Brands

Familiar names such as Black & Decker, Hamilton Beach, and Sunbeam still sell a lot of irons but you can also find models from Bosch, Conair, Panasonic, and Rowenta. These profiles will help you to compare steam irons by brand.

Black & Decker

The major brand in the category, Black & Decker offers a wide range of irons with varying types of sole plates, including stainless steel, nonstick, and the newly introduced ceramic. New technology from the brand is the availability of steam on all temperature settings, including at low temperatures. Black & Decker also makes a wide range of digital electronic models with LED displays and multilingual option. They are sold at department stores, Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, and through online retailers.

Euro-Pro (Shark)

This is a mid-market brand whose products have a retro look or stainless-steel styling. Features on these irons include extended steam burst, drip-free and vertical modes, electronic controls, and displays for actual and set temperatures. Euro-Pro irons are sold at appliance stores, Sears, Target, Best Buy, Kohl’s, and Macy’s, and at online retailers.

GE

GE steam irons are a value brand with basic features.

Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach makes irons that are a bit more upscale and expensive than those from its sibling brand Proctor Silex. Hamilton Beach irons have features like electronic controls and vertical-steam, drip-free, spray, and steam-blast options. They are sold at department stores, Bed Bath & Beyond, appliance stores, and online retailers.

Panasonic

Panasonic irons are in the mid-market range. The company makes models with translucent color water tanks, allowing you to easily check the water level. It also offers cordless models. Panasonic irons are sold at Walmart, Target, Sears, and appliance stores, and on Amazon.com and other online retailers.

Proctor Silex

Proctor Silex, the value brand of Hamilton Beach, offers very basic products with features such as steam, a nonstick sole plate, auto shutoff, and a retractable cord. The irons are sold at a wide range of retail outlets including regional dealers, appliance stores, and online retailers.

Rowenta

This line is positioned as the premium irons brand. This European manufacturer has introduced the new "Platinum" sole plate with a "nano glass" finish. The irons are sold at department stores, Bed Bath & Beyond, specialty stores, and many other retailers.

Sunbeam

This brand sells products in the lower to midrange category. The company’s latest models have the new MicroGlide sole plate. They are also equipped with vertical-steam, three-way motion start, auto-shutoff, and drip-free features. They are sold at a range of retailers, including department stores, Target, Walmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond.

T-Fal

T-Fal irons have a nonstick sole plate, and one line offers an enamel-coated bottom. The company offers the most basic features and a water tank designed to allow easy access and steam burst. The irons are sold at most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s, and at Amazon.com and other online retailers.

See also:

Washing machines

Dryers

Laundry detergents

Fabric softeners