The 10 best steam irons for wrinkle-free clothes, tried and tested
Recommended by experts and tested at home, here are the best steam irons you can buy
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Which is the best steam iron? It’s important to know. According to a study by YouGov, doing the ironing is the household chore Brits hate the most. We buy wrinkle-free fabrics, hang clothes up as soon as we’ve washed them and insist that linen is supposed to look artfully crumpled. Sometimes we just cheat and use a clothes steamer instead. Sound familiar? Then the best iron for clothes has to be one that makes the job as quick and easy as possible.
Luckily, these days, smart technology will detect the fabric and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly. Or you can buy a ‘one temperature’ iron, which ticks away at 140 degrees – apparently a temperature that works for a range of materials without causing damage. We’ve tried all sorts – including steam generator irons for bigger loads.
You can read our full reviews below, followed by the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top five:
The best steam iron in 2025: At a glance
- Best overall - Tefal Ultimate Pure Steam Iron
- Best value steam iron - Russell Hobbs One-Perfect-Temperature Steam Iron
- Best cordless steam iron - Tefal Freemove Air
- Best steam iron for an upgrade - Philips PerfectCare 6000 Series Steam Generator Iron
- Best steam iron for big laundry loads - Breville DiamondXpress Steam Iron
Is there a steam iron that doesn’t leak?
“Many irons now also include anti-scale plugs or automatic cleaning systems,” says Teresa Young, iron buyer at Argos. That’s the key to protecting your clothes, she says, although no steam iron is entirely leak-free.
“Modern irons have become better and better at looking after clothes and new features like automatic switch off have made ironing safer. You can also get cordless ones, to avoid the mess and mangle of a hazardous wire – although these tend to lose some power. Personally, I’d say go with a corded iron. I’m not convinced you gain much by doing it wireless, and you have the faff of charging.”
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How we tested the best steam irons
We (Madeleine and Hattie) tested each steam iron for two weeks each on multiple loads of laundry, including duvet covers, bedding and clothes of different materials like denim, linen, cotton and polyester. We assessed each for manoeuvrability, design, temperature levels and how quickly they heated up. We also considered how easy each was to refill, whether they had any safety features like an automatic turn off and whether they were corded or cordless. Here’s our pick of the best, starting with our favourite...
Best steam irons
1. Tefal Ultimate Pure Steam Iron
Best overall, 10/10
We like: High Wattage means this iron is the steamiest of all
We don’t like: It leaks occasionally
- 1.45kg weight
- 3m cord
- 3,100 Watts power
- 350ml water tank capacity
Reviewed by Madeleine Howell
This iron is Tefal’s most powerful (at 3,100 Watts), so it gets hot extremely quickly. It’s far more powerful and effective than the other irons I tried. It also boasts a MicroScale filter designed to stop scale from building up and ensure pure, filtered steam only. It works by capturing even the tiniest of scale particles polluting the steam chamber. It’s also anti-drip, to stop water stains and wet splotches.
Much is also made of the “Durilium air glide autoclean” sole plate and in fairness, I found it makes for fast, smooth gliding; and the steam distribution emits evenly. The continuous steam output works well; it gets hot in a couple of seconds and immediately clouds with the desired crease-busting steam.
The Tefal Ultimate Pure works well on curtains as well as hanging garments. It has a clearly labelled temperature dial, with thermostat settings labelled especially for linen, cotton, wool, silk and synthetics and dry ironing without steam. The turbo burst and extra steam button works well on cotton and linen. The water tank capacity is 350ml and the cord 3m in length – both plenty for everyday use.
Like many irons, you can use it for vertical steaming as well as using a board and it also has an auto-off function to mitigate the disaster of leaving it on unattended (it turns off after 30 seconds when horizontal and after eight minutes when vertical).
I’m impressed by the lengthy 10-year guarantee on the Tefal Ultimate Pure and as far as irons go, it’s not unattractive. Plus, thanks to the superior filter, I found I could trust it with my best shirts. Tick.
