Top Pick for
Best steam iron
Best irons in Australia
We evaluated customer reviews and ratings to find the 7 best irons you can buy in Australia right now.
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Top Pick for
Affordable iron
Top Pick for
Iron with a retractable cord
Top Pick for
Cordless iron
- Best overall steam iron: Breville VIN406 PressXpress Steam Iron
- Best cheap iron: Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam Traditional Iron
- Best iron with a retractable cord: BLACK+DECKER ICR19XS One Step Steam Iron
- Best cordless iron: Tefal FV6520G0 Freemove Air Cordless Steam Iron
- Best iron for vertical steaming: Russell Hobbs 3100W Powersteam Ultra
- Best for beginners: Tefal FV4040 Ultraglide Steam Iron
- Best travel iron: Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800-Watt Compact Non-Stick Soleplate Travel Iron
How did we pick this list?
For this list, we chose irons based on actual customer reviews and ratings on Amazon. For every category, we carefully chose parameters based on our research and determined products with the highest review score within those parameters.
Breville VIN406 PressXpress Steam Iron
Best overall steam iron
Not yet rated
Pros
- Has a powerful steam function
- Can be used for vertical steaming
Cons
- Flimsy steam button
- Too heavy for some
Why we chose it
Breville VIN406 PressXpress Steam Iron is our pick for the best overall steam iron you can buy in Australia right now. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 Amazon customer reviews.
At 2600W, the Breville VIN406 PressXpress Steam Iron features a powerful steam function that helps cut down your ironing time. It also has 170g of steam shot power that effortlessly flattens out creases. Apart from an auto shut-off feature, this iron has a large 400ml water tank and a self-clean function. The handle has up-to-temperature illumination as well.
Customers loved that the steam shot irons out creases and wrinkles in no time, suitable if you're in a hurry. The 400ml water tank is secure and doesn't leak. Reviewers mentioned that it's easy to control the temperature, while others liked that the steam channels evenly deliver steam where needed. This iron can be used for vertical steaming and features a swivel mechanism, preventing the cord from twisting when in use. However, some customers found it too heavy for their liking. Others also said the steam button breaks easily, but this seems to be an isolated concern.
Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam Traditional Iron
Best cheap iron
Not yet rated
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Distributes heat evenly for faster ironing
Cons
- Difficult to use for vertical steaming
- Some found the tank too small
Why we chose it
For the best cheap iron, we recommend the Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam Traditional Iron. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 10,000 reviews.
The Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam Traditional Iron has a non-stick stainless steel soleplate and a 40g per minute continuous steam. At 100g per minute of steam shot, the iron ensures that heat is evenly distributed even through the toughest fabrics. This iron also has a 300ml water tank and a soft touch handle for easy control. Apart from a spray function, you can use this iron for vertical steaming.
The Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam Traditional Iron is a good, basic steam iron, according to reviews. It is easy to use and beginner-friendly. The steam shot distributes heat evenly for faster ironing. Customers said that the handle is quite sturdy, while others liked that it has a self-clean function. At only 300ml, several reviews said the water tank is not ideal if you plan to iron a huge pile of clothes. The iron is also difficult to use for vertical steaming, according to others.
BLACK+DECKER ICR19XS One Step Steam Iron
Best iron with a retractable cord
Not yet rated
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pricier than other steam irons
- The vapour button is difficult to press
Why we chose it
Our pick for the best model with a retractable cord is BLACK+DECKER's ICR19XS One Step Steam Iron. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 300 reviews on Amazon.
This iron features an Even Steam Stainless Soleplate, distributing steam from tip to heel for fast ironing. It also has Smart Steam Controls – the iron automatically regulates steam levels based on the temperature chosen. Apart from spray mist and steam burst functions, it has an easy-fill water tank and an auto-clean system.
According to customers, this BLACK+DECKER iron heats up in no time, making it ideal for people with a busier lifestyle. The Smart Steam Controls are especially helpful when ironing delicate fabrics. The retractable cord reel also makes storage easy with just a press of a button. Reviewers said that this iron is lightweight but doesn't feel flimsy, while others liked that it is easy to navigate around buttons and collars using the device. However, this one is more expensive than other steam irons on the market. A few customers also said that the vapour button is quite difficult to press but added that it's not really a deal breaker.
Tefal FV6520G0 Freemove Air Cordless Steam Iron
Best cordless iron
Not yet rated
Pros
- Can be used as a dry iron
- Lightweight and easy to navigate
Cons
- Keeps on beeping when in use
- Not cheap
Why we chose it
If you're looking for the best cordless iron available in Australia right now, we recommend the Tefal FV6520G0 Freemove Air Cordless Steam Iron. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from more than 800 reviews.
The Tefal FV6520G0 Freemove Air Cordless Steam Iron features cordless technology, which allows for easier navigation when ironing garments. It has up to 25g per minute of continuous steam and 115g per minute of steam shot to power through even the most stubborn creases. This iron also has a super-smooth ceramic soleplate that glides effortlessly over clothes. It must be placed on its base to recharge – it powers up after 11 seconds and gives up to 25 seconds of ironing time.
