We recommend currently-available models with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 85%, as well as at least 90% for performance and 80% for ease of use. They must also have automatic shut-off as a safety feature.

The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of performance (70%) and ease of use (30%).

We assess how effective the irons are at removing creases. We use synthetic organza, silk, wool, a cotton shirt, denim jeans and linen for the test. 

We assess each iron for how easy it is to fill up the water tank, move the iron over various fabrics, use the steam and spray functions and adjust the temperature. We also check how comfortable the iron is to hold, and the convenience of the cord. 

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating isn't included in our total score. N/A means there's no rating for that company.

These are taken straight from our brand reliability survey, but do not add to the overall score. These scores refer to the brand only, not that particular model. If you see 'N/A' as the outcome, that's because we haven't heard from enough people who own the brand.

These are taken straight from our brand reliability survey, but do not add to the overall score. These scores refer to the brand only, not that particular model. If you see 'N/A' as the outcome, that's because we haven't heard from enough people who own the brand.

Stated country of origin.

Stated warranty in years. This doesn't include the rights you have under Australian Consumer Law.

This is a useful safety feature that cuts off power to the iron after it's been left sitting idle for a while.

A function that helps keep your iron free of scale and deposits that could clog it, usually by pushing hot steam through the soleplate.

Prevents water from dripping through the soleplate and potentially staining fabrics.

Whether you can store the cord when the iron's not in use.

'Tested model' refers to irons that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to irons that are no longer available in shops, but may be available second-hand.

This is the manufacturer's recommended retail price. Prices are generally always flexible, so shop around both online and in stores for options.

The soleplate is the base of the iron. A non-stick soleplate is usually easier to keep clean than a stainless steel one, but you need to be careful not to scratch it, as this can cause the iron to drag over time. Polished stainless steel can work well, but is also susceptible to scratching and staining. Some manufacturers use different words to describe their soleplates, for example 'eloxal' is a scratch resistant coating and 'durilium' is an enamel soleplate.

Weight does not include water.

We started recording this in 2023, so some previously-tested models may not list a weight when full of water.