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CNN
3 days ago
- General
- 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.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers racing to Lidl to snap up ‘amazing' household gadget that's £250 cheaper than Tefal
BUDGET shoppers are flocking to Lidl for an 'amazing' household gadget that's giving pricey brands a serious run for their money. The Tower Ceraglide 2700W Steam Generator Iron has landed on Lidl's shelves, and customers say it's 'cutting through ironing piles with ease". With a similar power output to high-end Tefal models, which can cost up to £300, Lidl's version is nearly £250 cheaper at £49.99. The Tower model heats up in just 35 seconds and features an 80g/min continuous steam output with three-bar steam pressure, letting you power through shirts, trousers and even curtains. It's also got a large 1.2L water tank, vertical steam setting for hanging garments, self-cleaning function, and ceramic double soleplate for extra smooth glide across all fabrics. While Tefal's flagship Pro Express Vision offers higher steam pressure, fancy LED lights, and automatic steam release, it will set you back up to £400. Curry's currently sells it for £299.99, which makes Lidl's version £249.99 cheaper. Curry's also stocks the Tower steam generator iron for £60, which is £10 more expensive than what Lidl is selling it for. It's always worth shopping around and comparing prices to make sure you're getting the most value for money. How to compare prices to get the best deal JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn't mean it's always a good deal. There are plenty of comparison websites out there that'll check prices for you - so don't be left paying more than you have to. Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers. Here are some that we recommend: Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results. Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock. Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one. CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of. Lidl's customers are thrilled with the results. One buyer said: 'This iron is amazing. Lightweight and easy to use. Cuts through the ironing pile with ease.' Another raved: 'Really good design and functionality was spot on.' While a third praised the price tag, adding: 'Compared to more well-known brand names, it has some great features.' I tried 'magic' Lidl garden hose - you need to get it, it's perfect for summer The model number to look out for is T22023GLD, and it comes with a three-year warranty, giving shoppers extra peace of mind. Meanwhile, it's not the only dupe Lidl is stocking this summer. The Silvercrest Air Fryer, priced at £49.99, has been hailed as a cheaper alternative to the £200 Ninja version. The Monsieur Cuisine Smart, at £399.99, is a fan favourite and often compared to the high-end Thermomix which can cost more than £1,000. The Silvercrest Cordless Vacuum, on sale for £59.99, has drawn comparisons to the Dyson V8, with many praising its strong suction and lightweight design. It comes as the budget-retailer brought out its Peppa Pig ride on suitcases, perfect for kids this summer. How to save more money at Lidl Lidl's prices are already wallet-friendly, but you can slash your bills even further using simple tips. Download the Lidl Plus app The app unlocks exclusive weekly discounts, automatically applied at the checkout. Customers have saved up to £235 in a single month just by scanning it during each shop. You can knock up to 25% off popular items like ready meals, baked goods and snacks. Right now, Flying Goose Sriracha Prawn Crackers are down to £1.49, 50p off. Bag £1.50 wonky veg boxes Each morning, Lidl sells 5kg boxes of imperfect fruit and veg for just £1.50, saving you around £3.50 compared to buying them individually. Grab midweek bargains Every week, Lidl slashes prices on six fruit and veg items — this week, 400g of mushrooms is just 99p. Hit the Middle of Lidl You never know what you'll find in the famous middle aisle — from garden tools to kitchen gadgets, all at bargain prices. Earn rewards with Lidl Plus Spend £250 in a month, and you'll bag 10% off your next shop, saving you £72 a year if you hit the target monthly. Don't miss bakery Happy Hour From 7pm, Lidl knocks 20% off baked goods to reduce waste — croissants, doughnuts and pastries all go cheap. Used right, these Lidl tips could save shoppers save hundreds on their Lidl shop.
