Each week, you find yourself taking a load of clothes to have them steam pressed. It takes time and costs money. The idea of standing over an ironing board for hours trying to remove wrinkles with a hand iron may be even less appealing.
A solution could be a steam press. Let’s take a closer look at what a steam press is and what it can offer you. We can review these five steam presses to see if one of them may be right for you:
Steam Presses | Image | More Information |
---|---|---|
Steamfast Digital Steamer SF-680 | ||
Speedy Press Oversized Iron Press | ||
Sienna Expresso | ||
Steamfast SF-623BK | ||
Singer ESP-2 Magic Steamer |
What Is The Difference Between An Iron And A Press?
Most of us are familiar with the traditional iron. They are a metal (or ceramic) triangular surface that is heated and then pressed on clothing to remove creases.
Almost all irons today have a water reservoir that allows the user to inject steam into the clothing while ironing. Steam helps to get wrinkles out faster than traditional “dry” ironing.
A steam press is larger than a hand-held iron, making it easier and faster to remove wrinkles in fabrics. These features are ideal for a household where family laundry can pile up quickly!
The water reservoir on a press will likely be larger, which means it will need refilling less often. The larger surfaces on a press can help to eliminate the problem of clothing moving around while you press.
The bottom and the top of a press are the same sizes, allowing the fabrics to lay flat on the press while pressure and steam are applied evenly across the entire garment. This feature allows you to press larger items like pants or shirts more easily and quickly.
A steam press comes with multiple settings that can give you more options that will better match the material being pressed. While a press is heavier and larger than a hand iron, they are often more compact in design when the addition of an ironing board is considered.
What Should A Steam Press Not Be Used For?
A steam press will work well on most fabrics like cotton, polyesters, silks, or wools.
There are some materials that you will need to take precautions with, or even avoid all-together.
Suede and materials that have been waxed (waxed cotton jackets for example) may be damaged by steam pressing. Materials that contain plastic may melt when steam pressed.
Chiffon, sheer, silk, and velvet are materials that you will need to take precautions with while steam pressing. Shirts with prints may need to be turned inside out before pressing them.
To be safe, always refer to the labels on garments before you steam press them.
How Do You Use A Steam Press?
Each product will have design elements and features that are unique, so it is recommended to follow manufacturer’s instructions for the best (and safest) results. With that being said, there are general steps to the process of using a steam press.
You will need to fill the water reservoir on the press before using it. You will also want to select a setting that is recommended for the fabric being pressed.
A steam press should be turned on and then allowed to warm up for one or two minutes before using it. This will allow the heat and steam to build up to optimum levels.
The press is then opened and the garment is placed on the bottom surface of the steamer. The press is then closed for a recommended length of time to fully press the item.
Some items will need to be pressed in sections, depending upon the size of the press and the garment itself.
What Are The Things That Should Be Considered When Selecting A Steam Press?
Size does matter - A smaller steam press may be desirable for an individual that needs something that is portable while traveling. A smaller steam press may also be ideal if it is being used on small items only, such as cloth napkins for example.
The majority of users, however, will want to look for the largest surface area that they can afford. A larger surface area can give you the ability to press more items with one press. If the surface area is too small, you may find yourself needing to press garments in sections instead of all at once.
Convenience and safety are important - The use of non-stick coatings can help to prevent issues. Timer controls and heat settings will help in applying the proper amount of heat and steam for specific fabrics.
Safety is an important consideration when working with heat and steam. The more build and design features that a press has dedicated to material and user safety, the better your experience will be.
Other considerations - Your budget will also be a factor in your selection. While more expensive than a hand-held iron, their ability to offer efficiency and speed can justify the additional cost. You can save money long-term as well if you currently use professional cleaning services.
Best Steam Press Reviews
Steamfast SF-680 Digital Steam Press
A compact and intuitive digital steam press that is travel-friendly.
Press Dimensions: 26 x 9 x 21 inches
The SF-680 comes with five settings matched to the material (cotton, linen, nylon, silk, and wool), as well as a non-stick surface.
The Steamfast comes with a press-lock feature, which allows for secure carrying and storage of the press.
