We updated this article in Deceber 2022 to ensure the information reflected current prices, features and more. Our top picks, based on testing notes from the Good Housekeeping Institute, remain the same, except for the addition of Polder.
Ironing can be a tedious job — even lugging the ironing board out of the closet can feel like a chore in and of itself. But a good ironing board can make all the difference when it comes to your clothes. The ideal ironing surface provides a smooth place to lay clothing flat for the best crease-free results. It should stay stable without wobbling and shouldn't feel like a workout to set up and put away.
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we do a lot of ironing, especially when we test steam irons and garment steamers. All of this ironing means we are constantly evaluating ironing boards in our Lab as well. In fact, we even do an "iron tip-over test" where we measure how much force it takes to knock an iron over when it's resting upright on the end of an ironing board. Most irons break when the board gets bumped and they fall to the floor, so this is a way for us to check both the stability of the board and the durability of the iron. Below are our top picks, a mix of ironing boards we've tested ourselves, editor favorites and ones that are highly rated and reviewed online.
Our top picks:
1
Best Overall Ironing Board
Ironing Board B with Steam Iron Rest
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2
Best Value Ironing Board
Polder Classic Ironing Board
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3
Best Tabletop Ironing Board
Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board With Iron Rest
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4
(Video) Best Professional Ironing Board In 2021 | Top 7 Professional Ironing Boards For Your Laundry RoomBest Wall-Mounted Ironing Board
Iron-A-Way Built-In Ironing Center
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At the bottom of this guide, you can read more about how we test ironing boards in our Lab, what to look for when shopping for ironing boards and find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ironing. For more laundry room essentials, check out our guides to the best laundry detergents, washing machines and how to do laundry.
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1
Best Overall Ironing Board
Ironing Board B with Steam Iron Rest
1
Best Overall Ironing Board
Ironing Board B with Steam Iron Rest
Pros
Cotton cover stays in place
Adjustable height
Cons
This is a favorite in the Cleaning Lab because it has just about everything you could want in an ironing board. It’s loaded with convenient features like a solid metal iron rest that can hold regular or steam irons, adjustable height, slip-resistant feet on widespread legs and a wide ironing area that makes the task at hand easy. The top cotton cover stays taut and since it’s replaceable, you can pick a cover design you like from the variety the brand offers. There is also a built-in child safety lock to prevent it from collapsing while in use.
Weight | 14.3 lbs |
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Size | 49" x 15" |
2
Best Value Ironing Board
Polder Classic Ironing Board
2
Best Value Ironing Board
Polder Classic Ironing Board
Pros
Non-skid legs
Adjustable height
Cons
- Doesn't have an iron rest
The Polder Classic Ironing Board is a standout budget pick that one reviewer calls “the one.” While we haven’t yet tested this ironing board in our Lab, it has some of the most important features our experts look for including a large ironing surface, a mesh steel board underneath a thick foam pad and adjustable non-skid legs. It does lack some extras like a proper iron rest or basket underneath for freshly folded garments, but it is a solid ironing board option at an affordable price.
Weight | 12.2 lbs |
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Size | 51" x 15" |
3
Best Tabletop Ironing Board
Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board With Iron Rest
3
Best Tabletop Ironing Board
Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board With Iron Rest
Pros
Retractable iron rest
Can be stored over the door
Cons
- Smaller ironing area
If you need a small, lightweight ironing board, this one from Home Essentials is a great choice. Our Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab Director, Carolyn Forté, especially likes this one since it sits higher off the table which means your clothes will wrinkle less. It also has a retractable iron rest to keep your iron handy while working. And when you’re done ironing, it comes with a hook so the board can be stored over a door. It's perfect for touch-up ironing or when you're in a hurry and don't have time to fuss with pulling out a full-size board.
