How to choose an ironing board for your home: rating by quality, parameters and manufacturer

If you choose the right ironing board, you can greatly simplify the ironing process and save time. At first glance, all ironing boards may seem the same. When choosing this device, many are guided by its appearance and design.

In fact, the most important criterion that should be taken into account when buying a smoothing iron is its quality and material of manufacture.

Types of ironing boards

The most common and popular ironing board, which is found in almost every home, is the floor ironing board. This design consists of a plastic or wood tabletop on high legs made of durable metal.Most floor-standing models are foldable; after use, they can be put away in a closet or behind the door, thereby saving useful space in the room.

Unlike folding boards, stationary boards require a special workplace. It is best to choose such models for owners of spacious houses with a separate dressing room or pantry for storing and ironing clothes.

In addition to floor-mounted ones, there are other types of ironing boards:

1. Tabletop ― are lightweight, compact, and cheaper in price compared to other models. The size of the tabletops of such boards is usually 70:30 cm, and the height of the legs does not exceed 20 cm. Their surface can be equipped with rubberized pads that prevent the board from sliding on the table during ironing. Tabletop structures are suitable for ironing small items - children's clothes, T-shirts. It is not very convenient to iron bulky items, such as tablecloths or duvet covers, on a tabletop board.
2. Built-in - the advantage of built-in structures is the ability to save useful space in the room, while maintaining the attractiveness of the interior. Such boards can be hidden inside a wall mirror, which is attached to the main structure using awnings and opens like a regular door. Upon completion of work, the wall folding board is folded and installed back under the mirror. Another option for built-in models is retractable ones, which, as a rule, are hidden in drawers. This tabletop is attached to a roller retractable mechanism, thanks to which the board can be laid out along its entire length, and then folded and put away in place.
3. Transformers ― very convenient designs for a house that does not have a large area.They can combine an ironing board with a chest of drawers or a nightstand. If necessary, the structure is unfolded, and at the end of the work, the ironing board is removed again, and it becomes invisible to strangers. Some models are made in the form of a stepladder; they are characterized by good stability and have a respectable size. However, ironing ladders are heavy, which can cause some inconvenience.
4. Professional ironing boards ― are ultra-modern designs that include an active ironing surface, a steam iron and a steam generator. The work surface has heating and ventilation functions; the ironer is also equipped with a descaling system, steam control, and other useful options. These ironing boards can be an excellent choice for women who sew clothes at home.

Choosing the best according to parameters

Before making a purchase, you need to decide how much linen and how often you will need to iron, in what place the ironing board will be located, what height of the legs and working surface area will be most convenient for the housewife.

There are many parameters to consider when choosing a smoother. These include:

• quality of manufacturing materials, structural strength;
• dimensions, height;
• weight;
• sustainability;
• mobility;
• availability of additional functions;
• design;
• company manufacturer.

Size, height, weight and surface area

If the housewife does not iron clothes often, and mainly irons small-sized items, then you can opt for a table-top design. However, it must be taken into account that its working surface will be significantly smaller compared to classic and professional models.

Tabletop size

For a large family, a tabletop board may not be the best option - often ironing several sets of bed linen on such a device will be inconvenient. The most convenient boards for ironing large items are those with a working surface 30-40 cm wide and at least 122-140 cm long. Classic floor structures have these parameters.

Tip: Since the work surface of most boards is shaped to a point that tapers at one end, when measuring the width of the table you should consider its widest point.

The narrowed end of the tabletop should not have sharp corners - they can cause discomfort when working with bulky, openwork things, for example, curtains or tablecloths. The optimal shape of the narrowed side is considered to be slightly rounded.

The larger the working surface area, the more convenient it will be to iron large laundry. However, for apartments with a small area, models with large dimensions may not be suitable.

