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Quick answer: the best steam iron for most UK homes is the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630. It pairs 3100W with 70g/min of continuous steam, a 350ml tank and a 3m cord at a budget price, and it is Mumsnet’s best overall steam iron for 2026 and an Expert Reviews Best Buy.
If you want the most steam a corded iron can give and don’t mind paying more, choose the Philips Azur 8000 DST8050: 85g/min of continuous steam and a 260g/min shot, the highest continuous output of the nine irons we compared. For the lowest price, the Morphy Richards Light Glide is one of the cheapest irons from a major brand and weighs under 1kg.
Best overall
- Power: 3100W
- Continuous steam: 70g/min
- Steam shot: 210g/min
Best for crease removal
- Power: 2800W
- Continuous steam: 40g/min
- Steam shot: 150g/min
Best premium
- Power: 3000W
- Continuous steam: 85g/min
- Steam shot: 260g/min
We have been comparing irons since 2018. For this 2026 update we shortlisted more than 40 corded steam irons currently sold in the UK. We compared their steam output, soleplates, anti-scale systems and weight, cross-checked independent UK reviews and read hundreds of owner reviews to find recurring faults. Every model below was on sale at Amazon UK when we last updated this page.
Iron a lot of bedding or a family-sized pile every week? A steam generator iron will be much faster. Want to iron without a cable? See our best cordless irons.
Which steam iron is best in the UK in 2026?
- Best overall Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630 (£). Check price
- Best for crease removal Morphy Richards Turbo Glide 302000 (££). Check price
- Best premium Philips Azur 8000 DST8050 (£££). Check price
- Best for hard water Tefal Ultragliss Anti-Calc Plus FV6848 (££). Check price
- Best eco choice Tefal Easygliss Eco FV5782 (££). Check price
- Best lightweight Russell Hobbs Colour Control Pro Ultra 27281 (££). Check price
- Best budget Morphy Richards Light Glide 300401 (£). Check price
- Best budget all-rounder Tower Ceraglide Ultra T22013 (£). Check price
- Best no-fuss iron Beldray Precision 1 BEL01847 (£). Check price
How we chose these picks
We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications, independent UK tests and reviews (including Mumsnet's best steam irons 2026, Expert Reviews' best steam iron guide, manufacturer specification sheets, owner reviews at Amazon UK and John Lewis), and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We checked that every product was on sale in the UK when this page was last updated, and we re-check stock every month. We do not hands-on test products ourselves, and we say so on every review. Commission from retailer links never affects which products we pick. Read how we research.
Comparison table
| Model | Power | Continuous steam | Steam shot | Tank | Weight | Auto shut-off | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630 | 3100W | 70g/min | 210g/min | 350ml | 1.47kg | Yes | £ |
| Morphy Richards Turbo Glide 302000 | 2800W | 40g/min | 150g/min | 400ml | 1.38kg | Yes | ££ |
| Philips Azur 8000 DST8050 | 3000W | 85g/min | 260g/min | 350ml | 1.77kg | Yes | £££ |
| Tefal Ultragliss Anti-Calc Plus FV6848 | 2800W | 50g/min | 260g/min | 270ml | not published | Yes | ££ |
| Tefal Easygliss Eco FV5782 | 2800W | 50g/min | 260g/min | 270ml | 1.15kg | Yes | ££ |
| Russell Hobbs Colour Control Pro Ultra 27281 | 2800W | 50g/min | 195g/min | 380ml | 1.04kg | Yes | ££ |
| Morphy Richards Light Glide 300401 | 2200W | 24g/min | 100g/min | 230ml | 0.92kg | No | £ |
| Tower Ceraglide Ultra T22013 | 3100W | 40g/min | 180g/min | 360ml | 1.26kg | Yes | £ |
| Beldray Precision 1 BEL01847 | 3200W | not published | 200g/min | 320ml | 1.09kg | Yes | £ |
Specifications are manufacturer figures. Weight is the empty iron. Price tiers compare models within this guide: £ budget, ££ mid-range, £££ premium, ££££ top of the range. We do not list exact prices because they change daily. Tap “Check price” to see the current price on Amazon UK.
