Smooth out life’s creases with the best steam iron

While we can't help you out with your laundry mountain, we can offer helpful suggestions for the best tool to tackle it. Investing in a decent steam iron makes sense, your clothes will be perfectly pressed, and you'll spend less time getting them that way. Our overall best pick, for example, the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra, is backed up by 3,100 watts of power to heat up 15% quicker than previous models. Take a look at this product and five more we have collated in our collection of the very best steam irons available today.
Best Overall: Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 3100 W Vertical Steam Iron 20630


This steam iron offers 45 grams per minute of continuous steam that should cover you for most creases, but there's also a 210-gram "steam shot" for stubborn areas or tougher fabrics like denim.

The 3,100-watt iron will heat up quickly and offers a vertical steam function for hanging garments or upholstery. The anti-scale cartridge and self-cleaning function are designed to help with limescale build-up.
Pros: 3,100 watts 45 grams per minute continuous steam 210-gram steam shot Cons: Only 350ml water tank Best Overall Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 3100 W Vertical Steam Iron 20630

£30 from Amazon
Im-press-ive

Decent specs and an affordable price make this an attractive option.
Best Value: Morphy Richards Comfigrip Steam Iron 303118


This Comfigrip iron has a smooth, non-stick pearl ceramic Tri-Zone soleplate with dedicated dual steam chambers to so that every steam hole delivers the 55 grams per minute of constant steam while the 190-gram steam boost is there if you need it.

Boasting precise temperature control, you can match the iron's heat setting to that of the garment label and the 400 ml water tank means you'll need to stop to refill less often.
Pros: 400ml water tank 55 grams per minute continuous steam 190-gram steam shot Cons: Only 2,800 watts Best Value Morphy Richards Comfigrip Steam Iron 303118

£33 from Amazon
Smooth operator

You're guaranteed a smooth ironing experience with Morphy Richards' Comfigrip option.
Best for Safety: Philips GC4526/87 Azur Performer Plus Steam Iron


We've rated this best for safety as this iron switches off automatically if it's not been moved for eight minutes standing up, or after 30 seconds when left resting on the soleplate or side.

Performance-wise, it offers 50 grams per minute of continuous steam, a 210-gram steam boost, a "T-ionicGlide" soleplate and built-in calc container that collects calc particles during ironing, then flushes them out.
Pros: 3,100 watts 50 grams per minute continuous steam 210-gram steam shot Cons: Only 300ml water tank Only 2,600 watts Best for Safety Philips GC4526/87 Azur Performer Plus Steam Iron

£60 from Amazon
Peace of mind

Excellent safety features are backed up with decent spec in Philip's Azur iron.
Best Steam Power: Tefal FV9788 Ultimate Anti Scale Steam Iron


If you want maximum steam, consider Tefal's Ultimate Anti-Scale iron. With 3,000 watts of power, it heats up fast to deliver an automatically generated 55 grams per minute of continuous steam and a super-powerful 230 grams steam boost which also works for vertical steaming too.

It has a Durilium Airglide Autoclean soleplate and, useful for anyone in a hard water area, a removable Scale Collector section at the base of the iron that you can empty.
Pros: 3,000 watts 55 grams per minute continuous steam 230-gram steam shot Cons: Only 350ml water tank Best Steam Power Tefal FV9788 Ultimate Anti Scale Steam Iron

£57 from Amazon
Steam funk

Powerful steam functionality is this iron's notable selling point.
Best Design: Breville VIN401 DiamondXpress Steam Iron


Breville has taken the unusual step of adding what it calls a "touch of glamour" to this iron. With a high gloss white and rose gold design, it gets a diamond print decal and actual crystals set into the control dial. Adding to the bling factor, real crushed diamonds have been added to the ceramic soleplate.

It's not just about looks though. There are 3,100 watts of power, a 400ml water tank and a 200-gram steam shot that can be used in a vertical position.
Pros: 400ml water tank 3,100 watts 200-gram steam shot Cons: Weighs nearly 2 kg Best Design Breville VIN401 DiamondXpress Steam Iron

£44 from Amazon
Blingin'

If you're looking to add some glamour to your ironing sessions, consider this sparkly option.
Best Budget Choice: Ansio Lightweight Steam Iron


If you only iron something when you absolutely have to and don't want to spend big, Ansio's steam iron is perfect for you. This doesn't have the strongest specs, but this is reflected in the very affordable price tag.

This lightweight option will give you 15 grams per minute of steam, and there's a water spray function for stubborn creases.
Pros: Lightweight Affordable Water spray function Cons: Only 15 grams per minute continuous steam Only 200ml water tank Best Budget Choice Ansio Lightweight Steam Iron

£17 from Amazon
Cheap and cheerful

Ideal for infrequent ironers, this affordable option is simple and easy to use.
Crease lightning
When you're considering purchasing a new steam iron, there are three main factors to consider. These are how many grams of steam per minute the iron can continually produce, how powerful the steam shot is for tackling stubborn creases, and how powerful the wattage is.

Our overall pick, the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra, delivers on all fronts. It has 45 grams per minute of continuous steam, a decent 210-gram stem shot and 3,100 watts of power that means the iron will heat up and be ready to use quickly.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide


Amy-Mae Turner As someone who hates ironing with a passion, any way to make the process easier and faster is of great interest to Amy-Mae.