Tabletop material

The countertops of modern ironing boards are made of different materials, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Thermoplastic ― for the first time ironers with a thermoplastic tabletop appeared in Germany, but today such models can be found on sale in domestic stores. The tabletops are characterized by good resistance to deformation, low weight, and the ability to reflect heat and transmit steam. The cost of boards with a thermoplastic tabletop is no higher than other analogues, which is why many people prefer such models.
2. Chipboard ― one of the most common materials, which is distinguished by its availability and budget cost. Products with a countertop made of chipboard are not too heavy and have a rather attractive appearance.However, after prolonged use with systematic exposure of the surface to steam and moisture, the material may become deformed and become unusable.
3. Metal grid - the functional characteristics of products with such a tabletop depend on the quality of the metal from which the mesh was made. Cheaper material may sag over time in areas where ironing is most intense. Deformation of a strong mesh made of good metal is possible only in the event of a mechanical shock. Poor-quality mesh may begin to rust after some time, which can lead to the appearance of rust stains on the laundry. Cheap ironing boards with a mesh tabletop are often covered with thin foam rubber, which after 1-3 years of use begins to sag, which is why traces of the mesh can be imprinted on the laundry. The advantages of irons with a mesh working surface are low cost and light weight.
4. Solid sheet metal ― the highest quality and durable material, which costs more than all the models listed above. The metal tabletop is equipped with small holes for better steam transmission. Some models have a thin sheet of wood installed on top of the metal table. Such boards are more convenient to use, durable, but have more weight and price. The best ironing boards are those with aluminum countertops. They do not corrode and are lighter compared to steel.

Height

Almost all ironing boards are equipped with adjustable legs that allow you to set the tabletop at the desired distance from the floor. Thanks to this, the same model will be convenient for short and tall people.If the housewife likes to iron while sitting, then when buying a board it is recommended to pay attention to whether it can be installed at a distance of 50-60 cm from the floor.

To adjust the height of the legs, a smooth or stepped method can be used. The latter is considered more reliable and durable, however, as a rule, it allows you to install the product with no more than 3 fixing steps.

With the help of smooth adjustment, you can select the height most accurately in accordance with the height of the hostess. Its disadvantage is the likelihood of gradual wear of the system, as a result of which the board may begin to loosen or fold when the iron is pressed strongly on the tabletop.

Weight

When choosing an ironing board, it is important to pay attention not only to its quality, design, cost, but also to weight. Even the highest quality and durable models can cause a lot of inconvenience during use if they are very heavy.

The optimal weight of the ironer is 5-10 kg. Even fragile women can easily fold, unfold and carry such models.

Stability and strength of the structure

To successfully select an ironing board, it is important to pay attention to its stability. It should not swing during operation, so it is recommended to choose models with legs that slightly protrude beyond the edge of the tabletop.

If the legs are secured with bolts, this indicates the durability and strength of the structure. Rivets are considered an unreliable fixation option; over time, they can become loose and cause the iron to become unstable.

Upholstery fabric type and leg material

Even the highest quality boards will begin to deteriorate over time. Many housewives choose ironers based specifically on the upholstery design. But when considering the pattern, it would be useful to pay attention to the quality of the fabric.It must meet the following characteristics:

• not too bright colors - low-quality paint used to apply a pattern to the fabric, under the influence of steam and moisture can fade and be imprinted on the linen;
• resistance to high temperatures - cheap synthetics can melt under a hot iron and ruin clothes. The best option when choosing upholstery is considered to be thick natural cotton, heat-resistant synthetics or carbon fiber;
• not too light fabric - over time, such upholstery will become covered with yellow spots and lose its attractive appearance.

Tip: If the ironing kit does not come with a special protective cover, it is best to buy such an accessory, or sew it yourself.

As for the material used to make the legs, it must be light and at the same time durable and not subject to corrosion.

Mobility and ease of storage

The disadvantage of built-in ironing boards and transformers is the inability to move them to another place. A classic or tabletop ironing iron can be moved closer to a light source, such as a window or TV. Thanks to this, the process of ironing clothes will not be so boring and tedious.

Folding boards can be stored either folded behind a door or closet, or in a dressing room or other specially equipped room.

