Advice on the purchase of a new iron

When I had my first baby 60 years ago, my Doctor (one of those who made housecalls - do you remember them?) called "as he was passing" and found me ironing and complaining of a back ache.
He said "never iron, become an expert folder" and I've followed his advice ever since.
It didn't cure my back ache though.

My DD..told me it gives my age away ironing!

welbeck

What's an iron?

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I recently replaced my old Philips Azur with a newer version of the same thing because the handle/balance is good for my hand. I went to Currys and handled about 30
I don't iron enough to buy a super-duper one.

The new one was about £50 but is not the top of the range I think.

I’m after another iron, too, as the one I have at the moment doesn’t seem to get as hot as my previous Philips one did. Plus it leaks water all over the place if I use the steam function so I rarely do now because of this, which annoys me as I like a steam function. It’s a rowenta, so will never have that make again. (It wasn’t cheap, either). I did like the Philips azure that I had before the rowenta, so may look for another, but open to ideas.

ExDancer

When I had my first baby 60 years ago, my Doctor (one of those who made housecalls - do you remember them?) called "as he was passing" and found me ironing and complaining of a back ache.
He said "never iron, become an expert folder" and I've followed his advice ever since.
It didn't cure my back ache though.

Because I have bad circulation for the last 40 years I have sat while ironing. No problems.

I’m also what’s an iron…. But we do have one with a separate water tank…. Hubby uses it occasionally if he has to wear a shirt! I did however buy a hand held steamer for a silky blouse that I keep taking in the campervan and always creases.

A steam generator iron for me every time, even though I detest ironing!

I like ironing, but my back doesn't! However, I actually need an iron because I also enjoy patchwork and making my own clothes, so pressing seams isn't an option. Two Christmases ago, DD gave me a Cricut iron which is very small, and does most of what I need relatively cheaply

I had a big one with a tank years ago but if you need something balanced in your hand you need to actually hold one I think.

My ironing board is fabulous though as it adjusts easily height wise and is self-standing and has wheels for trundling away.

I think I've been happier about ironing altogether since I had my lovely 😍 ironing board!

It was so lovely I asked for a new sleeve board a few years ago for my birthday 🤣

Try a hand held steamer instead

I can't remember the last time I did any ironing. My husband on the other hand still uses real handkerchieves and irons them all!
The only thing I'd say about buying one is that it needs a long lead and should turn itself off if you forget to do it.

Crease release from Lenor.
Hang an item up, spray, done.
It's about £3 from Tesco!

Ooh how the world moves on! You might pick up some pointers from this... www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/household-appliances/best-steam-iron-b2088972.html

Don't do ironing now since retirement, wonderful!

shoppinggirl

A steam generator iron for me every time, even though I detest ironing!

Oh definitely it does ironing in minutes. Mine is a Tefal Pro Express I have had it quite a number of years now, but it is still like new. My ironing board (extra large) and the Iron is always up so I can iron as I go, much nicer than ironing and then hang away. I iron all my bedclothes and my own clothes as necessary but no longer iron my underwear nor socks. Used to iron everything when the family lived at home. It is very therapeutic to iron. (mindfulness)

I enjoy ironing - it's a good time for thinking if there's something on my mind. If not, radio or catching up on podcasts occupy the brain while the hands are busy.
I've had many irons, the elaborate and expensive kind as well as the cheap and cheerful. When the last expensive one went nuclear (after I accidentally dropped it on a tiled floor) I dashed off to Sainsbury's and bought the best iron I've ever had. It's their own brand, a corded steam iron, very lightweight and cost, I think, £12.99
I love it and am determined that it will not ever come into forceful contact with the floor!

I don't mind ironing at all, in fact I find it quite therapeutic. My iron is an Ansio steam iron, very light and with a nice long cord

I wish I could remember the make of my parent's iron but it was a good one which lasted for years. I find the more modern ones too light and don't get the wrinkles out, no matter how much steam and heat I use (without burning the items).

I also have a Phillips Azur and find it excellent- feel really silly as I iron everything apart from socks!

Visgir1

My DD..told me it gives my age away ironing!

How does that figure if, like me you were ironing at 11 years old because your mother was useless at it.
Wonderful cook but hopeless at ironing 🙂

I’m not sure where my iron is.

I found my cordless one seemed to take ages to heat up and then lost heat very quickly when in use. I eventually went back to a corded one.

I have a Russell Hobbs, optional steam, lightweight, corded. Next time I might consider a cordless.
I use it about once a month. I prefer my pillow cases to be really smooth and most cotton/ mix tops look better for being ironed- maybe need it because I do not have a tumble dryer?