Irons

If you're shopping for irons and steamers, a steam iron is a great option for keeping your wardrobe wrinkle-free, whether you need extra steam power, a compact design or customizable heat settings. Many clothes irons come with the advantage of a lightweight, ergonomic build so you can move easily across shirts, pants and linens without tiring your arm.

There are a number of steam iron designs to choose from. A traditional steam iron is excellent for pressing flat garments on a board, while vertical steam irons let you touch up hanging clothes and curtains without setting up an ironing board. Every electric steam iron also comes with a variety of temperature and steam settings so you can customize the press to your fabric type. Many models use a non-stick soleplate, which glides more smoothly and resists scorching delicate materials.

Since a hot iron left unattended can be a hazard, look for steam irons with auto shut-off, which power down automatically if the iron sits idle or gets tipped over.

Your steam iron should be suited to the fabrics you press most. You'll also want to think about tank size and cord length so you can work comfortably across a full ironing session. With a detachable water tank, you can refill quickly without carrying the whole iron to the sink.

If tangled cords slow you down, you might choose a cordless iron that heats a base station and lets you press garments unplugged. For garments you'd rather not press flat at all, a dedicated garment steamer can smooth wrinkles gently, straight off the hanger.

With the right steam irons on hand, laundry day gets a lot easier. While you're setting up your utility space, you might also consider upgrading your laundry days even further with a new washer and dryer set.