The best steam irons are not necessarily the most expensive ones. They are the ones that don't leak, heat up quickly, and don't give you tendinitis from heavy lifting. Certain price points will have you thinking that perhaps an expensive iron will offer better performance, but that is very often untrue. The most important thing to do when choosing the best iron for you is knowing what you need in your work, and doing some research on the durability of your product.
Common Iron Problems
The two biggest gripes that come out of frequent users of steam irons are leaky water tank and temperature control problems. A faulty water tank can cause all sorts of problems, the most annoying of which is the water tank leaking and dripping water onto the fabric or board. This can even be dangerous and increase risk of electrocution. Some users, such as sewers or quilters, have less use for the steam function and will simple solve the issue preemptively by simply never using the water tank. When the need for some moisture arises, they simply use an external spray bottle. Dry irons are now very rare, and often command a higher price point than the best steam irons, which is most users end up buying steam irons anyway.
Another common grip is temperature. Various fabrics react to heat differently, however, heavy users such as quilters or sewers who work with mostly cotton prefer irons that can achieve a higher temperature, and achieve these temperatures faster. Some irons do not reach a satisfactory temperature, while an even bigger problem is a broken thermostat. A broken thermostat may mean that the iron will not heat up at all, or worse, become so hot that threads and fabric burn or melt.
Lesser problems
Users will also encounter problems such as steam overload. If the steam controls of an iron lack adequate moisture control, it can emit giant blasts of steam whenever triggered. It is a hassle for light users, who may find that their dry clothes are once again wet, and disastrous for heavy users such as quilters, for whom the steam can warp fabric and distort patterns.
Another common cause for concern is the weight of an iron. In general the iron should be light enough to move easily across your fabrics, but heavy enough to smooth out the wrinkles. Quilters, in particular, frequently leave the iron-heated or unheated-over a patch or appliqué to flatten it or make it stick. The iron should therefore have some heft, but not be so heavy as to hurt the wrist if repeated motions are necessary.
These are some key elements to look out for when seeking an iron. Ultimately, though, the best steam irons are the ones that have specs that work best for you.
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