The best picks, reviewed
Best overall
Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630: Best overall
- Power: 3100W
- Continuous steam: 70g/min
- Steam shot: 210g/min
- Tank: 350ml
- Weight: 1.47kg
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Cord: 3m
- Auto shut-off: Yes
The Powersteam Ultra has been a best-seller for years for a simple reason: it produces far more steam than most irons at its price. 70g/min is close to what premium irons manage, so creases in cotton shirts and bedding drop out in fewer passes. The 350ml tank and 3m cord mean fewer stops, and the anti-calc and self-clean system helps in hard-water areas. It was named best overall steam iron by Mumsnet in 2026 and is an Expert Reviews Best Buy for big piles of ironing. Russell Hobbs’ UK product page quotes 70g/min of continuous steam; some retailer listings give 45g/min, so treat the exact figure as approximate.
- Huge steam output for the money
- Large 350ml tank and long 3m cord
- Self-clean and anti-calc
- Very good value
- Heavy once filled, so it can tire your wrist
- Long cord can get in the way in small rooms
Our verdict: Families and anyone with a big weekly pile who wants strong steam without paying premium prices.
Best for crease removal
Morphy Richards Turbo Glide 302000: Best for crease removal
- Power: 2800W
- Continuous steam: 40g/min
- Steam shot: 150g/min
- Tank: 400ml
- Weight: 1.38kg
- Soleplate: Ceramic, precision tip
- Cord: 3m
- Auto shut-off: Yes
On paper the Turbo Glide’s steam figures look modest. In practice its smooth ceramic soleplate and steady steam flatten creases very well: Expert Reviews rated it best overall for crease reduction. The 400ml tank is one of the largest on any corded iron and has steam-time markers, so you know how long you have left. It heats up in under 30 seconds.
- Excellent at removing creases
- Very large 400ml tank
- Fast heat-up
- Precision tip for collars
- Temperature dial is stiff
- Filler cover feels flimsy
Our verdict: People who want reliably crisp shirts and fewer refills.
Best premium
Philips Azur 8000 DST8050: Best premium
- Power: 3000W
- Continuous steam: 85g/min
- Steam shot: 260g/min
- Tank: 350ml
- Weight: 1.77kg
- Soleplate: SteamGlide Elite
- Cord: 2.5m
- Auto shut-off: Yes
This is as close as a normal iron gets to a steam generator. 85g/min of continuous steam is the highest of any iron in this guide, and Philips’ OptimalTEMP technology means one setting is safe for every ironable fabric, from silk to jeans, without scorching. There is no dial to get wrong. The SteamGlide Elite soleplate is very scratch resistant. Mumsnet named it the best premium steam iron of 2026, and owners praise how few passes it needs.
- Highest continuous steam of any iron here
- One temperature for all fabrics, no scorching
- Premium, scratch-resistant soleplate
- Long 2.5m cord
- Heavy at around 1.8kg
- Expensive, so a steam generator may be better value if you iron a lot
Our verdict: Anyone who irons several times a week and wants the fastest, most foolproof corded iron.
Best for hard water
Tefal Ultragliss Anti-Calc Plus FV6848: Best for hard water
- Power: 2800W
- Continuous steam: 50g/min
- Steam shot: 260g/min
- Tank: 270ml
- Weight: not published
- Soleplate: Durilium AirGlide Plus
- Cord: 2m
- Auto shut-off: Yes
Limescale is what kills most irons in the South and East of England. This Tefal has a removable scale collector: you slide it out and rinse it, instead of running a messy self-clean. The Durilium AirGlide Plus soleplate is one of the slickest on the market, and the 260g/min shot copes with denim and heavy cotton.
- Removable scale collector, very easy to maintain
- Excellent glide
- Strong 260g/min shot
- Vertical steam for hanging clothes
- Temperature markings are small
- Water level is hard to see
- 2m cord is shortish
Our verdict: Homes in hard-water areas that want an iron to last.
Best eco choice
Tefal Easygliss Eco FV5782: Best eco choice
- Power: 2800W
- Continuous steam: 50g/min
- Steam shot: 260g/min
- Tank: 270ml
- Weight: 1.15kg
- Soleplate: Durilium Airglide
- Cord: 1.8m
- Auto shut-off: Yes
The Easygliss Eco has an eco mode that cuts energy use while still performing well, and it is made partly from recycled materials. Expert Reviews picked it as the best eco iron, praising its strong, consistent steam and 28-second heat-up. At 1.15kg it is also comfortable to use for long sessions.
- Eco mode saves energy
- Light and comfortable
- Strong steam shot
- Heats up in under 30 seconds
- Short 1.8m cord
- No self-clean function
- Frequent refills with a 270ml tank
Our verdict: Energy-conscious households who want a light, capable iron.
