Steam Irons

A steam iron, also called a steam iron box, has a water tank and a heated soleplate. The water turns to steam and passes through the soleplate into the fabric. The steam relaxes the fibres, so creases come out faster than with heat and pressure alone.

Start by deciding:

• The fabrics you iron most. Cotton and linen need strong heat and steam, while silk and synthetics need less.
• The wattage. A higher wattage generally heats up faster and makes steam more quickly.
• The tank size and steam output. They decide how long you can iron before a refill.
• The cord and weight. A long swivel cord and a light body make long sessions easier.
• Your water. Hard water leaves scale, so check for a self-clean function.

Steam iron, dry iron or garment steamer: which suits you?

A steam iron is better for thick fabrics and stubborn creases. A dry iron is simpler and needs no water. A garment steamer is best for delicate fabrics and quick touch-ups on hanging clothes.

To see simpler options, browse our irons.

Steam Iron for Clothes: 1300W and 1440W compared

The two variants differ in wattage, price and colour. Both share the same steam output, tank size, soleplate, cord, weight and warranty.

1300W or 1440W: which steam iron should you choose?

Both suit everyday home ironing of shirts, trousers, kurtas, bedsheets and school uniforms. Choose the 1300W for the lower price. Choose the 1440W if you want the extra 140W of heating power.

How much electricity does a steam iron use?

Units used in an hour equal the wattage divided by 1000. At an example rate of ₹8 per unit, the cost works out like this. Your actual rate depends on your location/state.

An iron cycles its heating on and off to hold the set temperature, so real use is usually lower than these full-power figures.

Which soleplate is better for a steam iron?

The soleplate is the base that touches the fabric. A non-stick soleplate glides easily and wipes clean, which is why it is common in home irons. Ceramic soleplates are also smooth, and stainless steel ones are hard-wearing. Our Steam Iron for Clothes has a non-stick, double-coated soleplate.

Which heat and steam setting should you use?

Always follow the care label on the garment. As a general guide:

How do you use a steam iron?

• Fill the tank with distilled or demineralised water. Do not add scented water, vinegar or other additives.
• Plug in the iron, set the temperature and wait until the indicator light goes off.
• Iron on a flat, steady surface.
• Empty the tank after use and let the iron cool before you wipe the soleplate.
• Use the self-clean function once or twice a month if your water is hard.

What to check before buying a steam iron online

• Wattage. A higher wattage generally heats up faster and makes steam more quickly.
• Steam output. It is given in grams per minute, and a higher number means stronger steam.
• Soleplate. A non-stick, double-coated soleplate glides easily over fabric.
• Tank size. Check how long you can iron before a refill.
• Cord length and swivel. A long swivel cord gives you room to move.
• Self-clean function. It removes scale and helps the iron keep steaming well.
• Warranty. Both variants come with 2 years.