The Best Lightweight Steam Irons on the Market Reviewed

The best lightweight steam irons are not only perfect for outdoor travel use but are also great for using at home! No one wants to lug around a 20 pound iron just to iron their clothes, right?

Not sure which iron to buy? Here, we’re reviewing 10 of the best lightweight steam irons to make your search easier. We’ve also added a short buyer’s guide at the end of the post to help you make the right choice.

What Is the Best Lightweight Steam Iron on the Market?

In a hurry? Looking for just the very best lightweight iron? Our top pick is the PurSteam Professional Grade 1700W Steam Iron. It offers awesome steam capabilities and a great deal of features, including streamlined controls and a sharper precision tip. Read on for our full review of the 10 best lightweight steam irons on the market today.

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Why Should you Choose a Lightweight Steam Iron?

Ironing is one of those household chores that most people dread doing, particularly if it involves using a heavy, unruly iron. A lightweight iron makes this boring task quicker and easier since you won’t spend the better part of an hour mentally preparing yourself to get the ironing out of the way.

A lightweight steam iron can help keep your clothing looking fresh and wrinkle-free while also being easy-to-handle. Most lightweight steam irons also come with multiple safety features to prevent accidents both at home and while traveling. Here are some of our best recommendations.

Comparison Table

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The 10 Best Lightweight Steam Irons Reviewed

#1. PurSteam Professional Grade 1700W Scratch Resistant Iron

First on our list of the best lightweight irons is this awesome product from PurSteam. It features a rapid even heat scratch-resistant stainless steel soleplate, a self-cleaning function and true position axial-aligned steam holes. This allows heat to be distributed evenly to your clothes and fabrics and ensures that the maximum amount of steam is dispersed.

#2. Sunbeam Steam Master Lightweight Anti-Drip Retractable Steam Iron

Next up we have the Steam Master from Sunbeam. This highly-rated iron has a “Shot of Steam” feature that provides an extra burst of steam perfect for vertically hanging clothes, draperies, or for flat surfaces. Among its many great features is the self-clean system which is great for keeping the iron free of mineral deposits and allowing for maximum performance.

#3. BEAUTURAL Double Layer Steam Iron with Digital LCD Screen

Third on our list is the Double Layer Steam Iron from BEAUTURAL. This lightweight steam iron comes with 9 different pre-set modes, allowing users to choose their fabric type for perfect results every time. The iron also features an easy-to-clean and scratch-resistant soleplate keeping it looking good as new for years. The iron also shuts off automatically to prevent accidental burns and other dangerous situations if it’s been sitting motionless for too long without being switched off.

#4. Rowenta Stainless Steel Steam Iron with Auto-Off

The Rowenta Stainless Steel wins the fourth spot on our list of the best lightweight steam irons. The soleplate on this iron is made of stainless steel and comes with a precision tip that makes ironing a breeze. The iron has over 400 steam holes to distribute heat evenly across the fabric and comes with a knob that can be used to control the steam output.

Another great thing about this iron is that it uses tap water and has a translucent tank window allowing users to see just how much water is left. Like most steam irons, the Stainless Steel Steam Iron by Rowenta also comes equipped with a shut-off system to minimize the risk of accidental burns.

#5. Vremi 1800w Steam Iron for Clothes

This powerful 1800 watt steam iron from Vremi is another great option if you’re looking for the best lightweight steam irons. The soleplate of this iron is made of non-stick ceramic and easily glides over your fabric to keep it wrinkle-free. The soleplate also has 53 steam holes that allow heat to be dispersed evenly across the fabric. The iron also comes with two moisture control buttons allowing users to decide on the steam output.

#6. Mueller Steam Iron with Large Water Tank

The sleek design of the Professional Grade Steam Iron from Mueller is not the only good thing about this lightweight iron. The stainless steel soleplate allows it to glide over difficult-to-reach corners to leave your fabric looking fresh and wrinkle-free every time. The iron also reaches its maximum temperature in less than a minute making ironing quick and easy.

One interesting feature of this iron is that it comes with a button that can be used to retract the 8 ft. cord for convenient storage.

#7. CHI Titanium Steam Iron for Clothes with Ceramic Soleplate

The powerful CHI Titanium Steam Iron has a titanium-infused, scratch-resistant ceramic soleplate with over 300 steam holes making ironing very easy. The iron comes with different settings for various fabric types allowing users to remove wrinkles without burning the fabric. Adjusting the steam output is also very easy on this iron. Users just have to change the position of a lever to get their desired steam output.

#8. BEAUTURAL 1800 Watt Steam Iron with Precision Thermostat Dial

This 1800 watt steam iron from BEAUTURAL is both powerful and aesthetically appealing. It features a scratch-resistant ceramic soleplate that glides across fabric easily. The iron also shuts off automatically if it’s left untouched for a few minutes to ensure safety. There’s also a dial on the iron that lets you choose your fabric type for best results.

#9. Maytag M400 Fast Speed Steam Iron with Self-cleaning Design

If you’re looking for a steamer-iron hybrid then Maytag’s M400 is a great option. The M400 can not only be used as an iron but it offers excellent results as a garment steamer too. It gets the job done in minimal time whichever way you use it since it takes less than a minute to reach its maximum temperature. That said, this product’s self-cleaning feature is what really makes it unique. Its anti-scale and anti-calc functions ensure it stays good as new even after daily use.

#10. Rowenta Stainless Steel Digital Display Steam Iron

This heavy-duty iron is best for those who want to iron everything from soft silk to stiff curtains. The Rowenta DW9280 is a powerful tool that comes with 40 steam holes and steam burst technology that gets even the toughest of wrinkles out in a jiffy. It’s also incredibly safe thanks to its automatic 3 way shut off system that comes into action if the iron is left idle for 8 minutes vertically and 30 secs facing down.

Best Lightweight Steam Irons – Buyers Guide

Tips On Using Lightweight Steam Irons

A steam iron is typically used to remove wrinkles quickly but there still are a few downsides to them. The steam holes on the iron, for instance, may leave circular marks on certain fabrics Although this is a rare occurrence, we recommend that users test out the iron on the least visible part of the clothing prior to use.

It is also important to note that some fabrics do not fare well with steam irons. In fact, some fabrics such as silk may get completely ruined with the use of lightweight steam irons. So, before you begin ironing your clothes, do make sure that the garment can be safely ironed using a steam iron.

The good news is that most of the clothing in the average person’s closet is made from materials that can easily be ironed with the steam iron press or a lightweight steam iron. These two are much better options since they remove wrinkles way more effectively than a dry iron.

You will find many reviews online that sing praises of steam irons and how effective they are at removing even the toughest of wrinkles. That said, if you’re still not convinced, you can easily convert a steam iron into a dry iron simply by opting not to fill water in it. This essentially means that you can get two irons for the price of one.

Types of Steam Irons

Steam Generator Irons

One of the more expensive types of steam irons on the market is known as a steam generator iron. This type of iron is generally used for heavy ironing jobs. They hold more water than the smaller versions, and have more features than traditional steam irons. These larger irons do take slightly longer to heat up, but once they do, you are guaranteed a professional-looking iron press job for your wardrobe.

Steam Irons for Delicate Fabrics

As previously stated, one of the major benefits of using a steam iron is its ability to remove wrinkles from clothes that are worn regularly. Clothing made from materials such as wool can become wrinkle-free quickly when they are pressed with a steam iron. Another benefit is that these irons are available in a variety of price ranges so you should be able to find an affordable option regardless of your budget.

How to Choose the Best Lightweight Steam Iron

Investing in a lightweight steam iron is a great idea if you want to save time ironing your clothes without compromising on the crisp and fresh look that you love. That said, it’s always important to do your research on the features and functionalities that can help make your job easier.

Below, we’ve compiled a short guide on things to consider before buying a lightweight steam iron.

Iron Settings

One thing to consider when shopping for a lightweight steam iron is its settings. For convenience and peace of mind, you should always go for irons with a variety of settings including pre-defined settings for different types of fabric. Also, check whether or not the iron has the capability to regulate the amount of steam produced. Different fabrics require different amounts of steam. Irons with steam settings enable you to adjust the amount of steam produced according to the type of the fabric, making the process hassle-free.

Spray Functionality

The spray feature is another crucial aspect to consider as it can be incredibly helpful when dealing with tough fabrics. The spray feature enables the user to moisten their clothes before ironing. This ensures that you don’t miss even the tiniest of wrinkles and your clothes stay looking crisp for longer.

Soleplate Material

Soleplates are responsible for transferring heat from the coil to the fabric and ensuring a smooth glide. This is why you must do your research on the soleplate material is and know which materials are best for your ironing needs. We recommend that you opt for a soleplate that is scratch-resistant, nonstick, and, above all, durable. For instance, soleplates made of ceramic are known to stick to delicate fabrics and can potentially burn them. Hence, it’s always good to avoid such irons. Soleplates made out of stainless steel, on the other hand, are highly recommended. They are durable, don’t rust, and are scratch-resistant.

Holes on the Soleplate

It is also important to consider the number of holes present on the soleplate. Soleplates with a high number of holes tend to produce much more steam and hence make ironing faster.

Irons with just a few holes at the bottom tend to produce less steam and need to be used for longer to distribute steam evenly hence increasing your ironing time.

Iron Cord

The length and quality of the iron cord is another thing you should look at. The best lightweight steam irons come with a cord made of a strong and high-quality material. Also, a high-quality retractable cord ensures you stay protected from electric shocks.

Steam Output

Steam irons have different levels of steam output. While some come with an output of 250G per minute, others have an output of about 30G per minute. The steam output required depends upon the type of fabric being ironed. Some fabrics contain stubborn wrinkles that may be difficult to remove when using a steam iron with a low steam output.

Self-cleaning

If you use tap water in steam irons, you run the chance of forming calcium deposits on your soleplate. These deposits can block the steam holes and make the iron less efficient. To prevent this issue, you need to look for a self-cleaning iron with anti-calc features.

Fun fact: The self-cleaning feature also increases the overall lifespan and efficiency of the iron.

Weight

Steam irons are made of various materials. These materials determine how heavy or light the irons ends up being. If you want a highly portable iron, you should always go for the lightweight ones.

Steam irons are becoming popular as they are capable of fulfilling your ironing needs with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. Keep the tips and tricks mentioned above in mind next time you’re looking for the best lightweight steam iron for your home or travels.