Top Steam Irons in the UK: Expert Reviews to Simplify Your Laundry Routine
Are you tired of facing a mountain of crumpled clothes every week? Ironing might not be anyone's favourite chore, but with the right tools, it can become a breeze. Our comprehensive testing of leading steam irons in the UK reveals the best models to transform your laundry routine, from powerful cordless options to compact travel-friendly designs.
Why Trust Our Iron Reviews?
With over a decade of experience ironing thousands of shirts for school uniforms and delicate fabrics, our testing is grounded in real-world use. We evaluated nine top irons from brands like Breville, Tefal, and Russell Hobbs, assessing performance on various fabrics including cotton shirts, silk saris, and heavy jeans. Each iron was tested for comfort, efficiency, steam output, and energy consumption, using a power meter to measure electricity usage. After testing, unused irons were donated to Furnishing Futures, a charity supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Best Iron Overall: Breville DiamondXpress VIN401
Price: From £39.99 at Amazon
This iron stands out for its exceptional performance, despite its blingy rose gold finish and diamond-themed design. The ceramic soleplate features crushed diamonds for enhanced durability and glide, making it ideal for large areas and intricate details like collars and buttons. It heats up in just 40 seconds and delivers a strong, constant steam flow. A safe store strip indicates when it's cool enough to put away. However, the storage cord lacks a clip, and the aesthetic may not appeal to all.
- Corded or Cordless: Corded
- Tank Capacity: 400ml
- Weight: 1.29kg
- Steam Output: 70g/min
Best Cordless Iron: Tefal Freemove Power
Price: From £79.99 at John Lewis
For ultimate convenience, the Tefal Freemove Power offers seamless cordless performance with an ergonomic charging base. It recharges quickly when placed on the dock, heating up in just 20 seconds. Lightweight and easy to handle, it excels on all fabrics, including delicate silk. Tefal provides a two-year guarantee and a promise of 15-year repairability. The main drawback is that it cannot sit on its heel for filling, and the base may collect condensed steam.
- Corded or Cordless: Cordless
- Tank Capacity: 250ml
- Weight: 0.95kg
- Steam Output: 35g/min
Best Iron for Storage: Russell Hobbs Easy Store Pro Plug & Wind
Price: From £37 at John Lewis
This model is a budget-friendly choice with smart storage features. It has a single smart setting, allowing you to iron clothes in any order without adjusting temperatures. The cable storage includes a space for the plug, keeping everything tidy. Registering the purchase extends the guarantee to three years. On the downside, the steam shot button requires a firm push to activate.
- Corded or Cordless: Corded
- Tank Capacity: 320ml
- Weight: 1.14kg
- Steam Output: 50g/min
Best Workhorse Iron: Tefal Ultimate Pure
Price: From £84.99 at Argos
If you deal with large laundry loads, the Tefal Ultimate Pure is a powerhouse. It offers incredibly powerful steam and excels on all fabrics, particularly delicate items like silk saris. The anti-calc filter helps prevent limescale buildup. While it's the heaviest iron tested, its performance justifies the price, especially if found on sale. It comes with a two-year guarantee and repairability promise.
- Corded or Cordless: Corded
- Tank Capacity: 350ml
- Weight: 1.62kg
- Steam Output: 60g/min
Other Notable Models
Tower Ceraglide 360: A convertible iron that works both corded and cordless, but the charging base can be awkward to use.
Philips Azur 8000: Features a smart setting for flexible ironing, but is pricey compared to alternatives.
Polti Vaporella Quick & Slide QS220: Offers good steam shot value, but has annoying controls and a short cable.
Morphy Richards Power Steam Elite: Has attractive digital controls, but the icons are hard to see and settings are cumbersome to change.
Essential Ironing Tips
Register Your Iron: Many brands offer extended guarantees upon registration, adding extra protection.
Corded vs. Cordless: Cordless irons provide freedom of movement, but ensure performance isn't compromised. Our testing shows mixed results, with some models excelling and others falling short.
Ironing Board Importance: A good ironing board, like the Brabantia model with a PerfectFlow cover, prevents sogginess and allows for height adjustment, making ironing more comfortable.
Steam Generators: These are worth considering for heavy use, as they hold more water and produce stronger steam, reducing refill frequency.
Cost of Ironing: Based on the 2026 energy price cap of 27.69p per kWh, using a typical iron for half an hour costs around 39p, though actual costs may be lower depending on usage.
Water Usage: All irons can be used dry, and tap water is generally fine, with anti-calc filters handling limescale in hard-water areas.
By choosing the right steam iron, you can turn a tedious task into a quick and efficient part of your routine. Whether you prefer cordless convenience or powerful performance, our tested recommendations ensure you find the perfect match for your needs.
