Best Iron for Quilting: Reviews For 2022 (Recommended!)

Quilting has been a fun hobby for centuries, but also a profitable business for many. Have you tried it?

Our mothers and grandmothers have been making quilts for a long time, for themselves and for gifts. Quilts have always been perfect gifts for birthdays, weddings and christenings forever – a nice personal touch for the people you love.

However, if you are serious about quilting, i.e. if you want to make quality quilts, you need to be attentive about every single part of it. This includes the proper kind of iron for your quilts, which is certainly an important part of the process.

In this article, we are going to learn everything important there is to know about the best iron for quilting, and know the popular brands and models there are.

If you are a quilter by profession or if you like to make quilts as a hobby, you need to know all the different types of iron you can choose from, as well as the rules of maintaining one.

Need a quick decision? C​heck our top 3 picks right now!

7 Best Iron for Quilting: Reviews For 2022

Although you can use a regular household iron on your quilts, it is always better if you have a specialized, more heavy-duty one, especially if you are working on a large piece.

Here are the seven best options available in the market for you to choose from, each with their unique features.

1. Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron with Dual Voltage Travel Bag

This beautiful iron from Steamfast heats up in less than 15 seconds, making your work easy for you. The Steamfast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron instantly removes any kind of wrinkles from your clothes, which is quite important in quilting.

If your fabric has wrinkles, you won’t be able to sew your pieces together correctly. That’s where the right kind of iron comes in handy for your quilting projects.

This iron comes with a built-in 1.4-ounce water tank which heats up under 20 seconds, forcing steam on to fabric to give them just the smoothness you need. There are three temperature options for you to choose from, depending on your fabric type. You can operate the steam control with a single touch, so that it makes your job easier.

The 7.5 feet long cord makes it easy for you to work with this steam iron; besides, the iron comes in a travel bag and a measuring cup (for measuring water), both useful with this model.

Features:

• Heats up in less than 15 seconds
• Accommodates 1.4 ounces of water
• 7.5 foot long cord
• Works on all kinds of fabric
• Three temperature options
• Anti-slip handle
• Comes with a travel bag and a measuring cup

2. BLACK+DECKER Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron

You can use the Digital Advantage Professional Steam Iron from BLACK+DECKER on every kind of fabric, including the sensitive ones like silk and wool. Your clothes will be 100% wrinkle-free with a single slide of this steam iron.

The whole iron is made from stainless steel and is extremely sturdy and well-built, something you can use for decades to come.

The settings are customizable, so that you can choose the one appropriate for your fabric. Besides, this iron comes with a small but clear-view LCD screen where you can view the “READY” label, indicating that your iron is heated up and ready for use.

It automatically shuts off when left unattended for more than 30 minutes, which means there will be no accidents and burned clothes.

Features:

• Made from stainless steel
• Has a clear-view LCD Screen
• Automatic shut-off after 30 seconds
• Customizable settings
• Works on all fabric type

3. Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron with Digital LCD Screen

This 1800-watt steam iron from Beautural comes with 9 preset temperatures and settings, as well as a 3-way auto-off. You can iron all types of fabric with this iron, including silk, nylon, wool, jeans, cotton and linen.

The iron shuts off automatically when inactive for a few seconds, thanks to the Automatic Safety Turn-off feature that can save your clothes from burning and your hands from scorching.

The Beautural 1800-watt Steam Iron has a small but clear LCD screen that allows you to see the type of fabric you are using, the setting you are on, and other important information.

The bottom layer is coated with double ceramic coating that glides over any fabric effortlessly and removes tough wrinkles with a single glide. The iron is extremely  durable and will last many years, especially because of the anti-calcium deposit in the iron, and it’s self-cleaning features.

This iron can take care of itself well, with no additional maintenance needed from you.

Features:

• Small LCD display for useful information
• Double ceramic-coated bottom
• Self-cleaning features
• Automatic shut-off after inactivity
• Comes with a measuring cup and instructions
• Works on all fabric types
• Anti-calcium deposit on bottom
• Long-lasting
• 9 preset modes of temperature and fabric type
• Removes wrinkles with a single glide

4. CHI (13101) Steam Iron With Titanium Infused Ceramic Soleplate

This CHI steam Iron is compact and lightweight, and great for travelling with. It has been manufactured with the same ceramic soleplates that are found in curling irons and other styling tools, infused with titanium.