Weight | 5.3 lbs |
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Size | 36.5" x 12" |
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4
Best Wall-Mounted Ironing Board
Iron-A-Way Built-In Ironing Center
4
Best Wall-Mounted Ironing Board
Iron-A-Way Built-In Ironing Center
This all-in-one ironing center was installed in our Cleaning Lab years ago as a space saver and we've found it is a great way to keep your ironing board out of sight and your laundry area in order. The cabinet — which is mounted onto or recessed into the wall — holds an ironing board that folds down and pivots. There's also a built-in 60-minute timer, a light and an electrical outlet. It also has enough room to store your iron and the door has a rod to hang clothes up after ironing. “It's so sleek and out of the way!” says Forté.
Weight | 75 lbs |
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Size | 61" x 15" (46" ironing board) |
How we test ironing boards
In recent years, the Cleaning Lab experts have logged hundreds of hours ironing fabric swatches for steam iron testing, cotton shirts for evaluating the wrinkle-preventing performance of clothes washers and dryers, and even the Good Housekeeping Institute Lab coats we wear, so we know a great ironing board when we see one.
When we test ironing boards, we assess how easy they are to open, close and set up. We also evaluate how smoothly they operate, if they are stable or wobbly, and the weight and bulkiness of the board while carrying it. We look at how much ironing surface they provide, the amount of padding, and how well the cover handles steam and moisture. Helpful add-ons like iron rests, sleeve boards, cord holders and clothes shelves are also taken into account.
What to look for when shopping for the best ironing board
Here are just a few things to consider when shopping for the best ironing board.
✔️ Material: Steam irons get very hot, so you want to be sure that your ironing board is not made from a material that can be easily damaged by heat. Plastic iron rests are big no-no; instead, opt for options with metal iron rests that can withstand high temperatures. Same goes for the board itself: While the top cover is usually made of sturdy cotton, underneath this cover there should be a thick padding layer and then a final metal frame underneath that.
✔️ Size: There are a couple of different size considerations to make when shopping for an ironing board. You not only want to make sure that you have the space in your home to use and store an ironing board, but also that the ironing surface is big enough to iron clothing on comfortably. Most standard ironing boards have an ironing surface that is about 15 inches wide and at least 49 inches long. Ironing boards with retractable or removable iron rests, tabletop options and even ironing blankets are great options for homes with limited free space. Wall mounted ironing boards, like our pick from Iron-a-Way, are also a great, out of the way option that won't take up any precious floor or closet space.
✔️ Extra Features: Some ironing boards have extra features that aren't absolutely necessary, but are nice to have, like a shelf underneath the board to hold your to-be-ironed or freshly ironed clothing, adjustable iron rests that can be adjusted for left and right handed users, extra stability locks on the board's legs and height adjusters. The more customizable an ironing board is, the more likely it will be able to work for you and your ironing needs.
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Does a good ironing board make a difference?
It absolutely does! The weight of a steam iron along with the heat and steam that it produces is what irons out the wrinkles and creases from clothing. But try to press your clothing with the best steam iron on a soft, curved or poorly ventilated surface and you'll be disappointed with the results. Your steam iron needs the flat and firm support of the ironing board to really do its job.
How often should you change your ironing board cover?
How often you change your ironing board cover depends on how often you use your ironing board. A board that is used more often, will require more frequent changes to the cover. According to Brabantia, an ironing board that is used once a week will need to be changed after three years.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jodhaira Rodriguez has been testing consumer products for GH as the Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab Analyst since 2021. She most recently helped test dozens of laundry detergents, stain fighters and other specialty laundry products for consideration in our upcoming 2022 Cleaning & Organizing Awards.
Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, she has tested products and written reviews across dozens of categories, including cleaning, textiles and kitchen appliances.
FAQs
Is Brabantia ironing board worth it? ›
This Brabantia ironing board is our top pick for the best ironing board because it's durable, quiet, and easy to store. Crafted from metal, it's a super sturdy board that doesn't wobble and has a 10-year warranty that shows the company stands behind its product.
Are expensive ironing boards worth it? ›Not only are high-quality ironing boards safer and built better than cheap ones, they also make ironing easier. Quality ironing boards offer a larger and better surface area to work with, which makes ironing large items a breeze.
