, or even table-top board, while if you have plenty of space – or even a dedicated laundry room where you can leave your iron up – you can go for something with more surface area. Is my ironing board safe? That's why we've started recommending Eco Buy steam irons. These are models that perform well in our ironing tests, while also being durable and long-lasting. We look at how easy they are to maintain – how simple it is to clean them or use their self-cleaning functions to prevent limescale buildup – and how scratch-resistant their soleplates are. Of course, if you’re someone who only uses an ironing board on very rare occasions, you should be fine buying a cheaper option. What is the lifespan of an ironing board?

There’s a vast array of steam irons at various price points, so it’s wise to have an idea of your budget before you buy and to consider how much storage space you have. Steam generator irons are raved about as the answer to all of your de-wrinkling needs. However, they are large and costly, so you need to think carefully before buying.Any ironing board needs to be sturdy, so a solid frame and well-designed feet are a must. If you frequently carry your ironing board to and from its storage space, then you need to find a balance between sturdy materials and weight.’ Unfortunately, most cordless models use non-replaceable lithium-ion batteries. Once yours gets to the point where it no longer recharges properly between uses, you'll need to buy a new iron. This is something to consider if sustainability is important to you. Cordless steam iron pros

You'll also find own-brand steam iron models available from big supermarkets, such as Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco, along with stores including Argos and John Lewis & Partners. They say that when you buy cheap, you buy twice, and if you’re someone who uses an ironing board on a regular basis, it’s certainly beneficial to avoid buying a cheap ironing board. At Ideal Home we know how important it is to have hands-on experience with products before we recommend them to you, in line with our testing protocol. That's why we've tested every iron in this round-up extensively at our test facility before coming to the conclusion in this ranking. That included testing them on shirts, linen, and bedsheets to test their credentials.From getting work clothes crease-free to ploughing through piles of school uniforms on a Sunday night, our Mumsnetters know a thing or two about the value of choosing the right steam iron to speed through laundry. 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. Again, the auto-shut off function provides peace of mind; and a ceramic sole plate means it glides smoothly. You can also use it for vertical steaming, on clothes which are hanging up, as well as on your ironing board. With 2600w of power, it doesn’t get quite as hot and steamy as the Tefal Ultimate Pure – but I liked the spray nozzle and option to use a 210g steam shot to get rid of entrenched creases (although you have to wait four seconds between each shot). Auto shut-off This turns off your iron if it's not used for a while, which is handy if you're ever worried about whether you've forgotten to switch it off.

Our Mumsnetters have tried and tested hundreds of steam irons and, with eight million users visiting our forums every month, we know the true value of an authentic recommendation from ordinary families. Which is why we spend hours scouring the forums for the products our Mumsnet community have used and loved. But looks can be deceiving, and it turned out that this steam generator system was an absolute dream to use. How does it work? You fill up the 1.8-litre water tank (which can last you for up to an incredible two hours of use), and then simply lift off the ultra-light iron from the base itself. Children are naturally curious, and pets might not recognize the dangers a hot iron poses. Storing the iron in a place out of reach of children and pets is a primary safety measure. Even during its use, be vigilant to keep kids and animals at a safe distance. They might not understand the risks, and their unpredictable movements could lead to accidental burns or other injuries. 6. Handle with Care

Best steam irons at a glance

As cordless irons are still a relatively new product, we haven't been able to test how long this particular home essential will last in cordless form. Looking for the best cheap irons? Have a look at our great value irons. Are steam generator irons better? While the best steam irons can help you iron out the creases and help your collars stand to attention, they’d be nothing without any ironing board to keep them company. But how do you choose the right ironing board for your needs? With so many different styles, sizes, and price points out there, knowing which one to buy can be a minefield.