Best lightweight
Russell Hobbs Colour Control Pro Ultra 27281: Best lightweight
- Power: 2800W
- Continuous steam: 50g/min
- Steam shot: 195g/min
- Tank: 380ml
- Weight: 1.04kg
- Soleplate: Ceramic non-stick
- Cord: 3m
- Auto shut-off: Yes
Weighing just over 1kg, this is one of the lightest full-power irons you can buy, which makes a real difference if you have wrist or shoulder pain. Colour-coded lights show when it has reached the right temperature for each fabric, and it still has a large 380ml tank and a 3m cord. Expert Reviews named it the best lightweight iron.
- Very light at 1.04kg
- Clear colour-coded temperature lights
- Large 380ml tank
- Long 3m cord
- Plastic body feels less premium
- Loud "ready" beep
- Dark tank hides the water level
Our verdict: Anyone with wrist strain, or who finds heavy irons tiring.
Best budget
Morphy Richards Light Glide 300401: Best budget
- Power: 2200W
- Continuous steam: 24g/min
- Steam shot: 100g/min
- Tank: 230ml
- Weight: 0.92kg
- Soleplate: Ceramic, precision tip
- Cord: 2m
- Auto shut-off: No
If you only iron a few shirts a week, you don’t need 3000W. The Light Glide is cheap, weighs under 1kg and has a precision tip and vertical steam. Mumsnet named it the best budget steam iron of 2026. Just don’t expect it to power through linen or a family’s worth of bedding.
- Very cheap
- Under 1kg
- Compact and easy to store
- Vertical steam
- Low steam output
- No auto shut-off
- Small tank
Our verdict: Students, small households and occasional ironing.
Best budget all-rounder
Tower Ceraglide Ultra T22013: Best budget all-rounder
- Power: 3100W
- Continuous steam: 40g/min
- Steam shot: 180g/min
- Tank: 360ml
- Weight: 1.26kg
- Soleplate: Ceraglide ceramic
- Cord: 2.5m
- Auto shut-off: Yes
The Ceraglide Ultra gives you a big 360ml tank, a 180g/min shot and a 2.5m cord at a budget price. Expert Reviews named it the best budget iron. It needs a few more passes than the Russell Hobbs on stubborn creases, but it is a big step up from the cheapest irons.
- Large tank for the price
- Secure, comfortable grip
- Good steam shot
- Needs more passes on heavy creases than pricier irons
Our verdict: Budget buyers who still iron regularly.
Best no-fuss iron
Beldray Precision 1 BEL01847: Best no-fuss iron
- Power: 3200W
- Continuous steam: not published
- Steam shot: 200g/min
- Tank: 320ml
- Weight: 1.09kg
- Soleplate: Ceramic
- Cord: 3m
- Auto shut-off: Yes
The Precision 1 has no temperature dial at all. It uses a single temperature that is safe across fabrics, so you can go from a polyester blouse to cotton trousers without waiting. Expert Reviews named it the best single-temperature iron. It is light, has a 3m cord and a strong 200g/min shot.
- No settings to get wrong
- Light at 1.09kg
- Long 3m cord
- Strong steam shot
- Slower on very thick fabrics like linen
Our verdict: Mixed loads and anyone who has ever scorched a synthetic shirt.
What other UK testers say
Mumsnet Swears By agrees with this guide’s top pick: it names the Russell Hobbs 20630 Powersteam Ultra its best steam iron overall for 2026, with the Philips Azur 8000 as its premium choice and the Tefal Freemove Power as its cordless pick. Expert Reviews rates the same Russell Hobbs its iron for big piles of ironing, praising the 210g steam burst and smooth soleplate but marking it down for a weight of 1.47kg, while Ideal Home calls it the best corded iron and gives its overall title to the cordless Morphy Richards easyCHARGE Power+. Which? says it has tested more than 200 irons from Philips, Russell Hobbs, Tefal and others, judging ironing ability, soleplate durability and how well each keeps limescale at bay, but its scores are for members only. Russell Hobbs’ own Powersteam Ultra 20630 page lists 3100W, a 350ml tank, 70g of continuous steam, a 210g burst and triple-action self-cleaning.
What the numbers show
A few facts stand out when you put the nine irons above side by side. All figures are the manufacturers’ own.
- Continuous steam runs from 24g/min on the Morphy Richards Light Glide 300401 to 85g/min on the Philips Azur 8000 DST8050. Only two of the nine exceed 60g/min: the Philips (85g/min) and the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630 (70g/min). Five sit between 40 and 50g/min, and Beldray does not publish a continuous figure for the Precision 1.
