How to Choose the Right Iron

Finding the Right Iron for Your Needs

A quality iron makes light work of wrinkled clothing and produces crisp, professional results. Not all irons are equal — soleplate material, steam output, and temperature precision all affect the quality of the finish and the effort required. This guide covers what to look for when choosing an iron for your home.

Browse our full range of irons and irons and garment steamers. If you're considering a garment steamer as an alternative, see our garment steamer guide.

Types of Irons

Steam Irons

A steam iron has a built-in water tank that feeds steam through holes in the soleplate as you iron. Steam penetrates fabric fibres and allows wrinkles to be removed with less pressure and effort than dry ironing. Steam irons are the standard for household ironing and come in a wide range of power, steam output, and soleplate quality levels. Most irons sold in Australia are steam irons.

Steam Generator Irons

A steam generator iron has a large separate water tank (the generator) connected to the iron handpiece via a hose. The generator produces continuous, high-pressure steam that is far more powerful than a standard steam iron — typically 5 to 8 bar versus 1 to 2 bar in a conventional iron. Steam generator irons are significantly faster for large ironing loads and penetrate thick fabrics like denim and heavy cotton much more effectively. The trade-off is size, weight (the generator unit is bulky), and higher price.

Dry Irons

A dry iron has no water tank or steam function. It uses heat alone to press fabric. Rarely sold as a standalone product now; most households use a steam iron.

Key Features to Look For

Soleplate Material

The soleplate is the heated surface that contacts the fabric. Soleplate material significantly affects glide, durability, and ironing performance.

• Ceramic: Smooth, non-stick surface that glides well over most fabrics. Resistant to scratching and easy to clean. The most common material in mid-range irons.
• Stainless steel: Durable and easy to clean. Excellent heat distribution. May not glide as smoothly as ceramic without a non-stick coating.
• Aluminium: Lightweight and heats up quickly. Less durable than steel or ceramic over time.
• Premium coatings (titanium, anodised aluminium): Very smooth, extremely durable, and resistant to build-up. Found on premium models and deliver the best glide.

Steam Output

Steam output is measured in grams per minute (g/min). More steam penetrates fabric more effectively and removes stubborn wrinkles faster. For a standard steam iron, 30 to 50 g/min is adequate for most household ironing. A steam shot (burst of steam) function delivers a powerful short blast for particularly stubborn creases.

Wattage

Higher wattage means the iron heats up faster and recovers temperature more quickly when ironing cool fabric. For regular ironing loads, 2,400 watts is practical. 2,600 to 3,000 watts is better for heavy use or thick fabrics.

Temperature Control

Variable temperature settings allow you to match the iron's heat to the fabric being ironed. Most irons use a dial with fabric-type settings (silk, synthetics, wool, cotton, linen). Precise temperature control is important for avoiding heat damage to synthetic fabrics and for achieving the high heat needed to effectively iron heavy cottons and linens.

Anti-Drip

An anti-drip system prevents water droplets from being expelled from the soleplate at low temperatures where the iron isn't hot enough to produce steam. This prevents water spotting on delicate fabrics.

Anti-Calc

Calcium deposits from hard water build up inside the steam system over time and reduce steam output. An anti-calc system or filter reduces build-up. A self-clean function that flushes the steam system with hot water removes scale deposits to maintain performance.

Auto Shut-Off

An auto shut-off that turns the iron off when it's left stationary (typically 30 seconds on its sole, 8 to 10 minutes on its heel) is an important safety feature.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $40)

Entry-level steam irons provide basic steam and temperature settings for everyday ironing of light fabrics.

Mid-Range ($40 to $120)

Mid-range irons offer ceramic or premium soleplates, good steam output, anti-drip, anti-calc, and auto shut-off. Most households will find an excellent model in this range.

Premium ($120 and Above for steam irons; $200 and above for steam generators)

Premium steam irons deliver superior soleplate coatings, the best steam output, and precision temperature control. Steam generator irons in this range deliver powerful continuous steam for the fastest, most effortless ironing of large loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use tap water or distilled water in my iron?

Most modern steam irons are designed for use with tap water and include anti-calc systems. In areas with very hard water, using distilled or filtered water extends the life of the steam system. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for your model.

How do I clean a burnt or stained soleplate?

For light build-up, iron over a damp cloth with the iron on a medium-low heat setting. For stubborn residue, use a proprietary soleplate cleaner. Never use abrasive scrubbing pads on any soleplate as they will damage the surface.

Ready to Shop?

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