2. Russell Hobbs One-Perfect-Temperature Steam Iron
Best value steam iron, 9/10
We like: The single temperature setting leaves you less to think about
We don’t like: Not quite hot enough for the toughest of clothes
- 1.7kg weight
- 3m cord
- 2,600 Watts power
- 350ml water tank capacity
Reviewed by Madeleine Howell
This iron has one temperature technology, which means it only has one setting which is safe to use on all “iron-able” fabrics (around 140 °C). That means you don’t have to think about it being too hot. You can also use it for vertical steaming.
With 2,600 Watts of power, it doesn’t get quite as hot and steamy as the Tefal Ultimate Pure – but I liked the spray nozzle and option to use a 210g steam shot to get rid of entrenched creases (although you have to wait four seconds between each shot). It has a water tank with a total capacity of 350ml and a 3m power cord.
While the iron is safe on all ironable fabrics (check the label and washing instructions on your garments), you can also opt to use it for dry ironing as well as steam ironing (the reason you might do this is because certain types of fabrics are not suitable to be used with the steam function. For instance, silk and satin should be pressed with a dry iron).
The self-cleaning function to stop scale building up is clever too – just select the self-clean button and hold it over a bowl to allow water and steam to wash scale and dust out of the soleplate. This works, but it does take time, so I’d have to say I prefer the in-built filter of the Tefal Pure Iron above as a point of comparison.
The Russell Hobbs One-Perfect-Temperature is good value and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and has a two-year guarantee for defects. A decent, affordable option.
3. Breville DiamondXpress Steam Iron
Best steam iron for big laundry loads, 9/10
We like: the big water tank
We don’t like: the slight ebb and flow of steam power
- 1.63kg
- 3m cord
- 3,100W
- 400ml water tank capacity
Reviewed by Hattie Garlick
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and while this iron definitely did not make me want to bail out on drinks in order to stay at home with housework for company, it did make a dull chore a little easier. There is an actual diamond in the sole plate and groovy ‘steam transfer channels’ running across it. Which, if either, of these makes a real difference is anyone’s guess, but the iron is genuinely and comparatively smooth and direct compared to others in the price range. It is also notably wide, which sped up the process of ironing my sheets and duvets.
It has a continuous steam rate of 70g (more than any of the others, barring the Philips) and the extra steam shot of 200g made efficient work of my crumpled towels. My only quibble was that the steam did ebb and flow slightly as I worked. Still, it has a good, long cable, leaked very little indeed and it turns off automatically if left upright and unused for 15 minutes and after 30 seconds if left horizontally I tried, so you don’t have to and can confirm it did work, leaving no burn on my tablecloth.
Oh and it has rose gold detailing, for those who want their chores to have a little glitz to them.
4. Tefal Express Essential SV6116 Steam Generator Iron
Best steam iron for speedy and satisfying ironing, 9/10
We like: super-efficient smoothing of all creases
We don’t like: the accompanying sound
- 3.15 kg
- 1.7m cord
- 2,600W
- 1.7l water tank capacity
Reviewed by Hattie Garlick
Tefal says this iron will cut your ironing time by 30 per cent and while I can’t show my workings, my experience suggests that this is actually, surprisingly, about correct.
It is a steam generator iron, meaning that the base is a chunky water tank. It is neither a beautiful nor a small thing. The iron itself, though, takes the classic, lightweight form and once you’ve left it attached to the base for a couple of minutes to heat, you’re off.
It did leak a little as I ironed the first t-shirt in my pile, but that tapered off quickly. You do also have to hold the trigger on the underside of the handle at all times to produce steam (so not for those with arthritic hands, perhaps). Plus, you need to manually adjust the temperature for different fabrics, which in itself is no bore but the dial is positioned directly beneath the trigger you hold down to produce steam and it moves with the lightest of touches, so do be careful not to knock it accidentally.
These, though, are quibbles. The iron produces a prodigious and steady stream of steam, even when switched to an energy-saving eco mode. It cuts through my ironing quicker than any other I tested.
One final point: steam production is accompanied by a constant and not entirely melodious mechanical ticking sound. It is not deafening, but nor is it a whisper. So it could go either way: it will either fade into the background and you will forget about it, or it will drill its way into your brain and send you insane. It was the former for me, but I make no promises.
