Philadelphia honors veterans at Vet Fest after workers strike, extreme heat force delays
The event, hosted by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, the Office of Veterans Affairs, and Wawa Welcome America, was originally supposed to take place during the July celebration. However, it was postponed twice – first due to extreme heat, then the city worker strike.
It returned Tuesday with live performances, recognition ceremonies, and more than 30 organizations offering services ranging from housing assistance and healthcare access to job placement and educational resources.
"Taking your military career and transitioning it into civilian world is what a lot of my fellow veterans have a struggle doing," said Army veteran Thomas Long, who now serves as director of Veteran Biz Connect, which had a booth at the event. "So we like to help them do that in the areas that they want to achieve and succeed and move forward."
Throughout the day, city officials handed out brand-new bicycles to veterans and their families, while volunteers distributed flyers and contact information for local service providers. The event also included an official recognition ceremony, where dozens of veterans were honored with medals and City Council citations.
Among those recognized was Kat Kirkman, a U.S. Air Force veteran who now works to help other veterans secure employment and housing.
"I'm very fortunate to do what I'm passionate about, working for veterans, both in my day job and in my volunteer time," Kirkman said.
For many, the event was about more than just connecting with services.
"I come here and I get flyers and contact information that can help me in my mission to get housing for homeless veterans," said Army veteran Thomas Singleton.
Others highlighted the importance of community and camaraderie.
"Even if it's just to be in one another's presence, to be able to talk, to think about the past, to relive it, because for some of us, that is what keeps us moving forward," said Army veteran Shanda Taylor-Boyd, who also sang at the event.
According to city officials, more than 64,000 veterans live in the Philadelphia region.
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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
I ranked 13 fast-food double cheeseburgers from worst to best. My favorite was one of the cheapest.
We ranked double cheeseburgers from 13 fast-food chains to see which one reigns supreme. 7th Street Burger, the smallest chain, blew me away with its saucy smash burger. I thought In-N-Out's famous Double-Double was great value and undeniably delicious. Double the patties can mean double the deliciousness … but not all fast-food double cheeseburgers are created equal. A 2024 report from Datassential found that the average American eats about three burgers each month, and mostly orders them from quick-service restaurants. And, while chicken tenders may be the hottest fast-food menu item this year, burger chains like McDonald's and Burger King still trump most chicken chains. Over the years, I've tried practically every fast-food double cheeseburger on the market. For a definitive ranking, I tried double cheeseburgers from McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Shake Shack, White Castle, Whataburger, P. Terry's, Five Guys, Cook Out, Checkers, Sonic, 7th Street Burger, and In-N-Out. Here's every fast-food double cheeseburger ranked from worst to best. My least favorite double cheeseburger was from Burger King. It cost me $4.09. The burger was under $5, but I'm not sure it was worth the price. It comes with two of the chain's beef patties, American cheese, pickles, mustard, and ketchup on a sesame-seed bun. It comes with one slice of cheese. This burger was super filling, but I liked the other burgers I tried more. Right away, I tasted the thick beef patties. The burger had traveled a little more than 15 minutes from my local Burger King to my apartment, but the meat was still juicy and the cheese nicely melted. The pickle slices were thick and crunchy, and I enjoyed the sesame-seed bun, which added a nice textural element. But I thought there was just a little too much ketchup, which will likely vary depending on who's making your burger that day. It was also a little heavy for my liking. It filled me up a little more than I had anticipated before jumping into the rest of the burger comparison. Still, for a burger that costs just under $4, that might be more of an asset than a hindrance if you want a filling, inexpensive lunch. Next was Wendy's double cheeseburger, which the chain calls a Double Stack. I ordered it for $4.49. It was about the same price as the burgers from McDonald's and Burger King, though it landed squarely in the middle in terms of value. A Wendy's double cheeseburger comes with two junior-size hamburger patties, American cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and sweet onion. The toppings looked a little stingy, and they were clustered in the middle of the sandwich. I would have liked to see them more spread out. The burger bun was fluffy and light, and the toppings had a ton of flavor. But I had to get a few bites in to reach the toppings in the center. The toppings themselves were amazing. I thought the pickles were the most flavorful out of the burgers I tried, and I liked the use of an onion ring rather than