Best Iron for Quilting 2024 – Top Picks and Reviews

Have you ever thought about how your blankets or bed sheets are made? Well, you should think about it, because some commonplace objects in your house could be handmade quilts and they need to be ironed carefully. There are many quilters spending time and care on their craft because making a quilt is not a simple process, it requires techniques and meticulousness to stitch the pieced patchwork, the batting layer, and the backing fabric together. If you are a quilter or you are using some quilting products, you definitely agree that a high-quality iron is a must-have item to keep these handmade products in good condition.

There are plenty of brands and models, thus you should identify what features to look for when choosing the best iron for quilting. Steam power, heat settings, soleplates, durability & safety, and even weight are some key features we recommend you to consider before buying an iron. Through product analysis, 6 best irons for quilting have been shortlisted and reviewed in detail to help you have an easier decision-making experience.

Features to Consider Before Buying an Iron for Quilting

Household irons can be used for almost every cloth but for something thick like quilt pieces, it is advisable to have a powerful iron to offer your items the best smoothness.

The wide range of iron modes in the market with various different functions, types, and brands may make your shopping experience more confusing and stressful. However, you still can make a good decision if you know a few important features which the best irons for quilting should have.

Types

Irons exist in a vast array of types in the market. The two main types are old traditional style iron and modern style with the steam spraying out. The result is quite the same between the two types

However, as a purchaser of iron for quilting, you should be informed that the steam iron is more effective. The cloth is dampened by sprays of water and becomes softer so that any stubborn crease on it will be easily removed.

Power

The power of an iron is of the utmost importance to many customers when buying one. A powerful iron manages heat well to run smoothly and effectively. Watts is used to measure the iron power. The higher the watt is, the faster an iron reaches its highest temperature. The temperature of a higher-watt iron is also hotter than a lower watt. For example, when a 2000 Watt iron can reach its highest temperature in 1 minute, it takes a 1000 Watt iron nearly double the time to get the highest. Besides, more heat is generated by an iron with a higher watt.

Adjustable Heat Controls

As different types of fabrics can stand different levels of heat, customers must be aware of their clothes material to avoid burning them.

Fortunately, temperature control settings are featured in almost every iron. For some old models of iron, you twist the knob to adjust the temperature manually while today modern irons allow you to automatically increase or lower the heat with computerized temperature controls. Either way, customers need to choose the material so that the heat level is modified to fit each type. You still can set a specific temperature yourself if you want.

Therefore, include this feature in your list of things to consider before buying an iron for your ultimate convenience.

Weight and Size

Weight and size are also significant factors of a good iron. This is something that you have to hold and lift it a lot while using so it had better be lightweight and comfortable to use. If you use your iron a lot or have to travel much, you will need a small and lightweight steam iron. Sometimes, you don’t need a big iron but a travel-friendly steam iron will be more helpful and convenient for daily activities.

Water Tank Capacity

An iron with a large water tank surely an edge over a small water tank iron in terms of the frequency of refilling. For the former, you save quite a lot of time as you may just go filling the water tank once to finish ironing your quilt. A common water tank of a steam iron has around 1.5-ounce capacity but some might have more than 5-ounce capacity.

SolePlate

The material to make your steam iron soleplate should be stainless steel. A smooth and non-stick soleplate will save your clothes from being ruined or torn. This even has more significance when your clothes have delicate fabric.

Auto Shut-Off Feature

This auto shut-off feature attracts a lot of purchasers, especially those who have a memory like a sieve. Leave your steam iron unused in the vertical position, then the device will automatically shut off after a couple of minutes. With the horizontal position, the time to shut off is just a few minutes.

Safety

Using electronic devices is convenient but it can be dangerous too if safety isn’t guaranteed. The reasons for leakage, uncontrollable temperature, and the worst, fire outbursts all come down to the poor construction and low-standard safety of an iron. You should be extra careful when using steam irons to avoid getting burns from leakage of hot steams and prevent your clothes from being damaged by an unexpected rise in temperature or fire. That is to say, you not only buy a powerful iron but also you need to buy a safe one to use.

Above are those important features that your steam iron should have to help you iron your clothes, particularly your quilt better. Bear it in mind and choose the best item in your opinion to make ironing less a struggle for you.

Here are 6 irons for quilting that we have selected from hundreds of irons on the market. Take a close look at the features of each product and make your decisions.