It has more than 300 steam holes on the bottom, perfect for delivering a stream of steam on your fabric, removing every kind of wrinkles from your clothes. A single glide is all you need to get rid of any kind of crease and wrinkles.

There are multiple fabric settings on this iron, so that you can choose the one you need. This iron works on all kinds of fabrics, including linen, silk and wool, and you can choose the one you are using. The handle has an anti-grip covering which minimizes the chance of slipping and accidents, which is always a plus point.

Features:

• Works on all fabric types
• Has more than 300 steam holes on the bottom
• Removes wrinkles and creases in a single glide
• Scratch resistant
• Anti-grip handle covering
• Titanium-infused ceramic bottom

5. Rowenta DA1560 Travel-Ready 1000-Watt Compact Steam Iron

You’re going to love this 1000-watt steam iron with a stainless-steel soleplate on the bottom! It comes with adjustable temperature features and a consistent stream of steam, simply with the push of a burst-of-steam button.

A 2-ounce water tank on the top stores the water that makes the steam, and remove any wrinkles from your clothes.

The iron is small and lightweight; the handle folds down so that you can easily carry it in your bag or luggage. Besides, the Rowenta DA1560 comes with a travel pouch to make it easier for you. It measures only 8⅗ x 3½ x 4  and is quite handy to keep around.

Features:

• 1000-watt steam
• Stainless-steel soleplate
• 2-ounce transparent water tank
• Removes wrinkles with one gilde
• Measurement: 8⅗ x 3½ x 4 in
• Foldable handle
• Lightweight and travel friendly
• Adjustable temperature control
• One-button steam disposal

6.  Oliso TG1050 Smart Iron with iTouch Technology, 1600 Watts, Blue

One of the most unique features of the Oliso TG1050 is that it is absolutely accident- and burn-prone, thanks to the iTouch Technology.

The moment your hand leaves the handle of the iron, the temperature starts to lower, and there is no chance of getting your clothes burnt or getting your fingers scorched. The extra-thick bottom of the iron also helps to secure your clothes.

This 1600-watt steam iron automatically shuts off after 8 minutes of inactivity when standing up or 30 seconds of inactivity when horizontal. This means that your clothes won’t get burnt even if you leave your iron running on your clothes, or forget to switch it off.

There are three steam levels to choose from: high, medium and low, as well as three steam settings to determine the release: horizontal burst, vertical burst and continuous. You can choose your settings and steam level according to the fabric you are using for the moment.

Features:

• 1600-watt steam iron
• Three settings: horizontal, vertical and continuous burst
• Three steam release levels: high, medium and low
• Works on all fabric type
• Automatic shut off after 8 minutes of inactivity standing up
• Automatic shut off after 30 seconds of inactivity lying down
• Extra-thick stainless steel plate on the bottom
• For everyday pressing and heavy-duty pressing

7. Oliso TG1100 Smart Iron with iTouch Technology 1800 Watts

This is another steam iron from Oliso that is both stylish and efficient. The Oliso TG1100 runs on 1800-watts and gives you a smooth ironing every time.

All you need is a single glide over your wrinkled clothes and they will be smooth and as good as new. It shuts off automatically after 10 minutes of standby while standing, or after 30 seconds of inactivity if knocked over.

The Oliso TG1100 heats up in seconds, and doesn’t take more than one glide for removing creases and wrinkles with the first glide. You get three steam settings in this iron: horizontal burst, vertical burst and continuous mode; you also get three steam levels to adjust your fabric type: low, medium and high.

Features:

• 1800-watt motor
• Three steam release levels: high, medium and low
• Three settings: horizontal, vertical and continuous burst
• Automatic shut off after 10 minutes of inactivity standing up
• Automatic shut off after 30 seconds of inactivity when knocked down
• Works on all fabric types and colors
• Heats up in seconds
• One Pass pressing

Buying a Quilting Iron: Important Features to Consider

Most household irons will be perfect for using on a quilt, but a more powerful one can give your quilt pieces the perfect smoothness that you need.