diced onion, although I would've liked more. The McDonald's double cheeseburger cost me $5.99. It was slightly more expensive than Wendy's version but had more toppings. It came with an extra slice of American cheese plus chopped onions, and I thought it was still relatively affordable. The double cheeseburger from McDonald's comes with two beef patties, pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, and two slices of American cheese. I was interested to see if the added toppings would amp up the flavor. I thought the ingredients came together well in this burger, but the bun was a little lackluster. The bun held everything together and was a good size, but it was a little too soft and didn't have a lot of flavor on its own. But I enjoyed the amount of condiments and didn't find them overpowering. The chopped onions added a lot of flavor, and the burger patties were juicy despite being thinner than the Burger King ones. I liked the added cheese, but didn't think it was necessary. Next up was the double-meat Whataburger with cheese. It costs $8.75 at a Whataburger in Austin, excluding tax and fees. I ordered it with a large bun, American cheese, grilled peppers and onions, pickles, and ketchup. The burger was a decent size and I could see the gooey cheese peeking out from underneath the soft potato bun. Unlike the other double cheeseburgers, this burger had sliced jalapeño peppers that I imagined would add quite the kick. The ingredients definitely set this burger apart from the others. I thought the burgers had a delightfully crispy texture to them, and the toppings added a ton of flavor. The bun was light and fluffy, but I did think the burger patties could have been a little thicker and juicier. Coming in ninth was the double cheeseburger from P. Terry's Burger Stand, a regional chain I visited in Austin. The burger cost $5.25, making it one of the cheaper burgers I tried. Despite being less expensive than the Whataburger double cheeseburger, the P. Terry's burger was larger. I ordered it with pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and American cheese. I again thought the cheese could have been more melted, but the size definitely made up for that small detail. One of the benefits of ordering from P. Terry's is that you can easily customize your burger and add a number of toppings, including grilled onions, the chain's special sauce, tomato, lettuce, and more. I thought the burgers were juicy and the pickles had a tart crunch to them. The bun was slightly underwhelming, but I thought it was an excellent, large burger with tons of flavor, especially for the low price. I also thought the mustard really came through and added a lot to the burger. The double cheeseburger from Shake Shack was the second most expensive burger I tried. I paid $13.29 for a double cheeseburger. I could customize my toppings, but I went with pickles, onions, and Shack sauce. Right away, I thought the burger was massive. The burger patties were perfectly crispy on the outside and covered in gooey melted cheese. The pickles also looked large and homemade. It was even heavy to pick up. The toppings were generous and the chain's signature Shack sauce, which is a mayo-based sauce with a slight mustard flavor, made it really tasty. The cheese was thick and perfectly melted. However, biting into the Shake Shack burger was a little overwhelming, in my opinion. The burger was huge, which was both an asset and a hindrance. I struggled to get through more than a few bites. However, despite being the second most expensive burger, I thought it was worth the price. The burger patties were much thicker than the other burgers I tried, and the toppings took it over the edge in terms of flavor. Overall, I was impressed ... but stuffed. In seventh place was the double-decker burger with cheese from Checkers. The burger has since been replaced with the Big Buford, which has all the same ingredients but a bakery-style bun instead of a sesame-seed bun. The burger costs $8.39 at my local Checkers in Brooklyn. I thought this burger was a little pricey for the size. It was smaller than my hand, though it did include a variety of toppings like tomato, lettuce, and red onion. The burger also comes with American cheese, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. The burger patties were very juicy, and the toppings tasted fresh. I also thought the American cheese was very tangy and flavorful. Overall, I enjoyed the combination of flavors. However, the price prevented this burger from ranking higher. I also tried the double cheese slider from White Castle. White Castle sliders tend to be eaten in pairs, so I ordered two. Each burger cost me $3.59, so I ended up paying $7.18. The burgers were small but packed with flavor. The burgers smelled strongly of onions and condiments the second I removed them from the bag. The amount of toppings on each burger was generous. The pickles were crunchy and flavorful. Though the burgers each had a bun sandwiched in the middle of the burger, it wasn't too bready — instead, it allowed the flavors to really come together while still being filling. I was blown away by the cheeseburgers from White Castle, a result I admittedly wasn't expecting. As the cheapest and smallest burgers, I was expecting them to be a little lackluster. However, I found that good things