Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

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We revised this guide with current information and updated picks in May 2023.


Crafters, sewers and quilters likely all have a story of perfectly pressed fabric ruined by a pesky iron cord or unfortunate tangling incident.

Traditional corded steam irons offer unlimited ironing time and steady heating but are limited in movement by their long cords. Cordless irons offer more freedom of movement, doing away with the pesky cord in favor of a corded charging base — though this often leads to shorter run times. The cordless irons we recommend are packed with many of the same features as our best-tested steam irons, plus some unique features, too.

Our top picks:

  • Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

    Best Overall Cordless Iron

    Panasonic 360º Freestyle Cordless Iron

  • Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

    Best Value Cordless Iron

    SteamFast SF-760 Portable Cordless Steam Iron

  • Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

    Best Cordless Iron for Quilting

    Panasonic Cordless Iron NI-QL1000A

  • Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

    Best Vertical Steaming Cordless Iron

    Sunbeam Versa Glide Corded/Cordless Steam Iron

  • Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

    Most Versatile Cordless Iron

    BLACK+DECKER Light ‘N Go Cordless Iron

The Good Housekeeping Institute tests irons for how much steam they produce, how heavy they are, the temperatures reached by the soleplate at various settings and how well they remove wrinkles from nylon, silk, wool, cotton and linen fabric swatches that we’ve balled up and wrinkled overnight. We also check safety features, like automatic shut-off and tip-over resistance. Finally, we assess how comfortable the iron is to hold, how easy it is to fill and how easy the buttons and dials are to press and adjust. These cordless models come from the same companies as many of the corded models in our previous tests.

Below our reviews, you'll find more information about how we test, how cordless steam irons work and more. For more garment care products, check out our guide to the best garment steamers and the ironing boards we recommend for the crispest, smoothest clothes.


Best Overall Cordless Iron

Panasonic 360º Freestyle Cordless Iron

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

Best Overall Cordless Iron

Panasonic 360º Freestyle Cordless Iron

Credit: Panasonic

Pros

  • Removable water tank for easy filling
  • Double-tipped soleplate
  • Deep button grooves around soleplate

Power1500 WAuto Shut-offAfter 10 minutes without movementNotable FeaturesCurved soleplate, vertical steam, adjustable steam, spray mist, steam burst, anti-calcification system

This is one of the most unique irons we've ever seen. With a pointed tip at each end of the soleplate and no cord to get in the way, you can iron in any direction. Its design means the entire soleplate is usable, not just the tip or center. You’ll not only get your ironing done faster, but you’ll never have the flat end scrunching and wrinkling up what you’ve just pressed. De-wrinkling large items, like tablecloths and draperies, is particularly easy and speedy with this iron.

The holes around its entire perimeter allow it to emit steam from any direction. It has a removable water tank for easy filling at the sink. Steam, spray and temperature controls are all located on the handle for convenient one-finger reach. If you get called away, the base automatically shuts off if no movement is sensed after 10 minutes, so there’s no fear of inadvertently leaving it on. We love the deep button groove that runs around the entire soleplate so whenever you come across a button, rivet or snap you can quickly zip around it.


Best Value Cordless Iron

SteamFast SF-760 Portable Cordless Steam Iron

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

Best Value Cordless Iron

SteamFast SF-760 Portable Cordless Steam Iron

Credit: Steamfast

Pros

  • Reheats in 7 seconds
  • Two year warranty
  • Very lightweight

Cons

  • Soleplate is a bit small

Power1200 WAuto Shut-offAfter 8 minutes without movementNotable FeaturesBurst and continuous steam, spray mist, vertical steam

SteamFast’s cordless iron has features that rival other more expensive cordless irons, including a 7-second reheat time and steam that can be dispensed as a burst or a continuous stream. We haven’t tested this cordless iron yet, but we have tested other garment steamers from the brand and trust their performance. The iron is covered by the brand with a two-year warranty and online reviewers love its lightweight size. Take note that the soleplate on this model is a bit smaller than our other picks, so getting through large projects will take more time. Other notable features include a water mister, 6-ounce water tank capacity and 8-minute auto shut-off for safety.


