Choosing an iron is a huge commitment. Ok, well, it’s not that big of a deal, but the right one could make all the difference. It’s important to ask yourself some questions. Does it sit solidly? Does it feel comfortable in your hand? Are the settings easy to change? Is the tank easy to fill and empty?
Those questions are just the start. Make sure to consider the following:
What kind of features does it have?
In addition to the regular metal soleplate, a non-stick soleplate finish is available that allows the iron to glide easily. It resists accumulation of fibers, linen and starch, but it can be scratched by pins or zippers.
How much does it weigh?
Most irons made today are lightweight, which means they weigh about a pound less than old conventional irons. Their lighter weight makes them less tiring to use. They also have faster heat-up and cool-down so you don’t have to wait as long to start ironing or change fabric settings.
What type of ironing board will you pair with it?
You’ll want to start with a sturdy board so it doesn’t tip or collapse. It should have a metal top with adequate ventilation for the steam to escape, and it should be lightweight and adjustable so you can select the ironing height that is most comfortable.
What about the pad and cover?
Your ironing pad should be thick and resilient enough to provide a good cushion for ironing, as well as to permit absorption of excess steam. The cover can be muslin, silicone or Teflon. A muslin cover is soft, absorbent, and can be tossed into the washer and dryer. It should be removed from the dryer while still slightly damp, replaced on the ironing board, and sprayed lightly with Faultless Spray Starch to keep it fresh and clean longer.
Silicone and Teflon ironing-board covers help reflect heat, so your ironing goes faster, and they are scorch and stain resistant. They are smooth, so clothes move more easily when you arrange them on the board. Machine laundering ruins the finish of a silicone or Teflon cover, so just use a damp sponge to wipe it clean, then go over it with a dry iron to remove all moisture. This helps keep it fresh and usable longer.
We evaluated 16 ironing boards on their design , ease of use, durability, and value. For more information on how we tested ironing boards in our lab, check out our testing process below.
Shae Haning , tailor and owner of Tallgrass Tailor, also values ironing boards with a firm and balanced surface. "Because I know I will be exerting some pressure with the iron on the garments I’m working with, I really want to make sure that that surface is stable and balanced with a good strong support system, whether that is legs or a full workbench underneath."
When looking for the ideal ironing board for your needs, Sacha Dunn , founder and CEO of Common Good, says stability is one of the top features to keep in mind. "A board that is strong enough to prevent wobbles and has a nice iron rest will make your job so much easier," she says.
Whether you’re preparing an outfit for a special event or putting the final touches on a handmade quilt, a reliable ironing board is essential to giving your fabrics a crisp and polished appearance.
A small amount of steam escaped underneath the mat while ironing, although that was to be expected due to the high iron setting. With this type of ironing mat, make sure to iron on a non-porous and heat-resistant surface area. Heat can transfer and condensation can form, putting your table at risk for potential damage.
When unfolded, the ironing mat offers a generous amount of surface area. We had plenty of room to iron the dress shirt utilized in testing, and didn’t encounter any difficulties. After ironing, the surface of the mat didn’t feel too hot, and neither did the surface underneath the mat.
You can place the mat on top of a table, washer, or dryer, making it ideal for ironing away from home or in small spaces. We like that this ironing board features magnets on each corner to help it stay in place on top of appliances like washers and dryers .
Whether you want to iron clothing while you travel or have limited room at home for an ironing board, you'll love the BNYD Portable Ironing Mat Blanket. Plus, the ironing mat can be rolled up and stored away or packed into luggage when not in use.
You'll need to make sure the surface where you use the ironing mat is heat-resistant.
It remains securely in place thanks to the magnets included with the mat.
However, after ironing, we noticed there was condensation collected on the wire bottom. It may be necessary for you to allow the board to cool down, then thoroughly dry it before storing it to avoid collecting mildew in the ironing board or storage area.
During testing, we noticed the steam escaped easily through the vented holes in the machine-washable cover. This was a feature we appreciated because it helped prevent the dress shirt from being too saturated with moisture.
