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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Clothes Irons

Some wrinkles need heat and pressureβ€”irons deliver crisp creases steamers can't match. We compared for heat control, glide, and steam performance.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron

Rowenta

DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron

4.6 (8,765 reviews)

The iron serious pressers choose. Rowenta's professional-grade soleplate glides smoothly and the digital display lets you dial in exact temperatures. German engineering at its finest.

Power

1800W

Soleplate

Stainless steel

Water Tank

10 oz

Features

Digital display, Auto-off

Pros

  • βœ“ 1800W power
  • βœ“ Stainless steel soleplate
  • βœ“ Digital display

Cons

  • βœ— Expensive
  • βœ— Heavy
  • βœ— Takes up space

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron
DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron Best
Rowenta
4.6
$159 View
Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron
Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron Value
BLACK+DECKER
4.5
$39 View
Professional Steam Iron 13102
Professional Steam Iron 13102
CHI
4.7
$89 View
Classic 1200 Watt Steam Iron
Classic 1200 Watt Steam Iron
Sunbeam
4.3
$24 View
M400 Speed Heat Steam Iron
M400 Speed Heat Steam Iron
Maytag
4.5
$69 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron

Rowenta

DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron

4.6 (8,765 reviews)

The iron serious pressers choose. Rowenta's professional-grade soleplate glides smoothly and the digital display lets you dial in exact temperatures. German engineering at its finest.

Power

1800W

Soleplate

Stainless steel

Water Tank

10 oz

Features

Digital display, Auto-off

Pros

  • βœ“ 1800W power
  • βœ“ Stainless steel soleplate
  • βœ“ Digital display

Cons

  • βœ— Expensive
  • βœ— Heavy
  • βœ— Takes up space
Best Value
Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron

BLACK+DECKER

Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron

4.5 (34,567 reviews)

Digital display at an analog price. BLACK+DECKER proves you don't need to spend $150 for a good iron. Auto-off and anti-drip are genuinely useful features.

Power

1500W

Soleplate

Stainless steel

Water Tank

8 oz

Features

Digital display, Anti-drip

Pros

  • βœ“ Digital temperature
  • βœ“ Good steam output
  • βœ“ Auto-off safety

Cons

  • βœ— Not as premium feel
  • βœ— Smaller tank
  • βœ— Soleplate scratches easier
Premium Pick
Professional Steam Iron 13102

CHI

Professional Steam Iron 13102

4.7 (12,345 reviews)

CHI brings their flat iron expertise to clothes. The titanium-infused soleplate glides like butter and distributes heat evenlyβ€”no hot spots scorching your shirts.

Power

1700W

Soleplate

Titanium-infused ceramic

Steam Holes

400+

Features

Retractable cord, Temp guide

Pros

  • βœ“ Titanium-infused soleplate
  • βœ“ Even heat distribution
  • βœ“ Over 400 steam holes

Cons

  • βœ— Mid-high price
  • βœ— Heavy
  • βœ— Hot to handle
Budget Pick
Classic 1200 Watt Steam Iron

Sunbeam

Classic 1200 Watt Steam Iron

4.3 (45,678 reviews)

The $24 iron that works. Sunbeam's basic model has been doing the job for decades. No frills, just ironing. If you iron occasionally, this is all you need.

Power

1200W

Soleplate

Non-stick

Water Tank

8 oz

Features

Shot of steam, Spray

Pros

  • βœ“ Very affordable
  • βœ“ Simple operation
  • βœ“ Anti-calc system

Cons

  • βœ— Lower power
  • βœ— Basic features
  • βœ— Shorter lifespan
M400 Speed Heat Steam Iron

Maytag

M400 Speed Heat Steam Iron

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

Heats up in a minute for those who can't wait. Maytag's M400 is a solid mid-range option with the features that matter.

Power

1500W

Heat Time

60 seconds

Soleplate

Stainless steel

Features

Self-clean, Vertical steam

Pros

  • βœ“ Rapid heat up
  • βœ“ Self-cleaning
  • βœ“ Vertical steam

Cons

  • βœ— Not the heaviest
  • βœ— Average steam output
  • βœ— Cord could be longer

Buying Guide: How to Choose Clothes Irons

How to Choose a Clothes Iron

Iron vs Steamer
Iron: Crisp creases, best for cotton/linen, flat surface required
Steamer: Quick touch-ups, delicates, no board needed

Most people who care about clothes have both.

### Key Specifications

Wattage: Higher = faster heating, more steam
  • 1200W: Basic, budget
    - 1500W: Good all-around
    - 1800W+: Professional, quick

    Soleplate Material:
    - Non-stick: Budget, can scratch
    - Stainless steel: Durable, smooth glide
    - Ceramic: Gentle, even heat
    - Titanium: Premium, excellent glide

    ### Features That Matter
    - Auto shut-off: Safety essential
    - Anti-drip: Prevents water spots
    - Self-clean: Anti-calc for hard water
    - Variable steam: Adjust for fabric type
    - Shot of steam: Extra burst for stubborn wrinkles

    ### Ironing Tips
    - Always check fabric label
    - Iron inside-out for delicates
    - Use distilled water in hard water areas
    - Empty tank after use
    - Iron in order: delicates first, cotton/linen last
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Clothes Irons

    Do I really need an iron if I have a steamer?

    Depends on your wardrobe. Steamers can't create crisp collars or creases. If you wear dress shirts regularly, you need an iron. For casual clothes only, a steamer might suffice.

    Why does my iron spit brown water?

    Mineral buildup from tap water. Use distilled water, run the self-clean function, or clean with vinegar solution. Empty tank after each use.

    Can I use tap water?

    You can, but distilled is better. Tap water minerals cause buildup that clogs steam vents and eventually spits residue onto clothes.

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