travel iron with auto shut off

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The 8 Best Travel Irons in 2023 [Portable, Dual Voltage]

Amar Hussain

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The 8 Best Travel Irons in 2023 [Portable, Dual Voltage]

Things to consider when buying a travel iron, the 8 best travel irons, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

We’d all rather look well-groomed while traveling. However, any traveler is familiar with the headache of opening your suitcase only to find all your clothes limp and wrinkled.

The most convenient tool for addressing this problem is the travel iron. This handy tool is specially designed to fit in your suitcase and is powerful enough to keep you looking tidy. Choosing the best travel iron can be intimidating, but we will guide you through the whole process.

It’s important to know what to look for when you are setting out to buy a travel iron. Perhaps your foremost consideration will be the size and weight of the iron in order to maximize your luggage storage space.

But there are several other factors to keep in mind, including the iron’s power and heat control. Let’s dig a little deeper into these aspects.

Weight and Size

One of the biggest advantages travel irons have over regular ones is their weight. Made to be easily portable in your luggage, they weigh significantly less than regular irons. Look for an iron that weighs approximately 1 pound .

As for size, a travel iron is built to fit perfectly into your suitcase or travel bag. This convenient tool’s dimensions typically vary from 6 to 8 inches in length.

Ease of Use

When it comes to a travel iron’s ease of use, there are a couple of things you should be aware of. First, take a good look at the handle and see if it looks comfortable . A functional handle will go a long way in making your iron usable. Second, the best travel irons include motion-sensitive technology, helping you iron faster and with greater precision.

On top of that, there are some really interesting additional features you can look out for, like anti-drip or water-spraying features, both of which contribute to overall ease of use when it comes to ironing.

Heat Control

If you’re looking at an iron without the option to control the heat level, think again. Any travel iron on your shortlist should have this ability. You don’t want to iron synthetic clothes with the same level of heat as cotton clothes.

Hot Tip: Look for an iron that has printed indicators on the swivel that denote exactly what each level is for.

If you are traveling to a different country, look for an iron with dual voltage . You will likely be dealing with different voltages, which can render your travel iron useless.

If you plug your iron into a higher voltage source, you run the risk of frying it.

Similarly, power is an important consideration when choosing a travel iron. Simply speaking, more powerful irons are made for heavier clothes or fabrics that are hard to iron. So, choose wisely, and if you plan on straightening heavier clothes like hoodies or jeans, find a 1,000-watt iron that can handle the job .

On the other hand, lighter clothes like t-shirts and shorts will not require a powerful iron.

Portability

Weigh the portability of your travel iron against its power output. You don’t want to have to make room for a huge iron in your suitcase at the expense of something else.

Most travel irons are specially designed to ensure maximum portability, but it’s still something to consider.

Now that we’ve discussed exactly what to look for in a travel iron let’s take a look at some of the best ones available. We’ve compiled a list of the best options that are versatile and will satisfy all of your expectations for a travel iron.

1. Mini Steam Iron With Dual Voltage

Steamfast super convenient iron.

Steamfast offers a compact travel iron that comes with a lot of features. With 420 watts of power, this iron is built to handle just about any kind of fabric.

In addition, the dual-voltage feature will come in handy if you travel overseas to a location with a different voltage. This iron is made to work flawlessly between 100 and 240 volts , which will allow you to use it on any continent.

Lastly, the overall design is quite interesting and compact. This iron is only 5.2 inches in length and weighs 1 pound, which will save you a lot of space when packing. On top of that, the comfortable anti-slip handle will ensure a good grip for ease of use.

What We Like

Comes with a traveling bag

What We Don’t Like

Using steam mode might cause drips

2. Compact and Easy-to-Use Iron

Black decker easy steam iron.

This specially designed iron will allow you to easily straighten every wrinkle out of your clothes. It works well on heavier clothes as well, so consider this one if you’re traveling somewhere cold.

This iron’s anti-drip technology is engineered to prevent dripping by maintaining the correct water temperature to generate steam . This feature also regulates the amount of steam produced in line with the temperature setting. On top of that, this iron features a pivoting cord and 3-way automatic shut-off for ultimate user convenience.

Possibly the best thing about it is the TrueGlide nonstick soleplate, which is designed to glide smoothly over any fabric. There’s also a push-button spray-mist feature that further moistens fabrics to eliminate deep wrinkles.

Lots of features and easy to use
Not as small as other travel irons

Hot Tip: Consider our guide to the best portable travel steamers , as well!

3. Lots of Features in a Compact Iron

Sunbeam hot-2-trot 800 watt iron.

If you’re looking for compatibility and ease of use, this travel iron is a good choice. The well-known Sunbeam brand once again nailed it with this feature-rich iron. For starters, this iron has a dual-voltage system that will allow you to use it just about anywhere in the world.

On top of that, the soft-touch handle with an ergonomically-designed shape will allow you to glide the iron smoothly over fabric, applying pressure as needed . A convenient swivel in the front will allow you to choose the most suitable heat setting.

All in all, if you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-use, and convenient travel iron, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Slick and compact design
Steam function can leak

4. Lightweight Travel Iron With 360-Degree Swivel Cord

Utopia homesteam iron.

Even though this iron is made for in-home use, it’s also a great travel companion. With 1,200 watts and a 360-degree swivel cord, the Utopia Home Steam Iron will ensure your clothes are pressed with minimal effort.

A lightweight and compact design makes this iron a great choice for travel as well. In addition, it features adjustable thermostat control, protection from overheating, and a nonstick soleplate that ensures a smooth glide over any fabric.

Also, this iron is quite easy to use both vertically and horizontally. The steam-ironing feature allows you to steam your clothes while they’re on a hanger or remove wrinkles from curtains and drapes if the need arises.

Multifunctionality and ease of use
It’s hard to fill the water tank without spilling

5. Mini Project Steam Iron With Ceramic Soleplate

Oliso ceramic iron.

This Oliso ceramic iron is specially designed to ensure maximum heat control and ease of use. On top of that, it is compact and lightweight, making it a great option for travel. This iron’s soleplate is made of high-quality ceramic with a precision tip that will allow you to easily press cuffs and collars.

Furthermore, it comes with a fabric-selector option that’s very useful for those who like to pack a variety of fabrics. Additionally, you can use it anywhere in the world as this iron features a dual-voltage design.

Fabric-selector feature
Handle heats up when used extensively

6. Easy to Use and Portable Iron

Rowenta da1560 travel-ready iron.

With a compact design and an ergonomic handle, this Rowenta travel iron is a standout in its field. It’s made with ease of use and portability in mind, but it remains powerful enough to remove every wrinkle on your clothes, no matter the fabric.

You can use this iron both vertically and horizontally for a long period of time, thanks to the 2-ounce transparent water tank and dual-voltage switch . All in all, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use iron that removes all wrinkles, this is a top pick.

Easy to maneuver and has a stainless-steel soleplate
The cord is not that long

7. 800-Watt Handheld Steam Iron

Conair ez press iron.

This Conair handheld iron was designed with comfort and portability in mind. It features 800 watts of power, which is enough to iron almost anything. On top of that, its compact size and lightweight construction will allow you to easily carry it in your suitcase or backpack.

The stainless-steel soleplate ensures a smooth glide over fabric, especially cotton and synthetic clothes. There is also an anti-slip heel on the bottom of the iron for maximum protection from unwanted contact .

Steam burst feature that eliminates hard wrinkles
Takes a bit more time to heat up

8. 3 Temperature Settings in a Compact Iron

Sharper image convenient iron.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Sharper Image travel iron is its sleek and minimalist design. With a simple color scheme and an in-handle water tank, this iron is designed with functionality and comfort in mind. In addition, it features a quick heat-up time and 3 temperature settings , allowing you to easily remove all wrinkles from any type of clothing.

Additionally, thanks to the dual-voltage feature, this travel iron is equipped for use all over the world. Its 350 watts of power and nonstick rust-resistant soleplate will no doubt serve you well on your journey.

Quick heating
Lacks the power of some other irons

Now that you are well-acquainted with the benefits of travel irons, you won’t want to travel without one. Their useful features and compact design will come in handy on every trip.

All in all, we strongly recommend traveling with an iron. Tidy up your appearance and project confidence with a freshly pressed wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a travel iron.

If you tend to travel a lot, especially in a professional capacity, it’s hard to get around the necessity for a travel iron. Travel irons are made to travel with you and keep you looking polished.

Are hotels equipped with irons?