definitely come in small packages. The onions, condiments, and pickles were flavorful, but it was the beef that really impressed me. The small-but-mighty burger was one of the most flavorful out of the ones I tried, easy to eat, and perfectly priced. My fifth-favorite double cheeseburger was from Five Guys. Five Guys doesn't technically have a "double cheeseburger" — its regular cheeseburgers already come with two slices of cheese and two beef patties. My burger cost $13.55, excluding taxes and fees, making it the most expensive burger I tried. I was able to customize my toppings, but I ordered the burger with pickles, grilled onions, ketchup, and mustard. Right away, I noticed that the toppings were generous. The pickle slices were large, and none of the toppings cost extra to add. The burger was large without being too intimidating. I thought it was a perfect size. It required two hands to pick up and eat, but it wasn't as heavy as the burger from Shake Shack. Slices of melted American cheese coated each burger, and there wasn't so much sauce that it dripped out from underneath the sesame-seed buns. The burger patties were crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside. I thought the pickle slices were thick, crunchy, and tart. I also really enjoyed the choice of a sesame-seed bun — it added a bit of texture to each and every bite. The grilled onions also really impressed me. They were soft and almost caramelized, adding a lot of flavor that I didn't get from any other burger. My fourth-favorite double cheeseburger came from Sonic Drive-In. The SuperSonic double cheeseburger was the only burger I tried that came with lettuce and tomato. Since this was the default option, I decided to try it with these toppings rather than specifically remove them. The burger cost me $9.75, excluding taxes and fees. The burger came with a hearty serving of shredded lettuce, tomatoes, two slices of cheese, diced onions, pickles, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Unlike Sonic's quarter-pound double cheeseburger, which comes with two junior patties, the full-size burger has a combined half-pound of meat. The bun was perfectly soft but still held the sauce-covered burger together. The ingredients tasted fresh and vibrant. The tomato wasn't too watery, the lettuce was crisp, and the burgers tasted well-seasoned and juicy. Plus, the burger was a very generous size. However, despite all these accolades, I thought the price was a little steep compared to what I got from Cook Out and In-N-Out. My third-favorite double cheeseburger came from Cook Out, a regional chain I visited in South Carolina. You can order a "big double" from Cook Out any way you wish, but I ordered mine with cheese, ketchup, mustard, onions, and pickles. It cost me $4.99, not including tax. The burger came wrapped in foil and featured two juicy patties. It also had thick slices of fresh onion and large pickle spears layered on top of the burger. For the price, I thought the burger was out of this world. The cheese slices were thick and tangy, and the burger was perfectly moist and medium-rare. It was also very large, and, after already eating dinner, I struggled to get through more than a few bites, though I kept wanting to go back for more. At an amazingly low price, this burger definitely earned the second-to-top spot on my ranking. My second favorite came from 7th Street Burger, a smaller chain based in New York City. 7th Street Burger is a small chain of quick-service burger restaurants with 19 locations in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, DC. Since it opened in 2021, the chain has quickly grown a reputation for its no-frills approach to smash burgers, which feature crispy patties, gooey cheese, and the chain's signature sauce. I ordered a double cheeseburger, which comes with two beef patties, American cheese, onions, pickles, and house sauce on a Martin's potato bun. It cost $11.21, excluding tax and fees. There wasn't much customization to do for this burger — you can't order it with lettuce or tomato. However, this burger was perfect exactly as the chain designed it. The burger patties were delightfully crispy on the outside yet managed to stay juicy. Melted slices of cheese oozed between the two thin, expertly griddled, and charred beef patties, all smothered in the chain's signature sauce, a creamy, tangy take on classic burger sauce. The burger was served on a pillowy-soft potato roll, which kept things simple. There were no lettuce or tomato slices to cut through the rich, savory indulgence, but that only added to the burger's savory flavor. I didn't miss the opportunity to customize my burger with additional toppings. It was probably the best smash burger I've ever had. With pickles and onions to round out the flavor, the double cheeseburger offered a satisfying, nostalgic flavor that elevated the classic smash burger experience. In my opinion, the best double cheeseburger I tried was the famous Double-Double burger from In-N-Out. It cost me $4.90, which I thought was an excellent deal for the large burger sitting in front of me. One of the first things I noticed was how thick the burger patties were — they were much thicker than other burgers I tried at a similar price point. Most Double-Double burgers come with lettuce, tomato, onions, and spread. To keep my burger