Top 6 Best Irons for Quilting Reviews

PRODUCTS	MODEL	FEATURES	CHECK PRICE
	Rowenta DW7180 Everlast 1750-Watt	Power: 1750 W Tank capacity: 10 oz Weight: 4 lbs	Check Price
	Oliso Pro TG1600 Smart Iron iTouch Technology	Power: 1800 W Tank capacity: 12.7 oz Weight: 5 lbs	Check Price
	Rowenta DW9280 Digital Display Steam Iron	Power: 1800 W Tank capacity: 10.8 oz Weight: 3.85 lbs	Check Price
	CHI Steam Iron for Clothes with Titanium Infused Ceramic Soleplate	Power: 1700 W Tank capacity: 10 oz Weight: 2.9 lbs	Check Price
	BLACK+DECKER Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron	Power: 1500 W Tank capacity: 8 oz Weight: 3 lbs	Check Price
	Rowenta DG8520 Perfect Steam 1800-Watt Eco Energy Steam Iron	Power: 1800 W Tank capacity: 47 oz Weight: 12.2 lbs	Check Price

Below are detailed reviews of these irons for quilting

Check Price and Rating at Amazon

Specifications:

• Microsteam holes: 400 holes
• Power: 1750 W
• Tank capacity: 10 oz
• Burst of steam: 180g/min
• Self clean: Yes
• Auto Steam, Auto-off: Yes
• Warranty: 1 year
• Weight: 4 pounds

This German-quality iron is an option for mid-end irons under 100$ and it can glide easily over the fabric. The 4-pound weight also makes this product not overbearingly heavy among this list.

Thanks to 1750 Watts of power, the Rowenta DW7180 Everlast produces a powerful shot for quick wrinkle removal from difficult textiles. Steam burst which is up to 180g/min and stainless-steel soleplate with 400 microsteam holes distributed reasonably create smooth, easy gliding across different garments, even hard-to-reach areas. Plus, if you are a quilter and your use is often at random intervals, you may fall in love with the auto on/off feature. It makes the experience of the Rowenta DW7180 Everlast safer for your electricity and garments.

The Rowenta DW7180 has its name “Everlast” from the Anti-calc collector – a Rowenta’s patented technology that prevents limescale from building up in your iron. This exclusive feature maintains high level of steam performance over time.

Besides all the good points mentioned above, the Rowenta DW7180 Everlast might have a common problem that some steam irons can suffer – leaking water from the bottom in the long term. And it is only one year warranty so if you don’t mind about the assurance for years for your iron, this Rowenta DW7180 Everlast is suitable for you.

Check Price and Rating at Amazon

Specifications:

• Power: 1800 W
• Tank capacity: 12.7 oz
• Burst of steam: 100g/min
• Technology: iTouch, Tripleplay xtremesteam
• Auto-shut off : Yes
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year

If you are a sewer/ quilter, the Oliso Pro TG1600 Smart Iron might be the high-tech model that you’re looking for. It’s not too light, and the 12-feet long cord is also a plus. The beautiful design and many automatic technologies will soon make you find it worth the price.

The Oliso Pro TG1600 Smart Iron shares some strong points with the Rowenta DW7180 Everlast in terms of quilting. The power of 1800W provides a burst of powerful water and fast heating up while the stainless steel soleplate with specially designed steam distribution is perfect for quilting.

What about safety? Well, this product will definitely win the prize. It by far has one of the best auto shut-off and auto-lift features on the market. iTouch Technology helps the iron automatically stand up off the fabric when you have stopped ironing. The 30-minute auto shut-off period reduces the risk of burning your garments, scorching, and tipping.

If you iron frequently or you are a dedicated crafter, you should try out the Oliso Pro TG1600 Smart Iron iTouch Technology.

Check Price and Rating at Amazon

Specifications:

• Power: 1800 W
• Microsteam holes: 400 holes
• Tank capacity: 10.8 oz
• Burst of steam: 220g/min
• Auto shuts off, Self Clean : Yes
• Steam Force technology: 30% more steam
• Weight: 3.85 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year

Here is another under 100-buck Rowenta model in this list for you. The Rowenta DW9280, which is a 1800W iron, can heat up as fast as other higher-Watt irons and maintain that heat well. The LED light next to the handle of the iron is an auto sensor that will display the temperature level setting to let you know whenever the iron reaches the required temperature. What a convenient and easy-to-use feature!

What makes Rowenta DW9280 different is the steam force pump technology holding 30% more steam than irons without pump. It gives you easy pressing across thick fabrics such as curtains or furniture and removes the worst wrinkles. Steam burst which is 220g/min also takes part in producing high steam output. These features make the Rowenta DW9280 Digital Display one of the best irons for quilting.

The Rowenta DW9280 Digital Display is a good iron but it could be better with another tank’s color. When the water tank is full, the dark blue color can make it difficult to see the water level clearly.

Check Price and Rating at Amazon

Specifications:

• Power: 1700 W
• Microsteam holes: Over 300 holes
• Tank capacity: 10 oz
• Cord: 10ft
• Auto shuts off: Yes
• Steam Force technology: 30% more steam
• Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Warranty: 2 Year

If you find the irons mentioned above still heavy and overpriced, we recommend you check out this CHI Steam Iron with Titanium Infused Ceramic Soleplate and also the one from Black+Decker below.

