Q: Can you take an iron with you when you travel?

Yes, you can travel with an iron, but it’s usually bulky and not worth the suitcase space. Many people bring a portable garment steamer instead—it’s lighter and easier to pack. Some even heat up in under a minute and weigh less than a water bottle.

Question 1

Can you fully rely on the auto shut-off, or do you still need to turn the iron off manually?

Accepted Answer

Auto shut-off is a great backup, but you should still turn the iron off yourself. It’s there for safety, not so you can forget about it completely. Of course, both the Mueller iron and the Beautural have an auto shut-off function.

Question 2

What is the ideal steam setting for ironing different fabrics?

Accepted Answer

Delicates like silk need low steam, synthetics somewhere in the middle, and heavier fabrics&mdash;like cotton or linen&mdash;do best with high steam. The best irons make switching between them super easy.

Question 3

How often should I clean my iron and how do I do it?

Accepted Answer

About every 10 to 15 uses is a good rule. Most of the best irons have a self-clean button, so it&rsquo;s just a quick rinse and reset&mdash;nothing complicated.

Question 4

What does ‘best overall’ mean?

Accepted Answer

It means you’re getting the best mix of price, performance, and features—not just the fanciest or most expensive one on the list. For example, the Mueller iron proves you don’t need to spend more to get more. It heats up fast, removes wrinkles in one or two passes, and includes an 8-foot retractable cord. Its value is exactly why we named it best overall.

Question 5

Can you take an iron with you when you travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can travel with an iron, but it’s usually bulky and not worth the suitcase space. Many people bring a portable garment steamer instead—it’s lighter and easier to pack. Some even heat up in under a minute and weigh less than a water bottle.

Daily Essentials