similar to the other burgers I tried, I ordered it with onions, pickles, and spread, which I thought tasted similar to Thousand Island dressing. The first thing I noticed about the In-N-Out burger was how juicy the burger patties were, followed by the incredible layers of cheese. The cheese slices were perfectly melted and coated each part of the burger, something I couldn't say about any other burger I tried. The bun was perfectly soft and held everything together perfectly, while the special spread had my mouth watering for another bite. Of all the burgers I tried, I thought the In-N-Out double cheeseburger packed the most flavor for the best price. When it came to a double cheeseburger, the West-Coast chain really nailed it. The burger was beyond flavorful, the perfect size, and, in my opinion, very good value for money. The next time I'm in a state with an In-N-Out, I know where I'll be filling my burger craving. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
CNN
3 hours ago
- CNN
The best steam irons to banish wrinkles and creases
The best steam irons we tested Best steam iron: CHI 360 Precision Steam Iron 13119 Best steam iron runner-up: Rowenta Steamforce Iron DW9440Laundry day isn't anyone's favorite activity, and ironing can be the worst part of the process. Between setting up the board and working through every wrinkle, it's a time-consuming chore — and a bad iron can make it even worse. Leaks, sputters and rusty drips are enough to ruin a shirt and your mood. Although the best clothes steamers are great for a quick run-through, sometimes they simply don't cut it. They can't compare to the sheer power of an old-school steam iron. Plus, nothing beats the refined look of a crisp, freshly ironed shirt. To find out which steam irons make the job easier, I put six models to the test. I evaluated their steam performance, weight, power, design and durability, and found two clear winners that take some of the pain out of ironing. Related article Can one tool really straighten your hair and iron your clothes? We put it to the testCHI 360 Precision Steam Iron 13119 CHI is best known for its hair tools, but the brand also makes a powerful steam iron. With adjustable steam settings, a retractable cord and a comfortable grip, it outperformed the other models I tested. Even though it's not exactly cheap, its strong steam output and reliable performance make it a tool you may never need to replace. Rowenta Steamforce Iron DW9440 Powerful and versatile, the Rowenta SteamForce lives up to its name. With 1,800W of power, it produces steady steam that smooths a range of fabrics. Its extra-large water tank also makes it easy to get through long ironing sessions without frequent refills. I've long trusted CHI for its powerful flat irons, and the 360 Precision Steam Iron didn't disappoint. Comfortable to use and effective at removing wrinkles, it impressed me with both power and precision. With more than 300 steam holes, it produced a steady flow of steam that smoothed everything from cotton shirts to heavier fabrics like denim with minimal effort. The titanium-infused, ceramic soleplate (the same technology CHI uses in its professional flat irons) glided easily across fabrics and heated up rather quickly. I especially liked the comfortable, ergonomic 360 Precision handle, which has a textured grip that felt comfortable during longer ironing sessions and made it easy to control the iron around seams, collars and pleats. I thought it would be hard to find a standout steam iron (because aren't they all pretty much the same?), but the CHI iron proved me wrong with several features that made a difference during my ironing sessions. The 8-foot retractable cord easily reached across my laundry room and wound up with the touch of a button for quick storage. This feature would be particularly handy in smaller laundry rooms with limited access to outlets. In addition, the adjustable steam lever and fabric selection dial streamlined temperature control, taking the guesswork out of switching between delicate fabrics and heavy cotton. For peace of mind, the iron also includes a three-way auto shutoff. Most importantly, this iron delivered a powerful 1,725W at 120 volts. For context, that's comparable to an advanced espresso machine or a high-powered hair dryer. The titanium-infused ceramic soleplate smoothed every wrinkle and crease in linen, cotton and even denim. It didn't leak once, even when filled to the brim with water. Although the iron weighs 3.5 pounds, it didn't feel cumbersome when I used it on a range of fabrics. After several rounds of testing, I found the CHI 360 Precision to be a reliable, well-balanced steam iron that combines power, glide and thoughtful design, backed by a two-year limited warranty. The Rowenta SteamForce is a lean, professional-level iron that quickly proved why it stands out. With 1,800W of power (slightly more powerful than the CHI), it produced a steady stream of steam (35 grams per minute) and an effective burst (210 grams per minute) for stubborn creases. When I tested it on wrinkled cotton and linen, the boost feature smoothed out folds in a single pass, folds that took other irons in our testing pool multiple passes to tackle. Similar to the CHI iron, it weighs just shy of 4 pounds (3.75 to be exact), so it didn't feel too heavy or awkward to use for