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The test of travel irons: that I wanted to cram in the luggage?

“And you’re standing on the beach in a blue dress – I couldn’t wish for a prettier landscape
” – That’s how fateful meetings sometimes happen at the resort. But in a trip or on vacation a travel iron is needed not only to glitter in ironed silk on the embankment.

How many times the iron has helped me at sea, where due to high humidity the towels didn’t dry out, and dried out bed linen I had to iron right on the bed before putting the baby down?! It is not easy to ask for an iron from the maids even in a good hotel, let alone in the domestic pensions and hotels, so there is only one way out – to buy a travel model. Having tested six popular models – Atlanta ATH-422, Rowenta DA 1510, Sinbo SSI 2862, Smile SI 1802, Unit USI-50, Vitek VT-1227, I hope to help with the choice and you.

What was tested

Travel irons:

Test of the UNIT USI-50 steam iron

Atlanta ATH-422

Rowenta DA 1510

Sinbo SSI 2862

Smile SI 1802

Unit USI-50

Vitek VT-1227

How tested

First of all ironed, of course.

Secondly, tested:

– design convenience,

– Glide and comfort of the soleplate,

– Dry ironing quality in different modes,

– The ability to supply constant steam, steam blow, the possibility of vertical steaming in the presence of the corresponding manufacturer’s stated function.

Not an iron, but an ironer

The sizes of irons are similar, but there are tiny models, literally as small as the palm of your hand for example, Smile SI 1802 , and there are 2-3 cm longer and wider. The lightest models weigh not more than 500 grams, a little heavier – 700-800 grams, but you do not have to fear the extra two hundred grams: they will not create weight gain, but the reliability of the iron will show, and the pressure on the device when ironing will have less.

soleplate

Mostly it is stainless steel, but there is steel with non-stick coating – Teflon Smile, Vitek or ceramic Sinbo . All test models glide just fine, but, according to the experience of many users, you should not buy a very cheap iron with “teflon”: instead of it you can get the same cheap coating, which will not glide over the fabric, but “grip” it.

Like “adult” irons, the “babies” are designed with special gaps between the soleplate and the body for easy ironing near the buttons. Only the Rowenta DA 1510 can boast the original, specially designed form of the soleplate, with a soleplate in the form of a drop and an elongated nose.

It is good if the soleplate has special grooves that guide the steam jets across the fabric surface. The greater the number of steam outlets, the more confidence the manufacturer has in the appliance’s power and its ability to create steam pressure.

Handle

The first point is the handle itself, not the protruding hump on the iron that you would have to hold it like an overgrown computer mouse. Of course, the “hump” has notches for the fingers, but it is less convenient than the usual handle Atlanta ATH-422 . Most travel irons have an open handle design, either “on” or “off”.

The first one is more familiar, as it is often found in conventional irons, it folds up, pressing against the body, but as a rule it saves little space in height: only 1-1,5 cm. The handle “from itself” when you press the button on the “heel” of the iron is also pressed to the body UNIT USI-50 and Rowenta DA 1510 or laid on its side, as well as the handle with a closed design Smile SI 1802 , and saves 4-5 cm in height, which is more rational.

The most interesting handle on the market is the reversible 180″⁰ handle, which turns the iron into a steam brush. That makes it easier to hold the iron vertically, so you can steam your clothes right on the rack, put the brush head on the soleplate, and things can be cleaned all at once.

Modes

The standard is the presence of three temperature modes: 1 – synthetics and silk, 2 – mixed fabrics and wool, 3 – cotton and linen. It is important that the power is up to the third mode and the iron can handle these natural fabrics, as they are popular during the summer vacation.

Steam

All dough irons and the majority of travel models on the market provide only a constant steam Vitek, Atlanta or even a steam blow other models . Steam can be supplied at the maximum temperature setting: if you press the steam button until the iron is fully warmed up, water will pour out of the soleplate.

The water containers in travel irons are tiny – 40-50 ml, max 65 ml Rowenta , and steam runs out quickly, so we have not tested the irons for steam speed, because the steam in them is for emergencies, for ironing one or two things.

Checked the very ability of the iron to steam and the ability to smooth out difficult folds if necessary. All somehow managed, but the slowest steam is formed in Atlanta and Sinbo models, the fastest – in Rowenta.

Water containers

Located in the handles of the irons, the water is poured into them through the hole, which closes with a silicone insertion, so it does not get lost. If the plug is not silicone or does not have a silicone gasket, the container leaks – tested!

The reservoir can be stationary or removable Smile , and you can pour water into it without fear of spilling it on the iron. But it is not practical to take out and put in the plastic part every time – it could break soon. Many irons are equipped with a sprinkler to humidify laundry Sinbo, Vitek – such models will suit those who are used to so humidify the laundry. But then again, there is only enough water in the container for a few minutes.

Voltage switch

The presence of it in the iron will come in handy for those who like to travel long distances, to South America, for example. The European standard voltage is 220-230W, but there it is 110-130W. If there is a switch in the device Atlanta, Rowenta, Vitek, Unit , then in the country with a different voltage in the network you will do without adapter.

No frills

Travel irons have no anti-drip system, no limescale protection, no self-cleaning systems, and no auto-disconnect with the rarest of exceptions. There are no such models in the test.

Extend the life of a travel iron

Always pack it carefully, use a “native” box or wrap it in soft cloths. A case is just a “pretty wrapper” and will not save you from damage during loading your luggage at the airport.

Do not fill the reservoir with mineral water, even if you have it on hand, as it is fraught with the danger of scale formation, and the self-cleaning system in travel irons is not available.

Try to use soft water. Abroad, check the mains voltage written on the socket , if necessary, use a voltage switch.

First, fill the water, then plug it in. Only heat in an upright position and don’t use if the iron leaks water. Always drain residual water after use.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 4
  1. Sage

    What are some key factors to consider when choosing a travel iron that fits perfectly in luggage without compromising on its functionality and effectiveness? Any recommendations for compact yet powerful travel irons?

    Reply
  2. Piper

    Have you ever tried using travel irons during your trips? I’m curious to know if they are worth packing in my luggage. Do they effectively remove wrinkles from clothing, or are they more hassle than they’re worth? Any recommendations or advice on choosing a great travel iron would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
  3. Marlowe

    Can anyone recommend a travel iron that is compact enough to fit in a suitcase without taking up too much space? I want to make sure I can easily bring it along on my trips without it being a hassle. Any suggestions or personal experiences with different brands or models would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
  4. Oliver Wright

    Can anyone recommend a reliable travel iron that’s compact enough to fit in my luggage without taking up too much space? I have limited room and need something lightweight but powerful enough to get rid of wrinkles on the go. Any suggestions or personal experiences with compact travel irons would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
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