Travel irons can be the best way to keep your clothes looking sharp while out on the road. However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the product that is right for you.
To help you in your search, we’ve analysed the best travel irons on the market and assessed them against a range of important criteria including size, design and features so you can find the iron that best meets your specific needs.
Top Pick: Sunbeam Pro Steam Compact Iron
Size: 10 x 12.3 x 22.8cm
Temperature: Variable dial
Pros: Sleek design, powerful, comes with a bag
Cons: Small water tank
The Pro Steam Compact Iron (SRS2000) is the new version of the very popular Pro Steam Travel Iron (SR2300). It is sleek, lightweight and powerful making it ideal for everyday use.
One of the features we like is the foldable handle, it makes storage easy without compromising comfort and control when using the portable steam iron. The dual voltage makes this a great choice for travel and the stainless steel soleplate is non stick and built to last.
As with the older version, this one also comes with a travel bag for storage and a handy plastic measuring cup.
Most Compact: Birch Mini Travel Steam Iron
Size: 13.4 x 7.7 x 7.9cm
Temperature: Variable heat settings
Pros: Steam and dry iron, lightweight, best for small items
Cons: Not suited for ironing larger items such as suits
Looking for a cute and compact design? This is the travel steam iron for you. It can fit snuggly in your bag, ready to hit the road with you and be as travel ready as you are.
Despite its small size, this mini steam iron offers lots of features including dual voltage, variable temperature settings and steam control too. You can use this for steam and dry ironing and there is a convenient 40ml water tank built-in. The water tank is one of the smallest on our list but is big enough for ironing or steaming a couple of garments.
The rubber handle is ergonomic and comfortable to hold so despite the small size of the mini travel steam iron you are in full control. This mini iron also has a durable non-stick soleplate. Another advantage of the Bitch Mini Steam Iron is the 1-year warranty.
Most Versatile: TODO Steam Brush Travel Iron
Size: 36 x 9 x 10cm
Temperature: Variable temperature dial
Pros: Versatile, gentle on delicate material
Cons: Larger than other options
This versatile steam iron offers a solution for all fabric types. It comes with 2 brush attachments and can be used to steam iron or dry iron. The ceramic soleplate glides across the fabric.
This is slightly larger than the Birch Mini and offers excellent results. It has a 70ml water tank and comes with overheat protection built-in too. The temperature is adjustable with a handy dial control and the base stand makes it easy to use this iron anywhere.
Most User-Friendly: Russell Hobbs Steam Glide Travel Iron
Size: 21 x 11.6 x 11.2cm
Temperature: Variable dial temperature control
Pros: Plenty of steam power, robust cord
Cons: Handle is not as ergonomic as other options
If you need an affordable travel iron that can handle any and all creases, the Steam Glide is hard to beat. The 80ml water tank and steam feature mean you can iron a whole outfit with ease.
The temperature can be adjusted to suit different fabric types and the 1.5m long power cord ensures convenience. The shot of steam feature is great and is something you don’t often see on travel irons. This is a compact, quality travel steam iron with all the features you need when on the go.
Most Convenient Steamer: WiredLux Portable Clothes Steamer
Size: 19 x 8.5 x 6.5cm
Temperature: Not adjustable
Pros: Steam at any angle, leak-proof, lightweight, fast heat up time
Cons: Steaming only – no dry iron option
This portable clothes steamer from WiredLux heats up in just 25 seconds and gives you 10 minutes of use.
The upgraded design means this steamer can be used at any angle so you don’t need to have an ironing board to use it. The small size and light weight make this ideal for travelling as it won’t take up too much space and comes with its own travel bag.
The water capacity of this steamer is 100ml, one of the larger capacities of the listed models. The steamer can be used on all fabrics and comes with a fabric brush as well as a portable hanger.
Most Reliable Steamer: Philips Portable Handheld Garment Steamer
Size: 38 x 12.8 x 15 cm
Temperature: No temperature settings
Pros: Detachable water tank, continuous steam projection, excellent customer service
Cons: Expensive, doesn’t create sharp points or edges
If price is not an issue, and you would prefer a reliable brand name with the features to go with it, the Philips Handheld Garment Steamer is for you. This model provides the best performance and highest quality manufacture.
Long-lasting and hassle-free, regardless of what fabric or crease you present for it to smooth out. It also removes odours from the material with one swipe.
The 2m power cord gives a longer reach and the set comes with a brush accessory for thicker fabrics. A light indicator lets you know when the steamer is ready to use. This garment steamer can handle stubborn wrinkles anywhere in the world whether you need a suit for a business meeting or steamed clothes for dinner.