How do I choose a good ironing board? ›You'll want to start with a sturdy board so it doesn't tip or collapse. It should have a metal top with adequate ventilation for the steam to escape, and it should be lightweight and adjustable so you can select the ironing height that is most comfortable.
Does quality of ironing board matter? ›Does a good ironing board make a difference? It absolutely does! The weight of a steam iron along with the heat and steam that it produces is what irons out the wrinkles and creases from clothing.
What are the three types of ironing board? ›There are three types of ironing boards: a freestanding model, a compact table board, and a wall built-in ironing board.
Is Brabantia made in China? ›Brabantia can be found all over the world. We have offices and production facilities from Austria to the US, and from China to Finland. But our roots are in the Netherlands, in the province of Brabant to be precise. That is where in 1919 great-grandfather Van Elderen produced his first milk cans and jugs.
Is Brabantia German? ›Brabantia is a privately owned Dutch company which manufactures items for residential use such as waste bins, laundry racks, food storage containers and other products.
What is the red ball on a Brabantia ironing board for? ›Type D ironing boards have a special red rubber ball as locking mechanism to prevent unwanted folding. A Brabantia ironing board is made to make ironing easier.
How much should I pay for a good iron? ›A hot, steamy iron with a good soleplate can work wonders on rumpled garments. Many new irons are easier to use and release enough steam to smooth dry cotton and linen. Irons cost anywhere from $15 to $150 and our tests show that price doesn't always indicate performance—several top pick irons are around $50.
How long does an ironing board last? ›In addition, a house with two partners and three children has a different ironing frequency than a cohabiting couple or a single person. On average, we iron about once a week. This means your ironing board cover needs to be replaced after 3 years.
What iron do seamstresses use? ›
Although you can use a dry iron, a steam iron is considered the best for sewing. I've listed the best mini steam irons for sewing that I regularly use for my projects. There's also something called a mini dry/steam iron. It is much smaller than a regular iron and is suitable for crafts, quilting, sewing, and patchwork.
Is a wide ironing board better? ›If you've got room, go for a full-size board that's at least 4ft long and 12in to 18in wide. The wider, the better as this means you can spend more time ironing and less time repositioning garments.
Are all ironing boards the same? ›The standard ironing board length or “regular” length is 15 x 54 inches. While these dimensions are an industry standard, it should be noted that the height of the ironing board is more variable. Many ironing boards are adjustable, and most can sit somewhere between 25 and 40 inches in height.
What is the best material for iron plate? ›Stainless Steel – Has a high shine and offers longevity. With their sleek metal ironing plates, our stainless steel irons glide easily over clothes for fast, effective ironing. The durable stainless steel plate is scratch-resistant and heats up quickly.
What is the best surface to iron on? ›A firm, flat surface is key to successful ironing. You can use a wooden or tile floor, a table, a kitchen or bathroom counter. A carpeted floor or bed can work well if you are not looking for sharp creases—for those you need a firmer surface.
Where are Bartnelli ironing boards made? ›Bartnelli Ironing Board Made in Europe | Iron Board with 4 Layered Cover & Pad, Height Adjustable up to 36" Features A Safety Iron Rest, 4 Steel Legs, for Home Laundry Room or Dorm Use (43x14)
Are steamers better than irons? ›Clothes steamers have a number of benefits over the steam iron. They are easier to use, faster, more effective, more convenient, preserve the life of the fabric, and are kinder to the environment.
What does it mean to call a girl an ironing board? ›(idiomatic, colloquial) A flat-chested woman.
What is the difference between tabletop and standing ironing board? ›The only difference between the foldable tabletop ironing board and floor standing ironing board is that the former has shorter legs. The foldable and short legs make this type of ironing board easy to use and portable. One can comfortably use it while sitting down.
What is a suction ironing board? ›Vacuum & Blowing Boards
A vacuum board is a professional ironing table that has a heated pressing surface and a motor. Stepping on the pedal activates the motor, which creates vacuum on the pressing surface to remove moisture from the garment.
