Many view ironing as a tedious chore, but with the right kind of iron, it could get slightly more enjoyable. In this manner, if you want to make ironing a little less tiresome, then a cordless iron might be of interest to you. The best cordless irons revolutionize the market in terms of their weight, ease of use, and portability. They also come with several additional features that make ironing so much easier. Once you start using the cordless iron, the conventional one will pale in comparison.
But before you come to a decision, you will have to think about which features hold the most weight for you. Some attributes you naturally pay attention to when buying an iron are power, soleplate, and steam functions, but here, you also need to consider the charging time of an iron, its durability and price. We combed through tens of products and hundreds of reviews to come out with these top five cordless irons that won’t disappoint you. Regardless of whether you need such iron for occasional use or you want to make the most of it every day, here you’ll find what’s right for you. As for most people, we believe that our Editor’s Choice, the Panasonic NI-L70SRW is the best option.
The Panasonic NI-L70SRW utilizes a stainless steel soleplate, making it durable and easier to clean as it resists stains. A stainless steel soleplate is also better for last minute touch-ups and pressing. The NI-L70SRW also makes use of a microprocessor rather than a temperature dial to regulate its temperature, which makes it easier and faster to switch between various temperatures. The NI-L70SRW also features a detachable water tank, making it more convenient to refill as well as measure the amount of water you keep in the tank. Even though its tank is a tad bit small, with only 5 oz., you can refill it while your iron is still running. It also has an auto shut-off feature which activates if the iron is unmoved for 10 minutes. While it does take the NI-L70SRW about 2-3 minutes to heat up, it usually retains enough heat for you to finish up your work. Panasonic has also incorporated a self-cleaning function which makes sure that the steam vents don’t get clogged up by lime scale.
The NI-L70SRW has made it easier to switch between temperatures, but it only has 3 settings – low, medium and high. And, because of that, the heat may not reach high enough to press thicker fabric. It also takes up more time to iron as the NI-L70SRW requires around 2-3 minutes to heat up. So, it’ll be inconvenient if you’re looking for a fast iron.
If you want a model that moves smoothly across all your fabrics, then you should closely consider the Black+Decker ICL500. The main benefit of this model is the ceramic non-stick soleplate that moves smoothly across fabrics.
While it does not have a steam burst function, it comes with other essential features that makes it one of the best models on this roundup.
If you have ever tangled with a cord or have it wrinkle a part of the cloth you just ironed, you know how frustrated you felt. Well, the Black+Decker ICL500 comes in a cordless design and is the answer to your prayers. It comes with base that easily heats it up to the maximum temperature and lets you iron without any hassle. The Black+Decker ICL500 is ergonomic, therefore, you have the freedom to use it either left or right handed and from any side of the board. While some models are not hot enough and would require several passes over a wrinkled cloth to make them smooth, the Black+Decker ICL500 is excellent at smoothening clothes in one go.
While it runs hot, it performs excellently on different materials and in our testing, it was the best iron to use for delicate materials like silk. It also comes with seven fabric settings, which means that you can choose the best temperature for your clothes at any time.
Overall, this is an excellent option that comes at an affordable price and would last you for many years.
The Panasonic NI-WL600’s most prominent feature is its soleplate. It is pointed on both sides, allowing for more flexibility and maneuverability. However, because of its unique soleplate, this iron cannot stand up so it has to be returned to its carrying case when not in use where it’ll remain hot. The iron can move in any direction, so it’s easier to use. The Panasonic NI-WL600 also features a detachable water tank, which takes the fear away from spilling water all over the iron while you’re ironing. This Panasonic product also functions with a microprocessor with 3 settings – low, medium and high – instead of a temperature dial, so it’s easier to get the hang of. The Panasonic NI-WL600, when in use, can maintain the heat for about 30 seconds. Then it needs to head back to the charging station for about 8 seconds to be reheated. This device also has an auto shut-off feature which gets activated after the iron is inactive for 10 minutes.
Even though the Panasonic NI-WL600 has a detachable water tank, it can only contain 4 oz. So, you’ll have to refill your tank frequently. And, because the NI-WL600 is relatively small, it’s not cut out to iron larger pieces of fabric such as curtains and bed sheets.