extended periods. It also has a long, 7.9-foot cable; however, it wasn't easily retractable via a button like the CHI. It also took about a minute to heat, which was standard across all irons I tested. This Rowenta iron works via 400 active micro-holes that evenly spread steam across fabrics. The stainless steel glides effortlessly, even over textured materials. I also appreciated the precision tip, which made it easy to get around buttons and collars without missing a spot. I also appreciated this iron's built-in anti-calc system, which helps prevent mineral buildup, meaning your clothes won't get ruined with horrid, unwanted stains. My only complaint about this steam iron is that although it promises anti-drip protection, I couldn't help but notice drops and leaks during use. I would recommend keeping an extra eye on delicate fabrics. Beyond that nitpick, the Rowenta is a powerful, precise iron that makes ironing faster, easier and almost satisfying. To find the best steam irons, I tested six models using a pile of freshly laundered clothes that ranged from delicate blouses to thick cotton and linen. I considered the following factors. Steam performance: I noted how quickly each iron produced steam, how evenly it was distributed across the soleplate and if a burst of steam could tackle stubborn creases. Irons with consistent steam and a powerful boost feature scored higher. Heat and temperature control: I timed how long it took each iron to heat up and switched between settings to see how well they handled different fabrics, from silk to denim. I ranked irons with clear, accurate temperature dials higher, as they made ironing easier and prevented accidental burns. Soleplate design: I looked for smooth, snag-free gliding, a precision tip for navigating around buttons and seams and scratch-resistant surfaces that hold up over time. Ease of use and comfort: Irons can get heavy after extended use. With that in mind, I noted each iron's weight and balance during longer ironing sessions, how comfortable the handle felt and whether the cord length or retractable cord feature made the iron easier to maneuver and store. Water tank and leak resistance: I filled and refilled each water tank to see how easy it was to handle, then tested for leaks or drips at both high and low temperatures. Safety and durability: I checked for an automatic shutoff, anti-drip protection and anti-calc systems designed to reduce mineral buildup. I also paid attention to the overall build quality and whether the iron felt like it would last. Shopping for a steam iron might seem straightforward, but the right features can make all the difference between breezing through laundry and wrestling with wrinkles. Here's what to consider when shopping. Steam power: Look for an iron with a strong, continuous output and a burst option to tackle stubborn creases in heavy fabrics like linen or denim. Soleplate: It's crucial that the iron you use has a soleplate that glides smoothly; stainless steel and ceramic options heat evenly, resist scratching and slide effortlessly over clothes. A pointed tip makes it easier to swerve around buttons and pleats. Comfort and ergonomics: A balanced weight and ergonomic handle keep your arm from tiring during longer ironing sessions, and a long or retractable cord with swivel action saves you from awkward tangles. Added features: Don't forget practical features like an anti-drip system, a self-cleaning or an anti-calc function to prevent mineral buildup. Bonus features, like vertical steaming for curtains or hanging clothes, can make the job even easier and maybe, just maybe, make ironing a little less of a chore. Panasonic NI-WL700A Cordless Steam/Dry Iron The Panasonic NI-WL700A Cordless Steam/Dry Iron is a great travel steam iron if your hotel doesn't have one. It combines flexibility and ease of use for everyday ironing and quilting projects. Although on the smaller side, the handy case made it stand out. With 1,500W and a wide stainless steel soleplate, this sturdy Panasonic iron smoothly glided over fabrics while efficiently removing wrinkles. Although not as powerful as the winning CHI 13119 or the Rowenta, I did appreciate a lot of little details about this unique steam iron. Its 360-degree design features a double-tipped plate, making it easier to maneuver around seams, buttons and pleats. This model works as a dry and steam iron, and includes a vertical steam shot function for hanging garments or curtains. It also features a detachable water tank with an anti-calc capsule that helps prevent mineral buildup from tap water. For added convenience, the iron is cordless and comes with a carrying case for easy transport and storage. I loved this feature for a big event, like a wedding or formal occasion. Overall, I thought the Panasonic's portability and thoughtful design made it a versatile option for a range of ironing needs, even though it wasn't as effective or high-powered as our winning steam irons. Philips Perfect Care 3000 Series Steam Iron The Philips Perfect Care 3000 Series steam iron is the most affordable steam iron I tested at just $40. Lightweight and simple to use, it's designed to make ironing easier with a powerful steam boost that helps tackle stubborn creases. However, it simply can't compare to the wattage and heftier designs of other steam irons I tested. The Philips