Best ironing boards in 2024 – tried and tested by the Ideal Home team

It’s safe to say that investing in one of the best ironing boards is essential for any home. While some people hate ironing and will avoid it at all costs, others love the fact that this quiet task can help them let off some steam (quite literally). 

While the best steam irons can help you iron out the creases and help your collars stand to attention, they’d be nothing without any ironing board to keep them company. But how do you choose the right ironing board for your needs? With so many different styles, sizes, and price points out there, knowing which one to buy can be a minefield.

That’s why we’ve decided to take the hard work out of choosing the best ironing board. We’ve tested the best options from brands such as Joseph Joseph, Brabantia, Vileda, and Lakeland to see what the fuss is about and to determine whether their top-class reviews are justified. This has allowed us to put together a list of what we consider to be the best ironing boards to invest in. 

Best ironing boards - The quick list

Short on time but want to bag the best ironing board on the market? Browse our quick list below, which has everything you need to know neatly summed up.

Best ironing boards tried and tested by the IH team

Best ironing board overall

This is the first of three Brabantia mentions in this guide, but what can we say, we think the brand makes a brilliant ironing board. We liked this one thanks to its sturdy design, which made it feel safe throughout use. 

All four feet are non-slip and there is also a trustworthy iron holder on the far end of the board. This worked well for both our right-handed and left-handed testers which kept the whole team happy. 

Assembly was easy thanks to a lever on the underside of the board, and this locks which kept us confident that this is a great board for the safety-conscious. 

Height adjusts from 69 to 96cm and there's a 10-year guarantee. 

Best ironing board for steaming

This ironing board is one of the sturdiest we tested, featuring extra-wide feet and multiple height positions to ensure it’s comfortable to use however tall or short you might be, too.

The ironing surface itself is plenty big enough to cope with sheets and duvets, and the iron support is shaped to accommodate both a steam iron and a steam generator. 

The underside of the cotton cover has a metalized foil layer that reflects steam and heat back into the clothes making it more efficient when steam ironing. This did seem to make a difference, with items such as cotton t-shirts sometimes only needing a quick press on one side rather than both to remove light creases.

It also has a safety locking system that prevents the board from collapsing if accidentally knocked over. It is the tallest of the models we tested when folded though so you’ll need a little more space to store it than most.

Best ironing board for small spaces

While it’s the most storage-friendly of the boards we tested, the Joseph Joseph Pocket Ironing Board still has an impressive surface area of 90 x 33cm. It also has the option to be mounted on the back of utility room doors or inside wardrobes so you don't need to worry about how best to store this ironing board. 

Another plus is the fact that it has a storage space that will hold a regular-sized iron for easy storage. We found that it worked better with a corded iron than a cordless one which often has a base that will need storing, too.

This one is great for ironing smaller items of clothing and perfect if you’re short on both space and time, you can simply fold down the mini legs and then pop it onto a work surface or table and start pressing. The main issue is that we couldn't wrap things around the underside of the board as we would when we used a regular ironing board, meaning it's not the best for doing pillowcases or t-shirts one side at a time.

The cover is nicely padded and although we wouldn’t recommend it for larger families with heaps of ironing or if you’re wedded to ironing your duvets, it’s perfectly acceptable for t-shirts and jeans. Make sure you pick a surface to sit it on that’s the right height, though, or you could end up with back strain if you’re ironing for a while.

Best ironing board for shirts

Our Senior digital editor put Brabantia's ironing board through its paces on a load of shirts and found it a lot easier to manage than her usual board. Offering a whopping   124 x 45cm space to work on, there's no need to move the shirt around which is a faff at the best of times but especially so when you have a load to get through.

Suitable for left and right-handed use, it's super stable with its four-legged frame so you can rest your ironing its holder knowing it won't wobble the board. It's also height-adjustable so no more back pain for those of taller statures.

The cover is nicely padded and ironing is smooth on the surface, while the perfect fit cover means it kills creases. We also loved how easy it was to move from a cramped utility room to the kitchen as the transport lock keeps it folded down so no nipping incidents occur.

Best ironing board for steam generators

We know that there’s much more to an ironing board than its cover but we also realize that often people buy them because of the way they look as much as how big – or not – they are. There’s something about the range of covers available for this board that makes us feel a little more stylish when ironing.

If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-store board, then this one probably won’t be for you as its sturdy construction, XL size – 124 x 45cm – and solid steam generator holder means it’ll take up a fair bit of space whether up, or folded down. It has seven height adjustments from 75 to 98cm, great for even the loftiest of ironers and our testers felt it was one of the most stable and sturdy boards they tried.

There’s plenty of surface to take on sheets, duvets and flowing dresses, meaning ironing big items is much quicker and easier than on a small board. If this cover isn’t for you, then this board's covers are available in seven other colours/patterns.

