How Do Electric Irons Work?

Background

The first recorded irons were called smoothing stones. They were made from hard materials such as wood, glass, stone, and bone. They were shaped like large mushrooms and users would vigorously rub the smoothing stone over the clothing, creating friction that gave the item the heat it needed to be smoothed out. Eventually, irons changed in size and shape to more closely resemble the irons we use today. One of the first mass-produced irons was called the "sadiron" with "sad" meaning heavy or solid.

Elements of an iron

There are four basic elements found in the first mass-produced irons that make up the elements of the iron we used today. Weight is used to flatten the fabric as it is heated. There is a heat source, which is now electrical. There is a heat control or regulator to keep the iron at a temperature that is hot enough to iron clothes, but no so hot as to damage the clothing. There is also moisture, which was once created by dampening the clothing or a pressing cloth, and it is now delivered with steam from the iron.

Heat control

Unlike stove heated irons of yesteryear, modern household irons are heated using electricity. The power goes to the heating element in the iron, which is controlled by the thermostat dial that allows the used to set the appropriate heat for the garment. Cotton for example would be ironed at a high heat, and silk would be ironed at a very low temperature.

Steam

Modern irons have a water reservoir that is turned into steam by the hot iron. This steam is delivered onto the clothing through holes in the base of the iron. The user has the option of pressing a steam button to deliver extra steam. For clothes that don't need steam, you can should not put water into the iron.

Using the Iron

Modern irons are pretty much plug in and use. You plug in the iron, allow it to reach the desired temperature, and run it over the clothing and watch the wrinkles disappear. For those of us who need extra help, newer irons have anti-burn control that will turn an iron off if it is left face-down for too long. It will also turn itself off if it has just been left on for an extended period of time.