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The best steam irons make light work of heavy loads and glide through stubborn creases with ease. Ironing is one of those chores that pretty much nobody wants to do unless they’ve bought a brand-new iron to make their lives a whole lot easier.
According to “Trends in Household Work” from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, time spent ironing has declined. Well, the irons on this list are designed to reduce that even further with their powerful steaming, extra-wide soleplates, and quick-heating technology.
TL;DR: The Best Steam Iron for Most People 👇
This steam iron may not rank as the absolute best in terms of features, but it efficiently checks off nearly all essential requirements. Its robust build quality, combined with powerful steaming, ensures a smooth glide over any fabric.
When considering its price, it’s a challenge to find a rival that offers similar ironing prowess. Superior models? Certainly. But when weighing cost and performance, this iron stands out. 🙌
The Best Steam Irons to Buy in Australia Today
- Best Overall Steam Iron: Philips PerfectCare Compact Plus Steam Generator Iron
- Best for Most People: Tefal Turbopro Airglide Steam Iron
- Best Value Steam Iron: Braun SI5034VI TexStyle 5 Steam Iron
- Best Mid-range Steam Iron: Philips PerfectCare Steam Iron with SteamGlide Plus Soleplate
- Best Scratch-resistant Steam Iron: Panasonic 360° Ergonomic Scratch-Resistant Quick Iron
- Best Self-cleaning Steam Iron: Russell Hobbs Powersteam RHC560 Steam Iron
- Best Steam Iron for Travel: Sunbeam Pro Steam Compact Iron
- Best Budget Steam Iron: Kambrook KI735 Steamline Advance Steam Iron
1. Best Overall Steam Iron: Philips PerfectCare Compact Plus Steam Generator Iron
Why we like it:
- Professional-grade
- Perfect for larger families
- The most powerful and fastest steam generator
- OptimalTEMP guarantees no burns ever
What customers say:
“Best iron we have ever had, we have had 3 steam generator irons from Bosch over the years and they have been poor, running out of steam and leaking water. This iron is a different class.” – Lisa
The Philips PerfectCare Compact Plus Steam Generator Iron may not be the most budget-friendly option, but its performance is unparalleled based on our tests. It’s ideal for families with substantial ironing needs, ensuring quick and efficient results.
The steam iron simplifies the ironing process with its advanced onboard sensors. These sensors detect the fabric type and iron movement, adjusting the heat output to a single optimal setting for all fabrics.
Thanks to its innovative technology, this iron ensures your clothes remain undamaged, even the most delicate ones like silk. The standout feature is the DynamicQ steam sensor by Philips, which determines crease size by detecting the iron’s speed across the material.
Based on the speed it will generate the appropriate amount of steam to deal with a crease of that particular size. It really is fancy stuff that almost makes ironing fun!
Thanks to its innovative technology, this iron ensures your clothes remain undamaged, even the most delicate ones like silk. The standout feature is the DynamicQ steam sensor by Philips, which determines crease size by detecting the iron’s speed across the material.
With its lengthy 1.6-meter hose and the premium Philips SteamGlide soleplate, this iron ensures a snag-free and smooth ironing session. For those looking for the best steam iron in Australia, this is certainly an iron to consider.
2. Best for Most People: Tefal Turbopro Airglide Steam Iron
Why we like it:
- Turbo function for removing stubborn creases
- Built-in calc collector for enhanced performance
- Utilises The Durilium AirGlide Autoclean Technology for smooth and effortless glide
- 2400W for quick heat up
What customers say:
“They call it the Airglide for good reason. This iron effortlessly sails over your clothes on a cloud of steam. It also has a ‘trigger’ that shoots a burst of steam on stubborn and hard-to-flatten creases. It’s great value and works amazingly well.”–HeidiAdelaide
The Tefal Turbopro Airglide Steam Iron stands out with its impressive 2400W wattage, making it a top choice for many over other models.
