Wrinkled shirts in 2 minutes flat: the steam irons that glide, steam and don't leak

Sort clothes by fabric and start with the coolest setting: synthetics and silk first, then wool, then cotton and linen. Iron cotton shirts while slightly damp. Turn dark fabrics inside out to avoid shine, and use distilled or filtered water if your area has hard water to reduce mineral buildup.

Keep your home fresh in other ways too: see our best portable carpet cleaners and best steam mops.

• Wattage. 1,500 watts or more heats faster and steams more consistently.
• Soleplate. Stainless steel glides and lasts; ceramic is smooth and even; nonstick is cheap but scratches.
• Steam burst. A strong burst handles deep creases.
• Anti-drip and auto shut-off. Prevent water spots and fires.
• Weight. Heavier irons press better; lighter irons are easier for long sessions.

How we chose: we compared specs, materials, features and price, and read owner and expert feedback. We didn't test these products ourselves. Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy.

• Ironing dirty clothes. Heat can set stains permanently. Iron only clean fabric.
• Using the wrong temperature. Check the care label; too much heat melts synthetics and leaves shiny marks on wool.
• Leaving water in the tank. Empty it after each use to prevent mineral buildup and spitting.
• Ironing over zippers and buttons. They scratch soleplates. Iron around them or press from the back.
• Skipping the self-clean function. Run it every month or two if you have hard water.

A good ironing board matters more than people expect: a wide, stable board with a thick, heat-reflective cover makes pressing faster and easier. Hanging clothes straight out of the dryer also cuts ironing time significantly.

For shirts, iron in this order: collar, cuffs, sleeves, then the body. You'll avoid re-wrinkling the parts you've already pressed.

If you iron often, the Rowenta Focus Excel is worth the money. If you want speed and glide, choose the CHI Steam Iron. For most homes on a budget, the BLACK+DECKER Allure is the best value, and the Sunbeam Steammaster is fine for occasional touch-ups. If you mostly refresh clothes rather than press them, a handheld garment steamer may suit you better than any iron.