10 Best Steam Irons in the Philippines 2025 | Philips, Tefal, and More

If you only need to iron a few garments at a time or if your clothes are made from relatively light fabrics, then a traditional steam iron is perfect for you! It looks like a typical clothes iron, except it has a built-in water tank that allows it to produce steam. It is also compact, so you can save storage space, which is great for small households. Plus, it is compatible with most fabrics, making it great for all-around use. 

Steam generators are what you need for heavy-duty use. Since they produce high-pressure steam at a higher rate, they can straighten wrinkles out of thick and heavy fabrics with ease and can be used for vertical ironing. Plus, its separate water tank can hold more water and lessen refilling times.

This makes them best for garments that have decorative elements or fabrics that require special handling, such as sequined gowns, thick denim, and even heavy curtains. Hence, it is a popular choice among big households or people in the laundry business who have high ironing loads.

If you frequently travel, having wrinkled clothes can be frustrating, not to mention a hassle, especially if you're going somewhere important. This is where the travel steam iron works great. It is a handheld device that loosens wrinkles solely through hot steam. 

Travel steam irons do not put out as much steam output or heat as traditional irons, but they're usually enough for light fabrics like slacks and blouses. They also have small water tanks since they're only used on one or two pieces of clothing at a time. This makes them portable enough to fit in any suitcase. 

Living in a condominium unit can sometimes limit how many things you can keep in your home. That's why you don't want an ironing board that is a pain to take out. You want a standing steam iron that is easy to store or one that blends into your room. 

Standing steam irons operate the same as portable steam irons, but they provide higher steam output and have bigger water reservoirs. They are just as capable as traditional irons in getting wrinkles out of lighter fabrics. It also grants a smoother flow of work—you can iron clothes on their hanger and put them straight in the closet!

The soleplate is the most important part of the iron since it smoothes the wrinkles on your clothes. However, plates that stick will inevitably burn the fabric, so you must look for an iron with a nonstick soleplate to prevent it from sticking to your clothes and charring it. It should also be able to transfer heat evenly.

Soleplates are usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic. Here are their differences:

1. Stainless steel transmits heat well, glides well on most fabrics, and is easy to clean. It is also more expensive.
2. Aluminum irons are more affordable and have better heat distribution, but they tend to stick unless coated with non-stick surface coatings such as polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as PTFE, of which Teflon is the most popular brand).
3. Ceramic soleplates are highly durable and have anti-static features.

Choose an iron with a cord that can swivel in all directions more easily. Look for a cord that is 1.5-4 m in length, and choose a textile braid, which is more flexible. 

Alternatively, you can opt for a cordless iron to eliminate the hassle of maneuvering around the cord. That way, people and children can't trip or tug on something that isn't there, further reducing the risk of accidentally getting burned.

You should be able to hold the handle comfortably in your hands. It should be the right size; not too big nor too small. The best handles are also curved or textured, providing improved grip and control without chafing your hands.

The whole iron should also be light enough to glide on the fabric with ease and prevent hand fatigue, but they should be heavy enough to effectively remove creases and wrinkles. Products between 0.5 to 2 kilograms are in this sweet spot.

For added safety, a few manufacturers include a mechanism that turns off the device automatically if it is left on for a few minutes without being used. Some units even automatically shut off when they get too hot. This ensures that they won't exceed their maximum temperature. And, it also prevents the iron from burning your clothes. 

A steam iron with different heat or temperature settings will work on most fabrics, which will help you save on costs. You wouldn't have to buy another iron for that special chiffon dress or pina barong!