I've selected the best steam irons for powerful crease removal – tried and tested on real laundry
These are the best steam irons the Ideal Home team has tested that make ironing quicker, easier and more effective
Molly Cleary
Ironing has a bad reputation, with many of us avoiding it at all costs, often to the detriment of our clothes. However, the best steam iron really can make ironing a pleasure. After testing countless models, I've learnt that the right features, weight and design make all the difference between effortless and arduous.
For this guide, I put six irons through their paces by working through family-sized loads at home, with the wider Ideal Home team pitching in. I tested them on real fabrics in real scenarios, rating everything from adjustable steam settings to water tank size and how easy each soleplate was to clean.
Quick list
An overview of the very best irons that impressed in testing at a glance.
With its ergonomic design and impressive performance, this Morphy Richards easyCHARGE iron earns the title of best overall iron. It's a cordless model, which makes it super convenient, but crucially, there's no faff in returning the iron to its lightning-fast charging base when you do need more charge. With powerful vertical steam, it glides well on most fabrics.
The Philips PerfectCare Steam Generator 7000 was the surprise standout favourite of our ironing test run. Its heavy looks can be deceiving, as it turned out that this steam generator system was an absolute dream to use. The lightweight iron itself uses OptimalTEMP technology, which means that it can automatically adjust to whichever fabric you're ironing, which, while testing, I found particularly invaluable and actually worked to boot.
If you're wondering how the Tower CeraGlide's ability to be both cordless and corded works, it uses a base for a quick burst of charge, or just be fixed to the bulk of the iron as you go, meaning there's no need to stop for a charge. This iron doesn't have the biggest water tank of them all, but it's perfectly adequate for small to medium homes with similarly sized laundry piles.
The Russell Hobbs Power Steam Ultra impressed me during testing, reaching the right temperature in seconds. It irons extremely smoothly, ploughing through creases, making it easy to power through a load of laundry in record time.
The Morphy Richards EasyCharge Cordless Iron features a generous 350ml water tank capacity, which ensures longer ironing sessions without frequent refills. The charging dock is 360 degrees for minimal faff when you need a charge boost. Its ceramic soleplate provides smooth, crease-free results. However, that's after a couple of presses, making its steam output a tad inconsistent compared to its corded competitors.
The Tefal Freemove is very lightweight, not least because it’s cordless. After around 30 seconds of ironing, the base beeps to remind you to recharge. Then it takes 11 seconds to recharge – just enough time for you to adjust the garment to a new position. The timings work. As do the ergonomics: it slides comfortably onto the base, and ironing cordlessly feels very natural.
The best steam irons – tried and tested by Ideal Home's experts
Best steam iron overall
I loved the design of this Morphy Richards iron and its performance more than lives up to it, earning it top spot in this guide. As a cordless model, it's brilliantly convenient, and crucially, there's no faff when it comes to recharging. The onboard lights clearly show how much charge you've got left, which is a genuinely genius touch, and reheating is lightning-fast, taking just 25 seconds. That's quicker than the Tower CeraGlide iron at 30 seconds and noticeably faster than Morphy Richards' own EasyCHARGE cordless steam iron, which takes 40 seconds.
Steam performance also impressed me. It delivers a steady 30g/min of continuous steam (you can learn more about steam output in our how to choose a steam iron section), with a powerful 130g/min shot via the trigger button, including vertical steaming/ While that's lower than pricier steam generator irons like the Philips PerfectCare 7000, the cordlessness makes ironing feel far easier and more fluid in real use.
The steam is quiet, consistent and effective, and the iron glides smoothly across fabrics. There are a couple of minor niggles, such as the water spray button is a little overzealous and can leave damp patches, but overall, this iron strikes the best balance of performance, features and value of all the models tested.
Best steam generator iron
The Philips PerfectCare Steam Generator 7000 was the surprise standout favourite of our ironing test run. It was easy to hastily judge this iron on looks alone; it's very big, a bit strange-looking compared to a conventional iron and quite heavy too.
But looks can be deceiving, and it turns out that this steam generator system was an absolute dream to use. How does it work? You fill up the 1.8-litre water tank (which can last you for up to an incredible two hours of use), and then simply lift off the ultra-light iron from the base itself, heating up typically within two minutes.
The iron itself uses OptimalTEMP technology, which means that it can automatically adjust to whichever fabric you're ironing, which we found a particularly clever feature while testing. You can also use it vertically if you want to tease the creases out of your work shirt or use the continuous steam function for your sheets.
