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An iron is an indispensable tool for anyone who is truly serious about sewing. How can you effectively cut your fabric if it is all wrinkly and has the potential to look totally different when it is smooth? However, it is best to go with an iron that is designed specifically for sewing projects, as opposed to a regular all-purpose iron, if you really want the best effects.
Read on to learn more about sewing irons and how they can take your sewing game to the next level.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Irons For Sewing
- OUR TOP PICK: Rowenta DW5080
- RUNNER-UP: BLACK & DECKER F67E
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Black & Decker D2030
- BEST SMALL SEWING IRON: Steamfast Mini Travel
- EDITOR’S PICK: Oliso Pro TG1600
Comparison Chart of the Best Irons For Sewing
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Our Top Pick  |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Best Budget Option  |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Are All Irons The Same?
The short answer to this question is that no, not all irons are the same. The longer answer is that there are a variety of different irons that have been designed for multiple different uses. There are irons that are specifically designed for quilting, and for handling heavier and thicker fabrics.
There are irons that are intended to be used on the go or to be packed along while traveling – these irons are typically much smaller than other types of irons, which also means they are less powerful, but they sometimes have additional convenience features like quick heating for maximum efficiency.
And there are irons that are intended for everyday use, with your basic sewing fabrics and techniques, which are likely your most reliable choice. It is up to you to determine what you most anticipate using your iron for, and go from there when choosing which type of iron is best for you.
How to Choose an Iron for Sewing
How do you know which iron is best, though? Here are some of the most important qualities we believe you should be looking out for:
Steam Distribution
This is probably the most important quality in an iron. The way it distributes steam will affect its ability to unwrinkled fabric, which is kind of the whole point. Look for an iron with many steam holes to distribute steam evenly.
Efficiency
Who wants to sit around all day and wait for their iron to heat up, or even worse, for it to cool off so you can put it away? Look for an iron with a quick heating feature, and one that will cool off rapidly. Many irons also have additional features to boost their efficiency and make the ironing process go faster overall.
Precision
As anyone who has ever ironed anything more complex than a t-shirt knows, it can be a real pain in the butt to iron complicated garments. Anything with pockets, zippers, or cuffs can be a struggle. But with a precise ironing tip, that struggle will become notably easier. Look out for precision tips when searching for the best ironing options.
Quick Take - Best Irons For Sewing
Before you get too far, here's a quick take of the best irons for sewing:
Review of the Best Irons for Sewing
Now that you have a better sense of the multiple different types of sewing irons, as well as what separates a good iron for sewing from a bad option, let’s go look at some actual ironing products:
Best Overall:
Rowenta DW5080
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were super impressed with the number of steam holes present on this model. It has four hundred micro steam holes, which will distribute the steam in a much more even fashion than pretty much any other model available on the market today.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We loved that the soleplate is made of stainless steel, meaning that no matter how often you use it, it is guaranteed to never rust.
Who Will Use This Most
This iron is endorsed for both professional and home use. With its increased efficiency, it is probably best used in a professional setting.
Bottom Line
The Rowenta DW5080 is an amazing model and our choice for best overall pick thanks to its steam distribution ability and stainless steel soleplate. Just know that at its highest setting, it can produce a burnt plastic smell.
Runner-up:
BLACK & DECKER F67E
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers love the soleplate of this model. It has an aluminum finish that is specifically designed to be anti-stick, so it glides over many different fabric types with ease.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were impressed by the automatic features on this model. They include both an automatic shut off and an automatic anti-drip system. Plus, it has clear temperature and fabric type indicators.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a versatile iron that is straightforward and easy to use, look no further. Everything about this iron can be controlled with just one simple dial.
Bottom Line
The BLACK & DECKER F67E is a fantastic product option that will make your ironing life easier with its automatic shut off and anti-drip options, and its smooth aluminum finish. The one thing to look out for with this model is that since most of its surface is hot metal, it can be fairly easy to burn yourself.
Best for the Money:
Black & Decker D2030
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers greatly appreciate the LCD display on this model. It allows you to easily see the current steam level as well as the iron’s temperature, and it will also display the working mode the iron is in.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were blown away that a Black & Decker product could really be available for such a low, low price. We initially believed that it was a fraud and not actually made by Black & Decker – but we could not be happier to be wrong! This model is a steal of a deal, price-wise.
Who Will Use This Most
If you do not want to put a ton of work into your ironing and just get it done quickly, this model is a great option. Its digital settings will auto adjust to provide the perfect amount of steam for the fabric you are working with.
Bottom Line
The Black & Decker D2030 is a top-notch product option that you will not be able to comprehend that you can buy for such a low price. But be aware – it tends to drip during the first few minutes of ironing, so watch out.
Best Small Sewing Iron:
Steamfast Mini Travel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers love the many different features this iron has that makes it a great option for traveling. You can switch between operating this model on one hundred and two hundred forty volts, making it versatile and able to be used in many different types of outlets. Plus, it is lightweight and easy to transport.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We could not believe that this iron is as small as it is, yet still boasts four hundred and twenty watts of power. That is a lot of punch for such a tiny iron!
Who Will Use This Most
As mentioned above, this is an excellent option for a travel iron. But also, if you live in an apartment and are looking for an iron that will not take up a ton of storage space, this is a great choice for you.
Bottom Line
The Steamfast Mini Travel is a star of an iron that is particularly great for traveling. Keep in mind that its small size leads to its handle becoming pretty warm while you are using it.
Editor’s Pick:
Oliso Pro TG1600
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are huge fans of the iTouch technology featured on this model. This incorporates a number of different safety features to prevent the iron from tipping over, scorching your fabric, or burning your skin.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We liked several of the design features on this model, including its three steam settings, which are horizontal burst, vertical burst, and continuous burst. Plus, it has a two-inch detailer tip which is great for getting in between cuffs, pockets, and other tricky spots.
Who Will Use This Most
Users report that this iron is an excellent choice for quilters, crafters, and sewers, so it is an extremely versatile option.
Bottom Line
The Oliso Pro TG1600 is an all-around excellent product choice that is especially great when it comes to user safety and some awesome design features. The only thing to consider is that it does not produce as much steam as some of the other models on this list.
Perks of Getting a New Iron for Sewing
If you have been working with a reliable sewing iron, why should you spend money to upgrade to a newer model? Here are the biggest reasons to do so:
Technological Advances
If you are working with an older iron, you are kind of living in the dark ages at this point. Today’s irons have automatic shut off and heating capabilities, and some even have LCD screens to display their temperature and other settings.
Safety Features
For centuries, ironing has been a dangerous proposition that essentially guaranteed you would burn yourself or your clothing at some point during the process. But this is no longer the case. The irons of today have a number of safety features to prevent burning and scorching.
Versatility
Today’s irons are not just for one specific type of fabric. With all of their different settings, most of them can handle virtually any kind of fabric you throw at them. Forget about switching out to different irons for your various fabric types!
Conclusion
Irons for sewing are a real game-changer. If you have been using a regular all-purpose iron, we guarantee you will notice the difference if you make the switch. Make sure to invest in a sewing iron that will best serve your purpose, whether that is for traveling, or for quilting. We promise that no matter what you choose to go with, you will not be able to strike out with a model from our list above.