To make ironing tasks as easy as possible, look for the following key features:- SOLEPLATE: The SOLEPLATE is the heat plate of the iron. The larger it is the better, as it will cover more area in a given press. A stainless steel soleplate is durable and scratch resistant. If you frequently use starch, non-stick soleplates are available. They prevent build-up and provide easy clean up.
- STEAM: Wondering what separates a basic iron from the best? STEAM! An iron's ability to produce a strong variable surge of steam will be the key to removing the toughest wrinkles. Some models even include a vertical steam feature that allows you to get wrinkles out of drapes or hanging clothes. A Variable Steam function allows you to regulate the amount of steam released from the soleplate, from low to high steam. A Surge of Steam function provides a blast of steam when needed, and is perfect for getting rid of stubborn wrinkles.
- COOL MIST: For tougher wrinkles you can dampen the fabric with the COOL MIST feature found directly on the iron. This is useful when ironing fabrics with heavy wrinkles, or if you want to create a crease.
- AUTO SHUT-OFF: For those of us that find ourselves half way to work before we realize we forgot to shut-off the iron, look for an AUTO SHUT-OFF feature, which will do this for you. Irons with ADVANCED AUTO SHUT-OFF will automatically shut the iron off if it is left in three common positions: face down, on its side or standing up. Irons left in the face down position will shut off sooner than ones left standing up. Shut off times vary from seconds to a few minutes of non-use, depending on what position the iron is left in.
Some models offer a self-cleaning feature that removes any excess water left in the iron. This will eliminate the frustrating calcium deposits that can show their face as white dust on your dark clothes. Manufacturers may recommend using distilled water in the tank, however more professional models will take tap water and include the self-cleaning feature that rids the iron of the deposits anyway.
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