Is Brabantia stainless steel? ›
The Brabantia Amsterdam cookware set is made from durable high grade stainless steel with stainless steel handles that stay cool for longer. Useful capacity markings, and featuring oven-safe tempered glass lids.
Do Brabantia bins rust? ›Try the Brabantia Pedal Bin NewIcon 12 litre. Thanks to its metal inner bucket, this multi-functional bin is fireproof, rust-free and durable.
Is Brabantia cookware safe? ›Brabantia's Stainless Steel range of cookware is a perfect addition to your kitchen. Their pots and pans come in a range of sizes and their frying pans have a water-based ceramic coating, free of toxic substances and environmentally friendly to produce.
What is Brabantia perfect flow? ›The PerfectFlow ironing board cover allows the steam to remove creases better and with help from the heat of the iron it keeps them away. The cover looks normal, but inside there are three smart layers that make steam ironing seriously easy.
How long is the Brabantia guarantee? ›We guarantee quality.
All Brabantia products have been developed, produced and tested based on a high quality standard. Depending on the type of product, you are entitled to a 2, 3, 5 or 10-year warranty.
For bright lacquered steel items, all you need is a damp cloth and universal cleaning liquid. Be careful not to use a caustic or abrasive agent. For matt stainless steel, use a micro-fibre cloth and liquid glass cleaner. A drop of olive oil on a dry cloth also removes marks and is great for minimising fingerprints.
What is the guarantee on Brabantia bins? ›We guarantee quality.
All Brabantia products have been developed, produced and tested based on a high quality standard. Depending on the type of product, you are entitled to a 2, 3, 5 or 10-year warranty.
Hygienic - both cover and underlay are hand washable.
What height should an ironing board be? ›The standard height for an ironing board is 38” (965.20mm) above the floor. For your ironing board to be at that height first measure from the floor 75 1/2” (1.92 meters) and mark the wall.
What type of iron soleplate is best? ›The steam iron with the enamel coated soleplate glides very easily over the fabrics – this is the soleplate which has the best gliding properties of all irons available on the market. This in turn makes the ironing faster.
Are Rowenta irons still made in Germany? ›
The Rowenta brand is born in 1909 in Germany, and continues to produce in Erbach (Germany) steam irons. The German engineers constantly creating and improving with their expertise and their attention to details to make each and every models meet our higher expectations.
How many watts should a good iron be? ›An iron will use 800 to 2000 watts, with an average iron using 1100 watts when heated on high. Click calculate to find the energy consumption of a clothes iron using 1100 Watts for 15 minutes a day @ $0.10 per kWh. Power Use (Watts): Enter the average power consumption of the device in watts.
How long should Rowenta iron last? ›Water leaking, steam buttons breaking, and irons that stop heating up are common problems, even with some irons we've recommended. The Steamforce is built to last in a way that most other irons aren't. Two years is the longest most of our other irons have lasted because of reliability issues.
What can I do with old ironing boards? ›- Upcycle as a bookshelf. ...
- Make a Christmas tree. ...
- Create a laundry center. ...
- Make a thread organizer. ...
- Make a chalkboard sign. ...
- Reuse as a pegboard. ...
- Make a display holder. ...
- Make shelves.
Turn the Iron to Low Heat and Scrub With Dryer Sheets
This is as simple as it gets: Rub the soleplate with dryer sheets while the iron is on its lowest setting. As soon as a dryer sheet gets too hot, toss it and reach for another. Repeat until the iron is clean.
- Make sure your iron is clean.
- Check the care label to ensure your clothing is iron safe.
- Iron items which need the lowest setting first.
- Always smooth out wrinkles so you don't iron them in place.
- Don't forget to iron both sides.
All people like to wear ironed clothes without wrinkles. There are steam irons for clothes and also traditional irons, but both are used to remove wrinkles from clothes.
What iron is used on Fons and Porter? ›The Oliso® Pro™ TG1600 Smart Iron features our award-winning iTouch® technology that activates the iron with the touch of your hand.