Lightweight Option: SteamFast SF-717 Mini Steam Iron
Size: 13.5 x 7 x 8cm
Temperature: Variable dial
Pros: Quick heat up, dual voltage, compact size
Cons: Cools down slower than other options
The SteamFast SF-717 mini is a compact, lightweight and high-performance mini steam iron. This is one of the smallest options on our list along with the Birch Mini Travel Steam Iron.
The small non-stick press plate makes sure you can reach all the creases and wrinkles even those awkward spots such as around pockets. This compact steam iron comes with a travel bag and has a dual voltage system for use on the go. You can use this to dry iron or use the steam function and the anti-slip handle ensures you are in full control.
Travel Iron Comparison Table
| Travel Iron | Our Verdict | Size | Wattage | Water Capacity | Steam Function? | Variable Temperature? | Warranty |
| Birch Mini Travel Steam Iron | Most Compact | 13.5 x 7.7 x 7.9cm | Not stated | 40ml | Yes | Yes | 1 year |
| TODO Steam Brush | Most Versatile | 36 x 9 x 10cm | 1000W | 70ml | Yes | Yes | 1 year |
| Russell Hobbs Steam Glide | Most User-friendly | 21.6 × 11.6 × 11.2 cm | 760W | 80ml | Yes | Yes | Not stated |
| WiredLux Portable Clothes Steamer | Most Convenient Steamer | 19 x 8 x 6.5 cm | 900W | 100ml | Yes | No | 2 year |
| Sunbeam Pro Steam | Great for Most Uses | 12 x 12.3 x 22.8cm | 1000W | 50ml | Yes | Yes | 1 year |
| Philips Portable Handheld Garment Steamer | Most Reliable Steamer | 38 x 12.8 x 15 cm | 1000W | 60ml | Yes | No | 2 year |
| Steamfast SF-717 | Lightweight Option | 13.5 x 7 x 8cm | 420W | 40ml | Yes | Yes | 2 year |
Travel Iron Buying Guide
This guide will provide you with a better idea about what features you might want to include when buying a travel iron. Use the factors listed below to help you select the best travel iron for your needs.
Brand Name
Famous brand names sometimes have an inflated price tag to go with it. Be sure to check out some of the less familiar brands which are emerging as solidly reliable travel iron manufactures.
Price
Everyone is travelling on a different budget. The reason why people on the move need a travel iron is to avoid the very expensive laundry fees charged by hotels. So, work out what price you feel comfortable with, and don’t be tempted into overspending on a more expensive model.
Reviews
Feedback from previous buyers is an essential part of making a buying decision. Look out for common problems people have with certain models.
Wattage
Performance is always linked to wattage. Even though a travel iron must be lightweight and compact, it must still offer enough watts of power to do the job it’s meant to do properly. Look for wattages higher than 1100 if you want easy ironing.
Temperatures & Settings
The more setting choices your travel iron offers, the more fabrics varieties you will be able to press. If you like to pack silks, cotton, and linen clothing, you will know these materials always need to be ironed when they come out of the suitcase. Each of these fabrics requires a different temperature setting.
Water Capacity
Steam irons need water to flatten all the creases caused by your clothes being folded up for so long. This is the most effective way of removing creases in the shortest amount of time. If you want your clothes to look effortlessly smooth and cared for, consider buying a travel iron that can steam and press.
Weight & Dimensions
There’s nothing worse than finding a must-have souvenir on your travels, and then having to leave it behind because you have no space in your luggage or you are overweight. Make sure your travel iron is compact and lightweight.
Warranty
As with any electrical appliance, you should check for warranty length, repairs, and replacement guarantees. Safeguards such as a 1-year warranty or money-back guarantee indicates the manufacturer backs the product’s reliability.
Extra Travel Iron Features
To make a travel iron stand out, manufacturers like to add a few extra features such as:
- stainless steel soleplate
- handy travel pouch
- anti-drip design
- steam control
This makes the product unique and leaves it up to you, the buyer, to decide which addition you like before deciding on which travel iron to buy.
Steam Vs. Press Iron
Will you really need a travel iron with a steam feature on the road, or just a small, electric one?
Irons are great for pressing out creases as long as you have an ironing board or other surface to press on. The more compact (smaller) the iron, the longer it will take to finish the job.
A travel iron with a steam feature allows you to steam out any wrinkles while smoothing the material at the same time with the hotplate.
Then there are the standalone garment steamers that remove creases, but can’t replicate that sharp edges look some travellers require for work situations.
You can decide which features your iron should have, before deciding which model is best.