Not all hotels have travel irons. Of course, you can always check with reception before you arrive at a hotel. But, with a travel iron in your suitcase, you will be prepared either way.

How much does a travel iron weigh?

There are different models on the market with different weights. However, a standard travel iron weighs around 1 or 2 pounds.

Is ironing easy with a travel iron?

Most travel irons prioritize ease of use, with everything from non-stick soleplates to comfortable handles.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Best Travel Irons

The Quilted Bear Lightweight Mini Steam Iron

This dual-voltage steam iron is easy to take along on your next trip.

If you want to look your best while traveling, you'll definitely want to add this mini steam iron to your must-pack list. It is super lightweight so you won't have extra baggage fees. It packs away in the included zippered pouch and takes only seconds to heat up.

Some customers have trouble adjusting the heat dial.

Budget-friendly option with a handy steam option and dual voltage for overseas travel.

Great performance, even on heavyweight fabric. Heats up quickly and is easy to use. Easily adjust temp according to type of fabric being ironed. Convenient indicator light. Small and easy to pack.

No auto shutoff feature, and some users find the small size difficult to handle.

A powerful yet lightweight option that offers the choice of using steam or ironing dry.

Water reservoir is easy to fill, and steam function works as intended. Lightweight and easy to maneuver thanks to the 360-degree swivel cord. Adjustable temp and overheat protection mechanism.

Not dual-voltage, and it's a little larger than most travel-sized irons.

A steam iron with its own bag to easily take with you on trips.

Iron is 1,000 watts and includes a handle that compacts by folding for easy packing. Adjustable temperature and vertical steam feature. Purple color and packing bag included with purchase.

Some issues with handle collapsing. May have longevity issues.

You'll get a lot of use out of this mini steam iron that has all the functions of a full-size version.

This compact steam iron weighs only two pounds so you can easily bring it along on your next trip. It is 120V and has an auto shutoff system that will keep you safe when not in use. Push-button mister lets you steam your clothes with ease.

Some reports of water leaking during use.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Buying guide for best travel irons.

Updated May 2024

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a good travel iron can keep you looking your best no matter where you are. These handy devices are small enough to pack in your suitcase, and a few even have foldable handles for even more compact packing.

From steam shots to extra-long cords, travel irons come with a number of handy features. To find the right one, you might have to take a good look at not only the types of fabrics you iron but also how many garments you iron while traveling.

If you’re not sure where to start your search, you’ve come to the right place. At BestReviews, we strive to be your go–to site for all of your purchasing decisions. We believe in making informed choices, so we’ve provided a shopping guide to help you sift through your travel iron options.

Travel iron features to consider

The soleplate is the flat, triangular part of the iron that does the hard work of smoothing out the wrinkles. It can be made of a number of different materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Stainless steel: These soleplates distribute heat quickly and evenly. Stainless steel is less expensive than ceramic and is pretty durable. However, it can get scratched on buttons or zippers, which can affect the iron’s ability to smoothly glide over the fabric.

Ceramic: These soleplates have a metal base, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium alloy, that is covered in ceramic. Ceramic is an excellent nonstick surface that heats evenly and smoothly glides over most fabrics. Ceramic works well on synthetic materials because it’s less likely to stick than stainless steel or aluminum. On the downside, the dyes used in natural fabrics can stain a ceramic soleplate, and on inexpensive irons the ceramic may crack or peel.

Aluminum: If quick touch-ups are your norm, you might consider a travel iron with an aluminum soleplate. Aluminum is lightweight and inexpensive compared to stainless steel or ceramic, but it tends to stick more easily than other materials.

Corded vs. cordless

Cordless travel irons usually come with a charging base, which can add bulk while traveling. These models aren’t as efficient as corded irons, nor can they sustain the high temperatures of corded models. That doesn’t mean cordless irons don’t have their place. If you’re traveling to a destination where you may not have access to electricity, a cordless travel iron will give you a limited amount of ironing time. Cordless models are also nice if you don’t want to be limited by cord length.

Heating time

The higher the wattage of the travel iron, the quicker it will heat up. If you’re often ironing at the last minute, a high-wattage model will probably work best for you. Irons with a steam feature will take longer to warm, but there are some models that can be ready to steam in as little as 24 seconds.

Variable temperature

Travel irons vary in their temperature range. If you know you’ll be ironing delicate fabrics like silk, look for an iron with temperatures around 300°F (148°C). Conversely, if you iron cotton or linen, you’ll need an iron with a high temperature of around 445°F (300°C).

Removing wrinkles from cotton, linen, and other natural fabrics usually requires steam . A large water tank enables you to iron more items before you need to refill. However, capacity isn’t as important in travel irons as the visibility of the tank. A clear tank lets you keep an eye on the amount of water that’s still in the iron.

Steam and steam shot

Travel irons with steam generally cost more, but if most of your clothes are made of natural materials, steam is a must. A steam shot feature can be even more convenient when traveling. With steam shot, you press a button to release one large burst of steam. If you’re in a hurry, steam shot can get things smoothed right before you walk out the door. A vertical steam feature allows you to steam garments while they’re still on the hanger. If you’re worried about damaging delicate fabrics, an iron with vertical steam is your best bet.

Weight and size

There is no standard size for a travel iron, and just because it says “travel” in the description doesn’t mean it’s compact and lightweight. Travel irons can weigh anywhere from 8 to 30 ounces. As you search for the right model, consider how much ironing you do while you travel and the types of clothing you’ll need to iron. Also keep in mind that smaller irons heat up more quickly, but large travel irons work better if you have a lot of clothing to iron because they have a larger capacity water tank.

Ease of use

Digital controls have become more common on travel irons in the last few years. They add to the price but also add convenience. However, travel irons aren’t very big, and sometimes the digital display can be hard to read. If you have poor eyesight, a travel iron with manual controls might be easier to use.

Extra features

Long cord: Cord length isn’t usually advertised on travel irons, but you can find ones with a cord over eight feet long that offers extended reach.
Drip prevention: Water can damage some delicate fabrics. A travel iron that prevents drips not only keep things neat and tidy but also keeps you from getting accidentally burned by dripping scalding water.
Auto shutoff: Most travel irons automatically shut off after a set period of time.

Travel iron prices

You can expect to pay from less than $15 to more than $35 for a travel iron.

Inexpensive: For less than $15, you can find a travel iron with manual controls, dual voltage system, steam shot, and power indicator light. Irons at this price are usually some of the smallest you’ll find on the market.

Mid-range: From $15 to $35, you’ll find slightly larger irons with a few extra features like quick heat times and longer cords. You’ll also find models with dual voltage and some that come with a measuring cup that makes it easier to fill the water tank.

Expensive: If you spend more than $35, you’ll find models with 1000 W of power and several steam options, including steam shot and vertical steam. Some have folding handles to make them more compact when traveling.

If you’re traveling outside the United States, look for a travel iron with dual voltage. Electrical appliances in the U.S. are 100 volts, but in some countries the standard is 240 volts.

A vertical steam setting allows you to remove wrinkles while the item is draped or hanging from a hanger or chair. Vertical steam works well on dresses and the most delicate of fabrics.

“UL” or “ETL” stamped on a travel iron indicates that it has passed third-party safety tests. These tests are not required, and manufacturers have to pay extra for their products to be tested.

Q. Do travel irons come with a warranty?

A. Most, but not all, travel irons come with a warranty from the manufacturer, though the length of coverage varies. Look for an iron with at least a one-year warranty, although the longer the warranty the better.

Q. Do I need an adapter for my travel iron?

A. While many models have dual voltage, most will still require an adapter because plug design varies by country.

Q. What kind of travel iron works best for delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon?

A. Delicate fabrics are sensitive to temperature, which means they’re easily melted. You want a travel iron that works well at low temperatures but also has a nonstick surface. A ceramic soleplate will glide more easily than stainless steel or aluminum over delicate fabrics. You may want to look for a travel iron with a vertical steam feature so you can remove wrinkles while your garments are hanging up.

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Ironing Out the Details: The 6 Best Travel Irons for Your Next Trip!

The Best Travel Irons

Is there anything worse than buying some new clothes – maybe a great new top or a flowing dress – for a vacation only to land on the other side and realize that your luggage has wrinkled all your clothing?

Yes, garment bags exist, but everyone who’s used one knows their limitations, especially when they’re being lugged over a long trip.

People often trumpet the virtues of the travel steamer , but what people often don’t tell you is how long travel steamers take to heat up, how water is liable to spill everywhere, and how they just don’t seem to get the wrinkles out as well as irons.