Ironing is hard work, especially when you have a bunch of clothes to iron. Therefore, you need to find ways of making it easier. The PowerXL Cordless Iron and Steamer is one of the best options on the market. It comes with all the right features and ticks all the boxes that you need to tick when choosing a quality iron and steamer.
The PowerXL Cordless Iron and Steamer is a powerful model that will iron even the worst of creases and ensure that your clothes look smart and tidy. It might be one of the heaviest options on this list, but you will certainly be satisfied with the performance.
Among the features that it has is an anti-drip system. With this feature, you will not have any untidy water drops from the sole plate. The sole plate also comes with a scratch proof and ceramic design, which means that you will not burn or ruin your clothes during ironing.
There is a 12.5 oz water tank that will take enough water so you don’t have to constantly refill. It can be charged quickly as well. While the weight might not make it an ideal travel companion, it is eavy enough that you don’t have to apply much pressure while ironing.
Overall, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another iron and steamer with the combination of features of the PowerXL Cordless Iron and Steamer.
The Toshiba TA-FV410(L) is a small lightweight iron ideal for travel. It’s easy to use and maneuver and gets underneath buttons and hard to reach creases. Because it drains less power than other irons with similar features, it’s perfect for those who quilt and craft or those who need to iron fast and for an extended period of time. Its silver ceramic is unique and has non-stick properties, so it can freely move about the fabric without sticking. The Toshiba TA-FV410(L) in addition to being small, has a small water tank too, so it’s not cut out for constant steaming. However, because its steam and temperature settings can be adjusted according to your need, it’s feasible in daily life. This iron also features an auto shut-off option so you won’t have to worry about safety. It has a plastic casing so it’s also cheaper than other similar irons.
The temperature control level is a bit delicate, so you’ll have to be careful not to use much force as it might break. And because it’s not heavy enough, it needs a little bit of force to press thicker fabric.
Purchasing a new appliance is always a risky business, especially when you’re not familiar with the jargon and features. If you’re confused on how to go about finding the perfect iron, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You’ll just have to think about the features that you want the most, the types of materials you want to iron, your frequency of use, and your price range. With this buying guide, we’ll help you find the perfect iron that meets all your needs.
One of the recent innovations, also regarded as a revolution in the cordless technology, is the cordless iron. As you can guess by the name, a cordless iron, also known as wireless iron, comes without a power cord. Lately, this type of iron has been gaining popularity in the market because it’s easily maneuverable, more convenient and yields better overall freedom of movement, without dangling cords rubbing against your wrist or cables causing new wrinkles in clothes that you have just ironed. It is also a safer option because there are fewer chances of electrical shocks. They are vastly used by creafters starting to sew, and are considered as useful as irons for quilting.
The cordless iron as a whole comes in two parts: the iron and a charging base. The iron comes with a rechargeable battery that is already fitted inside. The battery is charged through the charging base for as long as necessary in order to generate enough heat to iron the clothes. Similar to other cordless models, cordless irons are available with a steam option, automatic shut off switch and adjustable temperature settings. Even though cordless irons are popular for home use, they are not entirely suited for travelling, so if you are considering to take an one on your vacation, you should look at our review of the best travel irons.
Unlike traditional irons, cordless irons are charged while they are in use. They have to be placed in the charging base during the process of ironing so that they can get recharged. So, the charging base functions by supplying power to the iron every time it is set down. Although charging it sounds like it could be a real hassle, it really isn’t because you will rest your iron frequently when you adjust your clothing material on the board and during this short period of time, the charging dock quickly replenishes the heat. Because of this design, you won’t even feel like you’re actively involved in charging the iron.
It’s very easy to use this type of iron. Without the cord getting in the way, you can easily change the direction of the movement, iron tricky pleats, and maneuver through crevices at very little time. Another advantage of a cordless iron is that you can use it anywhere without having to worry about finding a plug or charging port.
