Iron

A clothes iron is an essential appliance if you want a crisp and clean look. Nothing beats a quick iron in the morning to help you to ensure that you look presentable for the rest of the day. If you work in an office environment, an iron is a must. Showing up to work in wrinkled clothes – even if they’re fresh out of the washing machine – may compromise your reputation. Moreover, irons are handy to have around the house for special occasions. Pass an iron over your dress, blouse, suit, or dress shirt before you go out and you’re ready for the night! If you’re in the market for your first iron or if you’re looking to replace an old iron with a newer model, read on to find out what to look for.

Types of Irons

There are several different types of irons to choose from. Dry irons include a body with a flat plate on the bottom, called a soleplate.

This is the iron’s element; it generates heat so that the iron may be used to press clothes. Dry irons are often used with a spray bottle of water, which helps to erase the wrinkles. A steam iron, on the other hand, uses a bursting steam function to steam clothes. Steam is the best way to remove wrinkles.

Getting Started

Before you start looking at irons, think about what you are looking for in an iron. Does your wardrobe include a lot of hard-to-iron fabrics, such as denim, cotton, or linens? If so, you may want to go with a steam iron as opposed to a dry iron. However, if it’s steaming that you want to do as opposed to detailed ironing, a steam iron may be better suited to your needs. A handheld steamer can help you to get wrinkles out of fabrics; however, it won’t give you the crisp, pressed clothes-look of an iron. You may opt to go with both in order to cover all your bases.

Prices

Irons range in price from $10 to $100. High-end models are handheld, cordless, and provide a steady stream of steam. The special features and wattage are the key factors influencing the price of the machine. If you already have a budget in mind, remember to factor in savings. An iron can save you money over the long run if you normally get your clothes cleaned at the dry cleaner’s.

Test Drive It

When shopping for irons, it’s important to take the appliance itself for a test drive. Since you’ll be manipulating the iron yourself, it’s important to ensure that the handle is comfortable to grip and not too small for your hand. If the appliance is too heavy, ironing for long stretches might be very strenuous for you. The controls on the iron should be easy to access and to adjust.

Other Features

Look for an iron with multiple fabric settings – that way you’ll be able to iron a range of items, from silk to linens. If you’re opting for a steam iron, being able to shut the steam setting off is essential, otherwise you won’t be able to use it on delicate fabrics. Auto-shutoff is a feature that ensures that your iron will shut off after a maximum of ten minutes of inactivity. Finally, irons with a self-cleaning function will save you the time and hassle of having to de-clog your iron from calcium buildup.