This soleplate evenly distributes steam and won't stick to your clothes or curtains while you use it.
The handheld iron works vertically to keep drapes and curtains smooth and vibrant. Automatically shuts off after 30 seconds of idle time and 8 minutes of heel rest. It's easy to store with the retractable cord. Buyers note how easy it is to use.
Some experienced leakage from the water tank. The buttons stick.
This is a good-quality, basic steam iron at a price that will fit comfortably into anyone's budget.
Smart Steam technology regulates the amount of steam based on the temperature setting. Auto shutoff. Pivoting cord. Heats up quickly. Nonstick soleplate glides smoothly across fabric. Anti-drip technology.
Doesn't have an on-off switch, so you'll have to either unplug it or wait for the auto-shutoff.
This steam iron is simple to use and weighs enough to take out wrinkles without applying a lot of force.
Aluminum, nonstick soleplate. Seven temperature settings to accommodate different fabrics. Automatic shutoff. Navigates easily around buttons and collars. Pivoting cord. Heavy enough to smooth out wrinkles without needing to apply a lot of pressure.
Some have said the iron snags on clothes when the iron glides across fabric.
A well-built steam iron that's perfect for households that do a lot of ironing and need a tool that will last.
The auto-clean system flushes out any mineral deposits. Independent temperature and steam controls. Auto shutoff. Precision tip for navigating around buttons and collars. Stainless steel soleplate.
The water reservoir is dark, making it difficult to see when you've reached the fill line.
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A steam iron is a household necessity if you want smooth, wrinkle-free clothing for the office, parties, and other special occasions. When it comes to steam irons, BLACK+DECKER offers some of the best — and their reliable reputation means you can count on your iron to last.
BLACK+DECKER steam irons function like any steam iron — they use controlled amounts of hot steam to smooth wrinkles and creases from clothing and other fabric items. To use the iron, you run it over the fabric so the small holes in its surface can release the steam into it. That, coupled with the pressure you apply as you move the iron along the item, helps remove the wrinkles. However, a BLACK+DECKER steam iron isn’t just for clothing — you can use it for curtains, tablecloths, and other linens, too.
But for the best results, you have to choose the right BLACK+DECKER steam iron for your ironing needs. If you’re not sure how to select the best BLACK+DECKER steam iron for your home, our comprehensive buying guide has the answers.
A steam iron’s soleplate is the flat portion of the iron that comes into contact with your clothing or other fabric item. That’s why it’s important to choose a model with a soleplate that’s made of a material that won’t stick to fabric. BLACK+DECKER steam irons feature soleplates that are made of nonstick, aluminum, stainless steel, or ceramic materials. Stainless steel and ceramic models are slightly more expensive, but they glide more easily along clothing and fabrics than models with a nonstick or aluminum material. A stainless steel soleplate is usually the most durable, too.
BLACK+DECKER offers traditional steam irons with a cord that must be plugged into an outlet and cordless models that run on a rechargeable battery. The benefit of a cordless model is that you can use it anywhere, even if there isn’t an outlet nearby, and you have great maneuverability while you’re ironing.
However, cordless models typically don’t get as hot as corded irons and don’t stay hot, either, so you’ll usually get better, more consistent ironing results with a BLACK+DECKER corded steam iron.
A steam iron’s wattage determines how quickly it’s able to heat up and how hot it can get. A model with a higher wattage can get extremely hot in a hurry, which means you’ll be able to finish your ironing more quickly. BLACK+DECKER steam irons typically range from 1,200 to 1,700 watts. Keep in mind that a higher wattage is also better if you iron a lot of thick, heavy fabrics.
Most BLACK+DECKER steam irons have dial controls, so you simply turn a dial to choose the temperature setting or special feature. They’re usually extremely user-friendly, but you may prefer a model that offers digital controls instead. These include buttons that you press to choose your setting or feature and a digital display that shows you the exact temperature setting you’ve chosen at a glance.
Some BLACK+DECKER steam irons operate at a single fixed temperature, while others have a couple of settings, such as high or low. However, some models have multiple temperature settings that are based on the material you’re ironing, such as cotton, wool, or linen. That allows you to choose the perfect temperature for every item of clothing so you can effectively remove wrinkles without damaging the fabric.
Some BLACK+DECKER steam irons have a spray feature, which allows you to slightly dampen your clothing before you iron. The spray is emitted in a fine mist, so the fabric doesn’t get too wet, but the added moisture helps provide a smooth finish and sharper creases as you iron.
