This 8-inch early-20th-century copy of an ancient Chinese iron used to press cloth sold for $89 at a December 2011 Ivey-Selkirk auction in St. Louis. Its shape inspired a 1950s ashtray. An antique Chinese iron would sell for hundreds of dollars.

Permanent-press fabrics have relieved most households of the need to iron clothing. In past centuries, ironing was an almost daily duty of a woman in the home.

Before about the 10th century, cloth was ironed with smooth wooden or glass pieces and a pounding stick. Heat was not used until the 16th century in Europe.

By then, pressing irons were metal pans with long handles. A piece of charcoal was put in the pan to heat the bottom and the heated pan was rubbed over the cloth. This crude iron was gradually improved.

Charcoal was replaced by a heated iron rod to avoid the charcoal ashes that sometimes fell on the cloth. Next came special box irons with handles and pointed fronts. They were shaped like the electric and steam irons used today.

Soon a solid piece of iron, also in today’s familiar shape, was made to put on the stove to heat, then quickly used to heat and smooth cloth. By the turn of the 20th century, irons were heated by liquid gas, alcohol, gasoline or electricity. Unfortunately, some of the liquid-fueled irons blew up.

The electric iron was patented in 1882, but few homes had electricity back then. So the electric iron was not in general use until about 1915. Since then, irons have been improved with the addition of thermostats that control heat and steam. Some even became cordless and could fold up to go with travelers.

All types of old ironing sticks, mangling boards and irons are collected today. Nineteenth- and unusual 20th-century examples sell for hundreds of dollars.

In the 1950s, an early Chinese iron that looks like a small, ornate cooking pot with a handle was copied and used as a portable ashtray. These mid-20th-century copies sell for about $30 today. A genuine antique Chinese iron is worth hundreds of dollars.

Ironing; love it or hate it, it has to be done sometime. If you find yourself regularly ploughing through an intimidating pile of ironing on week nights and at weekends, you’ll be almost certainly looking for a way to reduce ironing time. Most of us who have been responsible for the domestic ironing have already discovered the joys, if that is the right word, of steam ironing. Steam ironing is definitely preferable to the conventional variety, making the job easier and quicker. More recently the steam generator iron has joined the fray and for those with large amounts of ironing to complete on a daily basis, it can offer even more advantages than its humble cousin. However, steam generator irons are generally more expensive than the standard steam iron – so what are the advantages and should you invest?

The advantages of the steam generator iron
A steam generator iron works on the same principle as a standard steam iron – using heated steam to make fabric more flexible; this makes it easier to remove creases and reduces ironing time. The most significant differences between the two are as follows:

• Steam generator irons use pressurised steam which means they are more powerful and enhance the benefits of the standard version.
• They are lighter than a normal steam iron as the water tank is separate to the iron itself.
• In terms of efficiency the steam generator iron holds up to three times as much water and can get through more ironing, much quicker than other versions.

Ultimately the main advantage that the generator model has over the standard steam iron is
There aren’t, it has to be said, any major downsides to the steam generator iron. They are most suitable for those who have a lot of ironing to do and on a regular basis and there are a few points to consider when choosing whether to upgrade or not.

• Steam generator irons are bulkier and require more storage space, although they are not huge, this might be a consideration for some people.
• These irons can take slightly longer to heat up because the tank capacity is bigger – if you’re only ironing a blouse or shirt it is worth the few seconds wait as ironing time will be quicker with a more professional end result.
• Mesh ironing boards are better with both types of steam iron as they allow better circulation of the steam and avoid leaving clothes damp. If you don’t have one already, then you’ll probably need to invest in one.

The actual iron part of the generator iron is light and easy to use – this can make it ideal for older people, although it’s pretty good whatever age you are. The steam generator iron is also easily used in a vertical position, meaning curtains can be given a quick once over in-situ, which saves time and hassle. Although generally more expensive than the standard steam iron, some models are now available that compete well on price and in terms of functionality and will make at least one of the daily/weekly chores almost enjoyable and far, far quicker.

For effective, efficient and best of all fast ironing, a steam generator iron is a great solution. With greater capacity than the traditional steam iron, these models are easy to handle and allow you to speed through large piles of ironing in record time.