Best ironing board with cord holder

If you ever get annoyed by the iron cord getting jammed between the iron holder and the board itself, this one might be for you as it features a pull-up cord holder that prevents that from happening. 

However, if you have a steam generator, be aware, that the cord on the one we used was far too bulky to fit into this attachment, making this a better choice for those with conventional irons. It is a traditional choice, although a little heavy, and has thick steel legs with non-slip feet and the usual safety lock to ensure it doesn’t open when being moved.

It has a decent, well-fitting cotton ironing surface that features a retro floral design. Our main downside was that this ironing board had a bit of a wobble in testing. This wasn't an issue when the board was weighed down a bit, but it could still prove annoying over time.

Best ironing board for sleeves

We enjoyed using the Brabantia Sleeve Ironing Board on shirt sleeves and smaller tasks. This ironing board folds to be nearly entirely flat, and with the hinge right at the back of the board, it has plenty of space for you to put the entire sleeve on the board and simply spin it around to give it an even iron from every angle.

Don't let its low placement in this guide fool you, we think this one's a game-changer. The ironing board is a brilliant add-on to your ironing routine, but a bit defunct without picking up one of the best ironing boards above to rest it on or simply tackle the main body of your shirt.

How to choose the best ironing board

If you want to choose the best ironing board, there are certain things you need to consider before you part ways with your hard-earned money.

Charlotte Bird at Brabantia explains, 'There are a few things to consider when looking for a new ironing board. Firstly, the size and weight of your iron will have an impact on the right board for you. For example, steam generators are more robust than your average iron and so need an appropriately hard-wearing and heavy-duty steam generator ironing board.'

 'Secondly, think about where you will be storing your board. Do you need something smaller or a board that can fold away? There are many different storage solutions on the market, so you are sure to find something whatever your circumstances.'

'Although many people do store their board out of sight, for others design is important. Getting the right colour of the board for your interior decor, with a complementary board cover, will make sure the ironing board doesn’t look out of place when in use.'

'Lastly, look at the surface of the board. Underneath the cover, it should be made out of metal, with adequate ventilation for the steam to escape.'

You might also want to consider:

Height and material: Firstly, make sure the board is a metal mesh construction below the cover, as this allows steam to pass through and evaporate.

If you’re a dedicated ironer of everything, including large items such as duvets and sheets, then pick a board with as big an ironing area as you can. Most will supply those details if you’re buying online, and you can see for yourself if you’re buying in-store.

A board with a larger number of height adjustments will ensure that the tallest and smallest members of the household will be able to iron without it resulting in an aching back. Most boards have at least three, with some having multiple small increments. Just remember, if you’re going to store your board away in a cupboard, check the folded height of the board as well as the surface area, as it will always be bigger, and you might find you’ve bought a board that’s too tall for your storage space.

Iron type: Your choice of board will also depend on what kind of iron you are using. Most boards happily accommodate steam irons these days, but not all of them will hold larger steam generators, which can be annoying if you then have to place them on an alternative surface or actually on the board, using up precious pressing space.

Additional features: Some boards also include a flex holder to avoid the cord getting caught between the iron holder and the board as you iron, although these only really work with thinner steam iron cords as opposed to thicker steam generator ones. If you like to iron in bulk, then it’s worth considering a model that features a hanging rack to store shirts on or folding racks below to place them before putting everything away.

How we test the best ironing boards

You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our how we test page. But no matter whether we're testing air fryers, dehumidifiers, or the best clothing steamers, we always like to put a product through its paces. To test the boards, our Head of Reviews Millie Fender and Ecommerce Editor Molly Cleary set off into our testing centre, laundry bags in tow, to spend a few days ironing with a selection of boards and irons to put each product to the test.

To get a fair test, we ironed everything from formal shirts to linen duvet covers. For our board tests, we considered how easy it was to put up and take down the board for each session and how easy – and also safe – it was to store away once we’d finished. Sturdiness was a big factor, and we also took a close look at any additional features that might make a certain board better suited to different iron types, such as steam generators or cordless irons. 

Millie Fender

Millie Fender is Head of Reviews at Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, and other iconic home brands at Future Publishing. Typically found testing gadgets in our test kitchen, Millie only irons when she absolutely has to, and she has a vested in interest in finding the perfect products to get the job done in as little time as humanly possible. 

When testing the best ironing boards, Millie's neglected laundry pile came in immensely handy. She also re-discovered some shirts she forgot she had, so that's a win. 

Molly Cleary

Molly is the Ecommerce Editor for Ideal Home, covering all things appliance related - including irons and ironing boards. She tested the choices above at Future's test facility in Reading alongside Millie, and was a convert to the art of ironing. She particularly enjoyed the sleeve ironing board, which made cuffs and sleeve pleats a lot more manageable. 