Availability of active functions

Most modern designs are equipped with special devices that provide additional comfort during operation. The cheapest and simplest designs may have no more than 1-2 functions. Accordingly, the more additional accessories an ironing board is equipped with, the higher its cost.

Additional features: iron stand, sleeve platform

So, the kit may contain the following additional functions:

• a narrow board for ironing sleeves, trousers and other small parts. This board is fixed to the main working surface using special fasteners. If necessary, it can be removed or folded, depending on its design;
• iron storage stand. Almost all ironing boards have such a device; they greatly simplify the ironing process and allow you to keep the iron or steam generator right at hand. The stand is a retractable or folding grill located on the side of the work surface;
• bracket for ironed linen. With this device, the laundry can be hung immediately after ironing, without leaving the board;
• extension cord retainer. To prevent the cord from getting tangled under your feet and interfering with ironing, some manufacturers have provided a convenient niche with a lock in which you can hide the extra length of the cord;
• extension cord with socket. Almost all irons are sold with a cord length of no more than 1.5-2 m, which is why it is not always convenient to install the ironing machine near an outlet. In such cases, you can pay attention to models equipped with an outlet and an extension cord.

Rating of ironing board manufacturers

Modern manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of ironing boards of various designs. To simplify the process of choosing the right model, you can use the rating of ironing boards given below.

Classic floor

1. Kanat Elips Gold N21

All-metal construction with 122:44 cm work surface and EasyFix legs. Equipped with a removable cover, a built-in socket with a cord length of 140 cm, a round metal stand with silicone non-stick fittings.

2.Leifheit AirBoard M Solid

Board with a plastic work surface measuring 120:38 cm. Equipped with a convenient iron stand, removable cover and adjustable legs.

A special technology for manufacturing a plastic work table allows you to iron laundry on both sides simultaneously.

3. My Funky House

The product with a working surface in the form of a metal mesh is equipped with a large iron stand and a cotton cover. The size of the working surface is 110:34 cm. The legs have rubberized pads that prevent the structure from sliding on the table surface during ironing.

Compact desktop

1. Brabantia

The 95:30 cm metal mesh work table, like most desktop models, does not include an iron stand. The cover is made of 100% cotton, ensuring easy sliding of the iron. The lining is made of high-quality foam rubber.

2. Gimi Pollicino

The model with an all-metal tabletop measuring 73:32 cm has a convenient retractable hook with which the device can be hung and stored directly in the closet. The cover is made of natural cotton, steel legs are equipped with rubber clamps.

3. IKEA ELLE

The compact design features a hook for hanging on a door or wall. The frame in the form of a mesh is made of stainless steel. The working surface size is 74:32 cm.

The legs have protective non-slip caps that prevent the board from sliding on the table and scratching its surface.

Built-in

1. Hafele

The built-in model is a tabletop made of metal mesh, which folds into two parts like a book. The board is equipped with brackets with fastenings designed for fixing behind the front panel of the box.

The product is made of steel, covered with plastic on top. The size of the working surface when unfolded is 95:30 cm.

2. Splav Rocket

The built-in ironing system is designed for installation in cabinets, niches or dressing rooms. The product is equipped with a swivel iron stand and an extension cord with a 2m socket. The desktop is made of moisture-resistant laminated plywood, its size is 110:30 cm.

3. Ballerina coupe system

A very convenient and large ironing board with a working surface of 140:38 cm is designed for mounting to the wall at 6 points. Hides behind a large retractable mirror. The structure is made of metal coated with polymer powder paint.

For steam generators

1. MIE Excellent

The ironing system comes complete with a Teflon nozzle and a steam generator iron with a cord length of 2.5 m. The working surface size is 122:38 cm, under the table there is a 1.2 liter water boiler, as well as a reversible fan.

2. Leifheit AIR BOARD EXPRESS L SOLID

The ironing iron for the steam generator measures 130:38 cm and is made of metal mesh and a plastic base. Equipped with a stand for the iron and a wire holder, the height of the legs can be adjusted.

After studying the range of ironing boards, choose a board based on your own needs and the room where you plan to store and use it. And, of course, consider the budget for your future purchase.