The ironing board is supported by two legs with non-slip feet, and when we were ironing, the board didn’t move around on the table at all. There was some resistance when unfolding the legs; however, this is ideal to keep them from buckling under pressure. We were impressed that even though the board is sturdy, it's also lightweight at less than 6 pounds.
The ironing board was easy for us to fold and unfold and made no sound during the process. Once the board was unfolded, it had plenty of surface area for us to iron. When folded, it contains a storage compartment that can hold your iron and other accessories . However, those items will need to be removed before you begin using the ironing board.
The best tabletop iron was the Joseph Joseph Folding Tabletop Ironing Board . This is a great option if you have minimal storage space or limited room for a traditional iron board in your home since it can be folded in half. The ironing board also came with a mounting hook and screws so it could be hung from a wall to save even more space.
There was a significant amount of moisture on the wire frame after using, which will require regular upkeep to prevent mildew from developing.
It has a vented wire surface that prevents fabrics from becoming too saturated with moisture, and it can fold in half for easy storage.
There was only one downside we noticed while testing this ironing board. If we had the ironing board set on a lower height and picked it up, it locked onto the next level. This makes it easy to adjust the height, but it could be a hindrance if you don't have intentions of changing the height.
The board's frame is made of steel, which Dunn says is "much sturdier than an aluminum or wood frame." We also liked that we could easily remove the 100% cotton cover for cleaning. The ironing board folds up for easy storage in a laundry room or cleaning closet , making it more accommodating.
We found it comfortable to utilize while sitting or standing, making it a versatile option for your home. Although there was a slight wobbling while ironing, that was simply from the resistance of the fabric against the iron.
Even when we placed a lot of pressure on the board, we found that it remained sturdy. The board has a thick foam padding, which we discovered offered significant cushioning from the wire frame. When we pushed down on the board, we could only feel the foam padding—we couldn’t feel the wire at all.
When ironing, we didn't notice steam coming out from the bottom of the ironing board. We appreciated that this ironing board had a workspace of 49 inches, which we found provided ample room for us to iron during our testing.
Unfolding the ironing board was simple. We simply had to lift the lock and raise it to our preferred level, and there were seven different levels to choose from. We noticed the locking mechanism does make noise when we adjusted the height, but the sound is minimal.
Overall, the best ironing board is the Brabantia Ironing Board B . We found it to be a sturdy and secure option, and we appreciated the included attachment that held the steam iron when not in use.
It includes a sturdy iron rest attachment, and the height adjustment makes it suitable for use while either sitting and standing while ironing.
The Bottom Line
After thorough testing, we determined the best ironing board was the Brabantia Ironing Board B, because of its convenient height adjustment and iron rest attachment. We also liked that it could be used whether we were standing or sitting.
Our Testing Process
To find the best ironing boards, we tested 16 products over eight hours in our testing lab. We evaluated the ironing boards based on design, ease of use, durability, and value. Before testing, we found that our lab floors were not level. However, our production team brought in level floors to ensure the stability and durability tests were accurate.
For folding ironing boards, we evaluated how smoothly the board folded and unfolded and whether it made any noise. For adjustable boards, we positioned the board to a comfortable height.
Then, we tested how much resistance there was when pressing down on the board. If the board was a standing model, we determined whether it remained level on the ground. If the board had an ironing rack, we tested whether the rack was stable with the iron on it.
For all of the irons, we laid out an unbuttoned men's dress shirt across the board to find out how much surface area was provided. We applied a moderate amount of pressure while ironing, making sure to reach all sides of the shirt, including the sleeves, collar, cuffs, front, and back.
While ironing, we paid attention to the board's cushioning, surface area, and stability as well as whether steam was able to escape from underneath the ironing board. If we were using an ironing mat or blanket, we felt the mat or blanket as well as the table or surface area underneath for warmth.
If the ironing board was an adjustable height model, we adjusted it to a comfortable sitting height. We then replicated the ironing motions to analyze whether the board was comfortable to use while seated.
