We consider many colours, fabrics, and threads when we start quilting. There is one more critical aspect that we should consider before starting our work. That aspect is the “quality of iron.”
Most of the time, we forget how important iron is for us. A good quality iron can ease our work or frustrate us to no limit. So it becomes essential to use suitable Iron for our work.
We all are aware that a good iron can help us press the seam correctly. It can also remove any wrinkles present in the fabrics.
An inadequate iron can leak or malfunction within a few months. So it becomes necessary to select the best Iron for our project.
We don’t want to spoil our hard work because we are using the wrong Iron. You have lots of options present in the market, and we will help you select the best among them.
So let’s learn about different iron models in the following article and choose the best.
What is the Use of Iron in Quilting?
We all are aware of the Ironing process on regular clothes. Ironing makes sure that we don’t have any wrinkles left on clothes.
The exact process happens in the case of quilting too. We need to remove any wrinkle from the quilting fabric before starting work. If we don’t remove wrinkles from the fabric clothes, the quilt will look bad.
We also need to press the seams in the quilt. If the seams are not pressed correctly, it will spoil the quilt quality.
Sometimes the quilt sandwich is too thick, and we need to press it correctly. If the Iron is not powerful enough, it won’t be able to complete the task. The iron heat will not transfer to the bottom layer of the quilt.
Factors You Should Consider When Buying a Quilting Iron
When buying a new quilting iron, it’s essential to consider the type of fabric you will be working on. Different fabrics require different temperatures or settings.
If you’re going to work on delicate fabrics like silk, you may want to select a fabric clip for those types of fabrics. This will keep your fabric from slipping when you are in the process of pressing seams.
Of course, there are many other factors that you should consider when buying a new quilting iron.
These include how much power your Iron has and whether it is cordless. Or what features it has that make it easier to use. But these are just some of the most significant considerations when choosing an iron model that is right for your needs.
Let’s discuss the factors in detail, which we need to consider.
Iron type– Most of you are not aware, but different irons are present in the market. Some Irons use the steam press, which differs from traditional Iron. But it delivers the same result.
Steam Press iron is significant compared to traditional irons, but it also heats large fabric areas. Choose it according to your requirement.
Steam Power– You should look for an iron that can deliver a robust and steady flow of steam pressure. If you want a starch alternative, you don’t need to worry about steam.
It would be best always to try to get Iron with a good steam flow.
Sole Plate– If you work with fabric, always choose between ceramic or stainless steel soleplate. Due to their gliding ability on fabric, they are best. Ceramic has the best gliding ability between these two.
Heat Setting– Some irons can select the temperature of the Iron according to the fabric you are using. You can easily change the temperature of the Iron according to your need.
Some Iron models have a setting to select the fabric type easily. After choosing the type of fabric, the Iron will automatically select the temperature according to the fabric type.
Weight– You need to select an iron with the right weight. Iron should have sufficient weight so that you can quickly press your fabrics. Don’t select too heavy Iron, or you need to work hard to use it.
Heavy irons are recommended as they don’t put excessive pressure on your wrist while working. They can easily press thick fabrics.
Safety and Durability– You should always ensure that your Iron is safe and durable. We don’t want our Iron to leak or spit when hot.
So always make sure that it is safe.
Controls– There are many types of control systems used in Iron. It can range from dials to switches. Some newer models offer digital controls too. It all depends on your preference for what you like.
List of 5 Best Quilting Iron, Types and Buying Guide 2022
We will look at the top 5 best irons according to us. We have rated them according to different factors which we have discussed above.
Let’s have a look at these models.
1. Rowenta DW9280 Steam Force– Editor’s Choice
Rowenta DW9280 Steam Force is a powerful iron available in the market. The creases will go easily with one swift press—the iron weight is around 4 lbs and quite heavy.
Being 1800W Iron, it heats up pretty quickly compared to other low-watt irons. The iron light will also blink when it is cooling or heating. It can be pretty convenient for the user.
What do we love it for?
- It heats up quickly and maintains that heat.
- Reduce electric consumption and save money.
- Gives out a lot of steam.
What were we disappointed with?
- It is a bit heavy for some people.
- The water tank is dark, so it’s hard to read the water level.
- It is a bit expensive.
2. Oliso M2 Pro Mini Project Iron- Best Compact Iron
The M2 Pro Mini iron is the best compact Iron on our list. It is best for you if you travel with your Iron. You can easily carry this compact Iron. It can use both a 120v power supply and 240v usage with a single button.
It can easily be powered up to 1000W, just like big Iron. You also get a ceramic soleplate, which glides effortlessly on the fabric. Thanks to its 180° power cord, you can use it with both hands.
What do we love it for?
- Compact and easy to transport.
- Quick start time.
- Allow both right-handed and left-handed use.
- Works with both 120v and 240v supply.
What were we disappointed with?
- Handle gets hot.
- Steam is inconsistent.
3. Rowenta DG8520 Perfect Steam Iron– Very Powerful
Rowenta DG8520 is a very effective Iron present in the market. The Iron uses 1800W power. You will love this Iron when working with quilt fabrics. You get 5 bar pressure to get those wrinkles out.
Its water level glass is relatively straightforward, and you can easily see the water level inside it. The weight of Iron is also quite good. You can easily remove any wrinkles from the fabric.
What do we love it for?
- 1800W power.
- No auto-shut-off feature.
- Its Eco setting saves nearly 20% energy.
- Large water removal tank.
What were we disappointed with?
- It is expensive.
4. Rowenta Focus Xcel DW5260– Best Tip Precision
Rowenta Focus Xcel DW5260 is one of the best Iron on our list. The water in this Iron is relatively easy to read. It can easily hold 11oz water when it’s full. Even in a low heat setting, this machine doesn’t drip.
Its 100g steam is ideal for stubborn quilts which are hard to straighten up. Another feature is the auto shut-off.
What do we love it for?
- Great steam distribution.
- Burst steam for stubborn wrinkles.
- Quite handy.
What were we disappointed with?
- Short delay before steam works.
- Little space between handles and dials.
5. BLACK+DECKER Digital Advantage D2530– Budget Pick
BLACK+Decker Digital advantage D2530 is our pick as the budget pick. Its prominent feature is its variable temperature setting. You can also control its steam.
Due to these abilities, you can customize your Iron according to different fabrics. This Iron also prevents drips and watermarks. This Iron also heats up quickly.
What do we love it for?
- The digital display is excellent.
- Ideal weight for quilting use.
- It was pretty cheap.
- High Steam rate.
What were we disappointed with?
- Water leaks can happen.
- It’s iron ability is weak compared to other irons in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Iron is better for quilting- Steam or dry?
For quilting, we prefer Steam iron as we can use it without water. It also removes wrinkles from fabric quite faster compared to dry Iron.
Why does my iron leak?
If your Iron is leaking, it means that your soul plate is not enough. When water hits a hot soul plate, it converts into steam. But when it’s not hot enough, it won’t convert into steam and leak.
Are iron and steamer the same thing?
They both are used to remove wrinkles from the fabric. But there is one slight difference. Steam is much faster than Iron and works on fabrics on which we can’t Iron.
Does steam ironing my clothes clean them?
Yes, it cleans your clothes and fabrics. Due to intense heat, all the bacteria and germs are killed.
Conclusion
We have gone through different iron models present in the market. Many iron models are present in the market, so you have lots of choices. However, not all of those irons are perfect for your quilting work.
So we compiled a list of the top 5 irons, which I think will help you guys select the ideal Iron for yourself. We have kept different factors in mind while choosing the best iron model.
I hope you like the information provided here. Happy quilting.
