Can anyone actually recommend a decent steam iron?

beachbeth

Over the years I have tried many, many brands of steam iron and have never yet found one I'm happy with. (I could say the same about toasters!!! ???).

I have bought cheap and also spent up to £35 on irons but they all seem just as rubbish as each other. They start off fine at first but then, after a time, no matter how anti-drip they are supposed to be they will start to dribble over the clothes. My present steam iron was getting bad so I descaled it and now it won't steam at all unless I press the "extra steam" button!!!

I am reluctant to spend a lot of money on another iron and find it is just the same so should I just go for a decent brand that is reasonably cheap?

I've also decided to only use distilled water from now on to see if that makes much difference.

r.mac_2

I bought a 'goblin' steam iron from Argos about 7 months ago. It is corded, but can be used cordless as well. It was approx £19.99 and I find it really good - much better than the expensive philips that I had had previously.

HTH

incywincy

The Which best buys (sept 04) are Tefal Ultraglide Diffusion 90, Rowenta Professional Luxe M 825 and Philips Mistral GC2 110. I bought the rowenta professional model up from the which best buy http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000C6ZIL/ref=cm_mp_wli_/202-4489939-4885447and highly recommend because ironing now takes less time which can only be good

albalad

here is a copy of the which report that incywincy reffered to - (sept 2004)

Tefal Ultraglide Diffusion 90
The Tefal Ultraglide Diffusion 90 did very well in our tests. It glides every bit as well as its name suggests, thanks to a scratch-resistant, enamelled steel soleplate.
However, it is a slight victim of its own success - with this type of soleplate, it almost feels like the iron passes over the fabric without touching it, which takes a bit of getting used to.

£35 from Index and Miller Brothers
Weight 1.3kg
Cord length 2.40m
Total test score: 63%

Rowenta Professional Luxe M 825
This model is a good all-round iron (from extreme ironers' favoured brand, apparently).

It has a good glide and it's durable and easy to use. The various buttons and knobs are all easily visible while ironing and, importantly, it's stable when rested on its heel.

It's also the only Best Buy with instructions that tell you not to use the iron again if you drop it. That's important, because there's a danger of electrocution - we'd like other manufacturers to follow suit.

£42 from Comet
Weight 1.8kg
Cord length 2.30m

Total test score: 62%

Philips Mistral GC2 110
In every irons test for the last eight years, we've had a Philips Best Buy, and this time is no exception. The Philips Mistral GC2110 is another Philips winner. It has excellent durability and steam flow, and glides well on a variety of fabrics. Its abundant steam flow helps creases come out quickly, and it has a lightweight, manoeuvrable feel.

The soleplate is made from a scratch-resistant coated steel. It was one of the quickest to cool down after use - safe enough to be put away in just 36 minutes, compared with some irons that take an hour and a half - and our experts loved it. Its cord, at 1.90m, is a little short but, other than that, this is a very impressive, well-made iron.

£25 from Argos, Comet, Currys and John Lewis
Weight 1.1kg
Cord length 1.90m

Total test score: 57%

Russell Hobbs Classic Vertical 4680
This model is one of the smaller irons on test. Like the other Best Buys, it has good glide and steam flow. The handle is comfortable, though the spray and steam buttons do need a bit of a push. One nice touch is that the water level in the reservoir is visible while you're ironing.

Like the Rowenta Best Buy, the soleplate is made of stainless steel, the choice of those in the know because of its smooth glide and resistance to scratching.

£30 available only direct from Russell Hobbs (0161 947 3000)
Weight 1.2kg
Cord length 2.00m

Total test score: 56%

Bosch Sensixx Comfort TDA 8307
The Bosch TDA 8307 feels comfortable and well balanced to handle. Like the other Best Buys, it has good glide over clothes. However, it does have the weakest steam flow of all our Best Buys, so it isn't ideal if you find you always have lots of tough creases to get rid of.

£38 from John Lewis
Weight 1.4kg
Cord length 2.60m

Total test score: 54%

Imetec No Stop Vapour
A good generator, though it has one of the smaller water tanks for this type of iron. A useful cord guide (also on the LauraStar) keeps the cord out of your way when you're ironing. We've had an advance peek at the Imetec; it goes on sale here next year.

£100 (not available until January 2005)
Weight 4.5kg
Cord length 1.62m

Total test score: 54%

LauraStar Steamax
Something of a star in our tests, and loved by our testers. It has a larger tank than the Imetec, so you can iron for longer. LauraStar has launched a new 'ironing centre', which comprises a generator iron and ironing board. It claims to make ironing a breeze, but then, at about £500, it should. Look out for it in 'All change' later this year.

£200 from Harrods
Weight 5.3kg
Cord length 2.03m

Total test score: 52%

Bosch TDA 1503
Glides well on a variety of fabrics and has a water tank that's simple to fill, with a clearly visible water level. What lets it down is weak steam flow, which makes ironing harder, and its bulkiness.

£65
Total test score: 52%

Breville Diva IR4
Lightweight and easy to fill. However, the control buttons are too close together and people find the handle uncomfortable.

£40
Total test score: 47%

Haden 10611
A basic iron, but one that's lightweight and easy to use. The problem is that the thermostat is difficult to adjust, and you'll struggle to get good results with it.

£7
Total test score: 39%

Hinari Lifestyle IR210S
Oh, dear, our testers don't have a single good word to say about this one. One labelled it the worst iron he had ever seen. The cord is short, it doesn't glide well, the thermostat's difficult to read and it's short on steam.

£7
Total test score: 43%

Home-Tek HT 614
As with the Hinari, the testers didn't find anything nice to say about this iron. It doesn't really glide, the steam is weak, the cord's too short, and it's unstable when you leave it on its heel.

£10
Total test score: 42%

Morphy Richards Turbosteam 40503
This model has a comfortable handle and the controls are easy to use while ironing. However, the soleplate is too small, and it's difficult to see how much water there is left in the tank.

£15
Total test score: 49%

Morphy Richards Ion 40551
An iron that glides well on a variety of fabrics, with well laid-out controls. Unhappily, it's also the least durable iron on test - it managed just 80 hours' use in our tests before scaling stopped it steaming. To make matters worse, the handle is uncomfortable and it's awkward to fill up.

£20
Total test score: 46%

although "which" give guide prices for high street retailers these can usually found cheaper online or at costco , makro etc

beachbeth

Thanks everyone. Thats really helpful. I fancy the professional Rowenta or the Phillips. Will take a look and try one!

PTLD

best steam iron[er]:

my cleaner Dominique who is brilliant

MrsE_2

Have you tried a steam generator, I have a Phillips one & love it!

Mips

I should hope they have one by now - this thread was from 2005.

racmun

Definately worth getting a steam generator iron, they are worth every penny

rosekitten

I bought the Rowenta proffessional
a few years ago from Tesco its been
brilliant no dribbles,really good steam
could definatly reccomend it

bargainbabe16a

Ireally don't want a steam generator though my friend has one and I know they are great!! Anyone recommend a good iron for less than £50? Just went onto the Which sit but not prepared to pay for their advice!!Thanks