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How to Buy the Best Electric Steam Irons at the Best Price

Member
By Norman Stein
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)
Black & Decker Steam Iron
Black & Decker Steam Iron

Shopping for electric steam irons can be confusing at first. After all, in the end all steam irons do the same thing, get the wrinkles out of your clothes. What's the difference between a $10 steam iron and a $75 steam iron? Well, let's take the confusion away and go through the differences between electric steam irons.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1
    A nice steam iron
    A nice steam iron

    Check out the wattage, a steam iron that is low powered will take forever to warm up and produce steam. Look for a clothes iron with at least 1500 watts.

  2. Step 2

    Look for a steam iron with an accurate temperature control. It only takes a few degrees to burn delicate clothing. Good electric steam irons will have digital or electronic temperature control.

  3. Step 3

    Auto cleaning. Good electric steam irons will have auto cleaning. Ironing is bad enough, you don't want to have to clean the clothes iron too! not to mention what happens when you put a dirty iron on clean clothes.

  4. Step 4

    Auto off. This is a critical feature. The best electric steam irons will have auto off, even better ones will have multiple triggers to turn it off. Motion and time.

  5. Step 5

    Finish. This is not merely cosmetic. A good stainless steal finish stays clean, and is easy to clean. And is much more durable if you drop it (and who hasn't dropped an iron before)

  6. Step 6
    Well made cordless steam iron
    Well made cordless steam iron

    Cordless or not. There are now cordless irons available. If you go for one of these make sure it has sufficient power and sufficient battery life for the amount of ironing you do. Keep in mind some manufacturers will reduce the power in order to advertise better battery life. Don't fall for this!
    If you have children or pets this may be the way to go for safety reasons.

  7. Step 7

    Water tank. Make sure the water level is clearly visible on the electric steam iron and it's capacity is at least 6 ounces.

  8. Step 8
    Electric steam irons
    Electric steam irons

    Precision tip. This is mostly standard on good quality electric steam irons now, but make sure there are steam jets on the tip of the steam iron as well.

  9. Step 9

    Multiple steam settings. The best electric steam irons will have multiple settings and over 300 steam vents for even distribution of steam.

  10. Step 10

    And finally check out the sole plate. This is the part of the electric steam iron that actually touches the clothes. The best steam irons will have titanium coating for easy glide and non-stick attributes.

  11. Step 11

    To find electric steam irons at the best price it's important to check out reviews of steam irons at review sites such as ConsumerReports. Getting an honest review from a real user will help you make the best decision on which steam iron is best for you.

Tips & Warnings
  • Get a high powered steam iron if you need it to be ready quickly.
  • Visit electric steam irons review sites to get opinions of real users.
  • If you have kids or pets, consider a cordless steam iron for safety reasons.

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