The main element of every iron is its soleplate, which determines the quality of ironing. The iron should glide smoothly over the textile and straighten even the smallest creases. Are other indicators likely to affect the level of smoothing of your laundry? Neither the power of steam formation, nor fancy touch control, nor the mobility of the cord does not matter if the soleplate leaks, constantly clings to the fabric or burns. So the first thing to pay attention to when choosing an iron is the quality of the platform, and what material it is made of.
At first glance, all irons are the same, but the technology has not lagged behind, and today there are up to several hundred pads with different coatings. So which one to choose?? Let’s begin to understand.
Given these parameters, you can make a choice of the best material for the platform.
- Aluminum.
- Ceramic.
- Ceramic iron.
- Titanium.
- Teflon.
- Stainless.
- Anodized.
- Non-stick.
- Combination.
After this experience, the developers began to look for a lighter material with a smooth surface. This is how aluminum soles were born. The advantage of this material is its ability to heat up quickly and evenly, and cool down in a few seconds. It glides well on the fabric when ironing. Aluminum is also the lightest iron’s soleplate.
Manufacturer: Rowenta and Philips. Anodized iron soleplate is made by an additional treatment of aluminum (anodic oxidation), resulting in an oxide film that gives extra durability.
Advantages: unlike aluminum coating, the anodized platform is strong, protective and brushed. Due to the last criterion the soles do not leave traces on the clothes.
They are perfect for delicate fabrics (silk, viscose, linen, wool). The Teflon coating has the following advantages: It gently smooths out delicate fabrics, leaves no marks, and does not stick.
Non-stick soles
Made to handle the toughest jobs and any type of fabric. Fashionable clothes have different decorations in the form of prints and rhinestones, but this makes it difficult to iron. The non-stick coating allows you to cope even with such a challenge. In addition, it leaves no residue.
The Crystal Ceramic coating is successfully used by the manufacturer Polaris. The soleplate has a pointed nose, which allows you to smooth things even in the most hard-to-reach places. The word Crystal means adding crystals that have a non-stick function. Let’s look at the main pros and cons of ceramic iron soleplate.
- Smoothing out creases in hard to reach areas;
- Non-stick function;
- Rapid heating of entire surface;
- Improved fabric gliding.
- Steam blow” mode allows you to cope with folds of any complexity;
- Steam intensity can be adjusted manually or turned off altogether;
- The presence of a water spray function, it helps when working with delicate fabrics;
- There is a mode of vertical steam supply, which is convenient when working with curtains.
Bosch and Tefal are the main companies that use Autoclean Crystal ceramic soleplate.
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- Suitable for all types of fabrics;
- Reasonable price;
- Leave no residue;
- Steam hole pattern allows a “steam cushion”;
- Fast, even heating across the entire soleplate;
- Easy to clean.
With its unique easy-slip technology, the ceramic-metal surface has won the hearts of many users. Durilium soleplates are used in Tefal irons.
Ultra Care soleplate is used in the production of irons by Chinese firm Vitek.
- Capable of smoothing clothes without adding wrinkles;
- UniCera double coating protects against scratches;
- Easy to clean.
T-ionicGlide
Philips brand T-ionicGlide coating. Stainless steel is able to heat the iron to maximum temperatures, so you can easily cope with creases of any complexity.
- Durable;
- Availability of self-cleaning function;
- Heats quickly and evenly;
- Works well with even the toughest creases;
- Leaves no residue.
Autoclean Catalys
The Autoclean Catalys coating is characterised by a palladium surface which cleans when the iron is heated. Otherwise it has a lot in common with the Durilium soleplate. Produced by Tefal.
Airglide Autoclean
The coating is manufactured by Tefal. Airglide Autoclean is a technological breakthrough, since its unique enamel surface allows the iron to glide 33% better than others. These are not all the soleplate’s advantages.
- Does not absorb unpleasant odours;
- Enamel coating resembles glass, but is much stronger;
- It doesn’t stain;
- Excellent slip resistance;
- No rust;
- Resistant to acids;
- Easy to clean.
With this information, you can safely buy the iron that suits your needs. Now everyone knows that for delicate fabrics you should take an iron with a non-stick coating, and for more dense clothes suit stainless steel or aluminum.
How to choose the perfect iron soleplate?
The iron’s soleplate is an important part of the device. It is it that performs the necessary functions, which are to smooth the fabric. But when choosing, it is worth considering important requirements that will help you buy a quality device.