With new technology allowing travel irons to be as compact as travel steamers (if not more, in many cases), the best flat travel irons are the way to go – keep reading for 6 of our favorites!

The Best Travel Iron – Summary Comparison Chart

To summarize, here’s a chart summarizing the best travel irons and comparing the various features between the different brands.

Best Travel Irons 2019

1. Rowenta 1700-Watt Steam Iron

With 1700-watt power and a stainless steel soleplate with a precision tip for those annoying shirt and pant corners, the Rowenta DW5080 Focus 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron has enough horsepower and dexterity to be considered one of the best irons full-stop, let alone one of the best travel irons.

Two of its best travel features?

The Rowenta travel steam iron offers a 3-way automatic safety shut-off feature and, crucially for international travel, operates with tap water so you don’t need to distill extra water just to look great!

Rowenta Travel Iron

Available on Amazon

2. Steamfast Home-and-Away Mini Iron

One of the best mini travel flat irons on the market, the Steamfast Mini Steam Iron packs all the punches.

Unlike even the best travel steamers, which measure their heat-up times in minutes, the Steamfast travel iron heats up in just 15 seconds.

Throw in a completely non-stick sole plate, dual voltage for travel convenience and a handy travel bag, and the Steamfast SF-717 has everything you could ask for in a travel flat iron!

Mini Steam Iron

3. Small Mini Travel Iron

This non branded Ceramic Portable Travel Iron offers great bang for your buck! For under $25, it offers 420-watts of power, an anti-drip design and a ceramic exterior that won’t stick to fabric.

It’s really well designed, small enough to easily pack away, but with an extra long power cord so you have enough room to iron and move around.

Best of all?

It heats up in just 15 seconds!

Foldable Travel Iron

4. Utopia Iron with Nonstick Soleplate

Despite having the compact weight and dimensions of a typical travel flat iron, the Utopia Iron packs all the punch of a full-size at-home iron!

The Utopia Iron features a polarized pin plug for international use, a retractable cord measuring over an incredible 75 inches, overheat safety protection, and a 100% non-stick sole plate allowing it to iron just about any fabric.

Pair all this with an unbeatable price, and it’s hard to ask for more from one of the best mini travel flat irons!

Best Iron for International Travel

5. BLACK+DECKER Compact Iron

When it comes to getting one of the best travel irons that’s tough and gets the job done, it’s hard to imagine choosing a brand more synonymous with durability and craftsmanship than BLACK+DECKER .

It’ll come as no surprise that the Black & Decker IR03V Easy Steam Compact Iron features all the latest bells and whistles the best travel irons have to offer.

With technology that optimizes the steam level based on the temperature setting, regulates water temperatures to prevent dripping, and even allows the Black + Decker to function vertically like a travel steamer for quick touch-ups, this is the only travel steam iron you’ll ever need!

Most Compact Travel Iron

6. Sunbeam Compact Travel Iron

First of all, can we all agree that “ Hot-2-Trot ” is an utterly adorable name for a travel iron? Agreed?

Aside from its great name, the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot earns its stripes as one of the best travel irons by managing to include all the travel iron essentials in the most compact iron to be found on this list.

The only thing more impressive than featuring dry and steam iron functionality and variable temperature settings in this baby of a travel iron is the price!

Small Travel Iron

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The 11 Best Irons of 2024, According to Testing

We love these irons for how effortlessly they remove wrinkles from a variety of fabric types.

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

In This Article

Our Top Picks

The Bottom Line

Our testing process, what to know about irons before shopping, other steam irons we tested, your questions, answered, what is bhg recommends.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Whether you’re headed to a wedding, picking out clothes for work, or you simply didn’t get your laundry hung up in time, having an iron that effectively erases wrinkles can keep your clothes looking crisp and clean while helping you make a great first impression.

The best irons heat up quickly, offer multiple settings to accommodate a variety of materials, and are easy to maneuver. Added features like auto-shutoff settings, steam capabilities, and retractable plug-in cords are also helpful.

We put some of the best irons to the test to determine which ones are actually worth buying. Our expert home testers purchased and used 42 different irons in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, putting each one through its paces on materials like cotton, linen, and satin.

What We Tested

We evaluated 42 irons on their effectiveness, design, portability, and value. For more information on how we tested these irons, check out our testing process below.

Best Overall

Rowenta stainless steel steam iron.

This iron has a vertical steam function and turns off after eight minutes of inactivity.

We found that, at 4 pounds, this iron was heavy and somewhat cumbersome to use for an extended period of time.

When it comes to an iron with all the bells and whistles, the Rowenta Access Stainless Steel Steam Iron is our top choice. It also has an automatic shutoff feature, which turns the iron off after eight minutes of inactivity, and 30 seconds of inactivity if the soleplate is face down.

It also has anti-drip protection, which keeps your fabric from getting water marks. We really liked that this iron has a retractable cord, which was simple to use and made this iron easier to store.

We found that this iron’s steam output was impressive, with 350 micro holes that were able to diffuse steam easily and efficiently. It also offered vertical steaming, allowing you to steam your hanging garments without lying them flat.

When it came to removing wrinkles from fabric, we found that it worked well on all of the fabric. However, the linen and cotton required the use of steam and spray settings to get out the deep wrinkles.

Additionally, we loved how sleek and attractive the design of this iron is, with metal buttons for steam and spray, an ergonomic handle, and textured detailing. Unfortunately, we struggled with the dial temperature control, which was tricky to use as it was often blocked by the handle of the iron itself.

Keep in mind that, while we found this iron to be ergonomic during testing, we found that it was heavy and a bit cumbersome to use for an extended period of time. This could become a nuisance if you’re someone who regularly has a lot of clothes to iron.

Product Details: Weight: 4 pounds | Water Tank Size: 11 ounces | Wattage: 1,725 watts | Soleplate Material: Stainless steel | Safety Features: Auto shut-off feature

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Best Budget

Black+decker ir40 textile iron.

This iron has an automatic shutoff setting and anti-drip systems for safe operating.

We found this iron to be ineffective when removing wrinkles from silk.

We found that the Black+Decker Easy Steam Compact Iron provided a lot of bang for its buck. The soleplate of this iron is made of ceramic, and it is designed to glide smoothly across all fabrics.

We found that this iron performed particularly well when it came to fabrics like linen and cotton, both of which were wrinkle-free on level six after just one to two passes. We felt that the steam output of this iron was helpful in removing larger wrinkles. Additionally, it has a push-button mister, which moistens the fabric you’re ironing and helps to get rid of heavy wrinkling.

However, the iron was not as effective when ironing silk. It didn’t glide as easily over the fabric, and it didn’t manage to iron the wrinkles out while testing—even after 40 passes of the iron.

We liked that this iron has a three-way automatic shutoff feature, which uses motion-sensitive technology to determine if your iron has been left on. These sensors can tell if your iron has been left on while on its heel, side, or soleplate, and turns it off.

We tested this feature, and found that it turns off after about eight minutes if left vertically, and turns off after 30 seconds of activity when left on the soleplate. It also has an anti-drip setting, which we found to be very effective—the iron never leaked or left water drips during testing.

Product Details: Weight: 2 pounds | Water Tank Size: 8 ounces | Wattage: 1,200 watts | Soleplate Material: Ceramic | Safety Features: Auto shutoff

Best Splurge

Rowenta perfect pro station iron.

Effectiveness 4.6 /5
Design 5 /5
Portability 4.8 /5

This iron's detachable water tank holds up to 37 ounces of water and filters out calcium to prevent buildup on your iron.

There's no indicator to tell you when the iron has reached the desired temperature.

If doing the laundry frequently includes ironing wrinkles out of clothing, tablecloths, or other fabrics, the Rowenta Perfect Pro iron is a great investment. While it's more expensive than other models, we found it to be exceptionally capable of cutting through deep wrinkles on multiple fabric types.

The most notable feature on the Perfect Pro iron is its extra-large water tank, which doubles as a docking station when you're not using the iron. If you tend to spend a large chunk of time ironing, the 37-ounce water tank allows you to keep working longer (up to 90 minutes) without having to stop and refill.

Plus, the separate tank keeps the iron itself quite lightweight and easy to use while offering powerful steam capabilities.

During testing, our experts found that this steam iron was quite versatile; it performed well on linen, cotton, and satin napkins with similar effectiveness. While it took a few passes across each fabric to flatten the wrinkles, we found it to be a pretty quick and easy job.