The iron boasts a large soleplate with multiple steam holes, ensuring wide coverage and enhanced performance with each pass. The Tefal FV5646 can produce 50g of steam per minute, allowing you to get the job done with minimal strain.
In addition to this, it has a turbo function that will allow you to increase the steam output up to 210g/min. This feature can prove helpful when dealing with stubborn creases. Also, the active steam vents on the soleplate are strategically angled to ensure the steam is driven deep into the fabric for instant results.
The built-in calc remover will ensure the iron stays in top-class condition while also boosting performance. Plus, the calc collector is removable, making it very easy to clean. What’s more, the soleplate is streamlined to allow for effortless gliding.
This will enable you to work with the iron for an extended duration without experiencing fatigue. The fact that it’s lightweight makes it even better because it won’t weigh you down. If you are looking for a high-performance steam iron that is reasonably priced, the Tefal FV5646 may just end your search.
3. Best Value Steam Iron: Braun SI5034VI TexStyle 5 Steam Iron
Why we like it:
- Open handle design for user comfort
- Curved soleplate for easy manoeuvrability
- Utilises FreeGlide technology for effortless ironing
- The tank allows for quick refills
What customers say:
“This iron is one of the best I’ve used. My only gripe is the power cable hangs to the left and as a left-handed that gets in the way sometimes.”–Simon
The Braun SI5034VI TexStyle 5 Steam Iron is a high-performance unit that will help you get rid of all creases, leaving your clothes neater than before. Plus, it has a long list of features that will make your work easier when ironing different fabrics.
Equipped with FreeGlide technology, this steam iron ensures a seamless glide across fabrics, reducing the effort needed and enhancing the ironing experience.
A unique design feature is the upward-curved rear end of the soleplate, ensuring the Braun SI5034VI effortlessly glides over tricky areas like pockets and buttons.
That way, you can remove creases from all parts of the cloth without lifting the iron.
With its lightweight design, this steam iron promises extended ironing sessions without any arm strain.
It comes with an easy-to-refill water tank that will dramatically reduce your downtime when ironing. Also, the soleplate has a special coating that will enable you to glide the iron while applying the least amount of effort. The steam button is conveniently placed close to the handle to give you easy access.
More on the handle, it is ergonomically designed and also textured to give you a firm grip. And its open design makes it even more comfortable to use. On the downside, the power cord is rather short and may limit your movements if not properly placed.
4. Best Mid-range Steam Iron: Philips PerfectCare Steam Iron with SteamGlide Plus Soleplate
Why we like it:
- Philips OptimalTEMP technology
- Built-in calcium cleaner
- Automatic shut-off
- Excellent handling
What customers say:
“Our old Philips model burnt itself out so we had to use a backup iron. My wife was devastated to learn she had to manually adjust the temperature for different materials. A new Philips was ordered post haste and it’s blue, her favourite colour. She said it’s lighter than the old model but the cord is shorter. What more can I ask for, a happy wife.” – Peter B
The Philips PerfectCare Steam Iron strikes a perfect balance between versatility and affordability, offering premium features without a hefty price tag. As with the other Philips irons on this list, it utilises the OptimalTEMP technology to monitor the type of fabric and adjust the temperature setting automatically.
While it lacks manual temperature adjustment, the convenience of its automatic temperature setting will appeal to most users, making it a standout feature.
It has a relatively powerful steaming ability that’s more than enough for anything the typical household can throw at it. With a 45g/minute continuous steam output alongside a 185g steam boost, this iron is up there with the best of them.
Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable and natural grip, making ironing a more pleasant and efficient task. It’s a very precise iron that has no problem easily maneuvering around intricate clothing or getting the collar and cuffs just right.
A significant contributor to its smooth performance is the SteamGlide Plus soleplate. With its 6-layer coating and titanium finish, it ensures the iron effortlessly glides across various fabrics.