Below are some tips from Applica Canada Corporation, the exclusive licensee of Black & Decker branded small kitchen appliances:

Before You Start
- Easier ironing starts in the dryer. To prevent wrinkles from setting in, remove laundry from the dryer while still damp.
- Most irons are specifically designed to use tap water since their anti-scale features clean the water as a matter of course. Caution: you could actually damage your iron by using pure distilled water, scented or softened water because these types of liquids contain mineral elements that become concentrated when heated, causing spitting, brown staining or premature wear on your appliance. When ironing, pay attention to your iron’s temperature. If it sizzles when applied to the fabric, lower the heat. For example, the Black & Decker Professional Iron ($59.99) has an easy-to-read digital display that lets you confirm the right temperature at a glance to prevent overheating before your plate hits the fabric.

Choosing the Right Iron for You
The SolePlate
- Aluminum – The lowest priced irons usually have aluminum plates, which can cause a problem with sticking (you don’t get a smooth glide as the iron moves across the fabric).
- Non -Stick Coated – Most often light weight, glides smoothly. This soleplate is easier to clean especially if you use starch.
Caution: soleplate can scratch easily if used over sharp ends like zippers often
- Stainless steel – Known for the easy glide, even heating and its durability. Surface will not scratch easily and will have a longer life.
- Ceramic— Ceramics are usually thought of as more delicate, but in truth, ceramic plates provide better glide and are just as durable as their metal counterparts (it’s only a ceramic coating over metal.)

Number of Holes
- Ironers tend to think that more holes on the plate equals a better iron. In reality the number of holes doesn’t actually affect performance. It’s more about the amount and pressure of the steam coming out of the holes. If you have a hundred holes on a plate but it delivers weak bursts of steam, you’re not going to get the results you want.

Beveled for Buttons and Zippers
- Special design details or shaping can come in handy when ironing over things like buttons, zippers and pleats. Some irons have a slimmer design or at least a slimmer thickness at the tip to help you maneuver around special design details on your clothes. For example, the Precision Point Iron by Black & Decker ($39.99), makes ironing the trickiest parts of your garments easy. Because of its shape, the Perfect Point Steam feature allows you to flawlessly smooth out every last part of your item.

The Weight of your Iron
- Heavy irons have greater pressing capacity but can be tiring to use. Lighter irons reduce muscle strain and glide more easily but, on the other hand, may require more back-and-forth repetitions to eliminate creases in garments.

How to Iron
- Here’s something that may surprise you: never iron in circular strokes or you’ll end up stretching the fabric. Instead of running the iron over a wrinkly spot several times, iron lengthwise and level those ridges with a burst of steam.
- If your garment is lined, be sure to press the lining separately. And don’t forget to check the lining fabric. It may differ from the main garment and require a different temperature.

Your Iron’s Best Features
Vertical Steam
- Vertical steam is useful for hanging garments such as suits and dresses, especially those made from delicate fabrics. Ensure you hold the iron a few centimeters from the garment in order to avoid burning.
- Skip the ironing board altogether with the Steam Advantage Iron by Black & Decker $29.99). Its stainless steel plate allows for a stick free experience with your on-hanger pieces.

Burst of Steam
- A steam-burst feature provides additional, instantaneous power on demand, smoothing out difficult creases or for creating sharp creases on trousers.

Continuous Steam Output
- A consistent steam facility makes ironing easier and more effective because of the steady impact it has on ‘taming’ textile fibers. For example, the Black & Decker Steam Power Iron *($59.99), lets your iron do most of the work for you. It disburses continuous steam with the touch of a button for a wrinkle free guarantee.

‘Nice to Have’ Additional Extras
- Anti-drip system for producing steam at low temperatures without ‘spitting’
- Misting spray for dampening stubborn wrinkles
- Narrow tip for fitting into tight spaces like cuffs and collars
- Second row of steam holes for wider steam distribution
- Auto -Off Feature gives you peace of mind whether you forgot to turn off your iron or whether it accidentally falls over or down when you step away for a single moment. No burn marks on your clothes and no fire hazards in your home.
- A self-cleaning feature enables you to disperse boiling water through the steam vents to clear mineral buildup; clogged steam holes can impede the flow of steam and lead to leaks. Several higher end iron model include a self-cleaning button.