[wpsm_box type=”blue” float=”none” text_align=”left”]For that reason, cordless irons are also easier to use for items that do not readily fit on the ironing board such as drapes, table clothes, gowns, etc. Steaming these materials with a cordless iron helps maintain their structure.[/wpsm_box]
Generally having a higher watt means that the soleplate can be hotter and can reach the highest temperature faster. If a 1200W iron can reach its highest temperature in 2 minutes, a 2400W iron can reach its highest temperature faster. Now, a high-watt iron is usually more expensive than lower watt irons. If you don’t iron much, just for the occasional party here and there, then you will be better off with a lower watt iron.
Here, you also need to think about voltage. If you live in the USA and buy an iron produced for the European market, it’ll probably be 220V and won’t run at standard American 110V. Also, plug styles vary all over the world. But you can deal with this issue. To run a European 110V or 120V appliance in the USA or vice versa, you’ll need an outlet adapter and a voltage adapter Trusted Source How to Convert Appliances From 220 to 110 | Sciencing With the right adapter, you can convert common electrical appliances from international 220 volts to US 110 volts. Plug styles vary by country. sciencing.com .
Regardless of the type and model, all irons need a long-lasting and high-quality soleplate. The best soleplates will be durable, distribute steam and heat effectively, and glide easily over fabrics. Even though most irons are made with high-quality soleplates, the actual material used for the soleplate differs with every model. There are numerous materials to choose from for each soleplate such as stainless steel, anodized aluminum, titanium, ceramic, and nonstick.
Stainless steels soleplates and ceramic soleplates are the most common and popular in the market. Ceramic soleplates have good heat conducting capacities, eliminate statics, and prevent clothes from sticking to the surface at high temperatures. Stainless steel soleplates, on the other hand, are durable, corrosion resistant, distribute heat evenly and have surfaces that are easier to maintain. Both offer smooth gliding action over different materials.
[wpsm_box type=”red” float=”none” text_align=”left”]One main disadvantage of both of these soleplate types is that at high temperatures, both can melt silk or light-weighted materials. It is essential to pick an iron with a soleplate that is made of good material as it is a great contributor to the durability of the iron as a whole.[/wpsm_box]
Steam output is another important feature that should be taken into account while selecting irons. A higher steam output is an indication of the iron’s overall performance because it not only ensures better crease removal but also shortens ironing time. When measuring steam output among different models, you should check for the grams of steam emitted per minute. The higher the gram, the better is the steam output.
Even within steam outputs, there are different types. Most irons deliver “burst” shots which are a series of short, large puff of steam while others deliver a continuous stream output. With steam shots, irons are able to trigger a burst of steam directly onto the fabric, causing this action to remove even the most stubborn creases.
[wpsm_box type=”green” float=”none” text_align=”left”]This can be really useful when you’re dealing with thick fabrics like denim. Cordless irons are known to have a very high steam boost of up to 150g, which is why they are effective at removing creases from heavy materials.[/wpsm_box]
The water tank capacity of an iron is another important aspect you should look into in order to find something that meets your needs. The water tank capacity is the amount of water that an iron can contain in its base unit. The amount of water contained determines the duration you can iron for before you have to refill. Naturally, an iron with a greater tank capacity is favorable over a tank with lower tank capacity.
The heavier the iron, the less pressure you’ll have to apply to tidy up your clothes. But, an iron’s weight also determines how convenient it will be for you to use it. You should test out irons before purchasing to see if you can hold them comfortably in your hand. Naturally, what works for one person may not work for another and because everyone has different sized hands, how heavy or how light you want your iron will depend on you. If it’s possible, you should test steam irons when their tanks are filled with water. If you are not able to comfortably use the iron, then you should probably look into another option.
Although the price of an iron depends on its features, a cordless iron often costs more than the conventional corded iron. The price of a corded steam iron starts from $10 and goes up to $100 while the cordless steam iron ranges from $50 to $350. The usual warranty period of a cordless steam iron is one year.
With loads of models to choose from, it might be difficult to find an iron that meets your requirements. Whether you prefer efficiency over cost or ease of use over other features, we hope that after reading through this buying guide and the comparison list, we’ve helped you make a decision on which iron best fits you.