Fox News
10-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
From Wrinkles to Riches: The Founders of ‘Nori' On Inventing a Fashion Emergency Game Changer
It's a universal experience: running late for work and getting dressed in a hurry only to realize the button-up you threw on is wrinkled beyond repair. When there isn't enough time to pull out the ironing board or the steamer, the solution is oftentimes just accepting defeat. However, the founders of Nori are changing that with their new, handheld steam iron — that requires no board, fits in a suitcase, and cuts ironing time in half. Liz sits down with Annabel Love and Courtney Toll to hear the story behind how they went from entry level corporate careers in New York City to becoming the founders of a rapidly growing company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Entrepreneur
07-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
College Friends' Side Hustle Does $20 Million in Revenue
This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features 29-year-olds Courtney Toll and Annabel Love, the co-founders of Nori. They launched Nori Press, a compact steam iron, in 2021 and did $1 million in revenue in the first nine months. They've doubled revenue every year since 2022, ending 2024 with $20.8 million in revenue. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Annabel Love and Courtney Toll. Image credit: Courtesy of Nori What was your day job or primary occupation(s) when you started your side hustle? Toll: When Annabel and I came up with the idea for Nori in college, we both chose to pursue full-time jobs after graduation before diving into the business. I joined an expert-network firm called AlphaSights, where I connected clients with subject-matter experts to support due diligence for acquisitions or strategic initiatives. Annabel started her career at an interior design firm, where she gained hands-on experience in sourcing and supply chain management. The skills we developed in those roles across research, operations and project management proved incredibly valuable when we eventually transitioned to working on Nori full-time. Related: This 34-Year-Old Was 'Wildly Un-Passionate' About His Day Job, So He Started a 9-Figure Side Hustle: 'Be an Animal' When did you start your side hustle, and what inspired it? Love: The inspiration for Nori was born out of sheer frustration in our tiny New York City apartments. As we prepared for our first professional internships, we wanted to look polished and professional, but we didn't have the space for an ironing board, the patience for leaky steamers or the budget for frequent dry cleaning. We resorted to every DIY wrinkle-removal hack imaginable, even using hair straighteners as makeshift irons. That daily struggle opened our eyes to how outdated and overlooked the ironing and steaming category had become. We saw a real opportunity to modernize the space with a smarter, more convenient solution. Our idea for a next-generation steam iron became our side hustle as soon as we started our full-time jobs. To de-risk the venture and maintain financial stability, we committed to working our 9-6 jobs while building Nori on nights and weekends for as long as we could juggle both. What were some of the first steps you took to get your side hustle off the ground? Toll: We first began exploring the idea for Nori during our senior year at Wake Forest, where we were both entrepreneurship minors. By the time it officially became a side hustle post-graduation, we had already built somewhat of a foundation for the venture, having conducted market research, analyzed industry dynamics and run pricing exercises. Once we were in our full-time jobs, we spent nights and weekends diving into product development. We visited 19 design firms across the country to bring our vision to life. During that time, we also incorporated the company, built out initial budgets and even closed a $300,000 friends and family funding round, all before ever leaving our day jobs. Are there any free or paid resources that have been especially helpful for you in starting and running this business? Love: Mentorship has played a crucial role in our journey. We owe much of our progress to the insights and experiences shared by fellow entrepreneurs. Reaching out thoughtfully, even to people you've never met, costs nothing but can lead to invaluable conversations. While in side-hustle mode, we sent cold emails to and connected with Emily Weiss of Glossier, Jim McKelvey of Square, Afton Vechery of Modern Fertility and many others. The perspective and wisdom gained from this cold outreach are things money simply can't buy. Related: These Roommates Started a Side Hustle in Their Denver Apartment. Now It's an 8-Figure Business With $1 Million Months: 'Go Be Unreasonable.' If you could go back in your business journey and change one process or approach, what would it be? What would you do differently? Toll: If I could go back and change one thing, it would be how we approached forecasting and inventory planning early on. As a hardware business, our lead times are long, and our capital is tied up