- Steam shot runs from 100g/min (Light Glide) to 260g/min, a figure shared by the Philips Azur 8000 and both Tefals. Seven of the nine have a shot of 180g/min or more.
- Weight runs from 0.92kg (Light Glide) to 1.77kg (Philips Azur 8000) among the eight irons that publish it; Tefal does not list a weight for the Ultragliss FV6848. Four weigh under 1.2kg: the Light Glide, the Russell Hobbs 27281 (1.04kg), the Beldray Precision 1 (1.09kg) and the Tefal Easygliss Eco (1.15kg).
- Cord length: four of the nine have a 3m cord (Russell Hobbs 20630, Morphy Richards Turbo Glide, Russell Hobbs 27281 and Beldray Precision 1). The shortest is the Tefal Easygliss Eco at 1.8m.
- Auto shut-off: eight of the nine list it. The Morphy Richards Light Glide is the only one without.
- Power and tank: power ranges from 2200W to 3200W, and tanks from 230ml to 400ml. Three irons run at 3100W or more (Russell Hobbs 20630, Tower Ceraglide Ultra and Beldray Precision 1), but only the Russell Hobbs is among the two with the most steam, which is why we rank steam output above wattage.
How to choose a steam iron
Most irons look the same on the shelf. These are the specs that actually matter:
- Continuous steam (g/min): the most important number. 25–35g/min is fine for light, occasional ironing. 45–55g/min suits most families. 60g/min or more makes quick work of cotton and linen. Above about 90g/min you are into steam generator territory.
- Steam shot or boost (g/min): a burst for stubborn creases. 150–200g is good, and 250g or more is excellent.
- Wattage: higher wattage means faster heat-up and quicker recovery between bursts of steam, but it matters less than steam output. 2400–3100W is typical.
- Soleplate: ceramic glides well and is cheap. Tefal Durilium, Philips SteamGlide and Rowenta Microsteam are harder-wearing and glide better. Look for a precision tip if you iron shirts (see our best irons for shirts).
- Anti-scale system: in hard-water areas, choose a removable scale collector (Tefal) or a calc-clean function (Philips, Russell Hobbs, Morphy Richards) and use it monthly.
- Tank size: 300ml or more means fewer trips to the tap.
- Weight: heavier irons (1.5kg+) press creases out with less effort, while lighter irons (around 1kg) are kinder on wrists.
- Safety: auto shut-off is worth having, especially in family homes.
Not sure which setting a fabric needs? Our iron temperature settings guide lists them by fabric, and if your iron is spitting, leaking or not steaming, our steam iron problems page covers the usual fixes.
Steam iron, steam generator or cordless?
A steam iron is a corded iron with a built-in water tank (230–400ml on the models here) that turns water into steam through holes in the soleplate; a steam generator keeps the water in a separate pressurised base and produces two to three times more steam.
Steam irons (this guide) are affordable, compact and fine for most homes. Steam generator irons are bulkier and cost more, but the extra steam makes them much faster. They are ideal if you iron for a family or tackle bedding, and our steam generator guide covers the best ones. Cordless irons trade some steam for freedom of movement and are covered in our cordless iron guide. For quick touch-ups on hanging clothes, a handheld steamer may be all you need.
Looking after your iron
- Empty the tank after each use so limescale doesn’t build up and the iron doesn’t spit.
- Run the self-clean or calc-clean function roughly monthly in hard-water areas. See how to descale a steam iron.
- Never pour descaler, vinegar or fragranced water into the tank unless the manual says so. It can damage the steam chamber.
- Clean sticky residue off the soleplate carefully. See our guide to removing sticky residue from an iron.
- Store the iron upright on its heel with the steam turned off.
More buying guides
By brand: All brands compared · Tefal · Philips · Braun · Rowenta · Russell Hobbs · Swan · Russell Hobbs vs Morphy Richards · Tefal vs Philips
By need: for shirts · lightweight · hard water · cordless · travel · clothes steamers
Steam generators: all brands · Tefal · Philips · Morphy Richards · Russell Hobbs · Bosch (and alternatives)
Boards and covers: ironing boards · boards for steam generators · Minky boards · covers
How-to: descale an iron · clean a steam generator · iron a shirt · iron without a board · steamer vs iron
Older models we have reviewed (still on sale): Tefal FV9830 · Breville VIN401 · Russell Hobbs My Iron 25580 · Beautural 2400W · Philips DST5020
Frequently asked questions
What is the best steam iron in the UK?