Perfect Care iron could be a great starter iron for those who only use one sparingly. It includes practical features such as a steam boost function, vertical steaming for hanging garments, a drip-stop system to help prevent water spots, a triple-precision tip for navigating seams and collars, and a built-in calc-clean slider for easier maintenance. However, it only operates at 1,250W and 230 volts, which is the lowest wattage of all the irons in our testing pool. Although practical, it required more time to press out wrinkles. In testing, I noticed (and other users have also reported this) that the water flow is often inconsistent, which occasionally affects the steam output. While the Philips Perfect Care offers convenient features for everyday ironing, this leaky issue may be a drawback for those looking for reliable steam performance. CHI Mini Iron 13120 The CHI Mini Iron is an adorable, lightweight and compact iron designed for travelers and crafters. I loved the small size, which even fit my small hands and made it easy to store or pack. A standout feature? The textured grip ensures comfortable, precise control during ironing. As someone with a smaller frame, everyday tasks can feel laborious. Ironing, folding and bending over an ironing board truly takes a toll. But this teeny-tiny CHI iron fit my hand perfectly, and it felt so lightweight and easy to maneuver. Though small and not as powerful as the larger irons in my testing pool, this is a fantastic iron for those with bad backs or arthritic hands, or those who travel. Built with the same titanium‑infused ceramic soleplate technology as CHI's popular flat irons, it heats quickly, resists scratches and glides smoothly over fabrics. At 1,000W, the mini iron delivers decent steam that handles stubborn wrinkles, and the convenient blast button on the side directs steam exactly where it's needed. I also loved that the iron featured an electronic temperature control button with an easy‑to‑read display, an adjustable steam lever and a large water tank opening for quick refills. Though smaller, the CHI had a whopping 10‑foot cord. It's also backed by a two‑year limited warranty. CHI Professional Iron 13114 Comparable to the CHI 13119 winner at the top of this guide, this steam iron accomplishes similar results, albeit without the handy retractable cord — and for a slightly higher price. This CHI Professional Steam Iron delivers the same professional-level results as my winning iron, thanks to the titanium‑infused ceramic soleplate technology used in CHI's iconic flat irons. This one, however, uses 1,700W of power (only slightly less than the winner) with the same 300 steam holes for effortless wrinkle removal. However, the iron is effective and offers a comfortable handle with a textured grip, making it easy to maneuver around tricky buttons or lapels. This iron also featured a control dial with an indicator light and an adjustable steam lever to eliminate guesswork, which worked with a variety of fabrics. I appreciated the 10‑foot cord for easier reach (though not retractable, unfortunately) and the three‑way auto shutoff for safety. Backed by a two‑year limited warranty, the CHI 13114 was reliable and had solid performance; however, once I was spoiled with a retractable cord, I couldn't look back. What's the best method to use a steam iron? What's the best method to use a steam iron? Start by checking the tags on your clothing, linens or whatever other fabric you're ironing for recommended heat settings. Use filtered water to prevent buildup and start ironing clothes in temperature order, starting with items that require lower temperature settings and working up the higher-temp items. Iron delicate fabrics at lower temperatures and use higher heat settings for cotton and linen. How should I clean a steam iron? How should I clean a steam iron? First things first, unplug the iron and let it cool completely. Pour out any leftover water to avoid spills and prevent stagnant water from leaving deposits. Then wipe the cooled soleplate with a damp cloth. What if my steam iron has sticky residue on it? What if my steam iron has sticky residue on it? Once the iron is cool, use a paste of baking soda and water or a vinegar-dampened cloth. Avoid harsh abrasives or steel wool, which can scratch the soleplate. Is a garment steamer better than an iron? Is a garment steamer better than an iron? It depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you want speed and convenience, a garment steamer may be the best option for you. But if you want crisp, long-lasting results on structured garments or heavy fabrics, a steam iron is the better tool. CNN Underscored's writers and editors thoroughly review all the products in our testing guides and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team backed by many years of product testing experience to ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to subject matter experts where necessary and ensure we speak about the pros and cons of products. For this article, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal spent countless hours washing, folding, drying and ironing all her laundry. Gazal loves to get her hands on the latest appliance and has tested all types of home devices, from the best blenders to the best coffee grinders and even the best ice molds for cocktails.