Once complete, we tested the level of ease of folding up the foldable ironing boards and whether it made any noise. For any wheeled versions, we wheeled it around to see how smooth it was to move around the lab floor. If it was a hanging model, we tested how easy it was to hang.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
What to Know About Ironing Boards Before Shopping
Size
The best ironing boards depend on the purpose of the board and your at-home setup. "If you’ll be using it for quilting squares, you could go with a smaller size, even a tabletop option,” Haning says. “If you will be ironing garments, you’ll want closer to a full-size surface so you have more room to work."
The Brabantia Ironing Board B is a full-sized ironing board with a workspace of 49 inches, making it perfect for quilts or larger garments.
Durability
The best ironing board is stable and won't wobble or shake while ironing. If you are choosing a tabletop model, you want one that will remain securely in place without shifting around. During testing, we appreciated the Joseph Joseph Folding Tabletop Ironing Board because it had non-skid legs that prevented it from moving around.
Storage
You'll want to keep your personal storage area and your workspace in mind when choosing your ironing board.
"If you don’t have a lot of space in your work area, take that into consideration so you don’t get frustrated trying to cram a huge ironing board into a tight-fitting space at home," Haning says. Roll-up mats, like the BNYD Portable Ironing Mat Blanket, are a convenient solution for someone with minimal space to store an ironing board.
Additionally, proper storage can help extend the life of your ironing board. Make sure to store it somewhere easy for you to reach that is clear of obstacles. “Easy access will also prevent hitting the frame against things, which can make the board less stable," Dunn says.
Material
The ideal material for the frame is steel, says Dunn, which is what you will find with the Brabantia Ironing Board B. This is a far sturdier material than wood or aluminum. For the ironing board cover, 100% cotton is the best option since it is natural and easy to wash.
Other Ironing Boards We Tested
Amazon Basics Full-Size Ironing Board
We found the Amazon Basics Full-Size Ironing Board was overpriced for its stability and quality. It had a plentiful surface area for ironing and a smooth unfolding and folding process; however, the board was noticeably unsteady. In addition, the iron rest was somewhat loose until we adjusted it to fit more securely. We were also able to feel the frame through the cover.
Bartnelli Ironing Board
The Bartnelli Ironing Board was sturdy and allowed the steam from ironing to escape without any moisture build-up. Unfortunately, the folding mechanism was complicated and difficult to adjust. In addition, the ironing board lacked additional features, such as any attachments or a high-quality cover, to justify the price.
ironMATIK Space Maker Premium Ironing Board
The ironMATIK Space Maker Premium Ironing Board offered a supportive and stable ironing surface. It also had additional features, such as a retractable ironing rack, a removable tray with three compartments, a hanging hook for storing the ironing board, and an additional board cover. However, these were often difficult to use or didn't function as expected, so we didn’t feel it was worth the high price tag.
Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Your Questions, Answered
Is it worth buying an expensive ironing board?
The most expensive ironing board we tested was the Reliable 320LB Home Ironing Board, which typically retails for a little over $300. While it performed well in our lab testing, other ironing boards performed similarly or better and are available at a lower price point.
The Brabantia Ironing Board B is about $200 cheaper and performed about the same, so the most expensive ironing board isn’t necessarily the best option in this case.
How long do ironing boards last?
A high-quality ironing board should last you 10 years, Dunn says. Over time, the padding may become bumpy and the frame (depending on the material) may become less stable. When the surface of your ironing board is no longer smooth or if the frame becomes wobbly, it may be time for a new one.
If the cover starts to show signs of wear or tear, you may be able to find a replacement cover so you don’t have to buy an entirely new ironing board.
Who We Are
Nicole Pyles is a freelance writer with experience writing about home and kitchen topics as well as other commerce subjects. For this story, Nicole analyzed the data and research from the Better Homes & Gardens testing team. She also spoke to experts, including Sacha Dunn, founder and CEO of Common Good and Shae Haning, tailor and owner of Tallgrass Tailor.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.