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11 best steam irons to smooth creases fast, tried and tested
Our experts pressed and steamed piles of shirts and trousers to find these best steam irons
Tested by Blossom Boothroyd, Jasmin Joyce and Albert Orech-Achato
Love it or hate it, ironing is unavoidable. And to make the task less awful, having the best steam iron to hand can make pressing crumpled clothes a whole lot easier. The challenge is finding an iron that will remove stubborn creases both quickly and effectively.
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve tested over 50 models to find the best iron with steam on the market. Well-designed models should be comfortable and lightweight to hold, with a strong steam shot and a high tank capacity. Here are our top picks in a nutshell, but keep scrolling for our full reviews.
Best steam irons to buy in 2026
Testing irons on cotton; measuring temperature stability and accuracy
How we test steam irons
When we test irons at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we consider everything that matters to you as a shopper. As well as removing creases, fast, you want an iron that works across the most common fabrics in your wardrobe and is easy to manoeuvre (we hate a cord that won’t reach our ironing board or an iron that’s heavy and cumbersome to hold).
Here’s everything we look for.
Fabric range: Our experts test each steam iron on a range of fabrics representative of a regular wardrobe – including nylon, cotton, polycotton, silk and tricky linen – to assess how quickly and effectively they remove creases.
Temperature settings and heat-up time: We time how long each iron takes to reach every temperature setting, and measure how accurate and stable the temperature is. We want to see irons that have a good range of temperature settings and let you know when they reach temperature. We also give points to irons that automatically turn off when left face-down.
Weight and comfort: Our testers weigh each iron and assess how comfortable they are to hold and manoeuvre while ironing a standard load.
Tank capacity: We time how long it takes for the iron’s full water tank to empty. We’re looking for a balance between a generous water capacity that lasts a decent amount of time, and an iron that isn’t too heavy. We also like to see built-in limescale removers.
Ease of use: Our testers are looking for features that make ironing faster and easier, such as responsive and intuitive controls, a sole plate that glides easily over fabric and a long power cord.
Instructions: We always look for instructions that are easy to navigate and understand, as well as easy-to-access contact information from the manufacturer.
Here are our winners.
Tower T22008 CeraGlide Cordless
Pros
- Affordable
- Can be used cordless or corded
- Tank lasted almost 19 minutes
- Quick to heat up
Cons
- Cord is a little short
Score: 92/100
Ironing is a doddle with this versatile model, which switches easily between being corded and cordless. Note, though, that you only get 35 seconds of cordless power at a time (recharging in 15 seconds) and the cord isn’t the longest we tried, so you’ll need a well-placed plug socket too.
Niggles aside, it’s impressive at removing creases and its tank lasted for nearly 19 minutes. Its temperature was also accurate across all three dot settings and we found it heated up quickly too, while its continuous steam was effective.
But if you press the steam button repeatedly it may leak, so use sparingly. Overall, it's a lightweight and convenient model at a great price.
Key specifications
| Type | 2-in-1 corded and cordless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.2kg |
| Tank capacity | 360ml |
| Steam rate | 40g |
| Steam shot | 180g |
| Wattage | 2400W |
Russell Hobbs Colour Control Pro Ultra Steam Iron 27281
Russell Hobbs Colour Control Pro Ultra Steam Iron 27281
Pros
- Intuitive design with straightforward temperature selection
- Effective 30-second auto shut-off
- Long cord
- Good on cotton, linen and polycotton
Cons
- Some water trickled down when steaming
Score: 92/100
If you’re not convinced by a cordless steam iron, this more traditional design warrants a spot on your ironing board. Our testers loved how easy it was to use, whether that was topping up the water levels via the wide opening or choosing the temperature setting thanks to its clear, colour-coded guidelines. The comfortable handle and water tank, which lasted 19 minutes, made it well-suited to tackling bigger laundry piles, too.
As for its de-creasing abilities, it did a stellar job; it heated up in less than 40 seconds across all its settings and had great temperature accuracy. Plus, our testers praised the continuous steam output, effective spray, and pointed plate, which reached into corners and pleats well. There’s even a self-clean function – it took about 16 minutes to complete, but we reckon it’s worth the wait for one less job on our to-do list.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.38kg |
| Tank capacity | 380ml |
| Steam rate | 195g |
| Steam shot | 50g |
| Wattage | 2800W |
Tefal FV9845 Ultimate Pure
Pros
- Easy to use with accessible buttons
- Heated quickly with accurate dot settings
- Spray is very effective
Cons
- Tank emptied in under 9 mins
Score: 89/100
This stylish steam iron is simple to use, with easily accessible buttons and continuous, powerful steam functions. It also sprays a fine mist, which means creases are removed easily.