For most people it is the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630: 70g/min of steam, a 350ml tank and a 3m cord at a budget price. It was Mumsnet’s best overall steam iron in 2026. If budget allows, the Philips Azur 8000 DST8050 has the most steam of any iron we compared.
How many watts should a good steam iron be?
Look for 2400W to 3100W. Higher wattage heats faster and keeps the soleplate hot during long bursts of steam, but continuous steam output (g/min) has a bigger effect on how quickly creases come out.
How much steam output do I need?
Around 25–35g/min is fine for occasional ironing, 45–55g/min for a typical family, and 60g/min or more if you iron a lot of cotton or linen. A steam shot of 150–200g/min or more helps with stubborn creases.
Can I use tap water in my steam iron?
Most modern steam irons are designed for normal tap water. In very hard-water areas, some manufacturers recommend mixing tap water with distilled or demineralised water, so check your manual. Never use water from a tumble dryer, fragranced water or descaler in the tank.
Why is my iron spitting water or leaving white flakes?
Spitting usually means the temperature is too low for steam, so turn it up or wait for the ready light. White flakes are limescale. Run the self-clean or calc-clean function, or empty the scale collector, and empty the tank after each use.
Is a steam generator better than a steam iron?
A steam generator produces two to three times more steam and irons much faster, but it is bigger, heavier and more expensive. It is worth it if you iron for a family or iron bedding. Read our steam generator vs steam iron guide for a full comparison.
What is the best iron for clothes?
For everyday clothes, a good steam iron: the Russell Hobbs Powersteam Ultra 20630 is our best all-rounder. For delicate or hanging clothes, a handheld steamer is gentler, and for big weekly piles a steam generator is faster.
Which steam iron does not leak?
Leaks usually come from ironing below the steam temperature or from limescale. An iron with a good anti-scale system, such as the Tefal Ultragliss Anti-Calc Plus with its removable scale collector, stays leak-free for longer. Always let the iron heat fully before using steam.
Can I use a steam iron vertically on curtains and hanging clothes?
Yes, if it has a vertical steam function, which most irons in this guide do, including the Tefal Ultragliss Anti-Calc Plus and the Morphy Richards Light Glide. Hold the iron upright a few centimetres from the fabric and press the steam shot button in short bursts. It is fine for light creases in curtains, jackets and dresses, but it is slower than a handheld steamer, and you should keep your free hand away from the steam.
What is the best iron for a student or first flat?
The Morphy Richards Light Glide 300401: it is one of the cheapest irons from a major brand, weighs 0.92kg and is small enough to keep in a drawer. Pair it with a compact board from our best ironing boards guide, or skip the board and use a heat-resistant mat on a table; our ironing mat vs ironing board guide explains the trade-off.
Do all steam irons switch off automatically?
No. Eight of the nine irons here list auto shut-off, but the Morphy Richards Light Glide does not, and many cheaper irons leave it out. Where it is fitted, Russell Hobbs says the Powersteam Ultra 20630 cuts the power after about 30 seconds lying flat or 8 minutes left upright. If you are prone to walking away mid-pile, read what happens if you leave the iron on.
How much does it cost to run a steam iron?
A 3100W iron drawing full power uses 3.1kWh an hour, which is about 82p at the Ofgem price cap electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh for October to December 2026. In practice the thermostat switches the element off once the soleplate is hot, so a typical hour of ironing costs less than that. See our guide to the cost of running an iron in the UK.
Which brand of steam iron is best?
Tefal, Philips, Russell Hobbs and Morphy Richards all make excellent irons. Tefal and Philips lead on soleplates and anti-scale technology, while Russell Hobbs and Morphy Richards offer the best value. See our Tefal vs Philips comparison for more.
Related guides
- Steam iron not working? 10 common faults
- How to iron bedding
- Best steam generator irons UK
- Best cordless irons
- Best lightweight steam irons
- Russell Hobbs vs Morphy Richards
- Best Tefal steam irons
- Best Philips steam irons
- Best Braun steam irons
- Best Rowenta steam irons
- Tefal vs Philips steam irons
- Steam iron buying guide
- Best ironing boards
Sources: Mumsnet's best steam irons 2026; Expert Reviews' best steam iron guide; manufacturer specification sheets; owner reviews at Amazon UK and John Lewis; Ofgem: Changes to energy price cap between 1 October and 31 December 2026; Tower Housewares: CeraGlide 3100W Iron in Teal T22013TL product page. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.