5. Philips PerfectCare 6000 Series Steam Generator Iron
Best steam iron for an upgrade, 9/10
We like: absolutely no burns, guaranteed
We don’t like: the price (and the baffling instruction manual)
- 1.2 kg when separated from water-tank base, 3.4kg when attached
- 1.65 cord
- 2,400 W
- 1.8l water tank capacity
Reviewed by Hattie Garlick
If a Bond villain ironed, this is what he’d use. It’s a steam generator iron, meaning the water tank sits in the detachable base, rather than in the iron itself. It’s actually relatively small by steam generator standards and easy to store. To use, you fill the water tank, click the iron into the base, plug it in and wait for two minutes for it to heat up.
You need to hold the trigger constantly to get consistent steam, which could be a pain, but it glides across fabrics like a figure skater. There are no temperature settings; it auto-adjusts for different fabrics. You can leave it flat on your clothes, walk away, make tea and come back to it, burn-free. I tried (on my husband’s t-shirt, of course). Another miracle: I spotted absolutely no drips.
It emits 130 g/min continuous steam – that’s around 100g more than many others reviewed here. Press the power button for two seconds and it switches to a ‘max setting’ that delivers up to 600g (four or more times than most and you can see the difference – it makes short work of deep creases).
On this ‘max’ setting and used vertically, the machine made an immediate and visible difference to my heavy, wrinkled curtains. All in all, if a machine were to convert me to ironing, it would be this one. But then, at this price, it would have to.
6. Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra
Best for steam, 9/10
We like: An iron capable of a 210g burst of steam to power through deep creases with ease
We don’t like: Must be cautious when setting aside, as it steams after you release the button
- 1.59kg weight
- 3m power cord
- 3100 Watts power
- 350ml water tank capacity
Reviewed by Madeleine Howell
The PowerSteam Ultra’s unique selling point is a 210g burst of steam which efficiently decreases even starchy denim or linen; it also has a slower, continuous 70g continuous shot of steam to more gently remove cotton creases. It heats up fast and the variable steam function means I can also control the level of steam applied intuitively. I would trust the steam function with the most delicate of delicate silks, fragile wools and other sensitive fibres when held at a distance.
For me, the vertical steam function is a must, as it means I can easily steam creases from dresses on the hanger and curtains on the rail. I also like the quick water spray function, which is useful to briefly soften up hard-dried textiles to make ironing them easier. Meanwhile, there’s also an anti-drip system to protect clothes from water spillages and a nifty button groove for fiddly buttons on shirts.
It’s well-designed and British-made, with a ceramic non-stick sole plate to improve its glide, which I’d expect from a reliable and well-established brand like Russell Hobbs. The steam tip allows easier removal of creases from difficult-to-reach areas.
Although you may choose to use distilled ironing water, the iron is designed to be anti-scale. It’s a good option if, like me, you live in an area with hard water prone to limescale. It also has a ‘self-clean function’ for easier maintenance. It’s ergonomically pleasant, not too heavy, with a soft handle and an easy-to-navigate dial. A solid buy.
7. Tower Ceraglide Cord/Cordless Steam Iron
Best iron for a continuous steam function, 8/10
We like: the choice (to cord or not to cord?)
We don’t like: slightly clunky connection to recharging base
- 1.3 kg
- 2.5m cord
- 2800W
- 370ml water tank capacity
Reviewed by Hattie Garlick
This is another good, sensibly priced all-rounder. It heats from cold extremely fast (though, as the light that alerts you it is located slightly awkwardly under the handle, it is not always immediately obvious). It glides notably smoothly over school uniforms, towels and silk shirts, all the while delivering an effective continuous steam – 50g a minute, compared to the many others at 30 and yes, you can actually tell the difference as you make speedier progress through your load.
