- We can't guarantee that buying a good ironing board will make you feel happy about ironing, but it will help you finish the chore faster and more effectively.
- The Brabantia Ironing Board with Solid Steam Iron Rest is our top pick because it's a great ironing board that is versatile and stable with a wide iron rest that can hold steam irons.
Nobody likes ironing, which is probably why so many clothes boast wrinkle-free or wrinkle-resistant fabrics these days. You may feel as if purchasing an ironing board is a waste of money, what with all the innovation in textiles, and using that as an excuse to avoid the chore of ironing sounds like a pretty good deal. I admittedly may be projecting my own feelings and laziness regarding ironing here.
The bad news for those of us who are lazy when it comes to household chores like ironing is that plenty of clothing still requires ironing. Even for those of us who don't like ironing, there is a sense of satisfaction at how freshly pressed clothes make us feel like we're looking our best.
The best way to have success with most household tasks - even ones that we may not like - is to have the right tools to do the job. You can make your ironing jobs go more successfully with the best ironing boards, as they offer features to deliver better results faster. We've found the five best ironing boards you can buy, but before we get into our picks, here are some things to think about before you buy.
Design
Although it's tempting to look at ironing boards and assume that they're all basically alike, that's not the case. The differences are subtle, but they do exist, as The Wirecutter and Irons Expert discuss.
- Built-in: Some people prefer an ironing board that's built into a cabinet or drawer in the laundry room. This provides a smart use of a limited storage area.
- Iron rest: Newer ironing boards often have an area at the end of the board designed to hold the iron safely when it's hot. The iron rest needs to be well-designed so the iron has no possibility of tipping over while it sits in place.
- Stability: The legs of the ironing board need to be able to sturdily support the weight of the iron, the weight of the item you're ironing, and the weight of you leaning on it (which we all do on occasion). You don't want an ironing board collapsing unexpectedly on you.
- Height design: It's more comfortable to iron clothing or other linens on an ironing board when the folded-out board sits at waist height. You won't have to stoop over to perform the task, which can be hard on your back. Some ironing boards offer an adjustable height design to provide comfort to people of varying heights.
- Weight: Some people don't want a really heavy ironing board, as it could be difficult to carry and store.
Features
Sure, we acknowledge that you don't technically need an ironing board to iron. Just place a towel on a countertop and you're ready to go. But the ironing board certainly simplifies the process, allowing you to do it more comfortably and successfully than your makeshift, DIY "ironing towel."
- Cover: Although you can purchase an ironing board cover separately, having a good cover included as part of your board is a nice option. Some covers are thicker with padding than others, which keeps any screws or bolts on the board from poking through your clothes. Additionally, covers should have some sort of non-stick coating for good results, according to The Spruce.
- Free-standing: Most ironing boards are free-standing, which means they are able to be moved anywhere in your home. Because the free-standing board folds up flat, it becomes easier to carry.
- Mini boards: If you live in a small home or have limited space in your laundry room, a small ironing board can be a good idea for avoiding clutter. You'd set this type of ironing board on a table or countertop, as explained by Iron Expert Labs.
- Surface space: As discussed by Mimi's Quilt Shop, some ironing boards are wider or longer than normal, which can be beneficial when ironing certain items, such as quilts.
- Storage options: With free-standing ironing boards, the board folds up flat, allowing it to fit in a thin space for storage. Some smaller boards may be mounted on the wall, folding out whenever you need them. Others hang over a door, making them instantly accessible.
We've done the research to find the best ironing boards in all of the most popular categories. Read on to see which of our top picks is best for your needs. You should also check out our guide to the best clothes steamers.
Here are our picks for the best ironing boards you can buy:
Updated on 10/31/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides.
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