Similar to other Rowenta irons, the Perfect Pro has over 400 holes across the face of the soleplate, allowing for even steam distribution and even more precision when removing wrinkles. The iron automatically adjusts how much steam it outputs based on the temperature and fabric setting you've selected, better protecting the fabric from damage . We also liked this iron's extra-long cord (11.5 feet), which makes it easy to steam curtains.

When testing the Perfect Pro, our experts were slightly overwhelmed by the number of features this iron offers. In order to fully understand its capabilities and get the most out of the iron, you'll have to watch tutorials online, since the directions don't offer much insight into how to use the product.

For all its high-tech features (such as manual steam controls, extra-powerful steam distribution, and a long-lasting steel soleplate), our testers were disappointed to find that this iron doesn't have a ready light indicator. There's no way to tell when the iron has reached the right temperature and is ready for use.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

BLACK + DECKER Advanced Steam Iron

Effectiveness 4.2 /5
Design 4 /5
Portability 4 /5

Our testers found the steam mode on this iron to be especially effective, removing wrinkles in a single pass on linen and cotton.

When dry ironing with this model, we found it took a few tries to get rid of wrinkles.

For fabric that's particularly wrinkled, the best way to target unwanted creases is to add heat and moisture, which softens the wrinkles and helps reverse the process that created them in the first place. The Black+Decker Vitessa steam iron is exceptional at just that; our testers found this iron to be particularly powerful at flattening creases on multiple types of fabric.

While many other irons we tested took at least a few swipes to get rid of deep creases, we found that this Black+Decker option made wrinkles disappear from cotton and linen in a single pass across the material when using the steam setting.

The vertical steam button is clearly marked at the top of the handle, making it easy to remove wrinkles from clothing, curtains, and more without taking them off the hanger or even touching the fabric. You also have the option to use the misting feature on this iron, which distributes a quick puff of water droplets to the fabric for tackling set-in wrinkles.

The Black+Decker steam iron also stood out to our testers because of its other perks, like the retractable power cord for easy storage, the anti-drip feature that eliminates water leaking out of the soleplate, and the automatic shutoff for added peace of mind.

Though our experts loved the steam settings on this iron, the dry iron settings weren't anything special. It took a few attempts to get rid of wrinkles on cotton, satin, and linen fabrics alike, but the process was still relatively quick and easy. If you prefer to use the dry setting to iron your clothes, this one certainly does the trick, but other irons we tested yielded better results.

Best for Travel

Conair ez press steam iron.

Effectiveness 4.3 /5
Portability 4.5 /5

This iron is super lightweight and easy to pack when traveling.

The small soleplate on this iron makes it less equipped for big ironing jobs.

We've all been there—you're unpacking clothes after a long day of traveling, and you find that the only nice outfit you brought on the trip is covered in wrinkles. Rather than putting your trust in the cheap hotel iron (or showing up to an important event all wrinkly), the Conair EZ Press iron is the ideal travel companion to get rid of unwanted creases.

Weighing 1 pound and small in size for convenient packing, the Conair iron tucks away easily in a suitcase while removing wrinkles just as easily as its more expensive counterparts. You'll be able to use the steam setting (though our testers found the water tank to be quite small) or use it as a dry iron, and its varying temperature settings allow you to work on multiple fabric types.

While testing, our experts were pleasantly surprised to find that the Conair iron removed wrinkles from our satin, linen, and cotton napkins with minimal effort in just a few passes. While we had a bit of trouble getting the deepest creases out of linen, they eventually disappeared after several attempts.

The temperature dial under the handle makes it easy to raise or lower the temperature to work on different fabrics, and we liked that the ready light indicates when the iron is heated to the correct temperature so we didn't accidentally burn low-temperature fabrics.

This iron also has a vertical steam option for getting wrinkles out of hanging clothes, making it incredibly versatile when you're away from home.

Because of its smaller size, the Conair iron is best suited for quick ironing jobs, and our testers found that it was pretty time consuming to use when working with a larger piece of material, like a tablecloth. We also found its water tank to be quite small and difficult to refill, with the removable cap leaking slightly when tipped on its side.

However, it's a great all-around choice when you're in a pinch and you need a quick and lightweight solution for travel-induced wrinkles.

Best for Dry Ironing

Sunbeam iron.

This iron had great versatility across linen, cotton, and satin materials when dry ironing.

This iron's temperature fluctuates slightly when used for longer periods of time.

Dry ironing is a great way to make your clothes or fabric extra crisp, but finding a trustworthy iron that won't scorch your clothes or melt the tag can be a challenge. The Sunbeam Steam Master Steam Iron was the most effective dry iron we tested, removing wrinkles and deep creases on satin and cotton in just one swipe (though it needed a little more elbow grease to get rid of wrinkles on linen fabric).

When you want a burst of steam, our testers were impressed with this iron's steam capabilities—it flattened wrinkles in one to two attempts. Built-in settings for variable steam and spray mist mode allow you to target deep wrinkles more easily, too. The retractable power cord makes it super simple to put the iron away when not in use, and you won't have to worry about fussing with a too-long cord while you work.

Our testers noted how lightweight this iron felt when using, making it a lot easier than other models to use for long periods of time. All of the iron's settings are pretty self-explanatory, so you won't have to dig out the instructions every time you want to switch between steam and dry ironing. Plus, the temperature dial has specific markers for linen, cotton, wool, and synthetic materials to ensure nothing melts or sticks to the soleplate.

During testing, our experts noticed that the temperature of the iron's soleplate tended to decrease slightly after using it for a few minutes. We had to bump up the temperature a bit higher than the dial markings indicated after a while to maintain the correct heat levels.

Best for Sewing

Panasonic cordless steam/dry iron.

Effectiveness 3.6 /5
Design 4.5 /5
Value 3.5 /5

This iron is cordless for added maneuverability and no bulky cord getting in your way.

This iron only maintains its heat by regularly docking it as you work.

When working with a large piece of material—whether that's a tablecloth or a bolt of fabric for a sewing project—it's important to find an iron that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. This can help save you time and frustration as you work across a large surface area, which is why we loved the Panasonic NI-L70SR Cordless Steam/Dry Iron .

Our testers found that the sleek stainless steel soleplate glides easily across fabric, and the varied temperature settings allowed it to pass our tests on cotton and satin with flying colors. On our dry ironing tests, the iron got rid of wrinkles and deep creases in just one pass, and none of the fabric stuck to the soleplate or melted in the process.

The steam setting proved to be almost as effective on cotton and linen, removing wrinkles and creases with a few extra passes across the fabric. We loved how easy it was to maneuver into tight corners of the fabric without having to untangle a bulky cord.

The Panasonic cordless iron is also super intuitive to use; settings are clearly labeled and our testers were able to effortlessly switch between features without digging out the user manual. The anti-drip feature prevents large droplets of water from seeping into your fabric, and the iron's automatic shutoff ensures that you don't leave a hot iron out for long periods of time.

The only downside to this iron was its effectiveness on linen fabric; our experts noted that dry ironing failed to remove wrinkles on linen, even with multiple tries. It's also important to note that this iron only stays hot if you dock it frequently, so you'll want to place it on the docking station when you're not actively ironing.

We did like this case if you're traveling to another location to sew with friends or take classes, however. The handle makes carrying easy, and the case protects your iron against accidental bumps.

Best Digital

Chi touchscreen iron.

This iron has an adjustable touchscreen that offered fabric-specific settings that were incredibly easy to use.

There is no retractable cord on this iron, and it is somewhat difficult to store.

After testing the Chi Touchscreen Iron , we found that it would be the best iron for someone who values advanced features and wants an iron that is easy to use, especially when ironing many different types of fabrics.

This iron has an advanced touchscreen that includes selections for ironing by temperature, by fabric, or even by the symbols found on the item’s care tag. We loved this feature because it made choosing a setting extremely simple.

It took this iron one minute and 23 seconds to heat up, and once it did, it performed well with linen, cotton, and silk, particularly when paired with the steam. It has over 400 holes for steam, which efficiently removed wrinkles in every type of fabric we tested. .

We found that the tip of the iron was particularly good for tighter spots, such as around buttons or on the underarms of shirts. There is also an auto-off feature, so that this iron does not stay on accidentally.

Throughout testing, we watched out for leaks or spills, and this iron did not leave either behind.

The only downside is that we found this iron to be large and somewhat difficult to store, especially because it does not have a retractable cord. Luckily, we found that the cord did not get in the way while ironing, so while you may need to figure out a storage solution for it, it did not affect the performance.