There are steam buttons located on both sides of the press, providing convenience for left or right-handed users. The power cord is 6.6-feet in length, which means you will need to set up next to an outlet.
The pressing surface is smaller than you might expect for the set price point.
The power switch is located on the bottom board near the joint, so you will need to be careful when reaching for it. The steam press comes with a spray bottle, pressing cushion, and a measuring cup for accessories. The SF-680 comes with a one-year hassle-free warranty.
Pros
Cons
Speedy Press Oversized Iron Press
A larger press designed to handle over-sized garments and loads.
Press Dimensions: 35.5 x 12 x 12.5 inches
The Ultra XL is the largest size available for the Speedy Press line (they also come in compact, medium, and large sizes). The Speedy Press offers 100-pounds of pressure when pressing garments, which can help to remove even the toughest of wrinkles.
Designed with over-sized garments in mind.
The controls offer the ability to choose automatic or manual bursts, which can give you more control over each press. There are settings for both dry and steam, giving this press more versatility.
Some users may be initially confused with the Celsius readings.
As an import, the price is greater than similar products will be. The larger board size also factors into the price.
The large digital touchscreen offers settings for delicate fabrics as well as cotton, linen, nylon, silk, and wool. Accessories include a measuring cup, extra press cushion, spray bottle, and a limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Sienna Expresso SSP-1990 Steam Press
Smaller no-frills press designed for lighter workloads and travel.
Press Dimensions: 23.8 x 21.8 x 10.1 inches
This non-stick steam press comes ready to produce high rates of pressure in a temperature range from 212 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. These features will allow for even pressure to help create sharp creases in garments.
Over 100-pounds of pressure on each press.
The pressing surface is measured at 22 x 9 inches, which is five times the size of traditional irons. This can reduce your work time by up to 50-percent.
The automatic shut off feature works if the press is opened or is closed. It also comes with an audible alert. There is a lock feature to make carrying and storing more secure.
Temperature settings are manual.
The system does not come with digital controls, requiring you to mark settings with knobs. The shorter stand may be a bit uncomfortable for taller users.
Pros
Cons
Steamfast SF-623 Mid-Size Steam Press
A cheap steam press with minimum features and small footprint.
Press Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.2 x 6.7 inches
This economical non-stick steam press heats up in about three minutes and is equipped with an automatic shut-off that will kick in if the unit is left idle. The manual settings are based on fabric type (cotton, linen, nylon, silk, and wool). The steam press is also lightweight, which is ideal for traveling.
This unit is very economical.
As with other models Steamfast produces, the SF-623 comes with steam buttons located on the left and right, allowing operation with either hand. A press-lock feature aids secure carrying, which is great for travelers.
The water reservoir holds only 5.07 ounces.
The SF-623 comes with a measuring cup, extra cushion, and spray bottle. The manufacturer offers a one-year hassle-free warranty on this product.
Pros
Cons
Singer ESP-2 Electronic Steam Press
A small steam press designed for lighter materials while traveling.
Press Dimensions: 25.8 x 21.2 x 8.2 inches
This product comes with the well known Singer brand name. It is also equipped with an auto shut-off feature, as well as an electronic alarm that can help you prevent fabrics from becoming over-heated.
The Singer comes with a one-year limited warranty.
The ESP-2 not only comes with a warranty, it is also available with a reasonable price tag. The settings allow for you to choose between variable steam and no steam at all, giving you more versatility.
Settings are based on materials (cotton, linen, nylon, silk, and wool).
This product does not come with its own stand.
Larger garments will have to be pressed in sections, as this compact unit has a smaller pressing surface. A thicker material may need a second press to remove difficult wrinkles as well.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
After looking at the five presses in more detail, we feel the Steamfast SF-680 Digital Steam Press is the best offering. The SF-680 offers a decent footprint to work on, allowing for more items to be wrinkle-free with fewer pressings.
The digital material-based settings allow a user to concentrate on the laundry and not the interface. Automatic shut off, 10-ounce reservoir, non-stick plate, and one-year hassle-free warranty combine convenience with safety for a better experience. We hope that this article helped to iron out any wrinkles in your steam press research!