So if you’re in the market for one of the best irons in Australia that offers exceptional value for money, this iron should be at the top of your list.
5. Best Scratch-resistant Steam Iron: Panasonic 360° Ergonomic Scratch-Resistant Quick Iron
Why we like it:
- Incredibly smooth ironing motion
- 116 self-cleaning steam vents
- Can iron vertically
- Four steam settings
What customers say:
“This iron is easy to use and very reliable. I do not understand why it cannot be purchased in retail stores or why no-one knows that Panasonic make such a great steam iron.” – Tina
The Panasonic 360° Ergonomic Scratch-Resistant Quick Iron takes the fifth position on this list of the best steam irons available in Australia. It has fantastic build quality and the soleplate doesn’t scratch easily.
More to this, comfortable to use – even for extended periods, and has a range of excellent functions that make ironing a lot less laborious.
The soleplate is generous in size and allows for the 116 self-cleaning steam vents to fit and make light work of even the most stubborn creases. This is further enhanced by the 4 different steam levels with each being suited to different fabrics, suitable from the heaviest denim to the most delicate silks.
If you’re worried about drips causing water stains on your favourite garments, then worry no more thanks to the anti-drip design which includes an auto turnoff feature if the temperature gets too low.
This steam iron is well suited to dealing with hanging items like curtains, thanks to its ability to maintain its excellent ironing ability even while being held vertically. And it’s handling ability is found throughout its design. This is one of the best irons to handle due to its lightweight design and the fact that the edge of the soleplate can easily be seen while ironing. This takes the guesswork out when ironing things that require precision like collars and cuffs.
The Panasonic 360° Ergonomic Scratch-Resistant Quick Iron is an online exclusive and isn’t stocked in any stores for some reason, so grab it online if you’re looking for a trusty iron that won’t let you down!
6. Best Self-cleaning Steam Iron: Russell Hobbs Powersteam RHC560 Steam Iron
Why we like it:
- Self-cleaning
- Suited to large workloads
- Smoother glide ceramic soleplate
- 210g steam burst and 45g continuous steam
What customers say:
“Was due for upgrade – but this is a really decent iron- well built – powerful, easy to use.” – David Wooldand
The Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra Copper Iron, RHC560, 350ml Water Tank, Vertical Steam Function, Non-Stick, Black and Copper,Black & Copper is the best self-cleaning iron on our list. Given its price point, its performance offers an exceptional value, delivering results that might surprise many.
It lacks a lot of premium features found elsewhere on this list but it does have an OK steam output of 45g/minute continuous stream and 210g/steam boost, which puts it almost on the same level as the Tefal Turbopro we just looked at.
While its 3-meter cord may not be the longest, it’s impressively long given its affordable price. The soleplate also has good vent coverage, with just the edges lacking coverage. However, it is a ceramic soleplate so it is smooth to use and removes wrinkles with relative ease.
For those who only need an iron occasionally or are budget-conscious, this iron presents an outstanding value proposition.
7. Best Steam Iron for Travel: Sunbeam Pro Steam Compact Iron
Why we like it:
- Compact and lightweight but performs well
- Iron’s handle folds to make it even more compact and portable
- Has a non-stick soleplate that makes ironing a breeze
- Dual voltage makes it a great iron to bring on international travel
What customers say:
“This iron does not disappoint! Comes with a little carry bag and filling jug (it’s small, but does the job) and both are easy to clean. Heats up in no time and easy to dial in the heat setting for the fabric you are ironing.”– Ian B
If you’re in search of a compact steam iron that doesn’t compromise on power for your travels, the Sunbeam Pro Steam Compact Iron won’t disappoint. It surpassed our expectations in every test.
Despite its size, it generated enough steam to get the job done. We like the fact that the handle can be folded down even more, giving you an iron that you can bring with you even when you have limited space in your luggage.
