Useful Tips

Travel Irons

On a trip or on vacation, a travel iron is an irreplaceable thing. He will help at sea, where, due to high humidity, towels do not dry out, and damp bedding has to be ironed right on the bed before going to bed! It is not easy to get an iron from the maids even in a good hotel, let alone domestic boarding houses and hotels, so there is only one way out - to buy a road model. Having tested six popular models - Atlanta ATH-422, Vitek VT-1227, I hope to help you with the choice.

Not an iron, but an "iron"

The dimensions of the irons are similar, but there are tiny models, literally from the palm of your hand (for example, Smile SI 1802), and there are 2-3 centimeters longer and wider. The lightest models weigh no more than 500 grams, a little heavier - 700-800 grams, but you should not be afraid of the extra two hundred grams: they will not create an advantage, but they testify to the reliability of the iron, and you will have to press less on the device when ironing.

Sole

Basically it is stainless steel, but there is a steel with a non-stick coating - Teflon (Smile, Vitek) or ceramic (Sinbo). All dough models glide perfectly, but, according to the experience of many users, you should not buy a very cheap iron with Teflon: instead of it, you can get on the same cheap coating, which will ensure not slipping on the fabric, but “adhesion” to it. Like “adult” irons, “kids” are designed with special gaps between the sole and the body for easy ironing near the buttons. Only the Rowenta DA 1510 can boast of an original, specially designed sole, with a drop-shaped sole and an elongated toe. It is good if the sole has special grooves that direct the steam jets over the entire surface of the fabric. The greater the number of steam outlet holes, the higher the manufacturer's confidence in the power of the device and its ability to create steam pressure.

A pen

The first point is the presence of the handle itself, and not a protruding hump on the iron, for which you will have to hold it like an overgrown computer mouse. Of course, the "hump" has recesses for the fingers, but this is less comfortable than a regular handle (Atlanta ATH-422). Basically, in travel irons, there is an open design of the handle - "to oneself" or "from oneself". The first is more familiar, since it is often found in ordinary irons, it folds, pressing against the body, but, as a rule, saves little space in height: only 1-1.5 cm. The handle "away from you" when you press the button on the "heel" of the iron also presses against the body (UNIT USI-50 and Rowenta DA 1510) or slides to the side, like the closed handle (Smile SI 1802), and saves 4-5 centimeters in height, which is more rational.

The most interesting handle on the market is “push” and 180 ° turn that turns the iron into a steam brush. Thanks to it, it is more convenient to hold the device upright in order to steam clothes directly on the hanger, a brush attachment is put on the sole, and things can be cleaned at the same time.

Modes

Standard - the presence of three temperature modes: 1 - synthetics and silk, 2 - blended fabrics and wool, 3 - cotton and linen. It is important that the power "holds out" to the third mode and the iron can cope with these natural fabrics, since it is the products made from them that are relevant in the summer at the resort.

Steam

All dough irons, like most road models on the market, provide for the supply of only constant steam (Vitek, Atlanta) or also steam boost (other models). Steam supply is possible at the maximum temperature mode: if you press the steam supply button until the iron is fully heated, water will flow from the soleplate. The water containers in travel irons are tiny - 40-50 milliliters, maximum 65 milliliters (Rowenta), and steam runs out quickly, so we did not check the irons for the steam flow rate, since steam in them is for emergencies, for ironing one - two things.We checked the very ability of the iron to vaporization and the ability to smooth out complex folds if necessary. Everyone, one way or another, coped with it, but the slowest steam is generated in the Atlanta and Sinbo models, and the fastest in the Rowenta.

Water containers

They are located in the handles of the irons, water is poured into them through a hole that is closed with a silicone insert on a silicone mount, so as not to get lost. If the stopper is not silicone or does not have a silicone gasket, the container is leaking - checked! The reservoir can be stationary or removable (Smile), and you can pour water into it without fear of spilling it on the iron. But every time removing and inserting the plastic part is bad - it may break soon. Many irons are equipped with a sprinkler for moistening the laundry (Sinbo, Vitek) - these models are suitable for those who are used to dampening their laundry this way. But again, the water in the container only lasts for a few minutes.