The dot settings were accurate too, and the iron heated quickly. But despite having one of the largest tank capacities, it needed refilling in under nine minutes, while the spray button was almost too responsive, occasionally spraying when we hadn’t pressed it. These are minor qualms though, as it’s undoubtedly a premium buy.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.45kg |
| Tank capacity | 350ml |
| Steam rate | 60g |
| Steam shot | 260g |
| Wattage | 3100W |
Beldray 3200W Steam Iron
Beldray 3200W Steam Iron
Pros
- Long 3m cord for flexibility when ironing
- Controls are intuitive
- Weighted design helps with removing creases
Cons
- Touchscreen doesn’t have a lock so it's easy to accidentally change the setting
- Slight dripping when using continuous steam function
Score: 89/100
If you’re guilty of using the same heat setting every time, this is the one for you. Instead of using the traditional dot design to show the temperature and which fabric it should be used on, this steam iron has four presets for linen, cotton, wool and nylon, which can be easily selected on the LED touchscreen.
In the lab, it preheated in 23 seconds and removed most cotton creases in one pass – a quick follow-up was needed occasionally for the perfect finish. The iron wasn’t as effective on nylon and linen but still removed noticeable wrinkles when we used the steam function. An additional spray feature would have made the job easier though.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.6kg |
| Tank capacity | 380ml |
| Steam rate | 40g |
| Steam shot | 200g |
| Wattage | 3200W |
Breville DiamondXpress 3100W VIN401 Steam Iron
Breville DiamondXpress 3100W VIN401 Steam Iron
Pros
- Glides over fabrics
- Compact and lightweight
- Cord is a good length
Cons
- Steam shot a little inconsistent
Score: 88/100
Diamond isn’t merely the name given to this Breville iron; the precious gem is also used to make the soleplate, with the brand claiming it improves both durability and the way it glides over fabrics. Our testers backed this up, finding it an easy mover across all their garments and a reliable crease banisher too.
It heats up quickly, feels lightweight to use and the water tank proved long-lasting, making it well suited to those with big piles of laundry to plough through.
Testers found its steam shot powerful initially but then a little inconsistent, which may prove frustrating if your clothes are particularly crumpled. That said, they never needed more than 10 seconds of continuous steam to lift even the most stubborn of creases, making this a trusty iron for most wardrobes.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.63kg |
| Tank capacity | 400ml |
| Steam rate | 70g |
| Steam shot | 200g |
| Wattage | 3100W |
Philips Azur 8000 Series DST8020/26 Steam Iron
Philips Azur 8000 Series DST8020/26 Steam Iron
Pros
- Very effective at removing creases
- Steady temperature
- Small tank lasted nearly 15 mins
Cons
- No spray feature
- Takes 2 mins to shut off
Score: 87/100
Scoring full marks with our experts for its performance across all four fabrics, this iron is a worthy investment. The one-temperature setting was steady in use but it took nearly two minutes to heat up. It was impressive once it got going though, banishing creases in one quick sweep.
Its small 300ml tank capacity lasted for nearly 15 minutes and is easy to refill. The iron is steady in use too, with a well-placed steam boost trigger. It doesn’t have a spray feature and takes two minutes to shut off but the soleplate didn’t scratch when we ironed over metal clasps.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded; one temperature iron |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.78kg |
| Tank capacity | 350ml |
| Steam rate | 55g |
| Steam shot | 240g |
| Wattage | 3000W |
Russell Hobbs Easy Store Pro Wrap and Clip Steam Iron
Russell Hobbs Easy Store Pro Wrap and Clip Steam Iron
Pros
- Cable wraps neatly around the base
- Heats up quickly
- Tank lasted over 20 mins so good for a lot of laundry
Cons
- The cord tangled a little in use
- Auto shut-off takes 2 mins to kick in
Score: 86/100
With a cable that can be neatly wrapped around its base, this iron is ideal if storage is tight, or you want a tidier finish. It heated up quickly and accurately and moved smoothly across all our fabrics on test. The steam boost was easy to use too, and its water tank lasted us for over 20 minutes of ironing, making it well suited to tackling a full basket of laundry.
It proved adept at smoothing out most fabrics, with only the odd crease left on stubborn linen. But note that the auto shut-off only kicks in after two minutes, and the cord tangled a tad when in use.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.39kg |
| Tank capacity | 320ml |
| Steam rate | 45g |
| Steam shot | 180g |
| Wattage | 2400W |
Swan 360 Glide
Pros
- Weighs just under 900g
- 2-in-1 design adds flexibility
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Sprays a lot
- Steam boost leaked a little
Score: 86/100
Weighing just shy of 900g when empty, this is one of the more accessible irons we tried. Its two-in-one design also means you can use it as a cordless iron should the cable get in the way.
