Even those of us who find ironing therapeutic will want a good iron that gives top results with minimal fuss.
Here's what goes on behind the scenes when we test irons, steam stations and garment steamers so we can deliver results you can rely on.
On this page:
- Our expert testers
- How we choose what we test
- How we test performance
- How we test ease of use
- Test criteria explained
- Our test lab
Our expert testers
With over 30 years' experience in the CHOICE small appliances lab, we're proud of our expert testers. They've seen all types of irons come through for testing over the years, and above all else they're looking for the models that will make your clothes look sleek and unlined, while being easy to use. We focus on these core functions so that when it's time to buy, you can be sure the iron or steam station you choose will work well.
How we choose what we test
With so many products to choose from, what makes us choose one iron, steam station or garment steamer to test over another? As with most of our product testing, our aim is to test the most popular models on the market and what you're most likely to see in the retailers.
We survey manufacturers to find out about their range of models, we check market sales information and we also check for any member requests to test specific models. From this information we put together a final list that goes to our buyers. They then head out to the retailers and purchase each product, just as a regular consumer would. We do this so we can be sure the goods are the same as any consumer would find them and not 'tweaked' in any way for better performance.
How we test performance
We assess the performance of irons, steam stations and garment steamers by checking how well they smooth out the creases in the following fabrics:
- organza
- silk
- wool
- cotton shirt
- denim jeans
- linen.
For garment steamers we carry out additional tests on a:
- polycotton shirt
- polyester dress
- silk dress
- cotton curtain
- polyester curtain.
How we test ease of use
Irons
We assess:
- ease of filling the water tank
- handle comfort
- ease of moving the iron
- ease of using the steam function
- ease of using the spray functions
- ease of adjusting the temperature
- cord convenience.
Steam stations
We assess:
- ease of filling the water tank
- handle comfort
- ease of moving the iron
- ease of using the steam function
- ease of adjusting the temperature
- cord convenience
- steam hose convenience.
Garment steamers
We assess:
- ease of filling the water tank
- handle comfort
- hose convenience
- hanger function
- ease of using the controls.
Test criteria explained
The CHOICE Expert Rating (our overall score) for irons, steam stations and garment steamers is made up of:
- performance (70%)
- ease of use (30%).
To be recommended, steam irons must have a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 85%, plus a performance score of at least 90% and ease of use score of at least 80%.
Recommended steam stations must have a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 90%, and recommended garment steamers must have a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80% for floor standing models and 75% for handheld models.
For safety reasons, we don't recommend irons and steam stations without an auto shut-off feature.
Our test lab
Our testing laboratory is up to date with the latest reference machines and calibrated measurement tools for our testers to bring you accurate results.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
