Microschooling Spreads In Choice-Friendly States
When Ar'Jillian Gilmer launched her Arkansas microschool last fall, she wanted to create a new education option for students who were not thriving in a conventional classroom. A longtime public school teacher in Little Rock who had been offering personalized tutoring services since 2020, Gilmer knew that one-size-fits-all schooling wasn't always best for students. She became increasingly interested in the concept of microschooling, or an educational approach that prioritizes highly individualized, affordable, flexible learning.
'I'm a proponent for whatever educational setting works best for the child,' said Gilmer. 'If your child is doing well in public school, great. Leave them there. But if your child needs a smaller class size, if they need more one-on-one or small group attention, then a microschool setting might be good.' Since 2020, microschools have spread rapidly all across the U.S., as I document in my new book; but they are particularly popular in states with expansive school-choice programs. These choice-friendly states have passed legislation that enables families to use a portion of state-allocated education funding toward their preferred learning environment. Arkansas is one of the 35 states with a private school choice program, and one of 16 with universal eligibility, applying to all K-12 students. It is also one of the leading states to include microschools in its school-choice programs.
Gilmer opened her faith-based K-8 microschool with eight students, all of whom are legally considered homeschoolers but attend her program four full days a week. Her enrollment has nearly doubled in just one year. Part of that growth, says Gilmer, is attributable to the strong academic progress of her students, including those with special learning needs such as ADHD, dyslexia and autism. These positive outcomes are attracting more families. The other part of her growth is that Arkansas microschools and similar learning options are now more accessible than ever due to the state's education savings account (ESA) school-choice program, which was enacted in 2023. 'The ESA makes those options available for families who, honestly, can't afford to pay for microschool tuition out of pocket,' said Gilmer, explaining that all but one of the 15 families enrolled in her microschool for fall are attending tuition-free. She intentionally priced her microschool tuition at $5,900 a year, below the $6,800 annual ESA amount for which each student is eligible. 'The whole purpose of not charging the full amount of the ESA is so that families are able to purchase resources, materials, field trips and other learning experiences that will be approved outside of the microschool,' said Gilmer.
Spotting mounting demand for innovative education options, Gilmer is in the process of applying to become an approved educational provider in nearby Alabama, which enacted its universal ESA program last year. 'I'm just waiting for that final approval from Alabama,' said Gilmer. 'They did not give any sense of timing. I'm hoping it will be before August so that students can take advantage of it for the 2025/2026 school year.'
The common aim of ESA programs is to enable funding to follow families, but implementation and administration of these programs can vary by state. Clarity around rules and regulations can sometimes be lacking. For example, when the Alabama legislature passed its ESA program, the CHOOSE Act, some foster children were not eligible to participate. Organizations such as the Alabama Policy Institute (API), which has been a strong supporter of school-choice policies, pushed to clarify ESA eligibility during the administrative rulemaking process. 'We were able to make sure that foster kids outside of the scope of our Department of Human Resources were included through the regulatory process,' said Stephanie Smith, API's President and CEO, adding that she worked closely with Big Oak Ranch, an Alabama-based nonprofit that provides a home to kids in need. 'Now, each of their kids has $7,000 for private school.' A new paper published by State Policy Network, of which API is a member, urges transparency through rulemaking to help ensure that the rollout of an ESA program preserves its intended flexibility.
Jennifer Wolverton welcomes this transparency. A former engineer and founder of MARS, a STEM-based microschool for homeschoolers in Huntsville, Alabama, Wolverton is thrilled that her families are able to use their ESA funds to access the state-of-the-art technological tools and curriculum she offers. But she also spots limitations in the ESA rollout. 'The CHOOSE Act was meant to expand access, but the current ESA rules can block innovation and burden the very providers working to serve students,' said Wolverton. 'Cutting-edge microschools like MARS don't fit neatly into the old categories of tutor or private school. Yet, we're often forced to navigate rules clearly not written with us in mind.'
As education choice policies expand nationwide, education entrepreneurship in choice-friendly states will continue to accelerate. Making it easier for founders to start and scale their new schools and learning models by removing regulatory burdens will boost the variety and abundance of choices available to families. 'Choice is important,' said Gilmer of Arkansas. 'Sometimes we need a hand to help us reach the goals that we have for our children, and ESAs give families those options.'
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Yahoo
a few seconds ago
- Yahoo
Bedridden woman was trapped as her Massachusetts apartment burned. Then two cousins jumped into action
Two cousins jumped into action to save a bedridden woman who was trapped in her burning apartment, according to local reports. Crews responded to reports of a fire in an elderly woman's apartment at Bradford Condominiums in Woburn, Massachusetts early Friday morning, the local fire department said. The resident was bedridden, and witnesses could hear her calling for help as smoke filled the second-floor apartment, local outlet Boston 25 News reports. That's when two cousins jumped into action. Sadush Brahimaj and Narti Qato heard the woman screaming for help and managed to climb up onto her porch, WCVB reports. "It was so dark, it was so dark and smoky, we couldn't see anything, just hearing her voice, 'Help, help,' all the time," Brahimaj told WCVB. "We didn't think anything else, we just went inside." The cousins tried twice to get inside the apartment building. The first attempt was 'too much,' so Brahimaj said he used his jacket to cover his face like a mask. 'The second time we got her,' he told the outlet. That's when other residents joined in, shining their flashlights to help guide the men and the woman to safety, WCVB reports. Crews arrived after the pair had pulled the resident from her burning bedroom onto the balcony, the local fire department said. Firefighters used a ground ladder to carry the woman down. The woman was taken to Massachusetts General with burns and smoke inhalation injuries, NBC Boston reports. The two cousins were also hospitalized and released soon afterward, WCVB reports. Woburn Fire Captain Bill Stukey praised their rescue efforts, Boston 25 News reports. 'A couple of the guys were able to get up onto the porch, get in through the slider,' Stukey said. 'They went in the back and crawled through the smoke and actually dragged her out. They did a good job.' The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the Red Cross is now assisting residents impacted by the fire, according to Boston 25 News.
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
4 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.
