In the labs: Iron features that get us steamed

The steam irons that ace our tests and earn a place on the recommended list have a consistent steaming rate, hold their temperature across the soleplates, and are easy to use. There are others in our Ratings, however, that don't do quite as well at these basic tasks but are noteworthy nonetheless if you like to steam hanging garments or have a tendency to scorch your clothes.

The Sunbeam Convertible plus hand held Steamer GCSBRS-102 ($70), for example, did very well across the board at steaming, ironing, and ease of use. Even though the recommended models did better still, you might be interested in this iron if you like to steam hanging garments. Press a button, and part of the iron detaches from the base for steaming. The best part? the section you hold to steam clothes is only about half as heavy as a conventional iron.

Other models with interesting features include the Oliso TG1100 and the Hamilton Beach Smart Lift with Built-in Stability 14401. You might forgive the Oliso iron its $150 price if you tend to get distracted while ironing to the point of scorching fabrics. Set this model down on its soleplate and let go of the handle, and the Smartiron stops steaming and lifts itself off the ironing surface. Similarly, the $60 Hamilton Beach has a trigger that lets you tilt the iron back at an angle to the board away from the fabric. Alas, both the Oliso and the Hamilton Beach share the same downside: Neither could produce a steady enough flow of steam to score well in our tests.

For many fabrics, the more steam an iron can produce the better. Do well at basic ironing tasks, and the extras are welcomed as helpful features. Fall short, and the description that more quickly comes to mind is gimmick, not feature.

—Ed Perratore