So here I go: This is a great iron, being that I am not an ironing fanatic, I only iron my work clothes the night before I wear them, and random miscellaneous items for my boyfriend when needed. In the reviews for the Panasonic NI-S300TR 1200-Watt Steam Iron with Curved Titanium-Coated Soleplate, White/Green it said that the “steam” function was pretty much worthless– well I’ve been using the steam function on mine every night and it seems to be working pretty well to get out the stubborn wrinkles. Also, the box advertises “25% More Steam Coverage” compared to the older model, so steam fanatics, get this one here!

The iron heats up fairly quickly, I was able to start ironing after ~30 seconds of waiting and preparing my shirts. It glides very smoothly on the clothing items and almost makes it seem as if I’m ironing silk! The new U-Curved shape is very cool looking– but I have yet to decide why it makes the iron a better iron– maybe I just need to iron more?

I really appreciate the cord reel because it saves space and doesn’t have a bulky cord I need to wrap up each time after I’m done using it. It also automatically shuts off after 10 minutes in the standing up position– which is a very thoughtful tool since I am often interrupted as well as forgetful!

I love the color, it’s my favorite– the only thing I have a gripe about is that it doesn’t come with a small watering canister. My previous irons came with one, not sure if manufacturer’s are just saving money now a days or what! But I have to refill the iron under the sink and it can get inconvenient!

Overall, well worth the money!

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, October 12, 2011

“This iron is everything I had hoped it would be! No cord to get in the way, good steam, no drip, heats up fast. Would highly recommend.”

And here’s where to get it at a great price…
Panasonic Cordless Steam/Dry Iron

Written by erniemorse7378422 on Aug-29-10 8:49am
From: chairantiques.technostuff.net

For most people, ironing is a bit of a chore. It’s one of those tasks that simply has to be done, but there can’t be many people who enjoy it. You can watch TV or listen to the radio whilst you iron in order to reduce the boredom a little – but it’s never going to be an enjoyable task.

However, many people now have the opportunity to significantly reduce the amount of time that they spend “doing the ironing” thanks to changes in technology. Steam generator irons have now become available to the general public. In the past, they were the preserve of dry cleaners and professionals. Users commonly report a 50% reduction in ironing time when using a steam generator iron.
In terms of appearance, steam generator irons look quite similar to conventional steam irons – but with a large base unit. It’s the base unit that makes the difference. Steam generator irons don’t have any water inside the iron itself – that large base unit is actually both a water reservoir and boiler which is used to generate large volumes of high pressure steam. This is fed to the iron by means of a hollow connecting tube.

Using the above technique, steam generator irons produce much more steam than a conventional steam iron. It is also at a higher pressure. This large amount of high pressure steam penetrates deep into the fabric of whatever you’re pressing and makes it easier – and faster – to remove creases and wrinkles. The end result is better and, as previously mentioned, you can cut your ironing time in half like this.

Steam generator irons do tend to cost a little more than traditional steam irons. However, considering the time savings, plus the improved quality of the finished garments, you may be quite happy to pay the price. Discounts are often available both online and offline. If you know what you’re looking for then you might just be able to snap up a bargain.

There are five main criteria that you should review when choosing a steam generator iron:

1. The output quantity and pressure of the steam produced.

2. The capacity of the water reservoir.

3. The soleplate design and material.

4. How easy it is to clean the iron.

5. The ease of use.

Steam output is normally measured in grams per minute. Something in the range of 70 – 140 g/min should be sufficient. Steam pressure of something between 4.5 and 5.0 bar is desirable and should see you achieve the time savings already discussed.

Be sure to opt for a water reservoir that is of sufficient size for you so that you don’t need to keep stopping to add more water. A 1.4 litre tank should give sufficient steam for about two hour’s ironing. Larger tanks are also available.