During testing, I envisioned that the Philips PerfectCare Steam Generator 7000 would be ideal for families with plenty of washing to get through, or for houses bursting with bedrooms, and therefore plenty of sheets to change. It would be especially ideal for anyone renting out rooms in their house who needs to do industrial levels of laundry.
I know that the hefty size definitely won't be for everyone, but if you do need a bigger, more heavy-duty iron, you really can't do better than the Philips PerfectCare Steam Generator 7000.
Best cordless iron
During testing, I found that I could get all the benefits of a cordless iron with the Tower CeraGlide iron. And the option to use it as a corded iron if you want to makes it stand out from the other two cordless options in this guide.
If you're wondering how the ability to be both cordless and corded works, this iron uses a base that can be used for a quick burst of charge, or just be fixed to the bulk of the iron as you go, meaning there's no need to stop for a charge.
With a fantastically affordable RRP of £24, it's an excellent value iron and impressed during testing, with its really quick heating time of 30 seconds (with other models such as the Morphy Richards easyCHARGE taking 40 seconds), a 40g/min steam output and a 180g/min steam boost.
Equipped with a high-performance ceramic soleplate, it glides effortlessly over a variety of different fabrics, and its large 360ml water tank means you can iron a full laundry load without frequent refills, compared with the Tefal Freemove Air Cordless iron in this guide's smaller, 250ml capacity.
Ok, it doesn't have the biggest water tank of them all, but it's definitely the most suitable cordless option for small to medium homes with similarly sized laundry piles.
Best corded iron
The Russell Hobbs Power Steam Ultra iron has become a reliable go-to in my household thanks to its ultra-smooth ceramic soleplate, which makes light work of large laundry loads. While it's a corded model, it heats up in under 30 seconds and delivers an impressive 70mg/min continuous steam output. The long three-metre cord also helps prevent it from feeling restrictive, especially when using the vertical steam function.
I used the powerful 210g/min steam shot to remove deep creases from curtains, and the burst of steam was visibly strong and effective. An adjustable temperature dial makes it easy to switch between fabrics, while the auto shut-off feature adds reassurance. A generous 360ml water tank and self-clean function also make this iron easy to live with.
The only downside is the fiddly front-fill water tank, which is tricky without the included beaker. That aside, the CeraGlide ceramic soleplate glides beautifully, and the rose gold accents give this powerful iron a stylish finish, even if it's not quite as convenient as a cordless alternative.
Best for water tank capacity
Our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, found the Morphy Richards EasyCharge cordless iron has great heat retention and heats up super fast. You only need to replace the iron on its dock for approximately 40 seconds, then the light turns green, and you’re ready to go again.
The powerful steam function and high temperature combine to effectively remove creases after one or 2 passes of the iron. Saying this, during testing, the steam output was a tad inconsistent compared with corded irons in our list, making it trickier to remove tougher creases and wrinkles.
One of the standout features of this iron is its 350ml water tank capacity, which is very impressive for a cordless iron. The water in the onboard reservoir really lasts, even when the steam function is set to max. She only had to top it up once during a 30-minute press session, which means fewer trips to the tap, allowing you to tackle larger ironing loads without constant interruptions.
Best lightweight iron
The Freemove is very lightweight, not least because it’s cordless. After around 30 seconds of ironing, the base beeps to remind you to recharge. Then it takes 11 seconds to recharge and reheat – just enough time for you to adjust the garment to a new position. The timings work. As do the ergonomics: it slides comfortably onto the base, and ironing cordlessly feels very natural.
But it’s not perfect. The glide isn’t great, and I wasn't that impressed with the steam and controls. Steam is on (25g/min) or off; there’s no adjustment. And as well as switching it on, you must constantly squeeze the trigger for steam. Surely one control should be enough.
Under your thumb are buttons for water spray and steam boost (115g/min), which can be used vertically, but these are quite hard to squeeze, and nowhere near as ergonomic as the rest of the Tefal. The only other button is for the anti-calc mode.
Our only major criticism of the Tefal is that the steam is mediocre and takes a while to get going, and then it keeps going. Steam sometimes continues when it first sits on its base and condenses into water. Then this can get carried back to your garment as drips. It’s not a constant problem, more an occasional annoyance.
Its 250ml tank is easy to fill through a large opening. But, because of the charging base, the iron isn’t designed to sit on its heel, so you must fill it sitting on its base. This works, but takes a bit of getting used to. For storage, the 1.9m cord fits nicely and safely around the base and clips to itself to stay in place. It's surprisingly affordable and the best choice out there if a lightweight design is a necessity.