Although this model is an affordable and lightweight option, it brings about a premium look with matte chrome material, modern design and titanium-infused ceramic soleplate which is super durable and anti-scratch.

There is a control button on the handle which allows you to adjust the level of steam high or low upon your need. The button also includes Fabric Guide function which automatically sets the temperature according to the fabric type that you selected and you don’t have to adjust the temperature level to find the most suitable one. This precise control along with strong steam performance and smooth gliding make CHI Steam Iron into the list of best irons for quilting.

Check Price and Rating at Amazon

Specifications:

• Power: 1500 W
• Tank capacity: 8 oz
• Cord: 8ft
• Auto shuts off, Auto Clean: Yes
• Display: LCD screen
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Warranty: 2 Year

The Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron from BLACK+DECKER is one of the cheapest and most lightweight among this list. Despite the featherweight comparing to the other irons that make this model more compact, it is heavy enough to press on fabric easily to get wrinkles steamed out.

The BLACK+DECKER Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron also includes digital control that lets you customize fabric settings, steam level, and temperature. The LCD screen will display “Ready” once the iron reaches the temp and steam selected to let you know that it is ready to use. You will find ironing process more fun and lower-damage with strong steam, Stainless Steel Soleplate, and auto shut-off feature.

This iron still has a common problem with many steam irons – leaking. Some users’ feedbacks pointed out that the BLACK+DECKER Digital Advantage does leak water after a long time of usage.

Check Price and Rating at Amazon

Specifications:

• Power: 1800 W
• Tank capacity: 47 oz
• Microsteam holes: 400 holes
• Burst of steam: 80g/min
• Cord: 6.2 ft
• Auto shuts off: Yes
• Weight: 12.2 pounds
• Warranty: 1 Year

Rowenta seems to produce a wide range of good-quality mid to high-end irons on the market. This DG8520 Eco Energy Steam Iron model will capture any quilting lover’s heart with environmentally green features and strong performance.

The water tank capacity which is up to 47oz provides strong steam burst continuously for 1.5 hours. This large tank may make the whole iron look extremely big but it is removable and transparent, therefore you can easily adjust the water when ironing various types of thick garments or quilting without water adding time after time. Moreover, the exceptional 5 bars of pressure is an advantage when facing hard-to-remove wrinkles.

The Eco Setting minimizes the use of energy and water up to 20% while providing powerful steam and fast heating like other non-eco ones.

All the professional and smart functions of this model do have a price. If you are looking for the best iron for quilting or not a quilter but find yourself ironing a large amount of garments often, you will satisfy with this recommendation. The 12.21-pound weight makes it inconvenient when picking the iron up, but it also helps you pressing easily when gliding over the fabrics’ surface.

Iron for Quilting – FAQ

Q: Can we get the water tank out of the iron?

A: It depends on the models of iron. Some irons allow the detachment but some not.

Q: Can steam iron be used without water?

A: Yes, it can be. Steam iron turns into dry iron by your disabling the steam function and keeping the water tank empty.

Sometimes, you have to use this function because steam ironing is not suitable for some types of clothing.

Q: When should steam be used?

A: Before using a steam iron, to gain more confidence and know-how, you are advised to read the manufacture’s information well. After that, pour water into your iron and make few first attempts on a pillowcase or tea towel. By doing so, you will get to know the working mechanism of a steam iron and the feeling of holding one in your hands. You also should try out both the spray function and water/steam shot feature as all kinds of garments are easier to iron when they are slightly damp. Dampening the cloth before ironing to get a better and faster result. It is highly recommended if you are working with non-delicate garments or household items too.

Q: How do I stop my iron from leaking?

A: The reason for any leakage is the lack of hotness required in the soleplate to convert the water into steam.

You need to fill up enough water in the water tank and wait until the soleplate reaches the sufficient heat to avoid water spitting out.

Q: Do irons have a self-clean feature?

A: This feature is available on some irons but the self-clean feature is not as effective as using an iron cleaning solution.

Q: How do I clean an iron?

A: So as not to void the warranty, clean your iron the same way as directed in the manufacturer’s instruction manual that came with your iron.

Conclusion

After going through the reviews, we want to remind you that these are the best irons for quilting with a couple of minor drawbacks. Depending on your needs and budget, you should consider the design, the feature, etc. to make sure your money is well spent.

If you are a dedicated quilter or really care about superior experience, do not hesitate to take a look at the Oliso Pro TG1600 Smart Iron iTouch Technology and Rowenta DG8520 Eco Energy Steam Iron. If you just want a product that can do its job accurately taking care of some handmade quilt in your house at a reasonable price, you can check out other options.