WIRED
4 hours ago
- WIRED
These Steam Mops Will Leave Your Floors Sparkling
Skip to main content Get those floors squeaky-clean faster with the help of these steamy gadgets. All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Learn more. The best steam mop for you depends on a lot of different factors. How big is your space? How often do you clean your floors? Do you want a machine that vacuums, that self-cleans, or that simply swipes things down? I've spent three months testing three different machines, like my top pick—the Shark 3-in-1 Steam Pickup for $130. More testing is ongoing, but you'll find my favorites (so far!) below. I'll never go back to my spin mop again. Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Robot Vacuums, the Best Cordless Vacuums, and the Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies. The Shark Steam Pickup 3-in-1 Hard Floor Cleaner (SD201) is a great, well-rounded steam mop. It has built-in suction and a brush roll that efficiently picks up lint, crumbs, and other debris from the floor. I like that I didn't need to pre-sweep or bust out my vacuum cleaner. The steam output is satisfactory—particularly heavy-duty stuck-on messes might need a few seconds' worth of steam, but the mop usually cleaned my tile floors with a simple pass or two—and the machine is quiet while it works. I also like the long cord and the built-in light on the mop head. The edge support could be better—it struggles around tight spaces and baseboards—but overall, it's a very handy machine to have around. It includes a stand with a space for the brush roll to dry, and the machine is easy to clean too. Just dump out the water, dump out the dry debris compartment, rinse out the pieces, squeeze out the brush roll, and let everything dry. This leaves floors a bit damper than the Tineco recommended below, but they still dry efficiently with few, if any, streaks. It can be a little tricky to find this in stock, but I think it's well worth it if you're in the market and you don't need a ton of extra-fancy features. Cord Length 25 feet Water Tank Capacity 0.42 liters Included Accessories Brush roll and stand Replacement Schedule Replace brush roll every 6 months Weight 7 pounds Warranty Length 1 year Honey Test Results 40 seconds, 6 or 7 passes Photograph: Louryn Strampe This all-in-one cleaner from Tineco has lots of bells and whistles. It's easy to set up and easy to use, though I had to read the instructions a few times to make sure I understood all the different modes and options. Press the power button and it'll start up in Auto mode, which detects how dirty the floor is and automatically adjusts steam output as needed. Use Steam Mode to deep clean, and Boost mode for stubborn spots and stains. Using the companion smartphone app, which requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, you can also put your mop into suction-only mode for dry vacuuming—which is handy when you accidentally spill half a bag full of coffee grounds on the floor. The companion app can also let you know the status of your mop's charge, and help walk you through any errors. It'll also track how often you clean, if you want that feature for some reason. The mop has two water tanks—one for dirty water, one for clean—and you can fill it up with water or Tineco's cleaning solution. (I haven't tried this solution, but the manufacturer recommends that you use its product and not one from a different company.) It left my floors drier than any other mop I've tried thus far. When you're done cleaning, you can return it to the included charging dock to top off the battery and enter self-cleaning mode. This mode is loud and it takes a few minutes, but it washes and dries the brush roll and moves everything to the dirty water tank. Rinse out the dry filter, rinse out the dirty water tank, and your mop will be sparkling clean. There's even storage for the dry filter and brush roll on the charging dock. In addition to the various modes, this steam mop has a neat ring light around its display that moves from red (dirty) through purple and finally blue (when the section of the floor you're on is clean). That, combined with the built-in lights on the mop head, helps ensure you never miss a spot. This mop is also self-propelled, which is a blessing and a curse since the machine is on the heavier side—I found it was easiest to turn it off by pressing the button, rather than trying to stand it fully upright. If you're taller or stronger, this may not be an issue. I also wish the battery charged up faster—it takes four or five hours, and the battery can die quickly depending on what mode you're using the most and how big the cleaning area is. I also wish the battery was replaceable. And similarly to the Shark model recommended above, this Tineco doesn't have fantastic edge support—you might have to do some manual cleaning around corners and baseboards. Finally, this mop has a voice that will proudly announce the cleaning mode you're in, when the tank needs to be cleaned, and more. You can turn this voice feature off if it annoys you. I liked having it on, but sometimes it would tell me something during the middle of the cleaning process, and I couldn't understand it over the noise of the machine itself. That's not a detriment, just a quirk. If you're looking for a steam mop that will bust through even the grossest of messes, this is the one you want. Cord Length N/A Water Tank Capacity Clean water: 0.85 liters. Dirty water: 0.72 liters. Included Accessories Two brush rollers, two dry filters, one cleaning brush Replacement Schedule Replace brush roll and filter every 3-6 months Weight 12.7 pounds Warranty Length 2 years Honey Test Results 30 seconds; 4 or 5 passes Photograph: Louryn Strampe $100 $80 (20% off) Amazon The Turonic ST3 is basically a handheld steamer with a mop head and extended handle. It's a floor steamer that can be used all over the house, including on your countertops or upholstery. After assembly, which involves piecing the mop head, steamer, and handles together, you'll fill up the tank with water. Turn it on and let it heat up, and 15 seconds later it'll start emitting steam. It can produce steam for 25 minutes or so before needing to be refilled and warmed up again. It comes with a huge array of accessories (listed below)—when you want to swap to a different