The soleplate should be durable and should glide easily across the fabric to be pressed. Materials such as stainless steel and ceramics tend to make good soleplates.

If your house is supplied with hard water, then you will need to make sure that you avoid any accumulation of scale in your iron. This can reduce the efficiency of the device and also shorten its useful working life. The Tefal steam generator iron range incorporates a very handy scale trap which can simply be unscrewed, cleaned under running water and then replaced back into the iron. Other manufacturers use different techniques, including removable cartridges. Chemical treatment is another possibility, if a somewhat little less convenient one.

When it comes to ease of use, this will be very dependent upon the requirements of different users. However, it’s a good idea to pick a model which has a long enough connection between the base unit and the iron so that you can position the base on the ground should you wish. This is especially useful if you have a small ironing board.

A detachable reservoir which can be taken to the sink for filling directly under the tap might be useful. Many people will find this easier. A fast heat up time after filling is definitely desirable. A heat up time of no more than a couple of minutes should be achievable with the majority of modern steam generator irons. Here are 2 steam generators with excellent user reviews…

Smartek ST-X100N Powerfull Steam Station Iron

Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
5 star:
(3)
4 star: (0)
3 star: (0)
2 star: (0)
1 star: (0)

Affordable 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)
Convenience 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)
Durability 5.0 out of 5 stars (2)

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5 out of 5 stars Goodbye Local Dry Cleaners, December 7, 2009
By Jack Parker

Say goodbye to ironing (and you local dry cleaners) and step into the world of steaming.
This Steam Station does exactly as advertised: “presses dry steam into the fabric of your clothing, softening the fibers, and smoothing out wrinkles in a fraction of the time”.

Although extremely powerful, I used this Steam Station iron on silks and delicate fabrics and it came out beautiful and it kept the fabric like new. At first I was hesitant to try it with delicate clothing.

Calculate the amount of money you spend at your cleaners – this product basically pays for itself!

So long Mr. & Mrs. Local Dry Cleaners

Smartek ST-X100N Powerfull Steam Station Iron

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DeLonghi Stiromeglio Compact PRO 300 Ironing System with Pressurized Boiler

Customer Review Details
4.4 out of 5 stars (76 customer reviews)
5 star:
(50)
4 star:
(13)
3 star:
(11)
2 star:
(1)
1 star:
(1)

86 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Beast!, May 15, 2006
By Laura L. Nagel “Laura” 86 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Beast!, May 15, 2006
By Laura L. Nagel “Laura”

Apparently, I am one of the few remaining individuals who feel the need for freshly ironed clothing. I’ve always used steam irons, Rowenta most recently, with consistently disappointing results. Over the years, I’ve increased my use of spray starch to make up for the power I’ve believed should have originated in the iron. But no more!

After deciding I wasn’t ready for a presser or a mangle for my clothing, and knowing I really didn’t need to press that many tablecloths, I discovered a new genre: steam generating irons. And, after some significant research, I ordered this DeLonghi model.

It is truly a different beast than anything I’ve ever used! What steam production!!! The temperature of the iron sole plate is controlled independently from the quantity of steam desired. Tap water is actually recommended for use. The iron, while substantial in heft, is not heavy. And the old-fashioned looking cork handle is soft, smooth and cool to the touch.

But the bottom line is the job it does on my clothing and linen! While the ads say that this machine will cut your ironing time in half, I cannot say this is true…..mainly because I find myself taking the time to marvel over how each pass with the iron produces such a professional-looking surface! Really, the only thing that’s been halved is my use of spray starch, which is an unforseen and welcome benefit!

Am I happy with my new “beast?” You bet! Would I buy another? No way….I suspect this well-designed machine is going to last me a long, long time. But can I recommend this one for you? Without reservation!

DeLonghi Stiromeglio Compact PRO 300 Ironing System with Pressurized Boiler<

For those of you who need to quickly remove wrinkles from a suit, still on a hanger, this fairly inexpensive steamer works great. Works on all kinds of items still on the hanger-much faster and easier than conventional ironing.  Smoothes – de-wrinkles and freshens clothing, linens and curtains. Even has wheels.

See it here…

Conair GS60 Compact Fabric Steamer