Although dry irons are not a popular choice compared to steam irons, you are probably here because the former is more suited for your needs.
While conducting our research, we learnt that some people prefer dry irons for all kinds of reasons.
Reasons for Choosing a Dry Iron
Firstly, there is the age factor: A section of the elderly generation prefer dry irons because they are accustomed to using them since childhood. Since time comes with skill and experience, they do not find the need to transition to the relatively new steam irons.
Gift idea: There are young people that have identified dry irons as an excellent gift idea for their parents and grandparents.
You should also consider this option if you have people in your family and friends circle that get wrinkles out of clothes with nothing short of a dry iron.
Some people find ironing therapeutic: Since dry irons are much slower compared to steam irons, the best bet for enjoying an ironing session is using a dry iron. It allows you to take time with every part of your garment especially when dealing with heavy-duty fabrics.
Dry irons are less messy: In as much as steam irons are quick and efficient, they can mess clothes with rusty water and chalky mineral deposits.
When a steam iron is left uncleaned for a long time, the water tank accumulates rust that is later released with steam to clothes during ironing.
The holes in the soleplate also accumulate mineral deposits from water thereby creating the potential to release dirt on clothes during ironing.
Dry irons do not get damaged easily: In most cases, clothes irons develop issues because of the steam function. Accordingly, its absence in dry irons is an upper hand with respect to durability.
Ease of use: A dry is easy to use because it has very few functions. Mostly, all that is need is learning how to control the temperature for different fabrics.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Dry Iron
There are many factors to consider when buying a dry iron. Most of these rely on features because they help you understand the things to expect from your appliance.
In this regard, we have provided a detailed analysis of features to look for in a dry iron in our dry iron verses steam iron article.
In regard to our product selection criteria, we have looked at the following.
Best Overall: The category goes to the product that stands out the most compared to the rest. The intention is not to prove that the product is perfect. However, on a comparative scale, its features provide the best value for a dry iron.
Best budget iron: Price is always a factor to consider when making a purchase decision. In this category, we provide the best budget-friendly dry iron that is also feature-rich and capable of meeting your ironing needs to satisfaction.
Best dual function: A dual function iron provides both dry and steam iron functions. The main advantage of this design is that it allows you to use the dry settings anytime but you can also switch to the steam function mode if need be.
Best cordless option: There is no doubt that a cord is a great feature because it allows you to use your iron continuously. It also allows your iron box to maintain a constant state of heat. Nonetheless, sometimes it can act as a hindrance to movement.
If your end goal is to own an iron box that will offer more flexibility in terms of movement, we have got you covered.
Best Dry Irons
Panasonic Automatic Iron (Best Overall)
Key Features
Soleplate: Non-stick fluorine coated soleplate
Wattage: 700W
Weight: 0.8 kg or 1.94 pounds
Temperature control: Ranges from 80 to slightly above 200 °C.
Corded vs cordless: Features a normal cord
After trying, testing and reading widely about the views of other users, we love this product because of its competitive features. Not only does it allow you to enjoy ironing, but also you do so on a wide range of garments.
Ideally, the design is modern and lightweight. This is important for your arm. You will not get tired after ironing a shirt or two. The temperature control settings adjust from low to medium and high settings for different kinds of fabrics.
The design features a cord that allows you to maneuver around your garments without pausing after every few minutes. Lastly, the soleplate heats up quickly and it is easy to clean.
On the downside, you might not like the fact that all the controls are written in Japanese. All the same, we encourage you not to dismiss it yet. In this age of internet, you can just type a symbol and get the translation to the language you understand.
Another limitation is that you have to use a step-down power convertor because the product is originally from Japan.
WASING Classic (Best Budget Iron)
Key Features
Soleplate: Stainless steel soleplate
Wattage: 1000W
Weight: 1.5 kg or 3.3 pounds
Temperature control: Ranges from 75 to 220 °C.
Cord vs cordless: Features a swivel cord
Since we care about your pocket, we made it a point to digger deeper into the options with the most appealing price tags. WASING Classic stood out in this category because other than price, it has a wide range of top-notch features.
To start with, you will love the stainless steel soleplate. In general, this is the soleplate material we like the most. Besides offering perfect glide, it is the easiest to clean and maintain.
In terms of weight, it is twice as heavy compared to the Panasonic Automatic iron. For some, weight is a disadvantage. On the other hand, there are those that find it easier to smoothen out wrinkles and creases with heavier irons.
WASIN Classic features a swivel cord. Ideally, this is the kind of a cord that allows you to move the iron box with more ease and convenience. You will definitely find the experience enjoyable especially when ironing large garments.
Lastly, with respect to temperature control, this iron box not only allows easy adjustment but also features a lamp that acts as an indicator for temperature hold depending on dialed fabric settings.
Our main issue with this iron box is weight. In addition, a good number of users complained about longevity issues.
