We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Laundry Products The 6 Best Steam Irons of 2024 Say goodbye to wrinkles forever. By Nor'adila Hepburn Nor'adila Hepburn Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 22, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Alli Waataja You don’t have to drop your laundry off at a dry cleaner if you want wrinkle-free clothes. With steam irons, you can get your outfits and other materials looking smooth and crisp in no time at all. “Steam irons can quickly tackle stubborn wrinkles and are particularly beneficial for individuals with large loads of laundry or those who want to streamline their ironing process,” says Julie Bray, product manager for garment care with Hamilton Beach Brands. To find the best steam irons, we compared a range of options while considering temperature settings, steam output, portability, design, and features. In addition to Bray, we spoke with Taylor Robertson, brand manager at Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, on what to look for when shopping for and how to best use a steam iron. Our Top Picks Best Overall Steam Iron: Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Budget Steam Iron: Black+Decker IR40 Textile Iron at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge Steam Iron: Steamfast Digital Steam Press at Amazon $320 Jump to Review Best Cordless Steam Iron: Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless Steam Iron at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best Portable Steam Iron: SALE Conair Steam Stylist at Amazon $60 $48 Jump to Review Best Steam Iron with a Water Tank: Rowenta Perfect Pro Station Iron at Amazon $350 Jump to Review Best Overall Steam Iron Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $40 at Walmart What Stands Out It features an extra steam burst feature that shoots out steam in vertical and horizontal directions. What Could Be Improved This iron is not compact. A large nonstick soleplate and 8-foot retractable cord make the Sunbeam Steam Master Iron a powerful option that’s hard to beat. It even offers the same value as some of the pricier models on this list. Its water tank is about 8 fluid ounces, which is large enough to iron a few shirts without refilling, and it has three steam settings plus an extra steam feature that shoots steam vertically and horizontally. This makes it beneficial to use as a regular iron or vertical steamer for curtains and hanging garments. If you’re the type that forgets to shut off the iron (especially on busy days) this one automatically shuts off after 30 seconds in three positions: on its side, standing up, or flat down on the heating surface. It weighs just under 3 pounds, so it has some heft to it, making it a good option for ironing thicker or heavier wool or linen fabrics. Weight: 3 pounds | Tank Capacity: 240 milliliters | Wattage: 1,400 watts | Cord Length: 8 feet | Retractable Cord: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Steam Iron Black+Decker IR40 Textile Iron PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon $17 at Wayfair What Stands Out It features three-way automatic shut-off technology. What Could Be Improved The cord is not retractable. This Black+Decker model could be a good option for those who don’t spend a lot of time ironing. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that more expensive models have, it’s lightweight, comfortable to hold, and, most importantly, will iron your clothes without burning them. The best part? It costs under $20, which is a steal for a basic steam iron. Safety features include a three-way automatic shut-off technology that powers down the iron if you leave it unattended whether it’s standing up, on its side, or with the soleplate down on the fabric you’re ironing. Additionally, it comes with an anti-drip feature that stops water from dripping all over your clothes. Smart steam technology regulates steam according to the iron’s temperature, and the nonstick soleplate smoothly irons over various types of fabric. This iron also comes with a mister that spritzes water on fabric to help smooth out wrinkles. Just be aware that the cord is not retractable, so you have to roll up the cord yourself. Weight: 2 pounds | Tank Capacity: 300 milliliters | Wattage: 1,200 watts | Cord Length: N/A | Retractable Cord: No Best Splurge Steam Iron Steamfast Digital Steam Press PHOTO: Amazon $279 at Amazon $279 at Wayfair $320 at Target What Stands Out It has digital temperature controls that you can adjust by degrees. What Could Be Improved It might not be the best iron for every clothing item. For those who want dry-cleaner results at home, without the chemicals, consider upgrading to the Steamfast Digital Steam Press. This product makes ironing faster and easier, thanks to a 25-by-10.5-inch heating surface that’s 11 times larger than the average steam iron. It also comes with a huge 10-ounce water tank, so you don’t have to refill as much. There are five fabric settings located at the front, with which you can safely press a variety of fabrics including nylon, silk, wool, cotton, and linen. It can alternatively be set to the precise temperature you want. Two steam release buttons let out extra steam when needed. Our only gripe with using a press is that there is less control over how you