Keep in mind the following criteria and requirements for selecting an iron soleplate:
- The base should glide smoothly over the surface of the fabric. The device should glide smoothly and easily over the material, with no pressure or impact on the user. The highest coefficient can be obtained with a small friction force of the device, which is manifested during the contact between the fabric and the surface of the iron;
- The soleplate must gently interact with the fabric. It is important for the iron to completely smooth out the material without causing any visible structural damage. After smoothing, its surface should be free of stretch marks, creases, shiny areas, various damages. The device should not burn and melt the fabric during ironing;
- even surface heating. It is important that the soleplate has the same temperature, it will perfectly iron the fabric without damage;
- High resistance to damage. Give preference to models with soles of high-strength material. The fact that it is constantly in contact with various hard elements made of plastic, metal, for example, locks, buttons, rivets. It is important that the surface should not be scratched, damaged, chipped. The sole should be resistant to falls, to the effects of various chemicals;
- easy care and easy application. The sole should be easy to care for. It is recommended to choose the device with a base of such material, from which you can easily clean off the various dirt, burnt fibers.
Rating of the best variants
Today there are many different models that impress with their quality and durability. Consider a few of the most worthy and desirable options.
- Eloxal iron soleplate is made of aluminum alloys. They are treated and oxidized with an electrolyte solution. This makes the metal more durable and will last for many years. The base has good rust protection and glides perfectly over the surface of the fabric. After using these devices there will be no snags and damages on the clothes.
- Steamglide is a sturdy model made of ceramic or vitrified clay. This option is highly durable, the soleplate is very easy to slide over the fibers of the fabric. The whole area of the soleplate is covered with small holes, each with a different diameter. The ironing process is as follows: the device does not touch the material, but moves along the cushion created by the holes and steam. That way the clothes are ironed perfectly.
- Saphir. the iron’s soleplate has an alloy of zinc, chromium, aluminum and nickel. These metals create an extremely tough and damage-proof coating that resembles sapphire. To enhance the quality of the soleplate, it is treated with sapphire chips.
The choice between ceramic and metal-ceramic?
Ceramic and ceramic-to-metal soleplate irons are rapidly gaining popularity. Ceramic soleplate has good glideability and smoothes out complex folds with ease. Fast heating up and long retention of heat can be attributed to the positive qualities that increase energy savings. The soleplate is easy to clean. Cleaning should be done only with a special compound that removes dirt and leaves no scratches.
Metal-ceramic outsoles are virtually indistinguishable from ceramic ones, although ceramics can be easily damaged if touched with hard objects. In turn, the ceramic-metal material is more durable, which increases the service life of the appliance.
The main requirement for the iron. to smooth out the folds of fabric, and control through the installed sensor, a powerful steam, connecting the cord on the hinge. secondary. The coating on the underside of the iron must glide smoothly over the material without catching or sticking to it. Therefore, it is worth choosing devices, first and foremost, by the quality of the soleplate, by the materials that cover it.
The coating of the sliding surface meets these requirements:
- smooth movement on the fabric;
- Material strength;
- Low weight;
- Uniform heating of the entire surface;
- gentle action on the fabric.
The lightest of all models is the iron with aluminum bottom.
Aluminium
Modern, mid-priced Philips, Rowenta models use aluminum coating material. Aluminum is easy to grind, light in weight. The iron heats up quickly, glides easily, it is easy to iron clothes with fine details.
But the coating has a disadvantage. it is soft, quickly appear scratches on a smooth surface, woolen fabric after ironing is covered by shiny streaks.
Aluminum coating for the iron
Important! Philips uses an anodized material in its new models, which undergo a special electrochemical treatment technology.
Stainless Steel
Irons with steel soleplate are in demand for their corrosion resistance, beautiful look and low price. Additionally, a chrome coating is applied to the surface using the Lazer method. “Smart appliance shuts off in upright position, has the strongest steam delivery.
The best, but most expensive surface on stainless steel appliances is sapphire-coated. It increases the quality functions, but also the price.
Teflon
Instant surface heating puts Teflon-coated models at the top of the list. Do not let the appliance cool down even after turning the knob to minimum power.
Polished surface glides easily over the material, slow cooling allows you to use it for ironing a lot of laundry.
Ceramics and metal-ceramics
Tefal irons with ceramic or ceramic-metal soleplate have a modern look, low cost, popularity. Surface glides smoothly over fabric, smoothing out creases. Uniform heating is achieved through built-in heating element.