Product Details: Weight: 3 pounds | Water Tank Size: 12.5 ounces | Wattage: 1,800 watts | Soleplate Material: Titanium-infused ceramic | Safety Features: Steam control

Best Vintage

Proctor silex retro iron.

This iron has a retro design, but is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

There is no temperature indicator to let you know when the iron reaches your desired temperature setting.

If you’re looking for an iron that reminds you of the one your mother or grandmother used to get her clothes to look perfect, we loved the Proctor Silex Classic Iron during testing.

We found that this iron lives up to its “classic” name. It doesn’t have many features, but we found that it performed extremely well. It has six temperature settings: synthetic, nylon/acrylic, silk, rayon/polyester, wool, and cotton/linen.

It was able to get the wrinkles out of the cotton, linen, and silk fabric that we tested in under 10 passes, and there were no visible leaks or water spills on the fabric as we ironed.

We found that the steam output was adequate for the linen and cotton fabrics, and removed the wrinkles from the fabric easily and effectively. The silk setting did not provide steam, but we were able to improvise by using the first steam setting, and it was able to remove the wrinkles from silk without any problems.

This iron’s vintage design won big points for being easy-to-maneuver, and it never got stuck on any fabrics or struggled with cuffs or elastic. Instead, it effortlessly glided over the surface of the fabrics during testing.

However, this iron doesn’t have any safety features, nor does it have a temperature indicator to let you know when your iron reaches the desired heat levels. It also does not have a retractable cord. Still, we found that it is a very straightforward iron to use, and that it would be a great choice for a beginner.

Product Details: Weight: 2.75 pounds | Water Tank Size: 6 ounces | Wattage: 1,200 watts | Soleplate Material: Aluminum | Safety Features: None

Best for Crafting

Chi mini iron mini iron.

This iron is small and compact, which makes it easy to maneuver around small areas and seams.

The small reservoir was challenging to fill during testing, and we found that it spit water after steam bursts.

When it comes to finding the best iron for your various crafting needs, it is important to find one that is easy to maneuver, portable, and effective, like the Chi Mini Iron . We loved that it is compact and lightweight, and we found that it would be particularly helpful for crafters who like to quilt or are looking to iron fabric in small areas or along seams.

This iron worked better on the steam setting than on the dry setting, and found that every fabric we tested needed double the amount of passes if ironed without steam. We found that this iron did a lovely job ironing silk, as well as cotton. When we tested this iron on linen, we found that it could get out wrinkles, but it was more likely to leave faint wrinkles behind.

We loved this iron’s small profile, and found that it was easy to maneuver across all fabrics, and that its small size made it easy to flip and turn to allow access to seams, cuffs, and elastic. We also appreciated that the “handle” of the iron is an ergonomic contour mold, that makes it easy to swap from your left to right hand.

This iron comes with an automatic shutoff setting, and blinking lights that indicate when the iron reaches the desired heat based on the chosen level.

We did find that the small water reservoir, which olds just 6 ounces of water, was a bit challenging to fill. Because it was so small, it was easy to overfill, which resulted in the iron spitting out water after steam bursts. We found that, in order to fill the reservoir, we needed a funnel or other bottle to add water.

Product Details: Weight: 1.42 pounds | Water Tank Size: 6 ounces | Wattage: 1,000 watts | Soleplate Material: Ceramic | Safety Features: None

Best for Silk

Chi lava iron, lava-infused ceramic soleplate 13131.

The smooth ceramic plate glided easily over clothing and was effective on all fabrics.

While aesthetically pleasing, we found that some function was sacrificed with this model, as its markings and water levels were difficult to read.

Silk can be an intimidating fabric to work with, but with the right iron, it’s possible to keep it wrinkle-free without the stress. The Chi Lava Electric Iron impressed us during testing with its ceramic plate, which was able to glide easily and smoothly over fabric.

The plate of the iron moved extremely smoothly over the delicate fabric, and the fabric never got caught up, snagged, or burned. It was able to remove wrinkles from the silk in one quick pass. The steam setting was a total game changer for the fabric—we found that it delivered results so quickly, it would be easy to iron before work.

We found that the soleplate also worked well on linen and cotton fabrics. The heft of the iron helped to press down onto the fabrics, which made us feel like we didn’t need to add any extra pressure. Cotton required a bit more elbow grease than linen, though the wrinkles were no match for the high setting plus steam.

Keep in mind that we found this iron, which weighs 4.15 pounds, to be rather large and somewhat difficult to store. While we appreciated the design of this model—especially its 8-foot, retractable cord—we found that this came at the cost of some functionality. For example, we found that determining the fill line of the reservoir was difficult, and the iron would leak from time to time.

Product Details: Weight: 4.15 pounds | Water Tank Size: 11.83 ounces | Wattage: 1,700 watts | Soleplate Material: Ceramic | Safety Features: Three-way auto shutoff

Whether you constantly find yourself ironing wrinkles out of laundry, tablecloths, and more or you only need an iron occasionally, finding a steam iron that effectively removes wrinkles without damaging fabric is a top priority. Our winner for the best overall iron is the Rowenta Access Stainless Steel Steam Iron , which has an automatic shut-off feature and anti-drip protection. It also effectively removed wrinkles from various types of fabric.

To determine our list of the best irons, we gathered a team of home experts in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and had them put 30 different steam irons through extensive testing. Our testers prepared satin, linen, and cotton napkins several days in advance, wetting the napkins, balling them up, and then securing them with rubber bands to create deep wrinkles and creases in the fabrics.

During our two-day test, we ran each iron across the wrinkled material in both dry and steam modes, making note of its effectiveness, the number of passes it took to remove wrinkles , and any changes we noticed to the fabric itself.

In addition to checking the effectiveness of the irons in getting rid of creases, we also took note of the design, portability, ease of use, and any safety features advertised.

Temperature

Whether you're working with cotton, linen, or another type of fabric, it's important to change your iron's temperature to avoid damaging the material. Many irons on the market have different settings that accommodate a variety of material types, but if you often iron one type of fabric over others, you'll want to find an iron that will safely and effectively remove wrinkles.

Water Tank Capacity

If you're purchasing an iron that has at least one steam setting, you'll want to consider the size of the water tank. If you plan to iron a lot of different items at once or you're ironing something large like a tablecloth, you'll want to find an iron that has a large enough water tank to get you through the job. This can help you avoid having to stop midway through a project to refill.

Soleplate Type

Soleplates are the flat metal piece on the face of your iron, and they're responsible for conducting heat and distributing steam evenly across fabric as you're working. Depending on the type of iron you purchase, you may find that it has either a ceramic or stainless steel soleplate.

While ceramic soleplates better protect you from accidentally burning your clothes while ironing, they also tend to wear out faster . Stainless steel soleplates last a lot longer but may stick to fabric when set at a high temperature. Depending on the material type you work with most and how long you'd like your iron to last, you'll want to keep these factors in mind.

Safety Features

Since irons conduct high levels of heat to remove wrinkles from your clothes, you'll want to consider added safety features that can prevent you or your family members from getting hurt. Many steam irons have automatic shutoff settings, which turns off the appliance after a certain amount of time. Others have anti-drip features, which prevent water from leaking out of the machine and getting near an electrical source.

Vremi 1800 Watt Steam Iron for Clothes

Our testers really liked the display on the Vremi Steam Iron , which has a temperature dial that allows for "in between" settings and turns green once you've reached your desired temperature. It performed especially well on linen and cotton when we tested this iron, flattening wrinkles in just one pass on dry mode and needing only a couple of extra passes with the steam setting. However, our experts found that the Vremi iron wasn't as effective as competing irons at removing wrinkles from cotton.

Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron

The Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron also caught our testers' attention in the lab, and we loved how lightweight and easy to maneuver this small-but-mighty appliance is. Overall, it was surprisingly effective when dry ironing on satin, linen, and cotton, and it could erase wrinkles with minimal effort. Our testers found it to be less effective on deep creases on satin and linen material, though it worked great on cotton.

Sunbeam Classic 1200 Watt Mid-size Anti-Drip Non-Stick Soleplate Iron

Our testers found the Sunbeam Classic 1200 Watt Iron to be a great basic option for shoppers who want a no-frills appliance. We found it to be lightweight, easy to maneuver, and particularly effective at clearing wrinkles when dry ironing cotton and satin. However, it didn't work well on linen and required a lot of extra passes to remove wrinkles on both the steam and dry settings.

