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Choosing an iron that’s easy to use (view report contents)

Introduction

Ironing may well be a chore that you avoid for as long as possible. Whether you do the odd cotton shirt or linen skirt, or a regular weekly pile, the job will be easier with some irons than others.

In this guide we report on ten steam irons. We tell you how easy they were to use for people with limited or painful grip or reach, reduced strength, or poor sight.

Most irons sold now are steam irons. Steam helps to get the creases out, so these should require less effort than dry ironing. All could be used without steam too.

Many of the irons tested had a mixture of good and bad features for elderly people and people with disabilities. You can go straight to our Buying Guide if you just want to see which irons performed well and were generally easy to use.

You can also browse through the test results for details of each of the models tested. Or click here for advice on finding an easy to use iron which gives you tips on what to look for if you are interested in an iron we haven't tested.

Our ease of use assessments were done by testers at Consumers' Association, whose magazine Which? contains full comparative reports on performance of domestic appliances as well as ease of use. The last irons report was in April 1998. You can consult Which? in libraries, or get subscription details by calling 0800 252100 or going to www.which.net.

 

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Report contents

Introduction
Finding an easy to use iron
If you have poor or painful grip or reduced strength
If you have poor sight
Guide to test results

Buying Guide
Manufacturers Addresses