How we test steam irons
At Ideal Home, we know how important it is to have hands-on experience with products before we recommend them to you, in line with our testing protocol. That's why I've tested most of the irons in this round-up extensively at our test facility before coming to the conclusion in this ranking. Each model was assessed for heat-up time, steam efficiency, glide, and ease of use over repeated sessions.
Two of the irons, namely the Morphy Richards EasyCHARGE Cordless Iron and the Oliso ProPlus Smart Iron have been tested by Jenny McFarlane, Ideal Home's Senior Digital Editor, in her Belfast home, providing real-world feedback. She took on a full family-sized laundry load with each model.
That included testing them on shirts, linen, and bedsheets to check their credentials, timing how long it took them to remove wrinkles on cotton/linen, their steam output volume and consistency, how well they glide over fabrics, and their stability and ergonomics. We looked at how many passes it took each iron to blast through the worst creases, how ergonomic and powerful each iron was and subsequently how each would fare getting through an average household's laundry pile.
We've also rated the irons you can see here in terms of how user-friendly they are, as well as affordability and specialist features, making sure to include options for smaller homes as well as those who have a lot of washing to un-crease.
Below, you can see how we rated the irons, and you can read more about exactly who tested each of these irons.
- We used the same fabrics for every test, including cotton shirts, linen pillowcases, and duvet covers to ensure consistency.
- We timed wrinkle removal, steam output, and the number of passes needed for creases.
- Jenny McFarlane and I followed the same protocol with full laundry loads.
- We created a structured approach to scoring subjective features like glide, comfort, and ease of use, rating them on a 1 - 5 scale.
- We assessed their value and features in context, like affordability and extras rated by usefulness.
Molly is the Ecommerce Editor for Ideal Home, covering all things appliance related - including irons! She tested the choices above at Future's test facility in Reading, and was a convert to the art of ironing. She loved the Tower options on offer - both corded and cordless.
Jenny McFarlane joined the Ideal Home team as Senior Digital Editor in 2023 following a couple of years working across sister brands Real Homes, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc and Gardeningetc. As part of Ideal Home's commitment to how we test the products we recommend, she tested a number of these steam irons while tackling a never-ending laundry mountain in her busy family home. She loves the Olisio smart iron for its clever liftaway feature - a winner for crafting.
How to choose a steam iron
You don’t want just any old iron. Look for strong steam and a smooth-glide soleplate to power through the ironing pile. If the steam is strong enough, you save even more time because it penetrates through the garment, ironing both sides at once. Premium models also offer intelligent controls that save time and hassle, because you can iron all garments on a single setting.
Thea Whyte, a steam iron expert at AO shares her advice: 'Before spending your money, it’s always worth considering what additional features the appliance has.'
'Whether its unique technology that removes limescale from your iron or perhaps a special soleplate design that helps distribute steam evenly, there are many bonuses that the higher-tier irons have that make ironing easier.'
What else should I look for?
'Many features make a good steam iron! Firstly, high wattage ensures rapid heating, enabling quick and efficient wrinkle removal,' explains David Foulstone, Marketing & Communications Director at Morphy Richards.
'Secondly, a quality soleplate, preferably made of materials like ceramic or stainless steel, ensures smooth gliding over fabrics and even heat distribution. Additionally, a long power cord offers greater flexibility and convenience during ironing sessions.'
In addition, these are the main things to look out for when you're choosing a good iron.
- Constant steam: Measured in g/min (grams per minute), the bigger the number, the more powerful the steam, which relaxes the fabric weave to make it easier to smooth out creases.
- Steam shot: Again measured in g/min, press a button for an extra boost to tackle stubborn creases. The bigger the better.
- Vertical steam: Hold the iron up and press the steam shot button to refresh and uncrease hanging garments and curtains.
- Water spray: Most irons also offer a simple spray of water at the press of a button, another useful tool for creases, but we prefer steam for most fabrics.
- Intelligent temperature setting: Some irons – usually pricier models – don’t need you to select the temperature, they just automatically get it right for all fabrics. This saves time because you don’t need to look at garment labels or divide them into one-dot, two-dot and three-dot piles. Iron in any old order.
- Soleplate: You want a material that glides smoothly over all fabrics, with plenty of holes to deliver steam and a groove above it, so you can easily iron under shirt buttons. An all-round soleplate is best, so you can iron in any direction.
- Auto off: The power should switch off automatically if the iron is left flat for a couple of minutes, or left upright for longer.
