An iron is used to remove wrinkles from clothing. The devices have existed for centuries in various forms, and are now a common household appliance.
They come in various types: Dry irons require no water — they simply plug in to the power. Steam irons, on the other hand, emit a small amount of steam into the clothes to reduce wrinkling faster. Some steam irons also have a spray function, allowing the user to moisten the clothing as desired for more maneuverability. This last type is the most common in the home.
Basically, irons have been good at what they do for years already, so don’t be fooled by a barrage of sophisticated features. You can easily pick up a decent model that’ll last for year for about 50 USD.
But watch out for some handy features when you’re deciding which to buy. An auto shut-off can be a lifesaver if you forget about the iron and leave it on. Some models have a built-in water filter to stop lime scale forming inside the iron — this could save you a lot of bother if you live in a hard-water area.
Steer clear of cordless irons, which you stand on a base for a short time to warm up. They also only remain hot for a short time, so your ironing will keep getting interrupted.