2 days ago
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.
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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.