There’s no limit to all the different types, brands and models of iron that you can buy in the market, but they need to have a few important features.

Cord Length

A long cord doesn’t sound very important when you are buying an iron, but it can be quite practical.

If your steam iron doesn’t have a long cord, you’ll always have to place your ironing board or ironing table right next to your power source; but with a long cord, you can set up your table anywhere in the room, far from the power source.

It helps more if your iron has a retractable cord line. This way, you’ll have a long cord but it won’t be a bother when you are not using your iron. You can just retract the cord back into the iron when you don’t need to use your iron, and the long cord will be away from your sight.

Weight and Size 

You’ll need to hold and lift your steam iron when you are using it, so it needs to be something you are comfortable. If you are going to use your steam iron a lot, it should be lightweight and small. The smaller the iron, the more comfortable and convenient it will be to use.

Also, a small and lightweight steam iron means that you can carry it around with you. A travel-friendly steam iron can go with you whenever you need it.

Steam Generating Features 

All steam irons will generate steam to be released on your fabric from the bottom, making it easier to remove wrinkles and creases. While some irons have a single point of steam disposal, other irons have multiple.

With some irons, you can even choose between levels of steam spray and the direction. If an iron has a powerful steam generating feature, you can even use it to in your drapes and curtains.

Water Tank Capacity 

If your iron has a large water tank, it means that you won’t have to refill it frequently. You can finish working on your entire quilt with just your steam iron water tank filled only once. Most steam irons come with around 1.5-ounce water tanks, but there are some irons which might have more than 5-ounce water tanks.

Automatic Shut-Off Feature 

This is one of the most important features that you can find in any iron, but only found in the most advanced, exclusive and expensive ones. With this feature, your iron will automatically shut down and stop heating if you leave it unattended for more than a few minutes.

This considerably lowers the chances of your clothes getting burnt if you forget to turn off your iron and leave it on your clothes.

With some specific iron models, it automatically shuts off within seconds when you leave it lying down on your clothes, or it gets knocked down by accident on your table.

Heating Up Time 

The longer your iron takes to heat up, the more you have to wait. Modern steam irons take less than 10 to 15 seconds to completely heat up, which is a big help if you are in a hurry.

SolePlate 

The soleplate of your steam iron should always be smooth and made from stainless steel. It should be non-stick so that your clothes don’t get ruined or torn, especially when you are using your steam iron on delicate fabric.

These are the important features that should always be present in your steam iron, especially if you are working on quilting. These features will certainly make your work and your life

Maintenance Tips for a Quilting Iron

Maintaining a quilting iron, to a great extent, refers to cleaning it properly. You need to regularly and meticulously clean your quilting iron every now and then, preferably at least once a week.

Here are the ways that you can maintain your quilting iron, so that you can use yours for years to come.

Keep your Iron Unplugged 

Your iron should always be kept unplugged when not in use. You need to store your quilting iron in the shade, in a cool place that doesn’t get direct sunlight. It should be unplugged the moment you are done ironing and kept that way, until you need to use the quilting iron again.

Clean after every use 

If possible, give your iron bottom a good rub every time you use it. This will get rid of all the steam and water at the bottom of your iron, and keep the soleplate clean and dry.

The water reservoir tank should ideally be emptied after each use, or you could clean it at least twice a week. If your iron has a large water tank, you can use the same water a few days, but afterwards, it needs to be emptied, washed with clean water, and then refilled.

Use distilled water 

It is always better to use distilled water in your water tank instead of tap water. Distilled water doesn’t have any existence of heavy metal in it, which means you will be able to extend the life of your iron.

You can buy distilled water in gallons from your local grocery marts, but also make it at home. If you live in a good environment, you can also use rainwater in your water tank.

Use the right amount of water 

Your iron’s water tank will always have a labeled line inside the water tank that you shouldn’t cross. Even if your water tank has a 2-ounce capacity, the labeled line may ask you not to extend a 1.6-ounce limit.

It is very important that you don’t exceed this limit when you fill water in this water tank.

Keep your water tank clean 

When cleaning your iron soleplate and body, it is also necessary to clean the water tank. The water tank needs to be cleaned with hot water and special care should be taken that there’s no dirt or dust deposit in it. If there’s dirt or dust in your water tank, it will come out with the steam and spoil your clothes.

