Some think if you've seen one steam iron you've seen them all. But how true is that statement? While their primary task is to produce heat and steam to get the job done, anyone in the business of laundry duty can tell you that the difference is as far between as night and day. No one in that industry would be guilty of whistling while they worked from rubbing out stubborn wrinkles, yet, there are some selections and features that will surely make the task a lot less grueling. The best ones have a happy medium to creating the perfect experience. Too much of one and not enough of the other will cause just as many wrinkles in your brow as in your clothing.

Long gone are the days of needing an iron that could double as a wine press from all the dead weight from the sole plate. Most weight now is for tempering or hardening and strengthening of the metal to keep it from cracking from thousands of heating and cooling cycles. The real wrinkle flattening power comes from the heat and steam. The other portion of weight is for piece of mind to the end user. If an item feels flimsy, it tends to speak of its quality and durability in the user's mind. So a little extra ounces will give it substance.

As noted above, the best ones will major in generating steam and heat since it is an absolute must. But this needs balance as well. Too much steam production with not enough vent holes in the sole plate will cause it to dribble water and can clog the passages with scale from hard water deposits much sooner than it would have with better suited vents and holes. Also Too much heat with not enough steam can cause burning, melting and leave an sheen on man made materials. Poor levels of both will only result in giving your clothes that not quite slept in look but took off and laid on the couch for next day wear look.

Today's steam irons look more like works of art worthy of the Smithsonian Institute rather than laundry duty. But there is practical motives behind it. With injuries possible, ergonomics are built in the construction of them. Forming the handle in a user friendly way makes use of leverage to keep hand, wrist and finger fatigue at a minimum. It also lessens the chance of grabbing it the hot sole plate by mistake. Or heaven forbid you dropping it on your foot or pet. So let's recap. You've been educated to the whats and whys of the best steam iron features, so this is what you want in a nut shell:

You want one that has ample wattage, at least a six foot cord length, adequate steam and heat properties, ergonomically formed with many vents and holes. Rowenta has been filling this bill for many decades and will satisfy the most requiring of tastes. Take one on for a try.