As with all cordless irons, though, you still have to replace it on the base and wait for it to charge at irritatingly regular intervals. Plus, that base is lightweight; its connection to the iron is a little clunky, meaning that it clattered to the floor a couple of times when I lifted the recharged iron. I also occasionally had to fiddle with the connection when switching to corded operation, to make it connect securely. That said, the cord is good and long, so you are pretty mobile once attached. Plus (a pleasing detail this) it has a nice thick Velcro strap permanently attached so you can wind it up without getting into a mess.
The temperature is controlled by a single dial, but this one does not have different materials marked along its scale, so you have to know your fabrics (or proceed by trial and error). Plus, there is no auto-off switch for the forgetful or self-doubting. That said, the steam boost button is effective and, for the price, this is a workhorse.
8. Beldray 2-in-1 Cordless Steam Iron
Best budget steam iron, 8/10
We like: speedy recharging makes for less frustration (and faster chores)
We don’t like: the relatively small water tank
- 2.06kg
- 1.9m cord
- 2600W
- 230ml water tank capacity
Reviewed by Hattie Garlick
This is a decent, no-nonsense all-rounder. And as someone who sees ironing as a necessary evil, I appreciated that. For a start, the price is sensible (if I want to spend fortunes on a prestige product, irons would not make the top, or even top ten, of my list). It is easy to fill and (since you are not boggled by choices, settings and buttons) simple to get started. A single dial adjusts the temperature, with different fabrics marked along its scale to speed your selection. There’s a button for water spray (to smooth out irritating creases), another to activate a comparatively powerful steam shot that I used (on the cordless setting and with success), on hanging clothes and curtains with success. So far, so straightforward.
When used cordlessly, it connects effortlessly with its base and charges notably fast. Between re-boosts, there’s a pleasing amount of steam, a perfectly respectable 2600 Watts of power and it glides easily across synthetic and fiddly school uniforms, towels and even silks. Still, I’m yet to be converted to cordless – even five seconds spent waiting to iron feels like five too many to me – so I appreciate the fact that it converts, easily, to a corded iron – just push a chunky switch on its base and it connects, solidly, to the iron.
The downsides? The water tank is smaller than other tested models, which meant I had to fill it up more frequently between ironing sessions. It leaks a little, as they all do. The cord is also notably on the short side, which did restrict my movements. Also, there’s no automatic switch off, so if (like me) you are plagued by the anxious conviction that you have left the house without switching it off, then this is not the iron for you.
In the same range:
If you still prefer a corded steam iron, Beldray’s new Precision Steam Iron (£42.99) uses a single temperature mode for all fabrics to take the fuss out of choosing the correct temperature. You can still control the steam with a dial on the front.
9. Tefal Freemove Air Cordless Steam Iron
Best cordless steam iron, 8/10
We like: it’s lighter than other cordless irons and easy to set up and use
We don’t like: the steam iron can’t balance on its own base, so needs replacing in the charging dock if you need both hands
- 2.3kg weight
- Cordless
- 2400 Watts power
- 250ml water tank capacity
Reviewed by Madeleine Howell
I like the Tefal Ultimate Pure – our Best Buy – because of its high power, but if buying a cordless iron is your preference, you might also consider Tefal’s cordless but less powerful model, the Tefal Freemove Air, which offers more freedom of movement and removes the risk of tripping over any wires (particularly handy if you’re ironing while kids or pets are scampering about around you).
Cordless irons can sometimes be heavy, but this is lightweight and also has the auto-off safety function. I like that it charges face down horizontally, so there’s less chance of knocking it over or burning yourself on the soleplate. Annoyingly, though, the iron doesn’t balance on its own base on the ironing board, which means you have to place it back on the charging dock whenever you want to readjust your shirt with both hands.
It’s simple to charge up – just plug in the base, a green light indicates that it is heating up and when it stops flashing, it’s ready to use. When the iron needs to be put back on the base for recharging, a flashing red light and beep sounds.
You know when it has reached the right temperature for the setting you have selected (clearly marked) when a temperature indicator green light comes on. And while it does the job, I would say that you do pay in terms of power output, as it has a meagre wattage of just 2400 Watts.
