A steam iron, as its name implies, is the amalgamation of a clothes iron and a garment steamer. This can make the removal of wrinkles in fabrics easier, faster, and more effective.
If you are looking for one, there are lots of choices now in the market. And when considering a unit, the first thing you might want to look at is the tank capacity. Needless to say, the bigger the tank, the less frequent you would need to refill it. That will make things more convenient for you. Nonetheless, you don’t want a bulky iron as lifting and using it for an extended time can strain your muscles. With this, it is true that there are more things to take into consideration.
The Rowenta DG8624U1 Pro Station is probably the best steam iron embodying all the essential attributes you need for such an appliance. With a 37-ounce tank separated from the iron body itself, it can last up to 90 minutes of continuous use. It also boasts 400 holes well spread across the surface of the soleplate, allowing it to achieve even distribution of steam. The Panasonic NI-WL600 is also another excellent choice to have and there are lots of reasons that can justify it. Besides the dual-tipped soleplate, it is one of the fewest steam irons sporting a cordless design and this means ultimate flexibility for all kinds of users.
To test their efficiency in the actual setup, our SolidSmack Household Appliance and Tool Research Team put the two to test together with the 3 other leading models from our 2021 steam iron shortlist. We tested them on a wide variety of fabrics from linen and cotton to synthetic fabrics. Here, we observed how efficient they were in removing wrinkles and took note of their best performances during the test. We also gave points for their features, ease of use, and controls. That being said, here are the important things you need to know about them:
Best Steam Irons Comparison & Rating
Steam Irons | Features |
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1. Rowenta DG8624U1 Perfect Steam Pro Station
Brand | Rowenta |
Power Source | Corded |
Tank Capacity | 37 ounces |
Vertical Steaming | Yes |
Rowenta DG8624U1 is literally a mini steaming/ironing station that gives you the power over thick and delicate fabrics. It flaunts a huge removable water tank with a 37 oz capacity, allowing up to 90 minutes of continuous steam. This makes it the best steam iron for bulks of wrinkly clothes.
We also love its control panel which offers manual heat setting using a dial, together with an Eco Mode for extended hours of use. Further, using DG8624U1 is incredibly easy due to the collection of great details in its design including the flexible 11-foot cord with storage, built-in calcium collector, safety lock, water tank refill indicator, and angled-precision tip.
2. Panasonic NI-WL600 Cordless
Brand | Panasonic |
Power Source | Cordless |
Tank Capacity | 4.7 ounces |
Vertical Steaming | Yes |
Panasonic did a good job with the release of NI-WL600. Not only is it a cordless steam iron, but it also boasts a contoured 360° freestyle soleplate with a double-tipped design. This makes it the best steam iron in terms of convenience as it gives you full control over the movement of the iron itself. We really loved how it glided smoothly on top of the fabrics we used, with little effort on the user’s end.
Despite its nature as a cordless unit, its heating performance is also one of the best. It recharges the temperature using its base with a retractable cord. It heats up quickly and the heat lasts incredibly long. The 3 heat temperature settings are consistent and make the unit ready each time you pick it up. In our test, its temperatures didn’t falter… not even once! And in case of idle for straight 10 minutes, it will also automatically shut off for safety. The addition of a lockable cover is also a big plus as it makes the storage and transportation of the iron easier.
3. Rowenta Steam Force DW9280
Brand | Rowenta |
Power Source | Corded |
Tank Capacity | 11.8 ounces |
Vertical Steaming | Yes |
The Steam Force DW9280 is the best steam iron in the market boasting smart features that can impress you. It features a smart steam motion sensor that releases a continuous flow of 35 g/min steam and will stop once you stop moving it. This prevents excessive moisture and prevents fast emptying of the 11.8 oz tank. Its 3-way smart automatic shut-off capability is also something to love. It deactivates the power once the machine has sensed it idle for 8 minutes in an upright position, 30 seconds in a horizontal position, and 30 seconds if tipped over. This does not only mean safety for you, but it can also protect the unit itself while making it power-efficient.
Also, the unit sports the Pump Injection Technology which ejects up to 210 g burst of steam in a forceful action. This causes the steam to penetrate the fabric for more efficient wrinkle removal. Apart from steam, it also allows direct spraying of water to the most challenging sections of clothes using the trigger under the handle. There are also a plethora of buttons and controls which really amazed us. This includes the self-clean button and temperature and steam settings. The LED indicator is also useful by alerting you if the soleplate already reached the temperature you have chosen.