It heats up quickly on all three dot settings and reached a good temperature on the second and third settings, but it was 20 degrees out on the first.
You can fill the tank by placing its wide spout under the tap and it lasted over 14 minutes. It sprayed a lot though (although the button is stiff) and the steam boost sometimes leaked. We also spotted some scratches on the soleplate after ironing clasps.
Given its affordable price, however, we’d forgive those niggles. A versatile buy.
Key specifications
| Type | 2-in-1 corded and cordless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.45kg |
| Tank capacity | 300ml |
| Steam rate | Unspecified |
| Steam shot | Unspecified |
| Wattage | 2800W |
Russell Hobbs PowerSteam Ultra Vertical
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Quick heat-up time
- Easy to fill
Cons
- Tank lasted 15 mins so good for smaller households
- Steam boost a little stiff
Score: 85/100
With accurate temperature settings and a quick heat-up time, this scratch-resistant iron is great value. It maintained a steady temperature throughout use and its tank is straightforward to fill.
You can also press the spray button with the same hand that's holding the iron. The button does leave some droplets on garments though, and the steam boost was stiff to activate at first.
The tank lasted for 15 minutes on test, making it a better choice for single households or occasional use. It impressed on cotton, polycotton and linen and our expert liked its auto shut-off feature, which turns the iron off after 30 seconds of lying flat.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.59kg |
| Tank capacity | 350ml |
| Steam rate | 70g |
| Steam shot | 210g |
| Wattage | 3100W |
Tefal Easygliss Eco Steam Iron FV5781G0
Tefal Easygliss Eco Steam Iron FV5781G0
Pros
- Eco-mode that uses less steam and energy
- Made with recycled materials and uses recyclable packaging
- Controls are accessible
Cons
- Auto shut-off takes a while to work
- Struggled to get to temperature for each dot setting
Score: 84/100
This is the only iron on our list with an eco-mode, which uses less steam and consumes less energy than its standard settings. The iron is made with some recycled materials, and its packaging is entirely recyclable. Testers were impressed with the way it regulated its temperature and effectively removed creases from all our fabrics on test.
You can see clearly into the water tank, and all its controls are accessibly positioned. The handle was comfortable too. It didn’t quite reach the temperatures we’d expect for each of its dot settings, but as this didn’t impact its overall efficacy, it’s a minor qualm. You’ll need to refill the water tank after about 15 minutes’ use, too.
Key specifications
| Type | Corded |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.29kg |
| Tank capacity | 270ml |
| Steam rate | 50g |
| Steam shot | 260g |
| Wattage | 2800W |
Morphy Richards EasyCHARGE Cordless 303250
Morphy Richards EasyCHARGE Cordless 303250
Pros
- Rapid heat-up time
- Intuitive controls
Cons
- Cordless so requires regular recharging
Score: 81/100
Scoring full marks for its rapid heat-up time across all three dot settings, this compact and intuitive iron is the one to turn to if you’re often in a hurry. The temperature dial, burst steam function and labels are all intuitive and its tank is effortless to fill and empty.
It needs frequent recharging (as expected for cordless irons), its temperature accuracy was average – its three-dot setting was the best – and it leaked at times on test. But it’s a great price and should prove a trusty buy, especially if you only iron from time to time.
Key specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.39kg |
| Tank capacity | 350ml |
| Steam rate | 30g |
| Steam shot | 130g |
| Wattage | 2400W |
Before and after: Testing irons at the Good Housekeeping Institute
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We've been testing household appliances for 100 years at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and we've pressed thousands of items of clothing and bedding over that time, so we know what makes the best steam iron for your home.
Blossom Boothroyd, our senior homes tester, sets rigorous protocols to measure every product against, while Megan Geall, our senior homes writer, has written about hundreds of products and interviewed a wide range of industry experts in her quest to recommend the very best products to our readers, steam irons included.
What should I look for when buying a steam iron?
Before you buy a new steam iron, consider the following features.
Continuous steam pressure: Measured in grams, the higher the steam rate, the more effective the iron. Anything over 50g a minute would be considered high for a steam iron, with those on our list ranging from 30g to 85g.
Steam shot: When creases just won’t budge, a powerful steam shot is a must. The models in our roundup have steam shot outputs ranging from 130g to 260g/minute.
Tank capacity: The tank capacity of our recommended steam irons varies from 0.25 to 0.4 litres, while the tanks in the best steam generator irons are much bigger – anything from 1 to 2.5 litres. Your choice will depend on the size of your average ironing pile. It’s also good to look for a large opening for easy refilling and a transparent water gauge.
Higher wattage generally means a faster heat-up time, with the quickest irons usually ready in just over a minute – ideal if you’re looking to freshen up your clothes just before going out.
