Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys ironing, even when there’s a box set to be watched in the background.
We’ve found that the best way to get through the ironing pile is with an iron that makes light work of creases, so you can escape the chores and get back to putting your feet up.
This collection of budget irons has all the qualities you need to get the job done, from variable steam functions to handy cordless designs. All of these irons can handle various different fabrics, from linen to thick curtains - just make sure you check the care labels to ensure the iron is set to the correct temperature to avoid any mishaps.
You don’t even need an ironing board because several of our choices can be used vertically to give those ‘non-iron’ shirts a quick freshen-up before dashing out the door for the morning commute.
What should you consider before purchasing a budget iron?
One of the most important things to consider when buying a new iron is how often you are going to use it. Only bring out the iron on the odd occasion? Then you can probably get away with the no-frills fuss-free options on our list. Ironing every day? If so, you might prefer to spend more and get handy additions like variable heat settings and empty tank alerts.
Here, we’ve chosen a selection of the best budget irons, focussing on ease of use and practicality, so you can keep your clothes crumple-free, whilst being kind to the bank balance.
Shop below
Russell Hobbs Plug & Wind Easy Store Steam Iron
This 2400-watt steam iron looks more expensive than the actual price tag, and packs as much punch as the pricier models on the market. Heating up quickly and then gently gliding comfortably over all fabrics, this iron is the ideal appliance for everyday use. The ceramic plate is durable and doesn’t get stuck on thicker fabrics, and the continuous steam function pushes out 45g/min making an ironing session quick and easy.
For stubborn creases, a blast of 145g steam eases out even the most crinkled of collars. The 320ml water tank stores enough water to provide consistent steam, and with less than 30 seconds of heating up time, there is no waiting around to give a shirt the once over before work. The cord can be wrapped around the base of the iron, preventing any annoying tangled cables. Plus the iron can be stored on its own integrated holder, making it easy to pop in a cupboard, within easy reach.
A clever auto shut-off feature automatically turns off your iron when not in use or when knocked over. This iron will tackle creases easily, but it’s not just for clothes. The steam function allows you to use the iron vertically to steam creases, from hanging garments or curtains, and the self-clean function proactively prolongs the life of your iron.
Buy now £26.00, Argos
Beldray BEL0987RG 2 in 1 Cordless Steam Iron
Whether you prefer corded or cordless, this 2600-watt iron can be used either way. It comes with a 360-degree charging base with LED lights. It is with this that you can also lock the gadget in place to use it as a corded appliance. The iron heats up quickly, in 25 seconds to be exact, and has a recharge time of five seconds so there’s no excuse not to tackle that iron pile.
With an easy grip handle and a variable temperature, this device is simple to use and will look aesthetically pleasing in any home. The water spray button and anti-drip system are handy additions to control the water flowing through the appliance. Even better, Beldray plants a tree for every one of these irons purchased, so you’ll be supporting a more sustainable future whilst ironing your shirts. The 300ml water tank will keep your ironing steam-powered all the way through your Netflix binge.
Buy now £26.99, Amazon
Tefal Steam Iron 90g Steam Boost
This 2000-watt steam iron has a non-stick plate which glides smoothly over any stubborn creases. The iron operates with 24g/min continuous steam and the steam trigger offers a boost of 90g/min steam boost to remove the toughest creases.
The water spray button is handy, especially for cotton shirts that often require extra water to loosen creases around the collar. Anti-scale helps to ensure maximum performance and longevity, without any damage to garments. This iron has a fine tip which helps when pressing delicate fabrics and prevents scorching.
Test out the heat using just the tip on an inconspicuous area of fabric, or on the underside to ensure the temperature is suitable for the garment you are ironing.
Buy now £24.49, Amazon
Tower T22013 CeraGlide Ultra Steam Iron
Who said irons should be boring? Power through the clothes mountain with this 3100-watt steam iron that has both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. A ceramic aluminium plate makes light work of any stubborn creases. There’s also a variable steam function that allows adjustment of the humidity, direction and power of the steam flow, so you can control it depending on which fabrics need your attention, making it easier to tackle more delicate fabrics like linen without burning anything.
The vertical steam option is ideal for giving duvets and curtains a quick once over, without wrestling them over an ironing board. The decent sized 360ml water tank is big enough to cope with any ironing session, without the need to refill. Plus the anti-scale function means the inside of the iron will stay clean, ensuring a longer lifespan. Simply plug the iron on, and watch it heat up in less than 40 seconds, grab the soft-grip handle and get ironing.
Buy now £30.00, Argos
Dunelm 2200W Ceramic Iron
An affordable no-frills option, this iron does the job at a purse-friendly price. Ideal for students or first-time homeowners who need a functional appliance without the bells and whistles, this iron offers 30g/minute continuous steam and a shot of 99g/minute steam when needed.
It does what it says on the tin, with a ceramic plate that glides over clothes without sticking, and a 230ml water tank which is large enough for an ironing spree in front of the television. Powered by 2200 watts, this iron has a handy anti-scale feature, meaning bugs won’t take up residence inside the water chamber, and an anti-drip system to protect clothes from sudden water spills. With a 2-metre cord and comfortable handle, this iron is the ideal everyday appliance for half the price of others on the market.
Buy now £15.00, Dunelm
Philips DST5030/26 Series 5000 Steam Iron
The most expensive on our list, this 2400-watt iron delivers a 180g/min shot of steam that eases out creases in minutes. Ironing doesn’t just get rid of creases in clothes, it helps to kill off any remaining bacteria that has escaped the washing cycle. The heat from the steam helps to eradicate any microorganisms in the clothes, ensuring they stay clean and fresh for longer.
With an anti-scratch stainless steel plate and consistent steam output, this is a high-quality iron that will prove its worth day after day. Plus the vertical steam function means you don’t have to faff about with the ironing board, simply steam clothes right on the hanger. The water spray function is useful for smoothing out more stubborn creases. The water tank has a 320ml capacity and a dry tank alert lets you know when it’s empty, allowing you to work through the ironing pile without having to stop to refill.
Buy now £50.00, Argos
Swan 2-in-1 Cord or Cordless Steam Press Iron
Cordless irons give that little bit more freedom, meaning you can iron anywhere in the house, rather than beside a power point. This 2800-watt steam iron has a non-stick ceramic plate that glides across the ironing board making light work of all fabrics from denim to linen. The thin nose is also handy for those awkward patches between buttons and around collars, or if you need to press fabric for craft projects.
If you prefer to use this iron with a cord simply replace the iron in any direction on the 360-base station. The locking switch secures the iron onto the base, meaning it can be used whilst it charges. The steam function offers dry, spray, steam burst, and vertical steam, giving this iron the versatility to cope with delicate and thick fabrics, plus hanging curtains and bedding.
A self-cleaning function preserves the lifespan of the appliance, and means you don’t have to worry about the formation of nasty bugs or limescale.
Buy now £32.99, Amazon
Verdict
Heating up in less than 30 seconds and powering forward with continuous steam at 45g/min, the Russell Hobbs Plug & Wind Easy Store Steam Iron is an option that’s as effective as many of the pricier options on the market. The 320ml tank also stores enough water to provide consistent steam, meaning time is saved on running to the kitchen tap for refills. This is a practical option at an affordable price from a reliable brand that can be stored easily.