Voltage switch

Its presence in the iron will come in handy for those who like long-distance travel, to South America, for example. The European standard for mains voltage is 220-230 W, and there - 110-130 W. If the device has a switch (Atlanta, Rowenta, Vitek, Unit), then in a country with a different voltage in the network, you will do without an adapter.

How tested

Ironed, of course. Checked:

- ease of construction;

- slip and comfort of the sole;

- the quality of dry ironing in different modes;

- the possibility of supplying constant steam, steam shock, the possibility of vertical steaming in the presence of the corresponding function declared by the manufacturer.

ROWENTA First Class DA 1510

Travel iron with steam

Characteristics:

Power: 1000 watts.

Sole: Microsteam 200, stainless steel.
Functions: dry ironing, constant steam, steam boost.

Modes: synthetics, silk / wool, linen / cotton.

Control: rotary thermostat - mode switch, button for supplying steam "steam blow", regulator for supplying steam.

Switching voltage: yes, 120 / 127-220 / 240 V.

Design: folding handle, 65 milliliter water tank built into the handle, button for folding the handle, sole dimensions: 155x80 millimeters, wire length 195 centimeters.

Equipment: measuring cup for water, cover.

Dimensions: 195x70x90 mm.

Weight: 785 grams.

Producing country: China.

Guarantee: 2 years.

Convenient design

This model has a very rational folding of the handle - it saves 5.2 centimeters in height (in some models - only 1 centimeter). The handle "away from you" folds by pressing a button on the end of the iron and is ergonomic in everything: the steam boost button is covered with soft silicone and is located under the finger, while the water container built into it is hermetically sealed with silicone. The outsole is designed with a gap and easily bypasses buttons. Thanks to the voltage switch, the iron can be operated from an outlet with any voltage. And it also has the longest cord and the largest weight - 100 grams more than most models, but in the hand it is noticeably heavier, which indirectly testifies to the metal, rather than plastic "insides".

Outsole quality and glide

The "highlight" of the model is the proprietary Microsteam 200 sole. Its "drop" shape with a maximally pointed elongated nose is adapted for working in corners, between parts, for ironing ruffles, collars, etc. The material is excellent sliding stainless steel, and 200 holes for steam outlet, located in 4 rows around the perimeter of the sole, provide an even distribution of steam.

Dry ironing in different modes

Even to the maximum temperature, the iron heats up in seconds, no other dough model has such a speed. Apparently, this is why there is no indicator light, which usually indicates heating to the desired level. All modes are also instantly ready for use. We have ironed a mountain of all sorts of things in three modes - perfect!

Steam ironing

Steam is generated instantly: after 4-5 seconds the iron is ready for use.Steaming horizontal and vertical, steam boost - everything is quick, easy, convenient. A 65 ml water container is considered large for road models, however, and it is only enough for a few things.

Advantages: stunning design, compactness, special shape of the nose, Microsteam 200 in the form of a drop, high-quality steaming, ergonomics in every detail, case.

Disadvantages: there is no sprinkler, which is not critical for a model with excellent steam humidification, there is no indicator light, but with instant heating it does not matter.

SMILE SI 1802

Travel iron with steam

Characteristics:

Power: 750 watts.

Sole: with non-stick coating.

Functions: dry ironing, steam ironing (steam boost).

Modes: synthetics / silk, wool, linen / cotton, steam.

Control: rotary switch of modes (thermostat), button for steam supply, indicator light.

Switching voltage: not.

Design: folding handle, removable water tank in the iron handle, button for folding the handle, button for detaching the tank, sole dimensions: 150x78 millimeters, wire length 135 centimeters.

Equipment: measuring cup for water.

Dimensions with handle folded: 180x105x50 mm.

Weight: 460 grams.

Producing country: China.

Guarantee: 1 year.

