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Quick answer: for most standard boards, the Minky SmartFit Reversible is the easiest cover to fit. Its pre-tensioned elastic goes on in seconds and fits boards up to 125 x 45cm. If you own a Brabantia Board B, buy the Brabantia Cover B complete set with 8mm foam. For large 135cm boards, the Addis Large Perfect Fit is a good choice.
- Fits: Boards up to 125 x 45cm
- Padding: Thick felt
- Fitting: Pre-tensioned elastic, no drawstring
Best for Brabantia B boards
- Fits: Brabantia Size B, 124 x 38cm
- Padding: 8mm foam plus felt
- Fitting: Stretch system with cord binder
Best for Minky Ergo
- Fits: 122 x 38cm (Minky Ergo / Ergo Plus)
- Padding: Extra-thick felt
- Fitting: Thick elastic
A new cover is the cheapest way to make ironing faster. Worn, compressed padding leaves marks and shine on clothes, while a thick, reflective cover irons both sides at once. The most important thing is size: measure your board (length x widest point) before you buy.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best universal cover Minky SmartFit Reversible (£). Check price
- Best for Brabantia B boards Brabantia Cover B Complete Set (8mm foam) (££). Check price
- Best for Minky Ergo Minky Ergo Replacement Cover (£). Check price
- Best for large boards Addis Large Perfect Fit (£). Check price
- Best for extra-large boards Minky Supersize XL SmartFit (£). Check price
- Best for odd sizes Vileda 2-in-1 Premium Cover (£). Check price
- Fastest ironing Leifheit Thermo Reflect (£). Check price
How we chose these picks
We compared the manufacturers’ published specifications, independent UK tests and reviews (including manufacturer data from Minky, Brabantia, Addis, Vileda and Leifheit, Brabantia customer ratings, owner reviews at Amazon UK), 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 | Fits | Padding | Fitting | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minky SmartFit Reversible | Boards up to 125 x 45cm | Thick felt | Pre-tensioned elastic, no drawstring | £ |
| Brabantia Cover B Complete Set (8mm foam) | Brabantia Size B, 124 x 38cm | 8mm foam plus felt | Stretch system with cord binder | ££ |
| Minky Ergo Replacement Cover | 122 x 38cm (Minky Ergo / Ergo Plus) | Extra-thick felt | Thick elastic | £ |
| Addis Large Perfect Fit | Up to 135 x 46cm | High-density foam | Elastic drawstring with toggle | £ |
| Minky Supersize XL SmartFit | 122 x 38cm up to 145 x 54cm | Felt | Pre-tensioned elastic | £ |
| Vileda 2-in-1 Premium Cover | 110–130 x 30–45cm | Foam, felt and cotton | Quick Fix system | £ |
| Leifheit Thermo Reflect | Up to 125 x 40cm | Felt, 3–4mm | Drawstring with clip tensioner | £ |
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 universal cover
Minky SmartFit Reversible: Best universal cover
- Fits: Boards up to 125 x 45cm
- Padding: Thick felt
- Fitting: Pre-tensioned elastic, no drawstring
SmartFit covers stretch on in seconds and stay taut without a drawstring. This reversible version is UK made and has a pattern on both sides, so you can turn it over when one side wears. It is wipe-clean rather than machine washable.
- Fastest to fit
- Stays taut
- Reversible, so it lasts longer
- Felt only, thinner than foam sets
- Can be loose on small boards
Our verdict: Most standard 122–124cm boards.
Best for Brabantia B boards
Brabantia Cover B Complete Set (8mm foam): Best for Brabantia B boards
- Fits: Brabantia Size B, 124 x 38cm
- Padding: 8mm foam plus felt
- Fitting: Stretch system with cord binder
Brabantia’s colour code guarantees the fit, and the 8mm foam gives a cushioned, even finish. The Fairtrade cotton top is well reviewed by Brabantia customers.
- Perfect fit on Brabantia B
- Thick 8mm foam
- Quality cotton
- Hand wash only
- Pricier than universal covers
Our verdict: Brabantia Board B owners.
Best for Minky Ergo
Minky Ergo Replacement Cover: Best for Minky Ergo
- Fits: 122 x 38cm (Minky Ergo / Ergo Plus)
- Padding: Extra-thick felt
- Fitting: Thick elastic
The exact-fit replacement for Minky Ergo boards, with an extra-thick pad.
- Exact fit
- Thick pad
- Size-specific
Our verdict: Minky Ergo owners.
Best for large boards
Addis Large Perfect Fit: Best for large boards
- Fits: Up to 135 x 46cm
- Padding: High-density foam
- Fitting: Elastic drawstring with toggle
Thick foam padding and a secure drawstring for extra-large boards, including the Addis Deluxe.
- Fits 135cm boards
- Thick foam
- Drawstring is slower to fit than elastic
Our verdict: Large and extra-wide boards.
Best for extra-large boards
Minky Supersize XL SmartFit: Best for extra-large boards
- Fits: 122 x 38cm up to 145 x 54cm
- Padding: Felt
- Fitting: Pre-tensioned elastic
SmartFit convenience for the biggest boards.
- Fits very large boards
- Quick to fit
- Can bunch on small boards
Our verdict: Boards over 135cm.
Best for odd sizes
Vileda 2-in-1 Premium Cover: Best for odd sizes
- Fits: 110–130 x 30–45cm
- Padding: Foam, felt and cotton
- Fitting: Quick Fix system
A wide universal size range and thick three-layer padding make this a safe bet if you aren’t sure of your board size.
- Very wide size range
- Thick padding
- Less exact than brand-specific covers
Our verdict: Unknown or unusual board sizes.
Fastest ironing
Leifheit Thermo Reflect: Fastest ironing
- Fits: Up to 125 x 40cm
- Padding: Felt, 3–4mm
- Fitting: Drawstring with clip tensioner
A highly reflective surface bounces heat and steam back through the fabric, which Leifheit says makes ironing up to a third faster. It is Oeko-Tex certified.
- Very reflective
- Clip keeps it taut
- Thin padding
Our verdict: Speed and Leifheit AirBoard owners.
How to measure your ironing board
- Remove the old cover.
- Measure the length from tip to square end.
- Measure the width at the widest point.
- Choose a cover rated for your size. Brabantia boards have a letter code (A to E) printed on the board.
Foam, felt or reflective?
Foam (4–8mm) gives the softest, most even surface. Felt is thinner but breathes well with steam. Reflective or metallised tops iron both sides at once but can wear with heavy use. The best covers combine foam and felt. Replace your cover when the padding feels thin or hard, or when it leaves shiny marks on dark fabrics.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size ironing board cover to buy?
Measure your board’s length and widest width. Most UK boards are 122–124 x 38cm, and larger boards are 135 x 45–46cm. Brabantia boards are coded A to E.
How often should I replace my ironing board cover?
Every 1–2 years with regular ironing, or when the padding is compressed, the cover is scorched or it leaves marks on clothes.
Are reflective ironing board covers better?
They speed up ironing by reflecting heat back through the fabric, but the metallic coating can wear. A reflective top over thick foam gives the best of both.
Can I wash an ironing board cover?
Many can be machine washed, but some are hand wash or wipe-clean only, including Brabantia covers with foam and Minky’s reversible SmartFit. Check the label.
Related guides
Sources: manufacturer data from Minky, Brabantia, Addis, Vileda and Leifheit; Brabantia customer ratings; owner reviews at Amazon UK. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.