FAQs

How much should I spend on an ironing board?

Prices range from a very reasonable £10 for a simple model to an astounding £250 for a professional-style steam iron and board combo. However, if you’re after multiple height options and a big enough ironing surface to iron items such as sheets or duvets then spending upwards of £30 will get you something to suit.

The size you buy will depend on how much space you have. In smaller homes, where space is a premium, you might want to invest in a smaller, or even table-top board, while if you have plenty of space – or even a dedicated laundry room where you can leave your iron up – you can go for something with more surface area.

Does the quality of an ironing board matter?

We asked Charlotte Bird at Brabantia for her thoughts. 'Ironing boards are one of the staples of a home that are often overlooked in favour of items that are thought to be more stylish. However, getting the right ironing board for you is important. Size, storage solutions and frequency of use are key things to consider and will dictate the quality of the board you need. For example, if you are regularly ironing large items such as bedding, you are likely to have a higher quality iron and need more board space, as such you will benefit from a larger, stronger ironing board.'

 'The quality of the ironing board matters increasingly more depending on how regularly you intend to use it and on the size and weight of your iron. Safety is important to consider also, for example, all Brabantia ironing boards have a child safety lock feature to prevent unexpected collapsing.'

'As well as this, you tend to see that the more you spend the longer the guarantee will be on the board, which is peace of mind for customers. '

Is a bigger ironing board better?

It probably goes without saying but the bigger, or rather, the wider your ironing board is, the more efficient your ironing chore will be because you'll spend less time repositioning your items.

'When it comes to ironing boards, bigger is only better if that’s what suits your needs and home. At Brabantia for example, we have a range of compact ironing boards and smaller designs perfect for smaller homes, as well as tabletop ironing boards that are easy to store out of sight. Both will still help you leave your laundry crinkle-free.'

'If you have big items to iron or you are ironing regularly, a bigger board will help you to get your laundry ironed quicker and more easily.'

Is my ironing board safe?

There’s a huge safety aspect when you’re dealing with something that holds a hot iron. If a board tips over or collapses while ironing it might damage a carpet and at worse burn you or someone else. Boards need to be tough and sturdy and have rubber or plastic-tipped legs to ensure there’s no slipping, particularly when you’re ironing items that require more pressure such as jeans.

The best boards also feature safety catches to stop them from collapsing while ironing or opening accidentally when stored. If you’re regularly putting the iron up and taking it down to tidy away, then look out for how heavy they are too as the bulkier and weightier the board is, the harder it might be to manoeuvre.

Is it worth buying an expensive ironing board?

They say that when you buy cheap, you buy twice, and if you’re someone who uses an ironing board regularly, it’s certainly beneficial to avoid buying a cheap ironing board.

Cleaning expert Carol Harding at HomeAdviceGuide.com, says, ‘Typically, you’ll find that the more you pay for an ironing board, the better the standard of design and quality of materials. But before you spend your money, it’s worth checking a few things first.’

‘Any ironing board needs to be sturdy, so a solid frame and well-designed feet are a must. If you frequently carry your ironing board to and from its storage space, then you need to find a balance between sturdy materials and weight.’ 

Of course, if you’re someone who only uses an ironing board on very rare occasions, you should be fine buying a cheaper option. 

What is the lifespan of an ironing board?

Unlike ironing board covers, which should be replaced every 2 - 5 years, ironing boards can last a lifetime if they’re properly cared for. However, there are some characteristics of an ironing board that mean general wear and tear can appear a few years into ownership. 

‘There are many typical design factors that mean ironing boards deteriorate over time,’ explains Oliver Craig, Head of Design Management at Joseph Joseph. ‘From the traditional leg design that causes them to snag and bash against things as they go in and out of storage to the constant twisting and stressing of the board’s joints and welds as people wrestle to open and close them. These elements, coupled with cost-stripping tactics to reduce materials used, cause ironing boards to wear and break until they eventually give up.’

Ironing boards aren’t the kind of items that you need to buy time and time again, though. They should ideally last at least ten years before needing to be replaced.

Should I get a tabletop ironing board?

We asked Tommy Singh, Senior Product Developer at Beldray:

'Tabletop ironing boards are designed to be lightweight and portable, and ideal for those who have little space to spare or are always on the go.' 

'Tabletop boards can be carried from room to room and be beneficial to those who don’t have a designated place for their laundry.'

'The tabletop is an affordable option for those who are looking for a basic ironing board model, or who only iron occasionally on the go.'

If you're ready to start ironing but struggle to dry your clothes properly, why not check out our best heated clothes airers to speed up the process?