Convenient design

The most compact model in the test: the handle folds to the side and the iron becomes flat. The outsole is on average 2 centimeters shorter and narrower than other test models. The water tank can be removed from the handle a little taut, but it is in it, and not in the iron, that you can pour water - 50 milliliters. The first time the tank was very difficult to disconnect, but then things went smoothly. Easily inserted back. Of course, such moments depend on the build quality of individual models, there were no problems in the tested samples. The steam button is very comfortable to hold with your thumb.

Outsole quality and glide

The sole area is the smallest in the test, but for a travel iron it is rather an advantage. There is an ironing gap between the sole and the body next to the buttons. The non-stick coating does not interfere with sliding, but the nose could be a little sharper: its close to rounded shape does not allow it to get into the corners and slows down a little sliding. The dirt really does not stick to the coating - we specially stroked the synthetics in the 3rd mode so that it burns. Minimal contamination was cleaned with a dry cloth when the iron cooled down. The holes in the sole are provided with grooves to distribute steam over the surface of the fabric.

Dry ironing in different modes

Mode 1 - for synthetics and silk - so gentle you can touch the sole. Extra thin 100% polyester scarf smoothed out. Thicker synthetic fabrics "preferred" the 2nd mode announced for wool. Mode 3 - for cotton and linen - copes well with cotton, but flax can really be smoothed only in the “steam” mode, which is normal.

Steam ironing

This model does not have a sprinkler, there is only a steam supply button, which cannot be held for more than 10 seconds in a row. Surprisingly, such a tiny iron gave really strong steam, including vertical, which is not even declared by the manufacturer. Note that from the central hole in the sole, when the "steam" button is pressed, water splashes sometimes come out along with the steam. These are not leaks, as happens with irons, it is just that the steam did not have time to form.

Advantages: compactness and light weight, excellent operation of all modes, comfortable handle, vertical steaming, good combination of price and quality.

Disadvantages: not very pointed nose, no voltage switch, short cord.

ATLANTA ATH-422

Travel iron with steam

Characteristics:

Power:1000 watts.

Sole: stainless steel.

Functions:dry ironing, constant steam.

Modes: 3 temperature levels, par.

Control:rotary switch of modes, button of supply of steam, regulator of supply of steam, indicator light.

Switching voltage:115-230 V.

Design:handle - back of the case, non-removable water tank, sole dimensions: 118x84 mm, wire length 150 centimeters, anti-slip supports on the heel of the iron.

Equipment:measuring cup for water.

Dimensions:166x98x84 mm.

Weight: 690 grams.

Producing country: China.

Guarantee: 1 year.

Convenient design

The iron is very compact, and the design has its advantages. Large and ergonomically positioned buttons and steam control are marked with corresponding icons. The container for water is conveniently located - right in the center of the case, and its lid with a silicone insert ensures tightness. In an upright position, the iron is very stable, since its base is equipped with rubber inserts. There is also a not very convenient design feature - the absence of a handle itself: the iron must be held by the body, in which there are grooves for the fingers on the sides. For ironing two or three things, this is not critical, but with a large number of them, the brush gets tired. The voltage switch will allow you to use the iron in Europe and America.

Outsole quality and glide

The sole area is one of the smallest in the test, which does not prevent it from gliding perfectly and not scratching the fabric. There is a gap between the sole and the body for easy ironing next to the buttons. 5 steam outlet holes are provided with grooves for better steam distribution over the fabric.

Dry ironing in different modes

Mode 1 - for synthetics and silk - heats the sole exactly to the optimum temperature for these materials and provides delicate ironing of thin synthetic materials (in the test it was a pareo). Mode 2 does an excellent job of ironing thick fleece: the fabric does not burn and is smoothed. The semi-synthetic blouse also smoothed out nicely. Mode 3 - for cotton - really hot, cotton and linen smoothen well, especially slightly damp laundry.

