We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Laundry Products The Best Steam Irons You Can Buy Online 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 September 11, 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 the dry cleaner if you want wrinkle-free clothes. With a steam iron, your outfits and other materials will be looking smooth and crisp in no time at all. To find the best steam irons, we researched top options while considering temperature settings, steam output, portability, design, and features. We also spoke with Julie Bray, product manager for garment care with Hamilton Beach Brands, and Taylor Robertson, brand manager at Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, got expert guidance on what to look for when shopping for a steam iron. Our Top Picks Best Overall : Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Budget : Black+Decker IR40 Textile Iron at Amazon $19 Jump to Review Worth the Splurge : Steamfast Digital Steam Press at Amazon $320 Jump to Review Best Cordless : Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless Steam Iron at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best Portable: SALE Conair Steam Stylist at Amazon $60 $49 Jump to Review Best With a Water Tank: Rowenta Perfect Pro Station Iron at Amazon $350 Jump to Review Most Stylish : Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer at Amazon $180 Jump to Review Best Overall Sunbeam Steammaster Steam Iron PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon Orig. $61 $30 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. With a large nonstick soleplate and 8-foot retractable cord, the Sunbeam Steam Master Iron a powerful, hard-to-beat option. It has three steam settings, along with an extra steam feature that shoots steam vertically and horizontally, making it suitable to use as a regular iron for curtains and hanging garments. The 8-ounce water tank is large enough to iron a few shirts without refilling. If you’re the type that forgets to shut off the iron (or worries whether you did), this one automatically shuts off after 30 seconds in three positions: on its side, standing up, or flat down on the heating surface. Keep in mind that it weighs just under 3 pounds, so it does have some heft to it. While it may not be the most portable option on our list, it's 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 PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Black+Decker IR40 Textile Iron PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon $19 at Wayfair What Stands Out It features three-way automatic shut-off technology. What Could Be Improved The cord is not retractable. For those with more minor ironing needs, this reasonably priced model from Black+Decker is a low-stakes choice. 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. It also comes with an anti-drip feature that stops water from leaking 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 note that the cord is not retractable, so you'll 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 Worth the Splurge Steamfast Digital Steam Press PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $320 $281 at Amazon $300 at Wayfair $380 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, 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 Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless Steam Iron PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon 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 has three steam settings, a spray nozzle, an anti-drip system, temperature control, and automatic shut-off after 10 minutes. It also doubles as a vertical steamer that removes wrinkles from curtains and clothing items. 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 on an ironing board 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 Conair Steam Stylist PHOTO: Kohl's Orig. $60 $49 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 With a Water Tank Rowenta Perfect Pro Station Iron PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $350 $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, allowing you to iron for 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 PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Most Stylish Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer PHOTO: Amazon $180 at Amazon View on Steamery.us $180 at Williams-Sonoma What Stands Out The steamer has a sleek, user-friendly design. What Could Be Improved It isn't as effective for large projects. While steam irons tend to be large and clunky, Steamery's Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer is one of the sleekest models we've seen. Available in three matte colors, it's as decorative as it is functional. Despite being a steamer first and foremost, the hot ironing plate provides the same heat as a standard iron so you can do both. The ergonomic handle is easy to hold, and the body can stand on its own when not in use. Unlike models that leave your garments wet and stained, this steam iron's dry heat is its claim to fame. We also appreciate that don't need to use an ironing board—simply hang your garment, hold the steamer against it, and begin. The minimalist buttons are intuitive, and the iron is ready to use within 25 seconds, so you won't have to wait impatiently for it to heat up. It also has a 30-minute automatic shut-off feature for peace of mind. Due to its relatively small reservoir and nozzle head, this steamer may not be the best choice for heavy-duty projects. The focused nozzle is especially excellent for steaming clothing, collars, and cuffs. Plus, it comes with a steaming pad, heat-proof silicone cover, and storage bag for safe keeping. Weight: 1.9 pounds | Tank Capacity: 85 milliliters | Wattage: 1,200 watts | Cord Length: 7.5 feet | Retractable Cord: Yes Final Verdict Our top pick is the Sunbeam Steam Master Iron because it delivers the same level of quality as more expensive irons at a reasonable price. It's a heavy-duty iron that can even 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 is ideal for synthetic materials. Higher temperatures from 390°F to 446°F are best for fabrics such as cotton and linen, while 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 a steam iron to 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 it's important to consider 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, which has a maximum steam output of 430 grams per minute. Portability Not all steam irons are portable, but 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. Some steam irons can also function as vertical steamers, so you don’t actually have to press the soleplate against the fabric. This feature is particularly useful 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 more comfortable, and retractable cords, which are convenient for those who 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 unwrinkle 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 warns 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. The Best Clothes Steamers You Can Buy Online