If you’re ironing a particularly wrinkled item of clothing, you may need a little more steam to get out the creases. A BLACK+DECKER iron with a steam burst feature allows you to shoot an extra burst of steam at the clothing to help release the wrinkles. This feature is particularly handy if you own clothing in wrinkle-prone fabrics, like linen or cotton.
Some BLACK+DECKER steam irons have a vertical steam feature, which allows you to use the iron as a handheld steamer. You can hold it up in a vertical position several inches from the fabric to help release wrinkles. This feature works well for items that can’t take the high heat of direct ironing or for items that hang, such as curtains.
Most BLACK+DECKER steam irons have an auto-shutoff feature, which cuts power to the appliance when it hasn’t been moved for a certain period. This is an important safety feature because it can not only prevent a fire, but it can also reduce the risk of accidentally scorching your clothing.
Steam irons are prone to producing moisture that can drip down the iron. BLACK+DECKER steam irons with anti-drip protection prevent any drips or leaks that might damage the appliance by leaking into the iron or make a mess while you’re ironing.
Some BLACK+DECKER steam irons feature an auto-clean system to make maintenance as easy as possible. When you choose the self-clean setting, the iron automatically removes any dirt or mineral deposits that have built up inside. While this feature can help keep your iron clean, it’s not always effective if you live in an area with hard water.
To make storage easier, some BLACK+DECKER steam irons have a retractable cord. Instead of having to wrap the cord around the appliance, it’s housed inside the iron itself, so it never gets tangled or in the way.
Inexpensive: BLACK+DECKER steam irons vary in price based on their soleplate material and special features. The most affordable BLACK+DECKER steam irons are basic models with nonstick or aluminum soleplates. They’re often compact in design to allow for easy storage but don’t offer many special features beyond auto-shutoff and anti-drip protection. These models usually cost between $13 and $29.
Mid-range: For $29 to $43, BLACK+DECKER steam irons usually feature nonstick or stainless steel soleplates. They offer several special features, including auto-shutoff, anti-drip, an auto-clean system, and vertical steaming.
Expensive: The priciest BLACK+DECKER steam irons, which cost between $43 and $60, feature stainless steel or ceramic soleplates. They offer a wide range of special features, including digital controls, auto-shutoff, anti-drip, an auto-clean system, vertical steaming, a spray button, and a steam-burst function.
Before you run a steam iron over your clothing, use the spray button to lightly mist any wrinkles or creases. You’ll have a much easier time smoothing out your clothes if you do.
When you iron, start with your most delicate items, such as silk or polyester clothing. They require the lowest temperature setting to prevent damage to the fabric, and a steam iron cools down more slowly than it heats up. You can ruin delicate fabrics if you iron them when your steam iron is already hot even if you lower the temperature setting.
If you’re using the vertical steam feature on your iron, be sure to pull on the bottom of your clothing to keep the fabric taut — you’ll have much more success removing wrinkles if you do.
Don’t store your steam iron with water still left inside its tank. Depending on how you place it for storage, the water may leak into the internal mechanisms and damage the iron.
BLACK+DECKER offers a wide range of steam irons, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a model that fits your needs. The D3500 Advanced Temperature Iron is an ideal option if you’re looking for a versatile, user-friendly iron. It has settings that provide the perfect temperature for all ironable fabrics as well as variable steam controls to allow you to set the perfect steam level for any item. We also love the IR16X One-Step Garment Steam Iron if you prefer a model with a stainless steel soleplate. It offers both spray mist and steam-burst buttons, and its water tank is extremely easy to fill, so you don’t have to worry about spills.
Q. How should I clean the soleplate on a BLACK+DECKER steam iron?
A. Start by making sure your iron is unplugged and completely cool. Dampen a soft, non-abrasive cloth with water and mild dish detergent and gently wipe down the soleplate. Rinse it with a second cloth dampened with only water and dry it thoroughly. Never use any abrasive cleansers, sponges, or brushes to clean the soleplate because you may damage the surface.
Q. What type of water should I use in a steam iron?
A. BLACK+DECKER usually recommends using regular tap water with their irons. However, consult the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model to be certain. If you live in an area with extremely hard water, BLACK+DECKER may suggest using tap water the first time you use it and then switching to distilled water afterward. Once a month, use tap water again to make sure that it continues to steam properly.
Q. Are BLACK+DECKER steam irons protected by a warranty?
A. All BLACK+DECKER steam irons have some type of warranty protection. Most models have a two-year limited warranty, which usually covers any damage that results from defects in workmanship or materials.
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