The main difference between a dry and steam iron is water. Dry irons do not have water tanks. A dry iron also has a solid soleplate, or base, whereas a steam iron has holes in its soleplate, which allows for the steam to be released. Steam irons also have a spray mist function that allows you to spray a gentle mist of water onto the fabric you are ironing.

Is one better than the other? It really depends on the application. A dry iron is as basic as you can get as they only have a dial or knob to control their heat settings. There are times when it's better to use the iron without steam. However, a steam iron can always be used as a dry iron, but not the other way around.

What to Look for in an Iron

A purple and white iron on an ironing board.

The best irons for clothing will meet all of your ironing needs. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for the best clothes irons:

Type (steam or dry):

Steam irons offer more versatility when it comes to ironing. They also cost more than a dry iron. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, go for a dry iron. You can always use a spray bottle filled with distilled water or starch to mist your clothes to help smooth out wrinkles. If you want more bells and whistles, go with a steam iron.

Soleplates:

Iron soleplates are made out of stainless steel, anodized aluminum, ceramic and nonstick materials. Stainless steel or ceramic soleplates glide over clothing better than other materials.

Heat Settings:

All irons feature basic heat settings: low, medium and hot. Higher end models will include many more temperature settings that cover a wider variety of fabrics.

Comfort:

The best iron should feel comfortable and not too heavy in your hand. Hold the iron in your hand to test for ergonomics and weight before you buy.

Automatic Shutoff:

An iron with an automatic shutoff features a timer that turns off the appliance when it remains motionless for a preset period of time.

Cord Swivel:

This feature allows the cord to swivel 360 degrees in any direction. It helps to reduce wire fatigue and prevent the cord from getting in the way while ironing.

Retractable Cord:

Irons with a retractable cord feature neatly stores the cords internally, so there's no need to wait until the iron has cooled to wrap the cord around for easier storage.

Cordless: