An iron is, of course, one of the most necessary household appliances, so its purchase must be taken with full responsibility. With the right choice, ironing can turn from hard labor into a rather enjoyable process. The sole of this device can be made of various materials, and each has its own characteristics. So, let's figure out which iron is better: made of ceramic or stainless steel?
Features of choosing an iron
The first thing you need to pay attention to is its sole; it is a key element of the device. The sole must meet the following requirements:
- Ensure gentle contact with the fabric. This is achieved due to the easy sliding of the iron. The easier the iron glides over the fabric, the easier the ironing process and the less likely it is to damage the product.
- Do not leave marks on linen after ironing.
- Be strong. The quality of ironing and the service life of the iron as a whole largely depend on this.
- Heat evenly. An iron whose soleplate heats up more strongly in the central part will not be able to iron clothes well the first time.
Please note that when coming into contact with clothing parts such as zippers, buttons and rivets, chips, cracks or any other damage should not appear on the outside of the sole.
Outsole materials
Another important criterion for choosing an iron is the material used to make its sole. It is made from different materials, but the most common and in demand are:
- stainless steel;
- aluminum;
- ceramics;
- metal ceramics;
- titanium;
- Teflon.
Each material has its own pros and cons. In this article we will compare irons with stainless steel and ceramic soles, since these two materials are the most popular among housewives.
Irons with ceramic soles
Ceramic, unlike stainless steel, is a relatively new material. Ceramic irons are gaining popularity due to their consumer qualities. Ironing devices with a thin ceramic surface weigh up to 1.5 kg. A lightweight sole is made from aluminum or nickel alloys, and a layer of ceramic enamel is applied on top of the part.
More expensive models are covered with a layer of metal ceramics. The coating manufacturing technology consists of an alloy of metal with inorganic clay. The material is highly durable and retains heat for a long time. Considered energy saving.
Features of stainless steel soles
Stainless steel is famous for its high thermal conductivity and durability. For many years, irons with stainless steel soles have been in demand on the market and are not going to lose ground. Some manufacturers, in an effort to improve the consumer qualities of their devices, use additional coating for the stainless steel sole: chrome, titanium, enamel or sapphire. The chrome-plated sole glides perfectly, and the enamel or titanium layer provides non-stick properties. The most expensive coating - sapphire - provides a higher level of wear resistance of the working surface.
Bosch TDA2325. High quality steam
The German representative TDA2325 has a steam generation function and a simple design that everyone can understand. This iron can answer an important question: ceramic or cermet? TDA2325 will tell you which is better. This device is designed for high-quality dry ironing and easy gliding over the surface, which only reliable metal ceramics can provide.
A regulator is installed that controls the steam supply. Combined with it is a rod that performs a self-cleaning function. In addition to this, the iron is also cleaned through the Palladium-glissee soleplate itself.
The power is average, 1800 W, which is quite enough for normal ironing of even difficult surfaces. The water reservoir is completely transparent, which allows you to control the liquid level. In addition, a special scale is applied to it. Steam is supplied vertically, which allows it to penetrate deep into the fibers of any type of fabric and provide more thorough ironing.
The design and technical components of the TDA2325 are designed for frequent and uninterrupted operation of the device. Of the minuses, you can only indicate the average power. This is sometimes reflected in negative consumer reviews. But the quality of Bosch has been deserved over the years and has virtually no complaints. The price is more than affordable and starts from 2000 rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel soleplate
The popularity of irons with a stainless steel base is based on many positive aspects.
- Steel is resistant to mechanical stress. Does not undergo deformation upon impact and does not oxidize. Minor damage can be easily removed by polishing. In terms of wear resistance, irons with stainless steel soles occupy a leading position in comparison with opponents of other types.
- The stainless steel surface heats up evenly and quickly and retains heat for a long time when the iron is turned off.
- The sole glides easily over the fabric, despite the relative weight of the device.
- There are no problems with caring for the iron. The work surface is easy to clean.
- Irons with a stainless steel ironing base are affordable.
The disadvantages during operation include two factors. The first is that with intense heating of the sole, it is difficult to select the temperature regime for ironing clothes made of delicate and thin fabrics. If you carelessly adjust the heating level, there is a high probability of burning such products.
In addition, the work surface must be regularly monitored and cleaned. Otherwise, the resulting white coating will interfere with high-quality ironing.
The best models of irons with ceramic soles in 2021
SUPRA IS-1811
This modern and attractive iron will help significantly speed up the ironing process and quality. The patented Diamond Cera Pro ceramic coating guarantees light, gentle, perfect glide. The new product for 2021 also has additional useful equipment: spray function, dry ironing, constant steam supply, powerful steam boost, and the possibility of vertical steaming. You can buy SUPRA IS-1811 for a very affordable price, which is 700 rubles ($10).
Main parameters:
- Power – 1,800 W;
- Volume – 180 ml;
- Steaming – yes;
- Steam boost - yes.
Gorenje SIH 1800 BT
A stylish budget steam iron with a ceramic-coated Perfect Glide sole has undeniable advantages. Namely: powerful constant steam supply, steam boost, vertical steaming option, dry ironing, anti-drip system, thermostat for setting the desired temperature, ergonomic design. To increase the service life of the device, there is an Anti-scale system and the possibility of self-cleaning. The price of this electrical equipment is affordable and amounts to 980 rubles ($15).
Main parameters:
- Power – 1,800 W;
- Volume – 200 ml;
- Steaming – 17 g/min;
- Steam boost – up to 40 g/min.
Scarlett SC-SI30K20
The ceramic coating of the iron sole (KeramoPRO) is a harmonious combination of strength, environmental friendliness, functionality and professional gentle effect on fabrics of all types. High power and strong steam boost provide easy glide and high steaming intensity. There is scale protection, an anti-drip system and self-cleaning. A relative disadvantage is the lack of automatic shutdown. The cost of the product is quite affordable for all buyers and is approximately 1,400 rubles ($20).
Main parameters:
- Power – 2,400 W;
- Volume – 320 ml;
- Steaming – 40 g/min;
- Steam boost – up to 140 g/min.
Polaris PIR 2457K
The new product is equipped with an ultra-resistant ceramic soleplate PRO 5 Ceramic, which ensures easy ironing on all types of materials without leaving any shiny marks. Wireless operation of this device is possible. Supports constant steam supply, vertical steaming function and self-cleaning. An improved system for protection against scale formation, DUAL CALC FILTER, has been developed. To purchase a stylish home assistant you will need to pay about 2,500 rubles ($40).
Main parameters:
- Power – 2,400 W;
- Volume – 380 ml;
- Steaming – 45 g/min;
- Steam boost – up to 145 g/min.
REDMOND RI-C269
The elegant new product is convenient and easy to use, multifunctional and has great capabilities. To smooth delicate and “heavy” items such as coats, jackets, evening dresses, a vertical steaming option is provided. There is an automatic shut-off function, spraying, a “Drip-stop” system, self-cleaning and protection against scale formation. You can buy an iron with a ceramic sole in 2021 for about 4,000 rubles ($60).
Main parameters:
- Power – 2,500 W;
- Volume – 350 ml;
- Steaming – 50 g/min;
- Steam boost – up to 190 g/min.
Panasonic NI-U600CATW
The convenient and easy-to-use electrical device is characterized by high performance, stylish appearance, ergonomics and an improved stable design for even easier and better gliding. The unique functional U-shaped wide ceramic sole does not wrinkle the fabric and ensures quick and pleasant ironing. You can buy a new product for 2021 starting from 5,000 rubles and up to 6,000 rubles ($75-90).
Main parameters:
- Power – 2,300 W;
- Volume – 300 ml;
- Steaming – 35 g/min;
- Steam boost – up to 130 g/min.
TEFAL TURBO PRO FV5615
Do you want to get rid of wrinkles quickly and easily? An ergonomic model with high power and a solid steam boost will help you. The new technological Durilium AirGlide Autoclean sole guarantees perfect gliding, efficient ironing with optimal steam distribution, and also protects the iron surface from stains. Thanks to the Turbo Boost system, the amount of steam increases and thus even stubborn wrinkles are smoothed out. The price of the product is approximately 5,000 rubles ($75).
Main parameters:
- Power – 2,600 W;
- Volume – 300 ml;
- Steaming – 50 g/min;
- Steam boost – up to 200 g/min.
Philips GC5034/20 Azur Elite
This powerful, intelligent device will help you achieve excellent ironing results quickly. OptimalTEMP technology ensures easy ironing of any type of fabric without the risk of damaging the item. DynamiQ mode provides intelligent automatic steam delivery. The SteamGlide Plus sole guarantees excellent gliding and at the same time has non-stick properties, resistance to mechanical damage and is easy to clean. The average cost of electrical equipment is about 10,000 rubles ($153).
Main parameters:
- Power – 3,000 W;
- Volume – 350 ml;
- Steaming – 65 g/min;
- Steam boost – up to 260 g/min.
What useful features should you consider when choosing an iron?
When deciding on purchasing an ironing device, experts recommend paying attention to the following convenient options.
- Steam mode available. The device is equipped with a filling tank for adding water, a steam control button, as well as special holes for steam release on the sole. The more steam holes on the work surface, the better.
- For an iron with a steamer, it is appropriate to have a self-cleaning function so that the internal tank does not become clogged.
- The iron must have at least 3 options for adjusting the heating temperature of the working surface.
- Devices with a wide rounded nose are suitable for ironing bed linen, and devices with a narrow nose are suitable for clothes with accessories. The heel of the sole should be rounded for better gliding during the reverse stroke.
- The optimal cord length is about 2 m. A short cord imposes certain difficulties when connecting.
- To prevent the iron from slipping in your hand, choose a device with rubberized thermal insulation on the handle.
- Before paying for your purchase, inspect the soleplate of the ironing device for chips, scratches and other defects.
What conclusions can be drawn?
Irons with ceramic and cermet coatings are the most popular among users. The sole made of this material does not force you to worry about constant cleaning, and also provides high-quality sliding on the fabric surface. The models described above represent a variety of companies that have managed to prove themselves from the best side. When purchasing an iron with a ceramic coating, you should pay attention not only to the quality of the soleplate, but also to the additional functionality of the device. Different devices, having the same price, may contain a greater number of additional functions. It is also important to pay attention to the warranty period, which may vary depending on the manufacturer.