Another way to clean your water tank is with white vinegar. This is especially helpful if there’s hard water buildup in your water tank. Filling it up vinegar and turning on your iron for around 5 minutes will do the trick; the vinegar will dissolve as steam and your water tank reservoir will be cleaned.

You’ll need to clean it with some cool water and wipe it down afterwards before using.

Keep your soleplate clean 

Your soleplate should always be kept clean, because that’s exactly how your clothes can get ruined. If there is any kind of dirt, stain or dust buildup on your soulplate, it will transfer to your clothes and sometimes become permanent.

For this reason, it is important that you clean your soleplate often and diligently, especially with a piece of clean cloth dampened with white vinegar.

Clean the steam ports 

The steam ports can get clogged sometimes and this will stop the steam from coming out properly. These ports can only be cleaned with a thin piece of wire or needle, simply by poking into the holes.

After you’ve poked at all the ports, give the whole thing a wipe with a clean, wet cloth.

Keep the iron standing pp 

Your iron needs to always be standing up when you are not using it. After you are done ironing, you have to disconnect the iron from the power source and keep it standing upright. You can only place the iron horizontally when it has completely cooled down.

Best Quilting Irons: Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a few queries about your quilting iron, about its uses or maintainance, you can get them here. These are some of the most common questions about the best iron for quilting available in the market.

1. What is the difference between a regular household iron and an iron for quilting? 

A regular household iron is mainly used to remove creases and wrinkles from your clothes after washing them, but a quilting iron can do more than that. The irons used for quilts are usually steam irons, which makes it easier to press two pieces of clothes together, a process that is very important for quilts.

You can use a regular iron for ironing your quilt pieces before you sew them together, simply to remove the creases and wrinkles on them. However, you will need a quilting iron for after when you’ve sewn the pieces together, to press them into each other with steam.

Besides, these irons are also extremely lightweight and easy to handle, and you can use them for a long time without your hands getting tired.

2. Can I use these irons on every kind of fabric?  

A. Most models from reputed brands can be used on all fabric types, which include linen, cotton, wool, silk, nylon and polyester. Although quilts are usually made with cotton fabric pieces, you can also use these quilting irons on batting and backing fabrics, i.e. the fabric used in the middle and back of quilts.

If your quilting iron doesn’t support all fabric type, you can always place your fabric of choice under a cotton sheet and iron over it.

The instruction guide or manual that comes with your iron will definitely have a list of all the names of fabric it is compatible with. Keep this instruction guide handy at all times.

3. Do I need an ironing table for these irons? 

A. An ironing table can be helpful, but not always necessary. If you have a large work table for your quilting needs, you can use it for your ironing, too.

In fact, ironing tables are usually thin and long, and not really appropriate for your large quilts. Your work table or dining table can serve the purpose better. An iron with a long cord can be helpful here if the power source is not close.

If the material on your worktable isn’t compatible with your iron (i.e. velvet, plastic, etc.), you can always place a cotton bed sheet on it and then place the quilt on the bed sheet.

4. How long can I use an iron for quilting? 

A. You can use a quilting iron for over 20 to 30 minutes at a stretch, but it is better to give it some rest in between. Simply remove the  iron from the power source a few times while ironing, and give it some time to cool down. It is better than you don’t use your iron for a long time at a stretch without stopping for a break.

5. Can I travel with my quilting iron? 

A. Quilting irons are usually extremely lightweight and portable. In some models, you can even fold the handle down to make it look more flat.

You can easily travel with your quilting iron, or carry it in your bag. If you plan to travel with your quilting iron frequently, it is better to look for a model that is especially lightweight and small.

Conclusion 

Every professional or amateur quilting enthusiast knows the importance of the best iron for quilting in their work. You need a good iron both for straightening and ironing your quilt pieces before joining them together, but also after you’ve finished the whole thing.

A regular household iron isn’t equipped to do all the high-quality work needed for a quilt; you need a powerful steam engine for the job.

The right quilting iron can make a world of difference to your finished product. Whether you are a professional quilting expert with a business to run or just a hobbyist, you need the help of a good iron for your quilting needs.

Last update on 2022-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Disclaimer