10. Morphy Richards easyCHARGE Power + Cordless Iron
Best for easily establishing when you need to recharge, 7/10
We like: the auto shut off (to forestall fears of burnt shirts)
We don’t like: the frequent need to recharge
- 1.4 kg
- Cordless
- 2400W
- 350ml water tank capacity
Reviewed by Hattie Garlick
This is – the box and promotional literature are keen to stress – Morphy Richards’ most powerful cordless iron. And there are good things about it. The charging base, for instance, is almost effortless to connect to and features an easy-to-read, prominent, wrap-around traffic light (red when you need to reconnect to charge, green when you’re good to go), to take the guesswork out.
It also gets going pretty fast – around 30 seconds from cold – and the iron itself is easy to read: a single temperature dial includes markers for different fabrics, the standard water spray and steam shot buttons are in the familiar ‘top of handle’ position and the latter does boost performance on tricky creases or hanging fabrics (130g a minute of steam, compared to the 30g a minute in continuous steam mode, which did make a perceptible difference to my kitchen curtains). The water tank is also generous – one less thing to think about.
That said, I didn’t feel the much-stated power. I had to turn the dial to the upper reaches of the ‘cotton’ range to get the deeper creases out of t-shirts and sweatshirts. Then there’s the recharging, which needed doing every 30 seconds or so when was ironing cotton. In fact, the steam power began to tail off well before the traffic light turned red to prompt a recharge. Docking it so frequently, for 13 seconds or so each time, is okay when you are working on t-shirts. But it was a bit of a bore when working through double sheets.
The upside? An auto-shut-off function kicks in after eight minutes of disuse. Peace of mind for the forgetful.
Steam Iron FAQs
How many Watts should a good iron be?
2600 Watts is standard for a handheld steam iron and proved more than adequate in my tests. Cordless models, as Teresa says, tend to be less powerful at 2400 Watts. My best buy, the Tefal, is an impressive 3100 Watts.
What are the different types of steam irons?
There is also the option of buying a steam generator iron. While an electric steamer iron emits steam from holes in its flat surface, a steam generator iron is instead attached to a large tank with a boiler that quickly heats up the water, creating high levels of steam pressure. This means that when you press the trigger on the iron, it produces powerful bursts of steam from the water in the tank. These are good at removing stubborn creases, so best suited to larger families or commercial use.
Classic steam irons should be more than powerful enough for everyday household use, letting out steam to moisten and relax the fabric before you remove the creases.
And while I’m a fan of my nifty handheld clothes steamer, I’ll admit that it’s more of an additional item to use on the go for individual items. On the subject of last-minute sprucing, I would also highly recommend Day 2 Dry Wash Spray to freshen clothes up and gently remove creases on second wear (£3.75, Ocado). An older, cheaper trick is to hang it up in the bathroom as you shower, so the steam emitted from your morning routine gently smooths the creases out.
What should you look for in a steam iron?
- Steam: Some irons offer steam output, which means constant steam, whereas others offer steam shot, which requires the user to push a button for an intense shot of steam to get rid of stubborn creases. This is all down to customer preference.
- Anti-scale technology: This stops limescale from building up (which can damage your iron and your clothes). This makes your iron last longer and is particularly useful for people who live in a hard water area.
- Safety features: Look for an iron that automatically turns off when it’s not in use or if it’s knocked over, preventing that ‘did I turn the iron off?’ panic.
- Cordless: Cordless irons negate the need to be near a plug socket and allow the user to iron without worrying about tangled cords.
- Weight: A lightweight iron won’t lead to unnecessary arm ache. Pick an iron that you find to be pleasant to use in terms of grip and ergonomics – it will make the task less arduous. Most ordinary steam irons weigh about 1.5kg.
- Water tank capacity: To avoid adding extra weight, look for a small tank (although not so small that you constantly have to refill it).
- Fast heat-up time: The speed of getting the iron steaming hot is part of its convenience.
- Fabric suitability: Some garment steamers specify they can be used on ‘delicate fabrics’ and others go into more detail about which fabrics they can be used on (sequins, beads etc), so buy one that will suit your wardrobe.
Our permanent guides to the best heated clothes airers, best washing machines, best washer dryers and best tumble dryers may also come in handy.
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