Many customers praised the product for being compact and travel friendly. Since it is cordless, it is also easier to navigate around creases without worrying about cables. The iron is lightweight and has a secure grip for better control. It features a 250ml water tank, which is suitable for a small pile of clothes. Reviews liked that it has an anti-drip feature that keeps garments from getting wet. It's more expensive than other steam irons, but customers said the quality and performance justify the price. However, they wished that it wouldn't beep when in use as it can be annoying.
Russell Hobbs 3100W Powersteam Ultra
Best iron for vertical steaming
Not yet rated
Pros
- Powerful at 3100W
- Has a tapered tip for easier navigation
Cons
- The steam button tends to get stuck
- Heavier than other irons
Why we chose it
For vertical steaming, we chose the Russell Hobbs 3100W Powersteam Ultra as the best option. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 16,000 Amazon reviews.
With a power of 3100W, this steam iron heats up 15% faster, according to the company. It features a super smooth ceramic soleplate that glides through creases, leaving your clothes wrinkle-free. The Russell Hobbs 3100W Powersteam Ultra has a 45g per minute continuous steam, 210g steam shot and 350ml water tank. It also has a tapered tip with button grooves that let you work around buttons, collars and fastenings a lot easier.
According to customers, this steam iron is ideal for regular ironing and vertical steam. It has a 3m cord that makes manoeuvring easier. It can be used to iron out curtains and other tough fabrics as well. The steam shot is powerful and distributes steam evenly, which makes the task a lot easier. Many reviews praised the device for having an auto-switch off function and tapered tips, perfect for a busy household. A few customers said it's not lightweight, while others mentioned that the steam button gets stuck after a couple of uses. But these seem to be minor issues.
Tefal FV4040 Ultraglide Steam Iron
Best for beginners
Not yet rated
Pros
- Good value for money
- Can be used for vertical steaming
Cons
- Customers experienced leakage after a couple of uses
- No steam adjustment
Why we chose it
Our pick for the top iron for beginners is Tefal's FV4040 Ultraglide Steam Iron, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over a thousand reviews on Amazon.
The Tefal FV4040 Ultraglide Steam Iron features a Durilium Technology soleplate that helps the iron glide effortlessly over fabrics. It has 2400W and a 150g per minute steam boost. Apart from an easy cord system, it has a double anti-scale and a self-clean feature for easy maintenance. This iron has an automatic steam regulation and a steam trigger as well.
At under $85, this iron is quite affordable. Customers liked that it glides easily even over tough fabrics. The vertical steam shot function also makes vertical steaming quicker. The iron is easy to navigate around awkward creases, while the easy cord system keeps the cord out of the way when in use, making it ideal for beginners. However, some customers experienced leakage just after a couple of uses. Others also wished it had a steam adjustment for better control.
Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800-Watt Compact Non-Stick Soleplate Travel Iron
Best travel iron
Not yet rated
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not cheap
- Tends to leak
Why we chose it
The Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800-Watt Compact Non-Stick Soleplate Travel Iron is our choice for the best travel iron. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 7,000 Amazon reviews.
This steam iron has a steam shot feature that helps press out wrinkles and creases quickly. It has a dual voltage system at 240V and 120V and an indicator light that lets you know when it's hot. Apart from a soft touch handle for extra comfort, this iron has heat-settings for most fabric types.
At only 500 grams, the Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800-Watt Compact Non-Stick Soleplate Travel Iron is lightweight and easy to store. Many customers used this iron to press seams when sewing. It heats up quickly and provides ample steam to smoothen out creases in no time. However, there were complaints about the water leaking when in use. It is also more expensive than other steam irons.
Amazon prices last updated on 23 May, 2022 at 12:29 am
Methodology
16Brands considered
53Products compared
7Best products chosen
- We compared irons from over 15 brands and more than 50 products.
- We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings from Amazon.
- The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
What to consider when choosing a steam iron
While most steam irons will offer similar functions, not all models are up to the same standard. Here are some things to look for when you are comparing steam iron models:
- Weight. Though a lightweight model is easy to manoeuvre while ironing, it also requires more downward pressure when you're using it. A heavier one will need less pressure, but may feel like more of a chore to use, so consider what's best for you personally before you buy.
- Price. Steam irons typically range in price from $50-$150. While there are definitely models on the lower end of the price scale that are incredibly efficient, it's best to ensure that you're buying from a reputable brand. A cheap iron from a brand that you've never heard of is likely to be unreliable and the chances are higher that it will break or burn your clothes.
- Auto shut-off. As with all electrical appliances, having an auto-off safety feature is always something worth looking out for. Models with this function will detect when they have been inactive for a certain period of time and will shut down to ensure that they don't spark a fire.
- Self-cleaning. Steam irons see a build-up of calcium and limescale with use that can affect the overall efficiency. Anti-calc models or those with a self-cleaning system allow you to remove the deposits that would otherwise clog up the soleplate and steam valves.