Important! In such irons feature automatic shutdown: in horizontal position without moving after 30 seconds., vertically in 8 minutes.
Popular newer patterns with ceramic-metal soleplates that have a cast-steel cross-machine notch. High steam pressure and tough coating ensure the driest fabrics can be smoothed.
The drawback of the material is its brittleness. Scratches or minor damage to the surface will cause the ceramic coating to spill.
Titanium
Rowenta introduces a new iron with titanium soleplate. It is durable, impossible to scratch or damage, and resistant to corrosion.
Disadvantage. long heating time and high price.
It is also difficult to clean the soleplate from dirt. Special products are used for this purpose.
Titanium coating for the iron
Nickel
Steel surfaces are coated with nickel as a nonstick coating. Smooth edge glides well over the fabric, smoothes out fine creases.
Clean soleplate with soft cloth and vinegar. If scratches appear on the surface, it is difficult to operate the appliance.
Types of soles
Depending on the material of the soleplate there are:
Ceramic soleplate
Ceramic soleplate for their irons make only a few manufacturing companies.
Due to the fragility of the soleplate, small scratches are often formed. Even such a minor defect gives the hostess a lot of inconvenience when ironing. The only way out of this situation is to be very vigilant and careful.
Many irons with ceramic soleplates are available. There is no such thing as a ceramic soleplate without impurities. They necessarily include one of the materials: strong steel, durable aluminum or alloy materials.
When buying, choose models from Tefal, Vitek, Bosch.
Metal ceramic soleplate
Ceramic metal is increasingly being used in manufacturing. The demand for irons with this coating is high. The coating behaves well when ironing. The surface can be cleaned with a normal sponge. Metal-ceramic stands out significantly in terms of design.
The surface of metal irons is heated by spirals, which provide even heating. Sometimes manufacturers use heating elements. Despite its positive features, cermet is easily deformed and mechanically damaged.
Household appliance manufacturers have tried to fight these disadvantages. The result of the struggle was the release of models of irons with transverse strips on the soleplate. They were made by casting in steel. These devices perfectly coped with over-dried laundry and easily resisted damage. The nose of the iron heated up as much as possible. Therefore, the soleplate allowed to iron all the hard-to-reach places.
If you want to buy a ceramic iron, it is better to buy a device from Tefal. The company has been using this coating in its irons for a long time and has managed to correct most of the mistakes in the production of new products.
So, ceramic or other material, it is up to you to decide.
Aluminum soleplate
Aluminum is the very first material that was used in the manufacture of irons.
- lightness;
- high thermal conductivity;
- fast heating;
- maneuverability;
- reasonable cost;
- rapid cooling.
Iron things with an aluminum soleplate only through gauze.
This iron soleplate material has significant disadvantages. However, it continues to be used in production because of its availability and low cost.
Which soleplate is better to buy a device, manufacturers know very well. They are constantly trying to improve the iron soleplate by coating it with different additional materials.
To give the iron’s aluminum soleplate the qualities of a ceramic product, it’s coated with ceramic. The result is a dual soleplate that slides great and easily irons synthetics. The device leaves no marks and is lightweight.
Another way to improve the quality of the soleplate is to apply an oxide film (anodizing). The soleplate turns out golden color and lasts longer.
If it is a question of buying an aluminum iron, it is better to choose a device with an anodized soleplate. Well-proven manufacturers like Philips, Rowenta.
Stainless soleplate
Which iron soleplate is the most popular, you might ask?? Stainless steel (stainless steel).
- Glides easily and quickly over fabrics
- perfectly smooths out;
- durable;
- Resistant to corrosion;
- reasonable price.
Manufacturers are trying to make stainless steel soleplate more practical. Such element as chrome helps them in this. Applying chromium to the soleplate gives the iron durability and protection against corrosion.
An iron with a stainless soleplate is the most cost-effective option.
Braun, for example, uses a special sapphire powder. As a result, the soleplates of the irons have:
This coating was specially developed for irons with stainless steel soleplates. Sapphire coating improves the quality of the product very well. Small wrinkles and difficult creases are smoothed out perfectly.
While a normal stainless steel iron is cheap, a sapphire iron immediately becomes more expensive. To understand that the material has been treated for greater durability and improved ironing quality, pay attention to the designation “Careeza” or “Anodilium”.
The widest range of models in the lineup with this coating. Choose between Rolsen, Scarlett, Vitek, Panasonic and many others.
Teflon soleplate
Teflon coating is similar in features and quality to aluminum coating. So the answer to our question: “Which iron soleplate is better??”has not yet been found.