How many watts should an iron have?

The average clothes iron uses between 1,000 to 2,000 watts, which is higher than other household appliances. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the iron is (and the more careful you'll need to be in order to avoid damaging your clothes).

Is a steam iron better than a normal iron?

Steam irons and dry irons are typically a matter of preference. Though dry irons usually leave a crisper look that is hard to achieve with a steam iron, the latter is better at removing deep creases with less effort.

The added moisture released through holes in the steam iron's soleplate allows you to flatten wrinkles in less time. With a dry iron, you'll need to use a spray bottle to lightly moisten the material, and you'll also need to be more careful not to burn or melt your clothes than you might with a steam iron. Most irons on the market can be used for both dry and steam ironing.

This article was written by Samantha Jones , a former associate commerce home editor for Better Homes & Gardens . In order to write about the best irons, Samantha did several hours of research into steam irons, important features and safety concerns related to ironing, and the most popular steam irons on the market currently. She then compared this research to the detailed testing information gathered during our iron tests in Des Moines, Iowa.

This article was updated by Andrea Wurzburger , a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, she spent several hours researching the best irons, and analyzed results from our lab.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Best Small Steam Iron for Travel 2023

Whether you travel by train, plane or automobile, wrinkled clothes are an inevitable part of the journey. Regardless if you’re traveling for work or pleasure, unpacking your luggage will reveal clothes that don’t look like they should. The solution is much simpler (and cheaper) than you think.

A mini travel iron takes up less space than your average shoe and will add little more than a pound of weight to your luggage. They are also dual voltage, which makes it perfect for European vacations.

Our absolute winner is the Oliso M2 Mini

Unless you’re going for that “I slept in these clothes” look, this tiny little appliance makes a big impact on how you look, as well as the impression you leave behind. They also work perfectly for students who need a quick way to look sharp before class. We’ve reviewed the top performers for you to choose from…

1. Oliso M2 Mini Travel Iron

It’s not the cheapest, but its the most powerful of all the travel irons we’ve tested. It’s ideal for taking with on your next overseas adventure or if you just need to iron the occasional work shirt at home. From personal experience, Oliso is a brand name to trust. Yes, you may spend a little more initially, but, you won’t risk wasting time or money on an underperforming appliance.

Great 1000 watts performance
Great Quality
Dual-voltage switch
Slightly more expensive

2. Rowenta First Class DA1560 Folding Travel Iron

1000 watts of power
GoodQuality
Flat folding handle & carry bag
Handle can feel weird

3. Steamfast Small Mini Travel

Lightest steam iron in the world
Dual voltage capabilities
Heats up in 15 seconds
Medium Quality

4. Sunbeam Hot-to-Trot with Dual Voltage

Cheapest travel steam iron we’ve tested
Not ideal for vertical steaming
Average build quality

Travel Iron Review – Buyers Guide

Highest power output.

Both Oliso and Rowenta have 100 watts of power. This is compared to a full-sized iron which is usually around 1700 watts. So expect it to be a little slower to warm up, but given their small size, they still pack a punch and iron really well. If you need something bigger, check out our best steam irons for clothing article instead.

Most Compact Mini Iron

Small, lightweight mini irons mean you can always take this convenient appliance with you, even for short overnight stays. Steaming ironing clothes is so quick and effortless with an appliance only just bigger than your hand. They also help you to get more than a day’s wear our of some clothing. A quick steam will freshen up garments and even removes faint odors.

The Steamfast mini travel currently holds the title of world’s smallest iron, and after checking the facts, we can confirm this claim.

Not only is it tiny, but it’s also as light as a few feathers, 1 pound to be exact. It’s so teeny tiny yet delivers impressively in both heating speed and steaming capability. It is super comfortable to operate making it the winner not only in this review but as a favorite choice on Amazon too.

All the travel irons listed above can be packed in your carry on luggage too. The TSA Rules confirm that as long as you don’t attempt to use in during the flight, you have their approval.

Best Cheap Steam Iron Choice

The Sunbeam is a near-impossible price to beat. If budget is a factor in picking out your travel iron, then this option will be the lightest on your pocket.

Dual Voltage Performers

All of the above reviewed mini travel irons are dual voltage so book that overseas holiday. Yay! Only the Cordless Panasonic does not qualify in this category.

Globe trotters need an iron that can switch between the lower 100 and higher 240 volts. Depending on the rated voltage of the country you are visiting, you can simply adjust your steam iron to the correct setting and then straighten out clothing that needs a little attention.

If you use your steam iron when there is a higher power input, it may fail to work or worse, cause damage to the iron. Heating appliances like irons without a dual-voltage setting would require a voltage adaptor or convertor.

Safest Iron with Auto Shut-off

None of the mini travel irons above have a safety shut off so it’s essential to remember to switch them off when they are done. They all power on then connected to a power source, so no on/off switches either.

Only the cordless Panasonic has an auto shut-off safety feature, the iron switches off after 10 minutes of inactivity. We generally expect this feature on a high-end product such as this. As the iron only powers up when on its charging plate, if it falls off its base or is left standing on its heel, it will automatically cool down.

Largest Water Capacity

This is only really a factor if you plan to use your iron for more than just a travel ironing. For a shirt or two, the small water capacity of any of the above irons will suffice, but… what if you want more?

The amount of steam you use will ultimately determine how many times you need to refill your water reservoir. This in itself is as easy as popping open a water cap but if you have more ironing to get through, this can be a time-wasting nuisance.

Unbeatable Warranty

Cheap and low-quality irons have a reputation of only lasting a short period of time, but this should not be that case with any of the above travel irons. Should your iron fail, despite proper use and care, the manufacturers should back their products with support, repairs, and replacements.

Variable Heat and Steam Settings

Heat settings need to be adjustable to ensure different fabrics are treated with the correct temperature. The steam output should also be controlled and a steam burst feature is a great addition as it allows you to tackle tougher wrinkles with less effort.

An iron that offers both steam ironing and dry ironing offers more versatility if you plan to use it for home crafting too.

Ergonomic Design

Travel steam irons are conventionally small for easy portability, but this should not make them difficult to use. You should be able to grip the handle comfortably, fill the water tank without difficulty and adjust setting effortlessly.

Need an Iron for Sewing or Quilting?

Small travel sized irons are excellent to include in your sewing tool kit. Sometimes, a large iron can be cumbersome and heavy, especially on repetitive jobs like patchwork. The fact that most travel irons do not have an auto-shutoff, also means your iron is always hot.

The small soleplate also allows detailed precision without the chance of burning your fingers when it comes to flattening seams.

Small Irons for Home Use and Laundry

If you’re a bachelor or bachelorette, then a compact iron may be all you need. Although not what it’s been designed for, a travel iron can be used at home too. Because the soleplate is small, it goes not cover a very large surface area so cloth ironing will take longer compared to a traditional iron.

But if you’re one of those people who only iron the occasional shirt or dress when going out, then it’s a good match for you. It doesn’t take up much space, an 8 foot power cord is long enough to give you good reach, and it heats up really fast. (Sometimes faster than a traditional iron as they have a larger surface to heat.)

Word of warning: Travel irons do not have a safety-off switch, so be sure to switch it off to avoid scorches, burns or worse.

Having a travel iron in your luggage completes the experience of traveling across the planet and looking the part when you finally arrive. After you’ve used it once or twice, and saved a small fortune on the hotel’s ironing service, you won’t leave home without it.

It’s a game-changer for sure. You’ll sooner leave home without your toothbrush before leaving your steamy friend behind. Okay, maybe not everyone gets as excited about ironing as we do, but you’ve got to love the cool convenience of a tiny appliance that helps perfect the ultimate holiday photos.

What other travel essentials are you addicted to? Let us know what’s the first thing you pack when heading on a trip?

Save up to 25% during our Back to School sale. Use code SCHOOL24 at checkout. Ends 8/26/2024.

