The Best Irons By Karen L. Smith

For Everyday and for When You're on the Road

Best Overall

Rowenta Effective Cord Reel DX1900, $60 (shown, left)
This 1,500-watt model blew (all right, steamed) past the competition, leaving yards of smooth fabric in its wake. Taking just over a minute to heat to maximum temperature, the stainless-steel soleplate (the part of the iron that touches the fabric) eliminated wrinkles twice as quickly as other models. One reason: a feature that detects the amount of steam needed at any given temperature. The iron also offers self-cleaning and antidrip features. And it shuts off automatically after 30 seconds when horizontal, eight minutes when vertical.
To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com for store locations.

Best Travel Iron

Travel Smart, $42 (shown, right)
This is the little iron that could. Weighing in at just 1 1/2 pounds, it’s the lightest of the bunch and also the most efficient. Boasting two heating units (most other models had one) and 14 holes (concentrated in the top half of the soleplate), this 700-watt iron provides continuous steam. The temperature control is easy to read and adjust; a light on the side lets you know when the desired temperature has been reached. Another perk? The whole thing folds flat for compact storage in a travel pouch, allowing you to make room for that extra pair of kitten-heeled mules in your suitcase. Now, that’s hot!
To buy: flight001.com.