What to look for when buying an iron

The material of the soleplate is important for two reasons: How well the iron glides over the fabric, which determines your ironing speed. How scratch resistant it is and thus for how many years it keeps maximum performance.

Avoid getting stuck on buttons and pockets thanks to the world's first FreeGlide 3D technology. The unique upward curving soleplate lets the iron glide effortlessly in every direction.

Different fabrics, different needs. Does the iron have various settings, so even your most delicate fabrics are safe and the toughest fabrics will end up wrinkle-free? Does a smart mode for all kinds of fabrics exist?

How much steam does an iron produce? It is measured in grams per minute (g/min). More is usually better. Are the openings in the soleplate distributed evenly? Is steam also emitted at the tip for effective use in hard-to-reach areas?

Does your iron have a steam shot that can produce more steam when needed for especially tough areas? It is measured in grams per minute (g/min).

For safety reasons an iron should shut itself off when left unattended.

You will need to decalcify your steam iron from time to time. Make sure it has an effective mechanism to do that.

A bigger tank is convenient because it makes you have to refill it less often. Make sure your iron is designed to make refilling the water tank easy. You will save yourself effort and mishaps.

A longer cable whith a flexible attachment to the iron gives you freedom of movement. Especially for steam stations that are supposed to be stored away, a cord storage bracket can be very useful.

It helps to keep the temperature more constant while ironing.

How does an iron feel in your hand, how well is the weight distributed, and how easy are buttons to reach and operate? Lower weight allows for easier handling and less effort.

For ironing of especially delicate fabrics you might want the steam iron to be able to attach textile protectors for less heat while using full steam.