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Professional Iron with Auto Shutoff

Powerful steam performance with 1500 watts of power
Exceptional durability and smooth glide with stainless steel soleplate
Peace of mind with position-sensitive auto shutoff
Convenient vertical steaming
Anti-drip feature prevents dripping water on clothes
Extra-long cord
Adjustable steam, spray and blast
Self-cleaning setting

Dimensions (inches) 6.2 H x 4.9 W x 11.6 D

Powerful steam performance is important for ironing and the Hamilton Beach® Professional Iron delivers. With 1500 watts of powerful, high-velocity steam, this iron removes wrinkles quickly and easily. The heavy-duty stainless steel soleplate provides exceptional durability and glides easily over fabrics. For your peace of mind, the position-sensitive auto shutoff turns the power off within 30 seconds if the iron falls on its face or side, or in 15 minutes if it's left unattended on its heel. The vertical steam feature lets you quickly remove wrinkles from drapes or hanging clothes — no ironing board required. Anti-drip technology eliminates the problem of water dripping on clothes. The extra-long cord easily reaches your power outlet and provides ironing flexibility in larger rooms. Includes adjustable steam, fine-mist spray and a blast button for a quick burst of steam. The self-cleaning setting removes lint and minerals to extend iron life.

Powerful steam performance with 1500 watt of power This steam iron has high-velocity steam to remove wrinkles quickly and easily.

Exceptional durability and smooth glide with stainless steel soleplate The heavy-duty stainless steel soleplate of this electric iron is durable and glides smoothly over clothes.

Peace of mind with position-sensitive auto shutoff Iron for sewing shuts off automatically within 30 seconds if the iron falls on its face or side, or in 15 minutes if it's left unattended on its heel.

Convenient vertical steaming This iron has vertical steam so you can quickly remove wrinkles from hanging clothes or drapes — no ironing board needed.

Anti-drip feature There's no need to deal with annoying drips — the anti-drip soleplate is designed to prevent water from dripping onto your fabric or clothes.

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Spend $5 More to Get an Iron That's Safe

An iron with an auto shutoff feature is well worth every extra penny, sharing is nice.

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Some product features add a safety measure that you've come to expect. New irons typically have an auto shutoff feature. It turns off the iron when it's motionless after a bit, sensing that you've forgotten there's a hot iron on—handy when you've run to answer the phone and can't get rid of a telemarketer. But Consumer Reports latest tests found three irons that do not have auto shutoff. And while it isn't a required safety feature, our testers are steamed.

Even the $18 Proctor-Silex has auto shutoff, but we found three irons that cost $10 to $35 that do not. And some consumers have gotten accustomed to having auto shutoff so they depend on it. Of the 39 irons in Consumer Reports' tests only these do not have auto shutoff: The $35 Panasonic NI-P300T , the $10 Rival Shot of Steam ES280 from Walmart, and the $15 Continental CE23111 . Spend an extra $5 and you can buy the $20 Black & Decker Xpress Steam Iron IR08X from Walmart. It has auto shutoff and provides a lot more steam, which makes ironing go faster.

Three steam irons from Consumer Reports' tests.

How auto shutoff works An auto shutoff iron turns off in about a minute when motionless and on its side or when the soleplate is down (touching the ironing board). When the iron is upright and in its usual resting position, but motionless, auto shutoff turns off the iron within 8 to 15 minutes. Irons vary on time. At 15 minutes, the three tested irons without auto shutoff scorched the tablecloths we were pressing as part of our test.

Home fires involving irons Irons caused 312 home fires annually, on average, between 2007 and 2011. That's the most recent data available from the National Fire Protection Association . The fires resulted in eight civilian injuries and $10 million in property damage a year.

Choosing a new iron Any iron can get the job done, but a hot iron that provides plenty of steam, glides easily, and feels comfortable in your hand is just the thing you want when faced with a basket of wrinkled clothes or a shirt that needs a good pressing. Our steam iron Ratings feature 39 irons, including six that made our top picks, such as the $45 T-Fal FV4495 Ultraglide . Use our Ratings to compare irons. The features & specs tab lets you know how heavy each iron is, and the steam iron buying guide describes features and is a good place to start. Any questions? Email me at [email protected] .

Do you still iron?

Or send your clothes to the cleaners? Let us know below.

Kimberly Janeway

For years I've covered the increasing water and energy efficiency of washers and what it means to consumers, along with innovations in a variety of products, and whether manufacturers deliver on their promises. What I'm really trying to do is to help consumers, and consumers help me by posting comments and posing questions. So thanks!

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Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins

Travel Iron With Auto Shut Off

Do you hate having to babysit your iron while you’re trying to get ready for a trip? If so, you’ll love this new travel iron with auto shut off!

This handy little iron turns off automatically after eight minutes, so you can relax and enjoy your trip without having to worry about it. It’s also small and lightweight, so it’s easy to pack in your luggage.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this iron is a must-have accessory. So don’t leave home without it!

1 Does iron have auto shut off?
2 How do auto shut off irons work?
3 Why does my iron say auto-off?
4 Is there a steam iron without auto shut off?
5 Can an iron cause a fire if left on?
6 Do Bosch irons turn themselves off?
7 How do I stop my Rowenta iron from automatically turning off?

Does iron have auto shut off?

Yes, most irons do have an auto shut off feature. This is a safety feature that helps prevent the iron from overheating and potentially causing a fire. Most irons will automatically shut off after a certain amount of time has passed, typically 10 or 15 minutes. However, there are a few irons that do not have this feature. If you are unsure if your iron has an auto shut off, check the owners manual or contact the manufacturer.

How do auto shut off irons work?

An auto shut off iron is a type of iron that has been designed to automatically shut off after a certain period of time, typically 8 or 10 minutes. This is done in order to prevent the iron from becoming too hot and potentially causing a fire.

Most auto shut off irons use a sensor to detect when the iron has become too hot. When the iron reaches this point, the sensor will activate the auto shut off function, which will cause the iron to automatically shut off.

There are a few different ways that an auto shut off iron can be activated. Some irons will automatically shut off when the cord is pulled from the wall outlet. Others will shut off when the temperature reaches a certain point, or when the iron is left in the upright position for a certain period of time.

Auto shut off irons are a great safety feature, and they can help to prevent fires from occurring. They are also a great option for people who have a tendency to forget to turn off their irons.

Why does my iron say auto-off?

Many irons come equipped with an auto-off feature that will turn the iron off after a certain amount of time has passed. This is typically a safety measure to prevent the iron from being left on and causing a fire.

If your iron is saying auto-off, it means that the auto-off feature has been activated and the iron will turn off automatically after a certain amount of time has passed. If you want to deactivate the auto-off feature, you can do so by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Is there a steam iron without auto shut off?

It is important to have an auto shut off feature on a steam iron, as it helps to prevent accidents. However, if you are looking for a steam iron without this feature, there are a few options available.

One option is to purchase a manual iron. These irons do not have any automated features, and must be operated manually. This can be a good option for those who are looking for an iron with more precision, as it can be easier to control the amount of steam that is released with a manual iron.

Another option is to purchase an iron that has a delayed auto shut off. This means that the iron will not automatically shut off after a certain amount of time, but will instead stay on for a set amount of time after the button has been released. This can be a good option for those who are looking to save time, as they can press the button and walk away without having to worry about the iron shutting off.

Finally, there are a few irons on the market that do not have an auto shut off feature. However, these irons are typically more expensive than those that do have this feature. So, if you are looking for a low-cost option, an auto shut off iron is the best choice.

Can an iron cause a fire if left on?

Many people have heard the old wives’ tale that if you leave an iron on, it will cause a fire. Is this true, or is it just an old wives’ tale?

The truth is that an iron can cause a fire if it is left on, but it is not as common as people might think. There are several things that you can do to prevent your iron from causing a fire. First, make sure that you unplug your iron when you are finished using it. Second, make sure that your iron is in the off position when you are not using it. And third, never leave your iron on when you are not around.

If you follow these tips, your iron should not cause a fire. However, if you do experience a fire that was started by an iron, make sure to call the fire department immediately.

Do Bosch irons turn themselves off?

There’s a rumor going around that Bosch irons turn themselves off after a certain amount of time. Is this true?

The rumor is partially true. Bosch irons do have a built-in feature that turns them off after a certain amount of time, but this feature can be disabled if you want.

So, do Bosch irons turn themselves off?

Technically, yes, but you can easily disable the feature if you want.

How do I stop my Rowenta iron from automatically turning off?

When you’re ironing clothes, the last thing you want is for your iron to automatically turn off before you’re finished. Unfortunately, this is a common issue with Rowenta irons. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

One thing you can try is to change the temperature setting on your iron. Rowenta irons typically have a default setting of Auto Shut Off, which turns the iron off after a certain amount of time. If you change the setting to Manual Shut Off, the iron will stay on until you turn it off.

Another thing you can try is to clean the iron’s steam vents. If the vents are clogged, it can cause the iron to turn off automatically. To clean the vents, remove the steam vents from the iron and soak them in vinegar for a few hours. Then, rinse them off and put them back in the iron.