Best Cordless Iron for Quilting

Panasonic Cordless Iron NI-QL1000A

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

Best Cordless Iron for Quilting

Panasonic Cordless Iron NI-QL1000A

Credit: Panasonic

Pros

  • 30-minute auto shut-off
  • Retractable cord on base
  • Double-tipped soleplate

Power1500 WAuto Shut-offAfter 30 minutes without movementNotable FeaturesDouble tipped soleplate, vertical steam, anti-calcification system, detachable water tank, retractable cord, spray mist, adjustable steam

This is an updated version of the 360-degree Freestyle model we’ve chosen as our best overall pick. But this newer model from Panasonic is packed with helpful features for the most avid quilters. One complaint we often hear from crafters online is that most irons' auto shut-off functions kick in too quickly, making for longer wait times between crafting steps. This model’s auto shut-off gives you 30 minutes before the iron shuts off, which is plenty of time to get the next piece of fabric ready. Tipped soleplates make getting into tight corners easier, and this cordless iron has a double-sided soleplate so you can smooth out collars, pleats and more in both directions. A detachable water tank makes refilling during big quilting projects more efficient; leave the iron on the base to heat up while you refill the tank at the sink. The base is a bit bulkier than the other models on this list, but the heat-resistant carrying case makes it convenient to carry to and from quilting group events and the retractable cord allows for easier storage.


Best Vertical Steaming Cordless Iron

Sunbeam Versa Glide Corded/Cordless Steam Iron

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

Best Vertical Steaming Cordless Iron

Sunbeam Versa Glide Corded/Cordless Steam Iron

Credit: Sunbeam

Pros

  • Up to 40 seconds of continuous heat
  • Can be used corded or cordless
  • Strong vertical steam

Cons

  • Dripped after extended use in our testing

Power1500 WAuto Shut-offAfter 30 minutes without movementNotable FeaturesCan be used corded or cordless, spray mist, anti-calcification, adjustable steam levels, vertical steam

Sunbeam’s Versa Glide is a two-in-one steam iron that can be used as a cordless or corded model. Keep the charging base attached for unlimited ironing time or use it cordless to avoid getting wrapped up in the 10-foot-long cord. We had no trouble using it in either configuration when we tested it and found it was noticeably lighter than other irons, even with the base attached. When used in cordless mode, it stays hot for up to 40 seconds before it needs to be re-charged on the base, one of the longest-lasting we’ve seen. We especially like this model for steaming curtains as its vertical steam function is very strong. In our ease of use evaluations, we found the controls intuitive and easy to use too, though it did drip a bit while ironing after extended use.


Most Versatile Cordless Iron

BLACK+DECKER Light ‘N Go Cordless Iron

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

Most Versatile Cordless Iron

BLACK+DECKER Light ‘N Go Cordless Iron

Credit: BLACK+DECKER

Pros

  • 7 useful fabric settings
  • Ceramic nonstick soleplate glides easily across fabrics
  • Drip-free operation

Cons

  • No steam burst function

Power1500 WAuto shut-offAfter 8 minutes without movementNotable FeaturesVertical steam, spray mist, light and sound notification when reheating needed, self-cleaning to prevent scale build-up

The Black + Decker Light ‘N Go Cordless Iron has a few notable features that make it stand out from other cordless irons on the market. It has seven fabric settings, which is more we found on many other models we’ve tested. A transparent water tank made it easier to fill the unit with the proper amount of water. Some cordless irons give users no notice when it’s time to return the iron back to the base to recharge, but this model from Black + Decker has light and sound indications that make it easy to know when to place it back onto the base and when it’s ready to go. In our Lab tests, we found this model to be lightweight, and its ceramic non-stick soleplate allowed the iron to glide smoothly, rarely snagging the edges of our test fabric swatches. We were pleasantly surprised that there was no dripping, but we wish it had a steam burst function for stubborn wrinkles and heavier fabrics.


How we test cordless irons

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

The last time we performed a full category test of steam irons, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab dedicated about 150 hours to testing all kinds. We’ve tested over 40 steam irons, garment steamers and steam ironing stations and continue to evaluate new models as they are released by brands we have long been familiar with like Conair, Rowenta and Reliable, and from newcomers like Nori.

