How to choose a dry iron
Despite how wide-spread steam irons are, dry irons still have their fans. The main reason is their ease of operation and low purchase price.
Frequently asked questions when choosing an iron
What type of ironing is better? Should I buy a dry iron or a steam iron?
This question has no definite answer, because people have different needs. Dry irons are very easy to use and the lack of a water tank also makes them lighter. It also eliminates the limescale build-up issue, unavoidable with steam irons. On the other hand, steam ironing is much faster and comfortable. Additionally, steam irons and steam generators tend to have a number of extra features, such as automatic shutdown or vertical steam.
Are dry irons suitable for all materials?
Dry irons are well-suited for ironing natural materials, but some synthetic materials may stick to the soleplate. Make sure to iron them at the lowest temperature settings.
Dry irons
Important Parameters
Soleplate material
The soleplate material affects not only how well the iron glides, but also its scratch resistance. A damaged soleplate surface burns, which reduces its gliding properties and destroys textile fibres.
Aluminium and stainless steel are regarded as low-resistance materials. Conversely, ceramic and sapphire are highly resistant. Some manufacturers give their highly resistant surfaces their own brand names (e.g.: SteamGlide by Philips or Ultragliss Diffusion by Tefal).
Cord length
Although it may seem like a trivial detail, the cord length should not be overlooked. It determines the reach of the iron, so a short cord can seriously hamper any ironing. Most modern irons have a cord length ranging from 2 to 2.5 meters, which is enough for most households.
Wattage
Generally speaking, the higher the wattage, the faster the iron heats up. Most dry irons have a wattage of about 1000 W.