If you’re in the market for a good iron and ironing board, take a look at the different kinds available, and the quality available as well. Discover what’s on the market, and what you will need for your sewing.
Different Iron Sizes
The size of your iron depends on the type of sewing that you do.
If you need to get into small spaces, you will need a smaller iron. If you need to get into larger spaces a larger iron is needed.
I have both small and large irons and find I use both of them the same.
The type of iron you need also depends on what kind of sewing you’ll be doing.
The type of iron you use depends on how much space you have in your sewing room.
So many factors will determine what kind of iron you buy, and many home sewers have a few different sizes and types of irons at their disposal.
Let’s discuss the different kinds of irons and what they’re used for.
By the way, Crunchy Menopause is a review site that receives compensation from ShareASale, Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, eBay, and other affiliate networks whose products I review. That means if you purchase something through one of my affiliate links, I get a little bit of money.
Dry Irons
Dry irons are classic iron. The kind your mom used growing up.
It’s not a steam iron, but rather one you can use for just about any kind of pressing. It’s a classic because it can be used for anything from crafts to dressmaking.
Some people like them best because they remind them of the good old-fashioned flat irons you would heat on top the wood stove.
There is something special about using a dry iron. I own one, and though I love my steam iron, I also love ironing with a basic dry iron. It seems to heat better and hold its heat longer.
Every sewing room should have a dry iron.
Here are a couple good one on Amazon.
New! Oster Heavyweight Classic Dry Iron GCSTBV4119 Osterizer Clothing Iron! New!
Industrial Gravity Feed Irons
These things are amazing. I used gravity feed irons in the sewing factory I worked in and there is nothing like them.
They are usually mounted on a stand and the water is forced by gravity into the iron as it irons on a board.
They are industrial strength, so what that means is you can use them in production lines. If you’re sewing a line of western wear men’s shirts, you can mass produce them with an gravity feed steam iron.
They’re great for suit jackets as well.
Check them out on Amazon.
GOLDSTAR Silver Star Gravity Feed Tailor’s Steam Iron
Gravity- Feed Steam Iron ~ Silver star ES-300
Portable Irons & Steamers
We can all use a portable steam iron. Whether we use it for travel or for small craft and sewing projects, they come in handy for almost everything.
I like to use these small steam irons for quilting, and other small crafts where I can easily get into small spaces.
Portables are also great if you belong to a sewing club and you have to travel to classes or functions.
I always love it when I can bring along a small iron that doesn’t weigh a tone, or take up a lot of room. For me it’s a bother to drag around a great big heavy unit.
Check these little ones out.
Sunbeam Hot-2-Trot 800 Watt Compact Non-Stick Soleplate Travel Iron, GCSBTR-100-000
When traveling, a steamer is great to have. It’s a bit cumbersome to take with you, but well worth taking it along.
The main purpose for steamers is dressmaking. Once you have your garment made, using a full size steamer can really save you hours of ironing.
Think of wedding gowns or bridesmaid dresses. You use an iron step by step as you sew the dresses, but once they are put together, dresses can often crinkle.
If you’ve ever tried to iron an already made grad gown after the fact, you’ll value a full size steamer. You can simple hang the dress, and steam it right on the hanger.
Amazing time saver!
Check this one out.
Quilting & Crafting Irons
When you sew a quilt, you need an iron that is smart. Great iTouch technology enables the iron to self-adjust to whatever project you are sewing.
Imagine an iron that can figure out how hot it needs to be all by itself. Imagine an iron that won’t scorch your quilts and already knows the temperature it has to be, and then adjusts itself.
That’s an amazing iron.
Smart irons are great for craft projects and quilting.
Check out these very wise irons on Amazon.
Oliso Pro TG1600 Smart Iron iTouch Technology, 1800 Watts, Yellow
Ironing Boards
What’s a sewing room without a good ironing board. And what’s a good iron without an equally good ironing board.
If you’re going to invest in a quality iron, get a board that matches.
You can get them for all sorts of prices, but remember that you get what you pay for. I’ve used ironing boards that literally fell apart.
I’ve used bad boards that wobbled and didn’t collapse very easily.
Make sure you get one that is durable, and can handle being dismantled repeatedly. Also make sure it’s built well enough so that it won’t fall apart.
Check this one out on Amazon.
Mabel Home Extra-Wide ironing Pro Board with Shoulder Wing Folding, 8 Feature, with + Extra Cover
The ultimate ironing board is one that comes complete with a gravity feed iron attached to it. They aren’t cheap, but well worth the investment.
You will be in heaven with and complete ironing system.
If you have the space in your sewing room for an ironing system like this, I’d say make the investment. If you buy a good one like this, it should last you years and years!
Check out this gem!
Laurastar Model S7a Ironing System
Space And Storage
When it comes to storing your iron, it’s imperative to store it away somewhere safe, especially if you have kids or grandkids.
I bought the one listed below, and it was literally the best little storage unit ever. The iron holder is made out of heat resistant material so your iron won’t burn it if you put it away hot.
I always end up putting my iron away when it is still warm, but I never have to worry about it melting anything with this iron holder.
It mounts on the wall.
I mounted mine inside of a closet because my sewing room is small.
Check out the greatest little iron holder ever made.
If you don’t have a lot of space, or even if you do, an ironing board holder is the way to go.
Keep everything in one spot and never lose ironing supplies. Your iron can even hang on this great storage unit, along with the iron.
Store it away inside a closet or in a hallway, and never worry about your ironing board gettin in the way again.
Check this one out on Amazon.
This ironing center on hinges is an absolute must-have.
When you’re crunched for space, you can hide a portable ironing board away no problem. It even has shelves where you can put ironing supplies.
I’ve had a built in storage system like this in an old house I lived in. It takes on the feeling of vintage because so many older homes had closets that doubled as ironing centers.
Very unique.
Check this on out on Amazon.
NuTone ICUDWHX Ironing Center with White Raised Panel Door and Hinges
Prices
You don’t have to spend a fortune on an iron and ironing board, but you do tend to get what you pay for so choose wisely.
I got both my irons second hand, and they are perfectly fine. But if you’re looking to invest in your sewing room for a business or personal use, buy something that is going to last a long time.
You can pay anywhere from $12 to over $2000 for a good iron and ironing board.
For me, when I was doing work for clients, I valued a good sewing room setup. That included quality tools and supplies.
Good sewing supplies and tools equal professionalism. And if that’s what your going for, and that’s the reputation you strive for as a professional dressmaker, then invest in a good iron and ironing board.
Conclusion
In conclusion, make sure you do your homework before considering a purchase.
I like to read Amazon reviews to find the best products. Sure, you can buy an iron and ironing board at Walmart, but the quality is not very good.
You want your investment to last, so spend some money. Buying online is a great way to get good quality irons and ironing boards without having to run around town all day trying them out.
If you spend some time and read the reviews, you’ll be sure to buy quality. And these days, it’s hard to find quality in a brick-and-mortar store.
Fabric stores just don’t sell good irons and ironing boards these days. You have to get them online if you want something valuable.
So, check out Amazon. It has some GREAT deals!