Steam ironing

The iron does not have a sprinkler, but there is a supply of constant steam at maximum mode. Steam is not generated very quickly, but it is supplied quite evenly, and a 70 ml container is large for road models, and there is enough water for a relatively long time. We did not succeed in vertical steaming: when the iron is in a vertical position, the steam stops flowing. By the way, nowhere in the manual is it said about vertical steaming - there is an announcement of the function on the body of the iron, but in fact the model is not very suitable for this.

Advantages: high-quality ironing in all modes, compactness, stable steam supply, stability, good sliding.

Disadvantages:no sprinkler, the handle as part of the body is a feature for an amateur.

SINBO SSI 2862

Travel iron

Characteristics:

Power:800 watts.

Sole:with ceramic coating.

Functions:dry ironing, steam boost, vertical steaming.

Modes: 3, synthetic, silk / wool, linen / cotton.

Control:rotary thermostat - mode switch, button for steam supply "steam boost", indicator light.

Switching voltage: not.

Design:a folding handle, a 45 milliliter water tank built into the iron handle, a button for folding the handle, sole dimensions: 174x90 millimeters, wire length 167 centimeters.

Equipment: measuring cup for water.

Dimensions:205x90x100 mm.

Weight: 690 grams.

Producing country: China.

Guarantee: 1 year.

Convenient design

The iron has a handle, beloved by many, "towards itself" - wide, rounded, comfortable for the brush. The sprinkler buttons (by the way, it works great!) And the steam boost are large and well placed right under the thumb. The handle folds down at the push of a dedicated button, but only saves 1 centimeter in height.

Outsole quality and glide

The only sole in this test (and indeed this is a rarity on the travel iron market) sole with a ceramic non-stick coating to which dirt does not stick.We decided to check this and cauterized with the sole of the rubber applique that had already suffered once. They held it - it stuck, rubbed it hot with a dry linen cloth - it was cleaned instantly. The sole glides perfectly, designed with a gap for ironing around the buttons. It has 8 steam outlet holes on the sides and 19 special grooves that create a steam cushion between the fabric and the sole and better distribute steam over the surface.

Dry ironing in different modes

All 3 modes did not fail: according to the temperature they correspond to different types of fabric: minimal - really gentle, but well ironed "princess dress" made of 100% polyester. The half-woolen suit smoothed out on the 2nd mode, linen sheets - on the third.

Steam ironing

The volume of the water container is 45 milliliters, the volume of the measuring cup is 100 milliliters, so it is easy to pour the water for the first time. In the future, it is convenient - no need to pour water into the glass 2 times. The cork of the water container is attached to it with a holder and will not be lost, but it does allow water to pass through, since it is not soft enough and does not fit well. Therefore, we recommend pouring water up to the cork - this is about 35 milliliters. There is no continuous steam function (you can moisten the fabric with a spray gun), but there is a steam boost, which works great, but steam is enough for 1-2 items, since you cannot pour a lot of water into the iron. With the help of a steam boost, you can vertically steam things on a hanger, only the formation of steam will have to wait 5-7 minutes.

Advantages: excellent steam boost performance, ceramic sole, good sprinkler, efficiency in all modes.

Disadvantages:poor fit of the water container stopper, no voltage switch.

UNIT USI-50

Travel iron with steam

Characteristics:

Power: 800 watts.

Sole: stainless steel.

Functions: dry ironing, steam ironing, steam boost,

Modes: 3, synthetic, silk / wool, linen / cotton.

Control: rotary thermostat - mode switch, button for steam supply "steam boost", indicator light.

Switching voltage: yes, 120-240 V.

Design: folding handle, water tank built into the iron handle, button for folding the handle, sole dimensions: 155x80 millimeters, wire length 175 centimeters.

Equipment: measuring cup for water.

Dimensions: 190x85x90 ​​mm.

Weight: 695 grams.

Producing country: China.

Guarantee: 2 years.