4. PurSteam PSSI-01
Brand | PurSteam |
Power Source | Corded |
Tank Capacity | 14 ounces |
Vertical Steaming | Yes |
It is no doubt that Rowenta is the leading brand for this category. If you want the same features the brand is offering but don’t want to go over your $100 budget, PurSteam PSSI-01 is the best steam iron for your budget.
It basically has the same features as the Rowenta Steam Force DW9280 which we also tested. Besides the build, it also offers the same 3-way shut-off system and controls including a button for self-cleaning function. It works using the dial under the handle which allows you to select from the variable temperatures available. There are also huge buttons at the upper portion of the handle for steam and spray.
At 2.2. pounds, it is much lighter than the said model. Nonetheless, it has a slightly higher water tank capacity at 14 oz. The stainless steel soleplate with a thick chromium finish has fewer holes, but it produces a generous amount of consistent steam as you move it. Unlike the Steam Force DW9280 using smart technology, however, the PurSteam PSSI-01 is more on the manual side of things. The lever in front of the Burst and Spray buttons allows you to set the amount of steam you want and also allows you to manually turn off the steam mode.
The smooth surface of the soleplate makes it as enjoyable to glide as the other models we tested. It cleared the wrinkles with just one pass even on thick fabrics. It also did a great job on collars and sleeve pleats. Most of all, it didn’t leak when used for vertical steaming which is something impressive, given that it is a budget steam iron model.
5. Steamfast SF-717 Mini
Brand | Steamfast |
Power Source | Corded |
Tank Capacity | 1.4 ounces |
Vertical Steaming | No |
Having a full-sized steam iron will ensure you have the best performance for handling numerous clothes with ease. But bringing them as you travel is impossible due to their weight and size. Well, the Steamfast SF-717 Mini can be a life-saver for those folks who always travel and need a fast steam ironing of their clothing.
The SF-717 Mini is truly lightweight at .96 lbs with body dimensions of 3.1" x 2.9" x 5.3". Its compact nature is also reflected in its 1.4-ounce water tank. Nonetheless, it can last up to 20 minutes and managed to handle up to 5 wrinkled cotton and linen shirts in our test. Also compared to other models with hundreds of holes for steam release, SF-717 Mini only offers a total of 4. This detail, however, doesn’t make it an underdog in the game. It produces steam with great consistency and its soleplate heats up shockingly fast within a minute!
There are 3 temperature settings available which we didn’t expect for such a tiny model. Above the dial is the button that you can push to activate and deactivate the steam mode. And while it doesn’t have an auto-off feature, we think it will benefit those who don’t want to be interrupted in their work as they use the unit continuously.
Best Steam Irons - Buyer's Guide
As said earlier, it will be better if you can have a unit with a large tank. This will save you from the repetitive refilling process which can be strenuous. However, if you are looking for a travel-friendly model, expect that this area needs to be compromised.
Check for the controls being offered by the model. Make sure that it has a separate setting for the steam level, temperature, and even buttons for self-cleaning, burst, and spray options. By having these basic controls, you will have a great experience each time you use the steam iron.
The best steam irons in the market are commonly corded and they are great as they offer a consistent power supply. However, when you choose to have such a type of steam iron, make sure to have a unit with a long cable. On the other hand, there are unique models that come in cordless form like the Panasonic NI-WL600.
As long as the steam iron can do its job of removing the wrinkles in your clothes, it is certainly worth having. Nonetheless, having additional features in a steam iron can make your work easier. For instance, bigger units have the ability to double as vertical steamers, unlike the small ones which can’t handle such work. Another helpful feature is the integration of sensors that can stop the production of steam when the unit is not moving.
Best Steam Irons - FAQs
Yes, you can. However, not all steam irons can do it, especially the small models. Check for their description to make sure they can be used vertically without water spitting and dripping.
Steam irons can make the wrinkle removal process faster. However, it depends on the type of fabric you have. Keep in mind that there are some fabrics that do not need steam.
It is best to empty the tank after you use the steam iron. This will prevent both rusting and building up of minerals inside.
Yes, you can. Steam irons can function as dry irons, as well. Commonly, you just need to deactivate the steam mode of the unit or empty the tank. Yet, make sure to check the directions given by the manufacturer to assure your safety and prevent damages to the product.