Look for an auto switch-off capability for safety and consider whether the weight, size and display type are right for your needs.
Cordless irons can be practical and convenient, but they’re generally not as powerful as corded models, and they have to be frequently reheated on the base. They’re a good choice if plug sockets are few and far between at home, but so is an iron with a long cord.
What are the different types of steam irons?
Steam irons: Steam irons are your run-of-the-mill traditional irons. They have a built-in water tank that heats up and releases steam to relax the fabric and remove creases. They're generally inexpensive, but if you're on a budget, you may want to check out our best budget irons and clothes steamers for less than £50.
Steam generator irons: These irons have a separate water tank, which allows them to emit steam at a higher pressure and for a longer time. This also makes the iron itself lighter and more manoeuvrable. They’re bulkier and more expensive, but a godsend if you’re always tackling big piles of ironing. If that’s you, check out our best steam generator irons.
Clothes steamers: Technically not irons, because they don’t have a sole plate to press clothes with. Clothes steamers emit a stream of steam that you move across your garment while holding it taut on a hanger – no ironing board required. Browse our top-scoring models in our best clothes steamers roundup – or read our clothes steamer versus steam iron teardown if you're unsure whether to make the switch.
What are the common problems with steam irons?
Common steam iron issues include limescale build-up, leaking or spitting water, weak or uneven steam output and soleplates sticking or leaving marks on fabrics. These problems are often caused by hard water, incorrect temperature settings, or a lack of regular cleaning. Choosing an iron with anti-scale technology and maintaining it properly can help keep it working efficiently for longer.
Why does my steam iron spit water?
A steam iron usually spits water when it isn’t hot enough to turn water into steam. This can happen if you use the steam function too soon after switching it on or if the temperature is set too low. Limescale build-up inside the iron can also block steam vents, causing water droplets to leak out. Overfilling the water tank is another common cause.
Can I use tap water in my steam iron?
In most cases, yes – modern steam irons are designed to work with tap water. However, if you live in a hard water area, many manufacturers recommend using a 50:50 mix of tap and deionised water to help prevent limescale buildup. Always check the manufacturer’s guidance to avoid damaging your iron or reducing steam performance.
How to descale a steam iron
It's important to regularly descale your iron (every 1-4 months depending on use), particularly if you live in a hard water area, as calcium in the water supply will form limescale over time, which eventually clogs the steam vents.
You can also prevent limescale build-up by making sure you fully empty the tank after use and leave it to dry completely.
The good news is that nearly all steam irons now have anti-scale and anti-calcium functions. These should be used regularly as advised by the manufacturer.
Alternatively, follow our household advice editor's guide to how to clean an iron.
How to clean the steam iron soleplate
To get rid of any residue on the iron's plate, simply take a large, damp, multi-purpose cloth and wipe it over the plate while it's still slightly warm.
If you have more stubborn stains, you should use a dedicated cleaner – don't use anything abrasive as you will damage the soleplate coating.
The verdict: Which is the best steam iron?
For a generous tank, the flexibility to go cordless when needed and stellar crease removal, all at a great price, we recommend the joint-winning Tower CeraGlide Cordless Steam Iron, which costs less than £30 (RRP).
If you like to tackle all your laundry at once without having to repeatedly refill the tank, our other joint winner, the Russell Hobbs Colour Control Pro Ultra Steam Iron will give you 19 minutes of ironing time, while the Breville DiamondXpress Steam Iron is a great pick if you just want something that's super easy to use and durable.
If you’re replacing an existing steam iron, there are plenty of places for you to safely recycle your old one. Find your nearest electrical recycling point, or read our guide on how to donate or dispose of your appliances and tech for extra guidance.
20 August 2025: We restructured this article for readability and updated it to reflect the latest prices and stock levels.
14 November 2025: We added information about the early Black Friday deals we've spotted on the best steam irons.
17 March 2026: We checked prices and stock levels before clarifying our top buys for 2026.
23 June 2026: The article was updated to highlight the best Amazon Prime Day savings
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Jasmin is a Household Product Specialist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, with extensive experience testing products across kitchen, sleep, laundry care, household cleaning, refrigeration, dish care and more. Her work ranges from detailed performance analysis of washing machines, dishwashers and refrigeration appliances to hands-on assessments of cookware, cleaning products and sleep essentials.
With a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London, Jasmin combines technical expertise with a strong aptitude for interpreting large datasets to deliver clear, evidence-based consumer insights.
Albert Orech-Achato is a Homes Product Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, bringing a technology-led background that includes experience at Apple. He applies a critical, evidence-based approach to product testing, with a particular focus on performance, usability and value for money. Albert especially enjoys assessing kitchen appliances, while also testing a wide range of products for the home. His work helps consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions based on rigorous, real-world evaluation.
