How to Choose an Ironing Board and Iron

Author: Greg Baka

Choosing the right ironing board and clothes iron can make ironing faster, easier, and more comfortable. There are several types of ironing boards, from traditional folding models to compact boards designed for small spaces. Clothes irons also come with different features and price ranges. This guide explains the available options and helps you decide which equipment will best suit your needs.

Choosing the Right Type of Ironing Board

Having a flat, solid surface on which to iron clothes has always been a must-have. Centuries ago, a long piece of smooth, flat wood placed between two chairs did the trick - and it was called an Ironing Board. From that idea evolved the many different types of ironing boards that exist today. With a little research, you can find the type that will best fit your needs.

Portable Ironing Boards

Definitely the most popular type since it can be moved anywhere and adjusted to different heights. This allows any sized person to iron, while sitting or standing. These ironing boards are wide and long so everything from California king-sized bed sheets to United States Army pants to a small child's Halloween costume can be pressed on it. It is lightweight to allow for easy portability, and then easily folded up and stowed away. You need to make certain that the legs are firmly planted on a solid surface to prevent any mishaps when using this type of an ironing board. Set it up near your clothes airer so you can iron items as you remove them from the rack.

Sleeve Ironing Boards

By contrast to the popular portable kind, a sleeve ironing board is very small and compact. It sits on top of a table, sewing machine cabinet, or even a regular ironing board. It gets its name because its narrow surface is especially useful for ironing shirt sleeves without creating unwanted creases. It also works well for pant legs, small appliques, and doll dresses. A sleeve board is a helpful accessory for detailed ironing, but it is too small to replace a regular ironing board for most household tasks.

Built-In Ironing Boards

Built-in ironing boards are often found in older houses, where they were installed inside wall cabinets in kitchens, laundry rooms, or other convenient locations. They are also available for new homes and remodeling projects. The board folds into its cabinet when not in use, saving floor space and eliminating the need to carry a separate ironing board around the house. The main disadvantage is that the board cannot be moved to another room, so choosing a convenient location is especially important.

Over-the-Door Ironing Boards

Over-the-door ironing boards are useful for small apartments, dorm rooms, and other places where floor space is limited. They usually hang from brackets over the top of a door and fold down when needed. When ironing is finished, the board folds back against the door for storage. Check the door's thickness and the board's mounting requirements before buying one. Extra care is needed because some models are less stable than traditional ironing boards. And you certainly don't want someone barging through the other side of the door while you're ironing!

Choosing the Right Clothes Iron

Basic Clothes Irons

Basic clothes irons are generally the least expensive models and have fewer features than more advanced irons. A simple dry iron provides adjustable heat but does not produce steam, so you may need a separate spray bottle to help remove stubborn wrinkles. Other inexpensive models include basic steam functions. These irons are usually straightforward to operate, although they may offer fewer temperature settings or convenience features. If you only iron a pair of pants once every blue moon, a basic iron may be all you need.

Mid-Range Steam Irons

Mid-range steam irons are a practical choice for most households. They generally include a water reservoir, adjustable temperature settings, and steam controls to help remove wrinkles from different fabrics. Many models also have a nonstick or scratch-resistant soleplate, a comfortable handle, and an automatic shutoff feature that turns off the heating element if the iron is left unattended. These irons offer a useful combination of performance, convenience, and affordability without the higher cost of professional models.

Deluxe and Professional Irons

These clothes irons are designed for people who do a lot of ironing, such as tailors, quilters, and serious sewing enthusiasts. They may offer more powerful steam output, precise temperature controls, larger water reservoirs, and durable soleplates made from stainless steel, ceramic, or other materials. Some include self-cleaning or anti-scale features to help reduce mineral buildup. However, you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the type of water to use. Many deluxe irons also include automatic shutoff and other safety features. These models can be expensive, but their added capabilities may be worthwhile for frequent ironing.

History of Clothes Ironing

People have been hand washing clothes for thousands of years, but ironing is a bit more recent practice. Early ironing tools included heated metal pans, smooth stones, and metal containers filled with hot coals. Later, heavy metal flatirons were heated on stoves before being pressed against clothing. The chore became much easier with the development of the electric iron in the late 1800s. In 1882, Henry W. Seeley patented an early electric flatiron in the United States. The appliance gets its name from the metal traditionally used to make it — iron.

Nowadays, clothes irons come with a wide assortment of features, safety improvements, and price ranges. Consider how often you iron, which fabrics you work with, and which features would be most useful before making a purchase. For more advice, see our ironing tips to make the chore faster and easier.

Disclaimer: You are responsible for any suggestions you choose to follow, or not follow. This advice is offered for consideration with no guarantee of safety or effectiveness. Use this information at your own risk.

Article modified 11/11/2026

The author of this article, Greg Baka, is the founder of BestDryingRack.com and the writer of many useful articles.

He is also an experienced engineer and home remodeling DIY'er. He has tackled everything from underground drainage to metal roofing, and all things in between. Using his engineering degree, he designed a variety of products for laundry, gardening, and construction.