Iron and Steam buying guide

Types of Irons and Garment Steamers

The traditional steam iron has come a long way in terms of time-saving tech, and has some powerful allies in the war on wrinkles. Read on to discover how irons, garment steamers and steam stations differ, and which ones you need in your clothing-care regimen:

Garment Steamers

Steamers produce steam vapour from a tank to smooth fabrics, everything from sheets and pillowcases to tablecloths and work shirts. You simply fill the water capsule, then pass the steam nozzle over your item. Barely any pressure is applied, as the steam works to relax fibres, rather than flatten them. Even delicate items – that might not handle the heated plane of an iron – respond well to a steamer. Portable steamers fit snug in your suitcase for work trips or holidays.

Steam stations

Also known as steam generators, steam stations are an evolution of the standard iron. They look much like an iron (with a similar triangular soleplate) but sit atop a detachable water tank, which is used to produce a much greater amount of steam than a standard iron. Many models are designed to be used as either a standard press iron, or vertically, to steam hanging garments.

Irons

“Clothes irons have never been more effective at both eliminating wrinkles and caring for fabrics,” says Tracey Ellis. “Features like anti-burn technology, steam shot and steam pressure functions mean irons can do all the tough, wrinkle-busting work for you.”The latest electric irons heat up in under a minute, and use steam to complement the heat-and-press process. That means that even the most stubborn creases stand no chance under the weight of an iron!

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Garment steamers are all about convenience, and they range from portable, efficient handheld models right through to full steaming stations.” Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances

Features to look for in a Garment Steamer

Tank capacity - Handheld models have the smallest tanks, and shortest run time. Busy families should aim for a model that offers 30 minutes of continuous steam.

Express heating - If you need to be ready in a hurry, look for models that heat up fast. Some take less than two minutes!

Adjustable heat settings - So you can tailor the heat setting to fabrics for best results.

Detachable water tank - Removable water tanks are easier to fill.

Extra attachments - More nozzles let you steam heavier fabrics.

Features to look for in an Iron

Auto shut-off - So you don’t have to second-guess whether or not you actually turned off the iron.

Power-on light - If you’ve ever accidentally brushed up against a hot iron you’ll appreciate this feature.

Drip protection - Irons and steam stations with in-built drip protection have been designed especially to prevent water leaking or dripping through the soleplate while in use. When this happens, especially at low temperatures, it can cause damage and staining to delicate fabrics, so it’s a useful feature for silk and satin lovers.

Self-cleaning - This clever setting uses hot water and steam to clear out scale deposits and impurities that may be clogging up holes in the soleplate.

Transparent water reservoir - A clear water reservoir can be useful for keeping an eye on water levels – and for indicating when it’s time to take a well-earned break!

Other features to look for

Steam settings

The more steam functions, the better care you can give your garments. Even the most basic standard iron will have a steam burst button, which releases a concentrated shot of steam. This is ideal for deep creases and stubborn wrinkles. The term “variable steam” simply refers to the control you have over how much steam the device produces at any time – this usually takes the form of a dial. The final steam functionality worth considering is vertical steam. “This is essentially when you can use the iron as a garment steamer for a hanging garment, or for things like curtains,” says Tracey Ellis.

Heat settings

Heat is the essential component to tackle creases, and different fabrics will require different temperatures. Heavy fabrics such as denim will need an iron that has high settings, while silk, satin and synthetic materials can’t tolerate high heat and will require a very low setting. If you’re not the type to read the care labels on your clothes, look for an appliance that has a settings dial with the fabric types listed for you.

Soleplates

The flat, triangular surface on irons can be made from a variety of materials, depending on your model. Ceramic soleplates are generally more expensive, but highly effective and durable. At the other end of the scale is aluminium, which you’ll find on the most budget-friendly irons. While they work well enough, they won’t last as long as other materials and may begin to stick to clothes over time.

You’ll find stainless-steel soleplates on irons and steam stations of all price points – it's a hardy and reliable option, but you’ll need to take care around metal buttons and zippers as they may scratch the plate. Non-stick soleplates are also common and popular choices, loved for how easily they glide across all sorts of fabrics. These are more delicate and easy to scratch, so you’ll need to take extra care while ironing, and when moving and storing the iron.

Maintenance tips and hacks

Irons

If your iron is equipped with an anti-calc valve, it’s imperative that you remove and clean it on a regular basis (this may change depending on how often you use your iron). Soaking it in lemon juice or vinegar can be an effective fix, just make sure you give it a good rinse before reinserting it into your iron. You’ll also want to make sure the soleplate stays clean and smooth. Avoid cleaning it with any chemical cleaners and steer clear of a metal scourer. A soft, damp cloth should be all you need.

Garment steamers

Prolong the life of your garment steamer by using distilled or demineralised water. For steam stations, keep the soleplate clean (as above) and use the cleaning settings regularly. Whichever model you end up purchasing, always read your product user manual for the best and most accurate maintenance tips.

Price range

There is a garment steamer and iron for every budget. At The Good Guys, our friendly experts are here to give you the help and advice you need to buy the right appliance - at the right price.To find out more about our wide range of irons and garment steamers, visit us in-store or online. Looking for advice on the rest of your laundry appliances? Check out our laundry buying guides or learn how to create a European laundry of your own.

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