In order to end up with the iron best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of irons are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in an iron.
Research the market: Iron essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the iron market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Types: Steam irons are generally all-purpose general irons that work to take the wrinkles out of clothes with moisture. Dry irons are models that do not use steam and are used mainly for delicate fabrics. Many all-purpose irons can be used as dry irons.
Steam Compatibility: This is the amount of steam that is released by an iron per minute, often measured in grams. Types that release greater amounts of steam per minute cost more. Additionally, most of these types can only be used if the iron is facing downward. Irons with a vertical steaming capability are pricier.
Wattage & Cordless: Much like any electrical appliance, a clothes iron is rated in terms of wattage. The higher the wattage, the more electricity it consumes, and the hotter it becomes at a faster rate. Cordless irons are also available. They are good for quick ironing jobs. The heat will not remain as constant as with corded models. Additionally, irons with a self-shut off mechanism are best for safety.
Temperature Adjustment: Many irons have temperature control settings that will allow you to adjust the heat for the type of fabric you're working with. Some even have pictures or diagrams that will help you decide what setting you should use. If in doubt, simply glance over the user's manual to learn about different settings.
Thermostat & Indicator: Irons use internal thermostats to heat up to the desired level. Quality irons will heat evenly and maintain their temperature throughout the ironing process. Some use digital thermostats that do a better job of maintaining a constant temperature. Clothes irons should also come with an indicator light that tells the user when the iron is hot.
Water Sprayer: Irons with a water spray system help to iron clothes better because partially wet fabric is easier to manipulate with heat. Some water sprayer units are labeled as self-cleaning irons. This means that it has an extra setting where the water sprayer sends out a burst of steam that clears build-up through the holes on the sole plate.
Iron Surface: Irons used to be made of iron. Now, they are made with steel or aluminum and are not nearly as heavy as they once were. The flat surface of the iron is sometimes called the sole plate.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in an iron. For example, will you use the iron only for the occasional shirt or do you do baskets of ironing every second day?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used an iron before? |
| | If you have used an iron, work out what you did or didn't like about the iron. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| How often am I going to use a clothes iron? |
| | If you do several loads of ironing each week, then look for an iron with as much flexibility and features as you need. If, however, you only iron a few shirts or pants per week, you might consider a budget-model iron that won't cost a bundle. |
| What types of fabrics am I going to iron? |
| | If you only iron your cotton clothes, then an iron with only a few thermostat settings will suffice. However, for those who iron their curtains, linens, and other delicate materials, you might want a steam iron that allows you to control the amount of steam released. |
| Who is going to do most of the ironing? |
| | Because it might be someone else's chore to do the ironing in the house, you might want to include that person in the decision-making and buying process. This person may want a lighter iron, which is easier to lift and manipulate, rather than a bulky model that seems heavy. Ergonomic comfort is a consideration for older people or those with arthritis as well. A design that fits both left- and right-handed ironers is also a factor. |
| How varied are my ironing temperature needs? |
| | If you are ironing various types of clothing, it is important that you have the most efficient temperature control possible. Acrylics, spandex, nylon, polyester, wool, and especially silk, all have different ironing temperatures for the fabric. |
| What is my budget for a new iron? |
| | Cheaper clothes irons are inexpensive. They can be found in regular department stores and are made by national and international companies. More specialized irons can be found in specialty home appliance stores. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of irons and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:Buying GuidesDon't get into a crease when choosing an ironSelecting the best iron for youGeneralWhy did they make irons?Ironing flat outTypesIron types explainedThe benefits of buying a steam iron