cleaning mode, you'll pull off the mop head and remove the handle, and attach your chosen accessory to the adapter (which is also the steamer jet attachment). The included microfiber mop pads attach via Velcro and stay put securely. They're also machine washable. This mop works well on its own, though it does take more elbow grease than the others recommended in this guide, especially for tough stains. During the Honey Test, this mop pushed the honey across the floor before effectively cleaning it. It could have better edge support (though it's a bit better in this regard than the brush roll models I like). I do appreciate that, while the water tank is specifically for water, I can put down my beloved Fabuloso on the ground without worrying about contaminating the insides of the machine. This gadget feels lightweight and a little cheap, and I wish the cord were retractable. But it's handy to have around, not only for your floors, but for nearly every surface of your house. I wouldn't pay more than $100 for it. It goes on sale pretty frequently, and I think it's worth getting if you want a steam cleaner without spending much money. Cord Length 23 feet Water Tank Capacity 385 milliliters Included Accessories Two microfiber mop pads, a refill cup, a steamer jet (which is also the attachment adapter), a scraping tool, a grout brush, a curved nozzle, two sizes of scrub brushes, a window squeegee, a garment steamer cloth, and a carpet glider Replacement Schedule N/A—just wash as needed Weight 5 pounds Warranty Length 1 year Honey Test Results 1 minute, 10 passes Photograph: Simon Hill Shark S5003D Genius Steam Mop for $109: This steam mop has three heat levels and detachable mop pads. It also has a blast button for an extra burst of steam as needed. The coolest part is that you can flip the mop head over when one side of the pad is soiled, so you can mop even longer (or simply have a longer break between machine-washing them). There's even a mop head detach button, so you can pop it right in the washing machine without touching it. Kärcher Steam Cleaner for $208: This is similar to the Turonic steamer, but it has a much longer hose so you can clean hard-to-reach areas like ceilings or tall mirrors. It also has a wider mopping path. It only comes with one microfiber cover, and some accessories are separate purchases. But we like that it has built-in storage for its accessories as well as an included descaling cartridge. Dreame H14 Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum for $480: This combination vacuum and steam mop automatically detects dirt levels and adjusts the flow of cleaning solution and suction to help you out on tough spots. It's self-propelled both forward and backward, and it even has a lie-flat mode so you can clean under couches or along baseboards more easily. It also has self-cleaning for when you're done mopping. There's a companion app, too, which requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. This is a very close alternative to the Tineco S7. FAQs What Should You Look for in a Steam Mop? AccordionItemContainerButton Steam mops should primarily be used on hard, sealed surfaces such as linoleum, wood, tile, marble, and stone. You can perform a patch test to ensure compatibility, which is particularly important for laminate floors, LVP, and engineered hardwood since the steam and moisture can warp the boards. (Your flooring manufacturer likely has guidance around this as well.) Photograph: Louryn Strampe If you don't want to pre-sweep your floors, look for a model that has suction built in. If you want easier storage, look for a model that includes a stand. Make sure you pay careful attention to the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule. Usually, you can go six months between brush roll replacements, but if you're cleaning very dirty areas very often, you might need to replace parts sooner. Also take careful note on whether or not you're meant to use distilled water—the models I've tried have said that tap water is OK. AccordionItemContainerButton In a nutshell, steam mops make mopping easier. The steam helps bust through grime so you don't need to use as much elbow grease to achieve the same result, and your mopping routine will also likely take less time than it does with a manual mop. I especially noticed a difference while cleaning high-traffic areas or really dirty messes (like muddy footprints). I also like that there's no film on my floors after using one. Some people with scent sensitivities or allergies like steam mops because you can achieve clean floors without the use of chemicals or additional ingredients—steam mops only require water. Finally, steam can sanitize as it cleans. At its base form, like with boiling water, steam is around 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Most bacteria and viruses die at around 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, so steam can kill them off. The key word here is 'can.' If your floor is cold, the surface might not reach hot enough temperatures; different viruses require different lengths of steam exposure in order to be eradicated. The most surefire way to sanitize your floor is to use a disinfectant. You shouldn't buy a steam mop solely for this potential benefit, but it is one that some people find appealing. AccordionItemContainerButton Photograph: Louryn Strampe I conducted a Honey Test, wherein I put two tablespoons of honey down on my kitchen tile and let it harden for about 15 minutes. I then tested to see how long it took to mop it up with each candidate, and how many passes back and forth it took. Additionally, I only used these mops to clean my 250-square foot porcelain tile kitchen floors during my three-month testing period. I also used them on other hard flooring in my home, like the ceramic tile in my entryway and the polyurethane-finished oak hardwood floors in my living room. I looked for ease of use, features that worked as advertised, maneuverability, and most importantly, cleaning power. I waited until my floors were noticeably dirty before using the mops so I could accurately assess their power on high-traffic areas, such as near my kitchen sink and garbage cans. Next up I'll be testing steam mops from Bissell, Black + Decker, PurSteam, and Swiffer. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
