The best clothing irons

Many newer irons are loaded with great features newer irons that improve safety and quality. These features will help you finish the chore faster. 

• Automatic shut-off: This is a nice safety feature because the iron turns off whenever it sits motionless for a certain period of time. The auto shut-off feature can help prevent a fire if the iron happens to tip over when you step away.
• Self-cleaning: Removing any scale deposits with a self-cleaning feature is important to the overall longevity of the iron. Scaling can cause the steam holes to become plugged, leaving them inoperable. 
• Steam burst button: The steam button provides a quick burst of steam for stubborn wrinkles. It's a common feature on newer irons that works especially well on thicker fabrics.
• Steam dial: Having the ability to adjust the amount of steam the iron provides at any time can help you achieve more success with ironing. 
• Temperature control: Precise temperature control is important in an iron because different garments require different temperatures. 
• Transparent water tank: Being able to see the water level in the tank ensures you can fill it if needed before starting to iron, rather than unknowingly running out of water in the middle of an ironing job because you couldn't see the water level.
• Vertical steaming: Some irons will allow you to blast steam as you're holding the iron in a vertical position, which allows you to remove wrinkles from clothing that's hanging, almost like a garment steamer.
• Weight: Some people prefer an iron that doesn't carry much weight, as it's easier for them to lift and carry. Others like a heavier iron that can help them really press down on clothes.

A variety of iron designs will allow you to have success with removing wrinkles from garments. However, the different designs do cause individual irons to have their own strengths and weaknesses:

• Conventional: The conventional iron has a teardrop shape with a flat edge. The bottom of the iron's sole plate has small holes where the iron can release steam. This steam system allows the iron to remove wrinkles faster than an iron without steam capabilities. Whereas older conventional irons required distilled water to avoid problems with calcium buildup, newer irons feature anti-calcium valves and self-cleaning settings, so they can use tap water.
• Cordless: A cordless iron runs from a battery, rather than making use of a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet. However, the performance level of cordless irons has been inconsistent, as they typically don't have enough power to generate the kind of heat and steam corded irons create.
• Mini: A small iron works great as a travel iron, but it definitely is not meant for heavy-duty work. If you know someone who has trouble lifting a full-size iron, perhaps a lightweight mini travel iron will be a better option for them.
• Sole plate options: Different iron designs will feature different materials in the sole plate. Ceramic is probably the most popular, as it won't stick to clothing, but longevity is a bit of a question mark. Stainless steel sole plates are less expensive than ceramic and distribute heat well, but they could stick. Aluminum sole plates are cheap, but they don't tend to heat as evenly as other options.
• Steam or no steam: Most modern irons are steam irons, meaning they heat water stored in an onboard tank, then release the steam through holes in the sole plate. Look for an iron that also allows you to shut off the steam function whenever desired to provide more versatility.