Which outsole is better
The soleplate of the iron is the part that comes into direct contact with the fabric. It should slide easily over the material, so as not to leave marks and does not deteriorate itself. Therefore, when choosing an iron, special attention should be paid to the sole.
Aluminum soles
The cheapest material for making the sole of an iron was and remains aluminum. Irons with aluminum soles are very light, quickly heat up and cool down and easily glide over fabrics, using them you have to spend a minimum of time and effort. However, aluminum is susceptible to damage. Over time, such a sole becomes covered with small irregularities that can damage the fabric, leaving scratches and puffs on it. In addition, in case of overheating, the iron easily sticks to the fabric, which spoils the thing and the surface of the sole. Therefore, there are fewer and fewer irons with aluminum soles on the market.
Stainless steel iron sole
Most of the inexpensive models have a stainless steel sole. Stainless steel is much more resistant to damage, heats up well, cools quickly and easily glides on matter. The advantage of stainless steel is that it is easy to clean.
True, for all these benefits you have to pay with unnecessary physical efforts; such irons are usually quite heavy.
Iron with ceramic soleplate
Relatively recently, with the light hand of Tefal, irons with a ceramic sole and irons with a metal-ceramic sole material have entered the market. Such coatings provide even easier sliding than stainless steel and aluminum. Such irons do not wrinkle the fabric, cope with overdried crumpled material, do not require significant ironing effort. Plus, ceramics are scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
True, there is one significant drawback - an iron with a ceramic sole requires careful handling. Breaking or chipping brittle ceramics is easy.
Iron with teflon sole
Less common are teflon-soled irons. Such a coating excludes the possibility of fabric adhesion, burning or damage to things. In this case, Teflon itself deteriorates quickly. It is enough to carelessly run the iron over a metal button or fastener to leave a scratch on it.
Removable soles
To combine all the necessary properties, many manufacturers resort to another solution. They produce double sole iron irons. Some soles are designed to work with thin “delicate” fabrics, while others are designed to smooth out heavily wrinkled fabrics. Very convenient and heat-resistant attachments, using which you can hide the iron in a closet or box immediately after ironing.