- Drip protection. In order to create steam, steam irons require water. Sometimes this water can drip onto your clothing and may cause water stains on certain fabrics. Models with drip protection prevent this by stopping water from dripping through the soleplate.
- Vertical steam. While not an essential feature, you may want to consider models that have the ability to vertically steam. This option allows you to steam garments while they're on the hanger and also lets you steam your curtains to remove creasing.
Main image: Getty
What types of soleplates are available?
When comparing irons, one of the key features to consider is the soleplate – this is the metal plate at the bottom of the iron that you press onto the fabric. The soleplate material affects how smoothly the iron glides over your clothes, how well it resists scratching, and how easy it is to clean.
There are several different soleplate materials to choose from. Aluminium, non-stick, stainless steel and ceramic are the most commonly available options, but palladium, titanium and other materials can also be used for irons.
- Aluminium. Typically used on entry-level irons, aluminium is cheap and will do the job. However, it may become "sticky" over time, creating more wrinkles as you iron.
- Non-stick. Irons with a non-stick coating on the soleplate glide smoothly over clothes and avoid sticking. They're generally quite easy to clean, but you'll need to be careful not to scratch off any of the coating.
- Stainless steel. Stainless steel soleplates are a popular choice and available in both entry-level and top-end models. They provide an even spread of heat and smooth performance, but zippers and buttons will scratch them.
- Ceramic. Durable and reliable, ceramic soleplates conduct heat efficiently and should glide smoothly over clothes. However, they tend to be expensive.
In addition to the material, check the size and shape of the soleplate. A larger soleplate will help you cover a big area as quickly as possible, but a narrow tip helps you iron in tight spaces such as on collars and around buttons.
How to compare irons
While irons might seem like basic appliances on the surface, there are several factors you should take into account when comparing your options:
Additional features
When comparing irons, you should also consider these features:
- Steam holes. Check the number of steam holes in the soleplate and how they are located to provide even steam distribution. While some models have 15 steam homes, others have up to 400.
- Drip protection. Anti-drip features stop water from dripping from the soleplate and potentially staining clothing. It also prevents water spitting when you use the steam boost function.
- Automatic shut-off. Almost all irons feature an automatic shut-off feature that switches off their power if they're left unattended or they tip over. Other safety features may include lights to warn you when the iron is turned on and has reached ironing temperature.
- Water cleaning. Some irons feature a system that pre-treats the water to prevent limescale buildup. Keep in mind, entry-level products typically don't have this feature.
- Warranty. Check the length of the manufacturer's warranty – most provide one to two years of protection – and what the warranty covers.
Irons vs garment steamers and steam stations
If you spend a lot of time ironing, a garment steamer or steam station could help make your chores quicker.
Garment steamers
Garment steamers quickly remove wrinkles from clothes and delicate fabrics. However, they cost more than a standard iron and can't provide the crisp, pressed look that an iron can.
For more information, check out our guide to buying a garment steamer.
Steam stations
Also known as steam generator irons, steam stations feature a large water tank with a boiler designed to heat the liquid up quickly. They generate more steam pressure than a regular iron, allowing you to iron more clothes in a shorter period of time.
If you need to work through a large pile of clothes as quickly as possible, for example, if you're doing laundry for a family of four or five, a steam station could be a wise purchase. However, compared to irons, they're quite expensive with prices generally starting at $200. Steam stations also require much more storage space than irons.
Best rated iron brand award breakdown
| Total Score | Overall rating | Value for Money | Ease of use | Performance | Safety & features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips | 8.21 | 4.43 | 4.33 | 4.53 | 4.63 | 4.47 |
| Sunbeam | 8.10 | 4.36 | 4.42 | 4.44 | 4.36 | 4.42 |
| Tefal | 8.08 | 4.35 | 4.15 | 4.62 | 4.38 | 4.46 |
| Russell Hobbs | 8.03 | 4.35 | 4.26 | 4.39 | 4.52 | 4.39 |
| Braun | 7.91 | 4.22 | 4.22 | 4.48 | 4.43 | 4.26 |
| Kambrook | 7.81 | 4.27 | 4.32 | 4.34 | 4.29 | 4.17 |
| Electrolux | 7.72 | 4.14 | 4.07 | 4.36 | 4.14 | 3.93 |
| Panasonic | 7.46 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.92 | 3.92 | 3.92 |
| Kogan* | 7.26 | 4.00 | 4.29 | 4.14 | 4.00 | 4.29 |
| Kmart | 7.18 | 3.80 | 4.24 | 4.16 | 3.78 | 3.82 |
| Target Essentials | 7.11 | 3.92 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.58 | 3.83 |
| Easy Home (Aldi)* | 7.04 | 3.56 | 4.11 | 4.11 | 3.78 | 3.89 |
| Other | 6.88 | 3.70 | 4.00 | 3.70 | 3.70 | 3.70 |
| Stirling (Aldi)* | 6.83 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.50 |
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. 
Previous Retail Awards
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