Non-stick surface makes the iron soleplate easy to clean.
What other features distinguish nonstick coating: such a coating can not burn and spoil the material. Choose between Kenwood, Bork, Atlanta and Unit.
Composite soleplate
Manufacturers were prompted to create this soleplate by the short-lived surface of its predecessors. It has been observed that composite materials are stronger than ceramic and aluminum. Plus, they can withstand damage from metal objects just fine.
The material is so strong that it can easily withstand damage from metal locks and buttons.
You can look at models of famous brand Philips.
Titanium soleplate
What’s the best and most expensive iron soleplate coating? Of course, the titanium. There are several models of irons with this coating on the market. The fact that titanium is an expensive material. If you do not look at the price, such an iron will please you for a long time with excellent quality and durability. The price of the appliance is its only disadvantage.
Philips, Panasonic, Bork have models with such a soleplate.
In addition to ironing, what the soleplate should be or what it should be able to? Several other operations are used in the home, such as ironing, defatting, steaming and saturating. If your model can do any of these things, you are in luck.
In addition to the models listed above, you can find irons with interchangeable soleplate on the market. The type of soleplate you choose depends on the type of material. Such a versatile option will last longer than others and will be easy to use.
Ceramic and ceramic-metal
Ceramics are easy to clean. just wipe the surface with a damp cloth. But although ceramic is hard, it is also brittle; chips and scratches will cause the ceramic coating to peel off. Over time, it can become very sticky and difficult to clean.
Learn how to get rid of soot on the iron soleplate and not to spoil it?
Steamglide
Phillips decided to work on the weaknesses of ceramic coating and launched Steamglide soleplate. The main material is ceramic-metal or glass-ceramic (depends on the model). The ironing is positioned as being very resistant to wear and offers perfect gliding properties.
The entire surface of the soleplate is dotted with holes of different diameters. The idea is that the iron does not touch the garment, but glides on the cushion of steam created by the holes in the iron. The steam gives perfect smoothing to cloths.
Durilium
Durilium was developed by Tefal. The soleplate is made of ceramic-metal. Like Phillips, it has holes across its surface to create a steam cushion. In addition, there are active longitudinal lines which, along with the steam slots, ensure a perfect glide.
Though Durilium is said to be strong (commercials show ironing with zippers) it is still fragile. Dropping the iron can cause chipping and cracking.
Which is better ceramic or ceramic-metal?
Metal ceramics are tougher and more resistant to wear and tear than ceramic, but also more expensive.
Teflon
Saphir
Irons with titanium coating have high durability and ironing quality, but are expensive. The Braun developed Saphir soleplate is considered a cheaper alternative. Don’t assume that the iron’s coating is made of sapphire. It is an alloy of chromium, zinc, nickel and aluminum, which is several times stronger than steel. Due to the strength similar to that of sapphire, the coating gets that name, and is itself polished with sapphire chips. The manufacturer guarantees at least eight years of iron life with daily use.
It’s worth spending a minute and a half on the following video with an overview of the most popular types of coatings:
What to look for when choosing a soleplate
It’s not just the soleplate material you need to look at when choosing an iron, there are other important design features too.
- Back edge. Rounded back surface geometry makes ironing easier, especially on backward movements.
- Spout shape. It should be sharp enough to fit between buttons and the like.
- Arrangement and number of vapor holes. The large number of holes distributed over the entire surface, the soles make ironing easier.
- The presence of a “platform”. A soleplate that protrudes around the perimeter with a thin edge will fit under a shirt hem or button.
Saving your clothes from getting burnt: what’s the best iron soleplate??
An iron is a flammable thing, and we have already written about it in detail. If used improperly, it can burn the fabric or even the ironing board, it can stick to your clothes so you can’t peel them off, and over time it gets covered in soot, which is happy to melt into your white shirt. Modern manufacturers are fighting the problem by creating a new sole material that [. ]
The iron is a fire hazardous thing, and we have already written about it in detail. Used improperly, it can burn the fabric and even the ironing board, stick to your clothes so badly that you can’t get it off, and over time it gets covered in soot, which will gladly melt into your white shirt. Modern manufacturers are fighting the problem by creating a new soleplate material. the very part that we iron. In this article let’s try to figure out which soleplate is better to choose an iron, so that things will suffer as rarely as possible.
Of course it’s worth reminding: follow the ironing recommendations on the product label and try to choose the temperature suitable for the fabric you’re ironing.
