Last updated:
As an Amazon Associate, IronsExpert earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects which products we recommend. How we research.
Quick answer: the best travel iron for most people is the Russell Hobbs Steam Glide 22470. It is light (about 0.7kg), cheap, dual voltage and gives reliable steam for its size. Travelling abroad a lot? The Rowenta DA1510 has a better soleplate, vertical steam and a storage bag. For the smallest possible pack size, choose the Morphy Richards Steam Compact.
- Power: 830W
- Tank: 80ml
- Weight: About 0.7kg
- Power: 1000W
- Tank: 70ml
- Weight: 0.95kg
A travel iron is a small, light iron with a folding or compact handle and usually dual voltage, so it works on 110–240V around the world (you still need a plug adaptor). Travel irons have tiny tanks and low steam, so they are for touching up a shirt or dress before an event, not for weekly ironing. If you only need to relax creases on hanging clothes, a handheld steamer such as the Tefal Pure Pop can be even easier to pack.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best overall Russell Hobbs Steam Glide Travel Iron 22470 (£). Check price
- Best for frequent flyers Rowenta First Class Travel Iron DA1510 (££). Check price
- Best budget STATUS Tuscan Travel Iron (£). Check price
- Smallest and lightest Morphy Richards Steam Compact 304000 (£). Check price
- Cheap dual-voltage alternative Quest 1000W Travel Steam Iron 34030 (£). Check price
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.
Comparison table
| Model | Power | Tank | Weight | Dual voltage | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Hobbs Steam Glide Travel Iron 22470 | 830W | 80ml | About 0.7kg | Yes | £ |
| Rowenta First Class Travel Iron DA1510 | 1000W | 70ml | 0.95kg | Yes | ££ |
| STATUS Tuscan Travel Iron | 1100W | 40ml | 0.7–0.8kg | Yes | £ |
| Morphy Richards Steam Compact 304000 | 400W | 40ml (detachable) | 0.5kg | Yes | £ |
| Quest 1000W Travel Steam Iron 34030 | 1000W | 50ml | – | Yes | £ |
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 Steam Glide Travel Iron 22470
- Power: 830W
- Tank: 80ml
- Weight: About 0.7kg
- Dual voltage: Yes
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Cord: 1.5m
Cheap, dependable and light, with variable steam and temperature plus a water spray. Testix named it the best travel iron of 2026.
- Very affordable
- Light and compact
- Reliable steam for its size
- Small tank and narrow soleplate
- No travel pouch
Our verdict: Most travellers.
Best for frequent flyers
Rowenta First Class Travel Iron DA1510
- Power: 1000W
- Tank: 70ml
- Weight: 0.95kg
- Dual voltage: Yes
- Soleplate: Microsteam 200 stainless steel
- Extras: Vertical steam, storage bag
The DA1510 has a proper Rowenta Microsteam soleplate with a precision tip, a 45g shot, vertical steam and a storage bag. It is the most capable travel iron here.
- Quality soleplate and precision tip
- Vertical steam
- Storage bag
- Pricier than basic travel irons
- Folding handle can feel wobbly
Our verdict: Business and international travel.
Best budget
STATUS Tuscan Travel Iron
- Power: 1100W
- Tank: 40ml
- Weight: 0.7–0.8kg
- Dual voltage: Yes
- Soleplate: Stainless steel
- Extras: Folding handle
Very cheap, heats in about 30 seconds and folds flat. It is popular with caravanners and campers. The tank is tiny, so expect to use it mostly dry or with light steam.
- Very cheap
- Fast heat-up
- Folding handle
- Tiny 40ml tank
- Basic steam
Our verdict: Caravans, camping and occasional trips.
Smallest and lightest
Morphy Richards Steam Compact 304000
- Power: 400W
- Tank: 40ml (detachable)
- Weight: 0.5kg
- Dual voltage: Yes
- Soleplate: Non-stick
- Extras: Single temperature
At 0.5kg with a detachable tank, this is the most cabin-bag friendly option. With one temperature setting and 400W it is strictly for quick touch-ups.
- Tiny and very light
- Detachable tank
- Dual voltage
- Only 400W
- Low steam output
Our verdict: Hand-luggage-only travel.
Cheap dual-voltage alternative
Quest 1000W Travel Steam Iron 34030
- Power: 1000W
- Tank: 50ml
- Weight: –
- Dual voltage: Yes
- Soleplate: Non-stick
- Extras: Collapsible handle
A low-cost dual-voltage iron with a collapsible handle that packs flat. Little independent testing exists, so it is a value pick rather than a proven one.
- Cheap
- Packs flat
- Dual voltage
- Little independent testing
Our verdict: Budget travellers.
What to look for in a travel iron
- Dual voltage: essential for the USA, Canada and Japan (110–120V). Check whether you need to flick a switch.
- Weight and size: 0.5–1kg; a folding handle saves space.
- Steam: travel irons manage 5–10g/min, so fill with water and give garments a spray for stubborn creases.
- Soleplate: stainless steel or a precision tip helps with collars.
- Plug: most come with a UK plug; bring an adaptor abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a travel iron on a plane?
Yes, in hold or hand luggage on UK flights, but empty the water tank first. Check your airline’s rules.
Do I need a dual-voltage iron?
Only if you travel outside the UK and Europe to countries with 110–120V power, such as the USA, Canada or Japan.
Is a steamer better than a travel iron?
For hanging clothes and quick refreshes, often yes. For crisp collars and trouser creases, a travel iron is better.
Related guides
How we chose: we compared manufacturer specifications, independent UK reviews and verified owner feedback, and checked every product was on sale in the UK when we last updated this guide. Sources include manufacturer specifications; Testix 2026 travel iron roundup; owner reviews at Amazon UK. Prices change often, so check the latest price before you buy. How we research.
Leave a Reply