With a water tank capacity of 50ml and a continuous steam output of 45g/min, you can make quick work of any creases in a matter of minutes. However, the soleplate is rather small, so we had to make multiple passes.
To fill the tank, simply use the accompanying water beaker to reduce spillage. The iron comes with a non-stick stainless-steel soleplate, so you can rest assured your clothes won’t stick to the iron even when working with delicate fabrics.
Another feature worth mentioning is its dual voltage capabilities. This is what makes it the perfect compact and portable iron for travellers. Such a feature makes it easier for you to iron clothes in any country, as long as you have the outlet adaptor needed for it. Just make sure to switch to the right voltage that the country you’re in is using before plugging it in.
For delicate or mixed fabrics, start with the lowest setting and adjust as needed. Following this approach on polyester yielded remarkable results.
It’s also advisable that you use the setting ideal for the most sensitive fabric on a mixed fabric item to prevent damage to the said clothing.
8. Best Budget Steam Iron: Kambrook KI735 Steamline Advance Steam Iron
Why we like it:
- Has a self-clean function
- FabriGlide soleplate for smooth gliding
- Large water tank for user convenience
- Collar tip for easy maneuverability
What customers say:
“We use a steamer for clothes but sometimes an Iron is needed, and this is no fuss cheap and best kinda deal. Good one.”–Sarah Bugden
If you are on a tight budget, the Kambrook KI735 Steamline Advance Steam Iron may just be the best budget iron in Australia. Coming from a brand that is known for making high-quality products, you can buy this affordable steam iron without worries.
Although it lacks some of the premium features found on most high-end models, it will help you remove creases from different fabrics.
The KI735 features a well-designed soleplate that will allow you to iron your clothes with ease. It can safely remove creases from all types of fabrics, making it one of the best budget steam irons that you can buy.
Equipped with a 360 ml water tank, it ensures continuous ironing, allowing you to tackle multiple garments without frequent refills. The tip of the soleplate is designed in such a way that it cannot get caught by buttons when manoeuvring the iron.
The Kambrook KI735’s lightweight design ensures easy handling, while its potent steam system effectively tackles even the toughest creases.
You can increase or decrease the amount of steam produced using the steam switch, providing you with a customised ironing experience, something not seen on every budget steam iron.
How we Picked the Best Steam Irons
We spent about 4 weeks researching and testing the best steam irons Australia has to offer. Our team picked 8 steam irons and tested them for steam output on different types of fabrics to find out how they perform at maximum and low settings.
That being said, we chose clothes that are made of linen, satin, cotton, silk, and polyester. We made sure that all clothes were thoroughly wrinkled because we wanted to see how well the test models can remove stubborn creases.
The steam irons were tested on the Leifheit 72585 Air Ironing Board for consistency (you can read more about the board in our list of best ironing boards). We assessed the performance of each unit, taking into account the heat-up time, manoeuvrability, time taken to remove creases, amount of steam used, and scratch resistance.
Additionally, we considered factors such as ease of use, length of the power cord, water tank capacity, weight, and available safety features. All the steam irons that we tested took more or less the same amount of time to heat up.
Also, none of the test models damaged any of the fabrics that we used during testing. However we had to dial down the heat when using the turbo function on the Tefal Turbopro Airglide Steam Iron.
The Philips PerfectCare Compact Plus Steam Generator Iron outperformed the other models that we tested when it comes to steam output and crease removal, which are basically the two key factors of consideration when choosing a steam iron.
We picked it as our best overall steam iron and compared the other models based on the collected data to give you a list of the 8 best steam irons in Australia.
Steam Iron: Buying Guide
This section will help educate you on what to look for before buying an iron. There are some key considerations that we suggest you pay close attention to.
What to Look for When Buying an Iron
Let’s take a look at the most important features to consider when buying an iron:
Continuous steam pressure
Typically measured in grams per minute and ranging from 40g/min to 165g/minute for steam generator irons like the Philips PerfectCare Elite Plus Steam Generator Iron reviewed above.