Convenient design

A model that is in no way inferior in ergonomics and functionality to large irons. The handle is very ergonomically shaped "push", the button of the steam boost is covered with soft silicone and is located directly under the finger. The handle folds down at the push of a button at the end of the iron and saves up to 5 centimeters in height. The water container is built into the handle, the hole is closed with a silicone stopper attached to the handle (will not get lost). The outsole is designed with a gap to easily bypass buttons and decorative details. The ability to switch voltage expands the geography of travel with this device.

Outsole quality and glide

Highly gliding stainless steel outsole. The iron has a rather sharp elongated nose, well suited for ironing in corners. When ironing, we touched the rubber patch on the T-shirt, and part of it stuck to the sole. The dirt came off instantly when the sole was rubbed with a dry cotton cloth. Long grooves extend from two of the nine steam vents, leading the steam to the center of the sole.

Dry ironing in different modes

All modes work adequately: 1 - ironing synthetics gently but efficiently, 2 - mixed fabrics without sticking, 3 - linen and cotton no worse than a full-size iron. I must say that this iron got the most - it was tested first and in the excitement they ironed a pile of clothes made from different fabrics that were not at all traveling, and it did an excellent job.

Steam ironing

All declared functions - constant steam and steam boost work very well.Steam is generated quickly, supplied constantly, at the appropriate position of the steam regulator, or "jerks", when the steam boost button is pressed. In the vertical position of the iron, steam is generated and delivered no worse than in the horizontal position, therefore, even vertical steaming is possible if necessary. It is a pity that a water sprinkler is also not provided.

Advantages: all the necessary functions and their efficient operation, compactness combined with full functionality and convenience, an excellent combination of price and quality.

Disadvantages:no sprinkler.

VITEK VT-1227

Travel steam iron

Characteristics:

Power:1000 watts.

Sole:with non-stick coating.

Functions:dry ironing, steam ironing (constant steam).

Modes: synthetics / silk, wool, linen / cotton, steam.

Control:rotary switch of modes (thermostat), button for constant steam supply, indicator light.

Switching voltage:yes, 120-240 V.

Design:folding handle, non-removable water tank in the iron handle, button for folding the handle, sole dimensions: 165x97 millimeters, wire length 180 centimeters.

Equipment:measuring cup for water, cover.

Dimensions with handle folded:200x97x100 mm.

Weight:700 grams.

Producing country: China.

Guarantee: 1 year.

Convenient design

Of the irons tested, this model is not the most compact, if we can seriously talk about a difference of 1 - 1.5 cm. Its height with the handle folded is 10 centimeters, also slightly more than that of other test participants. The pull handle is more familiar to most users and is really very comfortable. It develops, clinging to the body. Right under the thumb are the very convenient buttons for the sprinkler, which, by the way, works great, and the constant steam. This button is lockable, you do not need to pinch and hold it. The handle contains a stationary water tank, the hole in which is closed with a soft silicone insert on the holder so that it does not get lost. The voltage switch will allow you to take it anywhere in the world.

Outsole quality and glide

Vitek VT-1227 has a large sole area, so even large items can be ironed quickly. Non-stick coating allows you to quickly clean it in case of contamination. Along the perimeter of the sole, there are steam outlet holes with grooves that distribute steam over the fabric. The glide is very good, the nose is sharp enough to penetrate the corners and enter the folds correctly.

Dry ironing in different modes

Mode 1 - for synthetics and silk - moderately hot (you can't touch the sole) and perfectly irons fabrics of different thicknesses. On mode 2, mixed fabrics were ironed - the same excellent result. In mode 3, the iron simply "spit", you do not need to press on it - it is so good ironing. However, to smooth flax and coarse cottons, it is best to dampen the fabric with a spray bottle or use steam.

Steam ironing

Continuous steam is switched on with the corresponding button. Steam builds up quickly, comes out of the sole evenly and is very helpful for ironing. There is no steam boost and vertical steaming in this model.

Advantages: modern ergonomic and beautiful design, non-stick coating, excellent glide, fast steam, high-quality dry ironing, voltage switch.

Disadvantages: no vertical steaming.

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