Steam irons are evaluated across 14 tests including how well they remove wrinkles from six different hand-wrinkled fabrics, the amount of steam they produce and the amount of force needed to knock over the iron from all four sides, just to name a few. Our ratings for post-ironing smoothness are part of the standard guidelines used in textile industry testing methods. To ensure that the models we recommend are easy to use, we also note how much each model weighs, how easy it is to change the iron’s settings and how easy the water tank is to fill. Models that are tested as part of our annual Cleaning and Organizing Awards are also sent home to our panel of consumer testers who provide valuable feedback about their own experience using the products at home.


What to look for when shopping for the best cordless iron

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

Most key features of the best cordless irons are the same as those we look for in corded irons. An auto shut-off safety feature is a must, as are at least three different temperature settings to cover a wide array of fabrics. Read on for some other things to look out for below.

✔️Ironing needs: Most irons allow you to adjust their temperature for the type of fabric you are planning to iron, but you should prioritize features designed for the fabrics you iron most often. For heavy fabrics, make sure your iron has steam burst and spray features. Vertical steam is helpful for de-wrinkling things like curtains and bed skirts without removing them from your windows or beds.

✔️Size and weight: An iron that's lightweight will make the chore not only easier but safer, too, allowing you to easily move and lift the iron. Keep in mind that while a larger water tank will allow you to iron more items in one session, it will also add more weight. Irons with small soleplates are ideal for reaching tight areas like shirt collars or small crafting projects that require more precise heat application. Large soleplates cover more area in a single pass making completing big projects a much quicker task.

✔️Steam power: Steam is a must for removing stubborn wrinkles and creases, and it makes ironing any garment faster and easier. In our Lab testing, we’ve found that the best steam output comes from irons with 1,700 to 1,800 watts of power.

✔️Reheat time: Cordless irons have to be placed on the charging base often to heat the soleplate back up to the desired temperature. Most models are heated to the right temperature in just a few seconds, then need to be returned to the base after 20 twenty to 45 seconds of use. Look for models that take the least amount of time to return to their original temperature. Some need just under 10 seconds while others require up to 45 seconds of recharge time.


How does a cordless iron work?

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

Firstly, cordless irons are not totally cordless. Instead of a cord connecting directly to the iron, the iron sits on a plug-in charging base. The base heats the iron to the proper temperature you've selected for your fabric and can then be removed for a cordless ironing experience. Cordless irons keep their temperature for about 30 seconds at a time before they need to be placed back on their base to charge up again.


Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Review bluestone flat iron panasonic philp

Jodhaira Rodriguez has been researching, testing and writing about cleaning appliances and products in the Home Care and Cleaning Lab for the last year and a half. She has tested several garment steamers and steam irons, plus will be testing several more in the coming months for our 2023 Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards.

Reviews Analyst

From 2021 to 2023, Jodhaira (she/her) was a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tested and wrote about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens.

What is the best rated steam iron 2023?

Hands down, our best overall pick is the Beautural 1800-Watt Steam Iron with Digital LCD Screen. It's ideal for beginners and professional ironers alike. We gave this steam iron a perfect rating for its heat-up time because it was ready to use in just 10 seconds—the fastest of the 30 we tested.

Which soleplate is best for ironing?

Stainless steel soleplate Irons with stainless steel soleplates are durable, corrosion free and scratch resistant. They help make ironing easy and effortless.

Is Panasonic cordless steam iron good?

Great Cordless Iron I have had a month to use my iron and I really like it. No cord to deal with and it stays hot as long as I remember to set it on the base. Even if I forget and set it on the ironing table occasionally while rearranging my clothing it remains hot.

Which company iron press is best?

Black + Decker Steam Iron Press. Team ProductLine. ... .

Philips EasySpeed Plus Steam Iron GC2147/30. Team ProductLine. ... .

Philips EasySpeed Plus Steam Iron GC2145. ... .

Morphy Richards Super Glide Steam Iron. ... .

Philips GC1920/28 Non-Stick Soleplate Steam Iron. ... .

Philips GC1905 1440-Watt Steam Iron. ... .

HAVELLS Flare 1250 W Steam Iron..