Simply put the more steam per minute the more effective the iron will be on average at removing creases and wrinkles. We would recommend buying an iron with at least 60g/minute if you’re planning on doing a fair bit of ironing but 40g/minute is acceptable for light usage. 165/minute is a real powerhouse that will blast through pretty much anything you throw at it with ease.
Steam shot/boost
This feature shoots a more intense jet of steam for a short period of time to help tackle the more stubborn creases causing problems. It is measured in the same way as a continuous stream and typically varies from 100g/minute all the way up to 600g/minute for steam generator irons.
Anything above 150g/minute is fine for most ironing tasks but the higher the better, Just remember the more steam being outputted the more frequently you’ll have to refill the tank.
Water Tank Capacity
The larger the tank the better. It’s that simple. You don’t want to refill the tank every 5 minutes so opt for an iron with a water tank capable of dealing with your usual laundry load with as few refills as possible. Tanks typically range in size from 0.25 litres for a very small tank, all the way up to 4 litres at the top end of the scale.
Another consideration is how the water tank is refilled. Some openings aren’t the easiest to access and result in spillage from time to time, so keep an eye out for an iron with an easy refill opening.
Transparent Water Tank
Being able to see exactly how much water is left in the reservoir is very useful and makes it much easier to know when a refill is required.
Drip Protection
Water stains are a real issue with irons that don’t offer drip protection, so make sure you choose an iron that explicitly states it has drip protection.
Heat Settings
The amount of heat applied to a fabric should vary depending on the fabric type, with thicker, more durable fabrics like denim requiring much more heat than silk. Some of the premium irons, particularly the Philips range, have excellent automatic fabric detection systems that adjust the temperature automatically.
Cheaper irons rely on manual input to set a suitable temperature which has its pros and cons. The pro is that you have full control of the temperature, the con is that you have to remember to do it, and you may be switching back and forth more than you like.
Thermostat
Following on from heat settings is ensuring that the thermostat is accurate. Cheaper models will have less accurate thermostats that could potentially result in fabric burns whereas the premium irons have very accurate thermostats.
Soleplate
The soleplate is the bottom of the iron that actually irons the fabric. Ideally, you would opt for a wide soleplate like the one found on the Breville VIN406 PressXpress Steam Iron. This cuts down on the amount of work simply due to more coverage.
You should also pay attention to the material of the soleplate and buy an iron with a high heat conduction metal.
Weight and Ergonomics
There’s nothing worse than buying a new product only to find out that it’s uncomfortable to use. If you plan on using an iron for extended periods of time, this should be one of your primary considerations. You don’t want to own an iron you don’t want to use. Instead opt for the iron that has the features you need and want, with the lowest weight possible.
Anti-calc System
Just like any product that stores water, like kettles, you want to choose an iron with a scale collection system that filters out the impurities and protects the longevity of the iron.
Safety
We all forget things from time to time, but leaving an iron-on can be extremely dangerous if it doesn’t have the right safety features. Almost all irons have an auto shut-off feature if it detects a lack of movement but double-check this is the case. Definitely do not buy an iron without this feature.
Cord Length
The longer the cord the better, it’s that simple. They typically range from 1.5 meters to 4 meters. Also, keep an eye out for the cord stored because some irons have some clever ways of keeping the cord organised.
Wattage
The higher the wattage the quicker it heats up. This isn’t too much of a big deal but if you want to get going as quickly as possible then look for an iron that’s 2500W or higher. These irons typically take about a minute to heat up fully, with lower wattages taking longer.
You may also be interested in:
- The Best Garment Steamers Available in Australia
- The Best Fabric Shavers For Fuzz-free Clothing
- The Best Ironing Boards for Smooth, Speedy & Stable Ironing
- The Best Steam Mops Available in Australia
- The Best Car Vacuums Available in Australia
- The Best Stick Vacuums Available in Australia
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