in physical products, so any misstep in forecasting can be costly. In the beginning, we were either too conservative, leading to stockouts or having to pay for costly air freight, or too optimistic, tying up cash in excess inventory. If I could do it over, I'd invest earlier in building a stronger operational foundation: better demand-planning tools and/or an outsourced dedicated inventory planner, a clearer understanding of sales velocity by channel and tighter alignment between marketing and supply chain. It's not always the most glamorous part of the business, but getting it right is critical to scaling efficiently and sustainably. Image credit: Courtesy of Nori Can you recall a specific instance when something went very wrong? How did you fix it? Love: Truthfully, we have something go "very wrong" on a monthly basis. Whether it's our supply chain, a packaging mishap, a delayed marketing campaign or the latest tariff whirlwind we are currently navigating, our job is filled with constant challenges. We find that staying grounded in our mission is key, and leaning on one another, our best friend, has allowed us to navigate totally unforeseen circumstances. We believe that getting comfortable with entrepreneurship is getting comfortable with an onslaught of ups and downs: Hire the best partners possible, and the "very wrong" becomes Tuesday's average challenge. How long did it take to see consistent monthly revenue? How much did the side hustle earn? Toll: Since Nori is a hardware and durable goods business, it required significant time and capital to get off the ground (hence, why hardware businesses are so hard to fundraise for). After closing our initial friends-and-family round, I left my full-time job to focus on developing our hero product, the Nori Press, and building our go-to-market strategy. Annabel joined full-time shortly after, before we had officially launched. We had taken the business as far as we could while balancing full-time jobs, and it became clear that it needed our full attention. That year of dedicated pre-launch work included finalizing the product, refining our brand and laying the groundwork for distribution on our DTC site. This really allowed us to hit the ground running come launch. As a result, we saw consistent monthly revenue almost immediately. Within the first nine months post-launch, Nori had generated $1 million in revenue. Related: This Couple Started a Side Hustle in Their Backyard. It's Now a Global Brand With $200 Million in Revenue: 'I Get Sweaty Palms Thinking About the Level of Risk We Took' What does growth and revenue look like now? Toll: Since our launch in May of 2021, Nori has experienced rapid growth. In our first full year of business, the Nori Press was named one of Oprah's Favorite Things, and we closed out 2022 with $5 million in revenue. We've doubled our revenue every year since: $10 million in 2023 and $20.8 million in 2024. What makes this especially meaningful is that we've achieved this growth as a lean, three-person, all-female team. In 2024, we also reached profitability. Our journey has been one of true product–market fit and a relentless focus on meeting demand across channels. With the right team, a clear vision and the smart use of many specialized freelancers, we've been able to scale efficiently without the excessive overhead many venture-backed companies feel they need. What do you enjoy most about running the business now? Love: My favorite part about running Nori is that I get to build this business with my best friend, Courtney. We challenge each other to grow, push each other to be better and celebrate every milestone — from getting Oprah's Favorite Things to launching in Target this year. There's a deep level of trust, respect and shared vision between us, and I genuinely couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else. What is your best piece of specific, actionable business advice? Love: Diversifying your distribution strategy is essential for long-term growth, but it's just as important to master one channel at a time. We started Nori with a direct-to-consumer approach and spent our first 12 months laser-focused on understanding every aspect of that model from unit economics to paid marketing. By the time we expanded to Amazon, we had built a well-oiled DTC machine supported by strong marketing partners and a logistics team that was self-sustaining. The same deliberate approach is guiding our expansion into retail, which we're only now meaningfully scaling in years three and four. Today, we're proud to be available not only on our own site, but also on Amazon and through retail partners like The Container Store, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and most recently, Target. Omnichannel growth should absolutely be the goal, but take the time to build stable, scalable systems in each channel before moving to the next. Looking for a profitable side hustle but not sure where to start? Money Makers is a free newsletter providing helpful tips, ideas and action items to build your own lucrative venture — delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here.
