Best Steam Iron
Rowenta DW5080 Steam Iron
Rownta DW5080
The Good
- Easy to use and maintain
- Connectivity
- Large volume of steam
- Shuts off automatically
- Solid construction
The Bad
- Water doesn't last very long
- Reports of water leakage
Specifications
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Fabric Settings:5
- Cord Length: 7 feet
- Tank Size: 10oz
- Self Cleaning: Yes
Black & Decker D2030 Steam Iron
Black and Decker D2030
The Good
- Low Cost
- LCD Display
- Ease of Use
- Lightweight
The Bad
- No anti-calcium system
- No aluminum core for even heat distibution
- Poor customer support
Specifications
- Weight: 3.2pounds
- Fabric Settings:5
- Cord Length: 8 feet
- Tank Size: 10oz
- Self Cleaning: Yes
Sunbeam GCSBCS-100 Steam Iron
Sunbeam GCSBCS-100
The Good
- Low price
- Retractable cord
- Great features for price
- Ease of Use
The Bad
- Lacks durability
- Lack of steam power
- Limited fabric settings
Specifications
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Fabric Settings:4
- Cord Length: 8 feet
- Tank Size: 8oz
- Self Cleaning: Yes
What to Look for in a Steam Iron
Wisegeek.com
Steam irons are a fixture of every household, and they've come a long way in terms of features and usability. They're ubiquitous in the marketplace, and having so many choices when you need to buy a new one means taking stock of your ironing needs in order to make the right buying decision. As a range of features and specifications are available, cutting through them to determine which one is right for you can definitely be a challenge. Let's take a look at some of the products available in order to determine which one is the best steam iron.
As every steam iron is different, there are a few basics to look out for, while others may offer features that truly set them apart. Here's a sample of some of the factors that should go into making a steam iron purchase decision:
Important Features:
Anti-friction steel plates at the bottom of the iron making for an easier glide.
Variable temperature settings. Is the iron safe for all types of fabrics, and does it have a sufficient range of temperatures to handle most fabric types?
Water tank size. The size of the reservoir will determine how long you can iron for, an important consideration for larger jobs.
Self-cleaning ability. Can the iron's stainless steel plate be automatically cleaned? It may sound trivial but dirty iron surfaces will impact the cleanliness of the ironed fabrics.
Vertical steam jet. Can your iron be used on hanging fabrics and upholstery?
Auto shut-off. The iron should be able to safely and securely shut off by itself after a period of disuse.
Even distribution of heat. Some irons feature materials such as aluminum embedded in the core to better distribute heat.
Price:
The price of steam irons will vary wildly, with some basic models starting in the low double digits and climbing up through hundreds of dollars. As with any product, though, it's important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for; while more expensive doesn't necessarily translate into better quality, it's usually a good indicator when it comes to steam irons.
Steam Iron Reviews
Rowenta DW5080 Steam Iron Review
Rownta DW5080
Experts Rating:
- Our Report
The Rowenta DW 5080 is a feature-rich steam iron that packs a pretty punch for its price. It's a popular choice among consumers and experts alike and comes equipped with most the of the features a good steam iron should have.
Ease Of Use:
There aren't a lot of steam irons in this price range designed not only for use with tap water, which feature an anti-calcium system and are self-cleaning to boot but this iron is one of them. These two features alone will ensure the iron's efficient operation for years, taking away the need to clean the plate or descale the unit using harsh chemicals. A handy vertical steam feature means you can steam wrinkles away from curtains, upholstery or other hanging fabrics. The plate itself is designed to reduce friction, making for smooth and efficient gliding, and is built around an aluminum core for even heat distribution. In addition, 400 steam holes ensure that the steam itself is properly routed over the fabric, using it to maximum efficiency. And a 3-way, auto-off feature will turn off the iron after 30 seconds when in the down position, or after 8 minutes in the up position. Five fabric temperature settings are available in a well-designed interface located at the top of the iron. One drawback, however, is the speed at which the water seems to deplete. Indeed, the iron puts out so much steam that some consumers have complained that the 10oz tank depletes too quickly. As well, there have been some reports of water leakage.
Special Features:
- Built-in anti-calcium system
- Aluminum core for even heat distribution
- Self-cleaning
- 3-way auto-off feature
Black and Decker D2030 Steam Iron Review
Black and Decker D2030
Experts Rating:
- Our Report
The Black & Decker D2030 Digital Advantage Iron is a professional-grade steam iron from a trusted appliance manufacturer. It offers most of the features you'd expect at a fairly inexpensive price.
Ease Of Use:
Featuring a digital LCD display showing temperature and fabric settings, this steam iron is an ergonomically-designed product that does a good job getting out wrinkles. The iron sports five temperature settings able to handle most fabric types. As well, the steel plate is designed to be anti-friction, so it's easy to glide over clothes. The 10oz tank delivers a decent amount of water and produces more than enough steam. The 8-foot cord and soft-grip handle make for easy operation, and the unit can handle vertical operation with ease. It's self-cleaning and features an auto-off system for ease of maintenance and for safety. However, one thing missing from this iron is an anti-calcium system, meaning that distilled water should be used; otherwise, you can expect to have to de-calcify the unit at regular intervals. As well, the solid steel construction lacks any type of core for even distribution of heat. But for such a low price, it's not uncommon to find only basic features on offer.
Special Features:
- Digital Display
- 8-foot cord
- Soft-grip handle
Sunbeam GCSBCS-100 Steam Iron Review
Rownta DW5080
Experts Rating:
- Our Report
Sunbeam is known for its line of inexpensive irons, at the GCSBCS is definitely one of them. While it does a decent job of ironing and comes with some impressive features for the price, it's definitely a case of you get what you pay for.
Ease Of Use:
What's most impressive about this unit is the range of features available for an iron at this price. Yet the fact that it comes equipped with a self-cleaning and auto de-calcifying system defies expectations. The ability to use regular tap water is, therefore, a definite plus, and the addition of such perks as auto-shutoff and an 8-foot retractable cord are worth considering. The iron handles vertical steaming with ease and also features an anti-friction bottom for better gliding. As well, this Sunbeam comes with an anti-drip system, solving a problem which is the bane of iron owners everywhere. Still, it's far from a complete package. The iron sports only 15 steam holes on the bottom, which compares to the over 400 on Rowenta's model, and even distribution of heat is a concern without any type of aluminum core. Four fabric temperature settings versus five for the more expensive models and the tank is on the smaller size at only 8oz. Finally, the construction is not as sturdy as more expensive models, meaning the unit will likely have to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Special Features:
- Anti drip system
- 8 Foot retractable cord
The Final Verdict:
Rownta DW5080
Overall, while it comes in as the most expensive steam iron on this list, the Rowenta DW5080 is a full-featured product that should serve anyone's ironing needs. While many of its features are available in the budget-priced Sunbeam, the latter has serious questions regarding its durability and its ability to last. With the Rowenta, the sturdy German construction and extra features such as even heat distribution, steaming power and larger water tank make it an excellent buy.