iron, so you still might need to have a regular steam iron on hand. You also can’t use it to smooth out wrinkles from gathered or puffy sleeves. It is the only iron on our list that comes with accessories, though, including a measuring cap, spray bottle, and pressing cushion. Weight: 24.3 pounds | Tank Capacity:10 ounces | Wattage: 1,350 watts | Cord Length: 6 feet | Retractable Cord: No Best Cordless Steam Iron Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless Steam Iron PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon $100 at Target What Stands Out It has a double-tipped soleplate so you can iron in all directions. What Could Be Improved You cannot stand it up on the ironing board. For those looking for an easier way to iron, going cordless is the way. The lack of a cord in this Panasonic Cordless Steam Iron makes ironing clothes less cumbersome—you can move the iron without restriction and don’t need an outlet. It also doubles as a vertical steamer that removes wrinkles from curtains and clothing items. It has three steam settings, a spray nozzle, an anti-drip system, temperature control, and automatic shut-off after 10 minutes. This iron’s standout design features a double-tipped soleplate, which allows you to move seamlessly in any direction. The downside of that is that you cannot stand it up like a traditional iron. Another useful feature is the detachable water tank, which makes it super easy to refill. Also, it comes with a portable heat-resistant carrying case, which is highly beneficial for those on the go and for storage, and a heating base to set the iron on when it’s not in use or when heating it. Just keep in mind that the battery inside the iron might make it feel heavy while in use. Weight: 4.4 pounds | Tank Capacity: 4 ounces | Wattage: 1,500 watts | Cord Length: 6 feet | Retractable Cord: Yes Best Portable Steam Iron Conair Steam Stylist PHOTO: Kohl's $48 at Amazon $50 at Target $77 at Walmart What Stands Out It’s three products in one, allowing you to steam, press, and iron. What Could Be Improved The water reservoir is small. The compact and lightweight ConAir Steam Stylist looks like a hair straightener and is small enough to fit in any bag or suitcase—a great option to bring along when traveling. The sleek and versatile steamer, with ceramic-coated heating plates, can steam, iron, and press. It can be used both horizontally and vertically to get all angles, and because it opens up, it can press the top and underside of your clothes at the same time to remove wrinkles quickly. It has a removable water tank, too, which is easy to fill but small and doesn’t hold much water. There are two modes: normal for regular ironing and turbo for extra-wrinkly clothes. However, the turbo mode generates more steam and will require a lot more water, so be prepared to refill it often. Weight: 1.5 pounds | Tank Capacity: 50 milliliters | Wattage: 1,000 watts | Cord Length: 8 feet | Retractable Cord: No Best Steam Iron with a Water Tank Rowenta Perfect Pro Station Iron PHOTO: Amazon $300 at Amazon $264 at Target $300 at Walmart What Stands Out It has an extra-large water tank that lets you iron up to 90 minutes at a time. What Could Be Improved It’s expensive. The advantage that the Rowenta Perfect Pro Station Iron has over other irons on this list is that it comes with a removable 1.1-liter water tank that lets you iron up to 90 minutes at a time. While the water tank looks bulky, it’s surprisingly lightweight, weighing about 1 pound. This iron uses high-pressure steam, which allows you to iron faster, and features a 400-hole microsteam soleplate that diffuses steam evenly on clothes. It’s a beast when it comes to steam output: 430-grams-per-minute is about as powerful as they come. But if you need more or less, steam levels can be adjusted via the control panel on the iron. It also comes with a calc collector that removes buildup from the soleplate. Use the iron like a regular iron or vertically to steam curtains, furniture, and hanging clothes. Additional perks include an angled tip for ironing around buttons and collars, a safety lock that keeps the iron firmly on the base when not in use, and a retractable cord. Although this iron costs more than other irons on this list, you can save money in the long run, thanks to an eco-mode that saves 25% more energy and water. Weight: 15.2 ounces | Tank Capacity: 1.1 liters | Wattage: 1,500 watts | Cord Length: N/A | Retractable Cord: Yes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict Our top pick is the Sunbeam Steam Master Iron because it’s inexpensive and delivers the same level of quality as more expensive irons. We also like that it's a heavy-duty iron that can remove wrinkles from linen and wool fabrics. For those who need a budget option, we recommend the Black + Decker IR40 Textile Iron. It costs under $20 and can efficiently remove wrinkles without burning through clothes. How to Shop for Steam Irons Like a Pro Temperature Settings Although temperature ranges may differ depending on the brand, Bray says that a steam iron’s lowest temperatures range from 230°F to 265°F, which are ideal temperatures for synthetic materials. Higher temperatures from 390°F to 446°F are best for fabrics such as cotton and linen. Delicate fabrics like silk and wool, should be steam-ironed