If none of these solutions work, you may need to get a new iron. Rowenta irons are known for their Auto Shut Off feature, so it’s likely that any new iron from Rowenta will have the same issue.

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IMAGES

Rowenta Steamforce Steam Iron, with Auto Shut Off, DW9280
BLACK & DECKER Auto-Steam Iron with Automatic Shut-Off in the Irons
Rowenta Iron with Auto Shut-Off at Lowes.com
Impress Red Auto-Steam Iron with Automatic Shut-Off (1200-Watt) in the
Rowenta Iron with Auto Shut-Off at Lowes.com
Hamilton Beach Professional Iron with Auto Shutoff

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COMMENTS

Amazon.com: Travel Iron Auto Shut Off
1-16 of 306 results for "travel iron auto shut off" Results. Check each product page for other buying options. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. ... Brentwood MPI-90BK Steam Iron with Auto Shut-Off, Black. 3.7 out of 5 stars. 18. $27.45 $ 27. 45. List: $47.99 $47.99. FREE delivery Mon, Jul 8 .
Amazon.com: Travel Iron
Hamilton Beach Steam Iron & Vertical Steamer for Clothes with Scratch-Resistant Durathon Soleplate, 3-Way Auto Shutoff, Anti-Drip, Digital Temp. Control, 8' Retractable Cord, 1700W, Silver. 7,510. 700+ bought in past month. $4299.
The 8 Best Travel Irons in 2023 [Portable, Dual Voltage]
As for size, a travel iron is built to fit perfectly into your suitcase or travel bag. This convenient tool's dimensions typically vary from 6 to 8 inches in length. ... this iron features a pivoting cord and 3-way automatic shut-off for ultimate user convenience. Possibly the best thing about it is the TrueGlide nonstick soleplate, which is ...
Amazon.com: Iron With Auto Shutoff
Sunbeam Classic Steam Iron, 1200 Watt, Mid-size Anti-Drip Nonstick Soleplate, Horizontal or Vertical Shot of Steam with 8' 360-Degree Swivel Cord and 3-Way Auto Shut-Off, White. 15,867. $2587. List: $32.99. FREE delivery Thu, Jun 27 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Or fastest delivery Wed, Jun 26.
7 Best Travel Irons: Which Small Travel Iron to Pick?
An actual steam travel iron (one that uses both steam and the hotplates) is a good option if traveling for work and need presses and pleats. Wattage. ... This travel size steamer works just as well as most at-home steamers and has so many great features, like the auto-shut off. It's lightweight at 1.75 pounds and packs into a suitcase ...
Auto Shut-Off Irons
ADD TO CART. Professional Iron with Auto Shutoff. Powerful steam performance with 1500 watts of power. Exceptional durability and smooth glide with stainless steel soleplate. Peace of mind with position-sensitive auto shutoff. view more info >>. Professional Iron with Auto Shutoff. MODEL: 14980. $39.99.
The 10 Best Auto Shut-Off Irons of 2024 (Reviews)
The auto shut-off irons are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of auto shut-off irons, including Mueller, Sunbeam, Hamilton Beach, Bartnelli, Brentwood. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,704 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
5 Best Travel Irons
Travel iron prices. You can expect to pay from less than $15 to more than $35 for a travel iron.. Inexpensive: For less than $15, you can find a travel iron with manual controls, dual voltage system, steam shot, and power indicator light. Irons at this price are usually some of the smallest you'll find on the market. Mid-range: From $15 to $35, you'll find slightly larger irons with a few ...
Ironing Out the Details: The 6 Best Travel Irons for Your Next Trip!
1. Rowenta 1700-Watt Steam Iron. With 1700-watt power and a stainless steel soleplate with a precision tip for those annoying shirt and pant corners, the Rowenta DW5080 Focus 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron has enough horsepower and dexterity to be considered one of the best irons full-stop, let alone one of the best travel irons.
brentwood Blue Auto-steam Iron Automatic Shut-off (1100-Watt)
Our powerful brentwood 1100 watt dual voltage nonstick travel iron with steam is the perfect travel companion. Iron and steam clothes, linens, quilts, and more. Compact design allows for easy storage and transportation. The ceramic coated sole plate glides over fabrics effortlessly removing wrinkles. Sleek 2 tone finish adds a modern twist on a ...
The Winners of Our Best Irons Tests
Our winner for the best overall iron is the Rowenta Access Stainless Steel Steam Iron, which has an automatic shut-off feature and anti-drip protection. It also effectively removed wrinkles from various types of fabric. Our Testing Process . ... Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot Travel Iron .
Amazon.com: Automatic Turn Off Iron
Proctor Silex Iron & Vertical Steamer for Clothes with Nonstick Soleplate 1200 Watts, Adjustable Spray and Blast Steam Settings, Auto Shutoff, White and Grey (17150PS) 323. 50+ bought in past month. $2004. List: $20.99. FREE delivery Thu, Mar 21 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Or fastest delivery Wed, Mar 20.
Best Small Steam Iron for Travel 2023
Safest Iron with Auto Shut-off. None of the mini travel irons above have a safety shut off so it's essential to remember to switch them off when they are done. They all power on then connected to a power source, so no on/off switches either. Only the cordless Panasonic has an auto shut-off safety feature, the iron switches off after 10 ...
8 Travel Irons and Steamers That Keep Your Clothes ...
Why We Love it: We love that this iron offers variable controls for temperature; not all mini irons offer this feature. Things to consider: This travel iron weighs more than the other selections on this list. There is no automatic shut off, so be sure to unplug after use. Some users complain it's slow to heat up. $20.99 at BedBathAndBeyond.com
Professional Iron with Auto Shutoff
Extra-long cord. Adjustable steam, spray and blast. Self-cleaning setting. Dimensions (inches) 6.2 H x 4.9 W x 11.6 D. Details +. Powerful steam performance is important for ironing and the Hamilton Beach® Professional Iron delivers. With 1500 watts of powerful, high-velocity steam, this iron removes wrinkles quickly and easily.
Automatic Shut-Off Irons at Lowes.com
5.0. Hamilton Beach. Silver Iron Automatic Shut-off (1500-Watt) 4.9. Sunbeam. Iron Automatic Shut-off (1700-Watt) 4.6. Electrolux. Electrolux Essential Blue Iron.
BLACK+DECKER Easy Steam Compact Iron, IR40V, Nonstick Plate, SmartSteam
3-Way Auto Shutoff- Get peace of mind with motion-sensitive technology that automatically shuts off the iron if left inactive on its heel, side or soleplate.Wipe soleplate and outer surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water ; Anti-Drip- Engineered to prevent dripping by maintaining water at the proper temperature needed to generate steam.
Spend $5 More to Get an Iron That's Safe
Spend an extra $5 and you can buy the $20 Black & Decker Xpress Steam Iron IR08X from Walmart. It has auto shutoff and provides a lot more steam, which makes ironing go faster. From left, the ...
Travel Iron With Auto Shut Off
An auto shut off iron is a type of iron that has been designed to automatically shut off after a certain period of time, typically 8 or 10 minutes. This is done in order to prevent the iron from becoming too hot and potentially causing a fire. Most auto shut off irons use a sensor to detect when the iron has become too hot.
Amazon.ca: Curling Iron With Auto Shut Off
Hair Curler 1.25 Inch, Extra Long Hair Curling Iron for Voluminous Curls, Hair Curler Iron, 1 1/4 Inch Hair Curling Iron with Fast Heating up to 60℃-230℃ (140℉-446℉), Auto Shut Off Hair Curler Wand. 8. $7499 ($74.99/count) Was: $78.99. Save $30.00 with coupon.
Amazon.com: Automatic Shut Off Iron
Sunbeam Classic Steam Iron, 1200 Watt, Mid-size Anti-Drip Nonstick Soleplate, Horizontal or Vertical Shot of Steam with 8' 360-Degree Swivel Cord and 3-Way Auto Shut-Off, White. 15,852. 800+ bought in past month. $2587. List: $32.99. FREE delivery Thu, Jun 13 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. More Buying Choices.
What is your favorite mini iron to use for quilting? : r/quilting
I like the Rowena mini iron personally. I had a Rowenta. I liked that the handle would collapse to take up less space, but I hated that the handle sometimes closed while I was using the iron. I prefer my Sunbeam mini iron. It does get a bit warm, but it works well. I use the Prym one and it works just fine for me.