- Anti-scale: All the irons here feature a limescale filter that removes impurities from the water. You can push a button to clean the filter, forcing out deposits using the iron’s own steam.
- Anti-drip: Water is cut off if there’s not enough to create steam, to prevent drips.
- Cord: Some models have a power cord that’s too short. It depends on where your socket is, but we prefer a 3m length.
- Storage: All these irons are designed so the cord wraps around the base when not in use. But some are designed better than others. We want our cord to stay put when the iron’s in the cupboard.
FAQs
How much should I spend on an iron?
You should spend around £50 to £70 on an iron for most households. That's the price point where performance, steam power and useful features really come together without paying over the odds.
After testing a whole range of steam irons, I've found that what you spend really does make a difference. I have put several mid-priced and premium models through their paces, from £30 basics to £160 top-tier options. The cheapest models will get you through the odd shirt, but often feel flimsy, have limited steam power and use simple non-stick or basic ceramic soleplates.
Move into the £50-£70 range and things improve dramatically. This is the real sweet-spot for most households, offering smooth-gliding ceramic soleplates, more reliable steam bursts, quicker heat-up times and helpful touches like anti-drip, anti-scale and longer cords. In everyday use, these additions make ironing feel less of a chore and more like something you can actually get done quickly.
Spend over £100, and you step into steam generator territory, and honestly, they're a league of their own. They're bulkier and pricier, yes, but the powerful, consistent steam, premium soleplates and intelligent settings make light work of big laundry piles. Ultimately, what we've found is that around £60 buys you a perfectly capable iron, but investing more gets you faster results, more intuitive features and a noticeably smoother ironing experience.
How often should you replace your steam iron?
You should replace your steam iron roughly every five years, according to experts. Though heavy use, leaks or limescale build up may mean you'll need to swap it sooner. As Thea from AO.com explains, 'every appliance has a lifespan, and irons are no different. Typically, an iron should last around five years before you should be looking to replace this.'
That said, how long yours lasts really depends on usage and care. Overusing the steam function, damaging the cord or allowing residue to build up can all shorten its lifespan. Leaks, clogged vents and rust are also common issues, and once an iron starts leaking, repairs usually aren't worth the cost.
David Foulstone from Morphy Richards adds that with regular maintenance, your iron should last much longer. Wiping the soleplate monthly with vinegar to clear mineral deposits and keeping limescale in check can make a big difference. And remember that most irons come with a one-year warranty, so if yours fails early, you can usually get a replacement.
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Is a ceramic soleplate better than stainless steel?
No, not necessarily. Ceramic glides more smoothly and distributes heat well, while stainless steel is tougher, more durable and easier to maintain, so the better option really depends on what you value most.
There are a few things to consider when choosing between a ceramic or stainless steel sole plate. Stainless steel (and aluminium) soleplates are popular because they are more affordable, scratch-resistant and heat up quickly. Ceramic, meanwhile, offers a super-smooth glide and even heat, but it can be more fragile and prone to chipping if not cared for.
As Morphy Richards' David Foulstone explains, ceramic soleplates often heat faster and more evenly for efficient ironing. While Tefal's Komal Sawley adds that neither can be labelled as better, with stainless steel excelling in durability and easy cleanings, and ceramic performing well for glide, reduced scorching and less static.
Is it better to get an iron or a steamer?
If you're choosing between an iron and a steamer, experts say an iron is better when you want crisp, sharp results, while a steamer is better for quick, gentle crease removal, so the best option really depends on how you care for your clothes.
Morphy Richards' David Foulstone notes that irons are ideal for tougher creases and achieving a structured finish on shirts, while Groupe SEB's Komal Sawley adds that they offer more control and precision.
Steamers, however, are faster, travel-friendly and great for refreshing delicate fabrics, removing odours and killing up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria without chemicals.
Both experts agree that having both in the cupboard is ideal, as each appliance serves a different purpose.
How do you prevent limescale build-up in an iron?
To prevent limescale buildup in an iron, start with the water you use. If you live in a hard-water area, avoid filling your iron with straight tap water, as this main cause of limescale in an iron. Instead, use distilled water to help reduce mineral deposits. It's also a good habit to empty the water tank after each use, rather than leaving water sitting inside where limescale can form.
Making sure you keep up with regular maintenance is just as important. If your iron has an anti-scale or self-clean function, as recommended by the manufacturer, descale it every few months with a product designed specifically for irons. Avoid using vinegar unless the brand says it's safe to do so, as it can damage the internal parts. Wiping the soleplate after use and storing the iron upright in a dry place will also help keep limescale and residue at bay.