Which iron box is best heavy or light? ›If you have some fabric that is tough to iron, you need the right heavy weight iron to straighten out all its wrinkles. As the name suggests, a heavy weight iron is heavier than regular irons and easily smoothens out your curtains, cotton sarees and other fabrics.
Are heavier clothes irons better? ›The increased weight makes the heavy iron ideally suited for thicker materials, such as certain forms of cotton, on which a dry iron may not be as effective. The heavy iron also boosts a ceramic soleplate as opposed to the stainless steel and aluminum ones of the dry irons.
Why does my ironing board cover turn brown? ›
Spilt water will not only cause the cotton to deteriorate, but metals and other particles in the water will cause your cover to discolour. In the same way, a leaky iron will cause premature wear and tear on your Sewroo ironing board cover. Brown marks are typically a symptom of this.
Are rubber or metal plates better? ›Bumper plates are quieter and less likely to damage your floor than iron plates. Without a protective coating, iron plates can rust if repeatedly exposed to moisture or high humidity. This is not an issue with bumper plates thanks to their protective rubber coating. Bumper plates are generally thicker than iron plates.
Are metal plates better than rubber? ›Their width and density. The third difference between iron and rubber plates is that iron plates tend to be denser and thinner on the bar, and thus tend to be preferred by powerlifters who are moving massive weights.
What iron does not leak? ›Best overall clothing iron: Maytag M400 Steam Iron
As with most of the irons tested, this Maytag model features a self-cleaning setting with an anti-calcium system to keep its steam vents wide open and working well and doesn't leak.
USHA 1602 Electric Dry Iron with Non Stick PTFE coated Sole Plate and cool touch body 1000 W Dry Iron (Purple, White) Give a crisp and wrinkle-free look to your clothes after every wash by pressing them using this Usha dry iron.
Who is the best extreme ironing? ›Piccoli and the Y-40
The most recent achievement in extreme ironing took place on June 16, 2008, around Montegrotto Terme in Italy. Freediver Roland Piccoli decided to perform ironing 138 ft underwater at the Hotel Teme Millepini's Y-40 pool (the world's deepest pool).
The standard ironing board length or “regular” length is 15 x 54 inches. While these dimensions are an industry standard, it should be noted that the height of the ironing board is more variable. Many ironing boards are adjustable, and most can sit somewhere between 25 and 40 inches in height.
Is stainless steel or non stick better? ›Stainless steel pans and surfaces are the best for browning ingredients-and since they're usually uncoated, unlike nonstick varieties, they are more durable and resistant to slip-ups in the kitchen.
Which is better dry or steam iron? ›A steam iron usually has a higher rate of power consumption as compared to an iron box. Because it needs to heat up water and produce steam, it uses more power and has a higher wattage. A normal dry iron on the other hand consumes less power and generally comes in 1000W of power, which is enough to iron the clothes.
Where is extreme ironing most popular? ›Some locations where such performances have taken place include a mountainside of a difficult climb; a forest; in a canoe; while skiing or snowboarding; on top of large bronze statues; in the middle of a street; underwater; in the middle of the M1 motorway; in a keirin cycle race; while parachuting; and under the ice ...
Is extreme ironing still a thing? ›
And in 2003, Phil Shaw even published the book Extreme Ironing. Unfortunately, the championships peaked after the first competition. But even now, in 2022, there are still people involved in this weird and wonderful world with an active community engaging in the Extreme Ironing Official Facebook Page.
What is the purpose of extreme ironing? ›It is a sport that started around twelve years ago in the United Kingdom. The objective is to pick an activity such as mountain climbing, however, there is no limit. For example, some people chose to do it while skydiving, or attached to a taxi, even underwater! The level of extremeness is up to you.
What is a good surface to iron on? ›A firm, flat surface is key to successful ironing. You can use a wooden or tile floor, a table, a kitchen or bathroom counter. A carpeted floor or bed can work well if you are not looking for sharp creases—for those you need a firmer surface.