at medium-low temperatures of around 300°F to 390°F. “It's essential for users to consult the iron's manual, follow garment care labels, and conduct small tests to ensure the chosen temperature is appropriate for each fabric type,” Bray says. Steam Output Most experts recommend using a steam iron for anyone wanting their outfits to look smooth and crisp. “Steam significantly enhances the ironing process and is particularly effective for tough fabrics as it removes wrinkles by relaxing fabric fibers, ensuring a smoother and faster ironing experience compared to dry ironing,” Bray says. That’s why an important factor is looking at a steam iron’s output (measured in grams per minute) or how much steam it produces. As a general rule, the higher the steam output, the more efficient the iron will be at removing wrinkles. One of the highest steam output irons on our list is the Rowenta Perfect Pro Station Iron. It has a maximum steam output of 430 grams per minute. Portability Not all steam irons are portable, although there are compact options available for those who need to bring a steamer with them while traveling. However, for home use, Robertson says a heavy-duty steam iron is the better option if you want the best results. Design and Features It should come as no surprise, but one of the most beneficial features of a steam iron is the automatic shut-off setting. This safety feature found in most steam irons automatically turns off the heat when the iron is not being used. Robertson says to look for an iron that shuts off after being still for 30 seconds or so if face down or a few minutes if it’s left upright. Another feature that some steam irons have is that they’re able to double as a vertical steamer, so you don’t actually have to press the soleplate against the fabric. This is a useful feature when it comes to removing wrinkles and creases from curtains, furniture covers, or clothing on hangers. Robertson also suggests looking for steam irons with ergonomic handles, which make ironing easier in general, and a retractable cord because it’s convenient and a good option if you don’t have much space. When it comes to the soleplate (the metal part of the iron that presses down on fabric), Bray says to look for one that glides smoothly over various fabrics and has a precision tip for pressing hard-to-reach areas, like around buttons and collars. She also points out that there should be an optimal number of steam holes distributed on the soleplate so that the iron steams evenly, making it more effective for removing wrinkles. All steam irons have adjustable steam settings and water tanks that vary in size depending on brand. “Water tanks vary in capacity, with larger tanks providing a more continuous steaming experience,” Bray says. Also, many steam irons come with steam burst features, which offer an extra burst of steam to straighten out stubborn wrinkles. Questions You Might Ask What is the difference between a steam iron, a dry iron, and a steamer? Steam irons, dry irons, and garment steamers are all tools you can use to remove wrinkles from fabrics. However, there are some differences among the three to note. A steam iron uses heat and moisture to de-wrinkle fabrics and comes with either a built-in or separate water tank to generate steam. Most steam irons have adjustable steam settings and temperature controls so you can iron a variety of fabrics. Dry irons on the other hand do not use steam and are generally cheaper and lighter than the average steam iron. Bray says this makes them ideal for fabrics that do not require moisture during ironing, such as certain synthetic materials. A garment steamer uses hot steam to press fabrics but unlike a steam or dry iron, you don’t have to press it against the fabric you’re ironing. “Garment steamers are particularly effective for delicate fabrics, hanging garments, and items that may be challenging to iron conventionally, such as curtains and suits,” Bray says. What is the life expectancy of a steam iron? Steam irons should typically last around seven to 10 years, but this can vary based on how often you use it, maintenance, and the quality of the iron. Keeping a steam iron in tip-top condition including keeping the soleplate absolutely clean is important if you don’t want to replace it often. Bray’s expert tip to extend your steam iron’s life? Consider an iron with a self-clean feature to ensure deposits don’t build up in the soleplate. What is the best soleplate for a steam iron? The best soleplate comes down to preference and what you’re using the steam iron for, Robertson says. She prefers using nonstick stainless steel or ceramic soleplates because they tend to glide more smoothly. However, she cautions that stainless steel tends to attract particles and will get a little dirtier than other types but is easier to clean.“ A ceramic soleplate is safer on fabric when it comes to burning (through the fabric), but may not last quite as long,” she says. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, she researched top steam iron options and evaluated them based on temperature settings, steam output, portability, design, and features. She also spoke with Julie Bray, product manager for garment care with Hamilton Beach Brands, and Taylor Robertson, brand manager at Heritage Park Laundry Essentials.